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Bookings are now officially open for the National Rural Conference 2025, which will take place online from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 September.
This is the Rural Services Network’s flagship event of the year, bringing together rural decision-makers, practitioners, and advocates for four days of live, interactive sessions focused on the future of rural communities.
Click here to book!
The RSN is delighted to invite you to attend the National Rural Conference 2025! Aimed at Senior Officers, Members and policy makers along with those working to deliver services in rural areas this conference is an exciting opportunity...
A new policy framework from the Rural Services Network Every person, in every place, deserves the chance to thrive — including those living in rural, coastal and small-town communities. The Rural Services Network is proud to...
Upcoming Events: The Rural Services Network provides a range of meetings to its members to enable them to network, share best practice and hear from expert speakers in relation to rural services. The 2025 RSN online seminar...
A monthly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current funding opportunities - Download a printable version of the Funding Digest here Capital Grants – Department for Environment, Food...
A brief summary of current government consultations of potential interest to RSN members. This is not intended as an exhaustive list of all relevant consultations. - Download a printable version of the Government Consultations here Future...
Rural Connectivity Tuesday 16 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme Access to reliable digital services is no longer...
The Rural Services Network is encouraging rural residents to take part in important new research from Rural England CIC – and to help share it across their communities before the end of August. Rural England CIC...
A trailblazing community business in West Sussex is demonstrating how local enterprise can help shape inclusive, resilient places — right from the start of a new development. The Woodgate Community Shop, which opened in May 2024, is the first...
A new report by the Institute of Economic Development (iED) and AtkinsRéalis “puts universities at the centre of the debate on how to generate growth in local and regional economies with national impact”. It is critical...
The term Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) comes up frequently in discussions about tackling the rural housing crisis—but what do they actually do? Rural Housing Enablers are independent facilitators who work with rural communities to help bring forward...
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HOT TOPICS
Amid reduced public spending, fair resource allocation across regions is crucial. Despite a population larger than Greater London, rural areas receive significantly less funding for essential services, even though delivering these services in rural areas is more expensive.
Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.
Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and difficulties recruiting health and care workers.
Rural communities are grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, marked by high house prices, a lack of affordable housing, elevated living costs, and lower incomes, threatening their sustainability and vitality.
Transport is vital for the quality of life and economic health of rural areas, yet it faces challenges such as infrequent public bus services and less Government funding compared to urban regions.
Rural areas, encompassing a substantial portion of England's population and land, play a pivotal role in combating climate change and achieving the net zero target.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
A future-focused vision for rural communities involves not just building the right homes in the right places but also ensuring thriving, sustainable communities.
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