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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 Community Garden Grants – National Garden Scheme...
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 Industrial...
BBC North West recently reported on the difficulties faced by people living and working in the village of Silverdale, Lancashire. The coverage highlighted two issues familiar across many rural areas: a shortage of affordable housing and limited transport options....
Monday 15 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme A thriving rural economy underpins the sustainability of communities, businesses and...
The Government has announced a major expansion of childcare support, set to save working parents up to £7,500 per year. From September, families with children aged 9 months up to reception will be eligible for 30 hours...
A study into racism in rural England has found many minority ethnic individuals and families feel the countryside is an unwelcoming and unsafe place to visit. The research, conducted by the University of Leicester’s Centre for Hate Studies...
New analysis from the Local Government Association (LGA) highlights a continuing crisis in NHS dental provision, with so-called ‘dental deserts’ leaving many communities – particularly rural and deprived areas – struggling to access care. Using...
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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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