The RSN works to encourage a thriving rural economy in order to help support our rural communities.
T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
The National Rural Conference 2025
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!
Rural Economy
The RSN works to encourage a thriving rural economy in order to help support our rural communities.
16.06.2025
- To download the Agenda for this seminar click here POST EVENT: PRESENTATIONS Kerry Booth , Chief Executive, Rural Services Network, “Rural Services Network Campaigning and rural policy” ...
16.06.2025
The House of Commons Transport Committee has published the Government’s response to its report Access Denied: Rights versus Reality in Disabled People’s Access to Transport . The report highlights the persistent barriers faced by disabled people across...
16.06.2025
Affordable Housing Need 50% Greater in Rural Areas, Report Reveals England’s rural communities are experiencing an affordable housing crisis of unprecedented scale, with the need for affordable homes is more than 50% higher than in urban areas,...
12.06.2025
The Rural Services Network welcomes the publication of today’s Spending Review as an important marker of this new government’s priorities — and we particularly note the Chancellor’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of growth and investment are...
10.06.2025
- To download the Agenda for this seminar click here POST EVENT: PRESENTATIONS Kerry Booth , Chief Executive, Rural Services Network, “Rural Services Network Campaigning and rural policy” ...
09.06.2025
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities New platform supports UK producers of protected food and drink names NICRE...
09.06.2025
Bank closures and their impact on rural communities were firmly in the national spotlight last week, with the issue debated in Parliament and discussed on Sky News. Ahead of the debate, RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth joined Sky News...
09.06.2025
A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) highlights significant weaknesses in the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government ’s (MHCLG) developer contributions system in England — a key mechanism for funding local infrastructure such as schools, roads,...
09.06.2025
A new Private Members’ Bill has been introduced to Parliament that seeks to tighten planning rules for short-term holiday lets and second homes. The proposal would require property owners to apply for planning permission before letting out their properties on...
09.06.2025
Campaign for Better Transport is calling for an additional £1 billion a year for buses as its analysis reveals four out of every ten wards in England and Wales (3,003 out of 7,608) do not have a ‘reasonable’ level of...
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HOT TOPICS
Rural Fair Funding
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.
Rural Economies
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 Access to Health and Care Services
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 Affordable Housing
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.
Rural Transport
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 Net Zero
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.
Rural Digital Connectivity
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
Rural Planning
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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