22 Sep 2026
The Rural Services Network has written an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging the Government to ensure its ambition for “good growth in every postcode” reaches rural England.
Signed by RSN Chair Cllr Roger Phillips OBE and Chief Executive Kerry Booth, the letter reflects the experiences and priorities shared by members, speakers and partners during the National Rural Conference 2026.
It sets out six priorities: unlocking rural growth, securing fair funding, recognising the rural cost of living, delivering the right homes, improving connectivity and ensuring national ambition works in every kind of place.
The letter calls for rural needs to be considered from the outset across government policy, with meaningful rural proofing, clearer rural measures and a strong rural voice within devolution and local growth plans.
