T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
BBC Sounds - Radio York
RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, discusses the impact of Rural Connectivity after the announcement that 4,500 homes in Rural Villages across West Yorkshire and York will get superfast broadband by 2030.
- Listen here (segment is from 2:08:07 to 2:15:43)
BBC Farming Today
The 'Reigniting rural futures' landmark report, produced by the Rural Coalition (an alliance of twelve national organisations including the RSN), which reveals the enormous potential of the rural economy and how billions of pounds annually could be generated was discussed on Rural Farming Today on the 20th of September.
- Listen to the interview here
Chief Executive, Kerry Booth spoke with Anna Hill on BBC's Farming Today programme
In her segment, Kerry addressed the crucial topic of fair funding and its implications across various aspects of rural life, including housing, employment, health and care, and planning:
You can listen to Kerry and Anna’s discussion on BBC iPlayer HERE. The segment starts at 3 minutes and 30 seconds into the programme.
An article from from the RSN has been been published by LocalGov which discusses what rural councils want from the next government:
https://www.localgov.co.uk/NextGov-What-rural-councils-want-from-the-next-government/60670
Another article from from the RSN has been been published by LocalGov which raises concerns about the recent news that planning permission will no longer be needed to convert disused agricultural buildings into homes and shops:
https://www.localgov.co.uk/The-flaws-in-Clarksons-clause/60564
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, is quoted in an article by TechRepublic:
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/4g-unlikely-to-be-extended-uk-2025/
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, addresses empowering rural communities with digital connectivity on a recent episode of the Social Footprint podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CWu1yNXKzw
Kerry Booth also featured in Fruit & Vine magazine discussing how rural communities need more mental health support:
https://www.fruitandvine.co.uk/mental-health-awareness-rural-communities/
Rural communities have been ignored for too long – it is time for action, says Kerry Booth
https://www.express.co.uk/comment/expresscomment/1875329/Rural-UK-vote-Kerry-Booth
‘Rural really does matter’: East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Partnership celebrates its 25th anniversary:
The East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Partnership celebrated its 25th anniversary at Bishop Burton College this week.
The event featured talks from television and radio presenter Lindsey Chapman, chief executive of the rural services network Kerry Booth, and Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison, among others:
https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/people/rural-really-does-matter-east-riding-of-yorkshire-rural-partnership-celebrates-its-25th-anniversary-4565796
RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, is quoted in the Express Newspaper discussing the taxi tax and the impact on people living in rural areas:
Jeremy Hunt urged to halt new taxi tax at Budget over 'real blow to rural UK communities':
https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1870142/Rural-UK-warning-Jeremy-Hunt-Taxi-Tax-Budget
Nottinghamshire Live - Quote from RSN Chief Executive:
5.5million homes risk losing access to favourite television channels
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/5-5million-homes-risk-losing-access-to-favourite-television-channels/ar-BB1icfQC
16 January - Devon Live
Devon's most vulnerable 'at risk' due to budget gaps:
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/devons-most-vulnerable-at-risk-9034704
RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, was quoted in the Guardian Newspaper discussing bank closures in rural high streets:
‘People are devastated’: anger and anxiety as Peak District loses its last bank
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/dec/30/people-are-devastated-anger-and-anxiety-as-peak-district-loses-its-last-bank
The below media outlets have published the following quote from the Rural Services Network about the concerns of the reduction in availability of cash for rural residents:
Kerry Booth, RSN Chief Executive
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Mirror:
https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/warning-anyone-who-uses-cash-31520316
MSN:
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/warning-to-anyone-who-uses-cash-machines-as-number-of-free-atms-plunges/ar-AA1ktbyN?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds
Birmingham Mail:
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/lloyds-barclays-santander-hsbc-natwest-28169858
The Grocer:
https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/convenience/free-to-use-atms-drop-by-more-than-15000-in-five-years/685662.article
Talking Retail:
https://www.talkingretail.com/news/industry-news/number-of-free-to-use-atms-falls-by-over-15000-in-five-years-23-11-2023/
Convenience Store:
https://www.conveniencestore.co.uk/your-business/over-15000-free-to-use-atms-disappear-in-five-years/685670.article
29 September – Localis
Unlocking the socio-economic potential of our nation’s pubs. Quote from Kerry Booth, RSN Chief Executive:
https://www.localis.org.uk/research/inn-valuable/
23 September – Interview with Farmers Guardian
Rural crime week. Quote from Kerry Booth, RSN Chief Executive, to form part of an article on Rural Crime
https://www.farmersguardian.com/news/4126793/rural-communities-police-rural-crime-seriously
4 September - GB news
GB news online took up our partnership press release on ATM/Cash with Kerry Booth, RSN Chief Executive, quoted:
https://www.gbnews.com/money/dont-kill-cash-business-jeremy-hunt-payment-method
31st July - BBC Farming Today
Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network Kerry Booth featured on Farming Today on Monday 31st July talking about rural services.
- More details about this can be found here
17th July
The Rural Coalition set out a stark warning to the Government not to ignore the 9.7million people living in rural areas. The Coalition, an alliance of thirteen national organisations including the RSN, set out an urgent appeal for all political parties to empower rural areas in election manifestos to improve the prospects and opportunities for rural businesses and communities:
11th July - BBC Midlands Today
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, spoke to BBC Midlands Today to discuss the RSN's support of a petition to save the Post Office network.
View a clip of the story from BBC Midlands Today by clicking here. You can sign the petition here. Paper copies are also available at your local Post Office.
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, recently wrote in the Care Management Matters periodical, asking the question how can we ensure an ageing rural population can access the care services they need?
The Broadcast 2040+ campaign (A coalition of groups which includes the RSN) is expanding is campaign to guarantee access to Freeview and radio beyond the year 2040:
National
Trade Outlets
Rising numbers of people in the countryside are becoming homeless in a crisis deepened by the cost-of-living crisis, a study (commissioned by a rural homelessness task force bringing together experts from organisations including the RSN) has found:
The Independent - ‘Hidden countryside homelessness’ crisis fuelled by cost of living
BBC News - 'A village's goodwill saved me from life on the streets'
rsnonline - Rural homelessness getting worse
The Broadcast 2040+ campaign (A coalition of groups which includes the RSN) is stepping up its battle - and a petition by a leading pensioners' group has crossed the 10,000-signature milestone, forcing a response from the Government.
The Mirror - Pressure mounts on Tories to save terrestrial TV from big switch off after 2040
The Countryfile episode aired on Sunday 22nd January 23 featured research by the Rural Services Network
In a story focusing on Levelling Up and the investment by the Government into this policy approach, raised questions as to whether rural is getting its fair share of the funding.
You can see more of the episode which is available for a limited time, at this link
A coalition of groups – including Silver Voices, the Children’s Media Foundation, the Rural Services Network and the Voice of the Listener and Viewer – is urging the Government to safeguard broadcast services
The Mirror - Campaigners urge Government to fight for traditional TV and radio signals
Advanced Television - Poll: UK adults want FTA broadcasting protected
Cornwall Live - Some Cornwall residents could lose all their Freeview TV channels
Graham Biggs, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, was interviewed by BBC Breakfast about the importance of village halls in rural areas and concerns over rising costs.
rsnonline - 1,000 village halls face closure as fuel bills soar
Speaking to The MJ, Graham Biggs, chief executive of the Rural Services Network, said he feared many discretionary services in rural areas could be lost if the Treasury announces fresh austerity measures in the Autumn Statement without acknowledging its initial plan to improve rural finances eight years ago
The MJ - Rural services 'may be lost' without funding formula
rsnonline - Rural services 'may be lost' without funding formula
BBC News - 'You think twice about driving': Fuel prices rise again
East Anglian Daily Times - Call to give Suffolk £3.7billion for better transport, internet and affordable homes
Following the release of the the report 'Rural cost of living' the Rural Services Network have been featured in the following media articles:
National:
BBC News - Rural areas hit harder by cost-of-living crisis, study finds
Daily Express - Energy crisis horror as poorest Britons to fork out half of disposable income on bills
Government Business - Cost-of-living crisis worse in rural areas
Farming UK - Rural communities face 'triple blow' in cost-of-living crisis
Regional and Trade:
Lancashire Times - Report Reveals Triple Blow Pushes Rural Communities Into A Cost-Of-Living Emergency
Cumbria Times - Report Reveals Triple Blow Pushes Rural Communities Into A Cost-Of-Living Emergency
The Yorkshire Times - Report Reveals Triple Blow Pushes Rural Communities Into A Cost-Of-Living Emergency
North East Post - Report Reveals Triple Blow Pushes Rural Communities Into A Cost-Of-Living Emergency
News and Star - Rural Services Network study shows rural areas are being hit harder during cost-of-living crisis
Whitehaven News - Rural communities being hit harder during cost-of-living crisis
newsquest.co.uk - Rural communities being hit harder during cost-of-living crisis
West Cumberland Times and Star - Rural Services Network study shows rural areas are being hit harder during cost-of-living crisis
Lancashire Telegraph - Burnley MP urges locals to nominate businesses for Countryside Alliance Awards
Shropshire Star - Rural areas get no help in mini-budget despite higher cost of living, says Shropshire MP
East Anglian Daily Times - Rural areas 'harder hit' by cost-of-living crisis, new report suggests
Hexham Courant - Rural areas hit harder by cost of living crisis, study finds
New Start Magazine - Rural communities are facing higher transport and household energy poverty
Tech Register - Energy crisis horror as poorest Britons to fork out half of disposable income on bills
Head Topics UK - Rural areas get no help in mini-budget despite higher cost of living, says Shropshire MP
Business Magazine 24 - Rural areas hit harder by cost-of-living crisis, study finds
The report also featured heavily across several broadcast platforms:
The BBC have reported on the interim findings of research into Rural Homelessness, commissioned by a rural taskforce. The research is being carried out by University of Kent and the University of Southampton, and was commissioned by a group led by English Rural Housing Association and includes the Rural Services Network
BBC - Sleeping in barns - homeless in the countryside
Business Cheshire - For too long businesses in rural communities have been discriminated against based on being digitally isolated – this has to end
Following the release of the the report 'Rural as a region: the hidden challenge for Levelling Up' the Rural Services Network have been featured in the following media articles:
The Municipal Journal (MJ) - Levelling up 'biased towards larger towns and cities'
Local Goverment Chronicle LGC) - Warning current levelling up approach risks worsening rural-urban divides
East Anglian Daily Times - Rural Suffolk should be top of the list for levelling up cash, report says
Yorkshire Times - ‘Hidden Region’: Rural England Forgotten In Government’s Levelling Up White Paper
Cumbria Times - ‘Hidden Region’: Rural England Forgotten In Government’s Levelling Up White Paper
North East Post - ‘Hidden Region’: Rural England Forgotten In Government’s Levelling Up White Paper
Lancashire Times - ‘Hidden Region’: Rural England Forgotten In Government’s Levelling Up White Paper
_______
Newsnight on 14th June highlighted the plight of rural communities struggling with the negative impact of the rising cost of fuel on rural communities:
Newsnight - Priced off the road
East Anglian Daily Times - MPs to champion EADT's manifesto for rural communities in Westminster
Work Foundation - Accessing digital services in rural communities
*The Rural Services Network have been quoted as contributing the reserach discussed in this news item
Arqiva - Protect traditional TV & radio” say the British people as Broadcast 2040+ campaign launches
The below article written by RSN Chair Cecilia Motley is features in Local Government First:
LG First - Will ‘levelling up’ deliver for rural areas?
Cecilia Motley, Chair of Rural Services Network, discusses the historic underfunding found in rural areas and how 'levelling up' is further ignoring the issues. BBC Midlands Today (found at 4:08)
Kerry Booth, The RSN Deputy Chief Executive, features on the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) 'The Local Shop Podcast' discussing the importance of rural shops and the vulnerability of people living in rural areas. This podcast can be found here
Recent RSN reports feature in the below article about rural poverty, in the latest edition of Prospect magazine:
Prospect - Poverty in rural Britain is too often overlooked—as my story shows
An article by Graham Biggs, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, has been published by:
The Planner - Levelling up is failing to solve the rural housing and planning crisis
An article by Councillor Cecilia Motley, Chair of the Rural Services Network, has been published by:
Local Government First magazine - Levelling up to revitalise rural areas
VICE - UK Rent Prices Are Rising Four Times Faster in the Countryside Than in Cities
Following the launch of the The State of Care in County and Rural Areas Report, released by the County Councils Network (CCN) and the Rural Services Network (RSN), the report has been featured in the following media articles:
The Times - We mustn’t underestimate the impact of social care reform on councils
LocalGov - County council leaders warn social care reforms ‘fall short’
Following the release of the the report 'Towards the UK Shared Prosperity Fund' the Rural Services Network have been featured in the following media articles:
The Independent - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
The Independent - Rural communities left out of Tories' levelling-up fund
MSN - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
LocalGov - Rural communities 'overlooked' in levelling-up funding, report finds
Yorkshire Times - Rural Communities ‘Overlooked’ In Whitehall’s Allocation Of Post-brexit Levelling Up Fund
The Planner - Report: Rural communities missing out on levelling-up cash
Government Business - Rural communities overlooked in ‘levelling up’ funding
Farming UK - Rural areas 'overlooked' in post-Brexit levelling up funds
Love by Life - Rural areas excluded from treasury leveling cash, report says
Eminetra - Treasury Level Up Rural Areas Excluded from Cash, Report Claims
TWNews - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
BusinessFast - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
Tech Register - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
NewsBreak - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
Knowledia News (UK) - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
NewsGroove Uk - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
Vietnam Explorer News Channel - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
Business Mayor - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
The World News - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
North East Post - Rural Communities ‘Overlooked’ In Whitehall’s Allocation Of Post-brexit Levelling Up Fund
Lancashire Times - Rural Communities ‘Overlooked’ In Whitehall’s Allocation Of Post-brexit Levelling Up Fund
Cumbria Times - Rural Communities ‘Overlooked’ In Whitehall’s Allocation Of Post-brexit Levelling Up Fund
East Anglian Daily Times - Rural Suffolk missing out on levelling up cash, report says
London News Time - Treasury Level Up Rural Areas Excluded from Cash, Report Claims
MSN Ireland - Rural areas left out of Treasury’s levelling-up cash, report claims
The Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, Graham Biggs featured on Radio Devon on the 22nd of June to discuss planning legislation.
When asked about concerns in relation to the changes in planning Graham said:
"The worry is that once an area is in a zone, the issues about whether that development should be allowed or not have already been determined, and it becomes a question of little more than design so our big concern is about the involvement of ordinary people in communities in that particular process."
Listen to the interview here:
Radio Devon (Starts at 1.05.41)
The RSN Chief Executive Graham Biggs is quoted in a Times newspaper article discussing the need for affordable housing in rural communities:
“There is a general presumption against building in the countryside, but there are exceptions to this presumption: they are called rural exception sites. These are small-scale developments that are built in keeping with existing villages. Half a dozen houses here or there. The design aesthetics have to be sympathetic to the community and the countryside. Development is allowed but with caveats: they are built by housing associations and have to include affordable rent and shared ownership. There are restrictions about who it can be sold to in the future, it must meet local needs.”
Full article:
The Times - How do we build more homes in the countryside?
*Please be aware you will require a Times subscription to be able to read the full article
Detailed below is a roundup of the media coverage in March 2021 received from the release of our Revitalising Rural Campaign
(You can view information about this campaign here)
Regional press
Cumbria Crack (05/03/21)
Cumbria highways chief backs call for fair funding for rural public services
Yorkshire Times (04/03/21)
Government Urged To “Give People In Villages The Same Opportunity As Those Living In Bigger Towns And Cities”
Lancashire Times (04/03/21)
Government Urged To “Give People In Villages The Same Opportunity As Those Living In Bigger Towns And Cities”
Cumbria Times (04/03/21)
Government Urged To “Give People In Villages The Same Opportunity As Those Living In Bigger Towns And Cities”
Trade press
New Start (04/03/21)
Ministers urged to level up villages and rural areas
Dispensing Doctors Association (03/03/21)
Rural health service development flagged up in new report
Broadcast
BBC Radio 4 (04/03/21)
At 05:51
BBC Somerset (04/03/21)
At 15:27, 15:52, 15:48,
Farming Today (04/03/21)
Budget support for rural businesses, chicken microbiome, gene editing in developing countries
Detailed below is a roundup of the media coverage in October received from the release of a report commissioned by the Rural Services Network, along with CPRE and English Rural Housing into the Economic and Fiscal case for investing in rural affordable housing to drive post-pandemic recovery.
(You can view information about this report here)Also detailed is an article which appeared in the LGA's First Magazine which details the outcomes of the National Rural Conference 2020
BBC Farming Today - Rural homelessness, dark sky parks and public money for hunts
The Guardian - Rural homelessness in England rises by 115% in past two years
The key messages from last month’s annual National Rural Conference were loud and clear: the importance of rural areas to the national economy and ‘revitalising rural
LGA First Magazine (Page 23) - Time to revitalise rural areas
Detailed below is a roundup of the media coverage in September received from the RSN Press Release - 'Warning over access to Covid-19 testing for rural social care sector'
(You can view this press release here)
- BBC Radio 4 Farming Today
23/09/20 - 5:45:02 AM
Available to listen at 3 minutes 20 seconds - 23/09/20 - Agricultural colleges during COVID, DEFRA's Brexit preparations, rural services and cockle fishing
- Palm FM
23/09/20 - 8:00:02 AM
- Somerset County Gazette
Online: 23/09/20 - New rural coalition call for government to support recovery
- South West Farmer
Online: 23/09/20 New rural coalition call for government to support recovery
- Poultry Site
Online: 23/09/20 - UK Government must do more to support the economic recovery of rural England, say citizen groups
- Farming.co.uk
Online: 23/09/20 - Warning rural areas may be left behind without fair funding to support post-Covid recovery
- Property Notify
Online: 23/09/20 - Call for Government to Level-Up Rural Areas to Support England’s Economic Recovery from COVID-19
- Selfbuilder and Homemaker
Online: 23/09/20 - Call for Government to level-up rural areas to support England’s economic recovery from COVID-19
- Farming UK
Online: 23/09/20 - Rural groups demand more support as pandemic worsens
- Housing Management and Maintenance
Online: 23/09/20 - Call for Government to level-up rural areas to support England’s economic recovery from COVID-19
- The Beef Site
Online: 23/09/20 - UK Government must do more to support the economic recovery of rural England, say citizen groups
- Building, Construction and Design
Online: 23/09/20 - Call for Government to level-up rural areas to support England’s economic recovery from COVID-19
- Poultry News
Online: 23/09/20 - Call for Government to level-up rural areas to support England’s economic recovery from COVID-19
- Horticulture Week
Online: 23/09/20 - Coalition calls for greater funding in rural areas to limit pandemic fallout
- The Pig Site
Online: 23/09/20 - UK Government must do more to support the economic recovery of rural England, say citizen groups
- The Cattle Site
Online: 23/09/20 - UK Government must do more to support the economic recovery of rural England, say citizen groups
- Local Authority Building and Maintenance
Online: 23/09/20 - Level-up rural areas to support England’s economic recovery
- Net Mag Media
Online: 23/09/20 - Call for Government to level-up rural areas to support England’s economic recovery from COVID-19
The Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network wrote a letter which was published in the Guardian this week on 13th February 2020 (see below link). It was in response to announcements from the Prime Minister that he had promised ‘an additional £5bn on buses and cycle routes’ as part of discussions about HS2.
- The Guardian - A much-needed drive to improve rural bus links
Detailed below is a roundup of the media coverage in April received from the RSN's call for Government to produce a new rural strategy:
- LocalGov - Peers call for strategies to develop ‘under-performing’ rural areas
- ComputerWeekly.com - Ofcom must rethink rural broadband USO, says Lords report
Detailed below is a roundup of the media coverage received from the RSN's call for Government to produce a new rural strategy:
Editorial:
- ISPreview
- LocalGov
- All About My Area
- Telecompaper
The Rural Services Network has been featured in the Countryfile Special Collector’s Edition (August 2018).
Written by John Craven, the article ‘how has the Countryside changed?’ features the below quote from the RSN
“Rural services are at crisis point, the past 30 years has seen a dramatic decline not improvement, which for the foreseeable future is unlikely to change with Government austerity lasting well in the 2020s.
So, the pattern of rural residents, compared to their urban counterparts, paying more in council tax and for everyday goods and services but from lower incomes but receiving fewer services is set to continue and, indeed worsen.
The rural way of life, and quality of life, is under serious threat “
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