Team

Dan Jones

Data and Finance Administrative Support

Dan joined the RSN in 2025, bringing a deep passion for addressing the unique challenges facing rural communities and extensive experience researching these complex issues.

He has studied for a PhD investigating the impacts of flooding on rural communities and has published work in peer-reviewed journals advocating for fairer consideration of rural areas in flood risk management.

Dan's experience in rural research positions him to strengthen the RSN's evidence-based advocacy, ensuring that rural voices are not only represented but that policy decisions reflect the complex realities of rural life.

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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.