Rural Conference 2025 Opens with a Call for Fairness and Growth

The National Rural Conference 2025 opened on Monday with members, partners and stakeholders coming together to champion the voice of rural communities.

Day one focused on two major themes: Fair Funding and the Rural Economy.

The morning session explored the implications of government funding reforms for rural councils, the additional costs of delivering services in dispersed communities, and the importance of securing a fairer deal for rural residents.

In the afternoon, attention turned to rural regeneration and growth, with discussion on culture and creativity, skills for the future, the rise of AI, and how devolution and net zero ambitions can unlock rural potential.

With 218 delegates, representing 144 organisations across the country, and contributions from 6 speakers, the opening day set the tone for a week of collaboration and debate.

The days ahead will widen the conversation to transport, digital connectivity, health and care, data and climate action all part of ensuring that rural communities are not left behind and that their unique strengths are recognised in national policy.

We look forward to sharing more highlights as the week unfolds.