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Access to services
BT’s National Telecare Campaign is supporting vulnerable and telecare-reliant customers through the nationwide transition from analogue landlines to Digital Voice. The campaign helps identify users who may need additional support, ensuring they aren’t left behind as older infrastructure is...
The Department of Health and Social Care has released its new 10-Year Health Plan for England , outlining how the NHS will be reshaped over the next decade to improve patient care, reduce waiting times, and address long-standing workforce...
The National Audit Office (NAO) has published a critical new report examining the state of local bus services in England, highlighting a long-term decline in services outside London — with particularly concerning implications for rural communities. According to...
A new report from the Institute for Government , Adult Social Care Across England , reveals stark and growing inequalities in access to publicly funded adult social care, with older adults facing the greatest disparities. The report, part...
Social Mobility, An Opinion Piece by Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network Should Where You Are Born Limit Your Potential? In a report recently published by The Sutton Trust on Social Mobility, it...
Last week, Rural Services Network Chief Executive Kerry Booth gave oral evidence to the House of Lords Social Mobility Policy Committee as part of its ongoing inquiry into the barriers facing young people in rural areas. In...
The Rural Services Network is pleased to share details of new research from one of our members, the Community Transport Association (CTA), exploring the use of Section 22 permits in the delivery of community bus services. These services...
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...
The Government has published its latest update on rural proofing: The Government’s Approach to Rural Proofing 2025 . It sets out examples of how departments have considered rural needs across areas such as housing, digital connectivity, transport and the...
Higher education opportunities are being increasingly restricted for the poorest young people from rural and coastal communities. The Coast and Country: Access to higher education cold spots in England shows that pupils from free school meal (FSM) backgrounds...
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HOT TOPICS
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
In an increasingly digital world, the lack of robust digital infrastructure in rural areas severely limits access to crucial services and stifles economic growth.
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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