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The Final Local Government Finance Settlement is now confirmed. Our updated analysis examines the implications for rural areas. Read more.
The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) has published its 2026 State of Local Government Finance in England research, finding that confidence in the sustainability of council finances remains critically low despite recent reforms. The survey of council leaders, chief executives,...
Rural connectivity shapes whether rural businesses can compete, whether residents can access healthcare and education, and whether communities can feel secure and connected in an increasingly digital world. At last week’s RSN Member Exclusive Seminar, members explored a simple but...
The Community Transport Association (CTA) has published analysis on new Department for Transport guidance for local authorities considering bus franchising in England. The guidance outlines how councils could move away from the deregulated bus model by designing routes and fares...
The government has confirmed more than £110 million in funding for the North Hykeham Relief Road, a new dual carriageway scheme intended to improve transport links around Lincoln and parts of Lincolnshire. The funding announcement, made on 18 February 2026...
RSN Member Exclusive Seminar: Rural Connectivity Wednesday 25 February 2026 | 11:00–13:00 | Online Our next member-exclusive seminar will focus on Rural Connectivity, bringing together national policymakers, industry experts and local practitioners to explore how digital infrastructure, services and innovation...
Access to essential services in the UK is increasingly decided in the moment by something simple and unstable: having enough data to complete the task in front of you. Booking a GP appointment. Managing a welfare claim. Responding to a...
Rural MPs from across the political spectrum used a Westminster Hall debate on 4 February to raise serious concerns about the reliability of postal services and the future of post offices in rural and remote communities. The debate was secured...
Public Digital has published a new report exploring how local public services can move beyond crisis management towards more preventative, collaborative and user-centred models of delivery. Drawing on a Public Digital session held in November 2025, the report brings together...
A new report from the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods has set out the scale of neighbourhood-level deprivation in England and called for a long-term, coordinated national strategy to support recovery in the most disadvantaged places. No Short Cuts: Towards a...
The Rural Services Network and Silver Voices are both members of the Broadcast 2040+ campaign: a broad coalition of organisations working to ensure that free-to-air terrestrial television - service received through an aerial commonly known as Freeview - remains available...
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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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