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DEFRA’s latest Statistical Digest of Rural England (May 2025) shines a spotlight on the ongoing issue of fuel poverty in rural areas, revealing the tough reality faced by many rural households. ...
Newly released figures from DEFRA ’s Rural Economic Bulletin reveal a stark warning: productivity in England’s most sparsely populated rural areas has fallen to just 84% of the national average , down from 92% in 2001 ....
DEFRA has announced a boost to food security, with more than £45 million in new grants to drive and develop innovative technologies on farms. From 28 April , applications will open for the brand-new Accelerating Development of Practices...
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has recently announced an important update regarding the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). This fund, a critical component of the government's strategy to enhance economic growth in...
Last week, we were proud to host another of our exclusive member-only seminars—this time focusing on the heartbeat of our work: rural communities . This engaging online event brought together RSN members from across the country and across the rural...
The Government has initiated a public consultation to refine its approach to land use in England, aiming to balance the nation's food security with economic expansion and environmental restoration. This effort introduces a new framework supported by the latest land...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has conducted a thorough review of the DEFRA Third Rural Proofing Report for 2024, titled " Delivering Rural Opportunity. " Published in March 2024. As an advocate for rural communities, the RSN is committed to...
Last week our Chief Executive Kerry Booth was part of a group of key national rural organisations that meet with the DEFRA Minister Robbie Moore MP. Holding the post of Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Water and...
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has this week launched a new consultation on the best ways we can protect our hedgerows. As the EU’s land-based subsidies are replaced with new farming schemes, there is also...
The Guardian reports the lack of transport to mental health services is causing a crisis in England’s rural communities, MPs have said. A report, compiled from 50 submissions and 11 oral evidence sessions, has found isolation,...
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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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