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You can download the agenda for the day here The Speaker Presentations can be downloaded below: Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network"RSN services and rural policy advocacy"(Download presentation here)...
The Social Housing Bill [HL] has begun its passage through the House of Lords, with Peers debating the legislation at Second Reading last week. The Bill forms part of the Government's wider plans to increase the supply of social housing,...
Recent debate around local government finance reforms has raised an important question: if councils' spending power is increasing, why are many rural authorities still concerned about the impact of the changes? Part of the answer lies in understanding what Core...
The Rural Coalition met with the Dame Angela Eagle, Minister of State (DEFRA) last week, providing an opportunity to highlight a range of issues currently affecting rural communities. During the meeting, members raised concerns about the ongoing impact of rising heating...
Following our recent coverage of rising heating oil costs, the Rural Services Network continues to hear from members about the ongoing impact of volatility in global energy markets. As highlighted previously, rural households remain particularly exposed due to reliance on...
The Department for Transport has announced a £3 million funding package to support six mayoral combined authorities in England to develop bus franchising schemes, aimed at improving local bus services and giving greater control to local leaders. The funding will...
Stakeholders across the UK are being invited to help shape the future of sustainable agriculture by joining the Crop-MATCHING Multi-Actor Community, a European initiative focused on improving crop management to support healthier soils, stronger biodiversity and more resilient farming systems....
Essential tools, resources and updates to help rural communities prepare for and respond to severe weather are now available through a new website launched by the Rural Flood Resilience Partnership. The platform brings together updated guidance for rural communities, farmers...
National Energy System Operator (NESO) has published its Summer Outlook 2026, setting out its assessment of electricity supply, demand and system operation across Great Britain for the period April to October 2026. The report is intended to support energy sector...
A new report from the Labour Rural Research Group (LRRG) has highlighted the scale and nature of poverty across rural Britain, challenging assumptions that countryside communities are largely affluent. The report, Rural Poverty in Britain, draws on evidence from a...
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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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