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Bookings are now officially open for the National Rural Conference 2025, which will take place online from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 September.
This is the Rural Services Network’s flagship event of the year, bringing together rural decision-makers, practitioners, and advocates for four days of live, interactive sessions focused on the future of rural communities.
Click here to book!
Labour List and Devon Live report on the Countryside Alliance’s allegations that the Labour Party’s has a so-called ‘rural problem’ The Alliance has published a report tracking how the party has experienced successively worse election results among countryside voters,...
The Telegraph has reported on concerns about plans to build lorry parks across rural parks of south England to cope with the implications of Brexit trade regulations Of particular concern to residents is the lack of planning permission across...
This is an article about how one little Parish Council is doing its very best to help combat the threat of climate change Climate change and forestry: the time for action is now There is now a...
Hywel Lloyd, co-founder of Labour Coast and Country, has urged readers of Labour List of the importance in understanding the issues facing non-urban communities He lists issues including the already limited availability of affordable housing, which he maintains the...
The MJ has reported on warnings from ministers that proposed changes to the housing targets formula could mean more developments in rural Conservative-held council areas than in traditionally Labour-held inner cities An algorithm outlined in the Government consultation document...
Outlets including The Mirror, Greenock Telegraph and Building.co.uk report that ministers have been warned against prioritising homes for the ‘fortunate few’ as part of an overhaul of planning rules Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP (Con) has claimed that a...
The Guardian writes that many rural property owners and farmers are taking advantage of the boom in staycations by opening campsites to boost revenues before the removal of EU agricultural subsidies, as well as an expected downturn in income ...
The Independent publishes research suggesting COVID-19 is causing a shift in attitudes towards city-centre living that could reverse the ‘brain drain’ which has seen millions of people move to London in search of work A survey of 2,000 people...
Charity Digital has written an article exploring what the crisis means for the charities operating in rural areas One charity, Scunthorpe and District Mind is a small-to-medium-sized charity that works to promote positive mental health and to offer support...
The Rural Services Network is part of the Keep Planning Local Statement from the LGA: COVID-19 has demonstrated the incredible spirit of communities as they united to support each other and fight this deadly...
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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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