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Government Policy 2025
The Government has published the English Indices of Deprivation 2025 (IoD 2025) – the seventh update of England’s official measure of multiple deprivation – alongside, for the first time, a dedicated report on deprivation in rural areas. ...
Thousands of passengers could benefit from more reliable bus services after the Government’s Bus Services Act became law on 27 October 2025. The legislation gives councils new powers to protect vital routes, create their own local bus companies...
The House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has published a new report, Delivering 1.5 million new homes: Land Value Capture , examining how reforms to developer contributions could support the delivery of affordable homes...
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has warned that the health and social care system remains fragmented and under severe strain as England prepares for a major shift from hospital to community-based care. Publishing its State of...
The government has announced that the Women’s Health Strategy will be renewed as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare and tackle inequalities faced by women across England. Published by the Department of Health and Social Care...
Water companies that commit environmental offences could soon face quicker and tougher fines of up to £500,000, under new measures proposed by the Government. A consultation has been launched to expand and strengthen the Environment Agency ’s (EA)...
A six-month review of how GP funding is distributed across England has been launched to ensure that communities with the greatest health needs receive their fair share of NHS resources. The Department of Health and Social Care ...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has joined more than 40 leading housing, homelessness, and anti-poverty organisations in signing a joint letter to the UK Government urging action to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance (LHA) in the forthcoming Budget. The...
The Government has announced an £84 million package to help councils prevent homelessness and support families this winter. Unveiled on World Homeless Day (10 October), the funding aims to provide immediate help for children and families in temporary accommodation...
A network of independent advisors working to tackle England’s rural housing crisis has paved the way for potentially more than 2,000 affordable homes to be built across the country. Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), in...
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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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