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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 Rural Services Network (RSN) has recently provided individual funding analysis to its SPARSE local authority members, examining the implications of the final Local Government Finance Settlement over the multi-year period to 2028/29. One such authority, Shropshire Council, has published...
The Government has announced measures to accelerate planning and regulatory approvals for two major clean energy projects - Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels - by appointing the Environment Agency as Lead Environmental Regulator. Under this approach, the Environment Agency...
The Department for Transport has published Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport, setting out a long-term vision for a transport system that is “safe, reliable, affordable and accessible” across England. The strategy is built around three core principles; people,...
“None of the 300 Communities Are Here”: Cornwall Calls Out Government Over Missed Support Plunkett UK and local campaigners in Cornwall called on the government to provide even stronger support for rural communities during a recent event at The Eden...
Clear new rules on how households sort their recycling and waste have come into force across England, aiming to end longstanding confusion and support more consistent, streamlined collections. The Simpler Recycling scheme is designed to boost recycling rates and reduce...
Peers have continued detailed discussions on the Government’s English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, with recent debates focusing on how new powers will work in practice, and who will hold them to account. A clear theme running through the debates...
The government has announced £70 million in funding to increase capacity in building safety professions, aiming to address workforce shortages and support the delivery of new housing. The funding, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, will...
More than one million people across the UK have been supported to get online through the government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, according to a first-year progress update published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The report states...
Following our recent coverage of rising heating oil costs, the Rural Services Network has continued to hear directly from members about the real-world impact on rural households and communities. As highlighted previously, volatility in global energy markets and a lack...
The Government has announced a new Waste Crime Action Plan, setting out a tougher, “zero-tolerance” approach to illegal dumping across England. The plan includes stronger enforcement powers for the Environment Agency, tougher penalties for offenders, and increased funding to tackle...
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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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