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The impending closure of the last two bank branches in Alnwick, Northumberland — Lloyds and Halifax — scheduled for January 2025, has not only highlighted the challenges faced by this historic market town but also shed light on a broader...
In rural areas across England, the accessibility and availability of transport services are more than just conveniences—they are lifelines. The Community Transport Association (CTA) has unveiled a robust manifesto, " A Better Future for Transport: National Challenges, Community...
As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the Spring Budget tomorrow, anticipation builds among members of rural communities and supporters of The Rural Services Network. This year's budget holds particular significance as we await a general election and presents an...
Last week, RSN members joined us for our Rural Connectivity Seminar. This exclusive event served as a forum for discussions, presentations, and Q&A sessions, focusing on the crucial topic of enhancing digital connectivity in rural areas. The seminar featured...
In the face of a widening gap between rural and urban public transport services, England's rural communities are grappling with a bus provision crisis that underscores a growing divide in accessibility, mobility, and social cohesion. Analysis by the Channel...
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has taken a step forward in addressing health inequalities with a series of innovative projects under its Mobilising Community Assets to Tackle Health Inequalities Programme. This initiative is particularly noteworthy for its focus on enhancing...
In an era where digital communication has significantly reduced the volume of letters, yet the demand for parcel delivery continues to soar, Ofcom has initiated a discussion on the future of the United Kingdom's universal postal service. Recognising the changing...
A report launched last week by the Rural Homelessness Counts Coalition, has set out a number of innovative ideas and practical recommendations for combating rural rough sleeping at a local level. Homelessness in rural England is on the rise,...
Rural loneliness is a significant issue that affects many people living in our countryside. According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone and over half say they go over a...
ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is celebrating the crucial role that rural shops play in thousands of communities across the UK as part of the launch of the 2024 Rural Shop Report. The 2024 Rural Shop Report, launched...
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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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