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We’re delighted to share that the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) will soon be releasing ‘The Rural Climathon Toolkit’, a comprehensive guide to organising your own rural Climathons - launching 26th November 2025. What’s a...
Cllr James Cantwell (Five Villages Ward, Boston Borough Council) is keen to hear from elected members in rural areas who have dealt with multiple or large energy project applications – particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Cllr Cantwell is...
A RAFT of funding is available to boost sports, arts, culture and community wellbeing in Ribble Valley. But be quick off the mark, because the finishing line for applications to Ribble Valley Borough Council ’s 2025 sports and...
Two new charity gift shops are set to open in Taunton and Bridgwater this month, offering more than just handmade gifts; they’re providing young people with life-changing opportunities. Operated by Young Somerset , the Bold & Brave shops...
More than 70 politicians, partners and community business representatives gathered at the Houses of Parliament this week for the launch of Plunkett UK ’s flagship research report, Community ownership: A Better Form of Business. Ahead of...
Winchcombe Town Council is exploring how the Biodiversity Duty, introduced under Section 102 of the Environment Act 2021, is being applied in practice at local level. The strengthened duty requires all public authorities, including town and parish councils,...
National Energy Systems Operator (NESO) are delighted to invite you to participate in a virtual roundtable to hear updates on connections reform. Connections reform underpins a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise Great Britain’s (GB’s) energy grid, creating a fairer, more efficient system that boosts economic growth, strengthens...
New research from Plunkett UK reveals that rural community-owned businesses are already delivering social, economic and environmental benefits that align directly with government ambitions – yet they remain under-recognised and under-supported in doing so. Plunkett’s annual...
RABI has unveiled its 2025–2030 strategy, setting out a clear direction to close the wellbeing gap experienced by farming communities. The plan focuses on prevention, improving access to support, and strengthening community resilience, building on evidence from The...
The Lion at Ickleton, near Saffron Walden, Cambridgeshire, has opened a community café to provide a safe space to help people connect and socialise. The pub, which was reopened in June 2025 after members of the local community raised...
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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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