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RSN Voices Serious Concerns Over ‘Fairness’ Of Settlement
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The Rural Services Network has serious concerns over the new ‘fair and transparent’ Local Government Funding formula. Our analysis shows that in 2026-2027, the most urban councils will receive 41% more in Government funded spending power per head, than...
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Services held its Annual General Meeting at Westminster last week. The meeting brought together MPs and Peers to agree the Group’s focus for the year ahead with the Rural Services Network continuing to...
Britain risks falling further behind global competitors unless persistent gaps in mobile and broadband coverage are tackled and the digital landscape overhauled, parliamentarians warn in a new report. The Digital Communities All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) warns that an ongoing lack...
Following our recent coverage of the Royal Town Planning Institute’s call for stronger rural recognition in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we wanted to share a short update as the Bill enters House of Lords Committee stage. Committee...
A new report examining rural and island communities in Scotland has highlighted growing pressures on childcare and older people’s care, set within a wider analysis of demographic change, workforce availability, connectivity and economic sustainability — challenges that closely mirror those...
A new report from the Public Accounts Committee has warned that England’s children’s residential care system is failing vulnerable children and placing growing, unsustainable pressure on local authorities. The Committee found that in September 2024 nearly 800 children - around...
Ofgem is inviting members of the public to take part in new user research exploring how renewable energy initiatives can better serve local communities, in both urban and rural areas. The research aims to understand how renewable energy schemes are...
The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) has published its Annual Report 2025, setting out a year of progress in raising the profile of rural crime and strengthening the case for better recognition, resourcing and policy responses. The report highlights how...
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has indicated it is reviewing the scope, sequencing and frequency of some sub-national statistical outputs as part of a wider programme to prioritise its core national datasets. The work forms part of ongoing efforts...
Wednesday 28 January | 11:00–13:00 | Online We’re pleased to kick off our 2026 programme of RSN member-exclusive seminars with our first session of the year, taking place on Wednesday 28 January with a focus on Rural Net Zero. Our...
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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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