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This week the NFU published its latest survey results into broadband and mobile connectivity. The report highlighted the lack of progress being made in both areas, with only 21% of the 814 respondents saying they have a reliable mobile signal...
Business Cheshire report how rural based business communities risk being “left behind” and “isolated” because they have to put up with third-rate connectivity services, a Cheshire based expert has warned Roy Shelton, the Chairman of the Chester Business...
The BBC details how farmers across the south west of England have said say they are struggling to absorb rising costs as food prices continue to climb Research by the National Farmers Union (NFU) said...
Farmers Weekly reports that the Government is negotiating new free trade agreements (FTA) at pace with major agri-producing countries, after NFU president Minette Batters urged British farmers to grow their businesses further through exporting The UK agri-food sector contributes...
Farmers Guardian reports that rural communities in England are set to benefit from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), following industry pressure The UKSPF, which was designed to replace the loss of EU structural funds after Brexit, will aim...
BBC reports that speaking at the National Farmers Union Conference on Tuesday, NFU president – Minette Batters, said farming was facing major issues in "an increasingly unstable world" She highlighted challenges in food production, trade and labour. The...
The new Agriculture & Land Use Alliance (ALA) will host the first ever Countryside COP event to showcase and inspire net zero activity in rural communities and agri-food supply chains ahead of COP26 in November The week of events,...
The government’s commitment to levelling up is incredibly important, and timely Minette Batters, NFU President The countryside and rural communities are a key part of British life – literally fuelling the country with the...
Farmers Weekly has published a new report commissioned by the think tank Onward and the National Farmers Union (NFU) looking into the major issues facing farming communities and rural regions in a bid to influence the government’s ‘Levelling Up’ agenda,...
The Rural Services Network is grateful to the range of organisations providing support or sponsorship to the National Rural Conference to help make it the ‘go to’ event for those working in rural areas Recently launched and open for...
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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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