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A report published today by the Labour Rural Research Group explores the opportunities and challenges facing the rural economy and sets out a series of recommendations aimed at unlocking growth across rural communities. Drawing on evidence from organisations across the...
A new interactive Bus Mapping Tool from the Campaign for Better Transport is providing a detailed picture of where bus services are falling short across England and Wales, helping identify communities most in need of improved public transport. Using a...
As Rural Housing Week shines a spotlight on the need for more affordable homes, the Rural Services Network is calling for a broader conversation about the role housing plays in the future of rural communities. Affordable housing is about far...
Access to face-to-face banking services was discussed in the House of Lords last week, with peers highlighting the importance of maintaining access for rural, coastal and vulnerable communities. During the debate, the Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring people who...
Community pharmacies are set to play an expanded role in NHS care under a new £340 million funding agreement and reforms due to be introduced from autumn 2026. Under the agreement, pharmacists who hold an independent prescribing qualification will be...
Communities across England are set to see changes to local public services under a new government-backed “Neighbourhood Guarantee”, recently announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The proposals aim to establish clearer expectations around local services, including...
A new report from Rural England CIC has highlighted the very different energy and water challenges faced by people living in rural communities. The study, led by Professor Martin Phillips of the University of Leicester for Rural England CIC, combines...
England’s Chief Medical Officer, Sir Chris Whitty, has visited Devon as part of a wider fact-finding tour examining the health challenges facing people living in rural towns and communities. The visit will help inform Sir Chris’s annual report to Government...
A village pub in West Walton, Norfolk, is strengthening its role as a vital community hub with the launch of a new children’s play area and family?friendly seating space. Publicans Dan and Claire Smethurst took over the King of Hearts...
As millions of people head to the coast and countryside this Bank Holiday weekend, rural England will once again be seen at its very best - beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, and places people actively choose to spend their time. But...
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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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