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Rural Communities
In rural areas across England, accessing essential government services can often be a significant hurdle. Long travel times, limited public transport options, and inconsistent broadband coverage create barriers for rural residents that people in other parts of the country may...
British pubs and publicans have been at the heart of their local areas for centuries, meeting social needs and connecting communities, but new research has put a figure on just how much social value they bring. Groundbreaking research from...
Today at the National Rural Conference, the Rural Services Network (RSN) has launched the Delivering for All Research Project – a landmark research project designed to capture the experiences, challenges, and priorities of people living in...
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University have published the latest update to the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) – the income required for households to reach a...
The Trussell Trust has published its second Hunger in the UK report , offering a comprehensive look at the scale and drivers of food insecurity across the country. The findings show that despite easing inflation, hardship is deepening...
Remote coastal communities are being left behind and need urgent, targeted support, MPs warned in a Commons debate last week . Leading the discussion, Perran Moon MP described how areas like Cornwall face unique pressures that...
The Campaign for Better Transport has welcomed a major report from the House of Commons Transport Select Committee , which backs many of its key calls for improving bus services in rural areas and small towns. ...
The English Devolution Bill , which contains proposed legislation for a Community Right to Buy, passed its second reading in the House of Commons last week (2 September). It will now move to committee stage, and is due...
BBC North West recently reported on the difficulties faced by people living and working in the village of Silverdale, Lancashire. The coverage highlighted two issues familiar across many rural areas: a shortage of affordable housing and limited transport options....
Monday 15 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme A thriving rural economy underpins the sustainability of communities, businesses and...
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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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