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Rural Communities
The latest Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee session held on 7th May 2025, placed funding and sustainability of local government finance under close examination. Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon MP,...
The University of Worcester has been awarded more than £2.2 million for a programme of research to investigate mental health inequalities across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The funding, from the National Institute for Health and Care Research ...
The Rural Services Network was proud to be represented by Assistant Chief Executive Nadine Trout at last week’s Rural Housing Conference, jointly hosted by English Rural and Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE). Held at...
The recent publication of the Treasury Committee ’s Acceptance of Cash report casts a fresh spotlight on the rapidly shifting payment landscape in the UK, and its consequences for rural communities. While the Government has made strides...
New research commissioned by Community Action Northumberland (CAN) reveals the growing pressure rural employers face due to a shortage of affordable and suitable housing for workers across Northumberland. Nearly one in two businesses in rural Northumberland cited affordable local housing...
Community Catalysts is a social enterprise that works in partnership to make sure that people can be part of strong, inclusive, communities with real opportunities to connect, create and contribute. Since 2009, they have worked with councils, health bodies, and...
A powerful new report from Crisis , supported by Health Equals , is shining a spotlight on how unaffordable private rents are driving people into poor health and homelessness. Titled “ Now I have my...
On Thursday 1 May 2025, voters in parts of England will head to the polls to elect metro mayors for several combined authority areas. These roles come with strategic powers over transport, housing, skills, and economic growth — issues that...
In communities across England, families in desperate need of affordable housing are now facing waits that stretch decades—often far beyond their children’s upbringing—for a family-sized (3+ bed) social home. Analysis released by the National Housing Federation ...
Last week, the government announced a new set of measures aimed at improving visibility, responsiveness, and trust in local policing. As part of the broader “ Plan for Change ”, the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee sets out a commitment...
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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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