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Rural Communities
A new report from Localis emphasises the need for comprehensive reforms to help the government achieve its ambitious national missions. The report calls for empowering local leaders to take proactive and preventative approaches to service provision and fostering...
In the past week, a number of government reports and speeches shed light on the challenges facing health and social care in England. While these documents provide valuable insights and suggest significant reforms, specific references to rural healthcare are notably...
Last week, The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) released a new report, " The Economic Impact of Local Bus Services ," highlighting the considerable economic and social value that local bus services bring to communities across the UK....
With less than two weeks until the National Rural Conference 2024 kicks off, the excitement is building! This premier event, held from 16th to 19th September via Zoom, is the go-to gathering for senior officers, members, policymakers, and rural service...
Earlier this month, the Rural Market Towns Group (RMTG) held a sounding board session centered on the challenges and opportunities facing young people in rural communities. The session provided a platform for representatives from various market town councils...
Last week, The UK Government announced significant investment aimed at improving digital infrastructure in rural areas, with plans to provide faster broadband to approximately 312,000 homes and businesses across Great Britain. This initiative, backed by up to £800...
A recent report by The Good Things Foundation , supported by Virgin Money , sheds light on the significant issue of digital exclusion, particularly in rural communities. The research highlights the challenges many individuals face due to the...
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is expanding its outreach efforts to better serve rural communities. Recognising the unique challenges faced by individuals and organisations in rural areas, PHSO is eager to extend its reach and provide valuable...
Last week, the Rural Coalition , including Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network (RSN), held a meeting where they were joined by Nicholas Boys Smith MBE, Interim Chair of the Office for Place . During...
Last week at the opening of parliament, The King’s Speech highlighted a series of legislative priorities aimed at addressing critical national issues. A number of these new bills hold significant implications for rural communities, which often face unique...
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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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