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RSN Voices Serious Concerns Over ‘Fairness’ Of Settlement
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Following our recent coverage of the Royal Town Planning Institute’s call for stronger rural recognition in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we wanted to share a short update as the Bill enters House of Lords Committee stage. Committee...
A new report examining rural and island communities in Scotland has highlighted growing pressures on childcare and older people’s care, set within a wider analysis of demographic change, workforce availability, connectivity and economic sustainability — challenges that closely mirror those...
Ofgem is inviting members of the public to take part in new user research exploring how renewable energy initiatives can better serve local communities, in both urban and rural areas. The research aims to understand how renewable energy schemes are...
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has indicated it is reviewing the scope, sequencing and frequency of some sub-national statistical outputs as part of a wider programme to prioritise its core national datasets. The work forms part of ongoing efforts...
As we look to 2026, the context for rural services and local governance continues to evolve. Local government structures may shift. Strategic authorities may develop. Boundaries may change. But regardless of how governance is reshaped, one principle must remain firm:...
The Department for Transport has launched a new Connectivity Tool, designed to help policymakers, planners, researchers and communities better understand how well different places are connected by transport. The tool brings together transport and land-use data in an innovative way...
The Countryside Alliance recently hosted a parliamentary roundtable on rural digital connectivity, bringing together parliamentarians, policymakers and industry experts to explore how next-generation technology could help close the digital divide facing rural communities. Chaired by Lord Herbert, the discussion focused...
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on a year shaped by shared learning, collaboration and a strong collective voice for rural communities. Across our membership, the RSN has continued to champion fair funding,...
New research shows how England’s devolution programme could unlock the delivery of affordable homes in rural communities - if rural priorities are embedded in local strategies and supported by national safeguards. Alongside English Rural, we believe housing is the foundation...
The Rural Services Network has put together an initial overview of the Government’s 2025 Budget, highlighting the headline measures and the early implications for rural areas across energy, transport, housing, public services, skills and local government funding. At this stage,...
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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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