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A new policy framework from the Rural Services Network Every person, in every place, deserves the chance to thrive — including those living in rural, coastal and small-town communities. The Rural Services Network is proud to launch Delivering for All:...
Rural MPs from across the political spectrum used a Westminster Hall debate on 4 February to raise serious concerns about the reliability of postal services and the future of post offices in rural and remote communities. The debate was secured...
Public Digital has published a new report exploring how local public services can move beyond crisis management towards more preventative, collaborative and user-centred models of delivery. Drawing on a Public Digital session held in November 2025, the report brings together...
Mobile connectivity is the fundamental backbone of everyday life. From how we work and learn to how we access an increasing number of public services, our reliance on high-speed networks continues to grow. As we progress into the AI...
The Rural Services Network and Silver Voices are both members of the Broadcast 2040+ campaign: a broad coalition of organisations working to ensure that free-to-air terrestrial television - service received through an aerial commonly known as Freeview - remains available...
Britain risks falling further behind global competitors unless persistent gaps in mobile and broadband coverage are tackled and the digital landscape overhauled, parliamentarians warn in a new report. The Digital Communities All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) warns that an ongoing lack...
The government has announced a major milestone in improving mobile connectivity across rural Britain, with more than 100 mobile masts now upgraded to provide 4G coverage from all major mobile network operators for the first time. Delivered through the Shared...
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...
Cotswold District Council has been featured in a new government case study showcasing how digital tools can improve community engagement in local plan consultations. Published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the case study explores a pilot...
We’re delighted to launch the RSN Member Exclusive Seminar Programme for 2026, bringing together industry experts, rural practitioners, and sector leaders to explore the major issues shaping rural communities across England. Our seminars are a core RSN member benefit, highly...
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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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