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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:...
A new report from the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) and Future Countryside has warned that fly-tipping and wider waste crime have become a significant and growing challenge, calling for reforms to improve enforcement, reporting and accountability. The report, Breaking the...
Skills England has published its first Annual Skills Report, setting out the challenges and opportunities facing England's workforce over the coming decade. The report provides a detailed assessment of current and future skills needs and outlines actions to help ensure...
Organisations with innovative ideas to improve the UK's transport system are being invited to apply for the latest round of the Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme. Funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Connected Places Catapult,...
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Services has launched a new inquiry examining the resilience of rural communities, with a particular focus on energy costs, off-gas grid homes and the transition to net zero. The inquiry comes amid continued...
Communities across England are set to see changes to local public services under a new government-backed “Neighbourhood Guarantee”, recently announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The proposals aim to establish clearer expectations around local services, including...
The Government has announced a new package of measures aimed at helping households and businesses manage ongoing cost-of-living pressures, including free bus travel for children across England during August. The measures were outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in a statement...
Wednesday 17 June 2026 13:30 – 14:30 Online | Zoom The Rural Services Network is delighted to invite members to an exclusive online session exploring how organisations can better understand, evidence and communicate the wider impact of their work through...
MPs from across the political spectrum have urged the Government to review how banking hubs are assessed and delivered, warning that rural communities are being left behind as bank branch closures continue across the UK. The concerns were raised during...
A once empty Somerset pub is bursting back to life by diversifying to become a thriving community hub complete with a village store, café, library, and a packed calendar of social events designed to bring people together. Since reopening in...
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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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