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Visit RSN Survey about life in rural England to find out more.
Rural Economies
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.
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...
A new report has warned that deprivation in Cornwall’s rural communities is being overlooked because government measures fail to capture the reality of rural life. The Pretty Poverty Report: Cornwall Rurality Matters , published by the Diocese...
A new report commissioned by Rural England CIC and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), and undertaken by the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI), reveals the significant barriers facing rural households...
The RSN has joined over thirty leading organisations from across planning, housing, nature, and energy to sign a joint letter to Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook, calling for £6.8 million in urgent funding to support Planning Schools...
The Government has announced a new Pride in Place programme , which will hand local communities new powers and funding to revitalise high streets, public spaces, and community assets. The initiative forms part of the Government’s Plan for...
A new report from Citizens Advice Stroud & Cotswold Districts has exposed the extent of child poverty in areas often perceived as affluent. Child Poverty: Local Evidence – National Action (August 2025) reveals that one in...
The Rural Services Network’s Delivering for All survey is now live – and we want to hear from you. If you live in a village, small town, hamlet or isolated rural area, please take just 8–10 minutes...
British pubs and publicans have been at the heart of their local areas for centuries, meeting social needs and connecting communities, but new research has put a figure on just how much social value they bring. Groundbreaking research from...
Nearly one million young people in the UK are currently NEET - not in education, employment or training. Too often, they are treated as a statistic, a problem to be solved later. But the Youth Employment UK ...
The National Rural Conference 2025 opened on Monday with members, partners and stakeholders coming together to champion the voice of rural communities. Day one focused on two major themes: Fair Funding and the Rural Economy . The...
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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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