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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...
This week marks National Rural Crime Action Week 2025, led by the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN). The Rural Services Network is proud to be a partner, joining forces with organisations across the country to shine a light...
Applications are now open for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships, giving UK citizens a unique opportunity to explore global solutions to the challenges facing communities today. Every year, the Churchill Fellowship funds more than 100 individuals to spend...
The English Devolution Bill , which contains proposed legislation for a Community Right to Buy, passed its second reading in the House of Commons last week (2 September). It will now move to committee stage, and is due...
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities Rural Economy & Regeneration – Driving Growth And Opportunity A strong...
BBC North West recently reported on the difficulties faced by people living and working in the village of Silverdale, Lancashire. The coverage highlighted two issues familiar across many rural areas: a shortage of affordable housing and limited transport options....
Monday 15 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme A thriving rural economy underpins the sustainability of communities, businesses and...
The Government has announced a major expansion of childcare support, set to save working parents up to £7,500 per year. From September, families with children aged 9 months up to reception will be eligible for 30 hours...
Campaigners from local government, housing providers, and homelessness charities have signed an open letter calling on Government to scrap permitted development rights (PDR) that have cost thousands of affordable homes. New analysis by the Local Government Association ...
The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that 100 Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) across England are now offering out-of-hours services, open 12 hours a day, seven days a week. The government says this milestone will allow...
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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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