T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
RSN Voices Serious Concerns Over ‘Fairness’ Of Settlement
Read here...
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...
A new report from the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has warned that the UK is significantly underprepared for the economic and social impacts of an ageing population. The report, Preparing for an ageing society, highlights how rising life...
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 Government has published the provisional local government finance settlement for 2026/27, outlining planned funding allocations for local authorities in England and launching a statutory consultation on its proposals. While the final figures are still subject to confirmation through this...
The Government has launched an open Call for Evidence to inform a major new Young People and Work report, commissioned in November 2025 and led by the Right Honourable Alan Milburn. The review will examine the sharp rise in the...
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...
Local Authorities across the country are waiting for the Provisional local Government Finance Settlement, due to be published this week. This will be the first settlement following changes made to the funding formula by the Government for the first time...
The Government has published its new Child Poverty Strategy, setting out measures it says will lift around 550,000 children out of poverty by the end of this Parliament. The strategy outlines plans to reduce living costs for families, increase childcare...
New research published by the Commercial Services Group examines how well public sector organisations are prepared for the reforms set out in the Employment Rights Bill, which introduces significant changes to employment rights and workplace practices across the UK. The...
The Local Government Association last week published a report entitled ‘A force for growth: Spotlighting the role of councils in enabling inclusive economic growth’. Produced in partnership with the Future Governance Forum, the report identifies the essential role that councils...
Sign up to receive all our latest news and updates.
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.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.