T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
Visit RSN Survey about life in rural England to find out more.
Rural Economies
The Trussell Trust has published its second Hunger in the UK report , offering a comprehensive look at the scale and drivers of food insecurity across the country. The findings show that despite easing inflation, hardship is deepening...
Remote coastal communities are being left behind and need urgent, targeted support, MPs warned in a Commons debate last week . Leading the discussion, Perran Moon MP described how areas like Cornwall face unique pressures that...
A guide to help artists to tour rural communities has been given a fresh lease of life for the first time in two decades. Rural touring takes professional live performances such as theatre, music, dance, or comedy...
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...
NEWSLETTER
Sign up to receive all our latest news and updates.
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.
SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.
Part of and working with:
