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The Rural Services Network (RSN) is expressing significant concern following the announcement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to increase the national bus fare cap to £3 until the end of 2025. This decision, which marks a 50%...
The Government has announced a substantial £50 million investment to create a new facility dedicated to the manufacturing of lifesaving medicines, which will serve the National Health Service (NHS) and bolster the country’s health security. Chancellor Rachel Reeves made the...
Sharing the stage with a Minister, last week Rural Services Network Chief Executive Kerry Booth stressed the importance last week of rural organisations being at the table to contribute to discussions on growing the nation's economy. Speaking at the...
Community-owned businesses are growing in number and remain a robust, sustainable model, according to research published this week by Plunkett UK . According to Plunkett’s Community Ownership: A Better form of Business report the sector saw...
Bringing cash services back to rural communities is what SMEB is undertaking with its payment Cube. Local businesses can sign up to the service and as the Cube is designed to be in a safe and convenient place...
As the new government settles into place, gets down to business, and with its first Budget looming on the horizon, there’s a lot of interest from our Forum members and micro and small business in general on potential changes to...
Over 5,000 young people aged 11-30 completed the annual Youth Voice Census in 2024. This census is a deep dive into how young people in the UK feel about their lives, education and work experiences. From this...
The National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) has produced two new videos demonstrating how firms are adapting and innovating in an ever-changing business environment. The rural business insights films showcase: Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses - highlighting...
The White Cross Inn in Grosewen, near Caerphilly, is supporting its local community by running a variety of events to help bring people together, raise money for charity and tackle social isolation. Publican Mair Arthur, who has...
The area of Westmorland and Furness is a historic and scenic county of northwestern England. Geographically the third largest local authority in England, it is home to approximately 225,000 people. Some of the county towns are in rural areas, which...
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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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