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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 launch Delivering for All:...
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...
As we look to 2026, the context for rural services and local governance continues to evolve. Local government structures may shift. Strategic authorities may develop. Boundaries may change. But regardless of how governance is reshaped, one principle must remain firm:...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has received a formal response from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government following its letter raising concerns about the impact of Fair Funding Review 2.0 on rural local authorities. In November, RSN Chief...
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...
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...
MPs met in Westminster Hall last week to debate whether current funding is adequate to support people experiencing homelessness. Opening the debate, Bob Blackman MP highlighted that homelessness is continuing to rise across England, with Crisis estimating that 300,000 individuals...
The Rural Services Network has put together an initial overview of the Government’s 2025 Budget, highlighting the headline measures and the early implications for rural areas across energy, transport, housing, public services, skills and local government funding. At this stage,...
The Rural Services Network put together an initial assessment of the Government’s 2025 Budget, reviewing the likely implications for rural communities across energy, transport, housing, public services, skills and local government funding. While several national measures will provide some support,...
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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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