T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
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:...
A new manifesto setting out the case for greater investment in rural and coastal regions was launched by Britain's Leading Edge at last week's Local Government Association (LGA) Conference. The Britain's Leading Edge Manifesto 2026 argues that predominantly rural areas...
The Government has launched a call for evidence on proposals to expand the use of community batteries, which could help households and businesses make greater use of locally generated renewable energy and reduce energy costs. Community batteries store surplus electricity,...
The King’s Speech sets out the Government’s legislative programme for the year ahead, outlining the Bills and policy priorities Ministers intend to bring before Parliament. This year’s Speech included a wide-ranging package of reforms focused on growth, public service reform,...
A new report from Rural England CIC has highlighted the very different energy and water challenges faced by people living in rural communities. The study, led by Professor Martin Phillips of the University of Leicester for Rural England CIC, combines...
Rural housing sits right at the heart of the UK's net zero challenge. Domestic buildings account for approximately 35% of the UK’s total energy useand around 20-25% of carbon emissions. In rural communities, those numbers are made worse by the age and...
The Government has set out an accelerated vision for the UK’s clean energy transition, alongside renewed parliamentary scrutiny of what this shift could mean for rural communities. In a speech delivered at the Good Growth Foundation’s National Growth Debate,...
A coalition of rural local authorities has written to ministers, setting out the critical role that rural and peripheral areas can play in strengthening the UK’s resilience and prosperity. Britain’s Leading Edge, a cross-party group of predominantly rural councils, has...
Following our recent coverage of rising heating oil costs, the Rural Services Network continues to hear from members about the ongoing impact of volatility in global energy markets. As highlighted previously, rural households remain particularly exposed due to reliance on...
The Government has announced measures to accelerate planning and regulatory approvals for two major clean energy projects - Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels - by appointing the Environment Agency as Lead Environmental Regulator. Under this approach, the Environment Agency...
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:
