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As members of the Rural Services Network (RSN), our collective commitment to advocating for the needs of rural communities remains unwavering. With the deadline for P rospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) to submit or withdraw applications by 7th June fast approaching,...
2023-24 saw the Forest of Dean District Council have another strong year in delivering affordable housing with 128 new affordable and eco-friendly homes delivered across the district. Councillor Adrian Birch, leader of the council, said: ...
Both political parties have set out how they intend to progress decarbonizing the UK’s 27 million homes, including the 2 million rural homes not connected to mains gas. The Conservatives rowed back from their 2026 boiler ban for off gas...
As Earth Day inspires global action for environmental sustainability, the Rural Services Network (RSN) calls for a comprehensive approach to achieving net zero in rural areas. Representing 40% of England's constituencies, rural regions are pivotal in combating climate change and...
Recent regulatory measures in South Gloucester, as recently reported by The BBC , including fines for certain log burner uses, have sparked a significant debate, especially within rural communities. These regulations aim to reduce air pollution but have also...
The Great British Housing Insulation Scheme , launched in March last year, aimed to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency in homes across England, Scotland, and Wales. Given the significant energy bills in rural areas, this scheme promised a...
Groundbreaking analysis from the Countryside Charity, CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England), published last week, reveals that rural homes in England are leading the way in harnessing solar power. According to the report titled " Lighting the way: International policies...
As members of the Rural Services Network, you're undoubtedly aware of the challenges rural communities face in achieving sustainability and efficiency. One cornerstone of these communities is the village hall - a hub for gatherings, celebrations, and local events. Recognising...
In this week's edition of our Winning the Rural Vote Campaign , we delve into a vital component of rural sustainability and prosperity: Achieving Net Zero. As the urgency to combat climate change escalates, the spotlight turns to rural...
The Spring Budget , presented last week by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, has sparked interest and concern among rural communities and their advocates. The Rural Services Network (RSN) has identified areas of potential benefit for rural areas while also noting...
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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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