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A pioneering superfast broadband project is benefiting rural communities in North Yorkshire. North Yorkshire County Council is investing more than £12m from its funds, for the next phase of the Superfast North Yorkshire initiative. It is...
Many rural homes could be heated by vegetable oil within the next five years, claims an industry report. Rural homes currently heated by oil could switch to a renewable alternative, such as a vegetable oil blend, by...
A major project to tackle rural fuel poverty is to be funded by one of England's largest county councils. The iniaitive is being funded by North Yorkshire County Council to support those most at risk this winter...
A county council is minimising verge growth on rural roadsides – and saving money at the same time. With over 4,970 miles of rural verges, Dorset County Council aims to reduce the cost of ongoing maintenance by reducing...
The government has pledged to speed up the rollout of faster mobile and broadband services to rural areas. People in areas with poor mobile coverage would soon get a significant boost to their connections, said the Department...
Better digital connectivity is needed to stimulate rural growth, says a report. The study by the South West Rural Commission found huge potential for economic growth – so long as key opportunities are seized and challenges addressed....
TRAINEE doctors are to receive £20,000 to work in rural and coastal communities struggling to recruit GPs. Health secretary Jeremy Hunt announced the funding as part of a package of measures to strengthen general practice. From...
Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has criticised the government for failing rural people on broadband. Mr Farron, who is the MP for the South Lakes in Cumbria, said the average household speed in the area was...
A new exhibition explores the complex relationships between wellbeing and the countryside. The exhbition runs until 31 October at Reading University's Museum of English Rural Life with the help of rural stakeholders and local community groups. ...
POLICE, councillors and local residents have teamed for a week of action against rural crime in Northamptonshire. The Rural Week of Action, which runs from 9-13 October, involves Corby Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team and Corby Borough Council Neighbourhood...
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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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