A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities

Government funding for rural communities set out

On 4th March, Defra announced a number of funding allocations for 2025/26.

Up to £33 million will be directed to the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), which is used to improve local infrastructure and essential services that benefit rural communities and help businesses in rural areas to expand, creating jobs and kickstarting the rural economy.

In addition, Defra has also announced up to a further £5 million in funding “to go towards the continuation of important services for rural communities.”

Part of this funding will go towards The Rural Community Assets Fund, replacing the previous Platinum Jubilee Village halls Fund, which provides capital funding for the refurbishment and development of community-owned assets, such as village halls or community centres.

This funding will also support Rural Housing Enablers around the country, “who help to bring forward sites to provide affordable housing opportunities in rural areas with people who need them.” This comes alongside a grant for Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) “to provide advice and support to rural community and voluntary groups that offer social inclusion activities, affordable warmth advice, and community transport.”

You can read the full announcement at this link:
Government funding for rural communities set out - GOV.UK

Carbon Action Fund success for West Oxfordshire businesses

West Oxfordshire District Council has delivered a transformative opportunity aimed at empowering small and medium-sized businesses in the district to significantly reduce their carbon footprint and enhance their climate resilience.

With funding provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), this initiative offered essential financial support for innovative capital projects that drive sustainability forward.

The Carbon Action Fund has been structured in two parts:

1. Expert training for business teams, delivered by the sustainability experts at Eunomia.
2. Meetings for businesses to ask targeted questions and share insights in smaller groups.

Simon Winfield, Economic Development Officer at West Oxfordshire District Council, writes:

“These collaborative sessions play a crucial role in refining the grant application process, ensuring it aligns with the specific needs and aspirations of the businesses involved. From the moment of launch, it was clear that this scheme would capture the interest of local businesses striving for sustainability. A remarkable seventeen applications were submitted, each undergoing a rigorous two-stage review process that enabled the panel to evaluate submissions thoroughly and make informed decisions. The outstanding quality of these applications was evident, resulting in the selection of ten deserving applicants to receive grants. The dedication demonstrated by businesses eager to lower their carbon footprint is truly inspiring, and together, we can make a substantial impact on our environment. We are passionate about sharing our learning with the sector and remain dedicated to championing businesses every step of the way on their journey to impactful carbon action.”

For more information on the scheme, contact [email protected]

Disappearing rural banks spark Westminster debate

Recent discussions in the House of Commons have brought to light the severe implications of bank closures in rural areas. Led by Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, a debate on bank closures in rural areas highlighted the disproportionate hardship these closures inflict on rural communities compared to urban settings. The dialogue underscored the need for a "rural-proofing" approach to banking services, acknowledging that rural and urban areas face vastly different challenges.

Rural towns, often structured in a hub-and-spoke model, rely heavily on local banks to support small businesses and maintain community cohesion. The closures lead not only to economic strain but also intensify social isolation among residents, particularly the elderly and disabled who are less likely to use digital banking services. The absence of nearby banking facilities forces residents to travel considerable distances, compounding their day-to-day challenges.

David Smith, MP for North Northumberland, also highlighted the critical role of the Post Office in providing banking services where branches have closed. His constituency, one of the largest in England, faces similar challenges with a significant reduction in bank branches, underscoring the importance of comprehensive banking solutions that include the support of community structures like the Post Office.

In closing, the debate stressed the urgent need for legislative action to ensure that banks maintain a physical presence in rural areas or provide comparable services that address the specific needs of these communities.

You can read more, including the government’s response, at the following link:
The Disappearing Rural Banks: Parliamentary Debates Over a Deepening Challenge - Rural Services Network

RSN 2025 seminar programme – booking open

The 2025 RSN online seminar programme continues to prove very popular. Six sessions will be running during the rest of the year on the following topics:

• Rural communities – 26 March
• Rural economy – 30 April
• Rural transport – 4 June
• Rural housing – 2 July
• Rural planning – 5 November
• Rural health & care – 26 November

To book a place on any of the seminars follow this link.

Tips to help rural businesses navigate voluntary carbon markets

Guidance has been produced to help rural enterprises navigate voluntary carbon markets to offset emissions as part of the drive to net zero.

The National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) has created an animation “designed to help landowners, farmers, businesses and communities make the most out of opportunities. They seek to address findings which point to the need for clearer ethical guidelines, stronger and meaningful partnerships with rural communities, and better support for diverse land ownership models. 

“The study, carried out by researchers at the University of the West of England Bristol, Bournemouth University, the Countryside and Community Research Institute and Harper Adams University examined the accessibility and inclusivity of voluntary carbon markets for rural enterprises.”

You can read more and view the animation at the following link: Tips to help rural businesses navigate voluntary carbon markets - NICRE

East Hampshire grant scheme allocates almost £500k over two years

East Hampshire District Council has allocated £482,495 from its local capital grants scheme to businesses and community groups throughout 2023 and 2024. Funded from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, 15 projects have benefitted from grants ranging from £9,600 up to £50,000.

Projects include the UK’s first eco-light festival at Gilbert White and the Oates Collections in Selborne, and a grant for Alton Town Council to improve the Jane Austen memorial garden with paving, new covered seating areas, a Regency style planting scheme and a bespoke Jane Austen statue.

You can read more at the following link:
Rural grants | East Hampshire District Council

Rural England statistical digest available

The Statistical Digest of Rural England is a collection of statistics on a range of social and economic topics and provides broad comparisons between Rural and Urban areas by settlement type.

Prepared by DEFRA, the Digest is structured into thematic reports and incorporates the previously separate publication the Rural Economic Bulletin.

The Digest consists of the following thematic reports:

• Population
• Housing
• Health and Wellbeing
• Communities and Households
• Connectivity and Accessibility
• Education, Qualifications and Training
• Rural Economic Bulletin

You can access all the contents at the following link:
About the Digest and Rural Definitions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The most recent rural economic statistics can be found at this link.

Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme extended

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is a part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan.

It offers funding to farmers and land managers in National Landscapes (previously known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)), National Parks and the Broads. It is not an agri-environment scheme.

The programme will fund projects that:

• support nature recovery
• mitigate the impacts of climate change
• provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage
• protect or improve the quality and character of the landscape or place

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has been developed by Defra with the support of National Landscape and National Park staff from across England.

This is a competitive programme which will now run until March 2026. Applications will close sooner if all funding is allocated. You can read more at:
Get funding for farming in protected landscapes - GOV.UK

Digital Inclusion Action Plan launched

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a new Digital Inclusion Action Plan aimed at enhancing digital skills and access across the UK.

Government state: “We know that digital exclusion today in the UK is a significant challenge. Lloyds estimates that 1.6 million people in the UK currently are living offline and around a quarter of the UK population have the lowest level of digital capability, meaning they are likely to struggle to use online services. Those who cannot use digital technologies are likely to have worse health outcomes, face higher costs when shopping for everyday items, and are over 5 times more likely to be unemployed. Digital inclusion is a priority for this government. It means ensuring everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to engage in our modern digital society and economy, whatever their circumstances.”

The document sets out their first actions, including a definition of digital inclusion and the principles which will guide the government’s work to address it.

The Action Plan includes substantial funding for local initiatives aimed at the most digitally-excluded groups, such as the elderly and low-income households. Local authorities, charities, and combined authorities are recognised as crucial players in driving these initiatives forward. They will have access to new funding to develop tailored solutions that address unique local challenges.

You can read more at the following link: Digital Inclusion Action Plan: First Steps - GOV.UK

To shape this initiative effectively, DSIT is forming a Digital Inclusion Action Committee and has opened a Call for Evidence to gather diverse insights and recommendations. As valued members of the RSN, your participation is crucial. We encourage you to engage with the action plan, contribute to the Call for Evidence, and consider joining the committee by submitting an Expression of Interest. The Expression of Interest process is open until 23:55 on 26th March and you can find out more in the Candidate Pack.

A Railway fit for Britain’s Future

The Department for Transport are seeking views on new policies to be included in the forthcoming Railways Bill, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR). GBR will be a single directing mind that will run rail infrastructure and passenger services in the public interest.

The overall aim of these proposed reforms is “to provide a railway that works better for both passengers and taxpayers across Great Britain.” They also include:

• the establishment of a new passenger watchdog
• reform of fares and online retail of tickets
• a new statutory role for devolved leaders in governing, managing, planning and developing the rail network
• streamlining processes and reducing regulatory burdens to empower GBR to to deliver the best service for railway users
• ensuring the private sector continues to play a key role, including a statutory duty for GBR to promote rail freight

This consultation closes on 15 April 2025. You can read more, and find out how to respond, at the following link:
A railway fit for Britain's future - GOV.UK

Local Net Zero Hubs support available to councils and communities

The Local Net Zero Hubs programme helps local authorities and communities in England to play a leading role in decarbonisation, supporting local authorities to develop net zero projects and attract commercial investment.

Find out more about the Local Net Zero Hub in your area follow the relevant link below:

• North East and Yorkshire Local Net Zero Hub
• North West Local Net Zero Hub
• Midlands Local Net Zero Hub
• South West Local Net Zero Hub
• South East Local Net Zero Hub

Further information on the support available can be found at this link.

Local business organisations – keep calm and sign up!

RSN exists to enable the issues facing the rural areas of England to be identified, information and good practice to be shared and government to be challenged to address the needs and build on the opportunities which abound in rural areas. We have a number of Chambers of Trade, Commerce and Local Business Networks who are members of RSN and currently receive our bulletins.  If there is a business organisation in your area who you think would find our bulletins useful, please pass this bulletin onto them and ask them to contact Andy Dean with their contact details so we can ensure they are included in future distributions.

Future editions of the Rural Economy Spotlight

The next edition of this bulletin will be distributed in June 2025.  If you have any suggestions as to future content or would like to submit a short article for inclusion, please contact Andy Dean.