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The Guardian has reported that Openreach has announced plans to deliver gigabit-ready broadband to another 3.2 million rural homes and businesses across the country The move is a further push by BT’s broadband provision division to meet its ambitious...
The Princess Royal has guest edited a special edition of Country Life, in which she talks about the need to increase affordable housing in rural areas Taking on the role of campaigning editor, Princess Anne set out her vision...
The Independent publishes research suggesting COVID-19 is causing a shift in attitudes towards city-centre living that could reverse the ‘brain drain’ which has seen millions of people move to London in search of work A survey of 2,000 people...
Charity Digital has written an article exploring what the crisis means for the charities operating in rural areas One charity, Scunthorpe and District Mind is a small-to-medium-sized charity that works to promote positive mental health and to offer support...
The Rural Services Network is delighted to be taking bookings for our online National Rural Conference, Revitalising Rural Taking place throughout the week from 14-18th September, with each day focusing on a different topic relevant to rural areas. This...
The Telegraph reports that the Government has said that families living in remote areas of Britain should receive faster internet at the same time as those in cities, via the Government’s £200m Rural Gigabit Connectivity (RGC) programme, which helps homes in the...
The Social Market Foundation (SMF) reports on research suggesting that high street shopping units left empty by the collapse of retail businesses should be converted into new homes built by the public sector A paper from the cross-party think...
The Express and Star cover news that all state school pupils in England are to receive an increase in central government funding of at least two percent next year Under the settlement, secondary schools will attract a minimum of...
Somerset County Gazette reports that rural stakeholders are joining forces to create a rural recovery plan for the south west, and are calling on rural groups to take part and help shape the region’s future Working with partners including...
The Rural Impacts Stakeholder Forum (RISF) was established in March 2020 to enable open and regular dialogue between key rural stakeholder organisations and Defra on the impact of COVID-19 on rural communities and businesses. Members of the Forum...
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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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