T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
Politics
I n the wake of the recent General Election, significant changes have been announced within the Local Government Association (LGA). Cllr Shaun Davies has officially stepped down from his position as LGA Chair, following his successful election as...
Our Chief Executive Kerry Booth has been reviewing the manifesto from the main political parties over the last week to see what they are promising for rural communities. With almost 10 Million residents in living in rural England,...
Rural Services Network Ramps Up Efforts to Secure Fair Funding for Rural Areas The Rural Services Network (RSN) acknowledges the Prime Minister's announcement this evening of a general election to be held on 4 July 2024. In light...
Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) is urging politicians of all persuasions not to forget the needs and circumstances of people living and working in the countryside in the run up to the general election. The charity...
As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the Spring Budget tomorrow, anticipation builds among members of rural communities and supporters of The Rural Services Network. This year's budget holds particular significance as we await a general election and presents an...
The recent announcement by the Government of a £64 billion funding package for local councils has ignited a widespread discussion, with a particular focus on its repercussions for rural areas. During a parliamentary debate on Wednesday to approve...
Need for Fair Funding for Internal Drainage Boards A Special Interest Group of the LGA, the Internal Drainage Board levies stressed the need for fair funding at a Parliamentary event last week. The event was hosted by...
In a significant move towards addressing the longstanding disparities in rural communities, the Rural Services Network (RSN) successfully launched the 'Winning the Rural Vote’ campaign in Parliament last week. The campaign, led by RSN Chair Councillor Roger...
The Rural Services Network is in Parliament today launching its manifesto asks of the political parties. The report will be launched with a number of MPs in a session hosted by Derek Thomas MP, Chair of the All Party...
Last week, The Rt Hon Michael Gove announced an encouraging boost for rural communities: a £15 million increase in the Rural Services Delivery Grant for 2024-25. This raises the total to £110 million, a significant uplift that the Rural Services...
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:
