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The Rt Hon Michael Gove has today (24th Jan) through written statement announced that he proposes to increase the Rural Services Delivery Grant by £15million for 2024/2025 resulting in a total of £110 Million. The Rural Services...
A recent parliamentary debate has shed light on the stark funding disparities between urban and rural areas, with a particular focus on Cornwall. The debate, which was held on 15th January 2024, brought to the forefront the ongoing challenges that...
Last week the much-anticipated Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill received Royal Assent. The expected game of Ping-Pong between Houses never occurred and most of the government’s changes to the Lord’s amendments were accepted when the Bill returned to the Lords...
The government’s Levelling Up & Regeneration Bill returned to the House of Commons last week with the Lords’ amendments. These included Lords Amendment 6, proposed by Lord Foster of Bath: “Rural proofing report: Alongside the first statement of...
As MPs prepare to review the Lords’ amendments to the Levelling Up Bill, RSN Policy Advisor Graham Biggs has been analysing what it will now mean for rural areas. This week the House of Commons will be...
As the political party season comes to a close, RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, has been reflecting on the Leaders’ speeches to their parties. Firstly, not one of the three leaders used the word ‘rural’ in their party...
“It’s simple - we need fairer funding so that rural areas are not left behind in discussions about transport.” The one line I hope everyone at the round table event this morning will remember. I was...
The Government’s Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill was discussed again in the House of Lords last week and this time the issue of rural featured heavily. In two amendments proposed by Lord Foster of Bath, the Government was challenged to prove...
Yesterday afternoon Kerry Booth, RSN Chief Executive, was alongside a group of Council Leaders who met with Rt Hon Michael Gove MP to talk about the Local Government Funding Formula and the unfair funding of rural councils. Kerry set the...
The Guardian reports that Keir Starmer, who is due to take the stage at the National Farmers’ Union conference next week, may find the audience more receptive than expected The rural vote is swinging away from the Conservatives, and...
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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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