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A toolkit has been produced to help businesses and organisations in rural areas recruit and retain staff and become employers of choice. Developed from research in the Derbyshire Peak District funded by the National Innovation Centre for Rural...
ACRE , Plunkett UK , and the Rural Services Network (RSN) have jointly signed an open letter addressing significant concerns regarding Royal Mail. The letter is directed to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, emphasising the importance...
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee's recent publication has raised serious concerns about the UK's ability to meet its 2025 target of extending 4G coverage to 95% of the country. This alarming development is particularly troubling for...
The Rural Services Network is pleased to share the 2024 National Digital Poverty Overview , a pivotal report by the Digital Poverty Alliance . This comprehensive document addresses the ongoing issue of digital poverty, with a particular focus...
The Rural Services Network, in partnership with BT, is pleased to announce an important event designed specifically for Local Authority Councillors to raise awareness about the upcoming digital telephone line switchover. Due to high demand and the initial session selling...
BT Group has announced significant adjustments to its digital switchover programme , which aims to transition the UK's traditional analogue landlines to digital Voice over IP (VoIP) technology by January 2027. The revised approach will result in a single switch...
In the tranquil settings of rural Britain, there exists a significant challenge that often goes unnoticed—digital connectivity. Ensuring equitable digital access across all areas is a pressing issue, affecting the day-to-day lives and long-term opportunities for those living in the...
New powers for communities to regenerate high streets and fill empty shops will be in force by the summer, the government announced last week. High Street Rental Auctions, a new local authority power to combat high street vacancy, will...
Plunkett UK , a charity supporting community ownership across the UK, has released its 2024 Impact Report , highlighting the transformative effect of community-owned businesses in rural areas. In this article, the Rural Services Network focuses on the impact...
Royal Mail has announced a proposed overhaul of its service, aiming to address the challenges of plummeting letter volumes and financial losses. The proposal includes maintaining a six-day-a-week delivery service for first-class letters but reducing the frequency of...
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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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