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The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has unveiled a comprehensive Digital Inclusion Action Plan , a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing digital skills and access across the UK. This action plan addresses a critical need, as...
NALC announced this year’s Star Council Awards winners at a dazzling ceremony at the prestigious House of Lords on 25 February 2025. The event brought together councillors, clerks, MPs, parliamentarians, academics, national stakeholders and leading opinion...
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced that select councils experiencing significant financial difficulties will receive additional government support to aid in balancing their budgets for the upcoming financial year. Thirty councils identified as facing...
A recent State of Caring Survey conducted by Carers UK has exposed significant challenges faced by unpaid carers across the UK, revealing a distressing trend of overwhelm and inadequate support. The survey provides a crucial insight...
Rural Services Network Chief Executive Kerry Booth was delighted to be invited to speak at the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference South West last week. A busy two days of sessions meant that there were plenty of key points from...
A leading developer of UK deep geothermal power and lithium projects in Cornwall has teamed up with the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) to showcase how it is adapting to challenges in the rural economy. ...
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has recently brought to light a critical issue impacting rural communities across rural communities in England, particularly in the South West. Over the past decade, funding cuts have led to a significant reduction in...
A new report highlights how communities in Northumberland are breathing new life into their high streets and town centres by repurposing disused buildings into valuable community assets and housing schemes. The report was commissioned by Communities CAN ,...
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has unveiled a comprehensive devolution package set to transform local governance across several regions in England. Under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Minister of State Jim McMahon,...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) continues to express deep concern over the significant disparities highlighted in the latest local government finance settlement. The funding allocations continue to disadvantage rural communities, where residents already face higher costs and reduced services compared...
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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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