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Rural Communities
The Chancellor's Autumn Budget 2024 presents a critical juncture for rural communities across the UK. As we pore over the details in the comprehensive budget document, the Rural Services Network (RSN) acknowledges the government's efforts to address broad...
The government has released Invest 2035, a new industrial strategy aimed at establishing long-term economic growth across the UK. This green paper outlines key areas of investment in skills, infrastructure, digital innovation, finance, and stability in policy, with...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is expressing significant concern following the announcement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to increase the national bus fare cap to £3 until the end of 2025. This decision, which marks a 50%...
The government has announced a series of steps aimed at addressing long-standing challenges facing the National Health Service (NHS) and improving service delivery. This announcement, which marks the start of a phased approach to strengthen the healthcare system,...
The spirit of community was celebrated in abundance at the 2024 Rural Community Business Awards hosted by the charity, Plunkett UK , last month. Eight community businesses or individuals from across the UK were crowned winners during the...
Last week, the government launched a significant public engagement initiative aimed at transforming the National Health Service (NHS). This nationwide campaign seeks to gather insights from the public, healthcare professionals, and experts to help shape a 10-year strategic...
Community-owned businesses are growing in number and remain a robust, sustainable model, according to research published this week by Plunkett UK . According to Plunkett’s Community Ownership: A Better form of Business report the sector saw...
As Budget Week commences, the Rural Services Network is preparing to analyse the impact of the upcoming budget announcement on rural communities. Ahead of the official release, the government has made significant pre-budget announcements concerning housing development and education funding,...
Last week in the House of Lords, a pivotal debate unfolded, focusing on the priorities for rural communities - an area of significant interest and concern for us at the Rural Services Network (RSN). The debate substantially echoed the work...
The launch of the British Infrastructure Taskforce by Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP last week, signals a promising shift in the UK’s approach to infrastructure investment. With an emphasis on collaboration between government and business, this initiative could potentially...
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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.
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