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This Bank Holiday weekend, as countless families head to England's rural and coastal areas, the Rural Services Network (RSN) urges policymakers and leaders to acknowledge the untapped potential and vibrancy of rural communities. Rural areas are not simply serene retreats,...
In a determined Westminster Hall debate last week on Government Funding for Local Authorities , concerns were sharply voiced regarding the financial sustainability of rural councils, particularly highlighted by Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire. The focus was squarely...
Rural councils across the UK are facing increasing financial strain, as demonstrated by the alarming trend of selling public assets to cover revenue shortfalls. A recent BBC report reveals the extent to which some councils are resorting to...
The Rural Services Network (RSN) has conducted a thorough review of the DEFRA Third Rural Proofing Report for 2024, titled " Delivering Rural Opportunity. " Published in March 2024. As an advocate for rural communities, the RSN is committed to...
Recent regulatory measures in South Gloucester, as recently reported by The BBC , including fines for certain log burner uses, have sparked a significant debate, especially within rural communities. These regulations aim to reduce air pollution but have also...
Last week our Chief Executive Kerry Booth was part of a group of key national rural organisations that meet with the DEFRA Minister Robbie Moore MP. Holding the post of Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Water and...
- To download the Agenda for this meeting click here POST EVENT: PRESENTATIONS Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network - Current local funding formula "Local Government Finance Settlement Presentation" ...
Earlier this year, we surveyed members of our Rural Market Town Group (RMTG) . This initiative aimed to gauge the status and challenges of services in rural areas, focusing on the experiences and observations of our member organisations within...
The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) has recently unveiled findings that cast new light on the challenges rural communities face regarding organised crime. A collaborative effort led by Durham University , with contributions from several key rural...
In a significant development last week, Transport East successfully introduced the Regional Strategy Hub's Rural Mobility report in Parliament, marking a pivotal moment for rural communities in the East. This comprehensive strategy document , outlines...
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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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