T: 01822 851370 E: [email protected]
This essay forms part of a collection of essays, Building consent: housing by popular demand published by Localis . Kerry Booth, Chief Executive Rural Services Network In July 2023, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made an...
Government ambitions for widespread adoption of 5G are at risk of being missed if actions outlined in the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy (WIS), which marked its first anniversary on 11 April, are not followed through. As one of the UK’s...
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...
Amid escalating concern about high-speed broadband infrastructure and connectivity, the essential role of digital terrestrial television (DTT), also known as Freeview, and broadcast radio services cannot be overstated, especially for millions of UK families living in rural communities. These...
The landscape of digital inclusion across the UK's rural communities is undergoing a critical examination, underscored by the comprehensive studies conducted by the University of Liverpool and its partners. The findings, presented in the " A Minimum Digital Living Standard...
The impending closure of the last two bank branches in Alnwick, Northumberland — Lloyds and Halifax — scheduled for January 2025, has not only highlighted the challenges faced by this historic market town but also shed light on a broader...
Recent groundbreaking research spearheaded by the Universities of Kent and Southampton and featuring Turning Tides , has peeled back the layers on rural homelessness, particularly highlighting the escalating situation in areas like West Sussex. This pioneering study unveils the nuanced...
The County Council Network ’s latest report unveils the critical role counties play in housing over half of the country's population, highlighting a significant shift towards outright homeownership and private renting. This shift points to a deepening divide in...
In rural areas across England, the accessibility and availability of transport services are more than just conveniences—they are lifelines. The Community Transport Association (CTA) has unveiled a robust manifesto, " A Better Future for Transport: National Challenges, Community...
As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the Spring Budget tomorrow, anticipation builds among members of rural communities and supporters of The Rural Services Network. This year's budget holds particular significance as we await a general election and presents an...
Sign up to receive all our latest news and updates.
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.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates.