Care home inconsistency
The BBC flagged the fact that one in five care homes in England have been deemed ‘inadequate’ or ‘needs improvement’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC said the difference in standards across the country was ‘a real concern’. In Talford, for example, 43 per cent of care homes were either inadequate or needing […]
Post Office’s results showed profits rise
ITV News covered the Post Office’s financial results, which showed that it has continued to enjoy profit growth for the second consecutive year. The positive figures were driven by financial services, telecoms and insurance offered by the Post Office, but also by bank branch closures driving people to make use of Post Office services. In […]
Rural communities in danger
Experts have warned that rural communities are ‘in danger of dying out’ unless they are given more help to cope with ageing populations, according to an article by iNews. Trudi Grant, director of public health at Somerset County Council – an area with a median age of 53 compared with the UK average of 39 […]
Free cash machines could disappear
The Times highlighted concerns that free cash machines could disappear within the next decade, following figures showing that 250 machines per month are closing as consumers opt for cashless payment options. There are currently 53,000 free-to-use cash machines in the UK. The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has asked that free machines are given more protection. […]
Rural crime collaboration
The Northern Echo reported on how five police forces across the north of England have come together as part of Operation Checkpoint, the largest rural policing operation of its kind, with a number of arrests made on a night or coordinated policing. The NPCC Rural Affairs Strategy, launched in July, identified that organised crime groups […]
RSN Briefing on Broadband USO
Implementing the Broadband USO Briefing note by the Rural Services Network September 2018 (This briefing note can be downloaded here) Context Despite the achievements of the Government’s superfast broadband programme, around 500,000 premises will still be unable to access even a basic broadband connection by 2020. Those premises will predominantly be found in rural locations. […]
Support for ‘Pub is the Hub’
Trade journal Catering Today reported on the news that the Government has pledged £70,000 to the ‘Pub is the Hub’ scheme to support rural pubs. According to the Government press release, more than 30 rural communities will benefit from expanded services in pubs including village shops, libraries, post offices and community cafes. Government funding since […]
Rural Economy Spotlight – September 2018
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities Agriculture Bill introduced at Parliament The Agriculture Bill was introduced to the House of Commons and given its First Reading on 12 September 2018. This stage is formal and takes place without any […]
