12/10/2020 – RSN Rural Economy Group Meeting
Date: 12th October 2020 Subject: Rural EconomyChair: Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire CouncilHosted: Online Event via Zoom – To download the agenda and papers associated for this meeting, click here – To download a copy of these learning outcomes click here – To download a copy of the attendance and apologies lists click here Learning Outcomes […]
Elderly forced to bank online in pandemic – but then cannot log on
The Telegraph reports that the rate of change from physical to online banking is creating a ‘societal divide’ as people who are poorer, elderly, or those who live in rural areas, are the most likely to be left behind as more bank branches and cash machines close The report warns that many pensioners or others […]
MPs to examine how Whitehall can ensure effective devolution
The Local Government Chronicle reports on the launch of a new inquiry examining the effectiveness of devolution in England The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Devolution is calling for evidence on how central and local governments can work together more effectively, and what reforms are needed in Whitehall to improve the outcomes of devolution for other […]
Improving local bus services in England (outside London)
A report released on the 2nd October 2020 from the National Audit Office (NAO) finds that, despite the Department for Transport’s long stated aim to increase bus use, passenger numbers have fallen The Department will need greater clarity on what it wants to achieve and how it will measure success, if its forthcoming national strategy […]
Government criticised for northern lock downs
Several newspapers, including the Mirror and the Telegraph, have criticised the Government’s COVID-19 restrictions in the north as being unfair, when infection rates in some areas of the south are not far behind The articles allege that the Government finds it ‘politically easier’ to lock down parts of the north than it does the south. […]
New COVID-19 rules could hit jobs in rural areas
The Press & Journal report how the short-term Covid-19 restrictions that have recently come into force could have long-term impacts on rural areas, including job losses and businesses becoming unviable Scottish Land and Estates (SLE), which represents rural businesses and landowners, said Scottish Government advice to people living in five health board areas in the […]
UK house prices expected to be higher in a year despite crisis
Yahoo Finance reports that estate agents are predicting house prices to be higher in a year’s time despite the economic crisis, with new figures suggesting the recent housing market boom shows no signs of slowing down The research also suggests a continued ‘flight’ to more rural areas, with growing COVID-19 infection rates and lockdown restrictions […]
Greater Anglia looks to communities to boost local rail services
The East Anglian Daily Times reports that volunteers who work with rail operator Greater Anglia to promote rural services have worked together to try to boost its work Community Rail Partnerships, station adopters, local authorities and Greater Anglia discussed how to protect the future of the region’s local rail branch lines. Discussions focused on how […]
12/10/2020 – RSN SPARSE Rural Meeting
Notes of last SPARSE Rural Special Interest Group meeting on 12 October 2020 – held online via Zoom
Spotlight on Rural Housing – October 2020
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network and produced in partnership with the Rural Housing Alliance, highlighting a selection of current rural housing issues and opportunities Planning White Paper – deadline for comments looms ‘Planning for the future,’ the government’s white paper on proposed reforms to the planning system in […]
