Retrofitting rural homes: exploring the new Warm Homes funding schemes
On 23 September 2024 the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (formerly known as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund) and the Warm Homes: Local Grant (formerly known as the Home Upgrade Grant) were announced. Both schemes are now open for applications from local authorities and social housing providers across England, looking for funding to carry out […]
Cash Solutions for rural businesses with SMEB Cube
Bringing cash services back to rural communities is what SMEB is undertaking with its payment Cube. Local businesses can sign up to the service and as the Cube is designed to be in a safe and convenient place it’s easy for businesses to place their cash and daily takings in a secure location. Once cash […]
The Hidden Costs of Forcing a switchover to online-only TV: Rural Communities at Risk of Being Left Behind
In an era where the price of digital connectivity is too high, a new report by the consultancy group EY sheds light on the potential consequences of forcing a complete switch from terrestrial TV to internet-based broadcasting. The findings reveal a stark reality: millions of households, particularly the most vulnerable, could face significant financial burdens […]
Community Heat: A Fair and Sustainable Model for Rural Regions
Community heat refers to local heating systems that provide energy to multiple homes from a central low-carbon source. These systems are designed to reduce fossil fuel reliance, enhance energy efficiency, and empower communities by giving them control over their energy supply. For rural regions, where energy infrastructure may be limited or off-grid, community heat offers […]
A new Government and potential new issues for small business
As the new government settles into place, gets down to business, and with its first Budget looming on the horizon, there’s a lot of interest from our Forum members and micro and small business in general on potential changes to employment rules and regulations. These type of changes always make small and micro businesses nervous […]
The Dispensing Doctors’ Association launch (RAMP UP) campaign
The Dispensing Doctors’ Association has launched the Rural Access to Medicines and Pharmacy Services Under Pressure (RAMP UP) campaign. This calls for politicians to use their voice to secure fair pay for NHS GP dispensaries and for rural patients to secure equitable and sustainable access to NHS medicines. New analysis of pharmacy closures over the […]
Youth Voice Census 2024: The Growing Challenge Of Finding Local Opportunities
Over 5,000 young people aged 11-30 completed the annual Youth Voice Census in 2024. This census is a deep dive into how young people in the UK feel about their lives, education and work experiences. From this year’s findings, we learned that location is more important than ever. Where you live has always mattered, but […]
Learn Together: Digital Together
Cornwall Rural Community Charity’s Digital Together project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is delivered in partnerships with Cornwall Council, University of Exeter, University of Plymouth and Citizens Advice Cornwall to deliver a service that has benefitted countless individuals across Cornwall. From April to June 2024 the Digital […]
RABI Launches Joint Winter Wellbeing Appeal with RSABI
RABI, the charity at the heart of farming, has launched a new Winter Wellbeing fundraising appeal aimed at supporting farmers and their families during the challenging winter months. The joint appeal with RSABI, the agricultural charity for Scotland, was officially announced on Thursday 3 October at the prestigious Farmers Weekly Awards, where both organisations were […]
Rural business insights showcased by NICRE
The National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) has produced two new videos demonstrating how firms are adapting and innovating in an ever-changing business environment. The rural business insights films showcase: Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses – highlighting how a lack of affordable housing at the coast impacts staff recruitment and the measures in place to […]
