Latest News
24 Mar 2026
The Rural Reality: Heating Oil Pressures Continue
Following our recent coverage of rising heating oil costs, the Rural Services Network has continued to hear directly from members about the real-world impact on rural households and communities. As...
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24 Mar 2026
Over 3 Million UK Households Move To Digital Landlines
With the UK’s 40-year-old analogue landline network set to close at the end of January 2027, BT has revealed that the majority of its landline customers, over three million households,...
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24 Mar 2026
Rural Poverty Report Highlights Hidden Hardship
A new report from the Labour Rural Research Group (LRRG) has highlighted the scale and nature of poverty across rural Britain, challenging assumptions that countryside communities are largely affluent. The...
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24 Mar 2026
Rural Amendment Returns At Report Stage Of Devolution Bill
Following our previous coverage of the Royal Town Planning Institute’s calls to strengthen the recognition of rural communities within the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill , there has been...
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24 Mar 2026
Tougher Measures Unveiled To Tackle Waste Crime
The Government has announced a new Waste Crime Action Plan, setting out a tougher, “zero-tolerance” approach to illegal dumping across England. The plan includes stronger enforcement powers for the Environment...
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24 Mar 2026
Entries Open For 2026 Rural Community Business Awards
Plunkett UK is now welcoming entries for its 2026 awards, sponsored by Lands Improvement, celebrating the best of community-owned businesses across the country. This year’s Rural Community Business Awards will...
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16 Mar 2026
Rising Heating Oil Costs Draw Westminster Attention
Rising heating oil costs highlighted in last week’s Rural Bulletin have continued to draw attention in Westminster, as ministers step up scrutiny of fuel pricing amid volatility linked to tensions...
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16 Mar 2026
New Planning Measures Aimed at Accelerating Homes and Infrastructure
The government has announced a package of regulatory changes aimed at speeding up the delivery of housing, transport and clean energy projects, while maintaining environmental protections. New Strategic Policy Statements...
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16 Mar 2026
Supporting Rural Health Inequalities
A new report from Northumberland County Council’s Director of Public Health shines a light on the unique factors shaping health and wellbeing in rural communities. Rural Realities: Health Inequalities in...
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16 Mar 2026
More Dentists Planned As Government Moves To Expand Workforce
The government has announced plans to significantly increase the number of dentists able to practise in the UK, in a move aimed at improving patient access to appointments and tackling...
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