Latest News
01 Sep 2025
New Study Exposes Experiences of Racism in Rural England
A study into racism in rural England has found many minority ethnic individuals and families feel the countryside is an unwelcoming and unsafe place to visit. The research, conducted by...
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01 Sep 2025
Persistent ‘Dental Deserts’ Risk Leaving Rural Communities Behind
New analysis from the Local Government Association (LGA) highlights a continuing crisis in NHS dental provision, with so-called ‘dental deserts’ leaving many communities – particularly rural and deprived areas –...
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01 Sep 2025
RSN Joins Call To End Permitted Development Rules Costing 28,000 Affordable Homes
Campaigners from local government, housing providers, and homelessness charities have signed an open letter calling on Government to scrap permitted development rights (PDR) that have cost thousands of affordable homes....
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01 Sep 2025
Reminder: National Emergency Alert Test This Weekend
People across the UK will receive a test Emergency Alert on their mobile phones at around 3pm this Sunday, 7 September 2025. The system, which has been in place since...
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01 Sep 2025
Cornwall And Isles Of Scilly Launch Marine Nature Recovery Framework Consultation
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Marine Nature Recovery Framework (MNRF) is now open for public consultation. The Framework sets out a shared vision for restoring and protecting marine and...
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26 Aug 2025
Rural Transport – Practical Solutions for Connected Communities
Thursday 18 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme Getting around in rural areas...
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26 Aug 2025
Thousands More Checks, Tests And Scans Now Available Out Of Hours
The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that 100 Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) across England are now offering out-of-hours services, open 12 hours a day, seven days a...
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26 Aug 2025
Government Launches £9.5 Million Fund To Tackle Digital Exclusion
The Government has announced a new £9.5 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund to support local councils, charities and community organisations in helping more people get online. The fund is designed...
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26 Aug 2025
Council Housing Blueprint Could Offer Rural Lifeline
A new report by Policy Exchange has called on the Government to commit to building 100,000 high-quality council homes annually—and its recommendations could have significant implications for rural areas. The...
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26 Aug 2025
Call For Evidence: Support For Women And Girls In Rural Areas
DEFRA, working with the Home Office and other government departments, is developing a new strategy and action plan to address violence against women and girls (VAWG). To inform this, they...
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