Latest News

Hot Topics

28 Apr 2020

RSN responds to government’s consultation on ‘First Homes’

Back in February, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government published a consultation paper setting out proposals to help local people, especially young first-time buyers, into home ownership RSN...

Read more

27 Apr 2020

COVID-19 – Rural Communities Pulling Together (Week 3)

We asked for examples of our rural communities pulling together and have been inundated with responses so far! We featured 10 each week, and this week are pleased to feature...

Read more

27 Apr 2020

COVID-19 death rates ‘could be 80% higher in rural communities’

The Evening Standard published a study which has predicted significantly higher levels of COVID-19 fatalities in rural locations due to larger ageing populations The analysis found that death rates could...

Read more

27 Apr 2020

Despite a strong community spirit, COVID-19 is exposing real challenges in our rural areas

Philip Dunne MP (Con) has written an article for Politics Home, arguing that due to factors such as a concentration of jobs in key employers as well as a lack...

Read more

27 Apr 2020

Rural organisations call for lockdown travel guidelines to be reviewed

Several news outlets including the BBC, Yorkshire Post and Sky, report on calls from rural groups against recent advice to police forces that it is lawful to drive somewhere to...

Read more

27 Apr 2020

Water companies step up action to help customers in need

Water companies in England and Wales have stepped up efforts to help customers who have lost their jobs or had their incomes cut during the coronavirus crisis The companies are...

Read more

27 Apr 2020

Slow rural internet speeds ‘adding hours to working day’ during lockdown

ITV reports that added strain on internet services during the lockdown is providing challenges and frustration in some rural areas As many more people are working and studying from home,...

Read more

20 Apr 2020

RSN make contact with the Government on exit strategy and the implications for rural communities

The Rural Services Network has written to The Rt Hon. Matthew Hancock (Secretary of State for Health and Social Care) along with other key rural organisations to open discussions regarding...

Read more

20 Apr 2020

Government pledges extra £1.6 billion for councils

Councils across England will receive another £1.6 billion in additional funding as they continue to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, the Local Government Secretary has announced This extra £1.6 billion...

Read more

20 Apr 2020

Network urges rethink of Coronavirus policing guidelines

The National Rural Crime Network are today calling for urgent clarification on Coronavirus lockdown conditions after new police guidelines said people were allowed to travel potentially long distances to exercise,...

Read more