Latest News
20 Jan 2025
Advocating for Fair Funding in Rural England
The Rural Services Network (RSN) continues to express deep concern over the significant disparities highlighted in the latest local government finance settlement. The funding allocations continue to disadvantage rural communities,...
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20 Jan 2025
Election Postponements Requested by Eighteen Local Councils Amid Governance Overhaul
Eighteen local councils in England have formally requested to delay their upcoming May elections until next year to facilitate significant structural changes to local government. The proposed postponements are intended...
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20 Jan 2025
Navigating Challenges in Adult Social Care: Insights from the Sector Pulse Check 2024
The recently published Sector Pulse Check 2024, a collaboration between Hft and Care England, sheds light on the financial and workforce struggles facing the adult social care sector. Based on...
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20 Jan 2025
Norfolk Calls For Agri-Food To Be Priority Sector In Modern Industrial Strategy
Agri-food’s omission from the list of growth-driving sectors in the Modern Industrial Strategy (MIS) could hamper future opportunities for clean energy and other key sectors, Norfolk County Council and partners...
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20 Jan 2025
SEND System at Breaking Point: The Growing Financial Risk to Local Authorities
A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a stark warning about the sustainability of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England. Without urgent...
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14 Jan 2025
Urgent: Submit Your Input on Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement by 15th January
As the national champion for rural services, the RSN is committed to advocating for equitable funding across England’s rural communities. Today we will be submitting our detailed response to the...
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14 Jan 2025
Government’s Response to Rural Services Network: Industrial Strategy Update
The government recently addressed the Rural Services Network’s (RSN) concerns regarding the new Industrial Strategy, which had been perceived as overlooking the potential and needs of rural areas. The response...
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14 Jan 2025
Funding Boost to Enhance Early Childhood Services
The Department of Health and Social Care, along with the Department for Education, have announced a funding boost amounting to £126 million aimed at improving early years services for families...
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14 Jan 2025
Ensuring NHS Reforms Meet the Unique Needs of Rural Communities
In light of recent NHS announcements, the government has introduced ambitious reforms aimed at reducing the elective care backlog and enhancing patient access to services. These initiatives hold the promise...
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14 Jan 2025
Addressing Rural Connectivity: Challenges and Progress
The plight of poor digital connectivity in rural UK remains a significant barrier for over half a million businesses, as detailed in a recent article published by Countryside Alliance. These...
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