Latest News
02 Feb 2026
New Homes Accelerator Expands
Phase 2 of the New Homes Accelerator has launched, widening support to unblock stalled housing developments and accelerate delivery across England. The programme has already helped speed up progress on...
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02 Feb 2026
A Rural Lens On The National Plan To End Homelessness
English Rural has published a rural perspective on the Government’s recently released National Plan to End Homelessness, welcoming its ambition to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring, while warning that...
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02 Feb 2026
Plunkett UK Raises Concerns Over Government Pub Support Package
Plunkett UK has expressed disappointment at the government’s announcement of a 15% discount on pubs’ business rates bills from April. The national charity warns that the measures are nowhere near...
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27 Jan 2026
RSN Presses Government On Rural Funding
The Rural Services Network has written directly to Alison McGovern MP, Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, setting out our concerns about the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement...
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27 Jan 2026
APPG Chair Writes To Minister On Rural Funding Settlement
Following last week’s Annual General Meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Rural Services, the Group’s Chair, Sarah Dyke MP, has written separately to Alison McGovern MP, Minister of...
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27 Jan 2026
Five Questions To Ask Your MP Ahead Of The Local Government Settlement
With decisions on the local government finance settlement expected next week, now is a crucial moment for rural communities to make their voices heard. MPs play a key role in...
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27 Jan 2026
Committee Report Examines The First 1,000 Days Of Life
The House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee has published a new report, First 1000 Days: a renewed focus, examining how effectively England is supporting children and families during...
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27 Jan 2026
Plans Announced To Improve Access To Cancer Care Across England
The government has announced a package of measures aimed at reducing geographical inequalities in cancer care, with a particular focus on improving access to specialists and diagnostic technology in rural...
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27 Jan 2026
National Design Guidance Updated To Shape Future Neighbourhoods
The government has published updated national design guidance aimed at raising the quality of new housing developments and creating neighbourhoods that are healthier, safer and more resilient to climate change....
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27 Jan 2026
Councils Granted Election Delays To Complete Reorganisation
The government has confirmed it will bring forward legislation to postpone local elections for a number of councils undergoing local government reorganisation, citing the need to free up capacity to...
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