Latest News
15 Dec 2025
Rural Services Network: Our Year In Review
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on a year shaped by shared learning, collaboration and a strong collective voice for rural communities. Across...
Read more15 Dec 2025
Local Government Finance Settlement Due
Local Authorities across the country are waiting for the Provisional local Government Finance Settlement, due to be published this week. This will be the first settlement following changes made to...
Read more15 Dec 2025
Review Launched into Mental Health, ADHD and Autism Services
The government has launched an independent review examining how mental health, ADHD and autism services are currently delivered, amid rising demand and growing pressures across the system. The review, led...
Read more15 Dec 2025
Government Unveils Child Poverty Strategy for 2030
The Government has published its new Child Poverty Strategy, setting out measures it says will lift around 550,000 children out of poverty by the end of this Parliament. The strategy...
Read more15 Dec 2025
Public Sector Readiness For Employment Rights Bill Assessed
New research published by the Commercial Services Group examines how well public sector organisations are prepared for the reforms set out in the Employment Rights Bill, which introduces significant changes...
Read more15 Dec 2025
A force for local growth
The Local Government Association last week published a report entitled ‘A force for growth: Spotlighting the role of councils in enabling inclusive economic growth’. Produced in partnership with the Future...
Read more15 Dec 2025
NFSP Postmasters Exceed Evri Scan-Out Target For The First Time
NFSP postmasters have achieved a significant milestone in Period 7, surpassing the Evri scan-out Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the first time since the measure was introduced. The network recorded...
Read more08 Dec 2025
Will Devolution Deliver For Rural Communities?
New research shows how England’s devolution programme could unlock the delivery of affordable homes in rural communities – if rural priorities are embedded in local strategies and supported by national...
Read more08 Dec 2025
NALC Announces Star Council Awards 2025/26 Finalists
The finalists for the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Star Council Awards 2025/26 have now been announced following a rigorous assessment process and a record number of nominations from...
Read more08 Dec 2025
£3bn Funding Settlement Unveiled For Local Bus Services
The government has announced a £3 billion funding package to support bus services and infrastructure across England, aiming to deliver more frequent, reliable and affordable services for passengers. The announcement...
Read more