30 Jun 2026
How can rural councils continue to deliver vital services in the face of growing demand, rising costs and ongoing financial pressures?
These are some of the questions that will be explored during a Rural Services Network session taking place as part of this year’s Local Government Association Conference in Bournemouth.
Wednesday 8 July 2026
10.15am – 11.15am
President’s Suite, Bournemouth Conference Centre
The LGA Conference is one of the most significant events in the local government calendar, bringing together council leaders, elected members, officers, policymakers and partners from across the country to discuss the future of local services and communities.
As the national champion for Rural Services accross England, this event provides an important opportunity for the RSN to ensure that rural voices are heard and that the realities facing rural councils are reflected in national discussions.
Rural authorities continue to face significant challenges. Delivering services across large and dispersed areas often comes with higher costs, while increasing demand, workforce pressures and constrained budgets place additional strain on already stretched resources.
Our session will focus on Rural Fair Funding and the need for funding arrangements that properly recognise the costs and complexities of serving rural communities. It will also explore the wider opportunities and challenges facing rural local government, helping to ensure that rural perspectives remain firmly on the agenda as policy and funding decisions are made.
Alongside the session, RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth and Assistant Chief Executive Nadine Trout will be meeting with local authority representatives, partners and stakeholders throughout the conference to discuss shared priorities, strengthen relationships and champion the interests of rural communities.
If you would like to come along to our session or arrange an alternative time to meet during the event, please do get in touch.
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Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, RSN: Kerry.Booth@sparse.gov.uk
Nadine Trout, Assistant Chief Executive, RSN: Nadine.Trout@sparse.gov.uk
