29 Mar 2025
Future Flight Social Insight podcast
Kerry Booth, the Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network (RSN), was recently featured on the University of Birmingham’s Future Flight Social Insight podcast. This series aims to spark a national conversation about the evolving landscape of aviation technology, particularly focusing on the impacts and potentials of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and large, uncrewed drones.
During her interview, Kerry discussed not only the potential benefits of these advanced technologies for rural communities but also the constraints and challenges that need addressing. She emphasised the unique needs of rural areas, such as the necessity for improved connectivity and faster, more reliable access to emergency services and goods. Kerry’s participation highlights RSN’s commitment to understanding and influencing the advancements that could significantly affect rural services and infrastructure.
Listen now: Future Flight Social Insight Podcast
Levelling-Up Funding Question
On 3 March 2025, during questions on levelling-up projects, Harriet Cross (Opposition MP) pressed the government about its new funding formula. She warned that “The Rural Services Network has highlighted concerns and disparities that shift funding away from rural and coastal communities to urban areas”. Cross asked for assurances that any new formula would meet the unique needs of rural areas, directly invoking RSN’s analysis of the provisional settlement’s effects. The minister’s response promised that future funding would target communities “that need it most,” but the exchange underscored RSN’s influence in framing the debate.
https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025-03-03/debates/A564B3FF-EC49-4631-94EC-8D4A2792CDDE/Levelling-UpProjects
