21 Jul 2026
The Rural Services Network (RSN) congratulates the Prime Minister on taking office and looks forward to hearing more about the Government’s plans to support communities across the country.
The Prime Minister’s commitment to tackling the cost of living, increasing the supply of affordable homes, devolving power, and creating greater opportunity will be of particular interest to rural communities, where these challenges are often experienced differently.
For many people living in rural areas, the cost of living is shaped by a combination of higher unavoidable living costs, lower average wages, and more limited access to essential services and public transport.
Many rural households face higher heating costs because they are not connected to the gas grid and have fewer heating options, while longer travel distances and limited public transport mean that access to a car is often a necessity rather than a luxury, and results in higher fuel costs.
These additional pressures mean that national policies must recognise the unique circumstances facing rural communities if they are to deliver equitable outcomes.
Affordable housing also remains one of the most pressing issues facing rural areas. Increasing the supply of homes that local people can genuinely afford will be vital to enabling younger people and families to remain in their communities, supporting local employers, and helping villages and market towns to thrive.
The RSN also welcomes the Prime Minister’s emphasis on devolving power and long-term planning. As further reforms are developed, it will be important that rural communities are fully reflected in national policy and that effective rural proofing is embedded across government, ensuring that decisions take account of the different realities of delivering services and supporting growth in rural areas.
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network:
The Prime Minister has set out an ambitious vision focused on opportunity, prevention, and empowering communities. As these plans develop, it will be essential that rural communities are recognised as part of that vision.
Rural areas make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy, environment and society, but they also face distinct challenges.
We look forward to working constructively with the Government, including hearing more about tomorrow’s cost of living announcements, and hope they recognise the additional pressures facing rural households.
Higher heating costs, longer travel distances and limited public transport mean the cost of living can be significantly higher than in urban areas. As policies develop, it is vital they reflect these rural realities and help create thriving, sustainable rural communities for the future.
