Analysis & Commentary

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06 Jul 2014

The changing face of rural Scotland

YOUNG people in rural Scotland can face a stark choice – move away or stay and face limited opportunities, finds Brian Wilson. YOUNG people in rural Scotland can face a...

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23 Jun 2014

Planning for Britain’s rural future

Are planning reforms breathing new life into rural communities or bringing them into battle over unwanted development? Jessica Sellick Investigates. In his ‘Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing’, Matthew...

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06 May 2014

Local identity and local governance

PEOPLE are more trusting of local than national government, but does this always translate into wanting local policy decisions? Brian Wilson finds out. PEOPLE are more trusting of local than...

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28 Apr 2014

Boosting support for rural jobs and growth

Jessica Sellick examines the national framework for the LEADER method of delivering Rural Development Programme (RDP) funding. With the requirements and expectations for the next programming period (2014 to 2020)...

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06 Apr 2014

£320m ‘Transformation Challenge’ – How your local authority can apply

HOW local authorities can apply to the government’s £320m fund to help councils transform local services. THE government has launched a £320m ‘Transformation Challenge Award’ it says will help councils...

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05 Apr 2014

Creative countryside – reproducing or redefining ‘rural’?

What does the future hold for the arts in rural areas? Jessica Sellick investigates. WHAT does the future hold for the arts in rural areas? Jessica Sellick investigates. With the...

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24 Mar 2014

Way forward for rural social enterprise?

SHOULD LEPs set distinct rural or social enterprise objectives, or should they mainstream those issues through their other objectives? Brian Wilson finds out. SHOULD LEPs set distinct rural or social...

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24 Feb 2014

Climate change and social justice

The impacts of climate change and policies to adapt to climate change may have unequal repercussions, including for vulnerable groups, finds Brian Wilson. The impacts of climate change and policies...

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16 Feb 2014

‘No decision about me, without me’?

Jessica Sellick looks at the changing face of healthcare and rural patient pathways. With cottage hospitals under threat, a shortage of doctors and dentists, lack of out of hour’s services...

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14 Jan 2014

Is the rural ‘Big Society’ delivering?

What can we learn from ‘Big Society’ approaches to delivering rural services? Jessica Sellick investigates. Back in 2010, the Prime Minister launched the ‘Big Society’, heralding a culture change where...

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