Analysis & Commentary
15 Jan 2018
Poor social mobility in rural areas
Many of the places where people from disadvantaged backgrounds are least likely to make social progress are rural areas, notes Brian Wilson. Shortly before standing down the Social Mobility Commission published its...
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29 Nov 2017
Why rural post offices are essential
Despite changing lifestyles, rural communities are significant users of post offices and clearly value them, says Brian Wilson. It seems reasonable to speculate that post offices have special value to...
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15 Oct 2017
Rural homelessness – an invisible issue?
What can be done to prevent and relieve homelessness in rural areas? Jessica Sellick investigates. Not having a home can affect a person’s ability to live, work, enjoy and get...
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13 Sep 2017
Somewheres and Anywheres
A think piece by Dr Gary Bosworth (University of Lincoln) on David Goodhart’s best-seller The Road to Somewhere; The new tribes shaping British politics” in light of his presentation to...
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17 Aug 2017
Mixed progress on fuel poverty
There’s a powerful case for fuel poverty initiatives that target rural areas. But are we overlooking a related concern, asks Brian Wilson. There’s a powerful case for fuel poverty initiatives...
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14 Aug 2017
Top five rural broadband questions
Broadband expert Daniel Heery answers the Top Five questions asked about obtaining faster rural internet access. Broadband expert Daniel Heery answers the Top Five most frequently asked questions by delegates...
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07 May 2017
How to tackle rural financial exclusion
With many local bank branches disappearing and a growing emphasis on digital services, what can be done to tackle financial exclusion in rural places? Jessica Sellick investigates. Many people in...
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20 Apr 2017
Resilience within the third sector
Many third sector organisations are proving resilient, but others are struggling, finds Brian Wilson. Many third sector organisations are proving resilient, but others are struggling, finds Brian Wilson. Think tank...
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02 Apr 2017
Fibre ‘best’ to bring broadband to final 5%
Fibre is the best way to bring broadband to rural areas – but it is also the most expensive, says Daniel Heery. I recently found myself driving to the heart...
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27 Mar 2017
The Buses Bill: What’s in it for rural services?
The Buses Bill must deliver for rural communities, says Claire Walters. Set for royal assent in May this year, the Buses Bill is being widely heralded as an opportunity to...
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