Analysis & Commentary
06 Sep 2016
How to make ‘rural data’ count
How can we use data to make a stronger case for rural? Jessica Sellick investigates. Rural-relevant data and statistics are scattered across different websites, in different formats, with different indicators....
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21 Aug 2016
Avoiding the rural unemployment cliff
What can we do to help rural people missing out on employment opportunities? Jessica Sellick investigates. Unemployment is falling, but many people are struggling. What can we do to help...
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07 Aug 2016
Shaking up or short-changing rural?
What role is (and could) philanthropy play in rural communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. When most of us hear the word ‘philanthropy’ we think of wealthy individuals supporting worthwhile causes. So...
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19 Jul 2016
Getting broadband to the final 5%
Alternative technologies and suppliers show real promise as a means to deliver broadband to remote rural communities, finds Brian Wilson. Alternative technologies and suppliers show real promise as a...
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21 Jun 2016
Will devolution really benefit rural areas?
Will devolution open up opportunities for rural economic growth and regeneration? Jessica Sellick investigates. As part of plans to rebalance the economy, Government is keen to devolve powers to regions....
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23 May 2016
Escaping the rural pay penalty
Those who start out and then stay in rural jobs find themselves earning the least, finds Brian Wilson. Dr Martin Culliney of Sheffield Hallam University has published a journal article...
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08 May 2016
Universities and local authorities – working together for “rural” people and places?
How are universities and local authorities working together – and is this benefiting rural areas? Jessica Sellick investigates. Through their teaching and research, universities are now seen as critical in...
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08 May 2016
We’re all complicit in housing crisis
Developing new homes in many parts of rural England has been far too difficult, says David Orr. We have a choice between a rural future of slowly atrophying villages being...
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21 Mar 2016
Revealed: Defra’s rural policy plan
Defra’s departmental plan details its policy priorities for 2015-2020. But what does it include? Jessica Sellick takes a look. The departmental plan published by the Department for Environment, Food and...
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13 Mar 2016
Where next for Place-based working?
Many local authorities are thinking about or implementing new models of place-based working. Jessica Sellick investigates. Many local authorities are thinking about or implementing new models of place-based working. In...
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