Barriers to Access

The RSN campaigns to help rural residents overcome multiple access barriers to key services which includes poor transport and broadband.

Hot Topics

08 Oct 2018

Smart Rural Transport Areas (SMARTA) Project

Introduction SMARTA is an international research and demonstration project which is developing new insights into the challenges faced by rural communities across the world in maintaining good transport and accessibility....

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08 Oct 2018

Borrowing cap scrapped

There was broad media coverage of Theresa May’s  speech at the Conservative Party Conference, during which she announced that she is lifting the borrowing cap on local councils to help...

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08 Oct 2018

Calls for a online sales tax

The Times reports on calls from the Tesco boss for a two per cent tax on goods sold online to support ‘bricks-and-mortar’ retailers. Dave Lewis, Tesco’s chief executive, said an...

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08 Oct 2018

Are we really headed for a cashless rural society?

How we pay for goods and services, and how we access cash are changing rapidly with rural consequences, finds Brian Wilson. The continuing closure of bank branches, along with recent...

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01 Oct 2018

Plans announced to save rural banks

Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Rebecca Long-Bailey MP was interviewed by the Eastern Daily Press during the Labour Party Conference about plans to protect rural...

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24 Sep 2018

Herefordshire boost

Some of the hardest to reach homes and businesses in Herefordshire are set to benefit from faster broadband thanks to an innovative new approach. Herefordshire Council’s broadband initiative, Fastershire has...

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17 Sep 2018

Post Office’s results showed profits rise

ITV News covered the Post Office’s financial results, which showed that it has continued to enjoy profit growth for the second consecutive year. The positive figures were driven by financial...

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17 Sep 2018

Free cash machines could disappear

The Times highlighted concerns that free cash machines could disappear within the next decade, following figures showing that 250 machines per month are closing as consumers opt for cashless payment...

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17 Sep 2018

RSN Briefing on Broadband USO

Implementing the Broadband USO Briefing note by the Rural Services Network September 2018 (This briefing note can be downloaded here) Context Despite the achievements of the Government’s superfast broadband programme,...

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10 Sep 2018

Concerns about rural access to banking

Yorkshire Coast Radio reported on plans by the Chair of North Yorkshire Council to write to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Secretary of...

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