cost of living
27 Aug 2024
Councils Face ‘Cliff-Edge’ as Household Support Fund Nears Expiration
As the end of September approaches, rural communities across the UK are bracing for the potential fallout from the expiration of the Household Support Fund (HSF). The Local Government Association...
Read more12 Aug 2024
Concerns Mount Over Proposed Changes to Winter Fuel Allowance
The proposed changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA), recently announced by the Chancellor, have sparked widespread concern, particularly among organisations dedicated to supporting older adults. The changes would see...
Read more01 Jul 2024
Celebrating One Year of the Rural Homelessness Counts Coalition
As we reach the one-year anniversary of the Rural Homelessness Counts Coalition during Rural Housing Week, we want to reaffirm our collective dedication to ending rural homelessness. As a member...
Read more22 Apr 2024
Energy Efficiency in Rural Areas: Challenges and Insights on Insulation Schemes
The Great British Housing Insulation Scheme, launched in March last year, aimed to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency in homes across England, Scotland, and Wales. Given the significant...
Read more08 Apr 2024
Rural Digital Inclusion: Navigating the Digital Divide
The landscape of digital inclusion across the UK’s rural communities is undergoing a critical examination, underscored by the comprehensive studies conducted by the University of Liverpool and its partners. The...
Read more29 Jan 2024
A Closer Look at Poverty Challenges
Recent findings from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation “UK Poverty 2024” report highlights significant poverty issues in the UK. Here are some key takeaways: Widespread Poverty: Over 14 million people, including...
Read more29 Jan 2024
University of Exeter Launches Teacher Training Hubs to Boost Rural Education
In a significant development aimed at addressing teacher recruitment challenges in rural areas, the University of Exeter has announced the opening of new teacher training hubs. This initiative is designed...
Read more11 Dec 2023
Rural Homelessness raised in Parliament
In the last week, Sir John Hayes posed a written question to the Government asking: “To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps he...
Read more04 Dec 2023
MPs debate unfair rural funding
Rural MPs had a clear message for the government during their Westminster Hall debate last week on the funding of rural councils; act now or councils will go bust and...
Read more04 Dec 2023
Government rules out extra help for off-grid homes this winter
The government has ruled out extra support for people living in off the energy grid homes this winter – for now. South Holland and The Deepings MP, Sir John Hayes...
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