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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...

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12 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...

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01 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...

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22 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...

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08 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...

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29 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...

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29 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...

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11 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...

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04 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...

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04 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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