Future of Rural Areas
The RSN is challenging often overlooked rural threats such as chronic underfunding, changes in population and diminishing resources.
14 Jul 2025
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill Launched
The Government introduced the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to Parliament last week, describing it as a landmark step in its ambition to decentralise power and drive local growth...
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24 Jun 2025
Decade-Long Infrastructure Strategy Unveiled with £725bn Investment Plan
The Government has published a new 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, setting out a long-term plan for investment in economic and social infrastructure across the country. The strategy aims to provide greater...
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27 May 2025
Real Rural Proofing Means Meaningful Change
The Government has published its latest update on rural proofing: The Government’s Approach to Rural Proofing 2025. It sets out examples of how departments have considered rural needs across areas...
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10 Mar 2025
Government Funding For Rural Communities Set Out
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced that rural communities across the country are set to benefit from up to £38 million in funding. Up to...
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14 Jan 2025
Government’s Response to Rural Services Network: Industrial Strategy Update
The government recently addressed the Rural Services Network’s (RSN) concerns regarding the new Industrial Strategy, which had been perceived as overlooking the potential and needs of rural areas. The response...
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06 Jan 2025
Update on the New Industrial Strategy Advisory Council
The government has recently unveiled the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC), a strategic initiative designed to bolster economic growth and enhance living standards nationwide. This announcement came from the Department...
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16 Dec 2024
Future of Planning Committees
The Government has announced last week a ‘sweeping overhaul of local planning committees, as part of new measures to tackle the housing crisis. Under new plans to modernise the planning...
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22 Nov 2024
Population Life Expectancies
This analysis presents the life expectancy by gender at birth in 2020-22. It provides for comparison the life expectancies for the rural-urban classifications. ? Download the Population Life Expectancies analysis here
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04 Nov 2024
Autumn Budget 2024
The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2024 presents a critical juncture for rural communities across the UK. As we pore over the details in the comprehensive budget document, the Rural Services Network...
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04 Nov 2024
Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy – Consultation Open
The government has released Invest 2035, a new industrial strategy aimed at establishing long-term economic growth across the UK. This green paper outlines key areas of investment in skills, infrastructure,...
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