Future of Rural Areas

The RSN is challenging often overlooked rural threats such as chronic underfunding, changes in population and diminishing resources.

Hot Topics

09 Jun 2018

Councils team up to woo rural youngsters

Two rural councils have teamed up with two national park authorities in a bid to persuade youngsters to continue living in the countryside. Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery...

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09 Jun 2018

Defra steps up fight against fly-tipping

Defra secretary Michael Gove has announced plans to beef up the government fight against illegally dumped waste – much of it in the countryside. A call for evidence launched on Sunday...

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07 Jun 2018

MPs debate crime and rural services

MPs have called on the government to ensure rural communities are not disadvantaged in the delivery or quality of public services. The call was made during a debate on Wednesday...

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31 May 2018

Rural housing in conference spotlight

Ways of delivering more affordable rural housing will be discussed at a major conference in London next month. With the theme Saving Rural Communities, the 2018 Rural Housing Conference is...

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31 May 2018

Rural groups react to national park review

Rural businesses say the government’s review of national parks could fuel economic growth in the countryside. But countryside conservation campaigners argue that ensuring landscapes remain properly protected should be a...

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30 May 2018

Criminals raid villages for 4×4 vehicles

Land Rover Defenders and luxury 4x4s are being stolen to order in a countryside crime wave, says rural insurer NFU Mutual. Theft claims relating to the vehicle are up 14%...

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28 May 2018

Award highlights rural bus services

The importance of rural bus services has been highlighted by an award to find Britain’s most scenic route. More than 15,000 bus passengers across the UK voted for their favourite...

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27 May 2018

Defra launches review of National Parks

The government has launched a review to see if there is scope to increase the number of England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Beauty (AONBs). An independent panel will...

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27 May 2018

Rural concern over draft planning policy

Rural leaders have warned that the government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework could worsen the provision of affordable housing in the countryside. Nine organisations – including the Rural Services Network...

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24 May 2018

Councils in rural school transport warning

County councils say it is increasingly difficult to fund free school transport for rural pupils because costs are ten times higher than in neighbouring cities. New analysis from the County...

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