Future of Rural Areas

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

Hot Topics

28 Apr 2017

‘Action needed now on rural housing’

Urgent action is needed to provide more affordable homes in the countryside, says the Rural Services Network. The network issued the warning in response to a report by MPs which...

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28 Apr 2017

Reaction to ‘Housing – State of the Nation’ report

PRESS RELEASEFor immediate release Friday 28 April 2017 RSN chief executive Graham Biggs said: “Housing is consistently rated as one of the top challenges facing rural communities across the country....

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27 Apr 2017

Call for rural productivity evidence

Rural businesses and communities are being asked to help explore issues around rural productivity and growth in south-west England. The South West Rural Productivity Commission has been established as a...

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26 Apr 2017

‘Digital tax’ proposal ditched – for now

Rural businesses have welcomed a government decision to drop its Making Tax Digital plan from the Finance Bill. The plan would have required businesses to submit tax information online rather than...

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20 Apr 2017

Don’t punish diesel drivers – rural MP

The government must not punish motorists who drive diesel vehicles, a prominent rural MP has warned. Diesel vehicles emit far higher levels of nitrogen oxides than petrol vehicles – prompting...

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19 Apr 2017

‘Missed chance’ to tackle fly-tipping

Government plans to tackle the scourge of fly-tipping are a missed opportunity, rural leaders have warned. Published earlier this month, the government’s Litter Strategy for England intends to curb illegal...

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18 Apr 2017

‘Rural voice must be heard in election’

RURAL communities must not be sidelined by politicians standing in the general election, the Rural Services Network has warned. The network issued the warning after Prime Minister Theresa May called...

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18 Apr 2017

Reaction to 2017 general election announcement

PRESS RELEASEFor immediate release Tuesday 18 April 2017 RSN chief executive Graham Biggs said: “The Prime Minister called this general election to strengthen the UK’s hand during Brexit negotiations.” “Given...

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05 Apr 2017

Bank closures to hit rural businesses

A fresh round of bank branch closures threatens to make life difficult for rural firms, say business leaders. Some 100 branches owned by the Lloyds Banking Group are expected to...

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02 Apr 2017

Fibre ‘best’ to bring broadband to final 5%

Fibre is the best way to bring broadband to rural areas – but it is also the most expensive, says Daniel Heery. I recently found myself driving to the heart...

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