Government Policy 2026
24 Mar 2026
The Rural Reality: Heating Oil Pressures Continue
Following our recent coverage of rising heating oil costs, the Rural Services Network has continued to hear directly from members about the real-world impact on rural households and communities. As...
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24 Mar 2026
Tougher Measures Unveiled To Tackle Waste Crime
The Government has announced a new Waste Crime Action Plan, setting out a tougher, “zero-tolerance” approach to illegal dumping across England. The plan includes stronger enforcement powers for the Environment...
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16 Mar 2026
New Planning Measures Aimed at Accelerating Homes and Infrastructure
The government has announced a package of regulatory changes aimed at speeding up the delivery of housing, transport and clean energy projects, while maintaining environmental protections. New Strategic Policy Statements...
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09 Mar 2026
Spring Forecast: Growth Promised, Rural Gap Persists
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, set out the Government’s Spring Forecast to Parliament last week, arguing that the Government’s economic plan is beginning to deliver results, with falling inflation, reduced borrowing...
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09 Mar 2026
SEND Reforms Overlook School Transport
New plans designed to help local authorities manage the rising cost of supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) leave significant questions unanswered, particularly around the growing cost...
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09 Mar 2026
Post Office Plans Still Miss Rural Realities, Says Plunkett UK
Plunkett UK has responded to the Government’s recent announcement on the future of the Post Office, acknowledging several positive commitments – but warning that the framework still lacks a full...
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02 Mar 2026
New £50m Homelessness Support Package
The Government has announced over £50 million in new funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping across England, as part of its £3.6 billion National Plan to End Homelessness. The...
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24 Feb 2026
SEND investment to support inclusion in every school and community
The government has announced a £4 billion investment to reform support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside the publication of its forthcoming schools...
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23 Feb 2026
May 2026 Local Elections Confirmed to Proceed
Following legal advice, the Secretary of State has withdrawn his original decision to postpone 30 local elections due to take place in May 2026. He has written to council leaders and key stakeholders to confirm this...
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23 Feb 2026
Environment Agency Expands Use Of Technology To Tackle Waste Crime
The Environment Agency (EA) has announced an enhanced package of surveillance, detection and investigative tools aimed at preventing and disrupting waste crime, as part of a wider enforcement crackdown published...
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