Politics
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Following legal advice, the Secretary of State has withdrawn his original decision to postpone 30 local elections due to take place in May 2026.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...
Read more
01 Feb 2026
February 2026
Health And Social Care In Rural Communities MPs raised questions about the provision of health and social care services in rural communities during Health and Social Care oral questions. Torcuil...
Read more
01 Jan 2026
January 2026
English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill Ahead of Committee stage, peers debated the Bill in the House of Lords, focusing on its overall purpose and the scope of powers proposed...
Read more
22 Apr 2025
Will Metro Mayors Deliver for the Countryside?
On Thursday 1 May 2025, voters in parts of England will head to the polls to elect metro mayors for several combined authority areas. These roles come with strategic powers...
Read more
17 Mar 2025
New Planning and Infrastructure Bill
The government’s recent announcement of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill promises sweeping reforms aimed at catalysing what is described as the “biggest building boom” in a generation. With the ambitious...
Read more
03 Mar 2025
The Disappearing Rural Banks: Parliamentary Debates Over a Deepening Challenge
Recent discussions in the House of Commons have brought to light the severe implications of bank closures in rural areas. Led by Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, a debate...
Read more
11 Feb 2025
Key Updates on Local Government Devolution Plan
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has unveiled a comprehensive devolution package set to transform local governance across several regions in England. Under the leadership of Deputy Prime...
Read more
06 Jan 2025
Growing the Rural Economy: Insights from the House of Lords Debate
On the last day before the festive recess, the House of Lords held a significant debate, initiated by the Lord Bishop of St Albans, focusing on the crucial role and...
Read more
25 Nov 2024
UK Farming at a Crossroads: Tax Reforms, NFU Insights, and RABI Support
A House of Lords debate held on 21st November, led by Baroness Northover, centred on the pressing issues facing farming families, particularly in light of recent governmental budget announcements impacting...
Read more
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...
Read more