Rural Economies

Economic growth is widely acknowledged as essential for national wealth and prosperity, and is a priority for political parties. Rural economies, employing millions and home to a higher proportion of small businesses, have potential for growth if barriers are removed.

Hot Topics

27 Oct 2025

Environment Agency Set For Stronger Powers On Water Breaches

Water companies that commit environmental offences could soon face quicker and tougher fines of up to £500,000, under new measures proposed by the Government. A consultation has been launched to...

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27 Oct 2025

Eden Housing Secures £45m Funding To Boost Affordable Homes In Cumbria

Eden Housing, the 2,000-home housing association will use the increased financial capacity to deliver its Business Plan to invest in homes in North Cumbria. This includes building new affordable homes...

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27 Oct 2025

Petition Seeks Continued Support for Neighbourhood Plans

A petition has been launched urging the Government to continue funding for community-led Neighbourhood Plans, which enable towns, parishes and local groups to shape development in their areas. The petition,...

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20 Oct 2025

Funding Boost To Help Village Pubs Serve Communities

Rural pubs to receive funding to help broaden their services  As part of the Plan for Change, projects include community cafes, village stores and play areas  For every £1 invested...

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20 Oct 2025

Social Care Workforce Grows But Pressures Persist

The adult social care sector in England contributed an estimated £77.8 billion to the economy in 2024/25, according to Skills for Care’s latest report. The State of the Adult Social...

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13 Oct 2025

RSN Joins Sector Call To Unfreeze Local Housing Allowance

The Rural Services Network (RSN) has joined more than 40 leading housing, homelessness, and anti-poverty organisations in signing a joint letter to the UK Government urging action to unfreeze Local...

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13 Oct 2025

More Than A Minibus: The Reality Of Rural Transport

This week is Community Transport Week, a nationwide celebration of the extraordinary role that community transport plays in helping people stay connected. Across rural England, community transport schemes are a...

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13 Oct 2025

Community At The Heart Of New Plunkett UK Partnership

Community business charity Plunkett UK is delighted to announce a new three-year strategic partnership with the country’s largest homebuilder, Barratt Redrow. The partnership between the two organisations is founded on...

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13 Oct 2025

Understanding How Rural Communities Experience Flooding

New doctoral research is shedding light on how rural communities experience and respond to flooding and why their needs often differ from those of larger towns and cities. Dr Dan...

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13 Oct 2025

Mobile Connectivity Transforming Culture and Heritage

A new Mobile UK mini-report, Transforming Culture and Heritage in the Digital Age, explores how mobile connectivity, particularly 4G and 5G, is reshaping the UK’s culture and heritage sector. The...

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