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.
06 Oct 2025
Rural Futures, Exploring the Potential of the Countryside
A new pamphlet, Rural Futures: The British Countryside and its Potential, has been published by the Fabian Society and The Countryside Charity (CPRE). Launched during the recent Labour Party Conference,...
Read more06 Oct 2025
Rural Housing Enablers Unlock 2,000 Affordable Homes Pipeline
A network of independent advisors working to tackle England’s rural housing crisis has paved the way for potentially more than 2,000 affordable homes to be built across the country. Action...
Read more06 Oct 2025
Northern Powergrid Foundation Grants Open Until 13 October
The Northern Powergrid Foundation is inviting applications for grants to help village groups and community organisations become more energy resilient. The deadline for applications is Sunday 13 October 2025. Grants...
Read more06 Oct 2025
Rural Households Invited to Share Views on Energy and Water Use
Rural households are being encouraged to take part in important new research from Rural England CIC, working with the University of Leicester, on how people in rural areas experience and...
Read more30 Sep 2025
Pretty Poverty in Cornwall: Report Exposes Rural Hardship
A new report has warned that deprivation in Cornwall’s rural communities is being overlooked because government measures fail to capture the reality of rural life. The Pretty Poverty Report: Cornwall...
Read more30 Sep 2025
Rural Homes Face Higher Costs In Net Zero Transition, New Study Warns
A new report commissioned by Rural England CIC and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), and undertaken by the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI), reveals the significant...
Read more30 Sep 2025
Urgent Funding Needed To Address Planning Recruitment Crisis
The RSN has joined over thirty leading organisations from across planning, housing, nature, and energy to sign a joint letter to Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook, calling for £6.8...
Read more30 Sep 2025
Government Announces New “Pride In Place” Programme
The Government has announced a new Pride in Place programme, which will hand local communities new powers and funding to revitalise high streets, public spaces, and community assets. The initiative...
Read more30 Sep 2025
Local Evidence Highlights Hidden Child Poverty
A new report from Citizens Advice Stroud & Cotswold Districts has exposed the extent of child poverty in areas often perceived as affluent. Child Poverty: Local Evidence – National Action...
Read more22 Sep 2025
Have Your Say: Delivering for All Survey
The Rural Services Network’s Delivering for All survey is now live – and we want to hear from you. If you live in a village, small town, hamlet or isolated...
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