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.

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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,...

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06 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...

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06 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...

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06 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...

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30 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...

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30 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...

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30 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...

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30 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...

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30 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...

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22 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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