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.
08 Sep 2025
Funding Opportunity: A Chance To Turn Bold Ideas Into Real Change
Applications are now open for the 2026 Churchill Fellowships, giving UK citizens a unique opportunity to explore global solutions to the challenges facing communities today. Every year, the Churchill Fellowship...
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08 Sep 2025
Community Right To Buy A Step Closer Following Parliamentary Vote
The English Devolution Bill, which contains proposed legislation for a Community Right to Buy, passed its second reading in the House of Commons last week (2 September). It will now...
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04 Sep 2025
Rural Economy Spotlight – September 2025
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities Rural Economy & Regeneration – Driving...
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01 Sep 2025
Affordable Housing and Rural Transport Challenges in Lancashire
BBC North West recently reported on the difficulties faced by people living and working in the village of Silverdale, Lancashire. The coverage highlighted two issues familiar across many rural areas:...
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01 Sep 2025
Rural Economy & Regeneration – Driving Growth And Opportunity
Monday 15 September 2025 | 13:30 – 15:30 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme A thriving rural economy underpins...
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01 Sep 2025
Government Expands Childcare and Holiday Support for Families
The Government has announced a major expansion of childcare support, set to save working parents up to £7,500 per year. From September, families with children aged 9 months up to...
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01 Sep 2025
RSN Joins Call To End Permitted Development Rules Costing 28,000 Affordable Homes
Campaigners from local government, housing providers, and homelessness charities have signed an open letter calling on Government to scrap permitted development rights (PDR) that have cost thousands of affordable homes....
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26 Aug 2025
Thousands More Checks, Tests And Scans Now Available Out Of Hours
The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that 100 Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) across England are now offering out-of-hours services, open 12 hours a day, seven days a...
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26 Aug 2025
Government Launches £9.5 Million Fund To Tackle Digital Exclusion
The Government has announced a new £9.5 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund to support local councils, charities and community organisations in helping more people get online. The fund is designed...
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26 Aug 2025
Council Housing Blueprint Could Offer Rural Lifeline
A new report by Policy Exchange has called on the Government to commit to building 100,000 high-quality council homes annually—and its recommendations could have significant implications for rural areas. The...
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