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

19 Aug 2025

Fair Funding: RSN Makes The Case For Rural Local Authorities

The Rural Services Network (RSN) has submitted its response to the Government’s Fair Funding 2.0 consultation, which closed on 15 August. The RSN is the only national body dedicated to...

Read more

19 Aug 2025

New Report Highlights Ongoing Rural Service Challenges

Rural England CIC has today published its latest State of Rural Services 2025 report, providing an updated and detailed picture of how people living in rural areas across England access...

Read more

18 Aug 2025

MPs Call For Urgent Action To Reverse Bus Service Decline

The Transport Committee has warned that bus services in England have suffered a decade of decline, leaving many communities — particularly in smaller towns, coastal areas, and the countryside —...

Read more

18 Aug 2025

Meet Mova: Delivering Digital Infrastructure Where It Matters Most

In a world where connectivity is no longer a luxury but a lifeline, Mova is helping transform the nation’s digital landscape. As a joint venture owned by the UK’s mobile...

Read more

18 Aug 2025

How SMEB is Supporting Communities in the Rural Financial Divide

As traditional bank branches disappear from rural high streets it has impacted local businesses and communities. However there are solutions now stepping up to bridge this gap. At the forefront...

Read more

12 Aug 2025

Rural Health & Care – Tackling Inequalities, Building Resilience

Rural Health & Care Thursday 18 September 2025 | 10:00 – 12:00 Part of the National Rural Conference 2025 Bookings now open for RSN members: View the full programme Access...

Read more

11 Aug 2025

NESO launches first Whole Systems Innovation Strategy

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has published its first Whole Systems Innovation Strategy alongside its Innovation Annual Summary. Developed through extensive engagement with industry, the strategy takes a whole...

Read more

11 Aug 2025

£6 million boost for affordable housing in Northumberland

Northumberland County Council has secured over £6 million from the government’s Brownfield Housing Fund to deliver new affordable homes on redundant and underused sites. The funding — totalling £6.075 million...

Read more

11 Aug 2025

End Digital Poverty Day 2025: Share your plans. Shape the national picture

On Friday 12 September, people and organisations across the UK will mark End Digital Poverty Day – a national moment for coordinated, visible action. Launched by the Digital Poverty Alliance...

Read more

11 Aug 2025

Plunkett UK and Wates Unite for Sustainable, Thriving Rural Places

Wates Developments, a land, planning and development specialist driven by the purpose of creating places people can thrive, has announced a three-year strategic partnership with Plunkett UK. The new partnership...

Read more