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.
04 Aug 2025
Community Power at the Heart of New Rural Development
A trailblazing community business in West Sussex is demonstrating how local enterprise can help shape inclusive, resilient places — right from the start of a new development. The Woodgate Community...
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04 Aug 2025
Anchoring Prosperity: Universities and Local Economies
A new report by the Institute of Economic Development (iED) and AtkinsRéalis “puts universities at the centre of the debate on how to generate growth in local and regional economies...
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04 Aug 2025
What is a Rural Housing Enabler?
The term Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) comes up frequently in discussions about tackling the rural housing crisis—but what do they actually do? Rural Housing Enablers are independent facilitators who work...
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04 Aug 2025
Liquid Gas UK: Net Zero Must Work for All
Liquid Gas UK has responded to new survey findings by the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), which highlights the high cost of installing heat pumps remain a major barrier for...
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04 Aug 2025
£1million Revamp Of Clitheroe Town Centre Nears Completion
A £1million revamp of Clitheroe town centre featuring a raft of on-street improvements is nearing completion. Over £700,000 of improvements to Castle Street, including the narrowing of the road, resurfacing...
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28 Jul 2025
Championing Rural Fairness: RSN Drives Response to Fair Funding Consultation
The Rural Services Network (RSN) is leading a proactive response to the Government’s Fair Funding Review consultation, calling for urgent action to end the funding inequalities that continue to disadvantage...
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28 Jul 2025
Committee Warns Local Government Finance System is ‘Broken’
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has issued a stark warning that the current local government funding system is no longer sustainable – calling for urgent reform to protect...
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28 Jul 2025
Consultation Opens on Proposed Reforms to WaterSure Scheme
DEFRA has launched a consultation on proposed reforms to the WaterSure scheme, which supports low-income households in England with high essential water use by capping their water and sewerage bills....
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28 Jul 2025
Rural Connectivity Still Falling Short As Farmers Call For Urgent Action
The latest NFU digital access survey reveals that rural broadband and mobile coverage still falls short of what British farming businesses need – with over a fifth of respondents unable...
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28 Jul 2025
Giving Every Child The Best Start In Life
The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South), recently delivered a statement to Parliament outlining the Government’s new Best Start in Life strategy. The plan sets...
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