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.
09 Jun 2025
Spotlight on Bank Closures and Rural Communities
Bank closures and their impact on rural communities were firmly in the national spotlight last week, with the issue debated in Parliament and discussed on Sky News. Ahead of the...
Read more
09 Jun 2025
NAO Highlights Weaknesses in Developer Contributions System
A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) highlights significant weaknesses in the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government’s (MHCLG) developer contributions system in England — a key...
Read more
09 Jun 2025
New Bill Aims to Strengthen Controls on Second Homes and Short-Term Lets
A new Private Members’ Bill has been introduced to Parliament that seeks to tighten planning rules for short-term holiday lets and second homes. The proposal would require property owners to...
Read more
09 Jun 2025
Spending Review: £1bn Call to Tackle Bus Service Gaps
Campaign for Better Transport is calling for an additional £1 billion a year for buses as its analysis reveals four out of every ten wards in England and Wales (3,003...
Read more
09 Jun 2025
Government Announces £7.6m For Local Government Reorganisation Proposals
The Government has published details of Proposal Development Contributions: Area Allocations, setting out funding to support areas submitting proposals for Local Government Reorganisation. £7.6 million has been made available to...
Read more
27 May 2025
Real Rural Proofing Means Meaningful Change
The Government has published its latest update on rural proofing: The Government’s Approach to Rural Proofing 2025. It sets out examples of how departments have considered rural needs across areas...
Read more
27 May 2025
New RISE Report Shows Coastal And Rural Young People Missing Out On University
Higher education opportunities are being increasingly restricted for the poorest young people from rural and coastal communities. The Coast and Country: Access to higher education cold spots in England shows...
Read more
27 May 2025
New Figures Expose Rural Fuel Poverty Gap
DEFRA’s latest Statistical Digest of Rural England (May 2025) shines a spotlight on the ongoing issue of fuel poverty in rural areas, revealing the tough reality faced by many rural...
Read more
27 May 2025
Developments in Energy Infrastructure
The Government has published a new working paper and accompanying press release addressing proposals for community benefits and shared ownership relating to low carbon energy infrastructure. These documents are now...
Read more
27 May 2025
Report Highlights the Role of Mobile Technology in Agriculture
A new report from Mobile UK, Sowing the Seeds of Agricultural Transformation, explores how mobile technology is being integrated into agriculture and the potential impact it may have on the...
Read more