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.
10 Mar 2025
Government Funding For Rural Communities Set Out
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced that rural communities across the country are set to benefit from up to £38 million in funding. Up to...
Read more10 Mar 2025
LGIU Report Highlights Pressing Concerns for Local Government Finances
A recent report by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) has painted a stark picture of the financial pressures facing local councils in England. The LGIU’s 12th annual “State of...
Read more10 Mar 2025
Join ACRE in Celebrating Village Halls Week 2025
Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) is looking forward to the return of Village Halls Week, scheduled for 17-23 March 2025. Village Halls Week is an annual celebration that...
Read more10 Mar 2025
Rural Economy Spotlight – March 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 Government funding for rural communities set...
Read more03 Mar 2025
Digital Inclusion Action Plan Announced
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has unveiled a comprehensive Digital Inclusion Action Plan, a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing digital skills and access across the UK. This...
Read more03 Mar 2025
The Disappearing Rural Banks: Parliamentary Debates Over a Deepening Challenge
Recent discussions in the House of Commons have brought to light the severe implications of bank closures in rural areas. Led by Simon Hoare, MP for North Dorset, a debate...
Read more03 Mar 2025
Rural Connectivity Seminar: Strategic Partnerships and Insights to Bridge the Digital Divide
The RSN hosted our Rural Connectivity Seminar last week, focusing on addressing the significant digital disparities affecting rural communities across the country. This event brought together a diverse group of...
Read more24 Feb 2025
Urgent Need for Support Among UK’s Unpaid Carers
A recent State of Caring Survey conducted by Carers UK has exposed significant challenges faced by unpaid carers across the UK, revealing a distressing trend of overwhelm and inadequate support....
Read more18 Feb 2025
Pubs can be the solution to rural challenges
Publicans and their pubs can be the solution to many of the problems faced in rural areas, Pub is The Hub chief executive John Longden OBE has said. The statement...
Read more17 Feb 2025
Major Expansion in New Town Developments Across Britain
The Prime Minister has unveiled comprehensive plans for a new generation of towns across Britain, marking the largest housebuilding initiative since the post-war era. This ambitious project aims to address...
Read more