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

23 Jul 2024

NFU Survey Reveals Connectivity Issues Still Holding Back Farmers

A recent NFU survey has revealed that poor mobile and broadband connectivity continues to significantly hinder farmers’ ability to run effective, food producing businesses. More than three quarters (76%) of members report...

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23 Jul 2024

Deputy Prime Minister Launches New Devolution Initiative to Empower Local Communities

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has pledged to kickstart a new devolution revolution to transfer more powers out of Westminster and into the hands of local people. In her first...

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18 Jul 2024

RSN Chief Executive Kerry Booth Reacts to King’s Speech

It is always interesting to hear the policies outlined in the Kings Speech and see where the Government plans to focus its efforts in the coming months, however often it...

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08 Jul 2024

District Councils Offer to the Next Government

The latest prospectus unveiled by the District Councils’ Network (DCN) outlines how district councils can collaborate effectively with the next Government. The document, titled “Closer to Communities: The district council...

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08 Jul 2024

Toolkit Supports Rural Businesses to Recruit and Retain Staff

A toolkit has been produced to help businesses and organisations in rural areas recruit and retain staff and become employers of choice. Developed from research in the Derbyshire Peak District...

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01 Jul 2024

NextGov: Key Asks from Rural Councils for the Next Government

In the lead-up to this week’s General Election, the future direction of rural policy is a topic of critical importance. Recently, our Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, contributed an insightful article...

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01 Jul 2024

Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis in Rural England

Rural Housing Week 2024 shines a spotlight on the pressing need for affordable housing in rural areas across England. As urban centres grow denser, the challenges faced by rural communities...

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01 Jul 2024

Rural Catalyst: Tackling Transportation Challenges in Rural Communities

Transportation in rural communities faces a multitude of challenges that can significantly impact residents’ quality of life, access to services, and economic opportunities. These challenges include limited public transport services,...

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24 Jun 2024

Ahead of the General Election, the Rural Coalition calls for stronger rural economies to boost national prosperity

24/06/2024 – The Rural Coalition, an alliance of twelve national organisations dedicated to enhancing rural life, is calling for attention to be given to boosting rural economies as part of...

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17 Jun 2024

Joint Appeal to Protect Rural Postal Services

ACRE, Plunkett UK, and the Rural Services Network (RSN) have jointly signed an open letter addressing significant concerns regarding Royal Mail. The letter is directed to the Secretary of State...

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