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.
17 Jun 2024
Balancing Growth: Ensuring Sustainable Development in Rural Areas
The below article was recently published in LOCALGOV, on the need for sustainable development in rural areas. It is reprinted in full below and can be accessed at this link....
Read more
10 Jun 2024
Rural Services Network Urges Action on 4G Connectivity Challenges in Rural Areas
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee’s recent publication has raised serious concerns about the UK’s ability to meet its 2025 target of extending 4G coverage to 95% of the...
Read more
10 Jun 2024
Digital Poverty Alliance: National Digital Poverty Overview 2024
The Rural Services Network is pleased to share the 2024 National Digital Poverty Overview, a pivotal report by the Digital Poverty Alliance. This comprehensive document addresses the ongoing issue of...
Read more
10 Jun 2024
Rural Economy Spotlight – June 2024
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities Winning the rural vote – unleashing...
Read more
03 Jun 2024
Securing Rural Futures: Engaging PPCs in the Winning the Rural Vote Campaign
As members of the Rural Services Network (RSN), our collective commitment to advocating for the needs of rural communities remains unwavering. With the deadline for Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) to submit...
Read more
28 May 2024
Enhancing Rural Connectivity: Progress and Future Prospects
In a recent parliamentary session, Simon Fell, Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness, engaged with the Digital Infrastructure Minister, Julia Lopez, about advancing rural connectivity. Highlighting the success of...
Read more
20 May 2024
Empowering Rural Communities with Digital Connectivity
In the tranquil settings of rural Britain, there exists a significant challenge that often goes unnoticed—digital connectivity. Ensuring equitable digital access across all areas is a pressing issue, affecting the...
Read more
20 May 2024
New Powers to Revitalise High Streets and Fill Empty Shops by Summer 2024
New powers for communities to regenerate high streets and fill empty shops will be in force by the summer, the government announced last week. High Street Rental Auctions, a new...
Read more
20 May 2024
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Hotels Vote for ‘Tourist Tax’
As reported in the Press, The first coastal ‘tourist tax’ in the UK is set to be introduced in Dorset, targeting visitors to Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole from July 1st....
Read more
20 May 2024
Farms Consider More Direct Sales To Combat Rising Costs
Farms in parts of England are looking to boost income by selling more products direct to customers having been the sector in the rural economy hardest hit by rising costs,...
Read more