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.

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19 Jan 2026

Help Shape the Future of Community Energy Schemes

Ofgem is inviting members of the public to take part in new user research exploring how renewable energy initiatives can better serve local communities, in both urban and rural areas....

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12 Jan 2026

NRCN Publishes Annual Report 2025

The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) has published its Annual Report 2025, setting out a year of progress in raising the profile of rural crime and strengthening the case for...

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12 Jan 2026

ONS Review Of Local Data Raises Questions For Place-Based Policymaking

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has indicated it is reviewing the scope, sequencing and frequency of some sub-national statistical outputs as part of a wider programme to prioritise its...

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12 Jan 2026

Lords Report Warns UK Is Unprepared For An Ageing Society

A new report from the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has warned that the UK is significantly underprepared for the economic and social impacts of an ageing population. The...

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12 Jan 2026

Over 100 Rural Mobile Masts Upgraded To Improve 4G Coverage

The government has announced a major milestone in improving mobile connectivity across rural Britain, with more than 100 mobile masts now upgraded to provide 4G coverage from all major mobile...

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06 Jan 2026

Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026/27

The Government has published the provisional local government finance settlement for 2026/27, outlining planned funding allocations for local authorities in England and launching a statutory consultation on its proposals. While...

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05 Jan 2026

Call For Evidence: Young People And Work

The Government has launched an open Call for Evidence to inform a major new Young People and Work report, commissioned in November 2025 and led by the Right Honourable Alan...

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05 Jan 2026

New Satellite Technology Could Transform Rural Connectivity

The Countryside Alliance recently hosted a parliamentary roundtable on rural digital connectivity, bringing together parliamentarians, policymakers and industry experts to explore how next-generation technology could help close the digital divide...

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15 Dec 2025

Local Government Finance Settlement Due

Local Authorities across the country are waiting for the Provisional local Government Finance Settlement, due to be published this week. This will be the first settlement following changes made to...

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15 Dec 2025

Government Unveils Child Poverty Strategy for 2030

The Government has published its new Child Poverty Strategy, setting out measures it says will lift around 550,000 children out of poverty by the end of this Parliament. The strategy...

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