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.
08 Mar 2021
Local Governments need the power to save their high streets
The Financial Times reports on the challenge facing the Government in helping the country emerge from lockdown and tackling a longer-term decline of town centres COVID-19 has ‘accelerated existing trends’...
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08 Mar 2021
UK Budget: the long road to levelling up
Following the chancellor’s delivery of the budget, papers including the Guardian and The Financial Times have reported on calls for the Government to publish the criteria by which £4.8bn of...
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08 Mar 2021
Contactless limit to more than double in bid to boost flagging High Street
The Daily Mail reports that shoppers will be able to spend up to £100 using contactless payments under new rules This is the second rise in the limit since last...
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08 Mar 2021
Hertfordshire publicans come to aid of local residents with new shop
Publicans Bianca and James Rix have opened a shop at The Fox & Hounds in Hunsdon to help local residents and those living in surrounding villages The Fox Shop was...
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08 Mar 2021
Rural Economy Spotlight – March 2021
A quarterly bulletin facilitated by your membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current rural economic development news, issues and opportunities UK Community Renewal Fund, Levelling Up...
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01 Mar 2021
Budget’s case for levelling up rural areas
An article written by Graham Biggs (Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network) has been featured by the The Yorkshire Post and this can be read below. The Rural Services...
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01 Mar 2021
Rural Shop Report 2021
ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) has urged the Government to recognise the importance of rural shops and ensure that they are not left playing catch up when it comes to...
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01 Mar 2021
Government urged to back UK rural tourism this summer
Farming UK has reported on calls for the Government to back British tourism this summer following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the country’s post-lockdown roadmap last week The sector welcomed...
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22 Feb 2021
Calls to cut business rates to save the High Street
Newspapers, including the Times, have reported on suggestions that the Government could help to revive high streets by providing funding that encourages landlords to convert empty shops into homes, offices...
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22 Feb 2021
Chancellor must do more to tackle rampant rural disadvantage, campaigners urge
New economic research reveals government spending per person on public infrastructure is 44% higher for urban areas than it is for rural areas. Rural Services Network, Britain’s Leading Edge, CPRE,...
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