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.
01 Dec 2025
Institute Of Economic Development Unveils 2025 Award Winners
The Institute of Economic Development (iED) has revealed the winners of its Annual Awards 2025 at a celebratory ceremony in Manchester. More than 150 delegates gathered in the Grand Ballroom...
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24 Nov 2025
Budget Countdown: Will Rural England Be Seen and Heard?
With the Autumn Budget announcement set for tomorrow, speculation has dominated political coverage in recent weeks. From tax changes to energy support, much of the debate remains uncertain, but for...
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24 Nov 2025
Rural Taskforce Work Progresses as DEFRA Sets Out Growth Plan
Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds used her speech at the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) Rural Business Conference last week to set out the Government’s ambition for a...
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24 Nov 2025
RTPI Calls for Rural Focus in English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has published an amendment briefing calling for the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to explicitly recognise and address the needs of rural communities....
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24 Nov 2025
Small Grants Scheme Reopens for Village Halls in England
Village halls in England can once again apply for small grants to support improvements, as the Defra-funded scheme managed by Action with Rural Communities in England (ACRE) has reopened. The...
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20 Nov 2025
Continuing the Warm Home Discount Scheme
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Closed 20 November 2025 Continuing the Warm Home Discount Scheme This consultation aimed to secure the continuation of support for around 6 million...
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18 Nov 2025
Removing Rural Barriers Could Unlock Major Opportunities
The House of Lords Social Mobility Policy Committee has today published its report Social Mobility: Local Roots, Lasting Change setting out how educational and work opportunities must be better integrated...
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18 Nov 2025
Councils Warn SEND System At Risk Of Collapse Without Urgent Reform
New analysis from the County Councils Network (CCN) warns that England’s SEND system is “on course for total collapse” unless the government brings forward long-promised reforms. The CCN–Isos Partnership report...
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18 Nov 2025
Nature Not a Blocker to Housing
The Environmental Audit Committee has published a report on Environmental Sustainability and Housing Growth, concluding that nature is not a “blocker” to new housing and warning that environmental protections must...
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18 Nov 2025
IPPR Urges Government To Cut Energy And Food Bills
Ahead of the upcoming budget announcement, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has published new proposals calling on the Government to launch an Australian-style “war on bills”, with a...
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