Rural Services Network

28/05/2026

🚨 Call for Evidence: Rural Resilience & Off-Gas Grid Heating

The APPG for Rural Services has launched a new inquiry exploring:

🏡 Off-gas grid homes
⚡ Rural energy costs
🌱 The transition to net zero

The inquiry is seeking evidence, case studies and lived experience to help shape future discussions with Parliamentarians and policymakers.

📅 Deadline: 30 June 2026
📧 Submit to: [email protected]

Find out more here: https://rsnonline.org.uk/call-for-evidence-rural-resilience

28/05/2026

🎧 Recently, Kerry Booth, Chief Executive of the Rural Services Network, joined The CLA podcast to discuss fair funding, rural proofing, devolution and the future of rural public services.

A timely and wide-ranging conversation on the challenges, and untapped potential, facing rural communities across England.

➡ Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562814/episodes/19026227-15-minutes-with-kerry-booth-chief-executive-rural-services-network

21/05/2026

New research from Good Things Foundation and Sport England has highlighted the growing link between digital exclusion and participation in sport and physical activity.

The report explores how barriers such as poor connectivity, lack of suitable devices, low digital confidence, online safety concerns, and inaccessible booking systems can prevent people from accessing opportunities to get active.

The findings also highlight the important role trusted local organisations and community hubs can play in supporting both digital inclusion and healthier lifestyles.

While national in scope, many of the challenges identified, including connectivity, affordability and access to local opportunities, will resonate strongly with rural and coastal communities.

Find out more ➡ https://rsnonline.org.uk/new-research-highlights-digital-barriers-to-getting-active

19/05/2026

The King’s Speech set out a national vision for growth and reform, but how visible were rural communities within it?

RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth reflects on the rural implications of the King’s Speech and the continuing need for fair funding, rural proofing and a cross-government Rural Strategy.

➡ https://rsnonline.org.uk/a-national-vision-but-where-is-rural-britain

15/05/2026

👏

15/05/2026

This week the King’s Speech 2026 set out major reforms across housing, health, energy, education, digital services and tourism, but what could they mean for rural communities?

We’ve taken an initial look at some of the key proposals, highlighting:

✔ Potential opportunities for rural areas

⚠ Key questions and risks

📍 The possible bottom line for rural communities

From social housing and NHS reform to digital access and energy infrastructure, many of these policies could bring benefits, but delivery in rural areas will matter enormously.

Here is our early rural perspective based on current Government briefing information. The full impact will depend on the detail of future legislation and implementation. ⏬

12/05/2026

New research from Rural England CIC has highlighted the very different energy and water pressures facing rural households across England.

The report found that many rural homes rely on alternatives to mains gas, often leading to higher electricity use and increased costs, particularly in smaller and more remote communities.

It also highlights concerns around ageing housing stock, energy efficiency, water infrastructure and affordability.

Despite this, many rural residents are already taking active steps to reduce energy and water use through insulation, smart technology and everyday changes at home.

The report concludes that future policy must better reflect the realities of rural living and recognise the action rural communities are already taking.

⏩ Read more and access the full report: https://ruralengland.org/rural-england-research-reports/

12/05/2026

🌾 The Labour Rural Research Group is calling for evidence on the future of the rural economy!

They’re inviting businesses, councils and communities to share insights on:
* Key challenges
* Growth opportunities
* How to improve services in rural areas

Have your say and help shape the future of rural life.

Find out more via Rural Services Network: https://www.rsnonline.org.uk/call-for-evidence-on-the-future-of-the-rural-economy

07/05/2026

Today communities across the country are heading to the polls to elect local representatives who will help shape the future of local services and places.

At the Rural Services Network, our focus remains clear: championing rural communities and ensuring rural services are properly recognised, understood, and supported at every level of decision-making.

Through our Delivering for All campaign and our recent Rural Realities research, we continue to highlight both the opportunities and the challenges facing rural areas today and the importance of policy that reflects the realities of rural life.

We believe rural communities need:

✅ Fair funding that recognises the additional costs of delivering services in rural areas

✅ Better use of data, evidence and insight to understand rural challenges properly

✅ Rural-aware policymaking that moves beyond a one-size-fits-all approach

A stronger commitment to fairness, inclusion and smarter policymaking can help ensure people living in rural, coastal and small-town communities have the same opportunities to thrive as those anywhere else.

As local leadership evolves following today’s elections, we look forward to continuing to work constructively with councils and decision-makers across the country in support of rural communities.

⏩ https://rsnonline.org.uk/delivering-for-all-rural-realities-research

02/05/2026

This Bank Holiday Weekend, Let’s Rethink Rural England 👇

As millions of people head to the coast and countryside this Bank Holiday weekend, rural England will once again be seen at its very best - beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, and places people actively choose to spend their time. But behind that picture lies a more complex reality.