Dear Marie
While this week’s Bulletin covers a broad range of policy developments affecting rural communities including an early spotlight on the new SEND reforms announced yesterday, our work at RSN continues to focus closely on the implications of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement for rural. We are continuing to analyse the detail of the settlement, engage with ministers and parliamentarians, and advocate for fairer funding that properly reflects the costs of delivering services in rural areas.
Alongside this, we cover confirmation that the May 2026 local elections will proceed, concerns about planning reform and affordable housing delivery in rural areas, the implications of bus franchising for community transport, investment in transport infrastructure in Lincolnshire, innovation funding to strengthen grid resilience, and enhanced enforcement measures to tackle waste crime.
We are also pleased to share that the February edition of Casebook from the Rural Health and Care Alliance has now been published.
Looking ahead, we look forward to welcoming members booked onto our next RSN Member-Exclusive Seminar on Rural Connectivity, taking place tomorrow. There is still time to book a place if you are quick, and full details of speakers and themes can be found here!
In our Members’ Area, we highlight news from across the network, including GRCC’s recruitment of a Rural Affordable Housing Enabler.
As always, thank you for your continued engagement as we advocate for fair funding and effective policy that works for every person, in every place.
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network
