16/12/2025
Exclusively brought to you by the Rural Services Network

Dear Marie

The National Rural Conference 2025 got underway yesterday, and it’s fantastic to see so many of our members engaging, sharing insight, and raising the profile of rural issues. From funding reform to the future of rural economies, day one set the tone for a week of discussion and collaboration on how we ensure rural communities are recognised and supported.

This week also sees BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today focusing on rural services and rural policy. I was pleased to join presenter Caz Graham to discuss fair funding and the wider challenges facing rural communities from health and transport to connectivity and community facilities. You can listen to the segment HERE.

In this edition of the Bulletin, you’ll also find coverage of the latest Minimum Income Standard report, which underlines how many households remain far from an adequate living standard, alongside analysis of Macmillan’s research into cancer treatment inequalities, the Trussell Trust’s report on food insecurity, and parliamentary debates on coastal communities and bus reform. We also feature a refreshed Arts Rural Touring toolkit and the rollout of new NHS league tables.

The Bulletin also features this month's Rural Funding Digest, an exclusive publication for members.

With more conference highlights still to come this week, we look forward to sharing further updates on our social media channels in the days ahead.

Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network

Rural Conference 2025 Opens with a Call for Fairness and Growth

The National Rural Conference 2025 is underway, bringing together members, partners and stakeholders to call for fairness and growth in rural communities.

Minimum Income Standard 2025 Highlights Continuing Shortfalls

The latest Minimum Income Standard report reveals that, despite stabilising inflation, many households still fall short of a basic acceptable living standard.

MPs Call For Action To Support Remote Coastal Communities

MPs Call For Action To Support Remote Coastal Communities

MPs have warned that remote coastal communities are being left behind, highlighting issues from housing pressures to poor connectivity. 

Read More
Macmillan Highlights Major Gaps In UK Cancer Treatment

Macmillan Highlights Major Gaps In UK Cancer Treatment

A warning from Macmillan that almost 1.4 million people are being failed by a “cancer postcode lottery,” with patients facing delays, long journeys and missed treatment depending on where they live.

Read More
MPs Back Bus Reform Bill in Commons Vote

MPs Back Bus Reform Bill in Commons Vote

MPs have backed major bus reforms, giving councils more power to protect vital routes and plan local networks. 

Read More
New Report Finds Millions Facing Food Insecurity

New Report Finds Millions Facing Food Insecurity

New findings show hunger is rising and in rural areas, hidden poverty and poor access to support make the risks even greater.

Read More
Arts Rural Touring Toolkit Gets Major Makeover

Arts Rural Touring Toolkit Gets Major Makeover

The National Rural Touring Forum has unveiled a new digital guide to support artists and communities, helping culture thrive in rural spaces from halls to libraries.

Read More
Rural Related Politics - A RSN Weekly Review
Rural Funding Digest - September 2025
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The Rural Services Network encompasses a wide range of partners and organisations who all work together to help provide a voice for rural communities. We represent over 500 organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors including leading national bodies, local authorities, utility companies, health trusts, housing associations, grass root community organisations and more.

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