Dear Marie
One of the key issues affecting rural communities at the moment is the sharp rise in heating oil prices, linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. This morning, our consultant Graham Biggs spoke with Farming Today, listen to the show here (the segment starts at 09:13), while I also spoke with BBC Radio Gloucestershire to highlight the real impact these increases are having on rural households.
Yesterday, RSN Assistant Chief Executive, Nadine Trout and I were in London for a series of meetings, including time spent with several members of our Executive Board to discuss strategic priorities for the year ahead. Ensuring that rural communities are properly represented in national policy discussions remains at the heart of our work.
This week’s Bulletin highlights a number of wider rural policy developments. We look at new planning measures aimed at accelerating housing and infrastructure delivery, fresh insight into rural health inequalities, and plans to expand the dental workforce to help address access issues in rural and coastal communities. We also share an innovative initiative using seized criminal funds to tackle rural crime.
It is also Village Halls Week, celebrating the enormous contribution these spaces make to rural life, from hosting community events to bringing arts and culture directly into villages and market towns. Find out more.
Finally, a reminder that our next RSN Member Exclusive Seminar will focus on Rural Communities. Members can find out more and book their place here.
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network
