Dear Rev. Price
This week’s Rural Bulletin leads with new research from Health Equals, revealing that more than one in four people in the UK live in homes affected by damp, mould or cold. As part of the Health Equals coalition, we’re supporting their call for a cross-government approach to tackling the wider factors that shape people’s health, including housing, energy costs and local infrastructure, to help ensure that health outcomes are fair wherever you live.
The bulletin also includes the Care Quality Commission’s State of Care report, which warns that underfunded community services risk an “erosion” in care quality, as well as updates on the renewal of the Government’s Women’s Health Strategy, and the NICRE-led project exploring digital health solutions for rural areas. We also report on the Government’s plans to strengthen Environment Agency powers on water breaches, new investment to deliver affordable homes in Cumbria, and a community petition calling for continued support for Neighbourhood Plans.
We’re also pleased to share the Autumn 2025 edition of our Rural Services Spotlight, highlighting inspiring case studies and initiatives from our partners across the Rural Services Partnership.
Looking ahead, our next RSN Member Exclusive Seminar on Rural Planning takes place on Wednesday 5 November. The session will feature contributions from The Churchill Fellowship, CPRE, Commonplace and The Town and Country Planning Association. You can book your place here now.
As always, we welcome news, best practice and updates from our members to feature in future editions of the Bulletin and on our website.
Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network
