Join us on Wednesday, 25th February for our second RSN member-exclusive seminar of 2026 as we turn our focus to Rural Connectivity. This live, interactive session will bring members together to discuss current issues, share experiences, and consider how services can best meet the needs of rural communities.

Speakers include:
Archie Ratcliffe, Interim Head of Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement, LGA
Sodhi Dhillon, Engagement Manager - Digital Voice, BT
Sonia Constant, Digital Service Manager, South Cambridgeshire District Council

RMTG member organisations can book up to 2 places on each of the RSN seminars.

Join us on Monday 23rd March for our first RMTG meeting of 2026. This live, interactive session will bring Rural Market Town Group members together to discuss current issues, share experiences and best practices, and consider how services can best meet the needs of our rural market town communities.

Our Speakers for this session include Kerry Booth, Rural Service Network and Louise Bareham, Town Clerk, Faversham Town Council

RSN Voices Serious Concerns Over ‘Fairness’ Of Settlement

The Rural Services Network has serious concerns over the new ‘fair and transparent’ Local Government Funding formula.

• Our analysis shows that in 2026-2027, the most urban councils will receive 41% more in Government funded spending power per head, than the most rural councils.
• Rural residents will pay on average 20% more than urban residents for their council tax.
• When mapped over a 5 year period, the Government Funded Spending Power for the most urban councils, increases by 21%, compared to the most rural where it almost flatlines at 1%. Click Here

Warm Homes Plan Aims To Cut Bills And Tackle Fuel Poverty

The government has launched a £15 billion Warm Homes Plan, described as the biggest public investment in home upgrades in British history, aimed at cutting energy bills, tackling fuel poverty and accelerating the rollout of low-carbon home technologies.

According to Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the plan is intended to support upgrades in up to 5 million homes by 2030, with the government stating this could help lift up to one million families out of fuel poverty and save households “hundreds” on energy bills through measures such as insulation, solar panels, batteries and heat pumps. Click Here

Ross-on-Wye Town Council - Health & Wellbeing Market

Ross-on-Wye Town Council is delighted to be hosting a Health and Wellbeing Market on Saturday 14^th February. This Health & Wellbeing Market aims to shine a spotlight on the fantastic work being done across our community to support health and wellbeing, whether that is through mental health, physical health, lifestyle support or community connection. 

Over 100 Rural Mobile Masts Upgraded To Improve 4G Coverage

The government has announced a major milestone in improving mobile connectivity across rural Britain, with more than 100 mobile masts now upgraded to provide 4G coverage from all major mobile network operators for the first time. Read More

Lords Report Warns UK Is Unprepared For An Ageing Society

A new report from the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has warned that the UK is significantly underprepared for the economic and social impacts of an ageing population. Read More

New DfT Connectivity Tool Now Live

The Department for Transport has launched a new Connectivity Tool, designed to help policymakers, planners, researchers and communities better understand how well different places are connected by transport. Read More

• to benefit or protect animals
• to relieve animals from suffering
• to conserve wildlife
• to encourage the understanding of animals

Find out more here.

We provide funding for projects that bring people together to build strong relationships and improve communities in England. You can apply for a grant of between £300 and £20,000 for projects lasting up to 2 years. You can use the funding to:

• start a new activity or continue an existing one
• help your organisation adapt to new challenges

Find out more here.

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