Will devolution really benefit rural areas?
As part of plans to rebalance the economy, Government is keen to devolve powers to regions. With regional devolution gathering pace – and deals signed in Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds – is this opening up greater opportunities for economic growth and regeneration and if so, where does rural fit? Jessica Sellick investigates. Devolution for England was […]
Revealed: Defra’s rural policy plan
The departmental plan published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) details its policy priorities for 2015-2020. But what does that mean for rural communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. Single Departmental Plans (SDPs) describe the objectives of the Government over the current parliament and how each department is fulfilling these commitments. SDPs contain […]
Universities and local authorities – working together for “rural” people and places?
Through their teaching and research, universities are now seen as critical in driving economic growth, prosperity and innovation. They combine global reach with local rootedness – offering well-paid employment to large numbers of people (with their staff and students adding substantially to consumer expenditure). Local Authorities also play a pivotal role in creating the conditions […]
Where next for Place-based working?
Many local authorities are thinking about or implementing new models of place-based working. In essence, these are person-centred, bottom up approaches to meet the needs of people in a given location – with residents and Local Authorities working together to use the best available resources to generate positive outcomes. So what place based models are […]
The importance of rural volunteers
From providing services in your local community to doing whatever is required to help out, understanding the social value of volunteering is now finding its way onto the policy agenda. What traditional and newer measurement approaches are emerging and what do they mean for rural communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. Back in October 2014, Bank of England […]
Popular Posts
How can Nature-based Solutions unlock new opportunities for rural areas?
May 28, 2026
What does being ‘emergency ready’ look like in rural areas?
April 23, 2026
Are current water reforms enough to secure long-term supply for rural areas?
March 26, 2026
What is the Rural Hearing Gap – and why does it matter?
February 19, 2026
Cold realities: what more can be done to address winter mortality in rural areas?
January 8, 2026