Levelling up to create living working rural economies?
‘Levelling up’ is a term being used by Government to describe its ambitions for addressing longstanding local and regional inequalities as part of post COVID-19 economic recovery. Much of the focus is on wanting to target places most in need across the UK. Will this approach benefit rural economies and communities? Jessica Sellick investigates. ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. […]
From Australia to Zimbabwe: what next for temporary study and work abroad?
Educational exchange programmes have existed for many years, providing students with opportunities to experience cultures outside of their home country. In March 2021, the Government launched the Turing Scheme, the UK’s new global programme for students to study and work abroad. How will it help students, learners and pupils to develop personally and academically? And […]
From survival to revival: how can we regenerate our high streets?
Pre COVID-19 some high streets were already struggling with 1 in 10 units vacant and declining footfall. As part of measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, many non-essential shops were closed for long periods. Alongside this, changes in consumer behaviour resulting from reduced socialising and travel have had a big impact on our high […]
Building a long-term vision for the countryside – what can we take from #Rural2040?
On 30 June 2021, the European Commission published a long-term vision for rural areas. What does the vision contain, will it help rural communities and businesses reach their full potential in the coming decades, and will it raise the profile of the countryside amongst policy makers? Jessica Sellick investigates. Under the strapline of ‘a […]
Finding a place to call ‘home’: what more can be done to plug the rural housing gap?
Despite numerous consultations, announcements, funding packages, targets and interventions by successive Governments the housing gap remains – with the number of households [demand] outstripping the houses built [supply]. While rural places are often viewed as idyllic places to live, work and enjoy they face particular issues around affordability, accessibility and contain more second / holiday […]