Rural Bulletin Free Edition – 21/05/2025

This week the Rural Services Network brings together updates on funding reform, energy legislation, broadband coverage and more. With policy decisions shaping the services and infrastructure rural communities rely on, here’s a summary of the lates in rural news:

• Funding Reform Must Deliver for Rural Communities: At a recent Parliamentary session, the Minister for Local Government acknowledged the higher costs of delivering services in rural areas and the importance of recognising hidden deprivation. A consultation on funding reform will open in June. The RSN will be engaging closely to ensure rural councils are fairly treated in future allocations.
• Turning Connectivity Into Economic Opportunity: A new report highlights how targeted investment in mobile infrastructure could yield major economic benefits.
• New Energy Upgrades for Public Buildings Announced: The Government has committed to support energy efficiency upgrades in over 1,000 public buildings, including schools and hospitals.
• Great British Energy Legislation Passes Through Parliament: A new publicly owned company—Great British Energy—has been established to help deliver clean energy and strengthen UK energy security.
• Ofcom Publishes Spring 2025 Connectivity Update: Ofcom’s latest data shows continued improvements in gigabit broadband and 4G coverage, but rural gaps remain.
• Connecting Communities Through Better Transport: Ahead of Better Transport Week (16–22 June), partners are highlighting how accessible, sustainable transport supports community connection, local economies, and climate goals.

You can read these articles here.

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