This year’s National Rural Conference, hosted last month by the Rural Services Network (RSN), served as a pivotal gathering for around 650 delegates from more than 130 organisations, representing a diverse range of sectors. It provided a unique opportunity for policymakers, community leaders and industry experts to collaborate on the most pressing rural issues.
With a new government in place, the conference underscored the urgent need for a cohesive rural strategy to unlock the ‘sleeping giant’ of the rural economy, which – with the right policy framework – could create an additional £9 billion to £19 billion a year in tax revenues.
The event featured 30 speakers, including prominent local government leaders, policymakers and industry experts, all advocating for the critical role of rural areas in driving national growth. They reiterated that rural areas are not just an afterthought, but a vital component of a prosperous national economy.
Key topics of discussion included digital connectivity, equitable public funding, and affordable rural housing challenges, as well as debate on rural transport and net zero – all with an overarching focus on potential policy solutions and sharing of best practice.
The virtual event’s success would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors and partners, including BT, the National Association of Local Councils, Retrofit Information Support and Expertise, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise, Go Cornwall Bus, and the University of Lincoln.
The conference concluded with a strong call to action for a comprehensive, well-resourced rural strategy that fully recognises the inherent value of rural areas.
It also set a powerful agenda for rural growth, calling for strategic, well-funded policies to ensure rural communities have the resources, infrastructure and representation they need to thrive.
The ethos moving forward should avoid pitting communities against one another in the scramble for funding, and should ensure that everyone has access to an affordable home, digital connectivity, a thriving economy, and health and care services.
This approach will not only strengthen rural areas, but also contribute significantly to national growth and prosperity by fostering inclusive development and maximising the potential of all communities.
With the collective expertise and commitment of its delegates and speakers, the conference laid the groundwork for a future in which rural prosperity is no longer just an aspiration, but an achievable goal.
The RSN provides the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Rural Services, which recently appointed Sarah Dyke MP as its Chair. We aim to provide the group with key rural policy briefings to ensure that rural MPs are clear on the issues within their constituencies and the impact of government policy on rural communities.
Meanwhile, the insights shared at the conference will shape ongoing advocacy efforts, pushing for a future in which rural prosperity is not only a national priority, but also a reality.
To further explore these themes and align them with the RSN’s ongoing efforts, our Delivering for Rural campaign outlines clear policy asks of the government, echoing the need for a strategic, well-supported approach to unlock rural potential.
- You can learn more about the campaign and how it complements this year’s conference outcomes at Rural Services Network website.
- The Rural Services Network is an LGA special interest group – see their website.