News

Questions we will be asking about the government's planning proposals

The government's white paper, 'Planning for the Future' is strong on radical ideas, but leaves much to further guidance and legislation, raising some fundamental questions for rural communities

Information to help village halls reopen updated

National charity, Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) has published updated information to help village halls reopen in light of new government guidance.

Why affordable housing is at the heart of thriving rural communities

Jo Lavis, our Housing Technical Adviser, reflects on why rural communities need affordable housing and what can be done to ensure it gets built with resident’s involvement

Covid-19 likely to have a negative impact on the delivery of affordable rural housing

A fall in property prices as a consequence of Covid-19 could reduce the number of affordable homes that get built in the countryside whilst larger, more inappropriate development could get the go-ahead

Loneliness is a Rural Issue

Phillip Vincent, our PR & Communications Manager, reflects on how loneliness is a rural issue and what can be done about it.

Discretionary Covid-19 grants not always reaching smaller rural charities

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), has written to government expressing concern that smaller rural charities appear to be missing out on a discretionary grant scheme administered by councils

Practical information to help village halls reopen published by leading rural charity

We have published comprehensive information to help village and community halls reopen once government coronavirus restrictions are lifted

From floods to pandemics – resilience for rural communities at times of crisis

Communities Prepared (a Groundwork South programme) and Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) have published a new guide to help rural communities become more resilient in the face of emergencies.

The importance of celebrating and sustaining volunteering beyond Covid-19

Coronavirus has shone a rare light on the significant contribution volunteers are making to communities – from supporting activities that help people feel connected to each other, to practical support for vulnerable residents. Phillip Vincent, ACRE’s Public Relations & Communications Manager, reflects on #VolunteersWeek and argues that as the effects of Covid-19 begins to subside and public interest in the virus wanes - the efforts of volunteers must not be forgotten.

England’s rural Village and Community Halls are survivors!

The history of village halls goes back over 100 years. Deborah Clarke, Action with Communities in Rural England’s (ACRE) Rural Evidence and Village Halls Manager considers what the future holds for these important rural community hubs in the wake of Covid-19.