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Editorial, Comment and Opinion

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Will Devolution Deliver for Rural Communities?

11 Dec, 2025by Julie GibsonEditorial, Comment and Opinion, Reports & Evidence

Rural communities across England are facing growing challenges, from soaring house prices to rising homelessness, and many are hoping that the Government’s devolution plans will offer fresh solutions. New research explores whether handing more power to local leaders will genuinely help deliver the affordable homes and services rural areas urgently need, or whether the countryside risks being left behind once again.

Why Neighbourhoods Matter

08 Dec, 2025by Julie GibsonEditorial, Comment and Opinion

Neighbourhoods are the building blocks of strong communities. They are the places where people connect, look after one another and access support. When neighbourhoods work well, they help people feel a sense of belonging and make local services more responsive to real needs. This short piece explains why neighbourhoods matter and the vital role local infrastructure plays in helping communities thrive.

Joint statement: six councils submit joint vision to strengthen local government services in Norfolk

08 Oct, 2025by Julie GibsonBreckland, Broadland, Editorial, Comment and Opinion, Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk, Norwich, South Norfolk

Six councils in Norfolk have joined forces to propose major changes to how local services are run. Their shared plan aims to simplify the system, make it more efficient, and keep decisions closer to communities.

Getting Around in Rural Norfolk: Challenges, Progress, and What Comes Next

29 Sep, 2025by Julie GibsonEditorial, Comment and Opinion, Rurality

Limited public transport, long distances, and sparse services make travel difficult for many residents, especially those without access to a car. Recent investments in Norfolk’s transport network aim to change that, improving accessibility, connectivity, and opportunities across the county.

Rural Communities Still Facing Major Service Gaps

26 Aug, 2025by Julie GibsonEditorial, Comment and Opinion, Rurality

Rural communities in England continue to face significant challenges in accessing essential services. According to Rural England’s latest State of Rural Services 2025 report, many people living in rural areas struggle with gaps in transport, healthcare, and digital connectivity.

The UK Public Survey of Risk Perception, Resilience and Preparedness (2025)

22 Aug, 2025by Julie GibsonEditorial, Comment and Opinion

The first UK Public Survey of Risk Perception, Resilience and Preparedness (2025) shows that while most people recognise the risks of emergencies, many households and communities feel only slightly prepared.

Breckland: Protecting Our Countryside While Supporting Clean Energy

19 Aug, 2025by Julie GibsonBreckland, Editorial, Comment and Opinion

Breckland Council votes to protect our countryside from vast solar projects, while backing a fair, balanced approach to clean energy that works for local people and the environment.

Helping Norfolk’s Community Buildings Go Greener

30 Jul, 2025by Caitlin MackayEditorial, Comment and Opinion, Planning, doing and learning, Support for organisations and communities

There’s no shortage of passion in Norfolk’s community buildings when it comes to tackling climate change, but knowing how and where to start can be a real challenge. Many are run by volunteers, rely on tight budgets, and serve rural or low income areas where every penny counts. 

The Civil Society Covenant – A New Commitment to Working Together

24 Jul, 2025by Julie GibsonEditorial, Comment and Opinion

The Government has launched the Civil Society Covenant – a new commitment to working more closely with voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations. But what does it really mean for Norfolk’s VCSE sector and the groups we work with through the VCSE Assembly? Here’s a quick overview of what’s in the Covenant, why it matters, and how CAN is helping to make sure it leads to real change locally.

How the Charity Funding Landscape Has Changed and Its Impact on the VCSE Sector

23 Jul, 2025by Julie GibsonEditorial, Comment and Opinion, North Norfolk, West Norfolk

In recent years, the funding landscape for the UK’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector has undergone significant change. Reduced local authority support, rising operational costs, and increased competition for limited resources have made it much harder for charities to secure sustainable income.

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