Rural Communities (Public Services and Energy) Bill

What the bill does

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to carry out a review of the adequacy of local government funding for rural communities, and to require that review to consider the additional costs of delivering public services in sparsely populated areas; to require the Secretary of State to carry out a review of access to healthcare services for rural communities, and to require that review to consider the availability of radiotherapy treatment in rural areas; to require the Secretary of State to publish guidance for healthcare providers and others on reducing inequalities in access to health services between rural and urban areas; to make provision about energy efficiency standards for new homes in rural communities; to require the Secretary of State to carry out a review of support available to households in rural areas affected by fuel poverty and reliance on off-grid heating; and for connected purposes.

Progress through Parliament

What 2nd reading means, and what happens next

Second reading is the first full debate on the principle of the bill. The House votes on whether it should proceed at all.

If it passes, the bill goes to committee stage, where it is examined line by line and amendments are considered.

Read the full guide to this stage: What happens at second reading of a bill

Questions about the Rural Communities (Public Services and Energy) Bill

What stage is the Rural Communities (Public Services and Energy) Bill at?

The Rural Communities (Public Services and Energy) Bill is currently at 2nd reading in the UK Parliament.

Has the Rural Communities (Public Services and Energy) Bill become law?

Not yet. A bill becomes law only when it has passed both Houses and received Royal Assent. The Rural Communities (Public Services and Energy) Bill is currently at 2nd reading.

What happens next to the Rural Communities (Public Services and Energy) Bill?

If it passes, the bill goes to committee stage, where it is examined line by line and amendments are considered.

Who sponsored the Rural Communities (Public Services and Energy) Bill?

The Rural Communities (Public Services and Energy) Bill was sponsored by Tim Farron.

When was the Rural Communities (Public Services and Energy) Bill introduced?

It was introduced to Parliament on 14 September 2026, at first reading.

Other bills at 2nd reading

• Medical Services (Rural Areas) Bill · Ben Maguire
• Housing Bill · Gideon Amos
• Financial Services and Markets Bill [HL] · Lord Stockwood
• Health Bill · Wes Streeting
• E-Scooters (Safety and Sale) Bill [HL] · Baroness McIntosh of Pickering
• Student Finance (Review) Bill · Tom Gordon

See every bill before Parliament