Decoding the Rural Housing Conundrum: Tackling Challenges and Solutions in the UK Countryside

In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, rural communities across the UK are facing unique challenges within the housing sector. The All-Party Parliamentary Group’s (APPG) latest report, “The Rural Premium: Exploring the Impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis in Rural Areas,” investigates these challenges and offers recommendations to address them. In this post, we’ll summarise the key findings of the report, focusing specifically on the rural housing sector.

Rural Premium: Rural communities face a “rural premium” due to additional cost-of-living burdens, which become more pronounced during an economic crisis. This premium has long been absorbed by rural businesses and communities, masking underlying structural issues in the rural economy.

Energy Efficiency and Heating Costs: Rural housing tends to be less energy-efficient due to the age and construction of buildings, leading to higher energy costs for residents. Additionally, these residents often pay more for heating because of limited access to the gas grid, relying on alternative and often more expensive heating sources. The report recommends extending energy support for off-grid properties to match the support provided to urban domestic users.

Local Government Settlement Formula and Rural Housing Strategy: To address long-standing structural biases in policymaking, the report suggests revising the Local Government Settlement Formula. It also calls for the Department for Levelling-Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC) to provide a rural housing strategy that considers the unique challenges faced by rural communities.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): The 2022 APPG report on rural productivity recommended amending the NPPF to favour small housing developments in rural areas, with an emphasis on affordable housing. This would help address the lack of affordable housing options in rural communities and promote sustainable development.

Conditional Exemption for Affordable Housing: The same report also urged the government to extend conditional exemption to encourage the delivery of affordable housing in local communities. This policy change would incentivise landowners to provide land for affordable housing projects, benefiting rural residents in need of affordable homes.

Connectivity and Access to Services: Rural residents often face challenges in accessing services and amenities due to limited public transportation and distance from urban centres. Improving connectivity and access to services could help alleviate some of the difficulties faced by rural residents, indirectly contributing to a better housing situation.

In conclusion, the APPG’s latest report sheds light on the multifaceted challenges and potential solutions facing the rural housing sector in the UK. By addressing these issues through targeted policy changes and improvements in infrastructure and connectivity, we can work together to create thriving, sustainable rural communities.