In Plain Sight: English Rural’s Chief Executive on Homelessness in Rural Areas

On Sunday, February 23, English Rural’s Chief Executive, Martin Collett, appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the pressing issue of rising homelessness and rough sleeping in rural England. This appearance highlighted the often-overlooked challenges faced by rural communities and underscored the need for the provision of safe, decent and affordable homes in the countryside.

The Hidden Face of Rural Homelessness

Homelessness in rural areas is a growing concern that often goes overlooked. Unlike urban homelessness, rural homelessness is frequently less obvious, with individuals living in cars, makeshift shelters, or relying on accommodation from friends and family. Speaking to the BBC, Collett emphasised this point by highlighting that, “rural homelessness has risen by 24% in just one year .” This alarming statistic sheds light on the severity of the issue and the urgent need for solutions.

Challenges and Opportunities

One of the significant challenges in addressing rural homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. Affordable housing accounts for just 9% of housing stock in rural areas, compared to 17% in urban. Additionally, rural house prices are, on average, eight times the annual salary, making homeownership unattainable for many.

English Rural advocates for a balanced approach to housing development, including small-scale developments that are community-driven and sensitive to the environment. Rural exception sites, are key to achieving the Association’s work. Rural Exception Sites are small plots of land located on the edge of existing rural settlements. These sites are not typically allocated for residential development within the local authority’s adopted development plan. However, they are considered for affordable housing to address local housing needs and sustain rural communities.

Collett also emphasised the need for faster planning processes, as delays can inflate costs significantly and hamper efforts to deliver affordable homes.

Moving Forward

Martin Collett: ”Research led and jointly commissioned by English Rural evidenced the rise in rural homelessness and rough sleeping, showing how this problem often goes unseen and unresolved.

“As a provider of affordable homes in the countryside, rural housing associations have an important role to play as part of a solution to this challenge.

“Firstly, the homes we build provide affordable and secure accommodation and secondly, through our own resources and often working with wider partnerships we are able to target support to sustain tenancies and reduce to risk of people becoming homeless.

Martin Collett, Chief Executive of English Rural

“Over recent years English Rural has helped to raise awareness on rural homelessness and rough sleeping issues, not just through its support of vital research, but also by sharing good practice, tackling stigma and showing how models such as Housing First could also work in a rural setting.

“Much more still needs to be done to mainstream rural homelessness into national and local homeless reduction planning, but it is also important to recognise what has been achieved by us and others that will have had a positive impact.”

A Call to Action

The countryside’s housing crisis can no longer be ignored. Addressing it demands political will, innovative planning, and investment in affordable rural homes. As Collett’s BBC appearance emphasised, rural homelessness is not a niche issue – it’s a national emergency hiding in plain sight.

Further Reading:

Rural Homelessness Counts Coalition

Homelessness in the Countryside

The Hidden Housing Crisis

Unveiling Solutions: Tackling Rural Rough Sleeping at the Local Level

Against the Current: Franc’s Inspiring Journey from Homelessness to Hope