Devolution offers a new opportunity to deliver affordable homes in rural England – finds new UoG study

New research from University of Gloucestershire has highlighted how England’s devolution programme could unlock the delivery of affordable homes in rural communities – but only if rural priorities are built into local strategies and backed by national safeguards.

Conducted by the University’s Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI), English Devolution and Rural Affordable Housing: Opportunities and Risks, explores how England’s evolving devolution programme is reshaping the delivery of affordable housing in rural areas.

The report, published today by The Rural Housing Network (RHN), has found that devolution offers powerful new tools that could be used to meet rural housing needs. However, without deliberate action at both local and national levels, rural communities risk being overlooked.

Key Findings include:

• Devolution offers new tools, but no rural guarantees: Mayoral and County Combined Authorities now hold significant housing and planning powers, but the national framework contains no requirement to address rural needs. Outcomes will depend on local leadership and choices.
• Rural housing needs are acute and easily sidelined: house prices in rural areas average 8.8 times local incomes; social housing waiting lists in rural communities have risen, and rural homelessness continues to increase.
• Leadership and governance matter: where elected mayors and local leaders champion rural housing, rural priorities are embedded in strategies and delivery plans.
• Strong partnerships and Rural Housing Enablers are critical: active rural housing partnerships, community-led housing enablers, and funded Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs) directly correlate with better outcomes. These networks help identify sites, broker delivery, and maintain momentum through governance changes.
• Outcomes will vary: without safeguards, devolution could create a postcode lottery – where outcomes vary dramatically depending on local leadership.

Dr Demelza Jones, from the CCRI, said: “Our research shows that strong rural partnerships have helped secure devolution deals and strategies that prioritise rural affordable housing – leading to better outcomes for communities.”

Recommendations from the new research include embedding rural representation and accountability via amendments to the Devolution Bill, engaging early and proactively in the devolution process to secure rural visibility, and strengthening evidence of rural housing need at parish level.

Jo Lavis, Director of Rural Housing Solutions, commented: “We’re calling on local leaders, Homes England, and Government to recognise that rural areas face unique challenges. Devolution must deliver for the countryside as well as for our cities.”

Main image: Affordable rural housing in Avening, Gloucestershire. Credit: ©English Rural