How rural communities can shape future housing plans
As devolution reshapes housing policy, rural communities have a unique opportunity to make sure affordable homes are not overlooked. For Rural Housing Week 2026, the CLA’s Avril Roberts explains more
Rural Housing Week, an annual event promoted by the National Housing Federation, provides new opportunities for reflection each year.
However, the concerns for the sector and the countryside remain the same; under-delivery of rural housing and a lack of coordination. The other challenge is uncertainty, and this year is no different. We have now had 17 housing ministers in 16 years, and with a new Prime Minister incoming, it may be likely that we will get an 18th soon.
Whilst there is undoubtedly enthusiasm both within the government and across the sector, delivering rural affordable housing takes commitment and perseverance from all parties; the landowner, the developer, the planners and the community. Being Housing Minister isn’t just a ceremonial position, they have significant power, and if they choose to make changes, it can significantly delay schemes that otherwise would have persevered through to delivery.
Could devolution of powers help rural housing?
A new Prime Minister from the North would take power out of Westminster and grant it to devolved authorities. This could mean that some of the key elements of housing policy would be separated from the volatility that is quickly becoming a characteristic of Westminster politics. Existing devolved elected officials appear to have longevity and stability (upcoming mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester aside). This can allow for the development of coherent, place-specific strategics that are less vulnerable to abrupt changes.
Devolved authorities, thanks to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, will be required to have competence for ‘housing and strategic planning’ and ‘rural affairs and coastal communities’. This paves the way for Commissioners whose responsibility will be to ensure the decisions taken adhere to those competencies.
Failed devolution would be 17 Commissioners in 16 years. Successful devolution would be not only a consistent and persistent local advocate for rural housing, but would ensure that those houses were built in short order.
It would then be those who have always been committed to the delivery of rural housing to engage with this new and hopefully stable advocate. That engagement can start now, as English Rural Housing Association and the National Housing Federation have launched a rural community toolkit - ‘Making Devolution Work for Rural Affordable Housing’.
A toolkit for affordable housing in the countryside
New spatial development strategies will shape the long-term priorities in a devolved area, with a minimum 20-year horizon. We must ensure rural housing is seen as important, and key, to the survival of many rural communities. Rural housing must be included in these strategies and not overlooked in favour of larger urban development many miles away. If rural housing is included, a 20-year plan could be hugely beneficial for ensuring the right rural housing is built. The devolution toolkit is a practical guide for community groups, parish councils, rural councillors and housing advocates and sets out clear actions they can take.
Some of the actions that can be taken now are:
- Form a Rural Housing Partnership for your area
- Commission a housing needs survey
- Send the template letter to your strategic authority leader
- ‘Rural-proof’ your emerging spatial development strategy using the toolkit’s checklist
