A Rural Lens On The National Plan To End Homelessness

English Rural has published a rural perspective on the Government’s recently released National Plan to End Homelessness, welcoming its ambition to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring, while warning that rural England risks being overlooked in delivery.

The plan sets out a stronger focus on prevention, collaboration across public services and long-term investment in housing. English Rural notes that greater funding certainty for councils, an emphasis on early intervention and commitments on social and affordable housing could benefit rural communities, if rural needs are properly recognised in implementation.

However, the analysis also highlights ongoing concerns. Rural homelessness remains largely hidden, with limited access to services, fewer local support options and data that often fails to capture rural realities. Without specific attention to these challenges, English Rural warns that rural areas may continue to lose out on funding, services and policy focus.

Evidence Of A Growing Rural Crisis

English Rural’s commentary draws on a growing body of research showing that homelessness in rural areas is rising rapidly but remains under-resourced. Evidence highlights that:

• Just 8% of homes in rural areas are affordable, compared with 17% in urban areas
• Rural rough sleeping rose by 24% in a single year (2021–22)
• Wider rural homelessness increased by 40% in the five years leading up to 2023
• Rural areas receive 65% less homelessness funding per capita than urban areas

These figures highlight the scale of the challenge and the need for policy and funding approaches that reflect rural circumstances.

Read the full rural lens analysis on the English Rural website, where Martin Collett, Chief Executive of English Rural, sets out what the National Plan to End Homelessness means for rural England, and what still needs to change.

Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network said: English Rural’s analysis is a timely reminder that homelessness affects every part of the country, including our villages, market towns and coastal communities. If the national ambition to end homelessness is to succeed, it must work for everyone, everywhere. That means recognising rural realities, using the right evidence, and ensuring fair access to housing, services and support, so that no community is left behind.

Housing is central to thriving rural communities.
RSN members can continue the discussion at our Member Exclusive Seminar on Rural Affordable Housing, examining how policy, funding and delivery can ensure every person, in every place has access to a safe and affordable home. View all upcoming RSN seminars here.