06 Jul 2026
English Devolution and rural affordable housing opportunities and risks
Research from English Rural Housing Association shows how England’s devolution programme could unlock the delivery of affordable homes in rural communities – if rural priorities are embedded in local strategies and supported by national safeguards.
New Toolkit for Rural Communities
Written by English Rural Housing Association for parish councils, community groups, rural councillors and housing advocates, the toolkit is designed to be used again and again as devolution unfolds. Inside you will find:
- A plain-English primer on devolution and what the new strategic authorities mean for rural housing;
- Who to engage with, and when — from mayors and housing directors to Rural Housing Enablers and your MP;
- Five practical actions communities can take, whatever their capacity;
- Rural checklists to test whether your local Spatial Development Strategy is genuinely “rural proofed”;
- Ready-to-use templates — letters to your strategic authority and MP, a council motion, a briefing note and social media copy; and
- A glossary, a contacts list and further reading.
