William Eichler 16 July 2025

Majority of rural councils have no social housing targets

Majority of rural councils have no social housing targets image
Rural housing © richardjohnson / Shutterstock.com.

Only one in five rural local authorities have planning targets for building new social homes despite a shortage of new houses in rural areas.

A new report by CPRE has found that nearly 80% of rural councils have consistently under-supplied new homes compared to the number of new households.

There are currently more than 300,000 people on waiting lists for social housing in rural England.

The countryside charity found that only 20% of rural local authorities have set specific targets for social rent housing in their Local Plans, and several have no plans to build any.

CPRE is calling for the compulsory inclusion of social homes in all new housing developments and more support for councils to deliver them.

CPRE head of planning, Paul Miner, said: ‘Not enough priority is being given in rural local plans to building social homes, so Angela Rayner needs to step in and make it a clear expectation that we see more genuinely affordable homes in every new housing estate in rural England.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Environmental Services Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £58072 per annum
Help us shape a greener, safer and fairer borough.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, we're proud of our neighbourhoods - and we're always England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Environmental Services Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £58072 per annum
Help us shape a greener, safer and fairer borough.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, we're proud of our neighbourhoods - and we're always England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Co-Ordinator (Family and Children Services)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Support the people who support our children and familiesSupport the people who support our children and familiesBehind every great social work team is England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption West Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption West EssexFixed Term, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner