William Eichler 13 October 2021

‘Shameful inequities’ driving the young out of the countryside

‘Shameful inequities’ driving the young out of the countryside image

Young people are abandoning rural communities due to a lack of public transport and affordable housing despite the Government’s much-vaunted ‘levelling up’ agenda, a countryside charity has warned.

CPRE commissioned YouGov to survey over 1,000 people aged 16-25 and found that only two in five young people expect to stay in the countryside over the next five years.

The lack of affordable housing was cited as one of the main reasons young people were leaving rural areas. Eighty-four percent identified a chronic absence of suitable housing as a major factor in them being likely to leave.

Fewer than one in five (just 18%) told YouGov that they think their future looks bright, with digital connectivity and poor public transport links all playing into their feelings.

Out of those young people who took part in the survey, 66% said that they’re concerned about infrequent and unreliable public transport and 76% identified poor digital connectivity as a factor in their decision to move.

Commenting on the survey, CPRE chief executive Crispin Truman said: ‘A thriving countryside depends on young people being able to study, work and start families in rural areas. But the majority of young people born and raised in the countryside feel they can no longer afford to live there – despite the overwhelming majority saying they would like to.’

‘The shameful inequities of rural life mean young people growing up today struggle simply to meet up with their friends – in person or online – because public transport and broadband in the countryside has been treated as an afterthought for too long,’ he added.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Housing

North West Leicestershire District Council
£64,241 to £74,525 (plus car allowance)
We are currently seeking a new Head of Housing to lead a number of key service areas Leicestershire
Recuriter: North West Leicestershire District Council

Director of People

Bolton Cares
£80,287 – subject to skills and experience
Bolton Cares is on an exciting journey of transformation and growth and we’re looking for a dynamic, people-focused leader to help shape our future. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Cares

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Adult Learning Tutor Maths WMF2142e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235.00 - £36,124.00 (pro rata)
We are looking for an inspirational tutor to deliver maths courses to our learners across Carlisle. Carlisle, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Adult Learning Tutor ESOL English WMF2144e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235 - £36,124 (pro rata)
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with experience of teaching ESOL. Whitehaven, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner