For some people in rural areas, having to compete for housing with more affluent weekenders, means that their choice can be so limited that they are forced to move away from the area, according to the Countryside Agency. Local Government Minister Ni...
Countryside Agency Archive

Breadcrumbs

RURAL HOMES - MORE THAN FOR THE WEEKEND 23 November 2001

For some people in rural areas, having to compete for housing with more affluent weekenders, means that their choice can be so limited that they are forced to move away from the area, according to the Countryside Agency. Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford's announcement today (Friday 23 November), on the start of consultation on council tax proposals for second and long term empty homes is a very positive move.

Commenting on the announcement Countryside Agency chief executive Richard Wakeford said: "There is an acute shortage of affordable housing in much of the English countryside, and the high incidence of second homes in some areas can undermine the potential to create and retain mixed and vibrant rural communities.

"In the most attractive parts of the countryside, where house building is limited because of conservation, the use of existing houses for week-ends only can make it very difficult for people with families or jobs in the area to find a home locally, and houses that are available are often far too expensive for them.

"For some time the Countryside Agency has been calling for a change to council tax, so that all houses - whether principal or second homes - are charged at the same level. The money raised in this way should then be put back into providing more affordable housing Today's announcement brings that a step closer. 

The Countryside Agency is also calling for changes to the planning system, which would improve the supply of affordable housing and provide a range of social, economic and environmental benefits, we would like to see local planning authorities able to distinguish between the use of housing as first or second homes. This would help ease the pressure on local communities squeezed by wealthier incomers who inadvertently undermine the vibrancy and vitality of rural communities by enabling councils to permit new housing in the confidence that it would be used to meet local needs. "

The Countryside Agency estimates that over the next ten years there will need to be 10,000 new affordable homes per year in market towns and villages.

In some villages over 30% of houses are owned as second homes.

Second home owners make less use of local services undermining their viability. This could result in closure of shops, post offices and primary schools.

The Countryside Agency is undertaking research on the nature and extent of second home ownership in rural England and exploring ways to limit there adverse impacts. Part of this process will involve distinguishing between second homes and holiday lets - which bring some economic benefits to an area. This research will be used to advise DTLR.

Household prices in rural areas are on average £12,000 higher than in urban areas, while average incomes are lower with a great divergence between the highest and lowest incomes.

- ends -

The Countryside Agency is responsibly for advising government and taking action on issues affecting the social, economic and environmental well-being of the English countryside.