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Princess Anne's urgent call for Rural Housing Action at RHE Conference

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11 May, 2025by Julie GibsonEditorial, Comment and Opinion, Housing

The Rural Services Network was proud to be represented by Assistant Chief Executive, Nadine Trout, at this year’s Rural Housing Conference, held on 30 April 2025 at the historic Coram campus in London.

Jointly hosted by English Rural and Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), the event brought together policymakers, housing professionals, and rural advocates to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the countryside: the deepening crisis of affordable rural housing.

Under the theme “Affordable Rural Housing: Opportunity in Changing Times,” the conference made a powerful case for action.

In her keynote address, HRH The Princess Royal called for greater national recognition of rural housing needs, reminding delegates that:

“We aren’t just talking about houses — we’re talking about the people and communities that make our countryside live and breathe.”

The conference presented hard-hitting evidence:

  • The average rural house now costs £418,400 — far out of reach for many, especially with average rural wages at just £25,600.
  • Despite rural communities making up 18% of the population, only 10% of affordable homes are built in these areas.
  • Investing in rural housing could deliver up to £87 billion in productivity gains annually, revitalising local economies and creating jobs.
 

Real-life voices, including Rural Housing Enablers, brought home the human impact behind the numbers. Stories of resilience, hardship, and hope underscored how secure, affordable housing can transform lives and communities.

That’s why the work of Rural Housing Enablers like our very own Ollie Brice, supported by networks such as Action with Communitues in Rural England (ACRE) and championed by the Rural Services Network is so vital.

They ensure that development goes beyond statistics—focusing on real people, real communities, and real futures. Building homes is important, but creating thriving, balanced, and resilient rural communities takes genuine listening, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for what makes rural life unique.

The RSN’s own Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) programme plays a vital role in this mission by working closely with communities, councils, and housing associations to identify need, facilitate development, and overcome barriers. The conference reinforced just how crucial long-term funding and policy support are to sustaining and expanding this work.

There was a unified call across the sectors for a coordinated package of solutions: planning reform, landowner incentives, and a national commitment to fund the RHE programme into the future.

This article is one in a series, to read the previous one click here.