Lack of broadband in rural areas is the main reason the UK is seeing a decline in rural society, according to a new report released.
The National Housing Federation warned that young people brought up in the countryside leave to go to cities and towns where facilities, such as internet access, are better, with the majority of them not returning.
Indeed, an analysis of over 63m broadband speed tests worldwide has revealed that the UK sits in 31st place, with an average speed of 16.51Mbps.
But it isn't just lack of broadband which is fuelling a rural exodus. The Rural Life Monitor tracks the rate at which key pillars of community life – schools, post offices and pubs – are closing across rural England because of ageing and dwindling populations.
Key findings of the report include that over the last five years, 52 rural schools shut their doors to pupils – roughly one a month.
Post offices have closed at a similar rate – 81 have shut up shop since 2011, and shockingly, pubs in rural areas have been closing at a rate of seven a week – more than 1,365 since March 2013.
This trend for diminishing village populations is set to continue with almost half of households in rural areas predicted to be aged 65 or over by 2039.
Affordable housing
A lack of new affordable housing is driving young families and working-age people out of rural areas.
In 2016, the cheapest homes in rural areas were 8.3 times the income of typical first-time buyers, considerably higher than in urban areas.
David Orr, Chief Executive at the National Housing Federation, said: “Make no mistake, rural life as we know it is disappearing fast. Families and young people wanting to settle, work and grow in rural England are being priced out of areas they’ve known all their lives.
“The impact of this is huge. A lack of truly affordable housing is putting a huge strain on rural economies, populations and vital community services – schools are closing their doors forever to pupils and pubs are serving their last ever orders to locals.
“Housing associations are intervening to stem this tide. They are proving that just a handful of high quality and affordable new homes can transform rural communities, and ensure that our villages and market towns can thrive for generations to come.”
