A survey of more than 1,000 Londoners found that 55% of 18-34
year olds are more likely to move to the countryside as a result
of the coronavirus.
The survey, commissioned by the Country Land and Business
Association (CLA) which represents almost 30,000 rural businesses
across England and Wales, shines a light on the growing number of
young people considering fleeing the capital in favour of the
countryside.
With 25% of the rural population aged 65 or above (compared with
17% of the urban population), rural areas are ageing faster than
anywhere else in the UK. The movement of young people to the
countryside - who are more likely to relocate than any other
demographic - would be a welcome reversal of the ‘brain drain’
that many rural areas have suffered as young people switch from
rural areas to cities for employment.
Cheaper housing stock was the number one ‘pull’ factor for survey
respondents, with 78% ranking it the most important factor in
deciding to move. Digital connectivity (56%) and the ability to
do an exisiting job from a new location (55%) were also rated as
important
The survey found that, of all those polled across all
demographics, the COVID-19 epidemic has made 44% of people more
likely to consider moving to the countryside versus just 9%
saying the contrary. Over a quarter (27%) said they envisaged
working entirely from home in the future.
From cheaper housing to better air quality, a combination of
factors is attracting talent to rural areas. However there is
concern rural communities will be unable to seize this
opportunity if landowners are unable to meet demand for houses or
high-quality office space with fast internet connections.
Government resources must be allocated across multiple
departments to create an attractive environment for potential
movers. Otherwise the opportunity may be missed altogether.
This is why the CLA - through its Rural Powerhouse campaign - has
been making the case for a simplified planning system and
investment to create a fully connected countryside , with
OpenReach pledging for full fibre broadband in rural areas by
2025. The campaign aims to close the rural productivity gap,
adding £43bn to the economy per year while transforming the lives
of millions of people who live and work in the countryside.
CLA President Mark Bridgeman said:
“The survey results paint a very clear picture: many young people
want to move to the countryside as it’s a fantastic place to
live. It is energising and exciting to see a new generation that
understand the value and opportunities of living and working in
the countryside.
“There is now a window of opportunity to grow the rural economy,
spread prosperity, support local communities and ‘level up’ our
society. We must not waste it.
“However for the rural economy to capitalise on this trend,
Government need to provide modern infrastructure. Without
Government-led investment and reform , we will miss our chance.
Planning reforms to allow landowners to deliver affordable
housing and convert old farm buildings into modern offices, and
investment in mobile and broadband infrastucture are desperately
needed to turn people’s dreams into a reality.
“These are two of the five key pillars that make up part of the
CLA’s Rural Powerhouse campaign which aims to unleash the
potential of the rural economy, by closing the rural productivity
gap and transforming the lives of millions of people who live and
work in the countryside.
“The truth is that reform was needed before the Covid-19 crisis
hit. The Government must understand that the countryside is not a
museum there to be preserved in aspic. It is a living, breathing
economy with huge potential. With government support, we hope to
welcome those seeking a better quality of life into the
countryside, allowing them to fulfil their career ambitions
without needing to live in a city.”
Survey Summary:
- Fieldwork Dates - 1st - 5th October 2020
- The survey was conducted via online panel. Population Sampled
All residents aged 18+ living in Greater London.
- Data were statistically weighted to the profile of all
residents aged 18+ living in Greater London.
- Sample Size 1,017
- The CLA calculates that the rural economy is 16% less
productive than the national average. Closing that gap would
result in £43bn of additional economic output in England alone
