Rental surge in rural areas putting pressure on English councils, warns report

The County Council Networks warned that the uptick in renting is having an impact on county and rural councils. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

A dramatic rise in the number of renters in rural areas has prompted England’s largest councils to call for a new long-term plan for housing.

The number of households in private and social rentals has increased by more than half a million in rural areas over the past decade, outpacing London and major cities, according to a report from the County Councils Network.