THE government must recognise the “deepening crisis” of rural homelessness, county councils warned today after the first wave of social housing funding was largely directed towards major cities.

Analysis by the County Council Network (CCN) found record numbers of families are being housed in bed and breakfasts, hostels and temporary accommodation across rural areas, with rates outpacing both the national trend and London.

Households in temporary accommodation in rural areas hit an all-time high of 22,230 in March — up nearly 80 per cent over six years, compared with 48 per cent nationally and 28 per cent in London.

A record 23,186 children in county and rural areas were living in such accommodation in March, a 74 per cent rise since 2020, close to double the national increase and five times the London rate.

The government has announced 70,000 affordable and social homes over 10 years as part of nearly £10 billion in initial funding, with allocations confirmed for Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, the north-east and Liverpool, alongside £6bn previously allocated to London — all covering major urban areas.

CCN housing spokesman Andrew Husband said: “Whilst we recognise this is only the first tranche of money in the social and affordable homes programme, it is notable that virtually all the funds announced are going to England’s major cities, despite our research showing that rural homelessness is a deepening crisis.

“It is vital that the government recognises that homelessness is now both an urban and rural challenge.”

Councils in county areas spent £373 million on temporary accommodation in 2024-25, up from £124m in 2019-20 — the fastest rise of any council area in England.

Rough sleeping in rural areas also hit a record 1,821 people in autumn 2025, more than a third of the national total.

“Homelessness is no longer a big city issue — it is now a deepening crisis in rural areas,” Mr Husband said.

“Rural England needs the same attention, investment and ultimately a long-term solution.”

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “Rural areas will be among areas to benefit from billions of pounds going to councils, housing associations and other providers right across the country … our plan to get councils building again will help people get the safe and secure homes they deserve.”