More than two-thirds (69%) of people who live in rural communities said it is hard to secure housing in their local area, according to new polling by Opinium commissioned by the 39,000-home housing association, Stonewater.

Of those who said it is difficult to secure housing, 70% attribute the issue to high housing costs, while a third (33%) believe that limited housing supply drives up prices.

The survey revealed there is demand for new affordable housing in rural areas, with 53% of respondents expressing interest in low-cost ownership and council housing, and 46% in social housing.