Uncovering Hidden Homelessness in Rural Areas

Citizens Advice South Hams has been recognised with the Most Impactful Campaign Award at the Citizens Advice Research and Campaigns Conference for its Hidden Homelessness campaign. The project, conducted with the University of Plymouth Business School, Citizens Advice Plymouth, and Citizens Advice Cornwall, uncovered the extent of hidden homelessness in the South Hams, Plymouth, and Cornwall.

The report, “I feel like a blot on a computer screen”, shines a light on people in precarious housing situations—sofa surfing, living in overcrowded accommodation, vehicles, or non-conventional dwellings—many of whom don’t appear in official statistics. It argues that tackling hidden homelessness early is not only more humane but also cost-effective, preventing future crises.

Key findings include:

• 38% of survey respondents reported severe or very severe mental health impacts due to their housing situation, with only 5% reporting no mental health effect.
• 21% faced significant financial strain, exacerbating their vulnerability.
• 26 respondents were living with relatives, 9 with friends, and 7 were sofa surfing, highlighting the widespread reliance on informal arrangements.
• Rising housing costs: House prices in South Hams rose by 74% over the last decade, with prices now 14.48 times higher than average earnings (LandTech, 2024).
• Section 21 evictions surged: 917 in Devon and Cornwall in 2023 alone.

The campaign's impact has been far-reaching, garnering media attention and informing the Parliamentary Accounts Committee’s Tackling Homelessness report. Importantly, the University of Plymouth plans to expand this research across the South West.

While the report was published last year, its insights remain pressing. Recommendations include a formal definition of hidden homelessness, better mental health support, and more affordable housing—especially for single people and rural communities.

The Rural Services Network supports ongoing efforts to address these issues and calls for concerted action to bring hidden homelessness out of the shadows.

Read the full report: I feel like a blot on a computer screen.