Causes of counter-urbanisation in the UK

Question 2 (6 marks)

Explain the causes of counter-urbanisation in the UK since the 1970s.

Mark scheme (AO2, 6 marks — 1 mark per developed cause):

• Improved road/motorway network + increased car ownership → people can live further from work (1 mark)
• Commuter rail expansion → long-distance daily commuting possible (1 mark)
• Push factors from cities: congestion, high house prices, crime, pollution, overcrowding (1 mark, can be developed for 2)
• Pull factors of rural areas: lower house prices (initially), perceived better quality of life, better schools, open space (1 mark)
• Deindustrialisation → less need to live near factories in cities (1 mark)
• Post-2020: remote working greatly increased ability to work from rural areas (1 mark)