Rural Housing: what can we take from the budget?

There have been mixed responses to the Government’s announcements around rural housing with some trepidation around the term “affordable” when talking about the increase in available housing, particularly as there was no mention of the number of social homes that would be built.

Whilst expanding the supply of affordable housing was a key element of the Government’s strategy to stimulate economic growth, the Chancellor highlighted investment in the Affordable Homes Programme and support for smaller housebuilders. However, it remains unclear whether any new funding will specifically target rural areas.

Affordable housing is essential for maintaining strong local support networks, especially for those with deep-rooted connections to the area.

ACRE has been commissioned to deliver a £2.5m programme funded by Defra that is creating a new network of Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs). CAN are working alongside ACRE to help deliver the programme. You can read more here.

RHE’s are specialists who help rural communities consider the need for affordable housing locally, connecting them with landowners, housebuilders and planners to bring about suitable schemes. RHE’s offer independent support and advice to help rural communities deliver small scale affordable housing schemes in England.

So, if you’re involved with your Parish Council and think that your community could benefit from new affordable homes for local people or are a landowner who has a suitable site for sale, then please get in touch with us here.

Together, we can make a difference!