Rural affordable housing boosted by the launch of a new scheme
A new package of government funding has been announced in a bid to bring forward small-scale developments and prioritise community needs.
Last week, the government announced £2.5m has been made available to support independent advisors who will work with communities to develop affordable housing schemes.
The new project, which is being delivered in conjunction with Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), is ensuring developers are working with local people to help relieve some pressures that have been caused by the current cost-of-living crisis.
Against this backdrop, the first payments from the government fund have been awarded to local partners in Cambridgeshire and Northumberland, with other projects set to be announced across England next year.
Commenting on the news, rural affairs minister, Lord Benyon, said: ‘All too often people are unable to live near to the village where they work or were brought up. We are making it a priority that rural communities have access to the housing they need.
‘Our support for rural housing advisors will help develop small scale affordable housing schemes that fit in with the local area. Together with our policies to improve transport, connectivity, and access to public services, this is another demonstration of our commitment to unleash opportunity in rural areas.’
As well as creating this new funding pot to help boost growth in rural areas, the government have also recently introduced project gigabit, which aims to bring better internet access to rural areas, and the future of transport rural strategy to tackle isolation and increase access to jobs in remote areas.
Richard Quallington, ACRE’s executive director, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be delivering this programme for Defra. Many people in rural communities understand there’s a need for much more affordable housing but they are often opposed to unfettered commercial developments that neither fit in with the area, nor create homes that go to those who genuinely need it.
‘The decision by the government to back Rural Housing Enablers is hugely positive news as it will mean many more communities across England can access independent support and advice to help them appraise the need for affordable homes locally, navigate complicated planning rules and work with more socially minded developers to bring forward suitable schemes.’
Image: Imani Manyara
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