Published: 25 September 2006
Support for Affordable Homes in Rural Communities
A new Government website providing information, useful contacts and links to best practice for those directly engaged, or interested, in the provision of affordable homes in rural areas has been launched.
Sponsored jointly by DCLG and Defra, the website follows the report of the Affordable Rural Housing Commission (ARHC), which looked at the need for more affordable housing in rural areas. The site sets out current and proposed Government housing and planning policies, impacting on the rural sector.
The Government defines "affordable housing" as housing rented or sold (including shared-equity products) at below market rates.
Housing Minister Yvette Cooper, said there was a need to see more affordable housing in rural areas.
"The website will be an important resource for those working on housing in the rural areas - including local authorities, housing associations, landowners and country groups - both on policy developments and on best practice to deliver more decent affordable houses in rural communities.
Rural Affairs Minister Barry Gardiner said:
“The website demonstrates the government is considering how it can improve the supply of affordable housing in rural areas as an integral part of its work.
This is a vital part of our contribution to creating sustainable rural communities and rising to the challenge of how we can meet social, economic and environmental needs in the countryside."
The Affordable Rural Housing Commission, supported jointly by Defra and ODPM (now DCLG), was launched on 20 July 2005:
Its terms of reference were:
· to consider the evidence and reach consensus on the relevant issues around affordable housing needs in rural areas, in the context of sustainable communities
· to provide recommendations for practical solutions across private, government and voluntary sectors, taking account of good practice
The Government advised that it would use a range of channels and mechanisms to respond in a constructive way to the agenda set by the Commission, including in the forthcoming Spending Review and this website.
The website will be on-going and up-dated quarterly, but will have a finite life.
Further information:
Affordable Rural Housing website
Planning for Sustainable Communities in Rural Areas
Report of the ARHC
Rural Strategy 2004
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