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Rural campaigners lobby for boost in affordable homes
A group of 12 campaign organisations and associations have warned rural areas could become “enclaves of the affluent” unless there is a meaningful increase in the number of affordable homes outside of towns and cities.
The Rural Coalition, a lobbying group that includes the National Housing Federation, the Campaign to Protect Rural England and the Royal Town Planning Institute, called on the government to introduce an “ambitious annual target” for new affordable homes in rural areas.
It also called for a dedicated rural affordable housing funding programme.
Just 8% of homes in rural areas are affordable, compared with nearly 20% in cities and towns.
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The demands were set out in a statement in an effort to lobby the government over fears that Brexit and continued austerity measures could disproportionately affect rural communities.
The statement said the government needed to “rural-proof” policy decisions following Brexit, because of the effect that EU regulations, funding programmes and migrant labour have on rural areas.
The Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans and president of the Rural Coalition, said: “England’s glorious countryside brings great joy to many people, both those living in it and those beyond.
“It would be a great shame, however, if only the affluent are able to live in rural areas in the future because of a lack of long-term thinking on housing and other key services.
“No population in this country should feel left behind, and it is time for policymakers to work together to create a living, working countryside and give rural communities a sustainable future.”
Sue Baxter, chair of the National Association of Local Councils, said: “Brexit and other new government policies must provide opportunities to build affordable housing, infrastructure and economic development to the right level for rural areas to prosper and be sustainable.”
The Rural Coalition was set up in 2009. It is chaired by Margaret Clark, who is a former board member of the Hastoe Housing Group.
The National Housing Federation launched Rural Housing Week on 3 July and a Rural Housing Conference will take place in London on 7 July.
