Strong leadership at national and regional level is needed to carry forward the recommendations of the Affordable Rural Housing Commission.

A year after the publication of the Commission’s report, the Commission for Rural Communities has released a report ‘Taking forward the recommendations of the Affordable Rural Housing Commission - Progress so far’ based on submissions from 41 individuals and organisations.

The report formed the basis for a conference on June 14. A fuller report, taking into account the proceedings of the conference, will be published in the autumn.

The report summarises the key issues emerging at a national, regional and local level.  It also contains initial findings from a review CRC is currently undertaking of the rural content of Regional Spatial and Regional Housing Strategies. 

Amongst the issues are:

Overall perceptions of progress: Nationally and regionally there has been a patchy response from government. However, the publication of PPS3 and the establishment of the Housing Corporation’s Rural Advisory Group (weblink: Rural Advisory Group) are seen as positive steps. Locally, although the report raised the profile of rural housing there has been little policy follow-up or the development of Action Plans.

The problem and meeting the need: There are concerns nationally and regionally that housing market assessments will not sufficiently pick up the rural context. Locally, there should be clearer guidance on identifying rural needs in housing market assessments. There is concern that Regional Spatial and Housing Strategies are urban biased and do not adequately take into account rural evidence, including parish needs surveys.

Improved delivery by positive planning: Nationally and regionally, there is a perception that the attitude of planners is not becoming more sympathetic towards rural concerns. Many respondents felt that a reappraisal of the concept of ‘sustainable communities’ was needed, recognising that environmental sustainability often conflicts with creating vibrant communities. At local level, issues surrounding affordable housing quotas, perpetuity arrangements and exceptions sites are causing concern. Sustainability is also a major issue, with concern being expressed at a ‘services checklist’ approach despite the more flexible approach in PPS3.

Better finance for rural affordable housing: The majority of respondents called for the re-instatement of national targets for rural housing. There were fears of a cut in public subsidy and an interest in Real Estate Investment Trusts and Housing Bonds to encourage private investment.

Ensuring a supply of sites: Tax changes and leasehold arrangements could assist with more sites and nationally there is a great interest in Community Land Trusts as a possible solution. There has been disappointing progress on the release of public land. Affordable housing models by private developers have not so far been as affordable as housing associations.

Better use of existing stock and retaining a supply of affordable housing: Almost all rural authorities have reduced the council tax discount on second homes, but the funds have not been generally used to mitigate the effects of large num bers of second homes. Restrictions on Right to Buy should remain. There are doubts about shared ownership, which may trap people in too small homes.

Making it happen: The role of Rural Housing Enablers is critical and concern that funding for the majority of the will cease in March 2008. More work is needed on sharing good practice and connecting top-down strategy with bottom-up community activity. Parish plans and village design statements should form an essential part of Local Development Frameworks.

The report is available as a downloadable pdf at weblink Affordable Housing

Notes of the various sessions of the conference, together with presentations and speakers notes, are available as downloads at:

download 1 download 2 download 3 download 4 download 5 download 6