Government launches website for affordable rural homes

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.

Housing minister, Yvette Cooper admitted there was a need to see more affordable housing in rural areas.

She said: “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.”

Sponsored jointly by Defra and DCLG, the website follows the report by the Affordable Rural Housing Commission, 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.

Rural affairs minister, Barry Gardiner added: “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.”