For rural communities the housing crisis is multifaceted.
Join us in shining a spotlight on Rural Housing Week 3-7 July
Factors such as high house prices, a shortage of affordable homes to rent, increasing levels of second home ownership and holiday lets, all present challenges to local economies and the continuation of vital services in many rural areas. This year, the National Housing Federation will focus on how a better future is possible for rural communities and investigate the changes needed to make this a reality!
No-one has an absolute right to live where they please, do they?…
Margaret Clark, President of ACRE and Chair of the Rural Coalition, provides a guest blog for ACRE on the need for affordable housing in rural communities.
As a result, prices of homes to buy have risen further and the availability of places to rent on a long-term basis has reduced, as well as becoming more expensive. For people on low incomes owning or renting a home in a rural area is becoming a pipe dream.
But does it matter? Why shouldn’t people be able to choose to live or have a holiday home where they wish? Isn’t the consequent rise in prices simply the market working? As Norman Tebbitt once famously said, shouldn’t those who can’t afford to live locally get on their bikes and go elsewhere? No-one has an absolute right to live where they please, do they?
Read the full blog on the ACRE website here
Supporting rural communities is part of Action Hampshire’s DNA…
Whether you belong to a rural community or want to work/engage with rural communities, we’re keen to hear from you.
As part of our Rural Community Council role, we can provide some initial guidance/support/direction. Our experienced team are also available to contract for larger pieces of work such as research and advisory services.
Our rural work also relates to our work supporting community-led housing and community buildings, so if your query relates to either of these areas please take a look at their respective pages as well.
