Government urged not to forget ‘acute shortage’ of rural houses in upcoming Housing White Paper
This article makes a powerful point and case for thinking hard in public policy terms about rural communities in terms of the new Housing White Paper. I would venture to suggest there are additional innovative means of generating rural housing supply to the rural landowner component but I cant fault them for making the broader rural point!
Rural landowners have reminded the Government not to forget the needs of rural communities by setting out five action points on how to help solve the ‘acute shortage’ of homes in the countryside.
The CLA which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses said the Government ‘must understand’ that the housing shortage is ‘felt just as keenly’ in the countryside as it is in towns and cities.
The organisation urges Government to address this in the upcoming Housing White Paper due out next week.
CLA President Ross Murray said: “We want to support young families, local workers and those in the community who are ready to downsize.
“Housing costs are spiralling so providing more houses people can afford is the only way to sustain rural communities for future generations and ensure people have the opportunity to live and work in the countryside.
“Ministers must not forget our rural areas when they set out their housing policy plan later this month. CLA members provide nearly 40% of all private rented housing in rural areas and many are also local employers.