Issues surrounding the number and affordability of the housing stock in rural areas are well known. The impacts on village communities have been great with those residents on more modest incomes often being forced to move away to satisfy their housing needs elsewhere. This often results in the loss of facilities such as shops, schools, Doctors, Post Offices, pubs, etc. from the village, along with the sense of community.

In recent years steps to address the problems caused by rising house prices and the impacts of the ‘right to buy’ policy have been taken. Many villages across Northamptonshire, and the rest of the country, have successfully completed the construction of an affordable housing scheme. However, in what is an ever changing world that we live in, it is important that the issues relating to affordable housing are constantly monitored. The completion of an affordable housing scheme does not mean that the problem is solved forever. Local people in search of a home of their own are constantly appearing. It is also essential to ensure that suitable housing is available for every group within the local community, and not just the more easily recognisable majority.

The Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) Project

Rural Housing Enablers can be found in the vast majority of counties across England. Their role is to increase both the provision and choice of affordable homes for local people throughout the rural areas of the county. They seek to identify (this is usually achieved through the completion of a housing needs survey) and raise awareness of local housing needs and provide advice and support to rural communities, Parish Councils and Local Authorities. Where appropriate they act as an independent broker to help overcome the obstacles that may hinder the provision of affordable rural homes. This said though, the role of a Rural Housing Enabler will also vary slightly in accordance to local need.

In Northamptonshire the Rural Housing Enabler is working towards gathering information to fill the gaps in knowledge that exist in relation to the housing needs of disabled and older people in the rural areas of the county. Two further grey areas of knowledge that are also being researched are the level of empty properties and the issue of ‘hidden homelessness’.

What can be done?

Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, Northamptonshire ACRE no longer has a Rural Housing Enabler – however, if you would like any further advice, please contact one of the Rural Officers, or visit the FAQ page.