Affordable rural housing commission calls for evidence

The Affordable Rural Housing Commission (ARHC) is today calling for evidence to gather the views of those with knowledge and experience on the issue of affordable rural housing.

ARHC Chairwoman, Elinor Goodman, said:

"The Commission is seeking evidence and views from people with real experience relating to the issue of affordable rural housing. We want to hear about the key factors affecting provision, to learn of examples where innovative thinking or good practice has resulted in delivery and also receive suggestions of how things could change or be done better.

"Today we are launching our 'call for evidence' to inform the Commission's discussions.

"We will also be visiting each region to meet with practitioners in those areas, starting with a visit to the South East next week. We will not be able to meet with all of those who may wish to give evidence as we are working to a tight timescale, but people will still be able to have their say."

The ARHC call for evidence will run from today until the 14 November and intends to focus on those involved in the issue of affordable housing in rural areas, including local authorities, Housing Associations, environmental groups, and the private sector.

Evidence from individuals, rural communities and local businesses about their experiences arising from a lack of affordable housing in rural areas is the subject of a separate complementary inquiry by the Commission for Rural Communities.

Ms Goodman said:

"The ARHC is keen to capture the experiences of those who live in rural areas and look forward to the CRC report which will feed directly into our work."