Rural housing comission gets down to business

The Affordable Rural Housing Commission (ARHC) met for the first time today, following finalisation of its membership.

Chairwoman Elinor Goodman, said:

"I was delighted to get down to business today. We have a tight timetable and all members of the Commission are keenly aware of the need to come up with practical solutions to the biggest issue in rural communities - affordable, local housing."

"The Commission has 12 members, chosen to bring rural community, environmental, housing association, private sector, land and business perspectives. The membership includes people who have direct experience of providing affordable housing as well as those offering a more reflective viewpoint."

"Within the next couple of weeks, we will issue a 'call for evidence', to gather the views of others with knowledge and experience in this area, and, from today, we have a dedicated website containing information about the Commission.

"Commission members will also carry out a number of visits to various regions throughout England to hear evidence from individuals and community groups. We will see for ourselves which projects and schemes have been successful so that good practice and lessons learned can be implemented elsewhere. We are looking forward to going round the country talking to people involved at the grass roots."

Addressing the meeting, Jim Knight, Minister for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity, said:

"A community cannot survive unless its citizens, including the young and old and those on low incomes, can afford a decent, local home. This is just as true in rural areas as in urban areas. The Commission will need to consider the demand and supply of housing in rural areas across the public, private and voluntary sectors. And when they report in Spring next year, I look forward to seeing imaginative, realistic and achievable recommendations that will make a difference to people's lives and enable communities to thrive."