BROKERING RURAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING Moira Groborz-RHE, Rural Community Council of Essex Louise Wilby-RHE, Suffolk ACRE 7th July 2011

Rural Community Councils Charitable organisations Promote, support and works with rural communities –community led planning, transport, village halls, funding advice Provide advice & information

Rural Housing Enablers (RHE’s) Piloted in New programme launched in 2001 Initially 3 year posts 3,000 or less in population RHE’s in every county by 2005 Now RHE’s in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire

RHE’S – What we offer Work with local communities to identify local housing need, parish surveys. Bringing partners together to develop schemes. Find sites for affordable housing in partnership Act as an independent honest broker Support local authorities in speeding up delivery of affordable rural homes Contribute to local, regional and national policy Raise the profile of rural affordable housing

What is Affordable Housing? Various definitions exist. Generally speaking - “Affordable housing includes rented and low cost sale housing, provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the housing market.”

Types of Affordable Housing Social rent – About 60% OMR Affordable Rent – Up To 80% OMR Shared Ownership – 50/50 Buy/Rent

Why Affordable Housing? High house prices – current average for Babergh = £251,606 High private rent levels – let at above Housing Benefit levels Right to buy sales – although much reduced at present Few small properties in rural areas – mostly large detached & owner occupied Low incomes – many households earn £15,000 or less per annum 369 affordable homes needed in Babergh each year

Partnership Working Housing Associations Private developers Parish Councils County Council Rural Housing Enabler Homes & Communities Agency

What is a Rural Exceptions Site Outside BUAB Not usually available for development Subject to a Section 106 agreement Only for affordable housing in perpetuity

Local Lettings Restriction Section 106 or Nomination Agreement - restricting lettings to local people Core Parish Abutting

Frustrations!!! Unreceptive Parish Councils Lack of suitable sites/willing landowners and hope value. Nimbyism Timescales Stigma of “social” housing Lack of understanding/empathy Security and longevity of RHE’s

Comforts!!! Partnership working Community champions Rise in profile Willing/philanthropic landowners Influencing role Reporting “Bottom – Up” approach Thinking outside the box

Final Points Long process Expect hurdles along the way Partnership working is essential Consult with communities at every opportunity Incredibly worthwhile Helps to create sustainable, mixed communities

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