Midlands Rural Housing helping to boost affordable homes in rural Northamptonshire

Communities in Northamptonshire’s rural areas are set to benefit from a new package of government funding designed to unlock affordable housing opportunities.

A new scheme has been set up to help deliver the Government’s goal of increasing the supply of affordable homes in rural areas, set out in their 2023 Unleashing Rural Opportunity strategy.

The scheme, which is being delivered by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) on behalf of Defra, has committed £2.5million to fund a network of Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs) across England. RHEs are independent advisors who work with communities to support the development of affordable housing schemes that meet the needs of local people.

In recognition of their rural housing expertise, Northamptonshire ACRE (NACRE) employed Midlands Rural Housing’s consultancy service to help shape their bid for over £73,000 of the funding, which was successfully awarded.

Over the next year, Midlands Rural will continue working with NACRE and communities in Northamptonshire, to help deliver small-scale developments which are often the only source of affordable housing in a village. Elaine O’Leary, CEO at Northamptonshire ACRE said:

“It is great news that the lack of affordable housing in rural areas is being addressed through this programme from Defra. Enabling local people to stay in the area they have grown up in helps towards making that community a stronger and more cohesive place to live. We look forward to working with Midlands Rural Housing and other partners to help bring new schemes forward that will be local homes for local people.”

Philippa McKenna, Project Delivery Manager at Midlands Rural Housing said:

“We’re delighted to have been chosen as NACRE’s rural housing enabling partner for the coming year. This essential funding from Defra has really helped to unlock a fantastic opportunity to widen the existing network of Rural Housing Enablers, and to create partnerships that will hopefully become long standing ones. It’s so important for people to feel they are working with organisations who are also committed to understanding and responding to the needs of local communities in rural areas.”

For further information

If you'd like to find out more, please contact Philippa McKenna, Project Delivery Manager at MRH on 0300 1234 009 or enquiries@midlandsrural.org.uk

Published 11.04.2024