5th September 2025
In July, the Government confirmed a record-breaking, 10-year, £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP). The Rural Housing Enabler Service in Cumbria, and colleagues across the country, will continue to push to make sure that small rural communities get their fair share of the promised investment. :contentReference[oaicite:0]
There are encouraging signs, including this acknowledgement by Government of the additional challenges that face rural delivery:
"We recognise that some types of social and affordable homes that are much needed can often cost more to deliver – such as some homes built by local councils, supported housing, community-led and rural homes. The new programme is designed to be flexible to support the greater diversity of supply needed, and we are asking providers to come forward with ambitious bids that reflect this diversity." :contentReference[oaicite:1]
The Rural Housing Enabler Service in Cumbria, which ACT delivers with Eden Housing Association, has a skilled and committed Advisory Group to steer and support this work. This group includes housing and planning strategists from local authorities, housing development specialists from local housing associations, representatives from Cumbria Association of Local Councils and Homes England. Together they are committed to exploring how the affordable housing needs of small rural communities across Cumbria can be met. :contentReference[oaicite:2]
We are working with a number of communities across the county to better understand local housing need and to identify opportunities — sites, landowners and delivery partners — for appropriate small-scale affordable housing developments that support the long-term sustainability of local communities. :contentReference[oaicite:3]
Without this additional support, experience shows that housing delivery tends to cluster around larger towns and settlements because of economies of scale. This can make it even harder to sustain village schools, shops, GP services and other essential community facilities as younger families are priced out and older residents struggle to find suitable homes within their communities. :contentReference[oaicite:4]
We will be testing the Government's commitment to provide adequate funding so that rural villages are not disadvantaged when it comes to affordable homes. While there is always a balance to be struck between protecting the countryside and sustaining local communities, small developments built at an appropriate scale for rural settlements can make a significant difference and can be designed sensitively with the surrounding landscape and environment in mind. :contentReference[oaicite:5]
The Local Development Plans for Cumbria's local authorities and National Parks can help establish a sustainable approach to future housing delivery. ACT is also working with communities in the Lake District to help shape conversations about housing, planning and the future of rural places. :contentReference[oaicite:6]
Affordable housing is about more than bricks and mortar. It helps young people remain in the communities where they grew up, supports local employers, sustains schools and services, and strengthens the long-term resilience of rural areas. National research continues to highlight the significant shortage of affordable homes in rural England and the importance of targeted investment to address this challenge. :contentReference[oaicite:7]
If you would like to talk with us about housing in your community, please get in touch with ACT's Rural Housing Enabler Service.
