Rural Areas Housing Provision 2023-02-20
2023-02-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the lack of affordable homes in rural locations, where stock is limited and often difficult to replace.
What steps his Department is taking to support the provision of housing in rural areas. We want affordable homes available anywhere people need them, especially in rural communities with limited stock.
Our £11.5 billion affordable homes programme is delivering thousands of affordable homes across rural communities in England. This programme aims to support those who need them most, including in locations where stock is limited and often difficult to replace.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on how the government will address the unique challenges of rural housing provision are lacking.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights the potential of community-led housing initiatives to address local housing needs.
Could the Minister outline how we can do better to support community land trusts in south Devon to build the houses that local people need, on a primary residency basis?
The Government agree with the comments and recognise that the community-led housing sector offers significant potential. However, specific details on how to better support community land trusts in south Devon are not provided.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or initiatives for supporting community land trusts in South Devon were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner raises concerns about the Government's failure to meet their target of building 13,000 new rural affordable homes, and highlights the erosion of social housing stock.
Over a quarter of a million people in rural England are on a housing waiting list, yet the Government is on course to miss even the paltry target of 13,000 new rural affordable homes. At the same time, data shows that 14,110 social homes were lost last year. Are Ministers failing to provide rural and urban communities with genuinely affordable rented homes?
No, we are not failing. Since 2010, more than 243,000 affordable homes have been provided in rural areas across England. We acknowledge the need to address the planning system and aim to level up with affordable housing in both urban and rural areas.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific target of 13,000 new rural affordable homes was not addressed directly.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy