Rural Housing Enablers “a success in Wales” according to Welsh Government report.

Commenting on the report, Amanda Oliver, Head of Policy and Research at Community Housing Cymru said:

“RHE’s play a key role in identifying housing need and shaping local planning policies and guidance. They understand local issues and are key players in the delivery of affordable rural housing. The report shows RHEs have achieved the required outcomes, with community engagement running as a golden thread through their work. They lead on galvanizing the community and have had much success in influencing policymaking.”

Press release from Welsh Government:

A network put in place to address the shortage of affordable housing in rural Wales is making a difference in many rural communities, according to a report published today.

Evaluating the effectiveness of the Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs), the report concludes that they have helped deliver 186 affordable homes since 2004, with a further 240 in the pipeline.

The report also says RHEs are valued by local authorities, housing associations and communities and are delivering the community engagement essential for the delivery of rural affordable housing.

Housing and Regeneration Minister, Carl Sargeant said ”The Welsh Government is committed to delivering affordable housing across the whole of Wales and appreciate the difference just a handful of houses can make to rural communities and businesses.

“Last month I visited Trellech and saw for myself how RHEs are playing their part in identifying and facilitating the delivery of affordable housing.

“The six sustainable properties built in Trellech are a fine example of what’s possible when RHEs work with rural communities in identifying and addressing housing needs and look forward to seeing other great examples in future.

Link to evaluation report: http://wales.gov.uk/statistics-and-research/evaluation-rural-housing-enablers-wales/?lang=en