Rural Housing Enabler programme evaluation

ACRE has today published an evaluation of the Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) Programme which is funded by Defra.

This RHE programme report, produced jointly by the Country and Community Research Institute (CCRI) and EAP Research Consultancy, shows that RHEs are objectively valuable to rural communities, and that the RHE network across England has been effective in tackling the housing crisis outside of towns and cities.

Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs) fulfil a unique and valuable role in supporting the progression of quality affordable rural housing schemes that benefit residents’ health and wellbeing and support sustainable and resilient rural communities. The independent and impartial status of RHEs employed outside local authorities and housing providers supports the development of trust-based relationships with communities and local partners, and can overcome barriers associated with cynicism and anxiety from past
negative experiences of development. This independent status is a key benefit of delivering the programme via ACRE and its national network of member organisations.

RHEs play an important role in raising awareness among communities and with Parish Councils about Rural Exception Sites (RES), which, while key to unlocking rural affordable housing, are underused and commonly misunderstood. Awareness raising
work is also important in tackling stigma associated with social or affordable housing and highlighting the ways in which it can benefit a rural community, with example completed schemes offering a particularly effective way to achieve this.

Help shape the future homes in your village!
Could your rural community benefit from affordable homes for local people?
Take the first step today – contact our Rural Housing Enabler to start a Housing Needs Survey.
📧 housing@wrccrural.org.uk | 📞 01789 842182