Date published: 10 December 2024
Stonewater is to supply funding for new research into how social housing can help tackle the rural housing crisis.
The study, led by Longleigh Foundation, will investigate the growing challenge of insufficient affordable housing in these areas and how social landlords can better meet the needs of rural communities.
It will include analysis of existing government policies, conversations with expert organisations in the field and a diverse range of views from social housing residents.
Stonewater, one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable housing, will provide £30,000 in funding, with Fusion21 matching the figure.
Stonewater Chief Executive, Nicholas Harris, said: “Stonewater is delighted to partner with Longleigh and the Fusion21 Foundation to better understand the ways providers can maintain our rural communities and ensure they continue to thrive in the future.”
“Delivering vital affordable housing in rural areas has been a cornerstone of our development programme at Stonewater since forming in 2015.
“Rural housing not only brings many social and economic benefits to communities in those areas, but to the country as a whole. It is vital we continue to explore the ways the sector can provide the tools to unlock those benefits for years to come.”
Longleigh, Stonewater’s independent charity arm, aims for the research to highlight the social and economic benefits of more affordable housing in rural areas.
It will look to understand the suitability of existing stock to meet the needs of existing social housing communities, outline the changes needed to overcome barriers and identify the ways government can help these communities thrive.
The findings will give insights into how providers can better focus their rural development plans to improve housing, sustain local economies, and strengthen social networks.
Aileen Edmunds, Longleigh Foundation’s Chief Executive, said: “Unlocking the solutions to affordable rural homes will enable families to remain in their communities, safeguard vital support networks, and strengthen local economies.
“Affordable housing ensures schools, shops, and social hubs like pubs thrive, reducing isolation and shielding vulnerable households from disconnection and poverty.”
Jo Hannan, Head of Fusion21 Foundation said: “The Fusion21 Foundation is committed to helping find solutions to the housing crisis and this project has an important role to play in addressing an under-reported aspect of the crisis.
“People living in rural communities face real challenges finding affordable homes and we are delighted our funding is contributing towards addressing this problem. As a foundation, we’re passionate about funding projects that help create new solutions to ongoing issues and this research resonates with our funding priorities of financial inclusion and resilience.”
Longleigh is now searching for a research partner to help shape the study. To apply, visit www.longleigh.org/ruralresearch for the full brief and proposal form, and then send your submission to research@longleigh.org.