New Rural Housing Research Project Launched To Help Tackle Housing Crisis
On a mission to help tackle the rural housing crisis, Leading affordable house provider, Stonewater, has started funding a new research project to support social housing.
Led by Longleigh Foundation, and partnered with Fusion21, the research study will investigate the growing challenge of insufficient affordable housing in rural areas, and how social landlords can better meet the needs of rural communities.
The collaborative research project will use an analysis of existing government policies, working with expert organisations across the rural housing sector – incorporating a diverse range of views from various social housing customers.
Longleigh, Stonewater’s independent charity arm, and Fusion21 Foundation, are striving to highlight the social and economic benefits of affordable housing being offered in rural areas.
Stonewater is partnering with charities Longleigh and Fusion21 to develop this project
Fusion21’s primary objective as a charity is to tackle social and economic exclusion, and supporting local residents to enhance their quality of life and wellbeing.
Stonewater Chief Executive, Nicholas Harris, said:
We’re delighted to partner with Longleigh and the Fusion21 Foundation to better understand the ways providers can maintain 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.
When discussing the benefits of social housing, Harris continued:
“We know that rural housing provision not only brings social and economic benefits to communities, 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.”
Stonewater is one of the UK’s largest social housing providers, with 40,000 homes across the country, with an aim to provide affordable and comfortable housing to people from diverse backgrounds.
Stonewater has pledged £30,000 in funding for the research project, which Fusion21 Foundation have agreed to match.
The research project will cover the suitability of existing homes, outline changes needed and identify opportunities
The research will look to understand the suitability of existing homes to meet the growing needs of social housing demand, outline the changes needed to overcome barriers, and identify the ways that the government can help rural residents and communities thrive.
The findings will give insights into how providers can better focus rural develop plans to improve housing, sustain local economies, and strengthen social networks.
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 charity are looking for a research partner
This upcoming research project is a positive stepping stone towards tackling the rural housing crisis, and will provide much-needed information for the housing industry and residents alike.
In the next steps of this project, Longleigh are on the lookout for a research partner to help further shape the study. To apply, visit this link for more info.
