Back in February, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government published a consultation paper setting out proposals to help local people, especially young first-time buyers, into home ownership

RSN has formally responded to this consultation and believes that the First Homes proposals could certainly help to meet the challenge faced by first-time buyers in rural areas. However, it is important to acknowledge that other tenures, in particular social and affordable rent, are also of critical importance to allow many households in need to find a home in their community. Meeting housing need cannot be just about homeownership.

The current covid-19 pandemic is demonstrating the huge value placed on public services, the food supply chain (from production through to retailing – large and small), care services and many other key areas of society. Key workers in these sectors, often on low incomes, need to be adequately housed and it is critical that all tenures, including social and affordable rent, play their part in meeting this need.

It is also critical to ensure that policies such as those proposed in this consultation are properly ‘rural proofed’ in line with government policy set out in specific Defra guidance provided to government departments.

- You can read the consultation document here

- You can read the full RSN response here