Rural Housing Enabler Programme

Independent support and advice to help rural communities deliver small scale affordable housing schemes in England

ACRE is the responsible body for the delivery of a £2.5m programme funded by Defra that is creating of a new network of Rural Housing Enablers (RHEs).

RHEs are specialists who help rural communities consider the need for affordable housing locally, connecting them with landowners, housebuilders and planners to bring about suitable schemes.

The programme is at an early stage but we have agreements with almost all of our member organisations to provide support in most rural parts of England.

To find out what’s happening in your area, and to access support, you can identify your nearest RHE using this map showing ACRE members.

To receive news and updates about the programme, please subscribe to our mailing list.

ACRE Network Case Study – Roxwell Affordable Homes Scheme, Essex

Find out how the community of Roxwell undertook a housing needs survey and built affordable homes for people with a connection to the local area.

Get local support and advice

What do Rural Housing Enablers do?

Typical responsibilities include:

Raising awareness of the importance of the lack of affordable housing in rural communities
Supporting communities to undertake Housing Needs Surveys to identify local housing need
Providing opportunities for communities to discuss and consider how that housing need can be met, including the identification of sites and the viability of a proposed scheme
Brokering relationships between key stakeholders e.g. parish councils, local authorities, housing associations, planning and development officers, landowners etc and providing impartial advice
Unlocking barriers as they arise to ensure local schemes progress to build and completion
Monitoring and evaluating rural housing delivery and sharing best practice and examples to inspire other rural communities

Rural Housing Enabler Programme

Independent support and advice to help rural communities deliver small scale affordable housing schemes in England

ACRE Network Case Study – Roxwell Affordable Homes Scheme, Essex

What do Rural Housing Enablers do?

Publications and resources

Rural affordable housing manifesto

Shared press release: Only 1 in 6 rural councils have made use of key affordable housing option

Shared press release: Affordable housing in rural areas boosted by launch of new scheme

Contact ACRE

Small print