The average rural house price in England is now more than twelve times the average salary of people living in rural areas. The growing affordability gap has grave consequence for the viability of communities.

This threatens the future of many rural communities as younger people, first-time buyers and lower-income households are increasingly priced out of large parts of Rural England. Vital services in rural areas – such as local post offices, schools and pubs – have been shutting down as the demographics of rural communities change rapidly.

We want to protect the integrity and beauty of our countryside and landscape, but this can only be maintained with a sustainable, thriving and diverse community connected to the land we love.

Just a few suitably designed affordable homes in the right location can make a real difference to the sustainability of rural communities.

Join CPRE Hampshire, Hastoe Housing, HARAH, Action Hampshire, and others on Tuesday 6th November for a morning discussing the current political environment affecting rural communities and to discover the best means with which to realise affordable homes, including housing associations and community trusts. You will leave the morning feeling ready and able to realise the needs and ambitions of your community.

Agenda

The doors will be open from 9am, please join us for pastries, coffee and networking before we start at 9.30am.

Welcome - Charlee Bennett, Chief Executive, CPRE Hampshire

Affordability Debunked

• National policy and how it affects Hampshire - Jo Lavis (Rural Affordable Housing Specialist)
• The benefits of rural affordable homes - Andrew Potter (Chief Executive, Hastoe Group)
• Changing policy for the benefit of communities - Lois Lane (Policy Advisor, CPRE)

Break

Building homes for every person through...

• Housing Associations - Beverley Harding-Rennie (HARAH) and Karen Hillhouse (Hampshire Village Homes)
• Community Led Housing - Catherine Kirkham (Action Hampshire)

Networking lunch - please stay for a buffet lunch

Ticket prices:

• Members/member organisations - £10 plus booking fees
• Non-members/non-member organisations - £20 plus booking fees

If you would like to join CPRE Hampshire to take the benefit of member rates, please email admin@cprehampshire.org.uk.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch at admin@cprehampshire.org.uk or call 01962 841897.

Thank you to Hampshire County Council for making this conference possible.