NHF backs Taylor report

A new report proposing to tackle property unaffordability in rural areas has received the backing of the National Housing Federation (NHF).

The recommendations by Matthew Taylor MP include a call for the government to review the national target for rural housing before the next comprehensive spending review and greater pressure on local authorities to improve sustainability.

NHF chief executive David Orr says: "The Taylor report sets out how to revive England's villages as sustainable places in which to live and work - and the onus is now on the government to enact its recommendations."

He adds increasing the long-term target for new rural social homes to 9,000 by the year 2010-11 should be among solutions to the problem.

Self build may also be an option for people priced out of the rural market.

The proposals come after a recent report carried out by the Commission for Rural Communities found that one in five families in these areas are classed as poor.