A Staying Connected online session with Cambridgeshire ACRE’s Rural Housing Enablers

 

About this event

This Staying Connected session, held during Rural Housing Week, will provide parish councils with a clear introduction to rural affordable housing and the role of rural exception sites in meeting local need. The session will be led by Cambridgeshire ACRE’s Rural Housing Enablers, who will draw on their experience of working with parishes across Cambridgeshire to explain how the process works in practice.

The first part of the session will be a short presentation covering housing needs surveys, rural exception site policy and the support available to parish councils. This will be followed by an open question and answer session, giving parish councillors and clerks the opportunity to ask anything, raise concerns and explore how rural affordable housing might apply in their own parish.

 

Who is this event suitable for?

This session is aimed at parish councillors and parish clerks from rural communities who want a clearer understanding of rural affordable housing and how local housing need can be addressed through rural exception sites. It will also be relevant for Cambridgeshire ACRE members and community representatives who are involved in neighbourhood planning or supporting local communities.

The session will be particularly useful for those who:

• are new to rural affordable housing or rural exception site policy
• want to understand the purpose and value of housing needs surveys
• have questions or concerns about how affordable housing could work in their parish
• would like the opportunity to ask questions directly to the Rural Housing Enablers in an informal setting

 

Why you should attend this event

Rural affordable housing can raise many questions for parish councils, particularly where there is limited experience of housing needs surveys or rural exception sites. This session provides a supportive space to build understanding, hear directly from experienced Rural Housing Enablers and explore how the process works in practice.

By attending, participants will:

• gain a clear and accessible introduction to rural affordable housing and rural exception site policy
• better understand the role of housing needs surveys in evidencing local need
• have the opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns in a safe and informal setting
• learn how Cambridgeshire ACRE can support parish councils at each stage of the process
• feel more confident engaging in local conversations about affordable housing in their parish

 

Cost

This event is free of charge for all attendees.

How to book

Please follow the booking link above to register to attend. You will receive confirmation of your booking. Full joining instructions will be sent by email a week before the event.