Are you concerned about rural housing affordability?

FERN “Future Economic Rural Network” want to hear your thoughts on rural housing. 

The Future Economic Rural Network (FERN) was founded in 2019 as a non-government organisation, with a focus on assisting rural communities in developing alternative business practices for the 21st century. 

A spokes person for FERN said “FERN is dedicated to identifying current and future threats to rural environments, societies and businesses, and encourages policymakers and local authorities to create progressive plans that make a positive impact.”

As part of a look at wider trends influencing rural communities FERN says it has identified rural housing as a key impact on the future sustainability of many rural towns villages and hamlets. The impact of high prices, second homes and a lack of new affordable and rental properties all have an impact on the sustainability of a community and the local economy and workforce.

FERN has said that as part of its wider work on sustainable rural communities it has identified the Eden valley area as one of it’s key intervention zones with a need to address rural housing as a key factor in future economic and social sustainability in the area.

You can take part in the FERN Rural Housing Affordability consultation and make your voice heard. 

FERN will use the consultation to help in shaping policy on the future of housing in rural communities.

The FERN consultation survey can be found online at https://goto.penrith.town/Rural-housing-needs-survey