Rural Housing Week 2026 Builds Momentum for Rural Affordable Housing

This year's Rural Housing Week proved to be a resounding success, generating widespread engagement and strengthening the growing movement to deliver more affordable homes for local people in rural Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

A key highlight was the release of a collaborative video produced by Rural Housing Enablers from across the Midlands. The video showcased the vital role Rural Housing Enablers play in helping communities identify housing need, engage local residents, and bring forward affordable housing solutions that allow people to remain in the communities where they live, work, and have family connections.

The week also saw continued progress for the Together for Rural Affordable Housing initiative, with further engagement from local authorities, housing associations, developers, parish councils, community organisations, and other stakeholders. Momentum continues to build behind plans for a Rural Affordable Housing Demonstration Scheme and the development of a more formal Rural Housing Partnership for Herefordshire, creating new opportunities for collaboration and delivery.

Positive discussions took place with local MPs, registered providers, developers, and community leaders, helping to raise awareness of both the challenges facing rural communities and the practical solutions available to address them. Several new conversations and potential project opportunities have emerged as a result.

The profile of the Rural Housing Enabler Project continues to grow, with the team was invited to participate in Herefordshire Council's Parish Council Summit. The event provides an important opportunity to engage directly with parish councils from across the county, share information on rural housing need, and explore how communities can play an active role in shaping local housing solutions.

While Rural Housing Week may be over, the conversations it sparked continue. The enthusiasm, collaboration, and support generated throughout the week demonstrate a growing recognition that rural affordable housing is essential to sustaining vibrant communities, supporting local services, retaining key workers, and ensuring future generations can continue to call our villages home.

The Rural Housing Enabler Project would like to thank everyone who engaged with Rural Housing Week and looks forward to working with partners and communities to turn this momentum into tangible housing opportunities across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Rhe@comfirst.org.uk