S6 Ep6: Can local people still afford to live in rural communities?

from On the Air · host Paula Palmer, Patrick Merton-Jones, Maria Riordan, Max Banfield, National Housing Federation, ACRE, Stonewater

In the final episode of Season 6, On the Air host Paula is joined by Patrick Merton-Jones from the National Housing Federation, Rural Housing Enabler Programme Manager at ACRE Max Banfield and Marie Riordan, Director of Developmentat Stonewater. Whilst more affordable housing is seen as a lifeline for rural communities, housing associations and other developers face significant barriers to delivering new affordable homes in rural areas, including planning constraints, limited land availability, supply chain issues, viability challenges and local opposition to development. With guests Patrick, Marie and Max we also examine the role of innovation, partnership working and community engagement in ensuring rural areas remain sustainable, thriving places where local people can continue to live and work. Go to Building rural communities | Meeting the housing need | Stonewater

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 18, 2026

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What this episode covers

Rural communities across the UK are facing growing challenges when it comes to housing affordability. Rising house prices, second homes and short-term lets are making it increasingly difficult for local people, young families and key workers to remain in the communities where they grew up and work. Timed to reflect on Rural Housing Week 2026, this episode explores the pressures affecting rural housing markets, the impact on local communities and the practical solutions helping to unlock affordable housing delivery.