Community Futures’ Post

The current planning system is simply not designed to unlock the potential of rural communities. 🏡 It's a system that continues to favour large-scale developments that often fundamentally and negatively alters the fabric of the local community. But, there are steps that the next government can take to deliver affordable homes in every community. In the second of our latest Rural Powerhouse 'missions', we outline the six key housing and planning actions for governing bodies to consider in the run up to the next general election. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eYZVAFTA

ICYMI: Our most recent Rural Monitor article looks at the increased shortage of housing in rural areas, how that is affecting recruitment, and what two communities are doing to address the issue. https://lnkd.in/gEaSDqex

We #ChooseLocalism Localism for a stronger better local democracy system Localism to put decision making closer to communities And localism so that local government is set up to partner and deliver for the next generation and those that follow.

Rural areas are grappling with a decline in local government involvement. Professor David Helpap from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay shared insights on the many challenges facing these communities. From limited resources to pressing issues like affordable housing and internet access, rural communities need support. Listen to the full interview here: https://hubs.la/Q02twP7x0 #LocalGovernment #Rural

LocalGov have today published my article on 'What rural councils want from the next Government'. https://lnkd.in/eG7J7FWC Rural Services Network Whichever party is in charge of the country after next week, they have a pivotal role in addressing the distinctive challenges and harnessing the vast potential of rural areas. Fair funding is our overarching call to government, ensuring rural councils can deliver the services their communities deserve. By focusing on fair funding for rural councils, which underpins digital infrastructure, affordable housing, transport connectivity, economic support, healthcare equity, rural proofing, and sustainable planning, the government can foster thriving rural communities that contribute significantly to the nation's prosperity. Addressing these key areas will enable rural areas to not only survive but thrive, benefiting the entire nation. You can read more about Winning the Rural Vote campaign at this link: https://lnkd.in/gKFwAr3D #ruralpotential #ruralfairfunding

https://lnkd.in/eGqNs5zq If the government wants to level up and provide much needed housing, it must take a long term, top-down approach which might mean the politically unfashionable move to reduce community input. This article addresses the issues and the practicalities. 

With one day to go, PlaceShapers have set out the importance of place-based housing associations and how we can do more to help communities thrive with the right support from the next government, which includes a case study from us ... take a look ... https://lnkd.in/eXgMknVF

The city council is reviewing the existing Local Plan. 🏢🏫🌳 A council board meeting on 14 March 2024 will consider all the Local Plan documents in order for a public consultation to take place in May and June 2024. 📝 The Plan guides sustainable growth and development across the Chelmsford district. The law requires councils to review their Local Plans at least every five years to see if it needs updating. This is what is happening now. Once the final Plan is adopted in 2026, it will allocate land for development in Chelmsford until 2041. 🗺️ With everyone living longer lives, the population is expected to grow by around 11% between 2021 and 2041 and Government forecasts predict that around 1,000 new homes are needed in Chelmsford every year. 🌍📈 We need to make sure there are enough homes for young people, families and older residents. 🏡👨👩👧👦 Read more about the preparations for the next phase of Local Plan consultation in City Life. Find the link in the comments 👇

Sean Fraser, if throwing money at problems resulted in sustainable solutions, we would likely need far less than 350,000+ Federal Public Service employees; a number which has increased by 39% since 2015, while our population increased by ~12% over the same period. In the event that you had a persistent headache for a number of weeks, would you increase your Advil dose until it runs out, or would it be best to explore what the actual issue is and address it effectively, in earnest? Bragging about how much the government is spending, through a reactive approach with no tangible results, makes it seem like housing is not a primary federal responsibility. That said, maybe that is the case. #housing

Along with other members of the #ACRENetwork, we are calling on the next government to make sure no #rural community is left behind. We are asking parliamentary candidates in Somerset to consider ACRE’s policy recommendations for addressing issues such as diminishing public services, inadequate infrastructure, increasingly unaffordable housing and ageing populations. A new vision for the countryside is needed – one in which rural communities are empowered to become stronger, fairer, and more sustainable places where everyone can thrive. https://lnkd.in/ep9EwQj3