ROGER WILLIAMS MP LEADS DELEGATION TO DEFRA TO DISCUSS LACK OF AFFORDABLE RURAL HOUSING

9.35.57am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th Sep 2009

Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, today led a delegation to meet with Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs, to discuss the lack of affordable housing in rural areas.

Mr Williams was joined by representative from the National Housing Federation and the National Federation of Young Farmers Club.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Williams said:

"The meeting with the Secretary of State was very constructive and allowed all those present to raise a number of issues related to rural housing affordability.

"I am often contacted by constituents about this matter and there is a genuine fear that unless the level of affordable housing is increased that rural areas will see a mass exodus of young people towards urban areas that may offer more opportunities.

"It is vital that this is not allowed to happen as it could spell the end of many rural communities and I am glad that I had the opportunity to put these concerns to the Secretary of State."

Helen Williams, Assistant Director of Neighbourhoods at the National Housing Federation said:

"Too many local people, particularly the young, are being priced out of the countryside because they can't find an affordable home. The knock-on effect is that local shops and services are put under further threat of closure as their regular users disappear.

"I am grateful to Hilary Benn for taking the time to listen to our concerns and hear more about the Federation's Save our villages campaign."

Sarah Palmer of the National Federation of Young Farmers' Club said:

"The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs, in association with English Rural Housing Association, is currently running a survey for its members which aims to ensure that the lack of affordable rural housing does not inhibit people from working in rural areas.

"NFYFC welcomed the opportunity to discuss YFC members' concerns with the Secretary of State."

NOTES:

The attached picture shows (from left to right) Williams Summers and Helen Williams of the National Housing Federation, Sarah Palmer of the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs and Roger Williams MP outside the DEFRA building following their meeting with the Secretary of State.