LOCAL authorities are to receive advice on increasing the amount of rural social housing.

The Rural Affordable Housing Project will provide support and advice to local authorities and their partners.

The government initiative was launched jointly by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The project will compliment the work of the government's Rural Affordable Housing Group (RAHG).

It aims to help local authorities increase the delivery of affordable housing in rural settlements of fewer than 3,000 residents.

Rural affairs secretary Hilary Benn said: "Affordable housing is vital to sustainable rural communities.

"We are committed to achieving the target of 10,300 new homes in small rural communities between 2008/2011.

"This project will give advice and support to local authorities responsible for delivering those targets."

The project was launched by Colin Molton, regional director of Homes and Communities Agency for the South West.

He said: "Affordable housing in rural areas has been recognised as deserving of special attention by both organisations.

"We are very mindful of the challenges facing local authorities in addressing this issue."

The promote will promote joint-working within rural communities to ensure that affordable housing for rent or purchase is available.

It will also provide guidance on ways central government agencies and Defra can help local authorities boost the number of affordable rural homes.

Mr Molton said: "This project is a very tangible way in which we can assist local authorities address the housing needs of small communities."

RAHG chairman Candy Atherton said housing availability was integral to the sustainability of rural areas - itself an issue of crucial importance.

"There is already a lack of affordable housing in rural areas, and the current economic climate means that situation is in danger of continuing.”

"This project offers an important opportunity to address some of the issues which local authorities and their partners are facing, and for the HCA to take action to assist in helping them to increase delivery."

An event to review progress ways of providing practical support to local authorities will be held in October.

A national report on the issue will be published following the culmination of the project in March 2010.

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