Event to address rural homes issue

Average house prices across Shropshire are almost seven times more than the average income in the county, according to figures.

In south Shropshire the average house price is £215,000 - 7.9 times more than the average household income of £26,170, statistics released by the Commission for Rural Communities show, and the disparity is reflected across the county, meaning a lack of affordable housing for residents.

The average house price in the Bridgnorth district is £195,000 - 6.87 times more than the average income of £29,376; while in Shrewsbury and Atcham borough it stands at £170,000, meaning they are 6.12 times more than the average income of £29,592.

In Oswestry borough, a price of £160,000 is 6.12 times more than the average household income of £26,767, while in north Shropshire the average price is £179,995 - 6.38 times the average income of £27,628, according to the figures.

Crisis

The figures show that overall average house prices in the county are 6.7 times more than the average income.

The CRC released the figures as it today brought together top executives from across the housing, economic and finance sectors in an attempt to tackle the rural housing crisis sparked by the recession.

The Rural Experience event is being led by Sir Bob Kerslake, chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency and was today being held in Essex.

Dr Stuart Burgess, chairman of the CRC and the Government’s Rural Advocate, said: “I am delighted Sir Bob Kerslake is leading this first event; the lack of affordable housing is the single most pressing issue facing rural communities.

“Key decision-makers will now have the opportunity to see and hear about some of the issues facing rural communities.”

Sir Bob added: “The event will provide a unique opportunity for us all to experience what life is like for people living in rural areas and the impact of the market downturn.”

Organisers say that at the event participants were due to consider how their organisation could “rural proof” activities to improve the delivery of affordable housing.

By John Kirk