MP calls for Cumbria to be Home on the Farm pilot area

MP Tim Farron used a meeting with government officials to call on them to make Cumbria a pilot scheme for the 'Home on the Farm' project.

The scheme is designed to turn redundant farm buildings into homes for local families. It was the brainchild of the South Lakes MP who managed to get the idea into the Coalition Agreement in 2010.

According to the government, house prices in rural England have more than doubled over the past decade to over £250,000, but the average salary has remained virtually static at £21,000. The numbers of people on social housing waiting lists in rural areas has risen to 750,000.

In a meeting Tim pressed for the government to commit to making Cumbria the national pilot area and work with communities, farmers and the NFU to roll out the plan in our county.

Tim said; "Our rural communities are losing their young people and desperately need more affordable homes. At the same time many local farmers would love to make use of disused or underused farm buildings. Home on the Farm could really give us the chance to provide new homes on farm sites that would give farmers a vital income, ensure farm succession and provide much needed homes for local people. "