Over 6,000 new affordable residential properties are set to be built in rural communities across England, on the back of a £230m cash injection from a government-funded National Affordable Housing Programme 2006-2008

The National Affordable Housing Programme 2004-2006 exceeded the governments targets for rural housing.

Jon Rouse of the Housing Corporation said: "The Housing Corporation has a long and positive history in rural housing going back to 1989. The Corporation has funded the building of £26,000 homes in small villages across England."

"However, so much more needs to be done. It is increasingly recognised just how great the problem of lack of affordable rural housing is, particularly where people are unable to find an affordable home near where they work or close to their family and friends."