We're not just about properties, it's much more than that
It’s about creating homes for rural communities, and the people who live there.
Affordable homes are part of the lifeblood of rural communities
Affordable housing is in short supply in rural areas. In this time of continuing high housing demand and significant affordability challenges for many people, we recognise the importance of building new, genuinely affordable homes.
Understanding the needs of rural communities
We work in partnership with parish councils and local communities to ensure the right homes are built to meet the needs of the area.
Everything you need to know about us
Whether you're a resident wanting to know more about our services, you're thinking of applying for a job with us, or just interested in finding out more about what we do, you should find all the information you need here.
35
years delivering rural housing for local people
315
affordable rural homes
97%
of homes let to households with a local connection
21
seconds is the average time for calls to be answered by our Customer Care team
87%
of residents are satisfied their home is safe
88%
of residents are satisfied that our team are easy to deal with
22
households given money from our Customer Support Fund
2
scheme skip clearance days
Building the right homes, in the right place, for the right price
Everyone deserves a safe, secure and comfortable place to call home.
But across the country, there’s a lack of affordable housing to rent or buy in many villages. And in some, there’s none at all. This causes hardship for people across the generations; young people just starting out on an independent life, families trying to provide for their children and older people who want to live independently. Often they’re priced out of homes in their village and end up moving away.
For these people, a new affordable home puts more than a roof over their heads. It also gives them a safe and secure place from which they can continue to be part of their community.
The benefits of affordable housing go much wider. The homes we provide are occupied by people who work in local businesses and provide local services. The same people also use local services, helping to keep them viable and available for everyone. They are a vital thread in the social fabric of the community, providing support for family, friends and relative (for example, to an older person or providing childcare so parents can work).
How we make a difference
Despite the challenges of rural house building – including higher costs, lower funding and complex planning requirements – we remain committed to providing affordable homes for local people in Derbyshire's rural communities.
We currently provide homes for almost 300 families, couples and individuals in over 50 rural communities across Derbyshire. And we’re building more homes.
We’re about more than bricks and mortar. We want the homes we provide to help improve the lives of the households and the local community. We encourage residents to work with us to help us better understand the homes and services they want.
Small and local
- Most of our schemes are small, normally around 8 -12 homes.
- Our homes are built for local people – in perpetuity.
Energy efficient and affordable
- Our new homes are built to high energy-efficiency standards, making them more affordable for residents to run.
- We’re investing in our older homes to ensure they’re all a minimum EPC C by 2030.
Approachable and friendly
- We encourage residents to contact us in whichever way is best for them. We don’t try to push a digital only approach, but offer it for those who want it.
- Our housing officers support residents with all aspects of their tenancy, so they really get to know them.
Putting customers first
- We’ve introduced Customer Support Funds to help residents with the costs of living.
Registrations and memberships
Registrations
- We’re a registered provider with charitable rules, under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, registration number: 260807R.
- Registered society with The Regulator of Social Housing, registration number: L3899.
- Our registered office is c/o Rural Action Derbyshire, Town Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3NN (not to be used for correspondence).
- We’re ISO 45001 accredited.
Our memberships
We’re proud to be a member of many organisations and groups, including:
- We have adopted the Together with Tenants charter.
- Rural Housing Alliance
- National Energy Action
Latest news