The Minister met families at a new £750,000 affordable rural housing scheme in Swannington which has helped people stay in the villages where they grew up and work, before meeting Leicestershire County Council chiefs at Diseworth Heritage Centre to discuss 'rural proofing', a way of ensuring that policies and programmes address rural needs.
Huw Irranca-Davies said:
"Good, affordable housing like the excellent example in Swannington is critical for rural communities and local economies. Rural businesses struggle when so many people are forced to leave to find better housing and opportunities elsewhere.
"We are committed to rural communities, and as the rural heart of government Defra will do everything it can to continue to support measures that have a positive impact on people's lives."
Earlier in the day the Minister toured the National Forest and planted a tree before launching the forest's new delivery plan.
Huw Irranca-Davies said:
"The National Forest is a success story and everyone involved can take great pride in what has been achieved."
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