"The problems with the supply of affordable housing, prevalent across the UK, are arguably more pronounced in rural areas such as Ceredigion and Powys and this has led to a number of initiatives designed to help tackle the problem and ensure that the people in Mid Wales have access to housing in the areas in which they want to live.

Over the last decade, and even longer, towns such as Newtown and Aberystwyth have grown considerably, with an influx of people putting even greater strain on the already stretched housing situation. The inward migration of people to localities has also, across much of rural Wales, compounded fears that the Welsh language and culture will be detrimentally affected. Many stakeholders including the Assembly government, housing associations, local authorities, community councils and national parks are now working to improve the situation in rural areas to ensure that the basic housing need is met.

It has been well documented in recent times that it has become increasingly tougher, for young people especially, to afford a house. Whilst many commentators try to predict when 'the crash' will occur, hundreds if not thousands of young people in Wales are worrying about finding a place to rent or buy which won't cripple them financially. This situation has led to many young people remaining with parents/family and in effect becoming homeless.

Lower wages in rural areas also affects the ability of people to afford a house. Compared to earnings, mortgage costs for first-time buyers have now reached their 1990 peak. In 2004 the average price of a new home purchased with a mortgage in Wales was £183,100 whilst the average Welsh household buying with a mortgage had a recorded income of £33,900. This is a price to income multiplier of over 5:1. Given that the average house prices in Ceredigion and Powys in January 2007 were £189,454 and £165,606 respectively (Land Registry figures) affordability is problematic.

It is not only first-time buyers who are facing difficulties when it comes to housing. The current economic climate of rising interest rates, higher utility bills and increases in council tax has meant that the impact of house price inflation has extended beyond the first time buyer group, leading to more people looking at alternative means of home ownership. Several Community Housing Cymru members offer Low Cost Home Ownership schemes in Mid Wales.

For those without regular employment, the situation is even more stark. Data from the Office of National Statistics, covering the month of February, reveals that 1,333 people were out of work and claiming unemployment benefits in Powys.

These people have little or no chance of finding somewhere to buy, and will sometimes struggle to find affordable rented accommodation. There are varying levels of need when it comes to affordability, and in mid Wales like many areas of the UK, there are increasing numbers of homeless people who are in desperate need of shelter and housing.

In 2005 over 20,000 people were accepted by local councils as homeless, with 7,000 of these classed as dependent children. One only has to venture into the streets of Aberystwyth to find several people sleeping rough of an evening. Many locals will tell you that these people simply were not there 20 years ago.

Whether such a view is 'rose tinted' or simply a result of more people utilising transport links to travel to parts of Mid Wales like never before, the reality remains the same - homelessness affects people from both rural and urban backgrounds today, and only by improving the housing situation can people make their way from the streets into suitable accommodation.

The situation in Wales has not gone unnoticed thanks partly to the lobbying efforts of housing organisations such as Community Housing Cymru, Cymorth Cymru and Shelter. These 3 organisations jointly lobbied at each of the spring party political conferences in Wales, to ensure that the policy-makers in Wales continue to be made aware of the need for investment and legislative reform.

The Assembly Government has implemented and funded initiatives which are helping the supply of housing, both in the private and social housing areas. One scheme that is beginning to see results is the Rural Housing Enablers (RHE) scheme. There are currently four 'Enablers' operational in Wales, part funded by the Assembly Government. Each Enabler acts as an independent brokers who, in partnership with local authorities, housing associations, national parks and local communities, helps develop affordable rural housing solutions for village communities. The independent nature of these Enablers is vital in ensuring they can liaise with a host of stakeholders whilst working towards outcomes that take into account the unique characteristics of rural Wales.

Though the Enablers have only been in post for a short time, it is widely believed that they are making a real impact and with expansion of the scheme, even greater results can be seen in the future. A recent report, commissioned by Community Housing Cymru and its members and the Welsh Assembly Government, found that there is a strong case for expanding the network across Wales, to 12/13 enablers in post, fully supported with a Chair and Board.

It is hoped that with increased investment and support, the scheme can follow the success it has had in England (Over 40 RHEs in post and plans to expand further) by improving the delivery of housing, whilst ensuring that the cultural and linguistic fabric of Wales is appropriately considered.

The affordability crisis has also led to increased demand for schemes that allow home ownership at a discounted rate, with Homebuy a prime example in Wales.

The Assembly's Homebuy scheme can help people who are unable to meet their housing needs in the market to buy a suitable home and it is operated by Housing Associations. Where the scheme is available a Housing Association can provide an equity loan for an agreed percentage (usually 30% but up to 50% in some areas) of the purchase price. The purchaser funds the balance through a conventional mortgage and savings. No interest is paid on the loan, but when the loan is repaid the amount repayable will be the same agreed percentage of the value of the property at that time. The loan can be repaid at any time but must be repaid when the property is sold.

Shared ownership has been perceived as particularly advantageous for individuals who are struggling with mortgage repayments, and though there are issues with the availability, funding and implementation of such schemes, they do offer discounted part ownership and for many, a step on the property ladder.

In Mid Wales, associations such as Mid Wales Housing Association, Cymdeithas Tai Cantref and Wales and West Housing Association amongst others, are undertaking wide ranging work to improve the lives of people in the region, providing not only rented and supported housing, but regeneration schemes and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for tenants and communities. Housing Associations in the region, and across Wales, are providing over 74,000 homes to rent and buy for single people, families, older people, disabled people and homeless people."

Article written by Peter Evans