Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network

"While we welcome the government's ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes, it’s vital that these homes are built in the right places, with the appropriate infrastructure to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and public transport. Rural communities must not be sidelined in this effort. We need a balanced strategy that ensures these developments enhance local economies and are supported by the infrastructure necessary to make them truly sustainable and beneficial for long-term growth".