The Confederation of Co-operative Housing is urging the next government to help create an enabling environment for the growth of the sector.
The Confederation of Co-operative Housing (CCH) has unveiled its “Manifesto for Change,” urging the upcoming government to take decisive action in fostering a conducive environment for the growth of the co-operative housing sector in the UK.
Key Recommendations from the Manifesto:
Bespoke Co-operative Tenure Legislation: CCH proposes the introduction of legislation for a unique form of co-operative tenure to empower communities in shaping their housing futures.
Financial Intermediary Support: The CCH advocates for the establishment of a financial intermediary dedicated to supporting the co-operative housing sector, providing the necessary financial infrastructure for its growth.
Alignment with International Recommendations: CEO Blase Lambert emphasizes the need for the UK government to align with the recommendations of the International Labour Organisation, as outlined in Recommendation 193, to rejuvenate the co-operative movement.
Asset Base Consolidation: CCH calls for the creation of appropriate structures to allow the co-operative and community-led housing sector to consolidate its asset base, leveraging it to fund new home development and property refurbishment.
Community Land Trusts Support: The manifesto urges the government to facilitate the creation of a new financial intermediary to enable community land trusts to acquire existing residential properties, ensuring community benefits and affordability.
Financial Structures for Multi-Stakeholder Models: CCH proposes the development of suitable financial structures to support multi-stakeholder investment models within the co-operative housing sector.
Taxation and Regulatory Reforms: The CCH advocates for reforms in taxation, regulatory, and planning systems to refocus housing as a social aim rather than an investment product.
Right to Manage for Housing Associations: All residents in housing associations should be granted the right to manage, promoting resident empowerment and involvement in decision-making processes.
Extension of Four Million Homes Programme: The CCH recommends extending the Four Million Homes programme to provide residents with information about their rights and options for shaping how their landlords deliver services.
Reshaping Social Housing: CCH emphasizes the need to reshape social housing by introducing resident board members, nationally accredited training programs, and exploring mutual governance models.
National Resident Voice: The manifesto calls for the reinstatement of the National Resident Voice, independent of government and landlord bodies, to represent social housing residents’ interests and empower residents.
The Confederation of Co-operative Housing aims to collaborate with the government to implement these recommendations and create a framework for sustainable growth in the UK’s co-operative housing and community-led housing sector.
