Can there ever be enough housing co-operatives in the UK?

By Abigail Hammond – Chair of Cash

Here at CASH we don’t think so. We believe that co-operatively run housing is safe, secure, creates sustainable communities, offers life choices, and provides opportunities for self-empowerment. Being in control of your housing is definitely a better option than private rental!

CASH was founded in 2019 by a group of people in South East London who live and work in co-operatives. It is officially registered as a Community Benefit Society and is also a Community Land Trust. Our purpose and vision is to promote and create co-operative housing. It may be taking us a while, but we are having a great time building our organisation, forging relationships and moving forward with our plans. Rooted in the sixth co-operative principle – Co-operation Among Co-operatives – we believe that together, as the wider co-operative community, we can make things happen.

CASH works with both existing co-operatives who want to evolve and new co-operatives yet to acquire properties. We collaborate with co-operatives, sharing knowledge, skills, and a dual approach to fund-raising, exploring the various forms of finance available to each kind of organisation.

We are currently in conversation with Lewisham, our Local Council, about the grant of a first piece of land to build on. We are also talking to local Housing Associations who, sadly, are selling off properties because refurbishing them is not cost-effective. Our collaborative model means that we can search out possibilities, and be flexible in our response to opportunities.

We invite you, as a housing co-operative, to become an organisational member of CASH. For a £1 share, your co-operative can elect a representative to attend our (hybrid) meetings and participate in decision-making. By joining us, you will have access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, and inspiration for your own co-operative. We operate a consent-based model, with every member having their equal right to contribute to what we do. Your representative will be able to share our minutes with your co-operative, keeping your members updated on proposals as they are formed, in advance of being approved. CASH would welcome your involvement and support. Let us know if you are interested by emailing us: [email protected]

At the foundation of everything we do is a commitment to inclusivity.  Communities are often more diverse than the membership of their local co-operatives. Our Inclusive Co-ops project aims to understand why this is through participatory action research, initiated to support co-operatives to become more inclusive, accessible and sustainable. We need to understand why some groups of people are not accessing co-operative housing or indeed even know that it exists.

The project includes free workshops on aspects of running a co-operative and research methods training prior to outreach activities in participant’s communities. New ideas for internal co-operative policies and practices might be an outcome. Those completing the project will receive a Co-op Inclusivity Champion certificate.

We are asking co-operatives to contribute £100 (or more) to kick-start the project and help us secure additional funding. With a good number of co-operatives involved, the greater the scope and impact the project will be. The first workshop will be in April 2024.

If interested in participating do email us: [email protected]

If you wish to support this project with a financial contribution  find out more here.

To help shape the project, fill out this short questionnaire.

Website: http://ldn.cash

Instagram: @ldncash