Legal News

Councils are being urged to share their views and experiences of co-operative and community-led housing (CCLH) by a local government network, in order to identify additional ways of tackling the housing crisis.

The Commission on Community-led Housing has asked local authorities to submit evidence on why and how they encourage and enable development of CCLH in their area.

In December 2016, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) announced a £300 million Community Housing Fund available over the next five years.

At the same time, the launch of the latest UK-wide Big Society Capital loan facility of £15m provided further funding.

Chair of the Commission and Leader of Croydon Council, Councillor Tony Newman, said:

“We are in the midst of a housing crisis – the housing market and existing policies have failed to meet the housing need of local communities. The Housing White Paper proposals are only part of the solution – and so we need new approaches that harness community resources and commitment.”

Set up by the Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network, the commission’s practical approach is aimed at boosting sharing good practice and innovation, to enable councils to make best use of CCLH funding and work with communities to create more homes.

The Welsh and Scottish Governments are also funding CCLH.

Submissions from local authorities will inform the commission’s recommendations to Government on CCLH policy – and ensure that its report, case studies and technical toolkit, to be launched in October 2017 enable authorities across the UK to develop or support CCLH.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing law, including advising developers and self builders on planning permissions and planning appeals.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and our housing team is also able to advise on: