Introduction to Community Control

Tenant control has been with us for many years. There are thriving tenant controlled housing sectors in other countries (e.g. Norway, Sweden, Canada, Denmark).

Ordinary people are taking responsibility and making a difference to their lives and their communities. It’s a lot of work - but you won’t find anyone in existing organisations who regretted doing it. Anyone can do it ! Most started with one or two people who had a vision for their community.

There are three ways that local people can run their own housing co-operatively.

Ownership housing co-ops

• There are 247 housing co-operatives registered with the Housing Corporation


• They have approx 50 homes each


• Most have existed since 1980s


• They house the same groups of people as other associations

Tenant management

• Manage homes owned by councils or associations


• Vary from 6 homes to thousands


• There are 250+ tenant management organisations in council homes, where there is a legal right;


• There are around 30 in housing association homes


• They have a clear record of out-performing local authorities, whilst providing community benefits and transforming neighbourhoods

Community Gateway

• Tenant and community ownership housing association


• Committed to developing local control


• 4 Community Gateway associations in Preston, Watford, Braintree & Lewisham


• 2 Community Mutuals in Rhondda Cynon Taf & Torfaen

“Watford tenants came up with the vision and values of Watford Community Housing Trust.  We are the Trust’s owners and its business plan is our business plan.  We are its guardians and we need to constantly review and safeguard our vision.  It makes us more protective of the Trust and want to put more in.” 

Watford Community Housing Trust Gateway Committee

www.cch.coop

info@cch.coop

07947 019287