Lords debates co-operative housing
11 October 2013
Members of the Lords, including former council leaders and local government activists, debated the development of the co-operative housing sector in the UK on Thursday 10 October.
The debate raised the importance of supply and access to affordable housing. Members said it is a housing challenge that needs a new solution and that the role of co-operative housing models in meeting it had not been recognised.
Members argued that in spite of its proven benefits for tenants, in terms of affordability and management, the co-operative housing sector remains small. They said plural housing provision, with a diversity of supply, would be required and non-profit house building models would enable communities to determine their own needs and encourage house building.