Maidstone Weald Labour Party

All around the world people are using co-operative principle to create affordable homes in thriving communites and I'm delighted to be part of this new commission that will both explore the reasons behind this international success story and find ways of expanding its reach in the UK - Sarah Webb. Chief Executive Chartered Institute of Housing.

We needto explore new ways to create the safe, sustainable and friendly neighbourhoods where people want to live and fulfil their true potential. We need to explore how we can mainstream the excellent work of existing housing co-operatives and mutual housing solutions to shape the housing of tomorrow. The Commission has a vital role to play in that (Caroline Flint. Minister for Housing).

Housing co-operatives have the potential to play a key role in creating successful and sustainable places which are informed and conditioned by the views of those who live there.
This kind of community ownership has been very succesful in many European and other countries.The Commission has a critical role to play in identifying any barriers to their further development here and helping to remove those barriers (David Orr. Chief Executive National Housing Federation.)