Shelter is one of our most basic needs but many people in the UK are unable to access an affordable, secure, and suitable home. Consequently, communities are coming together to deliver their own housing solutions, ensuring that homes that they feel are needed are built for those in housing need in their community.
An annual income of £87,000 is now required to purchase the average home in Hampshire at £382,000, far beyond the reach of many hardworking people (Source: RightMove, September 2022)
Many professional people like nurses (with an average salary of £34,000), teachers (£34,000) and police officers (£31,000) are now priced out of the market.
In the last few decades the makeup of households in the UK has changed significantly
Large detached executive homes are often being built in place of smaller homes as they usually provide more lucrative returns to developers. Current trends however show that smaller more modest homes are needed to meet the needs of first time buyers, young couples, families and ‘empty nesters’ interested in downsizing.
Creative solutions are required to meet our present day housing needs.
Local people, Local solutions, Local Control
Community-led housing schemes give local ‘ordinary’ people an opportunity to be actively involved in providing homes that they feel are needed in their community. These schemes give people the chance to influence development, building homes that are truly affordable and suitable for local people.
Community groups are able to mould schemes to fit their aims
Community-led housing schemes can take a variety of forms, giving local people an opportunity to be flexible and choose an approach that is right for their community.
Anyone local to an area can be involved in setting up a community led housing group. This could be a group of residents, members of a parish / town council or a local church group etc. Schemes can also be set up by groups of people in housing need themselves.
A variety of community led housing models are available to communities
These include Community Land Trusts, Cohousing schemes, Group Self and Custom Build schemes and Housing Cooperatives.
Success stories
“The government has suddenly realised that loneliness is bad for your health and is worried about how lonely some older people are. We are living longer in bad health statistically, so being in a neighbourhood where we look out for each other is critical” – Resident
The Older Women’s Cohousing Scheme in High Barnet (pictured) is a community led cohousing scheme tackling social isolation among older people through collaborative living arrangements. This female-only scheme provides 25 flats. The residents (who are aged between 50 and 88) have their own self-contained flat but share a common room, guest room, garden and laundry. Residents share responsibility for cleaning communal areas and gardening, and meet once a week for a meal together. The shared lounge hosts activities such as film club and yoga.
Interested in finding out more?
Mags Wylie, our Community Housing Officer provides guidance and technical support to groups throughout the process of delivering community led housing schemes. Mags can help you choose the right project for your community and give you the tools to make well informed choices.
Please get in touch.
T:07801 699913 E: click this link to email Mags
W: click this link to visit our website
