The Government has given increased backing to community led housing, a sector made up of organisations like housing co-operatives, cohousing groups, community land trusts, tenant management organisations and self-help housing groups. We are contacting you to understand whether your council supports community led housing.

1. Does the council have any policies or ones in development to support community led housing? If so, what are they and where do they appear?
The Council is keen to support the delivery of self-build and custom-build homes. As part of our Local Plan Update, we are considering self-build provision in the borough as a new policy. We are also developing plans for a pilot community-led self-build project on council owned land and have recently been in consultation with residents in relation to the twin demands for affordable and self-build homes in the borough. This is an action within our Housing Strategy 2020 – 2024.

2. Since January 2010, how many grants and/or loans has the council given to community led housing groups or organisations?
We have been pleased to provide grant funding of £4,000 to help bring forward a community led housing proposal.

3. Since January 2010, how many land disposals or leases has the council made to community led housing groups or organisations?
None.

4. Do you have dedicated staff to support community led housing? If so, what are their job titles?
The council is keen to support the delivery of community led housing in the borough. Our Housing Policy Officer leads on this agenda as part of their role within the Housing & Place Commissioning Team