A housing co-op is a society registered with the Financial Services Authority under the Industrial & Provident Societies Act 1965. To register, a set of Rules must be adopted. For housing co-ops, these are normally Fully Mutual Rules, meaning all tenants must be members of the Co-operative Society. The FSA regulates the Society’s activities and requires Annual Returns to be provided detailing the officers, member turnover, and accounts.

To find out about different types of housing co-op, and how to set one up, including funding routes, development support etc., go to Confederation of Co-operative Housing (CCH)

All co-ops, both housing and worker, undertake to follow the Co-operative Principles, as defined by resolution of the Centennial Congress of the International Co-operative Alliance on 23 September 1995. The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-ops put their values into practice.

A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

Co-operatives are based on the values of responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others.

Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

Co-ops are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. All members who carry out a role on behalf of the co-op are accountable to the membership of the co-op. Co-op members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote).

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their Co-op. That capital is usually the common property of the Co-op. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership.

Co-ops are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensures democratic control by their members and maintain their Co-op autonomy.

Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees, so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

Designed by Gunny
Photos by Neil W