The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Mutuals brought together parliamentarians and co-operative housing representatives to discuss how the sector could play a greater role in addressing the UK’s housing crisis.
The event, at Parliament, explored the policy changes needed to support the growth of co-operative housing, with discussions focusing on the introduction of a recognised co-operative housing tenure, access to appropriate and affordable finance, and the contribution of mutual and community-led approaches to delivering secure, affordable homes.
The Confederation of Co-operative Housing (CCH) highlighted the growing strength of the sector and the need for government to create the conditions for it to expand.
Having recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, CCH has grown to more than 220 members across the UK, representing approximately 13,800 tenant-members. The organisation provides advice, guidance and training to the housing sector and has recently launched a suite of documents to help housing co-operatives strengthen their governance, management and member participation.
CCH also highlighted the international significance of the UK’s co-operative housing movement. Its CEO Blase Lambert serves as treasurer of Cooperative Housing International, the housing sectoral organisation of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), and represents the housing sector on the ICA board.
Building a recognised co-operative housing tenure
A key theme of the event was progress towards establishing a dedicated co-operative housing tenure in legislation.
CCH worked alongside the Co-operative Party to coordinate Andrew Pakes MP’s introduction of a 10 Minute Rule Bill on co-operative housing tenure in April 2025. The proposal reflected a key recommendation in CCH’s Manifesto for Change, published ahead of the 2024 general election, which called for co-operative and community-led solutions to the housing crisis.
Supported by Gareth Thomas MP, chair of the APPG on Mutuals, parliamentary discussions and subsequent government statements indicate a willingness to legislate for a co-operative housing tenure. The government’s stated intention to legislate was also reiterated in the notes accompanying the King’s Speech in May.
Related: Confederation of Co-operative Housing launches new governance guide
The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in raising the profile of co-operative housing in Parliament and the further work needed to translate policy commitments into practical legislative change.
CCH says a recognised co-operative housing tenure could help provide a clearer framework for the development, operation and financing of housing co-operatives, supporting the sector to grow and giving communities more opportunities to shape their housing.
Unlocking finance for co-operative housing
The event also examined the importance of access to appropriate and affordable finance for housing co-operatives and the wider co-operative economy.
CCH argued that the UK’s housing finance system has historically favoured individual homeownership and the development of affordable housing by a relatively small number of large housing associations. A more diverse housing system would require greater support for co-operative and community-led approaches.
Suitable financing mechanisms would be essential to enable housing co-operatives to develop new homes, grow existing communities and provide more people with access to democratic, member-led housing.
The discussion also placed housing within the wider ambition to double the size of the UK co-operative sector, highlighting the need for government action to ensure co-operatives can access finance on terms that reflect their distinctive structures, purposes and long-term social value.
“It was excellent to bring colleagues from across the co-operative housing movement into Parliament to discuss how we can help the sector grow,” said Thomas. “There is real momentum behind the campaign for a recognised co-operative housing tenure, and a clear opportunity to build on the progress already made.
“We also need to address the practical barriers, particularly access to affordable finance, so that more communities can benefit from the opportunity to create and manage their own homes. There is more work to do, and continued collaboration between Parliament, government and the sector will be essential.”
Lambert added: “This discussion demonstrated both the ambition of the co-operative housing movement and the growing recognition of its potential to help tackle the housing crisis. Establishing a recognised co-operative housing tenure and developing appropriate financing mechanisms would give the sector a much stronger foundation for growth.
“We have the experience, the expertise and communities ready to make co-operative housing work. What we need now is the right policy framework and investment to turn that potential into more homes and stronger communities.”
CCH chair Martyn Holmes added: “Co-operative housing already has a proven track record of creating homes and communities where people have a genuine say in how they live. We know how to do this, and there are communities across the country that want to do more.
“With a recognised co-operative tenure and a dedicated financial intermediary to help unlock investment, we could significantly increase the number of co-operative homes. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel; we need the right infrastructure in place to help the sector do what it does best: create more co-operative housing.”
