"Co-operative forms of housing offer us a range of possibilities for tackling the housing crisis. The recent “Bringing Democracy Home” report, published by the Commission for Co-operative and Mutual Housing, shows how we can work with and trust communities, incentivizing them and empowering them as part of a wider housing policy that places the needs of local people above those of bureaucrats and planners. With a range of co-operative housing models available, suiting people of different income levels and at different stages of their lives, co-operative housing currently forms only a small part of this country’s housing provision, as opposed to the major sectors it forms in other developed countries. The Commission’s research shows that co-operative and mutual housing in the UK has suffered from a lack of publicity and support, but that it provides considerable social and community benefit, and can respond well to the needs and aspirations of a growing number of people, from people who would previously have been first time buyers, through to elderly people looking for the safety and support of a community environment. For further information, the Commission’s report is available at www.ccmh.coop or contact Nic Bliss on 07947 019287."