HC Deb 16 June 1988 vol 135 cc248-9W
Mr. Heddle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to carry out a review of housing co-operatives; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

It is the Government's policy to encourage the formation of co-operatives in order to broaden opportunities for tenants to play a greater part in the management of their homes. I have visited a number of co-ops recently and have been greatly impressed by their ability to build and strengthen local communities.

I am aware, however, that there are concerns, not least from within the co-op movement itself, that the present arrangements for supporting and promoting co-ops may not provide a suitable basis for the expansion in numbers which I am keen to secure. I am, therefore, commissioning a wide-ranging review of the arrangements to promote, develop and support co-ops, with the following terms of reference;

  1. a. To consider the administrative, financial and legislative framework necessary for the promotion, development and support of housing co-operatives on a local and national scale, both generally and in the context of tenants' choice;
  2. b. To consider the role of secondary housing co-operatives as promotional and servicing agencies; and
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  3. c. To make recommendations.

I have set up a review team which will be led by my Department to consider these matters. We are writing to the organisations most closely involved, but I invite all interested parties to write to the review team at my Department with their views on what is needed for co-ops, or similar forms of tenant involvement in the control of rented housing, to succeed. I have asked the review team to report by the end of the year.