Update on Policy and Practice
CEO Owen Jarvis, January 2025
As we enter the new year, I’d like to thank you for your unwavering support and the inspiring work you do to drive the cohousing movement forward. Your dedication keeps the momentum strong.
The government’s ambitious housing strategy for 2025 presents new opportunities for Community-Led Housing (CLH). Our board members have brought it to my attention that we underplay the extensive influencing and campaigns work we do at UKCN on a very tight budget. Members may find it encouraging to have a clearer picture of what we do so here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been working on—and what’s ahead.
Advancing CLH in Government Policy
Meeting with Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook
In October 2024, I joined Community Led Housing sector leaders in meeting Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook to discuss integrating CLH into plans to meet the national target of 1.5 million homes. The minister tasked us with refreshing the CLH Long-Term Strategy and contributing to the New Towns Taskforce. His commitment to diversifying housing delivery includes recognising CLH’s role in the government’s long-term plans.
Government Quarterly Meetings
UKCN is amongst a select group of CLH representatives who will be regularly attending the MHCLG Housing Markets & Strategy Stakeholder Group. These meetings focus on designing the CLH Long-Term Housing Strategy.
Community-Led New Towns Event (6 February 2025, London)
With support from the Nationwide Foundation and encouragement from the Housing Minister, CLTN and UKCN are hosting a one-day event to explore integrating community-led housing into new town development. Experts from academia, industry, and activism will draft practical recommendations for the government.
Housing Diversification Campaign
We continue to work with Nationwide Foundation and Nacsba to champion a diverse housing sector. This year’s campaign will push for wider use of self-build, custom-build, CLH, and SME builders to meet government targets.
Tackling Key Barriers:
Refreshing the CLH Long-Term Growth Strategy
Access to land, affordable finance, and expertise remains critical for the sector’s growth. In 2023, we and our partners submitted a long-term strategy to the government. At the Labour government’s request, this is being updated, with hopes for a feasibility study into long-term financing and £20m in short-term funding to kick-start projects.
Our Revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
In collaboration with partners and MHCLG, we developed a definition for community-led developments in the NPPF. While not perfect, it represents a step forward, especially when paired with community-led exception sites. For more details, see this summary from Wrigleys.
Community-Led Housing Growth Lab
Following a 2022 sector review, with CLTN and UKCN launched the Growth Lab to support innovative, early-stage CLH ventures. Backed by Laudes and the Nationwide Foundation, the second cohort will complete in March 2025, helping to strengthen intermediaries and new approaches to community engagement.
Unlocking Mortgage Finance for Cohousing
UKCN has highlighted limited mortgage options for CLH and cohousing. In response, UK Finance invited us to present and explore solutions. We anticipate further progress in 2025.
Despite tight resources, we are making strides. Your contributions and advocacy ensure CLH is recognised as a vital part of the housing sector. Let’s make 2025 a landmark year for the movement.
Thank you for your continued support.
Owen Jarvis
CEO, UK Cohousing Network, January 2025