Community-led Place Stewardship

The report on Community-led Place Stewardship was produced by the Community Land Trust Network of England and Wales, the European Community Land Trust Network, and Dark Matter Labs, with support from the Laudes Foundation. The document explores sustainable alternatives to private management companies in housing developments through community-led stewardship models.

In the UK, millions of households reside in large housing estates, with over 80% managed by private companies. The Competition and Markets Authority's 2024 Housebuilding Market Study indicates that many of these arrangements provide inadequate services and lack accountability, leading to a growing distrust in developers and local authorities. By 2029, an additional 1.5 million households are expected to join these estates, posing a significant challenge to sustainable housing management.

The report emphasizes that traditional place management is failing, highlighting issues like high management fees and poor service quality. It argues for a shift towards community-led stewardship, which has shown to enhance resilience and quality of life in neighborhoods. Effective community participation in governance can lead to better decision-making and long-term sustainability.

The report examines five innovative English case studies demonstrating successful community-led stewardship, including the Climate Innovation District in Leeds and the Kennett Garden Village. Each case showcases how community-led organizations can effectively manage assets, engage residents, and create benefits for local areas while providing insights into governance, funding, and stakeholder collaboration.

The report also draws comparisons with community stewardship models in mainland Europe, such as the Swiss cooperative housing system and Denmark's tenant democracy. These examples illustrate how community-led approaches can thrive in diverse contexts and offer valuable insights for improving housing management in the UK.

The report outlines principles for successful community-led stewardship, emphasizing community involvement, long-term asset management, and transparent governance. It presents a vision for community-led stewardship that prioritizes the needs of residents and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment.

To transition towards effective community-led stewardship models, the report recommends establishing early stewardship plans, improving governance structures, and enhancing the role of local authorities. It also calls for creating networks to support community-led practices and encourages the integration of community stewardship approaches in planning and funding processes.

In conclusion, the report advocates for a paradigm shift in housing management, emphasizing the need for community-led stewardship models that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity. By empowering residents to take an active role in their neighborhoods, the report suggests that we can create resilient and thriving communities across Europe.