Date of meeting: 29 January 2026

Proposer: Cllr Paul Nann

Seconder: Cllr Joy Robinson

Ward(s) affected: All

Notice of Motion

Labour Group

This Council notes:

1) That locally, nationally and internationally, co-operative housing schemes provide sustainable, genuinely affordable housing solutions that can help towards easing the homeless crisis as well as creating vibrant and cohesive communities.

2) That Brighton & Hove is home to a number of successful housing co-operative schemes, including Two Piers, Bunker Housing, Rosa Bridge and Seasalt.

3) That such schemes have historically been seen as a small scale, somewhat ‘niche’ form of housing in the UK, whereas in Zurich for example, 20% of all residents live in a co-op, and co-operative developments also include shops, nurseries, hotels, restaurants and workspaces.

4) That the current Government is working with the Confederation of Co-operative Housing and other sector stakeholders to legislate for a co-operative form of tenure putting such tenants on the same footing as other social housing tenants; amending the Localism Act to provide more support; and provide access to low-cost capital finance for co-operative organisations currently priced out of the market.

This Council Resolves:

Request that Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee considers setting up a Task & Finish Group to make recommendations on how BHCC can:

1) Actively raise the profile of and seek to grow the co-operative housing sector through promoting the benefits to residents and through City Plan.

2) Engage with other councils regarding best practise and government regarding the legislative picture.

3) Develop a practical strategy to remove barriers and facilitate new affordable, community-led co-ops in the city.