Housing associations and co-ops
Housing associations are organisations that are run independently from councils. They are the main developers of new homes in the social housing sector and provide housing for people on low to moderate incomes who are in housing need. They are part funded by the government, through the Housing Corporation and raise the rest of the money they need for developing homes from banks and private finance institutions. They are non profit making organisations so any surpluses are used to maintain existing homes and help finance new ones.
Each housing association is different and they provide housing for people from many different sections of the community. Some associations provide for the whole range of housing needs, from homes to rent for families and single people, to homes for sale through the different low cost home ownership schemes. All housing associations must have written policies on the type of housing services they provide, who can apply for housing and how applications will be considered. You can ask to see these policies.
The Rehousing Opportunities team helps to allocate Housing Association properties within the borough and assists council tenants and homeseekers who would like to move away from London to other areas, including Wales and the north of England.
