Reduce text sizeIncrease text sizeDefault coloursImproved contrastHigh contrastCommunities can collectively own, develop and/or manage their own land and developments through models such as co-operatives, mutuals, co-housing, self-build, Community Land Trusts, (CLTs) and the emerging Community-Right-to-Build, as well as self-build and custom-build approaches.
"I want communities of all shapes and sizes, living in the smallest of villages and the largest of cities, to have the chance to drive forward their own plans for the future of their neighbourhoods without being hindered by bureaucracy and red tape. The HCA stands ready to provide assistance to any such group and their website provides a named contact for each area who can help guide community groups through the process. This clarification and support from the HCA will be important to enabling these and other community groups, such as Community Land Trusts, to develop the homes that communities want."
Rt Hon Grant Shapps, Housing Minister
The HCA is committed to supporting communities to deliver their own local housing and regeneration solutions. The HCA can support these bodies and schemes through our enabling role, and in some circumstances through our funding and land programmes. The HCA has already funded a number of schemes through our affordable housing programmes and innovative property and regeneration approaches, including:
We are also working on schemes on HCA land such as the high profile Cashes Green scheme in Stroud, Gloucestershire and have a number of custom-build sites we are supporting.
For case studies and research that considers what's worked for other groups, see community-led housing. You may also wish to look at our work on rural housing.
Community-led groups are able to access funding under the 2011-15 Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) in two ways:
By joining an existing consortium with other partners who have been allocated AHP funding under the core AHP programme. Our website contains details on who has received this funding, and where they expect to build homes. Local HCA teams may be able to broker meetings between community-led groups with suitable schemes and consortia with spare funding capacity. More information is available on general AHP requirements.
By applying directly (alone or with a partner) for an additional AHP allocation for community-led schemes.
To help community-led groups and schemes to access this funding we have provided the following:
HCA criteria - PDF (170KB) - defining 'community-led' to ensure any additional AHP allocations are directed to the right places and schemes. Please use thse to help inform your initial discussions with your local HCA team.
HCA Application and TSA Registration Guidance - PDF (152KB) - for consideration only once initial discussions with the local HCA team are complete
A shorter and more proportionate contract - to reduce the burden on smaller community-led organisations
Other funding may be available through DCLG's Community Empty Homes programme being administered by a third party.
Any community-led groups seeking HCA support should contact their local HCA team in the first instance to discuss the scheme and how the HCA might be able to help. The key HCA contacts are:
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Becky.Ashley@hca.gsi.gov.uk East and South East |
Matthew.Dodd@hca.gsi.gov.uk South and South West |
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Jane.Tricker@hca.gsi.gov.uk Midlands |
Bill.Carr@hca.gsi.gov.uk North East |
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Jacqui.Walsh@hca.gsi.gov.uk North West |
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Anthony.Brand@hca.gsi.gov.uk Corporate |
Dinah.Roake@hca.gsi.gov.uk Corporate |
Additional support is available from existing networks and sector groups including:
You may also wish to consider how your plans fit into a wider vision for your community and neighbourhood. Support for Neighbourhood and community planning is available from:
Many of these sites also contain additional community-led development case studies.
