UK’s biggest housing mutual created in Rochdale

Representatives from Rochdale Borough Council, RBH and the Tenants’ Panel sign the transfer agreement at the Toad Lane Pioneers Museum in Rochdale

The largest housing mutual in the country has been created in Rochdale.

Ownership of 13,700 homes transferred from Rochdale Borough Council to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) on Monday (26 March) making RBH the UK’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual housing provider.

The transfer follows a ballot amongst tenants last December when three quarters of the 9,000 people who voted said ‘yes’ to the transfer.

That result was the catalyst for a £169million improvement programme for homes and estates in the first five years following the transfer – more than would have been possible if the houses had stayed with the council.

Andy Zuntz, Executive Director at the council, said: “Since tenants made their decision at the end of last year we’ve been working hard to ensure a seamless transfer to RBH and I’m delighted that we’ve achieved that.

“This is just the start of a bright future for residents who, in partnership with RBH employees, are now in charge of the future of their homes.”

Noel Chambers, Chairman of the RBH Board, said: “The completion of the transfer is a major milestone and the new mutual RBH is determined to both deliver the Offer Document promises and build a strong tenant and employee membership base.”

Chairwoman of Rochdale Tenants’ Panel, Lynne Brosnan, added: “Since the ballot result we have been working hard with RBH to develop the detailed rules and ways of operation for the mutual and it’s now up to us to make it work.

“It’s an exciting time for us as what we’re doing here in Rochdale is groundbreaking. I’d urge as many residents as possible to become members and to work with RBH employees to help further improve services and support local communities.

The creation of the mutual, which will run along co-operative principles, comes during the International Year of Co-operatives and follows the announcement that the borough of Rochdale has been declared the World Capital of Co-operatives.