RBH: Mutualisation day is here

Young RBH tenants show the Mayor of Rochdale, Cllr Peter Rush, their “Not Just A Little Business” fair trade stall while celebrating Co-operatives Fun Day in Rochdale Town Hall

Today, Wednesday 26 June, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) will take the last formal step in its mutual journey, as the transitional governance arrangements end and RBH becomes a true mutual, owned solely by tenant and employee members.

Lynne Brosnan, Chairwoman of the Shadow Representative Body, said: “This is a very exciting time for both tenants and employees alike. RBH will become the very first co-owned mutual housing organisation in the country, where both tenant and employee members have a real say in how RBH takes shape in the future”

Gareth Swarbrick, Chief Executive of RBH said: "I'm extremely proud that RBH will this week become the first housing mutual to be co-owned by both tenants and employees on a one member one vote basis. We know that by working together and using our exceptional position as a mutual that we can provide high quality homes in friendly, welcoming communities.” 

RBH took over the homes formerly owned by Rochdale Council in March 2012, with a promise to complete the mutual process within 15 months. At a special general meeting in March, tenant and employee members voted overwhelmingly to adopt the 'mutual rules' and complete the historic change to a true mutual organisation, with ownership resting solely in the hands of tenants and employees.

These rules have now been registered and are formally adopted on 26 June during both the CIH Conference in Manchester and the first week of Co-operatives Fortnight.