Project Director: Paul Hickman
Project Duration: 2012

With the dramatic reduction in the resources available to social housing landlords, the emergence of a 'Big Society' agenda and rhetorical (though not substantive) support from the Coalition Government, the housing mutual model is being considered as an appealing future social housing option by local housing authorities and housing associations. Mutual housing organisations, in which all staff and tenants have a direct interest (with limited liability), are believed to provide cost savings and be more attuned to local needs and priorities. However, very little research has been undertaken into such models. This study, then, examines the potential of the housing mutual model and seek to explore the extent to which it is a viable option.