Islington Community Housing Co-operative Ltd

The Islington Community Housing Co-operative (ICHC) was established in 1975 as part of an effort to provide sustainable housing solutions for local people in need. It operates as a fully mutual housing co-operative, which means that only tenants can be members, and they have a significant role in the management and decision-making processes of the co-op. The co-operative currently manages 104 housing units, with a member-centric approach that encourages active participation in governance through the General Meeting and various sub-committees. ICHC emphasizes the importance of community control over housing, allowing members to influence decisions affecting their living situations without personal ownership. This structure not only supports democratic involvement among members but also helps to address the changing housing needs over time. The co-operative places a strong focus on maintaining a good standard of housing while adapting its properties to meet the Decent Homes Standards, indicative of its commitment to continuous improvement. The organization maintains a close partnership with North Camden Housing Co-operative (NCHC) to enhance its operations and capabilities. Through collaborative initiatives, such as shared employment arrangements for maintenance management, both co-operatives benefit from resource pooling and collective expertise. ICHC's housing stock primarily consists of converted Victorian properties, with a few new builds that reflect modern standards and environmental considerations. ICHC does not operate a traditional waiting list for housing; rather, it collaborates with local housing groups and the Islington Council to fill vacancies by identifying suitable candidates from existing housing waiting lists. This local approach ensures that the cooperative remains responsive to community needs and fosters a sense of belonging among its members. The co-operative’s focus on forward-thinking housing solutions positions it as a model for others interested in community-managed living arrangements.