Approaches to Community Governance

Mixed housing tenure is here to stay. New housing developments that mix homeowners and social housing tenants are the norm. There is also an increasing focus on the "neighbourhood" as the place for involvement and democratic renewal. This report examines what legal mechanisms exist for involving residents across all tenures in having a say in how their neighbourhood is run. A practical and easy-to-read guide, it looks at seven case studies from around the country to: explore how each neighbourhood involves residents in governance against a set of key indices; evaluate the different legal models used; and identify key principles in establishing a mechanism for involvement that works. The authors are practising lawyers with years of experience in setting up and advising organisations involved in community governance. This report is therefore highly relevant to the area of neighbourhood management. "Approaches to Community Governance" should be of interest to developers, planners, regeneration practitioners and those involved in social housing.