Oldham closing in on cooperative status

Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date published: 11 April 2014


OLDHAM is a step closer to becoming a “cooperative” borough thanks to an offer from the council and Oldham Housing Investment Partnership.

The Cooperative Housing Offer 2014-15 sets out how the council and its housing partners are “doing their bit”.

The council’s approach is about changing its relationship with residents, partners and local businesses for the benefit of the borough.

The housing offer reflects some of the activity by partners which supports a greater contribution from residents - for example, residents being able to afford to heat their homes through schemes such as Collective Energy Switching campaigns and a continued commitment by partners to support Warm Homes Oldham, which will lift 1,000 people out of fuel poverty.

Locals managing their finances with help from Oldham Credit Union, residents staging community clean ups and schemes such as the Oldham Mortgage to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder are also examples of a co-operative way of life.

Councillor Jean Stretton said: “I think it’s great our housing partners recognise that Oldham’s cooperative future is something they can play a key part in.

“The launch of this document means that our OHIP partners are working with us to drive forward our vision for a co-operative borough. It sets out many excellent examples of where residents are already doing their bit and outlines our priorities for the future.”

Visit www.oldham.gov.uk/coop_hs to find out more about the new initiative.