Angela Rayner has urged for a transformation in community housing to address the housing challenges in the UK. The former Labour deputy leader has endorsed a report by the Co-operative Party advocating for more community-led and co-operative housing models.

The report highlights the need for recognition of an alternative housing tenure where individuals have the right to occupy a property as members of a co-operative that owns and manages it.

Rayner, in a recent speech seen as a criticism of Keir Starmer’s leadership, supported the report’s call for a shift in the housing system to be more supportive of people. She emphasized the importance of empowering communities to shape the housing they desire.

During her tenure as Housing Secretary, Rayner secured £20 million in funding for community-led housing projects. Her push for housing reform coincides with her warning that the Labour party must act swiftly to bring about meaningful change.

Joe Fortune, General Secretary of the Co-operative Party, emphasized the role of communities in addressing the housing crisis, citing the existing success of community-led housing initiatives hindered by outdated regulations.

In response, a spokesperson from MHCLG affirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis by prioritizing the construction of social and affordable homes, improving standards, and supporting community-led housing projects.