About the Co-op
Brixton Housing Co-op was founded in 1976 as a Housing Co-operative (social housing under tenant control), to provide housing mainly for single people not usually catered for by Lambeth Council. It was created by individuals who wanted to share in the management of where and how we lived. A community who wanted to be self-directed and autonomous. We are a fully mutual, member led Co-op.
Check out our 40th Anniversary documentary film opposite.
History in brief:
By the early 1970s a vast number of Lambeth Council’s properties were empty, in dis-repair and set for demolition. Meanwhile homelessness was on the rise. Action groups emerged and many people began to solve their own problems by squatting.
Diverse and dynamic community: The soon to be famous 'front line' of Railton Road became a hub of political activity including an advice centre, a black book shop, gay centre and a food coop and a newspaper called Brixton Boss. One of the weekly ‘squat meetings’ was attended by a worker from Solon Housing Association who suggested that the group set up a Housing Association. Derek Evans and Mary Evans Young who ran Brixton Boss called a meeting at their house on Mayall Road.
The first meeting: Just three people attended that first meeting. The next was attended by eight people. It was at that second meeting the group agreed to form Brixton Housing Co-op and those eight people became the first committee. The group included Rob Smith, Theresa Smith, Terry Stewart and Jeffrey Saynor. Mary Evans Young was elected chair, Derek Evans was elected secretary and John Lloyd was elected treasurer.
Humble beginnings: The next day John opened the Co-op bank account. John had a meeting the bank manager telling him that he anticipated the Co-op would have a £2Millon turnover by the end of ten years. The bank manager was clearly excited. When he asked John how much he had to open the account with John offered him a £1 note.
Building blocks and first members: Gradually word got around and the prospect of a secure home outweighed the radical groups fears of ‘selling out.’ People started attending meetings and joining the Co-op. The next several years were concerned with endless, but necessary meetings to draw up the constitution, membership criteria, decide the geographic area the Co-op would cover – and negotiating with the Housing Corporation for finance, Lambeth Council for properties and ratifying the relationship with Solon Housing Association.
Starting and blooming: By 1979 the Co-op was close to taking up its first properties. While Derek and Mary moved on the pioneers behind the Coop were set to move in. Brixton Housing Coop has gone on to flourish and comprises of nearly 80 homes. The Co-op recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary.
Edited and from and based on an article for the Co-op Newsletter by Derek Evans and Mary Evans Young.
The Seven Cooperative Principles:
Cooperatives around the world generally operate according to the same core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance in 1995. The roots of these principles can be traced back to the first modern cooperative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.
3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.
5. Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6. Co-operation among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Committee meeting dates and members
Policies, procedures + terms of reference
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Useful info and emergency contacts.