The fact finding visit followed Ms Jowell’s announcement of an independent ‘Commission on Ownership’ to investigate the importance of co-operative and mutual ownership as a way to deliver public services.  Her aim was to find out more about the benefits of living in a housing co-operative. 

Tessa Jowell said: “It is easy to see the value and benefits of housing co-operatives. ... I am visiting New Cut today to meet with tenants to hear first-hand about their experiences of living and participating in co-operative housing. I also hope to see how the benefits of mutual housing – such as co-operatives and tenant-owned estates – can be more widely shared across the UK.” 

The Minister went on a tour around the co-operative and was then treated to a cup of tea in their community room where New Cut Co-op members, Miguel (chair), Rosa (secretary), Carol (committee member) and Lillian (tenant-member) explained all about how they carry out their own lettings and maintenance.  They discussed with the Minister the benefits that co-operative ownership and management brings to their community.  Nic Bliss from 20/20 Housing Co-operative in Birmingham, chair of the , also shared his experience of co-operative living with the Minister and members of New Cut.

 Ms Jowell said that the meeting was “incredibly useful and inspiring” and thanked the residents saying that they were a wonderful bunch who told a vivid story!