CIH has welcomed the publication this week of a new White Paper - Communities in control: real people, real power - by CLG Secretary of State, Hazel Blears, which recognises the significant role played by housing professionals and the housing sector in the creation of successful communities.

The White Paper sets out proposals to deliver a fundamental shift in power, influence and responsibility into the hands of communities and citizens. In particular it recognises the significant role the social housing sector already plays in empowering hundreds of thousands of tenants and residents. It also highlights the sector's commitment to delivering excellent services by giving "redress when things go wrong" an approach they would like to see adopted by councils.

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The paper proposes support for the development of strong housing cooperatives and the Mutuality in Housing Commission provides an opportunity to reflect on models of home ownership more widely.

CIH Head of Policy, Abigail Davies, said: "We are pleased to see the range of proposals in the White Paper and the significant role ascribed to housing in empowering communities. If implemented widely, these proposals could deliver a real change in communities and service delivery. The challenge now is to build people's faith in the new approaches and the outcomes they could offer."

(CD/JM)