This report surveys the history of community and mutual ownership and considers the implications for policy and practice in this area. In recent years, policy-makers have identified community and mutual ownership as making a significant contribution to the economy, welfare and society. A historical analysis of social change can inform contemporary understanding, policy and practice.

The report:

• adopts a broad definition of ‘community and mutual’ as a way of exploring the history of ownership;
• identifies five models: customary and common, community, co-operative and mutual, charitable, and municipal and state forms of ownership;
• argues that systematic and values-based approaches are needed to develop community and mutual ownership to respond to current social problems;
• notes that time is needed to develop democracy, membership and belonging, all factors that have been historically important to the success of community and mutual ownership.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation is a British social policy research and development charity.

Download the report here

Community United Kingdom