Opened the debate
Andrew Pakes moved to introduce a Bill that would make provision for co-operative housing tenure. He emphasised the importance of co-operative values and his personal experience with the Co-op, noting its role in providing essential goods in his early years. He highlighted the success of Coin Street Community Builders in London as an example of how community-led housing can provide affordable homes and empower residents through decision-making processes. Pakes also praised the Government's new funding package for community-led housing but stressed that legal foundations are needed to support co-operative housing projects effectively.