Housing WP 4-2016: Square pegs and round holes: Forming a Resident Management Company at Ashfields

By David Mullins and Jon Stevens

Abstract

This report tells the inspiring story of how doing things differently can resolve longstanding problems for residents and for large housing organisations alike. It concerns a small leasehold retirement scheme built and managed by Housing and Care 21(Housing & Care 21), a large non-profit landlord, and 27 residents who live on an attractive bungalow estate known as Ashfields in Telford, Shropshire.

The report is the result of a research project commissioned by Housing & Care 21 and undertaken by the Housing and Communities Research Group at the University of Birmingham. It represents baseline research at the point when management transferred to a Resident Management Company. It is based on a resident survey and 12 depth interviews with resident directors, staff and enablers.