Rachel DanemannUniversity of Stirling

Explains the context of my research on CLTs and LocalismExplains my methodologyRuns through the four world view model I used in my analysisHighlight the findings

This presentation is based on the findings of my MSs dissertation on CLTs and LocalismThe research was conduced in 2010 shortly after Coalition Government was electedIt considered why CLT seemed to be universally popular- with both new Labour and new Con-Lib Coalition

Documentary Analysis

triangulated with the collaborative creation of

An Orgisational Life History

Based on Johnson Birchalls Four World Views:

IndividualismPluralismCollectivismCommunitarianism

(used in research on co-operatives)

IndividualismPluralismDraws on work of Adam SmithSee individuals as self-interestedFreedom is the supreme goodCo-operation is a way of furthering individual ends in the market place

Draws on work of J.S.MillSee community as defining an individual's state and functionCo-operation required adaption of individual life plans to achieve common goals

CollectivismCommunitarianismDraws on MarxSee individuals as a product of social formationFraternity is keyRole of state, rather than community is keyDraws on work of Robert OwenLiberty is keyRecognises irreducible tension between individual and wider community

IndividualismPluralismPeople are motivated by self-interest so housing co-ops are unworkable. Direct housing provision or state-subsidy runs contrary to core principles

Good governance is keyThis is impacted by the quality of individuals involvedApplied to state, rather then small scale democracies at housing co-op level

CollectivismCommunitarianismBourgeois values are criticised but little mention of values in post-revolutionary societyState rather than community-led co-operatives are advocatedSmall scale dispersed ownership guarantees liberty.Exclusive ownership is problematicHousing co-ops seen as a solution to tension between individual and wider community ownership

Eric Pickles in 2010 defined his priorities as Localism, Localism and LocalismCoalition Agreement includes reference to promoting decentralisation and empowermentBig Society a key componentStill a contested and imprecise term

New manageralism saw local authorities shift from being providers to enablers or servicesRouse (1999) argues New Labour embrace of new mangeralism should have placed emphasis on inclusivity, participation and intolerance of low standards but was often reduced to a tick box exercise Localism under Labour = Regionalism

New Localism spilt into two camps, one interested in empowering very local areas to deliver services and the other interested in mutuals and not-for-profit models.Coalition version

CLT are a new panaceaSeen as being able to deliver develoved power, improve accountability and help address housing crisis.All underpinned by notion of social capital- social glue (networks within groups) and social bridges (networks between groups)

.but does this happen in practice

Holsworthy CLT in North Devon

East Portlemouth CLT in South Devon

Slow progressPlanning tensionsConfusion of RolesDefining and Meeting Housing NeedLack of TrustDefining Local

Little explicit about any of the four world views in the documentation, but much implicit esp. in CLT literatureLittle explicit in life histories but different world views are evidently influencing views and values of officers, members, CLT objectors, CLT supporters and their actions.

More support for volunteers neededMore Finance for CLT neededNeed to build support at a Local Level

Its too early (in 2012) to offer concrete conclusions of the success and appeal of CLTs, but hopefully the theoretical framework developed will be useful for further research.

Johnston Birchall (1986) Building Communities the Co-operative Way London: Routledge and PaulRouse J (1999) Performance Management, Quality Management and Contracts in Horton S and Farnham D (Eds) Public Management in Britain Hampshire: Palgrave