The DTA wants to see robust and independent development trusts in every community, achieving long term social, economic, and environmental improvements. Ownership of community assets is a means towards that end and increasingly, through Community Land Trusts and other mechanisms, there are opportunities to develop housing as a key community asset.
For many years, community based organisations have been working to provide solutions to local issues, such as transport, training, youth services, workspace units, community centres, open spaces, business start-ups etc. Members of the DTA have, of course, been at the forefront of developing and delivering such activities and using enterprise activity to generate sustainable income streams – so why has the supply of housing (and particularly affordable housing) had a relatively low profile within the movement? Principally this is because in this country (although not, for example, in America) housing is usually seen as separate from other aspects of community development and regeneration. However good quality affordable housing is fundamental to achieving viable confident communities - the ultimate objective for the DTA and its members – and the agenda is moving forward rapidly.
