Solon Community Network is developing the Community Gateway Model with several client groups to provide tenants and leaseholders with more tangible ways of influencing new ALMOs or housing associations which are being set up and to put residents at the heart of decision making.

The model gives tenants and leaseholders more control over their homes and living environment. Community Gateway provides more tenant control in relation to different stock options – retention (remaining with the council), Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) or housing stock transfer. It provides a new type of body where rights to influence the running of the organisation are built into the structure.

The model is underpinned by a belief that greater levels of resident control can bring important benefits. These include better quality of housing management, better value for money and more sustainable communities. The model has particular relevance in neighbourhoods where there are high levels of deprivation and exclusion.

Solon developed the largest community gateway project in the UK so far: Greenfields Community Housing in Braintree.