Recognising ownership in regeneration: Developing a mutual neighbourhood

Over the last 15 years the role of community and the importance of the neighbourhood have grown in regeneration policy in the UK. With the present economic climate, the imposition of harsh public-sector spending cuts and a reliance on self-help under the ‘Big Society’, there is a need to examine the way in which communities and collective action can contribute to the development of neighbourhoods. This paper uses the idea of mutualism and considers its use in reshaping people’s everyday lives. The first section considers what is beneficial about mutual forms of (neighbourhood focused) organisation. Rather than the organisational form and structure, it is the process adopted that is important in delivering difference. The second part of the paper raises the question of the role of ownership and economic participation. In today’s world, what does ownership look like, and how can it be better understood? The final part of the paper considers how these elements may be better linked at the neighbourhood and city level. This section begins to think outside the box and consider how cooperative linkages can be developed to offer a mutual advantage to all. It draws on the ‘mutual triangle’ to illustrate how mutualism can be realised for individual and collective benefit. As a crucible of both today’s social and economic challenges and tomorrow’s environmental challenges, developing a mutual and sustainable neighbourhood will be critical.