News and events
CFS senior visiting research fellow and co-founder welcomes CLT definition
In an interview with the regeneration magazine New Start, Bob Paterson, the senior visiting research fellow and co-founder of Community Finance Solutions (CFS), expressed support of the findings and recommendations of the Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Taylor's review of rural housing. In particular, Mr. Paterson welcomed its backing of recent legislation creating a definition of Community Land Trusts (CLTs).
Rosie Niven, a columnist with the regeneration magazine New Start, reported on Mr. Paterson’s remarks:
“For Bob Paterson, project director at Community Finance Solutions at Salford University, the definition will act as a peg on which to hang lots of other work, including Mr. Taylor's proposals. He says the definition will make it easier for CLTs to secure resources and offer assurances to lenders that their money is in safe hands. 'CLTs are not just another fad of government, they are seen as a means of delivering affordable housing in rural areas. They can attract voluntary efforts and become a resource for the local community to look after', he adds.
(Source: “Planning reform is just the first stop to delivering more affordable rural housing”, by Rosie Niven, New Start, 01.08.08)
CFS director urges CDFIs to form elite group
The executive director of Community Finance Solutions (CFS) Dr. Karl Dayson expressed concern about the future funding of the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) sector at the annual Community Development Finance Association (CDFA) conference in Kent, June 2007.
Dr. Dayson argued that unless the sector made considerable progress in becoming more sustainable, the sector may find it difficult to convince Whitehall to continue funding. Austin Macauley, a columnist with the regeneration magazine New Start, reported on Dr. Dayson’s observations at the CDFA conference:
“Speaking at the Community Development Finance Association (CDFA) annual conference in Ashford, he called on CDFIs to follow the lead of credit unions by forming an elite group to drive the sector forward”
“Mr. Dayson predicted some CDFIs would go under while the more successful could become national institutions. He told delegates: You are in a really tough environment and you got to sell yourselves more.”
(Source: “CDFIs urged to form elite to avert Whitehall disillusion”, by Austin Macauley, New Start, 29.06.07)