A High Peak charity is looking to set up a community-owned housing association for the area. 

The plan is to bypass banks and enable High Peak citizens to invest in housing in their local area through community shares.

Zink is holding an open afternoon for anyone wanting to find out more about the proposals on 30 January from 4pm to 6pm at Zink HQ, on Clough Street in Buxton. 

Paul Bohan, CEO of Zink, explained why Zink was moving into housing provision.

“Over the last few years Zink has supported individuals and families to move from being homeless into a place of their own," he said. 

“Our advice worker has helped them get finances in place and we’ve put shout outs for furniture so that they have a real home. 

“At that point they are ready to look for a job and our work coaches have made this happen. If we can provide homes, we can speed this whole process up and we can support families and individuals to manage it all.”  

Community shares enable people to invest in their own communities. They can’t be sold but can be withdrawn. As with any shares there is a level of risk.  

“I see the community share idea as bypassing banks,” said Paul, “instead of putting money in savings which the bank then uses for mortgages, community shares allow individuals to invest their money into local bricks and mortar and help local people. 

“It’s not a donation and while we don’t expect to see a dividend in the first few years, investments can be withdrawn.”  

After the open afternoon, Zink will be able to apply for grant funding to get the community share offer up and running. The shares will be in a Community Benefit Society yet to be named.  

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