We had a very positive AGM in SSMJ Church on Cowley Road on September 25^th.  We reflected on the year which was another tough one, not least because housing costs continue to rise well above pre-recession levels and housing policy and funding continues to overwhelmingly support volume housebuilders. As many of you know, the year was book-ended by a flurry of optimism and passion on two unsuccessful site bids with Homes for Oxford, the first being Wolvercote Paper Mill at the start of the year in May 2016 and The Irving Building in early 2017. We have however gained lots of learning and strengthened our approach for future projects as a result.

There have also been some major successes for community-led housing, including the launch of the Community Housing Fund launched in December 2016. Three Oxfordshire local authorities received over half a million pounds combined, in the first year and OCLT have been busy developing new opportunities for partnership and making connections with more rural and urban groups. As a result, OCLT is working closely with Community First Oxfordshire and the Oxfordshire Community Foundation to promote and develop effective community led housing strategies. A key piece of work over the coming year is to do some research for Oxford City Council on what is needed and what would work best in the city. We will keep you posted about progress.