Governance & Aims
How Brighton & Hove Housing Coalition operates — openly, accountably, and independently.
How We're Governed
The Coalition is governed by a volunteer steering group elected by members. There are no paid directors. All decisions are made collectively and transparently.
Steering Group
- Elected annually by members
- Sets strategic direction
- Minimum 5 members
- No casting votes — consensus model
General Membership
- Open to all Brighton & Hove residents
- Vote on major decisions
- Attend open meetings
- One member, one vote
Working Groups
- Campaign-specific groups
- Open to all members
- Report to steering group
- Include Legal, Campaigns, Communications, and Research
Our 10 Founding Aims
End rough sleeping in Brighton & Hove within a generation
Achieve adequate, genuinely affordable housing for all residents
Prevent homelessness through early intervention and peer support
Advocate for the rights of those in temporary accommodation
Hold Brighton & Hove City Council accountable through evidence-led scrutiny
Challenge unlawful decisions through legal action and Judicial Review
Support the Homeless Bill of Rights (adopted 2019, UK-first)
Ensure procurement decisions prioritise community benefit over profit
Build solidarity across communities — multilingual, multicultural, inclusive
Create a permanent, independent housing voice for Brighton & Hove
Membership Rules
Individual Membership
Free. Open to all Brighton & Hove residents and workers. Full voting rights after 28 days.
Organisational Membership
From £25/year. Charities, community groups, trade unions, faith groups. One representative vote.
Code of Conduct
Members must uphold the Coalition's values of dignity, honesty, and solidarity. Zero tolerance of discrimination.
Removal
Members may be suspended by steering group vote (4/5 majority required) for serious conduct violations.
Transparency & Accountability
Annual general meeting each spring. Minutes published within 14 days. Financial accounts submitted to the coalition's voluntary accountant. No commercial sponsors.
Our governance documents are reviewed annually. Last reviewed: Spring 2026.
View Annual Review (PDF) →Join the Coalition
Membership is free and open to all Brighton & Hove residents. Help us hold power to account.