2.2.7.5 Somerset Rules 2020 Multi-stakeholder Community Benefit Society

Sponsoring Body: Somerset Co-operative Services 

Somerset Co-op Community Land Trust (CLT) 

This case study was written up as part of the launch of their 2020 community share offer. Membership numbers accurate at the time.  

Somerset Co-op CLT exists to serve communities in Somerset, but also has a special interest in serving those who are in housing need and willing to work together to meet that need. We need to be able to attract social investment from beyond these communities, but in such a way that accountability to our core community is not compromised. 

Membership constituencies 

Tenant (including prospective tenants and former tenants, £1 minimum): 6 

Community (live or work in Somerset, £1 minimum): 78 

Supporter* (Outside Somerset £500 minimum): 136 

Social investors are ‘supporter’ members, supporting the other two groups but not sharing their experience. This means that a) the rules bar them from forming more than 25% of voting board members, and b) the rules preclude any amendment that would allow them collectively to control more than 25% of voting strength in a general meeting 

Total membership = 220   Tenant and locals 38%  Supporters 62% 

Weighted Voting 

At General Meetings, in the event of a counted vote, a form of weighted voting is used to ensure that the CLT remains locally controlled and responsive to the needs of those in most need, as follows: 

Supporter members will be limited to 25% of votes; 

Tenants 45% of votes; and 

Community members 30%. 

This only has effect if, following a show of hands, a member requests a count. Otherwise, no distinction is made. To date, weighted voting has not been requested at a general meeting.