London Fields Solutions (LFS) was formed by a group of residents in the London Borough of Hackney. The group had fought to stop the destruction of local properties and the dispersal of their community. This led the group to working in partnership with SOLON CHS (a local Registered Social Landlord).

SOLON secured ownership of the properties in question and then jointly with LFS members developed a framework in which the properties would be refurbished and then managed by LFS.

The LFS scheme comprises the conversion of 19 houses in 2 parallel streets providing 29 affordable homes with 41 work/studio space. There are 58 residents. With assistance from a European grant, LFS members have been able to acquire building skills by working on the refurbishment of the properties from 'second fix', giving a partial self-build aspect to the scheme.

With funding made available from a separate European grant LFS members underwent an extensive training program aimed at equipping them with the skills to manage the scheme and establish the organisation with which to do it.

LFS have set up a Company Limited by guarantee with charitable objectives to manage the scheme. It is their aim that they will eventually be able to buy back the properties from SOLON CHS. The company is run on similar principles to a primary housing co-operative and all LFS members/tenants are encouraged to play a role in the management of the scheme.

The LFS scheme is unique in the UK. The development of the scheme is highly innovative. LFS wish to continue this innovation by looking at new ways of improving housing management and resident involvement/control including effective use of IT

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