Development trusts are organisations which operate in the United Kingdom that are:
- community based, owned and led
- engaged in the economic, environmental and social regeneration of a defined area or community
- independent but seek to work in partnership with other private, voluntary and public sector organisations
- self-sufficient or aiming for self sufficiency, and not for private profit.
There is no set form of legal structure, and a development trust may be registered as a company limited by guarantee, a community interest company or an industrial and provident society. Many register as charities.
The activities undertaken by development trusts are various and include:
- running the local shop and post office
- developing play park and recreational facilities
- managing a housing development
- developing renewable energy projects such as wind farms
- setting up training programmes.
They are informed by a belief that community regeneration which is achieved through community owned enterprise is the way to build strong and sustainable communities.
There are over 500 development trusts throughout the UK, co-ordinated by the Development Trusts Association (DTA). The mission of the DTA, which was established in 1993, is “to bring about a successful development trust in every community that wants one”.
Development trust examples
- Arts Factory Ltd. Rhondda, Wales
- Coin Street Community Builders London, England
- Goodwin Development Trust, Hull, England
- Manor & Castle Development Trust Sheffield, England
- Mull & Iona Community Trust Argyll, Scotland
See also
External links
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