The aim of this policy is to establish who is eligible for membership of Mace and to lay out:
From October 1996 membership of the co-op is open to those who are either tenants or prospective tenants of the co-op and who hold a share in the co-op.
Potential members applying for membership must fulfil the following criteria:
The co-op currently defines low income as a gross income of less than £18,000 per annum, although this can be greater if the individual has unusually high expenses – e.g. maintenance payments, etc.
The 1985 Housing Act Section III gives a duty to local authorities to house “priority” homeless people, who are:
“Non-priority” homeless are everyone else who is homeless.
Applications for membership will be received alongside applications for housing. All applicants fulfilling the criteria for membership will be considered.
On acceptance of a tenancy agreement, signing to abide by the membership requirements and the payment of £1 the individual will be issued with a share in the co-op and their name entered into the register of members.
Tenants of the co-op itself will be entered as both members and tenants. Tenants of other landlords for whom the co-op acts as managing agents will be entered as members and prospective tenants.
All co-op members are required:
Membership will be terminated in the following circumstances:
A decision to expel a member can only be taken by a Co-op General meeting as laid out in the Co-op rules. The member concerned must be told the reason for considering their expulsion and given the opportunity to defend themselves. A decision to expel a member requires a 2/3 majority vote.