This Briefing paper looks at housing co-operatives and other "mutual‟ housing bodies in England. In particular it focuses on the scope of different co-op and mutual bodies to plan, develop, acquire and manage local housing properties, alongside wider neighbourhood engagements. It is intended to provide guidance for local communities and community bodies considering how a „co-operative identity‟ could assist them to carry forward their aspirations for local housing and neighbourhood services. It will also be useful for professionals across housing and community-related disciplines who would be engaged with the formation and operation of co-operative housing bodies.