Citizenship

Octavia’s work was based on the assumption of personal responsibility by both owners of property and tenants.

She gave even-handed encouragement to individuals from all classes to work together towards a healthy society. From the outset, the use of volunteers - latterly working alongside professionals - distinguished and underpinned her operations.

Her fundamental precept was that all forms of care could not be delivered remotely; only by the close involvement in the community by all stakeholders. The collection of rents was a means of achieving this. She insisted that tenants should act responsibly; paying rent on time and behaving considerately.