LIB DEMS WIN FOR CITY's TENANTS (Bristol East Liberal Democrats)

Bristol East Liberal Democrats <info@bristoleastlibdems.org.uk>

LIB DEMS WIN FOR CITY's TENANTS

December 18, 2007 8:22 PM

LIB DEMS WIN FOR CITY's TENANTS

For further information and interviews please contact Cllr Mike Popham on 0797 650 4897

Liberal Democrats win support of Council for tenant management organisations in the City.

Working closely with tenant groups in the City and Open Communities, tenants decided to apply to the Government to establish 3 tenant management organisations. These tenant-led organisations will form over the next 2 years or so and enable tenants to manage about a third of all housing stock - some 12,000 properties.

The City-Wide Forum considered the action necessary to improve without doubt tenant participation in the light of changes ahead that are likely to make housing management more arms length.

Cllr Mike Popham, Liberal Democrat Shadow Executive Member for Housing said "Bristol is to become a pilot for a local housing company and we consider it essential that tenants are fully integrated in the decision making process for the effective management of their homes. Effective tenant management involves good rent collection practices, responsive handling of repairs and maintenance, consistent and fair enforcement of regulations, and regular and informative communication with tenants."

Open Communities Limited, which is the body for the development of Tenant Management Organisations will be assisting and advising tenants using the Right To Manage Regulations.

Cllr Popham added "Failure in any of these areas will result in dissatisfied tenants, lower occupancy rates, increased remarketing costs and lower return on investment. This is a significant matter for Tenants and Leaseholders throughout Bristol as they seek to maintain their voice in the midst of a Housing Management reorganisation. The Labour Administration must now seek to re-establish a positive relationship with tenants and leaseholders via this Liberal Democrat-inspired instrument for tenant management by tenants for tenants."

Cllr Michael Popham

Liberal Democrat Shadow Executive Member, Housing, Regeneration and Capital Projects