Tenants speak up at the summer conference

The evening event was chaired by one of our youngest active tenant reps, 11-year-old Connor, who did an amazing job introducing the speakers. Don’t worry if you missed the conference –  you can view the presentations online, and we’ve summarised some of the best bits below!

Two of our team of Tenant Inspectors reported on their focus on council housing stigma and the impact of fly tipping on local neighbourhoods asking what could be done to tackle this important issue.

Members of the Tenant Repairs Panel spoke about how they have been working with council staff to raise concerns and provide useful feedback and suggestions on issues including lift breakdowns, how to report a repair, damp and mould, fire safety work and protocols when contractors visit tenants’ homes.

The Tenant Resource Group explained how they work to influence the council’s spending plans, in order to ensure that money is spent on the things that tenants want and need.

Three members of the Tenants’ Scrutiny Panel explained how they hold the council to account by gathering evidence and making recommendations to improve services. The team cover a wide variety of areas, but have recently been looking at Homebid, the complaints service and the sign-up policy for new tenants.

Several tenant groups from across the city proudly took to the stage to promote their fantastic success stories – showing just what can be achieved when neighbours come together to benefit their local community. Itchen Estate Tenants and Residents Association has gone from strength to strength since establishing almost 20 years ago, and green-fingered members of the Bizzie Bees Garden Club in Bassett showed off photos of their impressive summer house and communal garden. Tenants spoke about the benefits of applying for grants and funding, and how the Decent Neighbourhoods Project has transformed many areas and boosted pride in council neighbourhoods.

A video of Roundhill Community Voice in Townhill Park showed how neighbours in the new block are working together to highlight problems and issues with the new build and their plans to create a community garden.

In anticipation of the 20th anniversary of the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens scheme this summer, details were shared of the forthcoming celebration event which will take place on 8 August 2023, in Mansel Park, Millbrook. Check out next month’s issue for a full report.

The audience also heard about the national Four Million Homes campaign which aims to promote tenant rights.