TENANTPARTICIPATION

HOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICES

A GUIDE TO SETTING UP A

COUNCIL TENANTS AND RESIDENTS

GROUP

Getting Involved– In HousingWarwick District Council is strongly committed to building greater tenant involvement into its decision making processes. To achieve this we want to share information and ideas; involving you in decisions about the housing service that you receive as our customer. All tenants have the right to be consulted, but everyone can take a more active part in a number of ways:

Taking an active interest in the service you �receive as a tenant

Attending public meetings that are held from �time to time

Returning questionnaires and customer �satisfaction cards

Becoming a member of a tenants and �residents association and panels

Joining in other tenant involvement initiatives �

What Is A Tenants’ & Residents Group & Panel?Tenants and Residents Associations and panels enable tenants and leaseholders to get together to tackle issues and problems collectively rather than individually. They represent the views and interests of tenants and leaseholders to the Council.

These groups are often formed when residents living in the same community get together to discuss and put forward issues to improve the area or the service they receive.

Why form a group?To tackle crime and anti social behaviour within �your community

To improve community spirit and awareness �

Environmental improvements within your �community

To come together in a social aspect �

Advantages Of A Group Being a member of a group adds strength to expressing your own views and can stop you feeling isolated when tackling issues. The group can build community spirit and encourage community development.

Council Support for GroupsThere are already a number of associations and panels in the district, and the council is keen to see more groups formed.

The council can give a start up grant to recognised groups to assist in the running costs such as:photocopying, postage and hiring meeting rooms. We also offer support with all aspects of the groups administration, basic committee training and on-going training with related issues to housing. We can also help with transport arrangements and childcare costs.

Where do I go from here?One of the first things to do is telephone the Tenant Participation Officer and they will be able to tell you if there is a group in your area. If there isn’t they can help you and other residents set a group up.

You will need to get together with interested residents and discuss any ideas for the group, then we will arrange a public meeting to assess the support for the group and what the groups aims will be and what type of group it will become. i.e. association or panel.

Then it’s time to fire the residents group up and start taking action within the community.

Useful NumbersCouncil Housing Estates SupervisorsChristine Ledger Square – Eileen McKeogh ..........................................07866 609 655Fallow Hill – John Lamb ............................ 07866 609 674Kennedy/St Paul’s Square – Andy Smith..................................................07866 609 657New Brook Street – Roy Mingaye ..............07866 609 654Radcliffe Gardens – Ant Collins .................07866 609 656Stamford Gardens – Ernie Oliver ...............07866 609 675Disabled Adaptations ............................... (01926) 456405

GaragesApplying for a garage Mrs Darlison/Mrs Leech ....................... (01926) 456 424/5Garage Repairs ........................................ (01926) 456 456

HousingHomelessness ....................(01926) 456 427/428/429/359Housing Complaints, Comments, Compliments Fiona Walsh ............................................ (01926) 456 447Leaseholder Enquiries............................. (01926) 456 421Refuse & Recycling ................................ (01926) 456 339

RentsProblems with paying your home rent. Guy Greenland/Yusaf Ramzan/Abigail Hay ....................................................(01926) 456 438/435/239Problems with paying your garage rent ................................... (01926) 456 457 Rent Direct Debit, Eva Nichols .............................................. (01926) 456 409

TENANTPARTICIPATION

HOUSING AND PROPERTY SERVICES

For further informationContact your Tenant Participation Officer Margaret Allen by:

Telephone: 01926 456451

Mobile: 07810 654669

E-mail: margaret.allen@warwickdc.gov.uk