Tenant participation is a partnership between tenants, Councillors and housing staff to work together towards a common goal of better housing conditions and housing services.
‘….it’s about tenants and tenants and residents groups taking part in the decision-making processes and influencing decisions about
It is a two-way process, which involves the sharing of information, ideas and power.
‘Partners in Participation, A National Strategy for Tenant Participation’, Scottish Executive, 1999.
How do I get involved?
There are a number of different ways you can become involved. You should be able to choose a method which suits your level of interest and personal circumstances.
There are around 16 tenants organisations in the West Dunbartonshire area. If you would like information about the associations or would like to set up a new group view the pages on the left or contact the Council’s Tenant Participation Officer.
Becoming involved in an association does not suit everyone. You can if you want register yourself as an interested tenant and the Council will contact you to invite you to become involved in other ways, this might be getting involved in a focus group, coming along to a public meeting or less formal involvement such as completing a questionnaire. The Council’s tenant participation strategy will provide you with more information about getting involved or you could contact the Council’s tenant participation officer.
How do I contact an existing tenants association?
You can ask to see the register of tenants organisations at Council headquarters, Garshake Road, Dumbarton or at your local housing office. The register will provide you with information about how to contact each group, a copy of their constitution and a map of the area which the group covers.
How do I start a new tenants association?
The Council’s tenant participation officer can help you with:
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Advice on how to start a new group
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Training and advice on housing issues
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An annual grant for administration costs
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A community base for group activities
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Meeting the conditions for registering your group
Guide to Tenant Participation Leaflet