Tenant Participation Updates
If you would like to find out what we have been up to recently - have a look at our recent TP update. The TP updates are shared with tenants, housing staff and Elected Members and are designed to keep everyone up-to-date with tenant participation events or developments.
Staff and tenants and residents associations are welcome to use the update to share information or good practice. Contact us and we will include it in a future edition.
Editions:
Tenant Participation Update – Autumn 2025
Welcome
Hello and welcome to the latest Tenant Participation update. Its purpose is to keep our Tenant & Resident Associations (TRAs), interested tenants, Scrutiny Panel members, Sheltered Forum members, Council staff and Elected Members up to date with TP events and developments.
INVOLVING YOU to improve housing services
Rent setting consultation has begun
The annual rent setting consultation has begun and all WDC tenants now have an opportunity to influence this important decision. The consultation was launched at 2 public meetings on 30/10/25 and 4/11/25 and is now open to all tenants to have their say.
The main focus has been on keeping the rent increase as low as possible while still providing the key services tenants rely on and increasing our supply of housing through new builds and buying back properties.
There are 4 rent increase options being proposed and tenants can vote for their preferred option online, by text or phone call, email or through housing staff. Tenants will also receive information on the options with the winter edition of the Housing News along with info on how to vote and a freepost voting card. We will also be sending text and emails prompts to tenants we have details for before the voting survey closes on 23 January 2026.
Councillors will then agree the rent increase on 4/3/26. This is a key decision that tenants can influence and we want to encourage tenants groups to raise it at their meetings and encourage members to have their say. Staff too are being encouraged to be aware of the options and encourage the tenants they meet to use their vote and assist anyone who needs help. Jane's mobile number is also publicised so tenants can call and ask questions before they vote.
Rent levels affect all tenants, even if it's paid through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, so it's important that we receive feedback from as many tenants as possible. Response rates have been increasing over the last few years so we hope you will help us continue that trend.
Scottish Housing Day 2025
Scottish Housing Day was 17 September 2025. This year, Tenant Participation celebrated the day by asking several of our tenant volunteers why they joined their local Tenants and Residents Association. We shared their photos and comments on Facebook, aiming to inspire more individuals to participate. The reasons for joining varied, including a desire to connect with neighbours, while others wanted to improve the community in which they live.
Tenant Quotes
“I joined my local Tenants and Residents Association because I wanted to get to know my neighbours.”
“I'm involved with my local Tenant and Residents Association because I want to improve the area where I live.”
Tenant Priority Budget
The Tenant Priority Budget is part of the Housing Revenue Account that all tenants' rent and Housing Benefit/Universal Credit is paid into. The Tenant Priority Budget has been delivering neighbourhood improvements for a number of years. Any tenant who has an idea for improving where they live can complete a proposal form.
The online form can be accessed at Tenant Priority Budget
You can also email tenant.participation@west-dunbarton.gov.uk, or phone Jennifer on 07823664247 with any questions or if you need advice on your proposal or if you'd like a paper copy of the form.
An example of a recent Tenant Priority Budget proposal is displayed, showing Parkhall TRA actively planting their new raised planters. Not even the rain could stop them!
Housing News
Staff and tenants are encouraged to use the Housing News which gets delivered to all tenants – share your news or let us know if th
Tenant Participation Update – Summer 2025
INVOLVING YOU to improve housing services
Welcome
Hello and welcome to the latest Tenant Participation update. Its purpose is to keep our Tenant & Resident Associations (TRAs), interested tenants, Scrutiny Panel members, Sheltered Forum members, Council staff, and Elected Members up to date with TP events and developments.
Tenant Participation Strategy 2025-2028
The Tenant Participation Strategy for 2025-28 was agreed in November 2024 and was called 'Involving You to Improve Housing Services' – the name was chosen to help emphasise the key purpose of tenant participation.
Our new logo has been designed to focus on that point. Tenant participation is about listening to and working with tenants to improve housing services.
Sounds simple and our callout to you is to help us make it happen!
TRA Updates
- Risk Street and Haldane TRA have secured funding from Strathleven Foundation.
- Risk Street TRA is using the fund to have three large raised planters built. They plan to fill these with lots of bulbs, which will provide a lovely floral display for the community.
- Haldane TRA intends to buy picnic benches for outside the Lomond Pantry, meaning people using the pantry will have somewhere to sit and have a cuppa when (if) the rain stops.
- Westbridgend TRA is working on plans for a community garden with Strathleven Foundation and Greenspace. There are also conversations taking place about a large-scale mural – watch this space!
- Dalmuir TRA has plans to reopen their cafe. They are currently advertising for a volunteer 'cafe helper' on Volunteer Scotland. They would appreciate any help to recruit someone and are asking Housing Officers to chat to tenants about this opportunity. Full training will be provided and travelling expenses can be paid. Cafe Helper - Dalmuir Community Cafe.
- The recently formed Parkhall TRA has truly hit the ground running since their first meeting on 23rd May. Since then they have been granted permission to use one of the vacant garage plots at Glenhead Road, and through Tenant Priority Budget funding there will be two raised planters built on the plot for community use. This may be the start of something special for the community of Parkhall.
Well done TRAs!
Tenant Priority Budget
The Tenant Priority Budget has been delivering neighbourhood improvements for a number of years. Any tenant who has an idea can complete a proposal form:
Tenant Priority BudgetCurrent Tenant Priority Budget Proposals
- Raised planter at Dunswin Court, Dalmuir
- Community Garden at Inler View
- Installation of an outside tap at Westbridgend Community Flat
- Wildflowers being sown at an unused area at Inler View
- Raised planters at Glenhead Road, Parkhall
HOUSING News
Staff and tenants are encouraged to use the Housing News which gets delivered to all tenants – share your news or let us know if there is information you would like to see included.
The Summer edition is out now.
The deadline for articles for the Autumn edition is 22nd August 2025.
Ways tenants can get involved
- TRAs
- Walkabouts
- WDTRO Liaison Meetings
- Housing News
- Completing Surveys
- Sheltered Housing Forum
- Attending Events
- Scrutiny Panel
For more information, please visit the main Tenant Participation page.
A Turning Point Scotland: Life-saving Naloxone Training
Life-saving Naloxone training continues to be delivered in partnership with Alternatives WD and Turning Point Scotland.
Training takes place in the Dalmuir MSF TRA Community Flat, Overtoun Court, Dalmuir on the last Friday of every month from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Training is open to everyone, no need to book, just turn up and learn how to save a life!
Tenant Participation Update – Spring 2025
Welcome
Welcome to the latest TP update. Its purpose is to keep our Tenant & Resident Associations (TRAs), interested tenants, Scrutiny Panel members, Sheltered Forum members, Council staff and Elected Members up to date with TP events and developments.
Tenant Priority Budget
Any tenant can make a proposal. The proposal form is available on the website:
Tenant Priority Budget5-Step process for the Tenant Priority Budget
- Tenant submits a proposal.
- Officers check that it meets criteria:
- Not already on a list to be done.
- Land owned by WDC Housing.
- Is not a landlord responsibility.
- Officers get estimated cost for proposal.
- Public meeting where tenants decide if proposals are value for money and approve or refuse.
- Approved proposals are completed.
Completed proposals
- Mill Road Sheltered Housing additional planting and paving area
- Westbridgend additional accessible seating area
You can also email tenant.participation@west-dunbarton.gov.uk, or phone Jennifer on 07823664247 if you need advice on a proposal or if you'd like a paper copy of the proposal application.
Scrutiny Panel
The WD Scrutiny Panel, which is made up of tenants and factored owners, have completed their latest report on the Repairs Service. All of the Panel's recommendations were accepted by the Housing Improvement Board. Their recommendations include improving online and email reporting, agreeing appointments with tenants and evidencing when Repair staff have been at a property and no-one was in.
The Scrutiny Panel recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary. Peter Barry, Chief Housing Officer, complimented the Panel on their report and said, “The work the Scrutiny Panel undertake is really invaluable and gives us great insight into tenant priorities and how we can improve housing services.”
Their report, Activity 8: Tenants Repairs Journey (Nov 2024), is on the Council's website or contact Jane on 07983542993 for a paper copy.
HOUSING News
Staff and tenants are encouraged to use the Housing News which gets delivered to all tenants – share your news or let us know if there is information you would like to see included.
Spring edition out 28 March 2025.
The deadline for articles for the Summer edition is 9 May 2025.
Ways tenants can get involved
- TRAs
- Walkabouts
- WDTRO Liaison Meetings
- Housing News
- Completing Surveys
- Sheltered Housing Forum
- Attending Events
- Scrutiny Panel
For more information, please visit the main Tenant Participation page.
CATRA Spring Clean
Central Alexandria TRA along with local volunteers embarked on a spring clean of Central Alexandria. The spring clean has been a huge success with their Facebook posts generating a lot of praise.
True community spirit in action.
Tenant Participation Update – Winter 2024
Welcome
Welcome to the latest TP update. Its purpose is to keep our Tenant & Resident Associations (TRAs), interested tenants, Scrutiny Panel members, Sheltered Forum members, Council staff and Elected Members up to date with TP events and developments.
Rent Setting Consultation
The annual rent setting consultation has started and all WDC tenants can have their say.
There are 2 options being consulted on - 8% and 9% increases. Information on what the options include are being sent out with the winter edition of the Housing News along with a freepost voting card. You can also vote online or by texting OPTION 1 or 2 to 0798 354 2993.
Information on the options, the presentation from the public meeting and other financial info is on the Council's website:
Rent levels affect all tenants, even if it's paid through Housing Benefit or UC, so it's important that we receive feedback from as many tenants as possible.
Voting closes 31 January 2025
Tenant Participation Strategy 2025-28
The new Tenant Participation Strategy for 2025-28, called 'Involving Tenants to Improve Housing Services', was agreed at the November Housing Committee.
The emphasis of tenant participation being about improving performance was identified in the consultation as needing more promotion. This is one of the key aims that unite tenants and staff, so it has been included in the Strategy's name and emphasised throughout the strategy.
Actions also include support to existing tenants groups, developing more digital options, and increasing engagement with under-represented groups so that all tenants can have their say.
Tenants also wanted more face-to-face contact with housing staff and more commitment from officers, so actions to improve the culture within Housing services and communication are included to address these issues.
An accessible version of the Strategy should be available on the Council's website in the New Year or contact Jane for a copy.
TRA Updates
Did you know that some TRAs have access to community flats and allow local community groups to use them?
- Tullichewan TRA host a weekly Knit and Natter group.
- Westbridgend TRA community flat is home to Westbridgend Clothing Bank.
- Dalmuir TRA Community Cafe is used by Alternatives WD for Naloxone and harm reduction training.
In addition to this, elected members throughout West Dunbartonshire hold surgeries in some of these spaces.
Please contact Jennifer on 07823664247 for more information on accessing these community spaces for yourself or for a small community group.
Tenant Priority Budget Update
Four Tenant Priority Budget proposals now have start dates:
- Littleholm Laundry – January 2025
- Manse Gardens Community Garden – January 2025
- Inler View Community Garden – February 2025
- Kilbowie Ct Laundry – April 2025
Other Tenant Priority Budget proposals awaiting start dates include an increased seating area for Westbridgend and additional planters for Mill Road Sheltered Housing Community Garden.
Any tenant can make a proposal. The online form is available on the Council's website:
You can also email tenant.participation@west-dunbarton.gov.uk, or phone Jennifer on 07823664247 with any questions or if you need advice on your proposal or if you'd like a paper copy of the form.
Christmas Cheer!
Housing News
Staff and tenants are encouraged to use the **Housing News** which gets delivered to all tenants – share your news or let us know if there is information you would like to see included.
Winter edition out now!
Ways tenants can get involved
- TRAs
- Walkabouts
- WDTRO Liaison Meetings
- Housing News
- Completing Surveys
- Sheltered Housing Forum
- Attending Events
- Scrutiny Panel
For more information, please visit the main Tenant Participation page.
Tenant Participation Update – Summer 2024
Welcome
Welcome to the latest TP update. Its purpose is to keep our Tenant & Resident Associations (TRAs), interested tenants, Scrutiny Panel members, Sheltered Forum members, Council staff and Elected Members up to date with TP events and developments.
New Staff
Jennifer McKechnie was welcomed to the team in May and has replaced Ana Deevy. Jennifer’s role within the team is to promote the Tenant Priority Budget, support existing TRAs and
encourage tenants to become involved in a way they are comfortable with.
You can contact Jennifer on 07823664247 or email tenant.participation@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.
Tenant Priority Budget
The Tenant Priority Budget is part of the Housing Revenue Account that all tenants’ rent and HB/UC is paid into. The Tenant Priority Budget has been delivering neighbourhood improvements for a number of years. Current proposals include a community garden at Manse Gardens and laundries for Littleholm and Kilbowie Court MSFs.
Any tenant can make a proposal. The online form is available on the council's website. You can also email tenant.participation@west-dunbarton.gov.uk, or phone Jennifer on 07823664247 with any questions or if you need advice on your proposal or if you’d like a paper copy of the form.
Tenant Event Day - Making a Difference
Our ‘Making a Difference’ event took place on Saturday 1 June at Clydebank Town Hall 2-5pm and we got some really good feedback from attendees. Representatives from TRAs, WDTRO, the Sheltered Housing Forum and Scrutiny Panel all attended, and the focus was on the difference groups have made over the last year and to share what they were doing to increase their numbers.
Elaine Neeson from Westbridgend talked about the clothing bank and weekly coffee mornings that she had started and Harry McCormack from Tullichewan spoke about their activities and success of their walkabouts.
We also did a critical review of the current TP Strategy and had speakers from AICO the company installing the new dampness and air quality sensors.
To celebrate the achievements of tenants, WDTRO members were given Tenant Champion awards for their ongoing work and Elaine Neeson was given a Best Community Initiative award. CCG also donated £200 in shopping vouchers which 4 lucky attendees shared.
TRA News in Pictures
Housing News
Staff and tenants are encouraged to use the Housing News which gets delivered to all tenants – share your news or let us know if there is information you would like to see included.
Summer edition out now!
The deadline for articles for the Autumn edition is 22 August 2024.
Ways tenants can get involved
- TRAs
- Walkabouts
- WDTRO Liaison Meetings
- Housing News
- Completing Surveys
- Sheltered Housing Forum
- Attending Events
- Scrutiny Panel
Tenant Participation Update – Autumn 2023
Welcome
Welcome to the latest TP update. Its purpose is to keep our Tenant & Resident Associations (TRAs), interested tenants, Scrutiny Panel members, Sheltered Forum members, Council staff and Elected Members up-to-date with TP events and developments.
Contact Details
Jane Mack
Phone: 07983542993
Email: jane.mack@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
New Staff Member
Ana Deevy was welcomed to the team in September and has replaced Hanne Thijs who has gone to work in another Local Authority.
If you need to contact Ana, her number is the same as Hanne's was (07823664247) and her email is ana.deevy@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.
You can also follow the team on Facebook: West Dunbartonshire Tenant Participation.
TRA Update
The TRAs are working hard to make their local communities better and attract more members. One common issue they face is getting new tenants to join and stay involved as many get discouraged because they don't see improvements happening quickly. We work closely with managers and coordinators to get the best outcomes for groups and hope that improvements can happen more quickly.
More meetings are now happening in person and efforts are being made to promote tenant group activities and meetings. TP staff can provide support and advice as well as equipment and stationary to TRAs to help them run their group so reach out if you need anything.
Tullichewan and CATRA recently jointly organized a really successful family fun day and it's great to see TRAs making such a big difference in their areas. In September, North & South Drumry TRA had their AGM. The WDTRO also had their AGM at Dalmuir Community Centre, with a guest speaker from TIS.
Walkabouts
More walkabouts are taking place where tenant groups as well as individual tenants can walk around with Housing staff and other teams to identify issues that need improved in their neighbourhood.
An "action log" is created after each walkabout which lists things agreed to be done and is shared with everyone involved. This is then regularly updated by the coordinating Housing Staff member. Some issues that have been raised have been quick to repair. Other issues may take a longer - for example Tulliechewan raised an issue of vandalised swing sets in their local playground. This required a longer completion time but is now fixed and back in play.
Confidence Training
We are organizing another workshop with Jane Cameron from Positively Speaking to help give people confidence and the skills to deal with difficult or negative conversations that might arise at meetings.
The workshop should help build confidence and include an element of assertiveness skill training to help deal 'positively' with challenging situations.
The workshop will be held in person at a date that suits people so if you are interested please get in touch.
Tenant Priority Budget
The Tenant Priority Budget is still open for proposals from any tenant or tenant group. If you are have an idea to improve your area and benefit members of the community, the tenant priority budget is there to help bring these ideas to life.
Officers are working to move forward with current proposals, and a good number of them have already been finished. These proposals need to fulfill specific requirements, such as being located on land owned by the Housing Revenue Account and are good value for tenants.
If you have any ideas that you would like to put forward, please contact Ana. We are trying very hard to make them happen as quickly as possible.
WDC Rent Options Discussion
Discussions starting on the 2024 rent options. Get involved and make sure the options are what tenants want!
Thursday, 26 October
Time: 11:30 am
Location: 16 Church Street G82 1QL
Please contact Ana Deevy if you would like to attend—transport can be provided.
Phone: 07823664247
Email: ana.deevy@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Tenant Participation Update – Winter 2022/2023
Welcome
Welcome to the latest TP update. Its purpose is to keep our Tenant & Resident Associations (TRAs), interested tenants, Scrutiny Panel members, Sheltered Forum members, Council staff and Elected Members up-to-date with TP events and developments.
Contact Details
Jane Mack
Phone: 07983542993
Email: jane.mack@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Ana Deevy
Phone: 07823664247
Email: ana.deevy@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Follow the team on Facebook: West Dunbartonshire Tenant Participation.
TRA Update
The TRAs are dedicated to improving their local communities and increasing membership. A common challenge they encounter is recruiting and retaining new members. If you know of anyone interested in joining a TRA, invite them along to a meeting or contact Ana for more details.
The past few weeks have been a busy period, especially before the TRAs break for Christmas. A lot of the TRAs organised walkabouts which had a great turnout.
Some of the TRAs are getting into the festive spirit and organising donations for those in their local community. North and South Drumry TRA are donating small gifts to Ramillies Court and Melfort Avenue Sheltered Housing. They will also be donating to a local food bank in Clydebank. Tullichewan TRA are hosting a small Christmas event in the community flat on the 9 December. They have also organised an anonymous Christmas gifting for those in the community.
Christmas Events in West Dunbartonshire
- 9 December - Tullichewan TRA Coffee Morning at 2/1 McGregor Walk (Community Flat)
- 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 December, 12-4pm - Santa at the Pavilion, Levengrove Park
- 15 December - YSORTIT Christmas Party at The Hub Community Centre, Clydebank
Walkabouts
More community walks are being organized where groups of tenants and individual tenants can walk alongside housing staff and other teams to identify areas for improvement in their neighbourhood.
We have had several walkabouts recently. These included TRA members, WDC officers ,representatives from Greenspace and local councillors.
We have recently taken on board some of the tenants concerns about the efficiency of walkabouts. WDC Housing staff will now be carrying out post‐walkabout evaluation to ensure all reported issues are being addressed.
TIS Annual Conference
Two of WDTRO members Frances McGonagle and Harry McCormack attended the TIS annual conference at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow city centre. The two day conference looked into all aspects of housing and tenant involvement. The event explored creative workshops to ensure we build a housing system that is strong enough to respond to current and future changes.
It looked at Cost-of-living and affordability, Net Zero ambitions, Housing to 2040 and a New Deal for Tenants, Vibrant communities and Housing as a human right.
Tenant Priority Budget
The Tenant Priority Budget is still open for proposals from any tenant or tenant group. If you are have an idea to improve your area and benefit members of the community, the tenant priority budget is there to help bring these ideas to life.
Officers are working to move forward with current proposals. Our most recent idea came from our Sheltered Housing Forum who put through an idea to get a Christmas tree for the community garden. The tree will be potted and be able to grow from the community garden.
If you have any ideas that you would like to put forward, please contact Ana. We are trying very hard to make them happen as quickly as possible.
The 2024/25 Rent Increase Consultation
Consultation on rent setting options for 2024/25 has begun.
We have two options: 6.7% Increase or 7.2% Increase.
Your Rent Your Say
Dates for your diary:
- 8 December 2023 - Winter Housing News delivered to all tenants with consultation information and voting card
- 15 November 2023 to 10 January 2024 - Consultation promoted via website, social media, text and email prompts
- 10 January 2024 - Consultation closes
- 6 March 2024 - Council meeting to agree 2024/25 rent
Tenant Participation Update – Spring 2024
Welcome
Welcome to the latest TP update. Its purpose is to keep our Tenant & Resident Associations (TRAs), interested tenants, Scrutiny Panel members, Sheltered Forum members, Council staff and Elected Members up-to-date with TP events and developments.
Contact Details
Jane Mack
Phone: 07983542993
Email: jane.mack@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Ana Deevy
Phone: 07823664247
Email: ana.deevy@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Follow the team on Facebook: West Dunbartonshire Tenant Participation.
TRA Update
The TRAs are dedicated to improving their local communities and improving their areas. A common challenge they encounter is recruiting and retaining new members. If you know anyone interested in joining a TRA, invite them to a meeting or contact Ana for more details.
The TRAs were busy during Christmas organising gift donations, arranging festive dinners and planning for the new year. North and South Drumry TRA donated presents to sheltered accommodation and £205 to Hope Community Café & Foodbank. Tuillichewan organised a secret present donation for neighbours in their community.
Central Radnor Park has set up a new Facebook page. If anyone is looking to keep up to date with them, follow the page:
- Radnor Park Tenants and Residents Association
Walkabouts
Any tenant can request a walkabout with housing staff and they work well if there are a few tenants to give different views of local issues. Walkabouts were discussed at the last WDC/WDTRO Liaison meeting and will now be monitored by the group to ensure that they get done well consistently.
We've made some improvements to the walkabout process to ensure that all issues are reported and addressed by the responsible team. After participating in the walkabout, everyone will agree on a priority list of tasks and create an action plan. Two weeks after the walkabout, there will be a meeting with the involved tenants to provide updates and discuss the action plan progress.
Rent Settings 2024/25
A lot of tenants joined in this year's rent consultation, with 1724 people voting for what they wanted. Most, 76%, preferred option 1, which suggested a 6.7% rent increase. Even though there were money issues to deal with, the meetings in October and November went well and helped create the options and ensure the information was clear. Tenants wanted to keep any rent increase as small as possible, so only two options were given, both without spending more money.
The voting time was extended until 19 January, giving tenants 10 weeks to give their view. We sent out more reminders by text and email to make sure everyone had a chance to vote. We also used Facebook and made a video to get more people involved. Plus, there was a £50 prize to encourage people, and Thomas from Clydebank won it.
The next Council budget setting meeting will be on 6 March.
Connected Response
Connected Response smart controls replace the old radio-controlled tele-switches for the storage heaters with new digital switches which can be managed remotely and can be adaptive to weather and resident needs. They can also work with smart meters and allow tenants to access different and better-off-peak charging tariffs. The rollout of these is starting in March.
There will be tenant engagement and drop-in sessions to involve everyone in the process in Dalmuir, Westbridgend and Drumry. Support will be available to provide tenants with energy advice on demand as part of our subscription. The initial drop-in session will begin in Dalmuir at Dalmuir Community Centre on these dates:
- 27 March - 10:00am to 12:00pm
- 3 April - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
- 4 April - 6:00pm to 7:30pm
