During 2009 the Trafford Tenants and Residents Federation has carried out a number of what we call 'commissions'. These are one-off pieces of project work carried out by volunteer residents. In return for doing these pieces of work, the Federation receives payment from the main social landlord in the borough, Trafford Housing Trust- we will use any profit made to help provide services to our membership.
The commissions we have completed already this year have been varied, in terms of the subject matter, the type of activity, and the outcomes. Here are some of the highlights:
National Conversation. Social Housing across England is now regulated, on behalf of central government, by the Tenant Services Authority (TSA). During February and March this year the TSA ran a national consultation, to find out what standards of service tenants expect from their landlords. The Federation was commissioned by the Trust's Tenant Involvement team to find out the views of THT tenants right across our borough.
Starter Tenancies. New tenants with the Trust now spend their first twelve months on 'Starter' (ie probationary) tenancies. If problems such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour persist during this probationary year, then tenancies can be terminated. A panel has been set up to hear any appeals against the Trust's decisions in respect of starter tenancies. As a result of a commisson negotiated with the Trust' Good Neighbour Unit and Rents team, The Federation has agreed to send a representative to take part in every appeals panel hearing.
Regeneration. The Trust's Regeneration team have commissioned us to survey a selection of tenants who have had planned maintenance work carried out on their properties, to verify their levels of satisfaction with the work. These surveys help the Trust to iron out any issues, and to decide which contractors to use for future projects
In addition to providing some much-needed funds for our organisation, the move into commissioned work has enabled us to...
...Raise the profile of the Federation, and of the Tenants Movement in our borough generally
...Get more volunteers working with the Federation
...Deliver projects of real benefit to Trafford tenants.
More commissions are planned for 2010.... we don't know exactly what type of work these will include, but we do know that more volunteers will be needed to help us complete good quality work. If you are interested at all (just an hour a month may be enough to help us out!), please do get in touch. You can leave a comment below, telephone on 0161 9680270, or send an email directly to our dedicated officer:
jonathan.baker@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk
Looking forward to hearing from you...
Tuesday 10 November 2009
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