A national union of tenants has been launched to press for a bigger say for tenants in housing policy.
The controversial move could divide loyalties, since the Tenants and Residents Organisation of England already exists to fulfil a similar function.

The new Tenants' Union says it wants to attract members from all sectors, including councils, housing associations, tenant management organisations, co-ops and even the private sector.

The group came together to discuss the Law Commission's work on a single tenancy, and says the issue will be its first big policy item. Interim chair Nic Bliss said: "It is a fundamental issue, yet there has been barely any consultation with tenants. That is the fault of the government."

The group will put forward a policy framework for discussion at its first general meeting in April. It says it is working to secure funding but would not envisage requesting help from the government except on specific projects.

TAROE chair Alf Chandler said his organisation is seeking a meeting to clarify the new body's aims.

Tenant Participation Advisory Service chief executive Phil Morgan, warned that the union cannot yet claim a democratic base or to speak for tenants. But he said a pressure group on law reform would be welcome. "They have some excellent ideas but are not fulfilling TAROE's role as a membership organisation," he said.

Source

Housing Today