Ways to get involved in tenant participation

Read about the different ways to get involved in tenant participation.

Interested tenant register

This is a list of tenants who are interested in housing issues. They've asked to be consulted on council housing matters.

We may send you a survey or invite you to participate in group discussions or attend events. However, you're not under any obligation to do so. You're free to pick and choose what interests you. We'll contact you in the way that best suits you, either by

• phone
• post
• email
• text

Please contact the Tenant Participation team for more information at tenantparticipation@fife.gov.uk

Fife Tenant Federation

We work in partnership with one tenants federations in Fife. The federation represent and support tenants and residents groups. They can offer advice and assistance.

Fife Federation of Tenants & Residents Associations - FFOTRA

FFOTRA is an organisation set up by tenants for tenants. It covers the West, Central and Glenrothes area of Fife. It provides help and advice to set up and run tenants and residents groups. It also looks at housing issues and legislation, as well as offering training for committees and individuals.

They are located at 251 High Street, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1JF.

You can contact them on 01592 641968 or email enquiries@ffotra.co.uk

They are open from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4:30pm.

Fife Tenants Forum

We work with Fife Tenants Forum to develop housing policies and services.

The Fife Tenants Forum discusses issues affecting people across Fife. Members of the forum act on behalf of the tenants and pass information and decisions back to them.

The key priorities of the Fife Tenants Forum are to:

• Work with Fife Council to develop a Tenant Scrutiny Framework that links to the Tenant Participation Strategy for 2018-2022
• Monitor and review the Tenant Participation Strategy
• Work with Fife Council on ways to lessen the impact of the Welfare reform
• Review rents and housing investment with value for money
• Look closely at landlord performance
• Influence decisions taken about housing policies and services
• Involve more tenants and provide different ways for tenants to have their say

Tenants and residents groups

These are community groups made up of local volunteers who come together for the interests of tenants and residents in their area.

The groups provide a stronger voice for tenants in Fife. They have a say on decision-making and act as a centre point for discussion.

For information, please contact us at tenantparticipation@fife.gov.uk

How to start a tenant and residents group

Do you care about what happens in your community? Why not set up a tenant group in your local area? Your group can look at housing issues or policies, or anything related to your community.

Tenant participation officers are available to provide advice and support. They can

• explain what is involved and work with you to set out your group’s aims
• help raise interest in your area
• advise you on how set up the first public meeting to recruit members
• help organise regular meetings with housing staff to discuss issues that matter to you

For more information on setting up a group, please contact us at tenantparticipation@fife.gov.uk

Scrutiny Panel

Our Fife tenant-led scrutiny panel can give tenants the opportunity to look in-depth at the work we do within Housing Services. By this we mean that you can look at what we've done, how we've done it and the outcome of this. You have the opportunity to have greater influence and hold your landlord to account.

Estate walkabouts

Estate walkabouts encourage tenants and residents to work with officers to highlight issues in the local area.

Residents and officers walk the estate together, looking for any issues and taking note of them. An action plan will be created by residents and officers together, choosing what actions need to be taken and a suitable timescale.

Tenant gatherings

Tenant gatherings let you have your say on potential rent levels for next year. It also gives you the chance to meet your tenant federation and local housing team.

You will have access to other local groups, organisations and support services. These gatherings also have free travel arrangements and refreshments.

'Down Your Street' - tenant magazine

In our recent magazine survey, tenants spoke of how the magazine was a great way of sharing information.

In the latest edition of Down Your Street magazine, you will find articles related to:

• where you live
• local events
• information on current services
• annual rent surveys
• safety information
• fraud prevention
• money and energy-saving tips
• mental wellbeing
• local Tenant and Resident Associations' activities
• fun family competitions

The council delivers a copy of the quarterly magazine to 30,000 households.