Residents’ Groups

What are Residents Groups?

Residents groups are people living in an area who come together to address common concerns, like housing or community issues. These groups:

• Make the area safer and more enjoyable.
• Give a stronger collective voice.
• Organize events and campaigns.

Why Set Up a Group?

• To make changes in your community.
• To be heard by local authorities and other agencies.
• To campaign for or against things in your area.
• To organize community events.
• To build a sense of community

Recognised Residents Associations

You can start a resident association informally, but getting official recognition from your landlord or through the Residential Property Tribunal Service gives your group special rights.

Benefits of Being Recognised

As a recognised association, you have the right to:

• Ask for Information: Find out about costs that affect your service charges.
• View Accounts and Receipts: Look at financial records related to your site.
• See Work Estimates: Check estimates for any planned work.
• Suggest Contractors: Propose names for contractors when major work is planned.
• Check Insurance: See a summary of the insurance cover and view the policy.
• Be Consulted: Have a say in who manages the site services.

Getting Official Recognition

Starting your group with the aim of getting recognised is a good idea. Here’s how to do it:

1. Ask Your Landlord: Request written recognition from your landlord.
2. If Refused: If the landlord refuses or withdraws recognition (with six months’ notice), you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Service for recognition.

Requirements for Recognition

To get recognised, you need to:

• Have a Constitution and Officers: At least a chairperson and a treasurer.
• Hold Meetings: Including an annual general meeting.
• Keep Accounts: Maintain financial records.
• Open Membership: Allow all site residents to join.

For Council-Run Sites

If your site is run by the council, you can apply for recognition from the local authority. Contact the council’s housing department or look for “tenant participation” on their website for more information.

Setting Up a Group

1. Gauge Interest: Talk to people to see if they are interested in forming a group.
2. Plan the First Meeting: Use initial interest to plan a public meeting.
3. Publicize the Meeting: Use posters, leaflets, and word of mouth to invite people.
4. Hold the Meeting: Discuss forming the group, name it, elect officers, and set goals.

Running Your Group

1. Create an Agenda: List what will be discussed at meetings.
2. Take Minutes: Record main decisions and who will do what.
3. Elect Officers: Choose a Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
4. Establish Policies: Draft a constitution and policies (like Equal Opportunities, Child Protection).

Applying for Funding

• You may wish to apply for funding depending on what your group’s aims are.
• Identify potential funders (local authorities, charities). The Directory of Social Change has a search tool for this.
• Write a clear application outlining your group’s goals and needs.
• Keep records of funding received and spent.

Handling Finances

If you get funding you will need to:

• Keep accurate records of income and expenses.
• Have a separate bank account for the group.
• Prepare regular financial reports.