News - 19/08/2009
Towards A New Federation
A special meeting to discuss the future of tenant and resident involvement across Inverclyde is being held on Tuesday 25 August.
The event is organised by FITRA (The Federation of Inverclyde Tenants and Residents Associations) which was established, in 1999, as an umbrella group to represent the interests of Council and housing association tenants, as well as homeowners, in Inverclyde.
Following the Council housing stock transfer to River Clyde Homes, FITRA now wants to ‘go back to its roots’ and bring together tenants, residents and community action groups to work together to improve housing and the environment across Inverclyde.
The evening, which is open to all tenants and residents with an interest in community participation, takes place at James Watt College Waterfront Campus, kicks off at 6pm.
Among the topics of the evening are: Tenant Participation – The National Perspective, from Anne Cooke of the Scottish Government’s Tenant Priority Unit. Anne also chairs Housing Question Time, based on the popular current affairs programme, which is intended as a fun event with a serious purpose, where groups will be given the opportunity to get direct answers from their landlord. Panel members include senior staff from four local housing associations.
Later there will be some workshops and John Donaghey, Chairperson of FITRA, will lead a brief discussion on the future of FITRA.
John said: “FITRA has played an important role over the years and has helped influence housing policy across Inverclyde. Now, with a brighter future ahead, is the ideal time for FITRA to refocus its attentions. We have the support of landlords across Inverclyde to develop a new, more powerful, Federation, with new funding, but we need the active involvement of all groups for this to happen. I would encourage all tenants and residents, whether in a formally registered group or not to send representatives to this event.”
Organisations wishing to participate should call Sandra Gault of FITRA on (01475) 719834 or 07957 649 246.
