A plea for the tenants resource centre

The tenants resource centre is based on Redcliffe Hill. I first came across it in 2006/7 when the Bedminster Area Housing Committee used to meet there. The council abolished it soon after because - one suspects - the members of the committee weren't afraid to express their opinions (which weren't terribly complimentary!)

However, its main work has been volunteer tenants helping other tenants. To quote the council website

The Tenants' Resource Centre exists to give tenants appropriate help and information on housing issues. It is run by volunteers for the benefit of council tenants all over the city.

• The centre offers free support and information in person and by phone.
• It is run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers.
• It provides a voice for council tenants across the city.
• The centre is fully accessible.

There were 3,700 visitors in a year to the centre according to a report on the same council link.

Anyway, 7 years later, the cuts are kicking in and the centre is a target. It currently receives some officer support and a grant. Both look set to go.

When I mentioned this on Twitter, this was a response.

My understanding is that the volunteers have been offered some options for their future, some of which mean they cease to exist or have access to the centre.

They accept the need for change, and would like to seek an arrangement which means they keep going.

I can only give my personal perspective which is that tenants advising tenants sounds like a great idea. Tenants will know best what tenant needs are. And they are volunteers as well. It sounds to me like something to be encouraged.

So Bristol City Council. Please keep them going. They are an asset to be nurtured.