Anyone who lives in an area managed by Housing. (Owners occupiers cannot be involved in tenant focused policies such as, Allocations, Rent Setting, and Housing Repairs, etc)
A Block or Street Rep would cover a clearly defined area, covering a minimum of 6 properties. There is no maximum size, but the smaller the area, the easier it is for Block or Street Reps to be in touch with everyone.
No. We are encouraging Block or Street Reps to set up where there is currently no tenant representation. Where there is a TA in existence we would encourage all tenants to be part of that TA, and there is less of a need for Block or Street Reps.
However, most TAs like to try and arrange for a tenant from each street or block to be part of their committee. So through the TA you may be able to represent your street or block.
Ideally, we are only looking for one Block or Street Rep to cover each defined area. It is possible however to have more than one, but the ratio should never be more than one Block or Street Rep to 6 properties.
No. A Block or Street Reps role is voluntary and unpaid. However, they may be entitled to some "out of pocket" expenses.
The main role of a Block or Street Rep is to facilitate the flow of information between the Council and tenants living in a defined area, and working with other residents on projects such as community gardens.
We are not looking for Block or Street Reps to take on the role of an unpaid Housing Worker or Neighbourhood Warden or be responsible for any management of the area. However, Block or Street Reps will be encouraged to liaise closely with Housing staff and Neighbourhood Wardens to help report area issues such as maintenance and environmental concerns and be a contact for improvement programmes, etc.
Ideally Block or Street Reps should seek the views and opinions of their neighbours and try and keep them informed.
This can be done by:
Sending out surveys and questionnaires (we can help with this).
Distributing newsletters and/or publishing items in Tenants’ Link (we can help with this too!)
Posting bulletin notices in local offices and on the estate.
Informally, i.e. word of mouth.
Block or Street Reps are advocates for residents in their area, speaking on behalf of their issues and concerns and reflecting the views of the majority of tenants. Where tenants have issues which are specific only to them, they should be encouraged to contact the service provider directly.
No. All neighbourhood disputes will still be dealt with by the Local Housing Office.
As a Block or Street Rep you will be put onto the Tenant Participation mailing list, so that you will receive regular information updates.
The Council will provide a forum where Block or Street Reps can meet and discuss issues relevant to them.
You will also be provided with a named contact officer at the Council, who you can contact in the first instance.
Tenants who want to become a Block or Street Rep can contact the Tenant Participation Unit who will take them through the process.
All Block or Street Reps will be subject to a ballot, and we will contact your neighbours to ensure that they support you taking on this role.
Block or Street Reps can stand for three years. After that they will need to seek re-election if they want to continue as a Block or Street Rep.
Yes. All Block Reps are covered by the code of conduct for all involved residents. All Block or Street Reps must not discriminate against other residents based on race, colour, ethnic or national origins, nationality, gender, marital status, age, sexuality, religion, disability or any other matters which causes people to be treated with injustice. Nor must they use discriminatory language.
Block or Street Reps should respect both residents’ and landlords’ confidentiality, where requested.
If the Council judges that a Block or Street Rep has behaved in an anti-social way towards their neighbours or council staff or is operating in a discriminatory or non-responsive manner, then we reserve the right to withdraw our recognition of them as a Block or Street Rep.
Block or Street Reps should not use their position of influence to raise issues relating to their own tenancy or lease. These issues must be dealt with through the normal channels available to all tenants and leaseholders.
Yes. We are asking all interested tenants to undergo a police check before they become a Block or Street Rep, to ensure that tenants can be fully confident with them and to ensure that the Council protects the interest of the vulnerable people.
Southampton City Council
