The tenants of 6,000 homes across Cornwall are linked in a new Peninsula Tenants Committee to guide and advise on their future.
With nearly 40 members, it combines all those in properties of Penwith Housing Association (PHA) and Devon and Cornwall Housing Association general needs homes (DCHA), from Sennen to Saltash, from St Levan and St Just to Bude.
All these are now managed by PHA. “It makes it one of the strongest resident forums in the south-west” said Andy Moore, Chief Executive. All the homes in the larger towns of Penzance, Truro, Camborne, Redruth and Bodmin are also involved.
The first chair is Carol Bosworth (pictured) of Trewellard, chair of the former PHA tenants committee, a board member of both PHA and Devon & Cornwall Housing Trust. “I shall enjoy it – but it will be hard work” she remarked. Vice-chair is Jenny Beamish of Newlyn.
“In changing its name and constitution the Peninsula Tenants Committee has welcomed on board representatives of 2,000 Devon and Cornwall Association tenants” added Mr Moore. “This will cover the whole of our joint properties in Cornwall. It is a major change, with seven members each from the north, south and central areas of PHA, seven from the DCHA homes and others from accredited residents associations”.
Mrs Bosworth commented “We have elected our officers and agreed sub-groups. One for technical partnership will look at the Decent Homes programme of improvements, maintenance, contracts, discuss what is planned for the coming year and offer our advice”.
Other groups will look at customer services issues, organise the two-yearly conference and discuss constitution and management issues including having an overview of the budget.
“Each Group will have its own chair and vice-chair and we will all meet together to discuss the agenda and structure for the main combined meetings four times a year.
Mrs Bosworth, active in the Lescudjack (Penzance) Centre for Children scheme since its inception as Sure Start and a member of Age Concern, Penzance, is looking forward to the new challenge.
It is a major and unique tenants group. All members will face elections next year.
