Councillor, Are You Listening to Cheltenham’s Renters?

Dear Councillor, Picture Cheltenham’s bustling streets—Regency facades, festival crowds, the hum of local life. But for 35% of our residents—around 18,000 households who rent—their daily reality is less idyllic. Sky-high rents, mouldy flats, eviction fears, and a housing market skewed by Airbnbs are making life tough. As a councillor, you represent these renters, who pay council tax and vote in your ward. The Cheltenham Tenant Union (CTU) is reaching out to ask: are you aware of these challenges? Do you see them as a priority? And do you believe it’s your responsibility to act? Let’s break this down. Renters in Cheltenham face a housing crisis. Many spend 30% to 50% of their income on rent, far above the 25% the CTU says is sustainable. That’s money not supporting local businesses. “No-fault” evictions under Section 21 leave tenants anxious, and even with the Renters’ Rights Bill, loopholes could let landlords evict under false pretences. Damp, overcrowding, and delayed repairs are common, while 700–750 homes sit as Airbnbs, squeezing out locals. There’s also growing concern that Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC), having reabsorbed Cheltenham Borough Homes, might sell its 5,000 council homes to private investors, who could raise rents and skimp on maintenance to boost profits. Why does this matter? Renters aren’t just numbers—they’re the nurses, teachers, and baristas who keep Cheltenham running. When they’re squeezed, our economy and communities suffer. The CTU argues that renters, as a third of our town, deserve a council that champions them, not one perceived as swayed by property developers’ donations or reactive on housing issues. Your voters are watching, and they want action—on affordable rents, secure tenancies, and protecting council homes. As a councillor, you have a unique role. CBC has powers to fine rogue landlords, inspect properties, regulate Airbnbs, and deliver affordable housing (though only 182 homes were built in 11 years, with 450 planned by 2028). But it’s not just about the council as a whole. You, individually, represent wards where renters live—some wards have over 40% renting households. Your voice shapes CBC’s priorities, from pushing for mandatory landlord registration to ensuring council homes stay public. Renters want to know: do you see their struggles, and will you act? To understand your stance, we’ve created a short Google Forms survey (linked below). It asks whether you’re aware of renters’ issues, how seriously you take them, and if you believe it’s your duty to represent this huge group. It also gives you a chance to share your views. The CTU will use your responses to inform renters—your voters—about who’s standing up for them. Take the survey below. We’ll be using the responses to let Cheltenham’s tenants know what you think about them. This isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about ensuring Cheltenham’s renters have a fair shot at a secure, affordable home. Your response will show where you stand—and whether you’re ready to help build a town that works for everyone. If you don’t want to complete the survey but would like to share your thoughts then there is an option to comment at the end. Thank you for your time and leadership. Yours sincerely, Gary Clarke Cheltenham Tenant Union