The Untapped Power of Cheltenham's Tenants: A Call to Action
Dear Cheltenham Renters
Did you know that you are part of a powerful, yet largely untapped force in our town? With nearly 40,000 people living in rented accommodation, representing 35.6% of Cheltenham's households, tenants have the potential to reshape local politics and improve their living conditions. It's time to recognize and harness this power.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Let's put this into perspective: more than one in three Cheltenham residents are renters. That's a significant voting bloc that, if united, could swing local elections and force real change in housing policies.
Why Your Voice Matters
Currently, tenants are not a priority for the Cheltenham Borough Council. Why? Because historically, people haven't voted based on tenancy issues. But imagine if we changed that. Imagine if all 40,000 of us spoke with one voice, voted as a bloc, and made our issues impossible to ignore.
Where Our Power Lies
- Influencing Council Decisions: The council has significant powers to improve the lives of renters, but they often choose not to use them. By coming together, we can pressure them to act.
- Swinging Local Elections: In many wards, renters make up a majority or near-majority of residents:If tenants in these wards voted together, we could determine the outcome of local elections.
- Lansdown: Nearly 60% in rented housing
- Oakley: Well over 50%
- College, All Saints, Park, St. Peters, and Pitteville: All have significant tenant populations
- Collective Action: We can write to councillors en masse, attend council meetings in large numbers, and create a unified front that demands attention.
What We're Up Against
Currently, the council listens to those who they believe have power:
- Hospitality businesses
- Landlords
- Property developers
- Letting agents
Why? Because these groups donate to political campaigns, engage in lobbying, and historically, they vote.
Our Plan of Action
- Register to Vote: Ensure you're registered at your current address.
- Support Cheltenham Tenant Union: Strength in numbers is key.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the powers the council has to improve tenants' lives.
- Spread the Word: Talk to your fellow tenants about the importance of voting on housing issues.
- Contact Your Councillors: Let them know that you're a tenant, you vote, and you care about housing policies.
- Attend Council Meetings: Make your presence felt and your voice heard.
- Support Tenant-Friendly Candidates: In the next local election, vote for candidates who prioritize renters' rights.
The Changes We Can Demand
By flexing our collective muscle, we can push the council to:
- Implement stricter landlord licensing schemes
- Enforce higher standards for rental properties
- Introduce rent controls
- Limit the conversion of long-term rentals to Airbnbs
- Create more social and affordable housing
- Provide better support services for tenants
- Redefine the term "affordability" as judged by tenant income rather than market rate
- Start working towards tenant-owned housing associations
Remember: We Are almost 40,000 Strong
The 40 Cheltenham borough councillors should fear losing their seats if they ignore the needs of tenants. We have the numbers to make this happen. All we need to do is organize and act together.
Your Vote is Your Power
The next time you hear someone say, "My vote doesn't matter," remind them that in Cheltenham, the tenant vote could change everything. We are not just residents; we are a powerful voting bloc capable of reshaping local politics.
It's time to stop being silent. It's time to stop being ignored. It's time for Cheltenham's tenants to stand up, speak out, and vote together for a better future.
Join us. Your home, your rights, and your future in Cheltenham depend on it.
Together, we can make Cheltenham a town that truly works for all its residents, not just property owners and businesses. The power is in our hands – let's use it.
