Gordon Praises Information Day For Tenants
Gordon has praised Blackpool Private Tenants Forum and Blackpool Residents Association for their successful advice and information day at the Winter Gardens.
The event was the fourth Private Tenants information day with advice available including debt advice and health and safety for private sector tenants. There were 25 organisations in total present including Age UK and the Citizens Advice Bureau and others.
Speaking at the event Gordon praised the work of tenants and Residents Groups in highlighting key issues in Blackpool for tenants and signposting them to get help and advice. “Chris Wright and her colleagues, with help from the local co-op and Council’s small grants fund, have done a great job bringing organisations that can help tenants across Blackpool together for this event. The work of the Forum and Residents Association is especially important here in Blackpool where we have the largest private rented sector in the North-West, with a significant number of out-of-town landlords, HMOs and ex-hotels and holiday flats and to let properties, making it a very challenging environment.”
“They have a key-role to play in Blackpool – especially when spending cuts reduce other avenues for advice. And I’m glad they’re working nationally with other areas of the country to lobby Government – which frankly needs to do far more to strengthen tenants and residents rights instead of risking weakening them by cutting corners and supervision. People in private accommodation have as much right to decent conditions to live as anyone else in Blackpool.”
Coun Christine Wright who co-ordinated the event said, “It was great to have Gordon open the advice day for us. We are now building on our advice to residents and working with other areas in the country to set up a National body for Private Tenants.”
Gordon added, “I’m keen to continue working with Christine and her colleagues working here in Blackpool to help private residents with any issues which may arise.”
