Small grants and technical support are now available to tenants and landlords who are interested in working together to develop a Community Cashback agreement – improving local services and rewarding the contribution of local tenants.

Communities Minister, Don Foster MP,has reaffirmed his support for tenant led housing services as part of a wider push for localism and community rights. During a visit to the Bloomsbury Estate Management Board (EMB) in Birmingham the Minister saw for himself what local community control can achieve. The Bloomsbury EMB has been running their council estate for over 20 years and has been at the heart of many improvements to housing services and community facilities.

Regional NFTMO conferences in London and Wolverhampton have highlighted some major challenges ahead in the TMO sector but demonstrated the energy and commitment with which TMOs are preparing to meet those challenges

The National Federation of Tenant Management Organisations (NFTMO) has welcomed the launch of ‘Community Cashback’ as an additional option for tenants who want more control over services affecting their community.

TMO reps and other tenants heard about the new Community Rights introduced by the Localism Act, in a lively workshop at the Directory of Social Change.

Lordhship South TMO, in the London Borough of Hackney is looking to appoint a new TMO manager with an application closing date of 5 December.

The National Federation of Tenant Management Organisations (NFTMO) has published a review of the important but complex issue of TMO involvement in the allocations of homes in their management.

Well attended TMO training courses in London and Walsall have underlined the message that TMOs should be preparing for the impact of Welfare Reform. The sessions were led by WATMOS Chief Exec, Ursula Barrington and Bushbury Hill Chief Officer, Karen Williams. They highlighted the potential impact on TMO business plans, as well as on individuals and the local community.

The Executive Committee of the National Federation of Tenant Management Organisations (NFTMO) has elected Nick Reynolds as the new Chairperson of the Federation. Nick is the secretary of a TMO in Birmingham and has been a member of the NFTMO Executive Committee for two years.