Lewisham Tenants' Fund (LTF)

Following a full ballot of all tenants in 1992, Lewisham agreed to set aside an amount from every tenant’s rent (currently 13p per week) to fund tenant participation across the borough.

To make sure this money was spent only on tenant participation, the Lewisham Tenants' Fund was created. To make sure the fund remains independent, it's managed by elected tenant representatives, and not council officers. 

The fund is managed by the Lewisham Tenants' Fund (LTF) Management Committee. Tenant representatives are elected to this committee from Area Housing Panels. Each housing panel can elect up to three representatives to help manage the fund.

The tenants' fund is used for:

• setting up new tenants and residents associations
• supporting existing tenants and residents associations
• providing training for new and existing tenant representatives
• supporting other recognised tenant groups, such as Tenant Management Committees
• providing independent advice for other recognised tenant groups in Lewisham
• holding the annual tenants' conference.

In addition to raising their own funds, associations that have been accredited by Lewisham can apply to the Lewisham Tenants' Fund for an annual administration grant.

Details of the accreditation criteria can be found in the Lewisham Tenants' Compact.The amount of the grant depends on the number of members in the association.

The administration grant helps associations pay for things like:

• hiring a venue to hold meetings
• refreshments at meetings
• producing promotional literature, such as newsletters, leaflets and advertising meetings
• stationery and office equipment
• telephone calls
• attending conferences and seminars.

Associations can also apply for grants for other things, such as:

• computer equipment
• larger items of office equipment
• holding events to encourage greater tenant involvement.

Independent advice and support for tenant representatives is provided through the Lewisham Tenants' Fund. All accredited associations have access to unbiased help and guidance to make sure they can meet their commitments to the community they represent.

It also makes sure that the Council meets its obligations within the Tenants' Compact. .

How can I find out more about getting involved?

Our Resident Involvement Team offers advice and practical support to tenants and leaseholders who are interested in setting up an association in their area.

They can also help you obtain financial help from the tenants' fund to meet the initial costs in establishing an association. You can find contact details for the team at the foot of this page.

If you have some time to spare and some experience in managing money, the Lewisham Tenants' Fund Management Committee would like to hear from you.

There are two ways you may be able to help:

• you could seek election to the LTF Management Committee. Committee members are elected from area housing panels. Not all housing panels elect their full quota of representatives, so there are often opportunities available
• you could be co-opted onto the committee.This route is best if you have particular skills that might support the committee.To be co-opted you don't have to be a member of a tenants association or an area housing panel.

Lewisham Tenants Fund handbook 2008/09

Grant and claim forms

Administration Grant application form
Grant application form
Claim for carers allowance
Claim for travel costs

LTF

Tel: 020 8698 4727
Email
http://www.l-t-f.co.uk