Residents across Renfrewshire are being encouraged to suggest improvements for their local area through the second year of the YouDecide Tenants Fund.
The fund will invest £600,000 in projects suggested by tenants and residents over three years. Council tenants will vote for the projects they want to receive funding.
The deadline for submitting ideas for the second year is Sunday 27th September.
Sixteen projects were chosen by tenants following a local vote during the first year of the fund.
These include new pathways, seating and planters, community notice boards, improvements to communal closes and designated bin storage areas.
Residents can suggest projects including environmental improvements, fencing, gates, lighting and other work to improve neighbourhoods.
Tenant Bernadette Barrie is putting forward an idea this year after helping her brother submit a successful project during the first year.
She said: “I went along to one of the library sessions with my brother to find out more when it was first launched. When I went back this year, I had a much better idea of what I was looking for.
“The second time around, I already had an idea in mind for my area and the team helped me develop it and look at anything else I wanted to add.
“I think YouDecide Tenants is a really good idea. It gave me an opportunity to meet people in my area, as I haven’t lived in my house for very long. I spoke to neighbours and we worked on ideas together. The team was really helpful and have gone out of their way to keep me updated on progress.”
Renfrewshire Council has held information sessions in libraries and communities to help tenants develop and submit their ideas.
The fund was developed with the Tenants’ Scrutiny Panel. It gives tenants a direct role in deciding how part of the housing budget is spent.
Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Housing and Communities Policy Board, said: “Year 1 of the YouDecide Tenants Fund has shown the difference that can be made when tenants have a direct say in shaping their communities.
“We have already seen projects delivered that are making a real difference to neighbourhoods across Renfrewshire, and we’re now looking for even more ideas from tenants for Year 2.
“If you have an idea that could improve your area, I’d encourage you to get involved and submit it before 27 September.”
The fund allocated £150,000 in its first year, £250,000 for its second year and £200,000 for its third year. The money will be distributed across council housing areas throughout Renfrewshire.
Projects that meet the fund criteria will go forward to a vote after submissions close. Council tenants will decide which ideas receive funding in their local area.
Ideas can be submitted at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/youdecide-tenants.