Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic residents make up 26% of Southwark’s population (according to the 2001 Census). This represents a significant proportion of the borough’s population. SGTO is aware that BME residents do not engage with housing issues as they should, they are also not actively involved in their local Tenant and Residents Association (TRA). As a result, SGTO conducted a research to understand in greater depth why BME residents are not involved in their Tenant and Resident Association and as such are not part of the consultation process. This research helped SGTO and the Council to determine what should be done to involve BMEs more in mainstream housing issues. 

SGTO worked with Continental Research, an organisation with an impressive portfolio of successful work in BME related research in Southwark and neighbouring local authorities. They have effectively delivered research project on community safety, decent home initiatives, Forest Hill pools, choice based lettings, temporary accommodations, spending priorities amongst older, black and Asian people.

The research covers two broad areas of the Borough i.e. the North (Borough, Bermondsey and Rotherhithe) and South (Peckham, Walworth, Camberwell and Dulwich). Participating minority groups are the Asian community (Bangladesh), Black Caribbean and Africans. 

In the short term, a qualitative study and a BME conference have been undertaken to understand the reasons for non-engagement and what can be done to improve inclusion. It has been discovered that tenants and residents have different mindsets which influence their attitude and likelihood of getting involved in the community. 

 1. Residents with a transient mindset are;

      Less connected to the area

 Do not see long term future in their area and would want to move (either to move outside London or back to home country)

 Less interested in maintaining the area and the community

 2. Residents with a stable mindset are;

         More engaged with the area

Interested in investing in the upkeep of the area and community

Consider a longer term view on the area (especially if children are present).

 In the long term, the quantitative research will be used to determine the extent of non-engagement.

A detailed copy of the Research Report is available to download on this page. 

BME Tenants Conference