Pioneering Bradford-area families were in Scotland today giving the message that "people power" can really work on housing estates.

Tenants across the district became equal partners with Bradford Council last March in an historic agreement signed in City Hall.

The scheme, called Compact, meant that the housing books were thrown open and tenants could see how their rent money was being spent.

They have also been promised an equal say on what happens on their estate, instead of being told what will happen.

And today nine members of Bradford Tenant and Residents' District Federation were spreading the message at a housing seminar being held by West Lothian Council.

The Government said when Bradford Council launched its scheme that it would be used as a national model, and ministers wanted other authorities to follow the example.

Today's seminar was organised by West Lothian Council to discuss the success of the scheme and how it could be mirrored in other areas.

Bradford Council's scheme allows families to have a say in rent levels.

They also have representatives on the housing policy executive, environment executive and the Council's Best Value scrutiny/monitoring group.

Bradford North Labour MP Terry Rooney, who strongly supports the scheme, says the families have down-to-earth common sense which will be useful in policy making.

He says there have been tensions in the past between both sides but trust is important for Compact to work.

The initiative followed year-long consultations by Bradford Council with the aim of providing the public with high standard services at reasonable cost.

Councillor Kris Hopkins, executive committee member for health and housing said: "We are very proud that Bradford is among the first local authorities in the country to launch this partnership scheme.

"It underlines our commitment to making positive changes in housing and other services for the local community.

"The Compact is an excellent example of good practice in working with tenants. It calls on the Council to listen carefully to residents and then to work with them to improve the quality of life for people across the district."

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