Who are we at TACU?
TACU (Tenants and Community Union) is a community union within the Lancaster and Morecambe area who take action to improve living situations of people locally, with a focus on housing. We are a membership organisation that’s run by and for its members. We exist because we believe that structures in our society disempower us and put profit before people, and that the only way to stand against this is to collectivise our issues and stand in solidarity with each other. We recognise that so many problems that we’re currently facing, whether they’re inadequate housing, insecure jobs, or environmental destruction, are the result of a system that thinks that profits are more important than people and we believe that the only way to face this is by standing together.
Since forming in 2021, we’ve recruited members from across the district, collectivised issues, and defended members, we’ve hosted sessions on knowing your rights as a renter and put on social events including film screenings and pizza nights. We’ve knocked on doors throughout the community and chatting to residents about their concerns and experiences with housing. We’ve joined picket lines in solidarity with friends and community members during strike action and marched in protest of the rising cost of living. We’ve put on training sessions on Building Tenants Power and Stopping Immigration Raids. We also hosted a public meeting with national Council Housing campaigner Glyn Robbins about the selloff of council housing at Mainway in Skerton, which was attended by over 50 people.
Mainway Campaign
We’re currently involved in a campaign along with residents of the Mainway estate to stop Lancaster City Council from selling off the council homes there. Last year, residents in Lune and Derby House were encouraged by the Council to leave their homes while they were refurbished and were promised they would be able to return. Instead, the properties were sold to a private developer. In January 2024, residents of another block of flats nearby, Bridge House, were asked to move out, with some people finding out about this via local newspaper before they had received communication from the council. This is part of a bigger picture of a country-wide sell off of council housing at a time when it is needed most. There are currently over 2000 households waiting for council homes in Lancaster, with many desperate people not even being eligible to be included on the list.
How to get involved
Everyone who is committed to solidarity, care and collective action for social justice is welcome to join the union, and we’re always delighted to welcome new members. If you’re interested in joining, please take a look at the Join TACU section of our website, where you’ll be able to complete a membership form. Each member pays a monthly fee which goes towards defending members, funding campaigns, and supporting actions. Membership is based on a sliding scale according to income, and the standard rate is one hour’s wage per month, through to £0 if not able to contribute. Once you’ve completed the sign-up form, someone from the union will be in touch to provide more details and to invite you to one of our monthly sessions, where we discuss and plan campaigns and actions. We’d love to have you involved!
