Your Estate, Your Voice: Why BITMO Matters
by BITMO Chief Executive Deborah Kelly
Belle Isle isn’t just a place to live — it’s a community shaped by the people who call it home.
And unlike many other estates, it’s managed by you.
Through BITMO (Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation), tenants are at the heart of decisions about homes, services, and the future of the estate — not the Council.
Every five years, you get the power to decide: Should Belle Isle continue to be run by tenants, or return to Council management?
Each time, tenants who vote have chosen to keep BITMO. But many voices are still missing.
Why aren’t more people voting?
40% didn’t know the ballot was happening
25% knew — but didn’t get around to voting
That means many voices in Belle Isle aren’t being heard.
You told us BITMO makes a difference:
Two-thirds of tenants said it’s important that BITMO stays tenant-led
Only one quarter weren’t sure if it makes a difference
What you want — and what we’re doing:
Investing in your homes:
We’re putting over £200,000 more into improving homes this year.
Supporting older residents:
Our tenancy support team provides weekly help and activities for older people.
Helping through financial hardship:
We have two dedicated staff members supporting residents in financial difficulty.
Tackling anti-social behaviour:
We’ve repossessed a property due to serious ASB and are working closely with police.
Better services, stronger community:
BITMO tenants report higher satisfaction than Leeds City Council tenants.
We will keep listening, improving services, and strengthening tenant control.
Be part of something bigger.
Want to help shape the future of Belle Isle? Get in touch — we’d love to work with you.
This is your estate. Your community. Your decision.
