Issue - meetings

Following a report of the Group Manager for Housing, the Homes Policy Development Group had recommended that the revised Tenant Involvement Strategy be approved

The Cabinet had before it a * report of the Group Manager for Housing, the Homes Policy Development Group had considered the report and had recommended that the revised Tenant Involvement Strategy be approved

The Cabinet Member for Housing outlined the contents of the report highlighting the proposed revisions to the strategy which aimed at increasing the involvement of tenants and looked at various channels of communication.

RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr R L Stanley and seconded by Cllr Mrs M E Squires)

Note: *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report from the Group Manager for Housing Services. The Housing Service Tenant Involvement Strategy is now due for review. This work has been completed and the new draft strategy takes account of expected changes to the regulatory framework. It also contains amended priorities which should deliver greater value for money.

The Group had before it a report * from the Group Manager for Housing Services presenting the revised draft Tenant Involvement Strategy.

The Officer outlined the contents of the report with reference to the following:

·         The Strategy set out the high level aims for the Council as a social landlord. These were regulated by the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH). One of their standards related to Tenant Involvement and Engagement meaning that Registered Providers should involve tenants in the work that they do.

·         The new Strategy had been updated significantly to reflect rapid changes in methods of modern communication.

·         The Council had a very active Tenants Together Group who considered policy, performance and also challenged officers and elected Members.

·         There was a ring fenced pot of money set aside for Tenant Involvement activity such as training. It was also confirmed that tenants could claim expenses when attending training courses as this was seen as a way of fostering involvement.

·         Experience had shown that most tenants preferred to communicate by electronic means although it was acknowledged that some preferred the more traditional methods of communication.

·         Estate walkabouts with Ward Members were encouraged. Ward Members were also invited to attend eviction panels but some chose not to attend.

·         Any tenant was welcome to come to a Tenants Together meeting or indeed join the group.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that the revised Tenant Involvement Strategy be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr D R Coren  and seconded by Cllr P J Heal)

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.