Agenda item

(a)  That the Housing Resident Involvement Strategy as at Appendix 1 be approved.

(b)  That it be agreed to receive an annual report on the implementation of the strategy.

The Cabinet considered a report that sought approval of the newly developed Housing Resident Involvement Strategy to ensure meaningful opportunities for more tenants and leaseholders to influence housing services, policies and strategies that impacted on them.  It was also required to ensure compliance with the new Consumer Standards from 2024.

The strategy had been developed in partnership with the Resident Board and shaped by feedback from other residents through survey responses and drop-in sessions.  The consultation feedback was summarised and noted.  The strategy highlighted the importance of a culture that embedded resident involvement, which was a principle welcomed by the Cabinet.  The Executive Director, Regeneration, Housing and Environment explained how the strategy fitted into the wider set of improvement being made to the Council’s housing services.  The key aspects of the strategy were outlined and Lead Members asked for more detail about how the new strategy would improve communication and engagement with residents.  It was highlighted that additional staff would be recruited to focus on resident engagement, from within the existing budget, and this team would lead on a number of projects and means of communication to improve engagement and the responsiveness of housing services.

A Member asked whether the service could be provided to private sector tenants in the future.  In response, it was noted that the service was funded from the Housing Revenue Account which could only be used for services for Council tenants and leaseholders.

At the conclusion of the discussion the strategy was welcomed and approved by the Cabinet.

Resolved –

(a)  That the Housing Resident Involvement Strategy as at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

(b)  That it be agreed to receive an annual report on the implementation of the strategy.