Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision

A report was brought to HMB in September 2011 outlining recommendations for providing an Independent Tenants’ Voice. This report was written by an external consultant and included a thorough review of past and existing Resident Involvement arrangements, plus a number of recommendations.

One key recommendation from the report, approved by the Executive Councillor for Housing at the September 2011 HMB, was the creation of a ‘Resident Involvement Facilitator’ post. A candidate was recruited to this role in August 2012. The Officer’s report provided an update on the post and specific work being carried out.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

Approved the 2013 Resident Involvement Facilitator work plan (developed in consultation with the HMB tenants and leaseholder reps), set out in Appendix 2 of the Officer’s report.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Resident Involvement Facilitator regarding the Update on Resident Involvement Facilitator Post.

In response to Members’ questions the Resident Involvement Facilitator confirmed the following:

(i)                The Resident Involvement Facilitator engaged with tenants through various means including Streets & Open Spaces Officers, resident associations and Street Champions.

(ii)              Residents associations were an effective way of engaging tenants, but the most active groups were formed when people had specific reasons for coming together. Resident associations had varied longevity ie some stayed in place longer than others. This depended on support/interest. Officers would engage with resident associations as required.

(iii)            Part of the Resident Involvement Facilitator’s role was to facilitate the formation of resident associations in future and to engage a spectrum of people of all ages. Also to train and support tenants as resident involvement representatives.

(iv)            A residents forum would be a useful means in future for HMB representatives to liaise with tenants.

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

Not applicable.