To receive an update/feedback from Tenants Representatives on issues affecting Council House Tenants/ Services.
Minutes:
The Chair invited Tenants representatives to provide any updates or feedback on issues affecting Council House Tenants.
Ted Wilson reported that VITAL Members continued to have monthly meetings with busy agendas. The various groups were now beginning to come together, working well and sharing strengths and weaknesses along with good practices. The formation of a City wide Repairs Group was ongoing and it was anticipated that by the next meeting a group would be in place.
VITAL had in the last few months been in consultation with Housing Leeds on a variety of subjects including: Asset Management Strategy, Pre-Tenancy Training, the Housing and Planning Act and the Housing Tenancy Review.
It was reported that Councillor Coupar had attended a VITAL meeting in August as a guest speaker. Her positive contributions were well received and went a long way to building a successful relationship with the Housing Advisory Board. Ted, on behalf of VITAL, expressed his thanks and appreciation to Councillor Coupar for her attendance and contributions at the meeting.
Referring to further work to be undertaken by VITAL, Ted said that currently the group were working on the Tenant Review with Officers. The group would be revisiting the terms of reference, including the frequency of meetings for all groups.
Ted said VITAL Members appreciated there would be pressures on budgets but we need to ensure the involvement structure it supports represents value for money. We need to hear the wider tenant voice and deliver outcomes that benefit the local community
On the issue of tenant engagement, VITAL were of the view that a discussion around digital engagement was required. It was important that consideration be given as to how we reach out to tenants using alternative means of communication: social media and conference calling were provided as examples which would be explored further.
Tracey McGarry spoke on the work of YAGI – She spoke on the “Communities Can Week” fun days arranged to hear the views of as many tenants as possible, reaching out to the wider community of Leeds but not taking anything away from other tenant conferences that have been held previously.
A number of Area Housing Teams took part in these “fun days” promoting services in the area. The intention of the initiative was to build community spirit within the area. Many positive views were received from tenants about the PFI schemes that had been delivered in the area.
Other fun days were held in other parts of the city with hundreds of people taking part together with local councillors. Tenants found it easier to express their views to agencies / Council staff because they were taking about the areas they lived in.
“Operation Champion” another fun day, took place in the Burmantofts ward, where families and children came together to produce hanging baskets which were erected in the area. The event was hosted in the first week of school holidays and made it easier for families to engage and bring a real sense of pride to the area.
It was reported that there were also a number of “Big Lunch” events held to promote sheltered housing schemes. One elderly tenant said that the communing together of the community reminded her of old village life.
The “Communities Can Week” promoted a real sense of engagement and Community belonging and delivered the vision of sustainable communities
In summing up Tracey said that overall the “Communities Can week” delivered a really positive event and it was hoped that other similar events would take place in future.
The Chair suggested that a representative be invited from the Communities Team to attend the Housing Advisory Board to make links to the wider sustainable communities outcome and community hub programme
The Chair thanked both Ted and Tracey for their feedback commenting that is was important that tenant’s views were made known to the Board.