Issue - meetings

Phase 1 report

Meeting: 16/07/2021 - Tenant Scrutiny Board (Item 63)

Phase 1 report

Recommendations

Minutes:

JG raised some initial concerns regarding the layout of the report, particularly that the numbering system of the points may mislead readers. PG offered to change the sub-list items to lettered points instead.

 

The board discussed each recommendation in turn, with all recommendations and discussion points presented in order below:

 

Recommendation 1 – The Board support an increased use of digital engagement and recommend an online tenant forum is set up but are concerned that tenants not online are not engaged with, therefore a digital forum should be an additional form of engagement not a replacement.

 

JG noted that there may be differing expectations from a “forum” as opposed to a “panel” and so suggested this wording is changed as well as to maintain consistency with previous language. The board members agreed.

 

Recommendation 2 – Housing Leeds need to ensure tenants not online have a means to being involved and engaged with. Combine digital with face to face for tenant engagement and scrutiny.

 

SB suggested that there should be more clarification that online engagement methods will be additional and an enhancement of the current offer, not a replacement of current offline methods. PG agreed to revise the wording.

 

Recommendation 3 – The Board recommend the introduction of online Question and Answer sessions with senior housing managers.

 

The board members discussed the perceived meanings of “Senior housing managers” and whether it would be too open regarding individuals, or too narrow to restrict to only managers within housing. IM recalled previous evidence form other housing associations presented to the board by Yvonne Davies which may be helpful to revisit. The board agreed a revision of the recommendations to include the possibility of inviting relevant service managers as appropriate.

 

Recommendation 4 – Single issue discussion groups would be a useful way of gaining tenant opinion on any particular topic. Doing this online would allow many different voices to be heard and could lead into a larger consultation.

 

The board agreed no changes are necessary for recommendation 4.

 

Recommendation 5 – To provide added incentives to involvement with Housing Leeds should consider small rewards for tenants.

 

The board agreed that there may be some budget restraints which would make this recommendation unfeasible. Questions were raised about the kind of incentives that would be appropriate and how they are delegated. RI questioned if the incentives would be detrimental by encouraging engagement for the wrong reasons.

The board members agreed to remove recommendation 5 from the final report.

 

Recommendation 6 – Make connections with neighbouring local authorities and local Housing Associations scrutiny boards and share good practice and learning.

 

The board members discussed their previous interactions with their scrutiny counterparts in Gateshead and expressed their wish to continue that link and develop others alongside.

 

Recommendation 7 – Continue and develop the user centred design approach. Using customer insight to design services tenants want.

 

RI agreed it is important to continue to listen to the tenant voice and design services with tenant input for a more  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63