Minutes:
JG proposed that by the end of June the present review on Tenant Engagement, Stage 1 and Stage 2 should be completed.
Original intention was to undertake a Stage 3 (looking at HAPs), but don’t feel it would be beneficial to us or the council to continue to look into tenant engagement at this time.
When Gez Tinsdale and Adam Crampton spoke at the May meeting they gave an overview of the service which was very informative and honest about what housing’s achievements and challenges are. They agreed much had happened because of Covid and are now coming out of it. There are therefore lots of aspects to look at - ASB, Repairs, Contracts, Cost of living crisis and impacted services that the board can now consider.
JW – We have a new Vice Chair; it would be good to have a project that is worked on from beginning to end with present Chair and Vice Chair.
JG – Between now and end of the year at a pre-arranged date with Neil I will step out of the role of Chair and allow Neil to Chair for the experience.
IM discussed the STAR survey, which will now be sent out on a quarterly basis to a random sample of tenants. The smaller quarterly samples when combined as the quarters progress build up a more reliable picture of what tenants think about our services. We’ll be able to share data in the Autumn with the board.
SB – Are response rates equal among different ages and cultures?
IM – We send to a random sample but within that random sample we make sure to include a proportion of age groups, ethnicity etc. Results we get back have feedback from a wide range of people and we do look at that as part of our equality analysis.
JG asked the board for comments:
SB – We should be dealing with more relevant issues. Covid has meant some elements have been neglected and would much prefer to deal with pressing issues that are affecting tenants now.
JG – That is the general view from tenants as well.
MF – Agrees to concentrate on pressing issues.
SE – So long as its evidence based it is a good idea to deal with what is happening now.
NB – Good to have fresh approach and a collective way of thinking.
PM – I think we should carry on way we are working. It does work.
JW – Poverty issue with energy bills rising is going to be very serious, a lot of people are sitting with no heat on at all. Support approach and shorter projects.
SB – When we started in Housing Leeds things were more stable than they are now. Lately and particularly with covid, we can start a review and make suggestions and things have changed by the end of it. Long reviews are not of any value. We need to target things that are important.
JG – New era of TSB. No vote required; our fundamental values are the same.