Tenant participation in practice

At the PfH Annual Conference 2009, the TSA explained how only one in two tenants are satisfied with opportunities for involvement, and only one in six tenants thinks their landlord takes a lot of notice of their views.

In the Conference’s sub-plenary session entitled, “Ain’t nothin’ goin’ on but the rent", the TSA stressed arrangements for tenants should be established to influence the services delivered and the cost of those services that result in service charges to tenants. In practice, how is this being achieved by PfH Members?  PfH caught up with South Tyneside Homes to find out how they are successfully engaging tenants in the procurement process, specially using the PfH Decorating Voucher Agreement. 

Claire Skinner at South Tyneside Homes commented, “One of our tenants’ top ten priorities identified through extensive consultation was to have a choice of fittings when improvements are made to their homes”.  South Tyneside have therefore put particular effort into involving tenants in influencing product choice across the Decent Homes programme.

The Decent Homes Service Improvement Group has seen tenants involved in influencing procurement decisions on the Decent Homes Programme resulting in a range of kitchens, bathrooms, fixtures and fittings now available in the Options Brochure which represents what tenants want. Tenants have also been involved in important decisions about energy efficiency measures which has influenced the type of boilers and thermostatic radiator valves are now installed on the Decent Homes Project.

To support tenants’ involvement in procurement South Tyneside has provided training in value for money and several tenants also took the opportunity last year to hone product evaluation skills at a consortium event held in Newcastle where tenants and staff took part in a product appraisal exercise.

Tenant feedback on the previous two schemes influenced the categories used by frontline staff in evaluating the different Decorating Voucher schemes available. This has meant that South Tyneside Homes have been able to recommend to their Board PfH’s B&Q Decorating Voucher scheme as one of the best ways in which to meet the broad ranging needs of tenants, as well as addressing South Tyneside’s needs in terms of administration, timeliness and value for money.

To find out how your organisation could benefit from the Decorating Voucher Agreement click here.