An update from Maureen, Chair of the Tenants’ Forum
Hello everyone.
I hope that by the time you receive this issue, we’ve got some good weather and plenty of chances to enjoy the summer!
Two recent events have got me thinking about how important it is for tenants to make our voices heard. In May a few of us joined a seminar for social housing organisations throughout the North East, looking at how tenants help their communities to thrive.
Two of our volunteers gave presentations. Sana talked about the many activities of the Women’s Voice tenants’ group, and Craig explained about the Multi Storey Living Group.
There was lots of discussion with tenants sharing their views and experiences. What a great opportunity for landlords to learn from residents in other parts of the country!
That brings me the annual survey about how well Hull City Council is performing as a landlord. Everything the Council does in housing is checked by the Regulator of Social Housing, which makes sure social landlords are meeting the right standards.
As tenants, we play a big part in giving the Regulator the full story.
Our opinions also show the Council where it’s getting things right, and where it needs to improve services.
Every year the Council contacts 5% of tenants at random to take part in a satisfaction survey. If you’re invited to take part, please give honest feedback – whether it’s good or bad. There’s always a prize draw with the survey, and the lucky winner of the £250 prize last year lives in the HU3 postcode area – congratulations!
We don’t all win prizes for giving feedback, but we all benefit in other ways if we play our part and share our opinions – constructively. So, if you receive a survey from the Council, whether it’s about your home, anti-social behaviour, or any other housing matters, please fill it in.
As we so often see from our volunteers, things get better when tenants get involved.
Until next time, Maureen.