Councils empowering and engaging their tenants

A new report has found that creative engagement helped reinforce council housing and its tenants at the heart of communities.

The Local Government Association and Tpas report, which sets out the findings of detailed research across 35 councils and 20 arms-length management organisations, calls on the government to allow councils to keep 100 per cent of their Right to Buy receipts and set discounts locally so councils can replace any homes sold.

The two organisations highlight the example of Hull City Council, which set up their Housing Academy to empower residents with the confidence, knowledge and skills to directly participate in decisions affecting them.

Martin Tett, LGA Housing spokesman, said: “The report has shed light on more than just bricks and mortar. Councils are keen to engage with tenants and improve their engagement, and the report not only identifies good practice across the country, it also demonstrates the value of effective, local communication. This is at the heart of building communities where people can be proud to live.

“The social housing green paper is a positive step from the government, giving priority to empowering tenants, but we must also see a firmer commitment to building more social homes. Ensuring tenants are truly engaged can only be achieved through a conversation between landlords and tenants."