Tenant participation in an
age of austerity
Social landlords will have to make
some tough choices in the future about
the level of services provided to tenants,
residents and the wider community.
The background to this economic climate
is well known: public sector spending has
reduced significantly in the past few years –
and will continue to do so as the ‘austerity
budget’ is implemented further; changes
implemented as a result of the welfare
reform agenda mean that revenue streams
could reduce further; and who knows
what will happen with the introduction of
universal credit at the end of the year and
the move to direct payments to tenants.
TPAS Cymru believes that the
involvement of tenants in making the
decisions about the future delivery of
services is fundamental. Tenants are in
the best place to say what their priorities
are and have firsthand knowledge and
experience of what works well and where
resources can be better invested to provide
good services. One of the areas highlighted
to TPAS Cymru is that tenants want services
to be delivered ‘right first time’ and that
services meet the needs of tenants,
residents and the wider community.
A number of organisations are already
using their tenant participation practices
to inform the business planning processes.
There has been a rise in the number of
‘challenge days’ where board members,
senior management teams and tenants
challenge and scrutinise business plans –
this could be seen as vital in coming years
as organisations look to secure their future.
Over the previous couple of years we
have seen a marked rise in the number of
organisations using inspection, auditing
and scrutiny by tenants and residents. It’s
our view that in the coming years, with
budgets tightening, there will be more of a
drive for these involvement mechanisms as
organisations work with tenants, and utilise
the skills and knowledge of these groups.
Tenants, residents and communities
appreciate the clear and concise approach
by social landlords in communication.
Having clear communication with tenants
can improve relationships and facilitate
increased tenant involvement in the future.
Amanda Oliver, Policy and
Communications Manager,
TPAS Cymru.
E: Amanda.oliver@tpascymru.org.uk
T: 02920 237 303
Twitter: @AmandaTPASCymru