The National Housing Federation has launched a consultation on giving tenants a greater say in housing matters.
It is seeking views on its draft plan, Together with Tenants, that proposes giving tenants a greater voice in influencing decision-making in housing.
The NHF says that this would re-balance the relationship between housing association providers and their tenants and residents, as well as rebuild trust.
The Government-backed plan, which is also supported by the Labour Party, is a response to the Grenfell fire tragedy which exposed the powerlessness of tenants to have their views heard and acted upon.
The plan sets out draft proposals aimed at ensuring that housing association boards are accountable to their tenants and residents through a number of key proposals.
These include a new requirement in the NHF’s code of governance for boards to be accountable to their tenants and residents and a new Together with Tenants Charter setting out what tenants and residents can expect from their housing association landlord.
It also sets out requirements for a tenant and resident oversight and scrutiny of the charter, with a report on how their landlord is doing against the charter commitments and a call for closer links with the regulator.
The NHF is asking for feedback on the proposals from housing association staff, tenants, residents and stakeholders by 19 April 2019.
‘The plan is a demonstration of the fact that as a sector we are addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing the country. How we rebuild trust between people and institutions,’ said Kate Henderson, NHF chief executive.
‘This is a challenge that is of course particularly pertinent for our sector, after the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower exposed feelings of powerlessness, distrust and disconnection,’ she explained.
‘This plan builds on good practice in the sector, and must also be the first steps towards meaningful change. I am delighted that 43 housing associations have already signed up to test the commitments and I hope that many more will follow suit,’ she pointed out.
‘We know that for this plan to work we need to design it with tenants and residents. This is why we’ve been working closely with them throughout the process, and are now urging tenants to share their thoughts on these proposals,’ she added.
