Morrow publishes Tenant Participation Strategy
Date published:
Social Development Minister Lord Morrow MLA has published a Strategy to increase tenant involvement in the delivery of social housing services.
The Tenant Participation Strategy 2015-2020 sets out what social landlords, including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Housing Associations, should do in order to give tenants the opportunity and choice to participate in the decisions that affect them. The Strategy also sets out how government will help.
Tenant participation can range from being a member of a Board and being involved in a resident or community based group to responding to consultations or being engaged in focus groups.
Minister Morrow said: “My vision for social housing is more than just providing a home for those in need, it is about creating communities with efficient services that respond to local needs.
“The voices of tenants are vital and the Tenant Participation Strategy will afford them an opportunity to influence decisions and services which affect them. I would encourage all tenants to participate in whatever way they can, either as individuals or as part of a wider group.”
The Tenant Participation Strategy sets out 10 principles for tenant participation and includes the measures and outcomes expected to achieve effective engagement between tenants and their social housing providers.
Minister Morrow continued: “There are already many good examples of landlord/tenant collaboration however we must continue to build on this and promote best practice across the sector. I want this strategy to challenge all social housing landlords to increase the extent and effectiveness of this participation and listen to their tenants to ensure the delivery of better, more responsive services.”
The Tenant Participation Strategy, subsequent Action plan, and Easy read version can be viewed at the Department's website.
Notes to editors:
- The Tenant Participation Strategy was developed as part of the Department for Social Development’s Social Housing Reform Programme
- The consultation period for the tenant participation strategy ran from the 15th January to the 8th April 2015. The consultation response report can be found online
- The strategy is issued with the Action plan and the documents should be read in conjunction with each other
- Further information on the Social housing reform programme DSD is available on the DSD website
- Media enquiries to DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9454 or e-mail press.office@dsdni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned