Tenant Involvement Strategy Launched

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.” 
Fold currently have over 100 people involved in their ''Get Involved'' register.   These tenants have been meeting to discuss how Fold can improve the service they receive through a number of panels which cover areas such as gardening, maintenance and Literature and Policy Review.   If you are a Fold tenant and would like to get involved, please contact your Housing Officer or Scheme Coordinator or call our office on 028 9039 7263 or email: getinvolved@foldgroup.co.uk
The Tenant Participation Strategy, subsequent Action plan, and Easy read version can be viewed at https://www.dsdni.gov.uk/publications/tenant-participation-strategy-northern-ireland-2015-2020.'