Decision details

The purpose of this decision is to approve further amendments to the Resident Involvement Strategy following consideration of the Strategy at the Housing Engagement Board on 12 December 2024.

The amendments proposed include:

• Increase the number of elected tenant representatives from six to seven, with an additional elected residential leaseholder, as follows:
  • Two x Tenant representatives for the north of the district
  • Two x Tenant representatives for the east of the district
  • Two x Tenant representatives for the west of the district
  • One x Residential leaseholder representative for the whole district

The changes will allow a more balanced proportional split for elected representatives between the number of tenants and residential leaseholders that the Council manages.

In addition, in recognition that the tenant/leaseholder allowance has not been increased since 2020, it is proposed that the allowance should be increased from up to £400 per annum to up to £500 per annum for the financial year 2024/25; and thereafter aligned to any annual inflationary increases awarded for the district councillors’ allowance.

To approve the amendments to the Resident Involvement Strategy as stated above and attached at Appendix A.

Increasing the number of elected tenant representatives and having one residential leaseholder to represent the District will ensure that there is better representation across the District for both tenants and residential leaseholders.

Increasing the tenant/leaseholder annual allowance acknowledges the time, commitment and value that tenant/leaseholder representatives of the Housing Engagement Board bring to the Housing Service.

To not approve the amendments.

Rejected because the review of the existing Housing Engagement Board structure has been carried out in full consultation with tenant representatives.