Tenant and leaseholder participation and consultation

1. Statement of intent

1.1 Woking Borough Council is committed to working in partnership with tenants and leaseholders and wishes to ensure they all have the opportunity to become involved, both individually and collectively, in the decision making processes that affect the management of their homes. This will be at a level that suits them and be a benefit not only to themselves, but to their community.

1.2 The Council will ensure that policies and procedures for consulting and involving residents are implemented by all personnel involved in delivering housing management and maintenance services, including contractors and other business partners.

1.3 Resources will be available to enable a variety of means of consultation and participation and for relevant training of both staff and residents.

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2. Detail

Participation

2.1 Participation will be undertaken in a variety of ways for instance with the Tenant Representatives, the Tenant and Leaseholder Forum, residents groups, panels, focus and policy groups.

2.2 It will cover a range of issues relating to the housing service including tenancy and estate management.

2.3 Joint working with other services and agencies will be encouraged to enhance understanding of working practices and to improve the overall service within an specific area or the borough as a whole.

Consultation

2.4 The Council has a legal duty to consult tenants on matters of housing management that may affect them (Housing Act 1985) and leaseholders about proposed repairs where a charge may be levied (Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002). The Council aims to carry out much more comprehensive consultation on a broad range of issues.

2.5 Consultation will be undertaken in a variety of ways with groups and/or individuals as appropriate.

2.6 The Council will work with tenants to ensure equality of access to information about the service, for instance for ethnic minorities, older people or those with a disability.

Resources management

2.7 Resources will be available for formally recognised residents groups, the Tenants' Office, Streetwise magazine and inter-agency working.

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3. Key targets / standards

3.1 Meet all statutory requirements for consultation.

3.2 Consult tenants and leaseholders in the appropriate manner and within reasonable timescales.

3.3 Fully support Tenant Representatives, the Tenant and Leaseholder Forum, residents groups and panel members to become knowledgeable and confident in working with the Council on the management of their homes and environment.

3.4 Review the consultation and participation process with reference to the Tenant Participation Compact.

3.5 Produce Streetwise magazine at least 3 times a year.

3.6 Periodically update and amend procedures to reflect current standing orders, financial regulations, legal and good practice.

Date Approved: 18 September 1995
                               06 June 2003
                               23 March 2005

Date Revised: March 2005 (amalgamates Policy Nos 68 and 78)
                            February 2008