Agenda item

6.1  The Head of Community Engagement introduced the report.  In response to questions he confirmed that the roles of officers within the tenant and resident involvement team had been changed during a recent reorganisation.  There had been a shift in emphasis towards supporting tenants’ and residents’ associations in development.  Some members stressed that at annual general meetings officers should be offering support and gathering information, rather than directing how meetings should be run.

6.2  Members welcomed the comment at paragraph 10 of the report in relation to an online application process.  The Head of Community Engagement indicated that this would be coming on line soon.  Given changes in demographics and the number of leaseholders and sub-lettings, Members asked whether any thought was being given to whether T&RA’s were representative of residents on estates.  The Head of Community Engagement explained that officers were working with T&RA’s on how to increase membership and representativeness.  At the same time, the community conversations arising out of the housing commission report had reached a lot of residents who might not usually engage with the council through T&RA’s.  The council had also explored the use of online forums.  A range of options were being provided in order for residents to get involved.

6.3  Members asked for details of liaison with ward councillors.  The Head of Community Engagement explained that this varied, depending on the individual circumstances of the area and the T&RA.  More intensive liaison was offered in particular cases.  The Head of Community Engagement stated that a letter had been sent to members letting them know which officer was responsible for which area of the borough.  In response to further questions, he clarified that the Homeowners’ Council largely sat within the remit of the Home Ownership Unit.  Members stressed the need to improve the flow of information between the council and leaseholders.