The National Housing Federation (NHF) is consulting on a draft plan, Together with Tenants, that proposes giving tenants a greater voice in influencing decision-making in housing.
This would re-balance the relationship between housing association providers and their tenants and residents, as well as rebuild trust.
The government-backed plan, which is also supported by Labour, is a response to the Grenfell fire tragedy. This exposed the powerlessness of tenants to have their views heard and acted upon.
The plan sets out draft proposals aimed at ensuring that housing association boards are accountable to their tenants and residents through four key actions:
- a new requirement in the NHF’s code of governance for boards to be accountable to their tenants and residents;
- a new Together with Tenants Charter setting out what tenants and residents can expect from their housing association landlord;
- tenant and resident oversight and scrutiny of the charter, with a report on how their landlord is doing against the charter commitments;
- a closer link with the regulator.
The NHF is asking for feedback on the proposals from housing association staff, tenants, residents and stakeholders by 19 April 2019.
UNISON is encouraging our members who work for housing associations or are tenants and residents of housing associations to respond to the consultation.
Further information about the Together with Tenants plan and how to respond.
