City tenants join in regional event

Organised by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS), the conference aimed to empower and enlighten tenants on key issues including the new housing regulations and the national Stop Social Housing Stigma campaign.

There was an interesting presentation from the Regulator of Social Housing. Tenants learnt why councils and housing associations must now publish their performance and why it is so important that tenants can hold their landlord to account. For the Southampton City Council tenants, it was an opportunity to ask questions about what our recent C3 rating means, and the important role that they have to play in working with us to drive forward improvements.

Ann from Peartree says she found it useful to chat and learn from tenants and engagement staff from other landlords: “It was really interesting meeting lots of different people, to talk about our shared experiences of living in social housing whilst comparing how different landlords work. We discussed about how we felt about the campaign to address the stigma of living in social housing, and it was good to hear what others think.”

While Lynda from Holyrood said the event was a very important learning opportunity. “It is important that tenants keep up to date with the new housing regulations and I enjoyed learning new things and being updated at the conference.”

Attending this recent conference is just one of the many regular events and activities organised by our Tenant Engagement team. The team work to encourage more tenants and leaseholders to get involved with the council and to provide opportunities for tenants and leaseholders to learn new skills and expand their knowledge.

Get in touch with the team to find out how you can get involved and have your say, or check the online calendar of upcoming tenant activities which range from roadshows, meetings, panels and training sessions.