"Tenant participation is about tenants taking part in decision making processes and influencing decisions about housing policies; housing conditions; and housing (and related) services. It is a two way process which involves the sharing of information, ideas and power. Its aim is to improve the standard of housing conditions and service" (National Strategy for Tenant Participation – Partners in Participation (1999).)
The right to participate comes from a reasonable expectation on the part of tenants that housing services and policies should meet their needs and preferences, as far as possible within available resources.
Effective participation leads to better and more responsive management and this helps inform decisions about improving service delivery and providing value for money.
Dover District Council has a Tenant Participation Strategy that seeks to develop, in partnership with tenants, improved housing conditions and services.
The purpose of the Strategy is to achieve continuous improvement in our performance in supporting and enabling tenants to influence how our services are delivered. By promoting participation and involvement that is subject to regular review by both parties, a participative partnership of mutual trust and respect can develop.
This relationship will then have the following benefits for us and our tenants
The benefits of tenant participation and improvements in service delivery will not happen overnight and will evolve over time as effective information, communication and participation structures strengthen.
E-mail: housing@dover.gov.uk
