Vale of Glamorgan Council tenants are being given a greater say in a range of issues relating to their homes.
The council and five tenants’ associations have signed up to the Vale of Glamorgan Tenants’ Association Compact. A recently-formed tenants’ association for Brecon Court, Barry, is expected to become a further signatory in the near future.
A result of partnership working between the council and the tenants’ associations, the compact sets out clear commitments for both parties to work together, tenant involvement and the way in which tenants can influence the decision-making process relating to a wide range of local authority housing services.
Representing the council at the official signing of the compact were Cllr Paul Church, cabinet member for housing and community safety, Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, chair of the scrutiny (housing and public protection) committee, Peter Evans, director of legal, public protection and housing, Tony Jaques, head of housing, and Heather Powney, tenant development officer.
Stressing that the council viewed tenant involvement as a key part of its work, Cllr Church said: “Over the last two years, the number of tenants’ associations in the Vale has risen considerably and each of them brings the views and opinions of individuals directly to the council. They are best placed to understand needs and concerns.
“The establishment of the compact means that the council and the tenants’ associations can achieve real and meaningful participation.
“The council values the input of tenants and, as a direct result of their involvement, the council is reshaping existing housing services and providing new services.”
