South Holland District Council has approved a series of measures to address issues identified in its social housing inspection.
The Regulator of Social Housing inspected the council’s housing in July and awarded it a C2 grade – the second highest grade available.
But it identified a number of areas for improvement, including providing an alternative means for tenants to access information if they don’t wish to go online, such as providing them with a paper copy.
The regulator also asked the district council to improve its housing transformation programme, to create a clear strategy on how it intends to engage with tenants and to address their concerns.
At a cabinet meeting, last Tuesday (November 11), members heard how the district council is aiming to address these issues.
Members were told the authority is developing a housing transformation programme, engaging with tenants more frequently and ensuring there is better communication between tenants and the landlords.
Coun Tracey Carter, portfolio holder for strategic and operational housing, acknowledged that there had been a low turn-out in its recent tenant satisfaction survey but said it values all the feedback it receives.
Coun Carter said: “All of the feedback is taken on board and I think it’s often a case that when some people are happy with everything, they don’t say anything. But we do appreciate all feedback, including if it’s just positive.”
Coun Bryan Alcock suggested that the district council could consider adding mobility scooter storage pods into its council houses.
He added: “Is there provision to create a mobility scooter store for tenants? If there is an appropriate place to put them then people cannot trip over them.”
Chris Mycock, housing repairs and compliance manager at the district council, said: “The responsibility of mobility scooters is generally with the individual tenant.
“We have got some tenants where there is space to store mobility scooters but we generally leave it to the individual, unless something can be done to accommodate them.”
At the meeting, the district council also approved a disabled aid and adaptation policy and a reasonable adaptation policy, which set out the “reasonable adjustments” and support that it will provide to tenants with disabilities and additional needs.
