Decision details

This report presents a proposal for refreshing the Council’s approach to engaging with tenants and Tenants and Resident Associations (TARAs) across the City.

That the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety:-

(i) approves the arrangements for Tenant Involvement and Engagement set out at paragraph 1.7(A) of the report;

(ii) approves the replacement of the current TARA ‘Recognition Policy’ with the ‘Good Governance Requirements’ for TARAs as described at paragraph 1.7 (B) and set out in Appendix 1 of the report;

(iii) approves the setting up of a new ‘Community Fund’ and ‘Residual Levy Community Fund’ to enable TARAs and other community groups to deliver projects of local benefit to tenants, and a ‘start-up’ grant for new TARAs of up to £1000, as described at paragraph 1.7 (C) and set out in Appendix 2 of the report;

(iv) delegates authority to the Head of Neighbourhood Services or their nominee officer to determine how the Community Fund and Residual Levy Community Fund Budget for each ward is spent, subject to compliance with the agreed Community Fund process and the Council’s Contracts Standing Orders and Financial Regulations, including authorising the completion of any related funding agreement or other legal documentation; and

(v) delegates authority to the Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods Service to take the necessary steps to implement the changes described in the report and agree any future changes to the grant amounts set out in the report.

These proposals have been developed with tenants, TARA representatives, Members and officers to improve the way that the Council currently engages with tenants and TARAs. The original proposals have been shaped by consultation with tenants and TARA representatives and a number of changes have been made as a result, as described in the report.

The recommendations should also ensure that the available HRA resources are used both efficiently and effectively to empower local communities across the City.

The option to continue with the current engagement and meeting structures was considered. However attendance at meetings has been reducing and the meetings are not attracting a representative selection of tenants or TARA members. Simplifying the meeting structures means that a wider range of engagement methods can be explored to improve involvement from all sections of the tenant community.

The option to continue with the current Recognition Policy was also considered. This was due for review in 2016 and has been unpopular with tenants for some time. It has also been difficult and time-consuming for the Council to apply the policy to a number of issues that have arisen with TARAs. The opportunity to revise the policy and provide greater clarity for all parties was therefore seen as the preferred option.

The option to continue managing the Residual Levy in the same way as at present was considered. The changes brought into effect in 2016 have had little impact therefore the Residual Levy balance continues to increase. These proposals are designed to encourage local groups to make use of the Residual Levy and deliver benefits for the tenants, including Residual Levy payers, within the local communities accruing it.