Young voices and E-panel input are to form part of a new strategy aimed at giving Angus Council tenants a more meaningful say in tackling issues and the authority’s decision-making process.
In a move welcomed by councillors, tenant and community engagement strategy has been given the go ahead to build on work already done, with officials determined to forge links with “harder to reach groups”.
Service leader John Morrow told communities committee members a tenants group already exists and the current strategy had involved Angus residents in initiatives including the Three Streets Carnoustie community appraisal and regeneration of Arbroath’s Timmergreens housing area.
“Tenants’ and customers’ views are integral to the housing service’s business planning. Whilst this is already built in to our processes, it’s crucial we continue to expand the opportunities to engage so we can build more positive, two-way relationships,” he said.
“This will enable us to fine-tune our services so provision is geared to what people really want.”
He added: “At a time when there are so many ways of communicating, it’s more important than ever that we find ways for people to get involved that suits them.
“If we are to continue to improve our services, we need customer feedback so we know what’s working well and what needs to be improved.
“We really do need to encourage more people to become involved.
“We are becoming a smaller organisation, but one that is better, leaner and more sustainable.
“What hasn’t changed, is that we still have the same strong commitment to our tradition of involving tenants in our decision-making,” said Mr Morrow.
Plans under the new strategy include the re-establishment of a tenant-led group to focus on specific priorities, with a list of fifteen developed to kick-start the process and progress reports scheduled to be delivered to elected members on an annual basis.
Kirriemuir SNP councillor Julie Bell said: “I am pleased to see this come forward.
“A lot of the work that goes on in engaging with communities goes unnoticed at times.
“I’m hopeful this will help them realise that what they are involved in is part of how we engage with our tenants,” she added.
