Council housing tenants are invited to share their views on a new strategy for services in Westmorland & Furness.
The authority has created a draft strategy to give tenants more say and influence decisions about repairs, maintenance, and any changes to policies.
Westmorland & Furness Council owns 2,575 properties across six main housing estates – the bulk on five Barrow estates and 81 in Penrith.
Over 38% were built before 1930.
The new strategy suggests practical steps to improve services, like bringing back the Leaseholders Forum, giving extra support to tenant representatives, and holding regular estate walkabouts to make sure homes are kept to a good standard.
If introduced, the council said it will check how well things are working through an action plan, yearly updates, and by keeping in touch with tenants for feedback.
The draft strategy will be kept up-to-date to reflect what people say, any new laws, and local priorities, it added.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, cabinet member for housing, said: “Residents know their homes and neighbourhoods best, so their views are vital in helping us deliver the right housing services.
“The draft Tenant Engagement Strategy sets out a clear commitment to putting tenants and our communities at the heart of everything we do, listening carefully to their views, acting on what people tell us, and working together to co-produce and strengthen our services. I would like to encourage as many tenants as possible to fill in this questionnaire so we can make sure the way we communicate now, and in the future, really meets their needs.”
Residents are invited to read the draft Tenant Engagement Strategy and share their views before Friday, October 10.
The online Housing Tenant Engagement Strategy questionnaire is available for council housing tenants to complete.
Paper copies of both documents can be found in Barrow Town Hall or Voreda House in Penrith, or people can have a copy posted to them. Call the housing team on 07929 850 262 or email [email protected].
