Rotherham Council tenants urged to have their say on future of housing

Council tenants are being invited to have their say on the future of council housing in Rotherham.
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Guardian News

The free event will give tenants the chance to make their voices heard on a range of proposals Rotherham Council has to improve the housing service.

Advice will also be available to help tenants better manage their homes.

The Tenants’ Spring Conference will take place between 10am and 2pm on Thursday 27th March, at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium.

Rotherham Council’s director of housing and neighbourhood services Dave Richmond said: “Like any other business we want to make sure that we offer our residents the best possible service.”

“For example, one change that might make things easier for our tenants is that they can now do a large number of things using their computers, tablets or phones from the comfort of their own home.”

“More often than not, this is easier and quicker than picking up the phone or calling into one of our offices, and can be done at a time and place to suit you. Online services include browsing through our homes on offer, putting in a bid for a property, paying rent, or reporting a repair.”

“Practical demonstrations will be available showing tenants how they can access these services over the Internet. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to hear about the other plans we have for council housing in the future and some of the successes and challenges we have faced.”

Staff will be on hand to chat to tenants about their homes, and customers will be invited to give us their views about council housing services.

A number of information workshops will be held during the morning, with tenants invited to take part. These will show guests how they may get more involved and have their say, or how to find or exchange a property, amongst other things.

Speakers will include cabinet member for safe and attractive neighbourhoods councillor Rose McNeely and representatives from housing and neighbourhood services.

Coun McNeely said: “This year’s conference follows on from the successful launch of the first Tenants’ Spring Conference in 2013. We had a great attendance last year; this year we want to have even more people come along and have their say.”

“This is a great opportunity for our tenants to have a real influence and learn about what we have done in response to customer suggestions since the last conference.”

“We are confident that every tenant who attends will get something out of the conference, so we look forward to seeing you there.”

The event is free and will include a buffet lunch, as well as Childcare facilities and a BSL interpreter.

As places are limited, tenants are advised to book in advance by Thursday 21st March, by telephone on 01709 254145 or 01709 334952 or by email at [email protected]