For far too long the Council has not given social tenants the care and attention that they deserve.
We've all see the terrible images from Regina Road, yet despite many promises for urgent action many of the issues still exist - with tenants asking the enirely reasonable question: what has the Council ever done for us?
A recent survey carried out by the Housing Services team asked 700 tenants across 27 Council-run blocks and estates what they thought about the service they received. Among the responses:
- 90% made negative comments
- 69% say their experience of Croydon's housing service is very poor, poor or average
- 'Receiving a response or resolution to issues can be slow'
- 'Difficult to get through to the right person'
- 'Long waiting times on the phone'
Too many Council tenants are living in disgraceful conditions.
That has to end.
And that's why, if elected Mayor, Jason Perry will make it a top priority to adopt the Tenants' Charter that has been proposed by the Croydon Tenants and Leaseholders Panel - a passionate group of residents wanting to improve conditions for tenants.
The purpose of the Charter is to foster good relationships between landlord and residents of Croydon Council following the issues at Regina Road and must be in conjunction with the findings of the ARK Report and Recommendations.
1. To treat residents with respect
- Residents voices must be heard
- Use the “It`s Not Okay” guide – designed by See the Person Campaign and Chartered Institute of Housing -https://www.cih.org/publications/its-not-okay-a-guide-to-tackling-stigma-in-social-housing
- Considerate of residents’ availability when booking appointment, consider language when communicating with residents.
- Residents views to be obtained on changes to service delivery and other services that impact on residents’ lives and well-being.
- Proper consultation (not fait accompli) before decisions are made
2. To facilitate the complaints process whilst mitigating situations that lead to Tenant complaints:
- An easy-to-navigate process
- A dedicated Housing Department Complaints process to be introduced
- Recognise residents’ rights in accordance with Human Rights Legislation for Housing and Homes
3. Be Transparent and make performance data readily available, including advertise it on the Council Website:
- Reports must be jargon free and easily understood
- Be honest and upfront about variations or amendments to service
4. Provide a safe and clean environment that residents will be proud to live in:
- Timely estate cleansing
- Well maintained grounds on estates
- Well maintained Homes
5. Give resident a voice and encourage meaningful decision-making activities:
- Focus groups, regular surgeries, etc
- Variety and improved communication systems (both digital and non-digital)
- Recruit to Tenant Involvement Groups
- Encourage Creation of Residents Association
Jason Perry is listening to Croydon's tenants. If elected as the Mayor of Croydon in May this year, Jason Perry will implement the above Charter as soon as possible. It will signify a new relationship between the Council and those it is meant to be serving.
