Local Social Housing Tenants to Have Their Say at 'Local Conversation'
Birmingham based Mercian Housing Association, as a member of the Midland’s Network for Resident Involvement (MNRI) is hosting a day of ‘Local Conversations’ on Wednesday 4 March, to introduce residents to the new Tenants Services Authority (TSA) and to consult with them to gain feedback, in order to provide a snapshot of services in the Midlands.
The TSA are the new regulator for affordable housing. Having taken over from the Housing Corporation in December 2008, the TSA champion the needs and aspirations of all affordable housing tenants in England and their goal is to raise the standards of services for tenants.
To give residents an opportunity to give honest feedback on their experiences and expectations of their landlords, National Conversations have been taking place across the country.
The Local Conversation hosted by the MNRI anticipates attendance of up to 600 Midlands residents. Being held at The Phoenix Centre in Bordesely, residents will hear presentations about the role of the TSA and have the opportunity to ask questions and share their views by completing questionnaires which will be forwarded to the TSA.
The MNRI is a group of Resident Involvement Officers from 29 housing associations from across the Midlands. They meet on a bi-monthly basis to discuss best practice in resident involvement and produce cross-association services which bring together a diverse collection of resources and expertise from its members.
Customer Involvement Officer at Mercian, Clare Collinson said, “Listening to local residents provides us with valuable feedback on what and how they would like to receive services. Being a member of the MNRI allows Mercian residents greater access to resident involvement initiatives across the Midlands, like the Local Conversation, widening the range of activities we can offer and keeping costs to a minimum.”
The event highlights Mercian’s commitment to helping develop communities’ people take pride in, by providing opportunities for residents to have a say in how future services will be shaped.
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For more information about the MNRI’s Local Conversation, call Mercian’s Resident Involvement Officer, Clare Collinson on 0121 322 7406. For more information about the TSA visit www.tenantservicesauthority.org.
Press Enquiries please contact Vicky Jones on 0121 322 7391 or email vjones@mercian.org.uk.