Tenant surveys in the post (From Gazette Series)

Tenant surveys in the post

COUNCIL housing tenants are to be asked for their views on the future of Stroud District Council's housing stock.

A survey arranged by a tenants advisory group is being sent out today and tomorrow, giving tenants the chance to comment on the housing service.

SDC is in the process of a Housing Options Appraisal conducted by independent specialists Tribal HCH to assess how best to move their housing stock forward.

The latest report from Tribal HCH has revealed that three possible standards of care and maintenance for SDC's housing stock are not viable in the long term.

Councillors must therefore decided whether to retain all their housing for another couple of years, retain it in part or transfer all of it to an independent housing association.

Tenants voted 'No' to a housing transfer in December 2003.

SDC tenant participation officer Anne Dixon said: "If tenants want the gold standard of care then it can only be achieved with a transfer.

"We can continue with the bronze standard for another three years, but if we choose that option then we will have to come back to this stage in the future."

Tenants have received details of the options in the latest edition of Keynotes - SDC's tenants newsletter.

Now, Partners in Change, the independent tenant's advisors, are following up the newsletter with one of their own plus the survey to get an idea of the tenant's views.

Ed Isaacs, from Partners in Change, said: "It is important that tenants are able to give their views as the council must show that whatever the decision it arrives at will get the support of the majority of tenants."

The survey will be posted to tenants from today and should be returned by Friday, June 24.

All information will be treated confidentially and tenants may remain anonymous if they prefer.

Tenants who do reply will be entered into a draw for a prize of £100 provided their contact details have been supplied.

Results of the survey, along with information about the choices tenants have, will be discussed at tenants consultative group meeting in Nailsworth Youth Club on Thursday, June 30 (6.30pm).

The Options Appraisal Steering Group meeting will follow this meeting and all tenants are welcome to come along and take part.

Partners in Change can be contacted on 0800 3891306 or by emailing enquiries@partners-in-change.co.uk.

Any council tenant who has not seen the latest Keynotes newsletter, which came out at the end of May, is welcome to contact Stuart Strathearn, tenant participation officer, on 01453 754174.