Edinburgh’s Council tenants are being given the chance to influence the way in which housing is managed in the city.
The capital’s Tenant’s Panel is open to anyone who lives in a Council home and is keen for their opinions and ideas to be heard.
It was launched by Housing Leader Councillor Cammy Day at the Edinburgh Tenant’s Conference at the City Chambers earlier this week.
Panel members can choose how much involvement they want to have, for example by taking part in discussions or conferences, community walkabouts, or surveys.
Councillor Day said:
“Talking and listening to residents is important to us because it’s the best way to find out if our ideas are working or not. We’ve set up the panel after tenants told us through the tenant’s survey last year that they wanted more involvement in making decisions.
“The results of the survey were very encouraging, with 90% of people satisfied with the quality of their home and the service they received, which compares highly with other large UK landlords. We’re keen to keep up the good work and to make improvements when needed, which is why the panel is so important.
“I would encourage anyone over the age of 16 who is a Council tenant to join the Edinburgh’s Tenant Panel – we are very interested in hearing what you have to say about how we manage Council housing in the city.”
Betty Stevenson, Convener of the Edinburgh Tenant’s Federation, said:
“The Tenants’ Panel is a new way for you to have your say on housing services. I would encourage tenants to sign up and make their views known to the Council.
“It is very important that our views are heard and taken in to account. You could also set up or join a local tenants’ group or become involved with the Edinburgh Tenants’ Federation. Every view helps to make a better housing service.”
