Purpose

For Members to note progress against actions within the Tenant Engagement and Influence Strategy

Decision

1. Cabinet notes the progress made in delivering the Tenant Engagement and Influence Strategy 2025-2027.
2. Cabinet recognises the establishment of the Tenant Influence Panel and the positive impact of tenant-led scrutiny activity.
3. Cabinet provides feedback to inform development of the next Tenant  Engagement and Influence Strategy from 2028 onwards.

Reasons for the decision

As a responsible social landlord, the Council is required to have Tenant Engagement and Influence mechanisms in place to provide tenants with meaningful opportunities to get involved with and scrutinise the Housing Landlord Service. This is not only essential for meeting legal obligations set out by the Regulator of Social Housing but also crucial for ensuring tenants receive services that suit their needs and aspirations.To provide Members with assurance that the Housing Landlord Service is delivering the commitments within the Tenant Engagement and Influence Strategy, that tenant engagement activity is becoming embedded within service planning, policy development, scrutiny and performance reporting, and that progress supports continued compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards. In particular, the report demonstrates how the Strategy contributes to the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard by evidencing how tenants can access information, influence decisions, scrutinise services, receive feedback on how their views have been considered and hold the landlord service to account

Alternative options considered

Do nothing – not to review progress or report on delivery of the Strategy. This option is not recommended as it would reduce transparency, limit Member oversight, weaken the evidence base for regulatory assurance and reduce the Council’s ability to demonstrate that tenant engagement and influence are being actively delivered.