Issue - meetings

(a) That the results of the STAR survey and the draft strategy aims and objectives be noted; and

(b) That a presentation on the draft strategy aims and objectives be given at a future all Member workshop.

The Service Manager – Housing Welfare and Communities introduced the outcome of the Survey of Tenants and Residents (STAR). 

In 2022 a full census survey of all tenants was undertaken to gauge current opinions across the range of services Housing provided.  This included asking them to rate their neighbourhood, the safety of their homes, the repair and maintenance service and how they could get involved and have their say on digital use.  The survey received a 25% response rate with the key themes outlined in the report.

The Service Manager reported that the former Tenant Engagement Strategy expired in 2021 and the Council had been operating an interim strategy whilst the new draft strategy was being developed and the STAR survey was being concluded.  This was to ensure the results of the STAR survey informed the development of a new strategy and it was aligned with the priorities and feedback from tenants.      

            Councillor Bernie Attridge asked how the Council were intending to make sure all tenants engaged with the STAR survey going forward and raised concerns around the Tenants Federation which he did feel represented the views of all tenants across Flintshire and fed into the Customer Involvement Strategy.  The Cabinet Member for Housing & Regeneration said that it was important to consider how to improve engagement with all tenants and referred to the roadshows being held across Flintshire for tenants in order to inform them of the changes as part of the Renting (Homes) Wales Act.  The Service Manager explained that the survey would be carried out bi-annually in the future in order to track tenants’ satisfactions/concerns and the survey would be sent to every tenant across Flintshire.  Initial consultation with tenants would focus on how the Customer Involvement Strategy would be developed.    

In response to a question raised by Councillor Selvester around the data by ward it was explained that the wards detailed in the report were shown prior to the boundary changes and would be updated in future reports.

Councillor Dave Evans commented on the amount of work needed to ensure improvements were made and suggested that a workshop be arranged for all Members in order to highlight the strategy and work needed to be carried out to improve the current position.   

The recommendations, as outlined within the report, were moved by Councillor Dale Selvester and seconded by Councillor Linda Thew.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the results of the STAR survey and the draft strategy aims, and objectives be noted; and

(b)       That a presentation on the draft strategy aims and objectives be given at a future all Member workshop.