The title of its new Tenant Participation Strategy 2025-2030, ‘For Tenants by Tenants’, was chosen by tenants following a session at the recent North Lanarkshire Federation conference. This strategy and its action plan build on key successes already achieved and provides a two-way process where tenants share ideas, information and responsibilities with the council.

The council has a strong track record of effective tenant participation. This was highlighted by the recent Tenant Participation Accreditation Scotland (TPAS) gold award, which was presented to our Tenant Participation Team in recognition of the high standard of tenant participation activity delivered.

Previous strategy successes include: 

• A 20% increase in tenants entering our annual NL in Bloom garden awards,
• Facilitating digital support to over 200 tenants,
• Delivering 11 open meetings and information sessions including Zero Carbon Homes, Challenge Poverty Week and Scottish Housing Day,
• Awarding £9,200 grant funding to sixteen groups – a five-fold increase on 2018,
• Supporting 18 new or re-established groups
• Establishing a Ukrainian tenant and residents’ group.

At the recent tenant conference, Angela Malcolm, a first-time attendee, said: “This was my first conference and I’ll definitely be back. It was great to meet so many people, and I got a chance to put questions to housing managers about some of the issues we face. A really good event and we’re now meeting with the tenant participation team to see about setting up our own group.”

Tracy Lennon, tenant participation manager, added: “Angela is a perfect example of someone who’s taken the opportunity to come along to an event and see what tenant participation is all about. It’s always a bit daunting taking that first step but Angela’s experience is really positive and she’s now keen to progress setting up a group in her local area.

“Our strategy will continue to offer this support to tenants, opening opportunities for everyone across our community, making participation easier and accessible. We’ll build on our consultation plans, feedback to our tenants and residents and continue to deliver the best possible services to enhance customer satisfaction. I would appeal to anyone who wants to get involved, support their local community help shape the services we deliver to get in touch.”

The council has identified key actions for the next five years. These include, developing opportunities for social forms of engagement and building capacity within communities including assisting groups to keep a diary of social events. It is producing an annual training and information programme and increasing involvement of underrepresented groups. It will continue to review how we measure tenant satisfaction and aim to deliver tenant participation services at a neighbourhood level, responding to needs as they arise.

Housing convener, Councillor Michael McPake, added: “Tenants are at the centre of our new Tenant Participation Strategy 2025-2030. During its development they told us that they want to have a voice, get involved and influence decisions and that’s what our action plan aims to do.

“I’d like to thank the tenants already committed to local groups, providing valuable contributions during our sessions and giving feedback and ideas for future housing services. By putting tenants and residents at the heart of our services we’ll continue to realise our ambition of making North Lanarkshire the place to live.”