The annual Tenants’ Conference, which was held in Riverbank Community Hub, saw tenants from across the area come together to discuss key topics and find out about the council’s future plans.

Featuring in this year’s programme were the council’s Rent Assistance Fund and rents online. At the conference the council raised awareness of changes, particularly impacting on pensioners, including winter fuel payments and Winter Heating Payment Scotland and signposted support to tenants.

The council’s new Tenant Participation Strategy, ‘For Tenants by Tenants’ was formally launched, with the title chosen by tenants following a voting session at the recent North Lanarkshire Federation conference. The council also commenced its consultation on the review and redesign of First Stop Shops.

Service changes which now see housing and property come together as one service were highlighted together with key achievements that tenants, working alongside staff, made across communities over the past year.

Feedback from the event saw 99% of tenants rating the conference as very good or good.

Angela Malcolm, who lives in a retirement complex in Glenmavis, 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.”

Linda Savage, Auchengeich Gardens and Huntly Path Retirement Housing Tenants and Residents Association (Moodiesburn), added: “The best part of the conference for me was getting the right information directly and meeting people. The market place was great with people from all different services and areas willing to help everyone. There was so much going on and I got to find out what’s coming up in my local area.”

Lunch was also provided, raffle prizes were presented, and tenants had the opportunity to visit our busy market place and speak to experts from our new build homes, home security, money advice, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Councillor Michael McPake, housing convener, opened the conference. He said: “It’s our busiest conference yet and I was delighted to welcome tenants, staff and other local representatives from across North Lanarkshire. Year-on-year tenant participation grows, and I’m always encouraged by the positive comments from those attending. I want to thank everyone who took the time to come along and make the day such a success and hope to see many of you at future housing events.”

“Our Tenants’ Conference is just one example of a range of tenant participation opportunities on offer,” added Tracy Lennon, tenant participation manager. “This year has been such a positive one for tenant participation as we’ve seen more and more tenants getting involved. We’ve just launched our new Tenant Participation Strategy and are keen to continue to build on tenant involvement. If you attended the conference for the first time, we’d encourage you to find out more and get involved in your local area. Our Tenant Participation Team is on hand to provide you with the support along the way.”