Agenda item

The Committee considered the report presented by the Business Manager – Housing Services which sought to advise Members of a series of measures to build on and strengthen the role and influence of Newark & Sherwood tenants in the management of their homes and neighbourhoods and to seek endorsement for their introduction. 

The report, having been considered at the meeting held on 16 March 2026, was re-presented to Committee in order to provide further clarification on a number of sections as requested by Members. 

As previously reported, the review had taken place as to the effectiveness of the current arrangements, the aim of which was to strengthen the tenant influence and to improve service outcomes, reflecting the Council’s commitment to ensuring tenant insight shaped decision-making. 

In considering the report and the accompanying Terms of Reference, a Member raised a number of queries in relation to: what was the process to be followed when it was considered necessary to remove a Board Member; who would be appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Board; what time of day would the Board meetings be held; and what was the difference between a Tenant Champion and a Tenant Scrutineer.  In response, the Business Manager advised that the Vice-Chair could be any Board member; the meetings would be held when it was mutually convenient for all Board members; and a Scrutineer differed from a Champion in that they would be assigned specific areas to review.

Members discussed in general the issue of incentivisation, as referred to in paragraph 2.2.5 of the report, with a difference of views being expressed.  Officers provided clarity on the remuneration that an involved tenant could expect to receive.

In response to how tenants across the whole of the district would be engaged with, the Business Manager advised that the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) were assisting the Council with their recruitment process.  Engagement was further supported by the use of the existing community link groups.  Members were also advised that it would not be necessary for Champions and Scrutineers to live in an actual area as they would be given specific areas to target, noting that the framework would be iterative. 

In referring to the issue of removal of Board members, the Director – Housing, Health & Wellbeing, who was in attendance at the meeting, advised that it was not possible to include every scenario that may lead to such an action.  She suggested that information referring to the removal of a Board member remain in the Terms of Reference, but that further detail be provided in a supporting document. 

AGREED     that:

a)           (unanimously) the progression of tenant engagement arrangements and the clear service improvements resulting from tenant insight and involvement be noted;

b)          (unanimously) the refresh of the current Tenant Engagement Board in the following ways be endorsed:

·     Increase the number of tenant representatives from three to five;

·     Reallocate the Chair of the Board to a tenant representative; and

·     Rename the current Tenant Engagement Board to Tenant Influence & Assurance Board.

c)           (unanimously) the proposed Tenant Engagement Framework including noting the proposed programme of recruitment be endorsed;

d)          (with 12 votes for and 1 abstention) the proposed recognition and incentivisation to widen the participation and representation of tenants as Tenant Engagement Champions with five places on the Tenant Influence & Assurance Board be endorsed;

e)           (unanimously) the report would progress to Cabinet on 21 April 2026 for decision on the recognition of the scheme be noted; and

f)            (unanimously) the amended report which would progress to the Governance, General Purposes & LGR Committee on 16 April 2026 with a recommendation for endorsement and an onward recommendation to Full Council on 19 May 2026 for approval of the proposed changes to the constitution be noted.