North Lanarkshire Council tenants now have more say in how services are delivered than ever before. They are more able to take part in decisions that affect housing and related services, and more involved in working with the council to make sure those services continue to improve.

That's all thanks to the second tenant participation strategy to be published by the council in co-operation with tenants, tenant groups, elected members and other key stakeholders. It outlines actions and objectives, available resources and priorities for tenant involvement for the period 2006 - 2009 and provides a focus for those who want to be more involved in working with the council.

Council tenants were heavily involved with putting the strategy together. Initial consultations produced the first draft, which was then widely distributed among tenants, registered and non-registered tenant groups, elected members, council staff and other stakeholders.

It was also published on the council's website, made available at local First Stop Shops and promoted via local media. Feedback and input was invited from all interested parties, and several key priorities were identified as a result.

The result was the development of a North Lanarkshire-wide federation of tenants and residents associations; and of a monitoring and evaluation framework that would measure the effectiveness of tenant participation.

"The overall vision is to make North Lanarkshire a place where everyone has access to good quality, affordable housing in a safe and pleasant environment," said Monica Patterson, Head of Housing Services with North Lanarkshire Council.

"We want to involve tenants and give them the opportunity to influence decisions that affect their homes and community by encouraging and supporting those who wish to form new tenants' groups. Not everyone wants to be part of a tenants' group, however, so the council will also continue to look at a other ways of making sure tenants get their say."

Tenant participation has already led to some improvements in service, including the set up of the North Lanarkshire Tenants and Residents Development Support Project in partnership with tenants and the Tenants Information Service.

Since 2003 an additional 20 tenant and resident groups have been formed, bringing the total to more than 50, and tenant-led inspections have been introduced that allow tenants and housing staff to work jointly to maintain the upkeep of the local area.

A system of chairpersons meetings ensures regular contact between the council's Department of Housing Services and local tenants and residents, and an annual, North Lanarkshire-wide newsletter keeps all interested parties informed of developments.

The council is confident that the next three years will continue to build on and develop the progress that has already been made, and will ensure tenant participation remains one of the key elements of service delivery across North Lanarkshire.

"Every effort has been made in the preparation of this strategy to take account of the views of our tenants and other interested parties," said Councillor Gerry McLaughlin, Convener of the Housing and Technical Services Committee.

"We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the people of North Lanarkshire and to continuing to promote and advance tenant participation into the future."

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