Council implements new Housing Landlord Strategy for South Holland residents
Posted on 14 February 2024
The strategy, which was formally adopted following a meeting of the Cabinet on 13th February, marks a pivotal shift in expectations placed on Registered Providers, emphasising property condition, tenant experience, and accountability.
With a portfolio encompassing over 3,800 properties, South Holland District Council stands as the largest landlord in the local area, directly overseeing lettings, tenancy and estate management, repairs, programmed maintenance, and rent collection.
The Council recently carried a tenant census and satisfaction survey with the aim of better understanding tenants, getting up-to-date contact details and gaining their views on where housing services can be improved going forward.
This comprehensive strategy addresses various facets of service delivery related to landlord functions, aiming to shape, engage, and improve services for tenants. It outlines a clear approach for the future delivery of Landlord Services while ensuring alignment with the vision of members, officers, and tenants.
Structured around four strategic themes, which align with sub-regional strategy priorities, a new 'Housing Transformation team' has been established to implement the strategy, underscoring the Council's commitment to:
- Culture and Operational Excellence: Placing emphasis on colleague roles in delivering services that meet tenant needs and aspirations, prioritising safety.
- Accountability and Transparency: Striving for governance, financial resilience, operational efficiency, responsible investment, and social purpose fulfilment.
- Quality Homes and Neighbourhoods: Focusing on delivering well-maintained, safe, affordable homes and neighbourhoods that support resident health and wellbeing.
- Tenant Voice and Opportunity: Centring decisions and actions around tenant perspectives and involvement in every aspect of service provision.
Cllr Tracey Carter, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Operational Housing at South Holland District Council, said: "We are committed to being open and transparent about our performance, and accountable to all our stakeholders, ensuring there is clarity about the accountability and structures framework. The work of teams, and the results of performance, will be scrutinised and regulated collaboratively.
"To ensure the Strategy reflects the changing landscape in the social housing sector, the Strategy will be reviewed on a regular basis and minor operational amendments will be made where required with an updated version of the Strategy being shared on an annual basis and informal briefings will be held for our members.
"The Strategy is the first steps of transformation of the Landlord Service with our tenants being at the centre every step of the way. It sets out our ambition and key objectives, giving focus and allowing for oversight. This is the beginning of "going from good to great".
Aligned with local priorities, the strategy seeks to uphold high-quality core services and actively engage tenants in shaping service delivery.
The full Housing Landlord Strategy for 2024-2026 can be accessed here https://www.sholland.gov.uk/Housing-consultations-and-policies