Hampshire residents share ideas

More than 100 residents from 14 Hampshire housing associations teamed up to discuss how to drive up standards across the sector.

The event on 5 March 2009 in Basingstoke saw residents representing more than 70,000 affordable homes across the county and beyond compare and contrast their experiences, and to put forward proposals to improve the customer experience in the social housing sector.

The event contributed to the 'National Conversation' - organised by the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) - and was the best attended of the national debate so far.

TSA chief executive Peter Marsh - who grew up on Sentinel's Oakridge estate in Basingstoke - was particularly keen to hear the views of Hampshire residents, to help set the standard for extending choice and empowering residents.

The event included an interactive consultation session facilitated by the national tenant's body, the Tenants Participatory Advisory Service

Sentinel resident George Herbert said: "It was a very enjoyable evening and I have gained lots of knowledge. It is always good to hear a speaker who really knows his stuff; and Peter Marsh did."

Atlantic resident James Carreras added: "It was really good to hear other people's opinions and realise if our landlord is doing well or not, as the case maybe. It has also been useful to hear from residents of other housing associations about the things their landlords do for them.

Residents were also each encouraged to complete a questionnaire anonymously, which will then be returned to the TSA and independently analysed. The information provided at each event will then be used to build the new standards framework which will be announced in autumn 2009.

Val Bagnall, Executive Director, at Sentinel Housing Association said:

"This was a marvellous opportunity for residents across Hampshire to really shape and influence their future standards, and is part of our key aim to encourage customers to be at the heart of everything we do."

Note: The Hampshire Residents' Forum emerged from this meeting, and is now the largest grouping of its kind in England.