Tenants urged to get involved and make a difference to their communities

News from our partners Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing

Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing is encouraging more of its tenants and leaseholders to join their Local Area Panels and to have a say on issues that affect them. 

A Local Area Panel is a group made up of tenants, leaseholders and other local representatives, which come together to ensure that their housing services are to the highest standard.  The panels have the authority to make key decisions about local issues in their communities, influence where money is spent, and monitor performance and feedback on housing services in their area. 

The housing organisation is initially looking for around seven representatives for both Oswestry and Bridgnorth Local Area Panels.  You don’t really need a lot of experience to be on a panel, but what you do need is enthusiasm, dedication and a passion to improve services in your area. 

Sue Adams, Managing Director for Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing, said: 

“Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing is committed to empowering our tenants and leaseholders to influence decisions and challenge the performance of our organisation. 

“Local Area Panels give our tenants and leaseholders a real opportunity to have their say on how housing services are run in their local community.  Most importantly, being a member of a panel gives you the chance to influence decisions and make a real difference in your neighbourhood.”

Members will be given training and ongoing support from staff.  Panel meetings will be held every two to threemonths, but may initially be more frequent to begin with, and can be arranged around panel members’ availability.

If you are a Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing tenant or leaseholder and think you might want to apply to join the Area Panel where you live, please contact Involvement and Empowerment Officers Emma Feely on 07582 003701  or Lauren Woods, on 07582 005530.