We have created a new guide for housing staff called "Eight steps to involving residents in policy, strategy and service decisions".
This means that before introducing important new policies, strategies and service decisions, we will consult with residents to give you an opportunity to provide feedback at an early stage.
Below you will find a summary of the results of recent consultations and the changes suggested by residents.
We invited all residents that had moved into an Arun District Council property in the six months prior to the survey, along with all residents that expressed a particular interest in taking part in policy consultation. We sent the invitation to approximately 90 residents.
Residents were sent a survey comprising 8 questions, as well as a draft Void Management policy via email.
We received 11 responses, which represents approximately a 12% response rate from the identified potential participants.
Both suggestions were not adopted in the final policy. Any specific requirement for sheltered housing residents would need to be considered on a individual case basis and potentially supported by a medical report. Further, a timetable of void stages is an internal procedural document.
We consulted all residents that had reported damp and mould to Arun District Council in the past 6 months, as well as all our involved residents and resident readers.
Residents were sent a survey comprising 7 questions relating to a draft policy. 61 residents were sent a link to the survey via email as well as a copy of the draft policy.
16 residents responded, representing a 26% response rate.
Over 80% of respondents said that the policy was easy to understand, with the remaining respondents being neutral. 100% of respondents said that it was clear what the policy was about.
Further examples were not included as the list was not exhaustive and the most common examples were already included within the policy.
Information on damp and mould prevention is now available on our website: Damp, mould and condensation.
All residents could be affected both directly and indirectly by changes to this policy. This policy will not only effect pet owners, but also residents neighbouring pet owners.
A survey was sent to all residents via both text and email. This was not a new policy, but a review of an existing policy, therefore we were able to also provide the existing document and seek views on this.
We received 435 responses, which represents approximately a 12% response rate.
We had a variety of suggestions and feedback from residents. Common themes included:
We have amended our Pets Policy to state that permission for pet ownership will not be unreasonably withheld. We have outlined the conditions for when we will usually give permission and the number of pets we consider to be suitable. We also detail when we would withdraw permission for pet ownership. We are producing a Pet Ownership leaflet, that will be a useful guide and will answer frequently asked questions.
All residents will be affected by either Arun's team or their contractors needing to access their home at some point throughout their tenancy.
A survey was sent to all residents via both text and email. We had written a proposed draft policy, and residents were given a link to this.
We received 220 responses, which represents approximately 6% of our residents.
Key outcomes:
All residents on introductory and secure tenancies.
The aforementioned group were invited to participate via both text and email.
229 residents responded.
Although many residents will not be affected or impacted; in order to limit the number of different communications residents receive, we decided to send the invitation to review this policy consultation along with another consultation. Therefore, all residents with an email address or mobile number were invited to participate.
Residents were sent a survey comprising 17 questions, as well as a draft mobility scooter policy which was published on our website.
We received 69 responses, which represents approximately 2% response from households. We also received an additional 3 responses through the corporate website feedback form.
We have taken on board the concerns raised regarding storage and charging facilities, and have asked our Technical Services Manager to review the available storage at all age restricted blocks within our housing stock. Once we have that assessment in place, we will then review what upgrades or additional facilities are required for mobility vehicle storage use.
Concerns that were raised about mandated servicing and maintenance requirements have been downgraded to recommendations that align with gov.uk requirements.
Concerns regarding mandated insurance requirements have also been downgraded as a recommendation to any resident that has a mobility scooter. This aligns with the guidance on the gov.uk website.
Instead of mandating that permission is granted for every mobility scooter, this has been downgraded to asking residents to inform us of a mobility scooter within the household, as we will need to assess where you will be able to store and charge your vehicle to minimise any fire risks, for example making sure that escape routes aren't blocked and ensuring that where your vehicle is charged helps to contain any fires should there be a problem with batteries for example.
Instead of mandating training for mobility scooter use and maintenance, this has also been downgraded to a recommendation.
All of the above addresses the concerns raised regarding affordability of owning a mobility scooter. In addition, we will also be training our housing staff to assess where is best placed for storage and charging if vehicle stores are not available at the time of request. This will also help us to identify need in each residential block. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the input you gave us, as it has led to a significant rewrite of our policy.