In 2023, our housing team launched our internal process - "Eight steps to involving residents in policy, strategy and service decisions". This guide was designed to assist team members when writing important documents, ensuring they gave residents the opportunity to provide feedback at the early stages of policy and strategy writing.
Here you will find a summary of the results of recent surveys and any changes residents were able to influence:
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.