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The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) was established in December 2008 and will be the new independent regulator of social housing in England.
It has taken over some of the duties of the Housing Corporation, which has now closed, and oversees all Registered Social Landlords. In 2010 it will start to regulate council housing as well.
What will it do?
There are over ten million social housing tenants in England. The TSA's job is to set standards for social landlords to ensure that all tenants receive the same excellent levels of service, whether they are council tenants or tenants of other housing providers. It will also make sure that landlords are spending their money properly and governing themselves well.
In 2009 the TSA conducted the largest ever consultation exercise with tenants and landlords. It was called The National Conversation and was aimed at finding out what tenants would like to see included in the new set of standards. Tenants across the country gave their views on issues such as anti-social behaviour, repairs and the services they received from contractors, tenancy terms and the setting of rents, how polite their landlord was towards them, and how they felt about their community in general. To read a summary of what they said click on the link below.
National Conversation Phase one Summary report
The first phase of the National Conversation came to an end in March, and since then the TSA has written a set of standards based on what tenants have told them. All social landlords will be measured against these standards, and the TSA will take action against those who do not live up to them. A discussion paper outlining these standards has been published.
How do I get involved?
There are a number of ways to get involved. The TSA are interested in hearing what you think of the discussion paper, and you can contact them using the details below. You can also go along to one of the TSA's events and give your views in person, or even set up your own Local Conversation and talk with your neighbours about what you think of the TSA's plans. You can get all of the information you need by:
You can also contact your Tenant Participation Officer, Margaret Allen on 01926 456451 or email hsgtp@warwickdc.gov.uk
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