Central Bedfordshire Council is encouraging tenants to get involved in shaping housing decisions by joining new Tenant Panels. An information morning held on 28 September welcomed 16 tenants to discuss the role of panel members and the positive changes they can help bring about.
Tenants have already signed up for the Customer Experience Panel, Housing Operations Panel, and Property Panel. An additional information session is scheduled for October, offering a chance to meet panel leads and existing members. Places are limited, and interested individuals are urged to contact the Tenant Involvement Team soon. Training for new members will occur in November, with the first panel meetings planned for late January 2027. Panel priorities will be shaped by member feedback.
The council also reported positive results from its annual Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs), with three out of four tenants satisfied with housing services. Key improvements were noted in listening to tenants, dealing with anti-social behaviour, and overall satisfaction. However, satisfaction with complaint handling has fallen by 10%, prompting a review of the complaints process. Tenants are invited to attend the next Landlord Assurance Board (LAB) meeting on 23 November at 10 am at All Saints View to discuss these findings.
Significant efforts have been made to strengthen housing services since the start of the year, focusing on faster response times for repairs, damp and mould issues, and hundreds of fire safety improvements. Additional training for staff and new communication standards have been introduced to improve complaint handling.
Following tenant feedback, a new process for roof replacements has been implemented, ensuring tenants receive clearer and earlier communication, including contact details for the Planning Team. The council is also developing a Community Recognition Awards event to celebrate residents who make a difference.
Upcoming events for tenants include a Housing Information Hub at Dunstable Library on 3 November (10:30 am - 12:30 pm), Houghton Regis Library on 19 November (12 pm - 2 pm), and Lake Street Library in Leighton Buzzard on 24 November (10:30 am - 12:30 pm). A 'Winter Ready' event is also planned for 16 November at All Saints View, offering advice on boiler efficiency, home safety, energy saving, and damp and mould awareness.
The 'Choose You' service offers free support for residents in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, and Milton Keynes to stop smoking and build healthy habits. Housing residents can access additional support from dedicated officers. The council also encourages feedback on housing services, with multiple channels available for making complaints online, by phone, email, or in person.
An independent review of the housing anti-social behaviour (ASB) service has led to a new ASB Improvement Plan. The council is committed to making neighbourhood services more visible, proactive, and responsive, and will continue to share progress updates.
The article also features Nicola Currie from the Housing Operations Team, who shared her journey from a hairdressing career to a successful housing apprenticeship and her current role. She highlights the value of apprenticeships for career development and personal growth.
