1. Role of the group
The group will receive information on current and future housing developments and where applicable be consulted on the selection of materials to be used in tenants’ homes as part of housing development, maintenance and refurbishment programmes. This will include making recommendations for the benefit of all tenants to ensure continuous improvement to landlord services.
In doing this the group will ensure that due consideration is given to value for money, available resources and the corporate objectives of Norwich City Council.
The group will:
- receive information from the council in relation to current housing developments and future projects
- understand the “housing need” in Norwich and how current housing and future housing developments can address this need
- raise sensible suggestions for potential developments, including suggestions based on research from other local authorities, housing associations or even other countries
- raise concerns with materials used in Norwich City Council housing stock
- work with NPS Norwich, contractors and suppliers to make recommendations on materials and fittings to benefit all tenants, including raising suggestions for potential materials that provide value for money in tenants’ homes work with officers to improve services and help review objectives and aspirations
- feed back outcomes to staff, councillors and the wider tenant audience.
All volunteers are required to follow the Tenant panels' code of conduct.
2. Group membership
There will be a maximum of 10 tenant representatives, with officer support.
Representatives are tenants, or a recognised spouse/partner of a tenant, of Norwich City Council (as per council policy).
Tenants in breach of their tenancy conditions will not be eligible to join or remain in the group.
If membership cannot be filled from existing panels, representatives can be added from the involvement database.
3. Chair
The chair for each meeting will be agreed by the group as a standard agenda item at the meeting which precedes it.
4. Terms of office
It may be necessary to review membership periodically.
5. Frequency of meetings
Consultation meetings will normally take place once every eight weeks.
Additional informal meetings, focus groups, site visits or special meetings may take place as required.
Group members are expected to attend every meeting unless they have genuine reasons for not doing so and send their apologies.
Group membership can be withheld for non-attendance at meetings without good reason and it is expected that group members will attend a minimum of four group meetings per annum.
6. Group resources
The council will provide administrative and service support to the group.
7. Accountability of the group
The group will keep staff, councillors and other tenants up to date on the work it has achieved through TLC magazine, the council’s website, annual report and tenant summits.
8. Review of the terms of reference
The group and council will review the terms of reference at least annually to ensure they reflect the duties and responsibilities of the group.
9. Dispute resolution
Unresolved difficulties will be escalated to a senior manager at NPS Norwich.
