A revolution in how tenants and residents have their say about housing and improving their neighbourhoods is on the way in Newham.

Council tenants living in some run-down estates in the Borough will benefit from a massive overhaul of housing services that is being launched in the coming weeks including money to revive tenants’ and residents’ associations.

Under new plans being finalised by the council:

Five new town centre hubs will open to provide face-to-face meetings on housing services and problems. The first office will open its doors in Stratford High Street in November
Residents will also get access to a £2 million fund to improve their estates
New tenants associations will be set up and residents invited to take part in local area forums on housing across the Borough in November.

This revolution in residents’ engagement comes after almost a decade of poor communications, with many residents isolated and out-of-touch with housing issues following the closure of rent offices and tenants’ associations.

“It’s a very exciting time,” said Laura Barker, Newham’s Head of Resident Involvement. “We’ll be getting back in touch with residents after ten years and we’ll be doing something positive for all our residents.”

In October, letters will be sent to all residents, setting out the plans for boosting the tenants’ association movement, the new housing services offices and also highlighting a Neighbourhood-Led Scheme Fund which will include an “estate-busters” programme to identify estates in need and to consult residents on actions improve the area.

Neighbours will be invited to work together on projects and a site visit and six-week action programme will follow, with local evaluation.

“We are building on the success of the eight neighbourhood fun-days held around the Borough in August,” said Laura. ”We really want to give residents something to enjoy after the pandemic. Now we will follow this up in practical ways.”

The council is asking residents to get together to form new tenants’ and residents’ associations and will support existing groups. “We want to engage as many people as possible in this and we will provide funding opportunities including start-up grants and annual grants,” said Laura.

The changes are welcomed by Councillor Mohammed Shaban, a lead on housing services. “This is all about building our communities,” he said. “The new housing hubs will help residents who need to see someone face to face about repairs or other issues.

“They will be particularly useful for older residents and others who are frustrated by using online and virtual means of communications,” he said.

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