The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 was given Royal assent. The Act placed a duty on local councils to 'promote democracy' and monitor local economic conditions; made it a legal duty for them to respond to petitions; and provided for the setting up of a 'National Tenant Voice' to ensure that tenants' views were central to decision-making on social housing.
Source: Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, Department for Communities and Local Government, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Text of Act | Explanatory notes | DCLG press release | Electoral Commission press release | Local Government Chronicle report
Date: 2009-Nov
A report examined the options available for enabling social housing tenants to exercise more choice. Greater choice had the potential to drive wider improvements in service delivery, if it led to a clearer emphasis on the quality of the overall tenant experience, and allowed the development of more individualized options for tenants.
Source: Mark Lupton, Angela Lomax and Gemma Duggan, Choosing Choice, Tenant Services Authority (0845 230 7000)
Links: Report
Date: 2009-Jun
The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill was given a second reading. The Bill was designed to place a duty on local councils to 'promote democracy' and monitor local economic conditions; make it a legal duty for them to respond to petitions; and provide for the setting-up of a 'National Tenant Voice' to ensure that tenants' views were central to housing decision-making.
Source: Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL], Department for Communities and Local Government, TSO (0870 600 5522) | House of Commons Hansard, Debate 1 June 2009, columns 22-129, TSO
Links: Text of Bill | Explanatory notes | Hansard | HOC research brief (1) | HOC research brief (2)
Date: 2009-Jun
A report examined the attitudes of social housing tenants towards involvement in housing management and decision-making. Tenants wanted more involvement: but some barriers meant that this might not happen.
Source: Understanding Tenant Involvement, Tenant Services Authority (0845 230 7000)
Links: Report | Summary | TSA press release | Inside Housing report
Date: 2009-Mar
A project group report made recommendations to the government on the role, remit, and governance of the 'National Tenant Voice' – a proposed new body designed to ensure that the views of tenants could be heard in debates about social housing on a more equal basis.
Source: Citizens of Equal Worth, Department for Communities and Local Government (0870 1226 236)
Links: Report | Summary | DCLG press release
Date: 2009-Feb