Tenants get second chance to comment on proposed new tenancy agreement

Published by Jane Clee for Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

OVER 1,000 council tenants responded to a recent consultation exercise asking for their views on plans to re-draft their tenancy agreement.

More than one-fifth of all of Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council's tenants got in touch with their comments on proposed changes to the agreement, with the overwhelming majority (962 out of 1092) saying they were in favour of the proposals.

The second formal stage of the consultation process will begin on Friday 7 March when the updated tenancy agreement will be circulated to all tenants, giving them another chance to compare the old agreement with the new one and give their feedback.

Tony Mousdale, the council's Head of Housing Non Landlord Services, explained: "We needed to review the tenancy agreement and come up with a more comprehensive document covering issues from anti-social behaviour and repairs to pets and parking.

"We were delighted by the response to the initial consultation and very much hope people will take the time to consider the redrafted agreement and feedback any further comments."

The current secure tenancy agreement has been in use since 1992.

A group of officers and tenants have worked together to produce the new draft.

Some of the main changes include:

* Reasons the council could use to end a tenancy including antisocial behaviour and neighbour nuisance.
* Information about what the council will repair and what tenants must look after themselves.
* Specific issues like keeping large numbers of pets, parking and keeping shared areas clean and clear.

Tenants will receive a letter, a detailed comparison of the old and new tenancy agreements and a notice formally telling them that the council is considering changing their tenancy conditions.

They will have until Friday 11 April to comment on the proposals.

Copies of the proposed agreement can be found at www.epnbc.gov.uk/housing/council/HousingNewTenancy.htm

Copies are also available from the council's offices at Civic Way, Westminster or Neston Town Hall.