TPAS welcomes HCA's commitment to tenants

The Tenant Advisory Participation Service (TPAS) has welcomed the Homes and Communities Agency’s commitment to tenants regardless of the current review of the Tenant Services Authority.

Delivering his key note speech at the national TPAS conference in Birmingham, Chief Executive Sir Bob Kerslake made a commitment to tenants that their involvement will remain at the heart of the HCA’s housing and regeneration work and that tenant and resident involvement would be protected.

Sir Bob Kerslake said: “I know that the new Regulatory Framework has been well received in the sector and provides a lasting basis for regulation.

“For me what is important is that while the institutions may change the functions must continue.

“We are clear that should the regulation role come to the HCA we would work with you (tenants) to ensure tenant and resident involvement is protected.

“So today I make a commitment. Although we are in uncertain times, tenant and resident involvement will remain at the heart of our work.

“We know that much can and should be done locally. That is why the HCA encourages and supports local partners to engage with tenants and residents.

“The HCA should be a tenant-friendly organisation to improve local places.  Our combined experience tells us it is much better when tenants and residents play a central role.”

TPAS Chief Executive, Michelle Reid, said: “TPAS and the other tenant organisations had a very constructive meeting with the HCA and we are encouraged that Sir Bob Kerslake has committed to ensuring tenants will be at the heart of its work regardless of the outcome of the review of the TSA.

“Tenants donated huge time and resources in shaping the new regulations and it would be a great waste to throw this away because of a shift in governmental priorities. It is vital we keep the framework.

“Although we were extremely disappointed to hear the news about the TSA, and more recently the National Tenant Voice (NTV), we have to move forward and make sure that at this pivotal point of great uncertainty tenants are at the heart of all key decisions and positioned so they can play a key role in shaping the future housing policy.

“In order to do this we will continue to work closely with TAROE, the Confederation of Co-operative Housing, the NTV and the National Federation of Tenant Management Organisations and take great confidence from our conference that tenants and housing associations are more committed than ever to ensure the tenant movement is at the forefront of social housing.”