Theme Partnership—Housing Update
Linda Shields the Community Network’s Representative for the Housing Partnership gave the following update:
“The last five years as a Community Network Representative on the Housing Partnership has given me the chance to sit along with other Community Representatives from the Tenants Consultation Panel, New Deal for Communities Steering Group and North Central Hartlepool Partnership. Sitting with Representatives from the main Registered Social Landlords with properties in Hartlepool and Hartlepool Borough Council housing Representatives, gives us an opportunity to find out what is being done both currently and planned for the future. By being part of the discussions and giving the view of the community enables us to influence change if necessary.
As a member of the Community Network, giving regular feedback from the quarterly meetings enables me to inform the wider community what is happening on the frontline of housing in Hartlepool. The Network members also provide me with a range of topics to take to the Hartlepool Partnership meetings. The last few years have seen many changes with demolitions, new developments and the better homes initiatives being just a few. As expectations and requirements of residents change over the years, it is important to ensure the voice of the general public is not only heard but is taken account of at every level. With good quality, secure housing being important for every resident of Hartlepool then it will continue to be important to maintain the public voice on the Partnership. As we move into the new area of Choice Based Lettings and more shared equity properties and more demand for older peoples’ accommodation we must continue to ensure that all residents have an equal choice and an equal voice regarding their housing needs”.
