URL: https://sandwell.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1178

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Cabinet approval is required for the Tenant Engagement Strategy.

Content: Approval was sought for the Tenant Engagement Strategy. Sandwell was committed to putting tenants at the heart of the housing service. The Council recognised that tenants, leaseholders, and residents were key partners in shaping how the housing services were delivered and improved. The housing stock comprised of over 27,700 homes across Sandwell—including low- and high-rise flats, houses, bungalows, and maisonettes—serving a diverse community. The Council wanted every tenant, regardless of background or location, to feel heard, respected, and supported.   Reason for Decision Our Tenant Engagement Strategy set out how the Council would listen to, involve, and work alongside tenants to shape the homes and communities where they live. It provided a clear framework for partnership working, designed to empower tenants, enhance satisfaction, and build trust. This meant providing meaningful opportunities for residents to influence decisions, improve services, and contribute to community wellbeing.   The key aims of the Strategy was to: ·       strengthen the tenant voice in decision-making and service design; ·       improve communication and transparency across all housing services; ·       make it easy and accessible for everyone to get involved; ·       promote accountability through regular feedback and performance monitoring; ·       build trust and stronger partnerships between tenants and the council; ·       ensure engagement is inclusive and reaches underrepresented communities; and ·       use tenant feedback and lived experiences to shape continuous improvement.   Alternative Options Considered An alternative approach would be not to adopt the Tenant Engagement Strategy. However, without this strategy in place, the council would be unable to fully deliver the objectives of the Housing Strategy 2023–2028, the Asset Management Strategy 2024–2029, Resident Engagement Strategies and the Regulatory Housing Standards introduced in April 2024. Tenant engagement is fundamental to meeting these requirements and ensuring services are responsive, transparent, and accountable. Failure to adopt the strategy would therefore lead to weaker governance, reduced tenant influence, and less effective management of housing services.   Resolved that the Tenant Engagement Strategy is approved.

Date of Decision: February 4, 2026