Shapps launches tenant panels to hold landlords accountable

Grant Shapps said that new locally-run tenant panels will be set up to help people build the Big Society in their neighbourhoods. The training programme will give tenants the skills they need to sit on a panel and resolve local disputes such as anti-social behaviour issues and repairs.

The funding is expected to deliver at least 1,500 social tenants trained to sit on tenant panels and eight different training courses covering a range of subjects. It will also provide opportunities for interested tenants to work towards accredited qualifications.

He will launch a competition for charities and benevolent societies to bid to offer the training needed.

Landlords will be expected to work with tenants to set up the panels and supply information for the panels to assess their performance.

Mr Shapps said: ‘Social tenants know when things are going wrong with their neighbourhoods. They should be able to expect local solutions to local problems, and not have to wait for a remote organisation from Whitehall to take over.

‘I want as many tenants as possible to sit on tenant panels, so they have control over their own homes and their own lives and can use their local knowledge to improve their area. But I don’t want them to feel isolated and unsupported – I want them to have the training and help they need to really make a difference.’