Facebook helps Carmarthenshire consultation
Social networking sites are helping housing chiefs to consult with tenants in Carmarthenshire.
A major consultation programme about how people access council housing in the county is underway.
Officers want to hear the views of residents who use the service, as part of plans to improve the lettings system and provide a fairer service to people who need a home.
Now in a bid to reach as many people as possible, they are turning to sites like Facebook, using digital television and text messages to gain people’s views.
Online surveys, focus groups and roadshows are also being held and consultation was carried out at the recent tenant’s fun day.
Carmarthenshire County Council is behind the move as part of a review into its Access to Social Housing Policy.
Officers say they want to develop a simpler allocation process, reduce anti-social behaviour and prevent homelessness.
They want to ensure that the county’s 9,200 homes and sheltered housing are appropriately let.
The aim is to combat problems including those faced by people wanting to move closer to a relative who needs care, and those who need a home adapted for disabilities.
The new policy will help to address issues where people need to move to smaller or larger homes.
It will also look at the allocation of sheltered housing for older people wanting to stay in their own homes.
Under the plans the existing points category will be simplified, and there will be more focus on local priorities.
The council’s Head of Housing Services Robin Staines said: “A review of how people access social housing has been carried out. Consultation has started via focus groups and using other methods.
“Text messages have been sent to existing applicants on the housing register, there are articles on digital television and we are using social networking site Facebook and the council website.
“We will also be talking to a wide range of stakeholders to ensure we reach those individuals who access our service.”
All feedback will be taken into account and the new policy is expected to be implemented by March next year.
Housing Executive Board Member cllr Hugh Evans said: “We are committed to delivering improvements to the system and a great deal of consultation is being carried out to ensure we gain as much feedback as possible.
“Everyone’s views and comments will be taken into account, and the new policy is expected to deliver improvements for service users.”
To take part in an online survey go to www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/English/housing/councilhomes/Pages/AnewAccesstoSocialHousingPolicyinCarmarthenshire.aspx
For further information contact Rachael Parkinson on 01554 742231 or e-mail RParkinson@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
A major consultation programme about how people access council housing in the county is underway.
Officers want to hear the views of residents who use the service, as part of plans to improve the lettings system and provide a fairer service to people who need a home.
Now in a bid to reach as many people as possible, they are turning to sites like Facebook, using digital television and text messages to gain people’s views.
Online surveys, focus groups and roadshows are also being held and consultation was carried out at the recent tenant’s fun day.
Carmarthenshire County Council is behind the move as part of a review into its Access to Social Housing Policy.
Officers say they want to develop a simpler allocation process, reduce anti-social behaviour and prevent homelessness.
They want to ensure that the county’s 9,200 homes and sheltered housing are appropriately let.
The aim is to combat problems including those faced by people wanting to move closer to a relative who needs care, and those who need a home adapted for disabilities.
The new policy will help to address issues where people need to move to smaller or larger homes.
It will also look at the allocation of sheltered housing for older people wanting to stay in their own homes.
Under the plans the existing points category will be simplified, and there will be more focus on local priorities.
The council’s Head of Housing Services Robin Staines said: “A review of how people access social housing has been carried out. Consultation has started via focus groups and using other methods.
“Text messages have been sent to existing applicants on the housing register, there are articles on digital television and we are using social networking site Facebook and the council website.
“We will also be talking to a wide range of stakeholders to ensure we reach those individuals who access our service.”
All feedback will be taken into account and the new policy is expected to be implemented by March next year.
Housing Executive Board Member cllr Hugh Evans said: “We are committed to delivering improvements to the system and a great deal of consultation is being carried out to ensure we gain as much feedback as possible.
“Everyone’s views and comments will be taken into account, and the new policy is expected to deliver improvements for service users.”
To take part in an online survey go to www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/English/housing/councilhomes/Pages/AnewAccesstoSocialHousingPolicyinCarmarthenshire.aspx
For further information contact Rachael Parkinson on 01554 742231 or e-mail RParkinson@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
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