Council tenants are helping to shape housing services in Tendring - with more opportunities to have their say on how services are run and improved.

Tendring District Council’s (TDC) first Annual Housing Improvement, Performance and Assurance Report brings together progress made during 2025/26 and sets out the next steps towards a better everyday service for tenants.

Through the Tenant Panel and wider involvement groups, tenants have contributed to policy reviews, service standards, procurement and improvement priorities.

In the period covered by the report, a total of 724 tenancy checks and 24 estate walkabouts also provided opportunities to raise concerns and identify where support or action was needed.

TDC’s Cabinet heard on Friday (13 November) that a stock condition surveys now cover most council properties, providing a stronger basis for planning maintenance and directing investment.

Andy Baker, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said he was pleased to report that overall tenant satisfaction stands at 79 per cent – well above the national average of 73 per cent.

“These encouraging results reflect the hard work of our housing teams and the tenants who give their time to help us improve,” he said.

“I’m particularly pleased that more tenants are helping to shape decisions about their homes and neighbourhoods. Through the Tenant Panel and our wider involvement groups, they are reviewing policies, helping to set standards and highlighting where things need to change.

“We want tenants to see that their feedback makes a difference, through services that are easier to use, respond to their individual needs and get the everyday things right.

“We’re proud of the services we provide for our residents, including housing, and we’re determined to keep raising the bar and delivering the high standards they deserve.

“Thank you to all the tenants, staff and partners who continue to support this work and help us build a better housing service.”

A three-year Housing Improvement & Delivery Plan is guiding the work, alongside stronger checks on performance and risks and making services more accessible.

The council’s priorities for 2026/27 include better repairs, ensuring homes are safe and well-maintained, quicker action when things go wrong, more support for tenants who need it and an even stronger voice for tenants in shaping housing services.

Carol McDougall, chairwoman of the Tenant Panel, said: “Tenants know what matters most in their homes and neighbourhoods, so it is important that we have a say in the decisions that affect us.

“The panel gives us a chance to raise concerns, put forward ideas and help shape improvements to the services we all rely on.”