Update from last year's engagement activity

In November and December 2020, Thurrock Council's Housing service and the Corporate Finance department published an online engagement portal for tenants to explain the rent setting process and what a rent increase would mean financially for the Housing Revenue Account. In-person engagement was not possible due to COVID-19 guidance.

The portal recorded over 500 visits, received direct responses from 33 people and provided the opportunity for tenants to ask questions and voice any concerns that they had.

Following the period of tenant engagement last year, and taking on board the feedback which residents shared, funding was identified and allocated for the priority areas which were highlighted - primarily repairs and planned maintenance.

These included the external refurbishment of tower blocks and the continuation of the Transforming Homes programme. The delivery of these priority areas could only be made possible with the increase to rent which was agreed for the 2021/22 financial year.