Re-igniting Scrutiny Network get togethers

Stirling was the venue for a recent Scrutiny Network get together.  Local authority and housing association tenants from Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Stirling, Fife, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, South Ayrshire & East Renfrewshire got together to explore how their scrutiny group might get involved in the Net Zero debate.

 

The focus of the discussion was around the impact of Net Zero on tenants, their homes and communities and potential solutions to rising energy prices.

 

The Scrutiny Network seeks to build contacts between tenants involved in scrutiny groups and using performance information to benefit tenants. The wealth of experience among tenants grows as the Network strengthens.

 

Thanks to the support of Stirling Council and Stirling Tenants Assembly, it was great to hear about folk’s progress even during such a challenging couple of years.

 

John Nish, Service Development Officer at Stirling Council commented, “Stirling Council was delighted to facilitate the recent Scrutiny Network at STEP Stirling, and it was good to see so many tenant representatives from so many parts of the country in attendance. The council’s own Gregor Wightman gave a talk on Net Zero and its practical impact on tenants and their homes, with particular focus on solar energy and its benefits (something very relevant at this time of rising energy bills). There was a lively discussion of the implications of this amongst the various groups, and on tenant participation matters in general, and it was great to hear a host of different voices and opinions, and to hear the approaches of other councils and associations.  The event definitely appeared to have been constructive, with a real enthusiasm to make this a more regular occurrence.  Tony and Willie were great co-hosts, making everyone feel very welcome and part of the event. The session was good fun as well as informative, everything you could ask for an event like that.”

 

Participants agreed that a scrutiny group examining the service standards tenants can expect and monitoring how well (or otherwise) landlords are performing, when it comes to saving energy and meeting the challenges around Net Zero, would be useful.

 

There is local diversity among scrutiny groups, but they seek to be independent, formal and use their power to benefit tenants and landlords. TPAS Scotland can offer a variety of ways to support and develop scrutiny locally.

 

The next session is planned for March and will look at recruiting new scrutiny members. Look out for notices. We’ve not yet got a venue, so if you would like to host this event, or want to hear more about the Scrutiny Network, contact Tony Kelly on tony.kelly@tpasscotland.org.uk