PLANS to improve Stroud District Council’s housing services have taken another leap forward with the introduction of a tenants’ scrutiny panel to keep an eye on its progress.

Training has already started for inclusion on the panel, which has been launched by SDC to act as chief regulator of all areas of its housing services.

The move comes as the council is praised by the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) for the progress of its improvement plan, which was first implemented in 2009 amid revelations it had overspent its housing budget by £1.2 million.

The TSA has worked closely with SDC ever since but a letter sent to housing bosses at Ebley Mill this month praised the ‘depth and speed’ at which improvements have been made.

It adds that the TSA will end its regulation of the council upon receiving a final update on its improvements by the end of April.

Among the roles carried out by panel members will be to act as ‘mystery shoppers’ whereby a tenant will raise a specific issue or problem with the service and report back on the speed and efficiency with which it is dealt with.

Although not empowered to make decisions itself, the panel will become a recognised body within the council and will report its findings and recommendations to the housing management forum and cabinet.

Membership will be restricted to a maximum of 12 panelists, all of whom must be current SDC tenants or leaseholders, or the partner, spouse or household member of a tenant or leaseholder.

Anyone interested in joining should contact SDC’s performance and improvement officer Kelly Headley at Ebley Mill on 01453 754 331.