A new campaign called ‘The Big Say’ has been launched by Cestria Community Housing this morning.

The housing association, which owns and manages the former Chester-le-Street District Council housing stock, is consulting with all tenants to find out their views on the services they deliver.

Tenants will be asked to comment upon services including tenant involvement, the management of their home, their tenancy, the neighbourhood and community where they live, if they feel that they get value for money and how the association is managed.

In its biggest ever consultation event since transfer, the association has organised various activities to involve all tenants including estate visits, coffee mornings, open days and personal visits.

A special residents’ newsletter has been published and sent to all tenants outlining dates and venues with all events that will run throughout August and September.

The Big Say campaign supports the new regulatory framework by the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), which is the regulator for social housing in England. The framework includes six national standards, and all housing associations including Cestria Community Housing must develop ‘local offers’ which are tailored to support the development of local communities.

Ian Broughton, Chief Executive at Cestria Community Housing, said: “The Big Say is going to be our biggest ever event and we want to engage and consult with as many tenants as possible. 

“Our aim is to ensure that we provide the highest quality service for our tenants and we are always keen to find out how we can improve our housing services to them.

“All feedback will be used to help us develop new offers for tenants so I would encourage everyone to get involved.”

Cestria Community Housing will publish the findings of ‘the Big Say’ in a special report which will be sent to all tenants. This will also be available on their website at www.cestria.org.