Regardless of whether you are a sceptic or supporter of the localism bill, there exists a general consensus within the housing sector that decision-making at a local level is a good thing. Much of the localism agenda encompasses planning regulation and changes, but there is also the wider aspect of increasing community engagement and placing a greater emphasis on public participation.
Greenfields Community Housing is a community gateway association – the third of its kind to be created in the UK. This is still a relatively new concept for the housing sector, and allows tenants to have a greater say in decisions that affect them than is usually found. Residents are involved at every level of the decision making process, and localism in its truest sense is entwined into the fabric of our organisation. We have benefited enormously from having this structure from the outset.
It is important to remember that housing associations cannot improve the lives of their residents simply by solving housing issues. True community engagement and empowerment comes as a result of real social change, which encompasses education, crime reduction, health and employment. Improving people's lives must be viewed as a holistic challenge and that is why, as a community gateway association, we go to great lengths to fund and facilitate projects of all kinds.
Engagement and empowerment are by no means simple or easy; they are broad and sweeping terms that are difficult to quantify. And as it's people who you are trying to engage, the solution will never be simple.
Apathy is our greatest challenge. Some people see us purely as their landlord: they want to pay their rent, have things fixed for them when necessary, and do not want to get involved in improving the organisation or campaigning for the greater good. It's disappointing for us – and society in general – but we'd be naive to think that this is easily overcome.
It is important that we all learn from each other to raise standards across the sector. Our community studies programme has sparked real change, from new bus shelters and play equipment installed in a local doctor's surgery, to setting up a community website and providing a road safety day at a local school.
Our residents have opportunities to become involved to whatever degree they feel suits them. They represent a significant percentage of our decision-making panels, up to board level where seven out of the 15 members are residents. A community gateway group has also been formed, consisting of 18 tenants and one leaseholder. Their role is to make specific recommendations to the board, based on residents' views from all over the district.
Localism, I believe, can be achieved when organisations are set up with resident decision-making at the very heart of all that we collectively do. I believe the community gateway model provides a sound basis for this ideal, and hope that more housing associations will follow suit.
Phil Adams is chief executive of Greenfields Community Housing
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