Tenant Ideas Spark Service Improvements

A Staffordshire housing association has ensured its tenants won’t be left in the dark when it comes to cutting their bills after handing out nearly 23,000 energy-saving light bulbs.

South Staffordshire Housing Association has distributed packs of four low-energy bulbs to each of its 5,300 homes, as well as fitting them in housing schemes for the elderly that it manages.

The huge project, carried out over 11 months, is one of a number of measures introduced by the organisation following suggestions from tenants on what it could do to improve services.

Extra hedge-trimming and clearer rules on anti-social behaviour were among the other measures which have been introduced in the last year as a result of such suggestions.

“We are constantly receiving and analysing feedback from our customers to make sure that our services are continually improving,” said Sue Rowley, managing director of South Staffordshire Housing Association.

“Distributing free energy-saving light bulbs came initially from discussions with residents about ways to save energy and cut household bills. It has been a huge task but we have now handed out or fitted 22,800 bulbs through our gas servicing engineers.

“The new bulbs use 80 per cent less energy than a normal light bulb and can last around eight times longer so this programme will have a real impact, not just on household bills but also on energy consumption in the area.

“Other service changes we have introduced as a result of resident suggestions include additional maintenance of some areas around our homes, improved gas servicing appointments and more colour options on external decorations.

“Regular contact with our customers is essential to us remaining a landlord of choice in the area and ensuring our services stay up to scratch. It is often the small things that make the biggest impact.”

(Released 21st May 2008)