I was recently asked this question and, yes, it is true that there were few surprises. The national conversation told us that tenants want: a decent home in a good community at an affordable rent; repairs done right first time at a convenient time; and excellent customer service.

However, I appluad the TSA for asking tenants and others in the sector for their views - even if it told us nothing new, it was not a waste of money.

Why do I say that? The TSA has said that it wants to break with the way regulation was carried out in the past. Peter Marsh, chief executive of the regualtory body, has said that he wants to lead an organisation which has a new vision putting tenants and boards at the heart of regulation.

For those of you who are familiar with the Board Development Agency’s approach to governance excellence, you will know that top of our governance pyramid is having a vision and a value system.

How could the TSA say to registered providers that it wants to bring tenants into the heart of regulation through co-regulation, and effective consultation, if it was not prepared to spend the time and effort consulting tenants on what they want from something as important as a new system of regulation?

I am glad that the TSA has shown us that it is prepared to not only talk the talk but walk the walk. It is now up to the rest of the sector to show that it can follow the TSA’s lead and walk this way too.

Yvonne Atkinson, director, Board Development Agency

Have your say

You must sign in to make a comment