Consultations

Our tenants have a right to be consulted on key Policies and proposals that may have an impact on them.

Section 8.4 of the Scottish Secure Tenancy agreement (SST) that our tenants sign up to states that we will consult our tenants when we propose to make or change: 

Policies regarding housing management, repairs and maintenance if the proposal is likely to significantly affect tenants

Proposals for changes in rent and service charges

Proposals for the sale or transfer of our housing to another landlord

Performance standards or targets in relation to housing management repairs and maintenance

Our tenant participation strategy

We will take into account any views that tenants have before making a final decision. Any consultation with tenants will include giving tenants comprehensive information in an accessible format and reasonable time to express views.

Consultations 2024 / 25

During 2024 / 25 we have a number of consultations to engage with tenants on, including Annual Performance Review, Common Factoring Policy, Equality & Diversity Policy and Recharge Repairs Policy.

So far we have had feedback on the Recharge Repair Policy and the Annual Performance Review. 

Recharge Repair Policy

During June 2024, the above policy was sent for review to 20 tenants that are on the Consultation Register.

There were no legislative or material changes to the Policy.

The feed back received was as follows:-

* All looks ok to me
* Thank you for sending the Recharge Policy Consultation for perusal/comments.   
* The document is easy to understand and I don't have anything to say about it.

There are no adverse comments or issues raised. 

Committee have assessed the comments the policy has been adopted and will be reviewed in next 3 years.

Annual Performance Review

The Annual Report consultation took place with 25 tenants contacted, 10 of which were all mailed out and 15 contacted via email.
A response rate represents 16% of those consulted, which is encouraging for any consultation.
Comments are as follows:-
Layout –
    * Looks good
    * Happy with way it looks
·         * Easy to follow
Content –
·        * Less paragraphs and more bullet points
·        * Find out what is happening outside of Fyne Homes
·        * More information on local activities
·        * How does Fyne Homes compare with other landlords
Photos –
·        * More photos
·        * Step by step photos of projects
·        * More photos with tenants
·        * Before and after photos
Graphics –
·        * Look ok.
·        * Ok
·        * Easy to understand
·        * More colourful
Quality –
·        * Maybe could be same size as newsletter as quite big
·        * Good quality
·        * Would it be cheaper to make less glossy?

Committee have assessed the comments and made relevant changes were able. The APR will be looked at in more detail in the next 12 months with feedback taken on board for a possible new format.

The Common Factoring Policy 

During August / September 2024, the above policy was sent for review to tenants / factored owners that are on the Consultation Register.

The main change from the previous version is to Section 5.1.7   We will only offer our service to owners of properties in common ownership where the Association is the majority owner.                                    Consideration may be given to offering factoring services in properties where the Association has minority ownership. i.e. we will no longer offer our service where we hold no ownership.

The feed back received was as follows: -

• The change is understandable

• A shame this is changing as Fyne Homes are a good factor.

• Can see why this would happen but after many years it feels Fyne Homes have just dumped us.

Once committee have assessed the comments and made changes to the Report, tenants will be updated and the website updated accordingly.

Equality & Diversity Policy

During August and September 2024, the above policy was sent for review to members of the Consultation Register and discussed with tenants that attended Consultation Cafes.

There were no legislative or material changes to the Policy.

The feed back received was as follows:-

• Fyne Homes should advertise in different languages what is available to tenants

• More should be done for visually impaired tenants

• I have read the policy and think that it is about right

• Section 5.1 Surely tenants can’t be discriminated in terms of being married or in a civil partnership? Why only in terms of employment?

• Access to Services – Not all services i.e. visiting offices isn’t possible as they aren’t accessible

• Doesn’t seem to be any disabled staff in Fyne homes, is this to do with accessibility?

• Fyne Homes staff don’t reflect make up of different backgrounds of society

Once committee have assessed the comments and made any decision regarding the Report, the final draft will be feedback and publicised. 

If you wish to be part of our Consultation Register and entered into regular prize draws for giving us your feedback then please contact cbaxter@fynehome.co.uk or 0345 6077117