Thousands of tenants set to get new rules as Milton Keynes Council updates agreement

    Wednesday, 9 September 2020 13:30

    By Local Democracy Reporter - David Tooley @TooleyMedia

    A new set of rules is being drawn up by the council for thousands of its tenants across the city.

    Among other changes the new tenancy agreement is set to strip away outdated rules which allow people to keep council homes in the family even after the original tenants have died.

    It is hoped that the move will release a small number of homes that can be given to people in need.

    Milton Keynes Council has around 11,500 properties across the city but has not updated its tenancy agreement for a decade, meetings on Tuesday heard.

    Its rules of succession are now out of step with the law and best practice, attendees were told.

    Cllr Emily Darlington (Lab, Bletchley East), the elected head of public realm and housing services, made a delegated decision to launch a £25,000 public consultation.

    The draft new tenancy agreement, which covers items including anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and rights to carry out work on properties, will be posted out to all tenants from October 19.

    Council officers say they legally have to carry out an in-depth consultation exercise despite a possibility that the response rate will be low.

    It will include a stamped addressed envelope for people to send in their consultation responses before Christmas.

    Councillors and tenants had their first chance to respond at Tuesday’s meeting of the community and housing scrutiny committee.

    Councillors and others wanted attention put on anti-social behaviour.

    Janette Bobey, of the Netherfield Residents’ Association (NRA), urged the council to do more to tackle people carrying out vehicle repairs which is a “major problem.”

    “Milton Keynes Council has done nothing to stop this,” she said.

    Eamonn Bobey, who chairs the NRA, said he wanted a better balance between the rights of tenants and the council.

    “Tenants are not given independent legal advice,” he said. “We have to put our trust in the council.

    “If the council does not adhere to the agreement, there are no consequences.”

    David Lee, of the Residents of Regeneration Estates (RoRE), added his support to calls for a tenants handbook.

    Cllr Darlington said: “Anti-social behaviour is at the top of my agenda. We are taking it very seriously and are working on a plan to accelerate action.”

    But Cllr Saleena Raja (Cons, Shenley Brook End) said she had a tenant in her ward who complained to the council about loud music.

    “She has complained time and time again but the council does not seem to be doing anything.”

    She was told that action could be taken, including having someone from the council knock on doors.

    Michael Kelleher, the council’s director of housing and regeneration, said the council will “listen to everyone’s view and take them into consideration.”

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