Tenant feedback helps shape new housing policies

The updated Estate Management Policy, along with new standalone Pet Policy for Council Tenants and Permissions Policy, were approved by the Housing and Community Safety Committee on 10 September. The review attracted 165 responses from tenants and stakeholders, with strong overall support for the proposed changes.  

Feedback from tenants directly influenced a number of amendments to the final policies, which will now come into effect from 1 October 2026. 

Key changes made following tenant feedback include: 

Estate Management Policy: Tenants told the council they wanted more clarity around support for disabled residents, better communication and a balanced approach to enforcement. In response, the policy has been strengthened to: 

• Confirm that disability-related needs and reasonable adjustment requests will be considered when estate management decisions are made. 

• Ensure individual circumstances and support needs are taken into account before enforcement action is considered. 

• Include clearer references to caravans, motorhomes and trailers within parking and storage guidance.  

Permissions Policy: Feedback highlighted the need for greater flexibility and clearer explanations about how decisions are made. Changes include: 

• Moving away from automatic refusals, with applications now assessed on their individual circumstances wherever possible. 

• Stronger references to Equality Act duties and reasonable adjustments. 

• Clearer guidance on flooring applications and how these requests will be assessed. 

• Better explanations around restrictions on cat flaps and when exceptions may be considered.  

Pet Policy for Council Tenants: The consultation generated the highest level of interest, with many respondents seeking reassurance about existing pets and flexibility around pet numbers. As a result: 

• Existing pets will not normally be affected by the new policy and tenants will not need retrospective permission for pets they already own. 

• The proposed two-pet limit will act as guidance rather than a strict cap, with requests considered on a case-by-case basis. 

• Greater flexibility has been introduced for birds, fish, reptiles and other species, taking account of animal welfare and property suitability. 

• Applications for cat flaps will not normally be approved but will be considered individually, taking into account legal and equality considerations. 

• Stronger recognition has been given to assistance dogs, therapy dogs and support animals, including where reasonable adjustments are required. 

The updated policies also place greater emphasis on equality, accessibility and the wellbeing benefits pets can bring, particularly for older people and disabled residents.  

Cllr Amber Dunbar, Chair of the Housing and Community Safety Committee, said: “We are committed to listening to our tenants and making sure their views help shape the services we provide. The consultation on these policies generated valuable feedback and I'm pleased that a number of important changes have been made as a direct result of what tenants told us. 

“From providing reassurance for existing pet owners to strengthening support for disabled tenants and making decision-making more flexible, these amendments reflect the issues that matter most to our residents. The updated policies will help us maintain safe, attractive neighbourhoods while ensuring tenants are treated fairly, consistently and with respect.”