Tenancy Sustainment Policy

Closed 28 Apr 2025

Opened 24 Mar 2025

Feedback updated 28 May 2025

We asked

Residents were invited to share their views on our Tenancy Sustainment Policy, which details our approach to helping residents effectively manage and maintain their council tenancies. We held an engagement session with residents to discuss our Tenancy Sustainment Policy and online consultation began on 24th March and was open for five weeks, closing on 27th April 2025.

You said

Respondents told us that overall, they agreed with what is being proposed and thought that the policy clearly explains what support will be provided. However, respondents shared concerns about how the policy will be implemented. Respondents also told us that the policy needs to ensure the information is relevant and available for vulnerable residents, particularly in terms of welfare rights and floating support, and that the policy needs to address when the council will support the sustainment of a tenancy or initiate an eviction. Respondents told us that the Noise Act of 1996 should be referenced in the policy.

We did

We have reviewed the policy to ensure that information on support services available for vulnerable residents is included and up to date. We have also reviewed the balance between support and enforcement actions to ensure the policy is fair and clear. We acknowledge the importance of the Noise Act 1996, and we will ensure it is addressed appropriately within the Tenancy Sustainment Policy.

Amendments have been made to the policy where necessary. The finalised policies will be presented to Cabinet in May 2025, and a consultation report has been produced.

Overview

We are working in partnership with local residents to develop our Tenant Sustainment Policy.

The Tenancy Sustainment Policy details Sandwell Council’s approach for helping residents effectively manage and maintain their council tenancies. It establishes frameworks to identify vulnerable households, provide support for those facing difficulties, and connect them with a variety of advocacy services offering advice and assistance. The policy also seeks to prevent homelessness and reduce the likelihood of tenancy breakdowns, such as abandonment, eviction, or early termination.

This policy will allow us to:

  • Make the best use of affordable housing stock in Sandwell.
  • Help households to meet their future and current housing needs.
  • Create and encourage sustainable communities, as well as continuing to protect vulnerable residents.
  • Minimise the number of tenancy failures and prevent homelessness.

Please take the time to read the draft policy before responding.

Comments are invited on the consultation by 28th April 2025. Your responses to the consultation will be anonymous.

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Why your views matter

It is really important that we have the perspective of as many people as possible who live and work in Sandwell every day when developing the policy. We want to make sure that everyone has had an opportunity to be part of shaping this with us and look forward to hearing from as many of you as possible.

If you have any questions about the document or the consultation as a whole, please email housing_strategy@sandwell.gov.uk.

In line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018, we will ensure all the information you provide is stored securely, following the seven key principles of GDPR. For further information, please visit our privacy notice page at http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/privacynotices

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • Open Consulation

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  • Research & Intelligence