Housing professionals believe local government needs to focus on involving more people in decision making if it is to shed its outdated image and "town-hall mentality".
Responding to the Local Government Association proposal that council housing staff act as "ambassadors for local democracy", they said people had to feel that their ideas were being listened to. It was also felt that young people could bring fresh outlooks, and perhaps result in a more innovative future for local government.

Below, three housing professionals give their reponse to the proposal.

Neil Litherland, director of housing, Camden council, north London

“The image of local government is one of ancient councillors sitting in a town hall discussing all sorts of boring issues – completely out of touch. “It needs to project itself as a place that deals with our health, well-being and livelihood in the long term. “Local government delivers on things locally and makes decisions that affect all of us. This needs to be promoted more. “They ought to promote it as a place for young people to work, bringing in new perspectives. “Local government can be incredibly diverse – it can provide all sorts of interesting opportunities.”

Martin Cheeseman, director of housing, Brent council, north-west London

“They need to get people thinking more about the positive elements of local government. “If you ask anyone about it, the first thing that comes to mind is council housing. They don’t think of the positive roles local government plays in communities – the influence it has on the housing market, and design and planning for example. “Local government promotes decent homes both in terms of privately rented and socially rented properties. “People somehow forget the advice and assistance offered to residents, the help offered to individuals to find affordable housing.”

Phil Morgan, chief executive, Tenant Participation Advisory Service

“The more it can get people involved, the more local government will boost its profile. “Neighbourhood boards are often a good way of allowing people to consider what services local government offers. The social implications are also important – people want to get to know other people in their community. Participation is what it’s all about. “This phrase ‘they don’t listen’ suggests that people need to be more involved, so that they feel they are being heard more. “There is definitely a need to break the town-hall mentality and be innovative. To do this, they need to take risks.”

Source

Housing Today