The Tenants' Panel

Tenants' panel member, Stephen

Welcome Stephen, our latest Tenants' Panel member

Our tenants' panel always welcomes new members, especially tenants who are passionate about their community.
Stephen has been a council tenant for the last 3 years residing at Dinsdale Court and has decided to take the leap and join our Tenants' Panel. He attended his first meeting in October.
"Dinsdale Court is a great place to live as Middleton St George is an exclusive place to retire with such a good community spirit and lovely places to go on the doorstep. My apartment overlooks the gardens which are all well kept by the council."
As one of the younger residents at the scheme, Stephen is both a spokesperson in and away from his home.
"I feel a sense of responsibility for fellow tenants. In a way I became a voluntary spokesperson and I fight for good causes, its something I’m passionate about and that’s why I have joined the tenants panel"

Tenants' Panel member Dawn

Newest Tenants' Panel member Dawn King at a recent community event

Dawn has been a council tenant for a number of years, living in locations such as Melsonby Crescent, Fenby Avenue and Middleton St George before moving to her current flat at Bank Top over 12 years ago.

Dawn tells us "I love my flat and there is such a fantastic community spirit here. Everyone helps out and the neighbourly spirit is fantastic. When I was critically ill a few years ago the neighbourhood helped out massively and I love helping out in the community, I am always wanting to put something back".

Away from her duties with the panel, which started a couple of months ago, Dawn works closely with the Wesley Court community centre, hosting a bingo club every week and helping to restore the communal garden with fellow residents. They were able to secure community funding to help them improve the area.

Dawn has also helped organise charity events at the community centre, particularly for ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ and has raised in excess of £1000 over several events.

A true Housing Hero Dawn, along with our other members, represents our Tenants' Panel across Darlington and acts as a spokesperson for the community bringing local issues to the Housing Team.

If you would like to become a tenants' panel member email our engagement team at [email protected]

Communications and Engagement

Co-ordinator Matt Hufford

What is your role within the Council?

I am the Communications and Engagement Co-ordinator. A role that is extremely varied but involves working closely with all tenants. I also chair the Tenants Panel meetings which occur every couple of months.

What do you like best about your role?

My role is varied and challenging but extremely enjoyable and has changed a lot in the last 6 months after I have been able to get out and about more.

Why is the tenants' panel so important?

The tenants' panel is vital as they are an important part of the decision-making within the housing team. I come to the group with a range of issues and policies and the panel offers their views and challenges us where necessary.

Can anyone join the panel?

If you are a council tenant and are enthusiastic about the area where you live, then the Tenants' Panel could be for you. More information can be provided via email at [email protected] or give me a call on 01325 406682. All meetings are advertised on our Facebook page so feel free to come down to the session.

Tenants' panel member Denise

How long have you been a council tenant?

34 years and counting

Which area of town do you live in and what is the best part about living there?

I live in the Haughton area of town. It is a lovely tight-knit community where everyone looks after each other.

How long have you been a member of the tenants' panel?

Approximately 15 Years

What is the best thing about being a member of the tenants' panel?

 The meetings are always extremely informative with lots to discuss. They are always made interesting and it’s good to see what is going on

Is there anything you would change about your area or the town as a whole?

More residents joining the DBC panels local residents’ associations.  Everyone should show an interest in their local community

Tenants' panel member Karen

How long have you been a council tenant?

I have been a council tenant for two years since my flat was built.

Which area of town do you live in and what is the best part about living there?

I live in the Lingfield area of the town. Darlington is a lovely market town. The regeneration is happening so fast and looking good.

How long have you been a member of the tenants' panel?

I have been a member of the tenants panel for approximately 1 year.

What is the best thing about being a member of the tenants' panel?

The tenants panel gets you involved with the workings of the council, information that goes out to all Council Tenants. I feel that the panel provides me with a voice for my community.

Is there anything you would change about your area or the town as a whole?

The main issue that bothers people locally is the constant littering and fly-tipping as well as dog fouling. The town is a fantastic place to live, and I want to encourage people to have a bit of pride in their neighbourhood.

Tenants' panel member Christine

How long have you been a council tenant?

I moved to my property in July 2001, so coming up 22 years.

Which area of town do you live in and what is the best part about living there?

I will never stop caring about the estate where I live. There is great community spirit. We do a weekly litter pick and I am part of the North Riverside Residents Association where I am currently the secretary. I want to see the area thrive.

How long have you been a member of the tenants' panel?

On and off I have been a member for 12 years. I have done bits and bobs over the years helping out where I can and re-joining in 2021.

What is the best thing about being a member of the tenants' panel?

I think it's great being an active member of my community and I want to make sure that North Riverside is represented and never forgotten about. I also wanted to make sure that I can relay any concerns that tenants come to me with at the North Riverside Residents Association.

Is there anything you would change about your area or the town as a whole?

I would like more pedestrian-friendly areas near my property.