The Tenants' Panel
The Tenants' Panel is made up of volunteers from your community who represent all Darlington Borough Council tenants. They meet regularly and are involved in making decisions about how our services are delivered. They scrutinise our performance and help us with our policies and strategies.
In 2024 the Tenants Panel expanded to include online participation with the creation of a new Online Tenants Panel. As we look to improve our service we wanted to expand and adapt to become more accessible for those who are unable to attend in person.
The latest meeting took place on 22nd October 2024.
Tenants Panel Meeting Minutes October 2024 [pdf document]
We’re always keen to expand our Tenants' Panel so if you would like to know more please contact our Tenant Involvement Team, by phone 01325 406682 /403245or email[email protected]. To find out more about our Tenants' Panel members please see below.
Listen to what members of the Tenants' Panel have to say about their roles by listening to episode 4 of the Housing series of Darlington Xtra podcasts[external link] which features some of the the panel members.
An interview with Hugh - Tenants Panel Member
Hugh is a Park Place resident and has been a Tenant with Darlington Borough Council for over 30 years.
We recently interviewed Hugh, and he told the Tenant Involvement Team about his Volunteering history and why he wanted to be a part of the Tenants Panel.
‘I have been a member of The Tenants Panel for the last 5 years but have been a council tenant for over 30 years. After retiring from Darlington Mind as a Mental Health Worker I volunteered and set up guided walking and cycling groups in the community. I then went onto First place AGE UK and worked with Veterans by organising trips and supporting people up until COVID. Before, during and after COVID I volunteered at Food for Thought for 6 years where we worked with supermarkets to redistribute food that would have gone to waste, it opened my eyes up to how much food poverty there was in Darlington and the surrounding areas.
An achievement I am proud of is how I fixed up over 100 bikes, so workers, key workers and refugees were able to get to work, which then led onto me working for Darlington Assistance for Refugees, where I helped and supported with deliveries.
I currently volunteer at Citizen Advice helping people with claims ensuring they are receiving the correct benefits. Many of the people who attend don’t have access to a computer and need to support to make a claim.
What would you like to scrutinise in 2025 as a member of the Tenants Panel?
‘In 2025 I would like to scrutinise the void process as people often see empty flats and are wonder why they are empty for so long – I know there are some empty flats while they await refurbishment or that that there may be a bigger case linked to the property that means the property cannot be touched. I would like to share this information with our tenants so that understand the process.’
What is a benefit of being part of the Tenants Panel?
‘The Tenants Panel would really benefit from more people attending and sharing their good ideas – there are many people out there who could share their views as the Housing Services want to listen - so if you want join contact Sara and Matthew, they would love to hear from you! The tenants panel offers lots of training opportunities for you to gain new skills. We also offer an online tenant’s panel if you can’t make our meetings, you can attend online.’
Welcome Don, our latest Tenants' Panel member
Our Tenants' Panel always welcomes new members, especially tenants who are passionate about their community.
Don is a Branksome Hall resident.
We recently interviewed Don and he told the Tenant Involvement Team why he wanted to be a Tenant Panel Member.
How long have you been a council tenant?
I have been a Council Tenant in Darlington for just over 2 years, after previously living in a Council property in North Northumberland.
Which area of town do you live in and what is the best part about living there?
Since moving to Darlington I have been located at Branksome and the best part about living here is feeling safe, friendly neighbours and living close to amenities.
How long have you been a member of the tenants' panel?
I am new to the panel after joining in Autumn 2024.
What is the best thing about being a member of the tenants' panel?
Being part of the Tenants Panel means you can put across your concerns quickly and easily.
Is there anything you would change about your area or the town as a whole?
I would like to see more rejuvenation in the area, including more grass cuts.
Ivan is a Red Hall resident but is originally from Australia moving to the UK a number of years ago.
We recently interviewed Ivan and he told the Tenant Involvement Team why he wanted to be a Tenant Panel Member.
"I have been living in the Darlington area for the last 10 years, living in the Branksome area before moving to Red Hall about 5 years ago.
I love where I live: Red Hall is constantly changing and it is really quiet where I live. Where I live at one side is vast green fields and on the other side is a garden that I work hard to maintain and enjoy.
The area is also very accessible, I can get the bus into town and to all my appointments, so I am not too far from where I need to be.
I joined the Tenants Panel this summer for a number of reasons with the main one being that there is no point complaining about things if you are not going to look to change things. The panel is important as it asks questions of Darlington Borough Council. I also love to be involved face to face, it’s nice to meet new people and I really like to engage with other members.
Away from the panel my passion is my garden, it is my little haven. I also try to get out with my dog as much as possible to keep me active."
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.
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.
Tenant Involvement Team - Matt and Sara
What is your role within the Council?
We are the Tenant Involvement Officers for Darlington Borough Council. A role that is extremely varied but involves working closely with all our tenants. We chair the Tenants Panel meetings which occur 10 times throughout the year.
What do you both like best about your role?
Matt - "I love getting out and visiting the tenants, visiting schemes and attending 'Coffee Morning Events'. Over the last 4 years I have built an amazing relationship with our tenants and created partnership with the Tenants Panel"
Sara - "I really enjoy meeting the Tenants and building a relationship where they feel they can speak to me openly. I recently joined the council and have gained so much knowledge in a short amount of time. I look forward to the future within housing."
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. We 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 us a call on 01325 406682 / 403245.
All meetings are advertised on our Facebook page so feel free to come down to the session.