Council tenants help improve housing services in Central Bedfordshire

A new Housing Regulatory Improvement Strategy and Development Plan, has been set up, with feedback from tenants, outlining how changes will be delivered and services strengthened.

The plan focuses on key improvements, including:

> Improved repairs services

> Stronger health and safety standards in residents’ homes

> Improved communication and faster complaint handling

> More opportunities for tenants to influence decisions

> More accurate data to support better services.

This work is being delivered through ten priority areas, including improving governance, increasing tenant involvement, strengthening data and oversight, and enhancing the overall customer experience.

The council has already made significant progress in improving its landlord services with a new Landlord Assurance Board established to strengthen oversight, alongside the introduction of a new housing management system to support more effective service delivery.

Improvements have also been made to how repairs, complaints and safety performance is monitored and reported. At the same time, the council has created more opportunities for tenants to share their views and help shape how services are delivered.

Further improvements are also under way to address key issues and embed lasting, sustainable change by December 2027.

Councillor Steve Watkins, Executive Member for Business, Housing and Public Assets, said: “We know how important it is for our tenants to have confidence in the homes and services we provide. This plan is about making real improvements that council tenants will see and feel through better services, safer homes and having a strong voice in influencing decision making.

“We are committed to listening, improving and making sure our landlord services meet the high standards our tenants deserve.”

The improvement plan follows an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing in early 2025, which identified areas where the council needed to improve.

Find out more about the council's Housing and Landlord Services here