Housing engagement events giving tenants a voice
Senior members of the our housing and environmental services recently met with tenants and leaseholders from across Gateshead. We discussed the investments we're making to improve the services we deliver, as well as providing a unique opportunity to ask questions and share views and ideas with service directors on issues that matter most to them.
Each month we'll be introducing a new director, and summarising the key questions asked of them.
This month it was Philip Hindmarsh, Director of Environment and Fleet Management, who is a huge advocate of such events:
"Understanding the views of our customers is vital in helping shape our strategies and making sure they're fit for purpose and meets the needs of our tenants and leaseholders. These events provide the ideal forum for us all to come together and debate. The insight we achieve in invaluable and has been integral to so many positive service developments."
Philip and his team are responsible for a wide range of services that help keep the communities in which our residents live and work in a clean and safe condition. This includes everything from grounds maintenance in parks and green spaces, cleaning graffiti, and dealing with fly tipping, to pest control and dog warden services.
At the meeting, Philip led a discussion on a major £2 million investment we are making in environmental services to help tackle incidents of environmental antisocial behaviour (ASB), as well as improving capacity to cut your grass and maintain green spaces more frequently.
Key questions asked of the Director of Environment and Fleet Services
When grass is being cut could tenants be informed of the date and time, so that cars can be removed to allow for the grass to be cut?
Philip explained that while he appreciates such information would be helpful for residents, it simply is not practical to provide it due to the volume of daily grass cutting required throughout Gateshead, and with unforeseen issues affecting schedules such as weather conditions and equipment maintenance. He did reassure those attending that if there is an area that requires specific attention they should report grass cutting issues online.
Does the council take part in the national initiative 'No Mow May', reducing the number of cuts to allow for wilding of areas on estates?
Budgetary pressures mean we've had to reduce the number of areas we frequently cut during the growing season, but this has the benefit of allowing wildlife to flourish. For regularly maintained areas we wouldn't be able to leave them for an entire month as the majority of residents want these areas maintained, and the grass would get too long for our mowers to cut.
What are the criteria for having trees cut?
Philip explained the criteria for tree pruning is available online. This includes if the tree is unsafe and in danger of causing damage to property or injury to the public, encroaching onto property, or blocking natural light.
Can we have more public waste bins?
Phil clarified that effective waste management is a key priority for the council, however due to the cost of providing and regularly emptying bins, they are only placed in areas where there is a demonstratable demand. We are however investing in smart bin placement to help support recycling. Report damaged or overflowing bins online.
If you're a council tenant or leaseholder and would like to take part in future events like this, visit our housing involvement pages for more information on how you can make your voice heard, and be part of the decision making process on issues that matter most to you.
Senior members of the our housing and environmental services recently met with tenants and leaseholders from across Gateshead. We discussed the investments we're making to improve the services we deliver, as well as providing a unique opportunity to ask questions and share views and ideas with service directors on issues that matter most to them.
Each month we'll be introducing a new director, and summarising the key questions asked of them.
This month it was Philip Hindmarsh, Director of Environment and Fleet Management, who is a huge advocate of such events:
"Understanding the views of our customers is vital in helping shape our strategies and making sure they're fit for purpose and meets the needs of our tenants and leaseholders. These events provide the ideal forum for us all to come together and debate. The insight we achieve in invaluable and has been integral to so many positive service developments."
Philip and his team are responsible for a wide range of services that help keep the communities in which our residents live and work in a clean and safe condition. This includes everything from grounds maintenance in parks and green spaces, cleaning graffiti, and dealing with fly tipping, to pest control and dog warden services.
At the meeting, Philip led a discussion on a major £2 million investment we are making in environmental services to help tackle incidents of environmental antisocial behaviour (ASB), as well as improving capacity to cut your grass and maintain green spaces more frequently.
Key questions asked of the Director of Environment and Fleet Services
When grass is being cut could tenants be informed of the date and time, so that cars can be removed to allow for the grass to be cut?
Philip explained that while he appreciates such information would be helpful for residents, it simply is not practical to provide it due to the volume of daily grass cutting required throughout Gateshead, and with unforeseen issues affecting schedules such as weather conditions and equipment maintenance. He did reassure those attending that if there is an area that requires specific attention they should report grass cutting issues online.
Does the council take part in the national initiative 'No Mow May', reducing the number of cuts to allow for wilding of areas on estates?
Budgetary pressures mean we've had to reduce the number of areas we frequently cut during the growing season, but this has the benefit of allowing wildlife to flourish. For regularly maintained areas we wouldn't be able to leave them for an entire month as the majority of residents want these areas maintained, and the grass would get too long for our mowers to cut.
What are the criteria for having trees cut?
Philip explained the criteria for tree pruning is available online. This includes if the tree is unsafe and in danger of causing damage to property or injury to the public, encroaching onto property, or blocking natural light.
Can we have more public waste bins?
Phil clarified that effective waste management is a key priority for the council, however due to the cost of providing and regularly emptying bins, they are only placed in areas where there is a demonstratable demand. We are however investing in smart bin placement to help support recycling. Report damaged or overflowing bins online.
If you're a council tenant or leaseholder and would like to take part in future events like this, visit our housing involvement pages for more information on how you can make your voice heard, and be part of the decision making process on issues that matter most to you.
