The needs of vulnerable people will be embedded in the Tenant Services Authority's (TSA) new regulatory framework, to help ensure that services are delivered appropriately to tenants needing care and support.
In his speech at the National Sheltered and Supported Housing Congress, Chief Executive Peter Marsh set out the TSA's plan for the development of standards, following the TSA's National Conversation - the largest ever tenant consultation in which over 27,000 people took part.
Peter Marsh said:
"Recently, 45% of lettings made by housing associations were to people that could be considered vulnerable. Effective co-ordination between tenants, landlords and other stakeholders is key to ensuring that vulnerable tenants get the best service possible.
"Tenant focus is fundamental to the TSA. The best providers are responsive and accountable to their tenants, using a variety of methods and approaches to provide the opportunity for all tenants to be involved, to enable those with care and supported needs to have a say. People's care and support needs change over their lifetime - one size doesn't fit all."
Peter Marsh also launched Housing 21's report Building Choices Part 2: Getting Personal at the conference. The report illustrates the importance of listening to older people, to identify their needs and the role specialist housing providers have in achieving this.
TSA's new regulatory framework will apply to all social landlords from April 2010.
