Background and Challenges
Tamworth Borough Council faced a significant challenge with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, the most substantial reform to the private rented sector in over 30 years. With 15% of Tamworth’s housing stock in the private rented sector, the changes posed both opportunities and risks, including:
- Increased homelessness presentations due to the abolition of Section 21 (no-fault evictions).
- Potential loss of private landlords from the sector.
The need for a new focus on private renting standards and tenancy management.
The council’s Private Sector Housing (PSH) team was already operating at capacity, with limited resources and outdated systems. The absence of a fully integrated property database and document management system further hindered efficiency.
Tamworth needed a robust strategy to prepare for the legislative changes, build capacity, and ensure long-term sustainability without overburdening the general fund.
Trueman Change Involvement
Trueman Change partnered with Tamworth Borough Council to assess their readiness for the Renters’ Rights Act and develop a comprehensive plan to address the challenges ahead. Our approach was collaborative, evidence-based, and tailored to Tamworth’s unique needs.
Key Activities Included:
- Service Review: A thorough assessment of the PSH team’s current structure, systems, and processes.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Close consultation with the PSH team and collaboration with external partners, including Justice for Tenants and health initiatives.
- Best Practice Research: Exploration of successful approaches in other councils to inform Tamworth’s strategy.
- Action Plan Development: Creation of a detailed roadmap to build capacity, modernise systems, and align with legislative requirements.
- Communications Plan: A targeted strategy to engage landlords and tenants, reducing sector anxiety and encouraging compliance.
Outcomes and Solutions
Tamworth Borough Council now has a clear, actionable plan to prepare for the Renters’ Rights Act and transform its Private Sector Housing Service.
Key Outcomes Include:
- Comprehensive Action Plan: A phased roadmap to build capacity, modernise systems, and ensure compliance with the new legislation.
- Targeted Communications Strategy: A proactive plan to engage landlords and tenants, including an amnesty period and educational campaigns on key issues like electrical safety and energy efficiency.
- Enhanced Team Structure: Recommendations for a fully resourced team, including new roles such as a Tenancy Relations Officer and Housing Enforcement Officer.
- Modernised IT Systems: A proposal to implement a fully operational property database and document management system, improving efficiency and reducing risk.
- Sustainable Funding Strategy: Identification of funding opportunities, including New Burdens Funding, Homelessness Prevention Grants, and income from Civil Penalty Notices.
Added Value
Trueman Change’s involvement extended beyond the initial brief, delivering lasting value to Tamworth Borough Council.
- Capacity Building: We provided strategic recommendations to “create capacity to build capacity,” ensuring the team is equipped to handle future challenges.
Innovative Solutions: Initiatives such as an amnesty period and targeted landlord forums were designed to build positive relationships and encourage compliance. - Health Integration: We highlighted opportunities to align housing improvements with health outcomes, supporting Tamworth’s Health Inequality Strategy.
Sustainable Growth: By identifying funding opportunities and enforcement strategies, we helped Tamworth lay the groundwork for a self-sustaining PSH service.
