Ways to get involved
Tenant involvement has never been more important. Your feedback, ideas, and experiences help us deliver the best possible housing service. If you have a little time and want to make a difference, there’s a role for you. The council can arrange transport to and from meetings and we will also reimburse any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of attending meetings.
We’ve created a tenant engagement structure so every Folkestone & Hythe District Council tenant and leaseholder can get involved in a way that suits them. Whether you want to influence big decisions, check service standards, or share creative ideas, there’s a group for you.
Our main groups – all open for new members
Strategic Tenants Advisory Panel (STAP)
STAP connects directly with housing managers and the councillor responsible for housing and homelessness. Members help shape policies, review performance, and oversee contractors and purchasing. STAP meets every other month at the Civic Centre (6 meetings per year).
Scrutiny Panel
This group takes a deep dive into key topics that need extra attention—recent subjects include anti-social behaviour, complaints, tenant communications, and damp and mould. Members have full access to staff and resources to make recommendations that lead to real improvements.
Estate & Neighbourhood Champions
Champions carry out real-time surveys on works completed by the housing service or contractors. Areas include:
- Grounds maintenance
- Cleaning
- Repairs and compliance
We’ve worked with tenants and staff to create a simple grading and reporting system for services like grounds maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. This system makes sure contractors meet agreed standards and respond quickly when something isn’t right.
There are no regular meetings—just a short monthly report and occasional updates when needed. Training is provided, so you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Tenant Communications Group
This group helps shape newsletters, bulletins, website content, letters, documents and social media aimed at tenants.
Independent Living Forum
For tenants in Independent Living schemes (around 20% of our homes), this forum brings representatives together to discuss common issues and speak directly to contractors and managers. Each scheme has two representatives.
What our tenants say
“The reason I joined STAP was because I am very grateful to be a council tenant. I wanted to be a part of the changes that move Folkestone and Hythe District Council forward. I benefit in knowing what happens as a tenant. I would encourage other tenants to spare a few hours every other month, to join us in this very worthwhile group.”
“I care about the future and the state of housing for our disabled tenants. They need a voice and representation, and I am very outspoken!”
“I got involved because I had an input to give and wanted to make sure that services are done correctly. If the council doesn’t know that something is wrong, they cannot put it right, so why not get involved?”
“I got involved with tenant engagement because tenants that have young families need a tenant representative who can be their voice of reason and have their say on matters that affect them. Getting involved is a way of using a platform to be able to express ideas and help the council understand what tenants need and it has benefited me because I am able to help other people who are not sure who to turn to and it helps me understand how things are run at the council.”
“It is important for tenants to get involved in engagement groups, as this helps FHDC make decisions which are balanced and not one sided. Some important changes which have been the result of tenant engagement are: changes to the tenancy agreement and repairs/improvements to housing stock. These changes have benefited FHDC (they actually saved money)."