By Helen Wild, Involved Tenant and Scrutiny Partner
Hi, I’m Helen, a ForHousing tenant and Scrutiny Partner.
I recently took part in a scrutiny exercise on pest control. Scrutiny is when tenants work with ForHousing colleagues to look at how a service works, why things are done in a certain way, and what could be improved to make a positive difference to the services we receive.
I wanted to share what we found and what is now changing based on our feedback. Things do not always go perfectly, and taking part in scrutiny gives tenants the chance to speak up, be listened to and help shape better services for everyone.
Across our communities, pests were becoming a significant issue. This was especially true in the Salford high rises, where vermin were a real problem.
Where I live in Fitton Hill, we have a bakery across the road and allotments nearby. They are great for the community, but they also attract pests. At one point, we were inundated, and it became clear that something needed to change. Tenants in other areas were saying the same.
One of the most eye–opening parts was learning about waste and rubbish management. Working with Beatrice, ForHousing’s Waste Management Supervisor, was fantastic. She really knows her stuff, and seeing the plans and improvements being proposed made me realise how much of a difference the right approach could make.
1
Vermin is a real issue in several neighbourhoods
Tenants across different areas told us that pests were causing daily frustration and, in some cases, affecting how people felt about their own homes.
2
Waste and bulky rubbish play a major role
We saw how quickly pests can appear where bulky items are left out for too long or where waste areas are not managed properly. It became clear that pest control involves far more than simply treating pests. Tackling the causes is just as important.
3
Tenants want a service they can rely on
The current system uses external providers, and many tenants felt the service was not always consistent. Sometimes response times vary and sometimes it can be more expensive. A more reliable and better coordinated service is needed.
4
Where good practice exists, it works
We saw valuable examples of effective work. Premier a pest control company, who operate in some high–rise blocks, use high–quality equipment and tenants in those buildings have seen a big reduction in vermin. This showed us what is possible when the right methods are used.
I was really pleased to see how seriously ForHousing took our findings. They are not only listening, but also taking action based on what we told them.
1
Exploring bringing pest control inhouse
This was one of our key recommendations. An in–house service could be cheaper, more consistent, faster and offer better long–term control. ForHousing are now reviewing this option.
2
Improving bulky waste and rubbish management
Because waste was identified as a major factor, ForHousing are strengthening bulky waste removal, tackling flytipping hotspots, improving waste storage in high–rise blocks and working with partners to make things more organised across neighbourhoods.
3
Expanding the use of better equipment and methods
ForHousing are looking at how the successful approach used by Premier can be expanded to more areas so that more tenants can benefit.
4
Putting tenant voice at the centre
Our scrutiny report is now helping shape decisions about the pest control service. ForHousing have committed to keeping tenants updated as progress is made, which shows that our voices really do matter.
If these improvements go ahead, tenants will see real benefits. Faster removal of bulky waste, better organised waste areas and the use of equipment that has already proven successful will all help reduce vermin and make our homes cleaner, safer and better maintained.
This is what scrutiny is all about. It is about tenants being heard, understanding the issues and helping shape services that are safe, customer focused and efficient.
Full Scrutiny pest control report
If you would like to read the full Scrutiny report on pest control, click here.
If you care about where you live and want to help improve services, I encourage you to get involved. You do not have to attend lots of meetings or join a big panel. You can take part in a way that suits you.
It is flexible, rewarding and you genuinely make a difference. I have met brilliant people through scrutiny and together we are helping improve homes and services.
Give it a try. You might surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it.
To find out more, there is information available on the get involved webpage here.
