Croydon’s Executive Mayor Jason Perry plans to drive forward housing improvements in the borough with the adoption of a Residents’ Charter and a new, improved repair service, developed in partnership with tenants.

The plans were approved by Croydon Council’s cabinet.

Tenants across the borough will be consulted on the Residents’ Charter, which sets out clear expectations on how the council will treat tenants – respectfully, timely responses to complaints, and the provision of safe homes they are proud to live in.

Consultation will give residents the opportunity to provide comments on the draft and how it can be delivered and monitored. An update on the Charter is expected in autumn.

The draft charter has been developed by a group of tenants and leaseholders, endorsed by the Tenant and Leaseholders Panel, and recommended by the independent Housing Improvement Board.

Mayor Perry also agreed on proposals for procuring a new and improved housing repairs service for tenants, including bringing the repairs contact centre in-house so the council can manage its relationship directly and respond swiftly to complaints. Plans also include splitting the service into multiple contracts to reduce dependence on one contractor.

Mayor Perry said: “I want to see real change in our housing services. Croydon urgently needs to rebuild trust and establish a proper relationship with our tenants. This will only happen once we provide them with a decent service and treat them with respect, and the Charter lays strong foundations for doing this.

“Procuring a new repairs service is one of the first big projects in which we can put the Charter into practice and work with tenants and leaseholders to make this essential service better.

“I’d like to thank those who helped draft the Charter so far and encourage all our tenants and leaseholders to get involved in the consultation when it launches.”

Les Perry, member of the Tenants and Leaseholder Panel, added: “I’m pleased to have been involved in the development of Croydon’s Residents’ Charter which sets expectations to raise standards in housing services.

“The Charter clearly sets out what’s important to residents and the good service we rightly expect to receive.”

Martin Wheatley, chair of the independent Housing Improvement Board, said: “I was glad to see such strong commitment to all sides on ensuring the repairs procurement improves standards for tenants, and to the Tenants’ Charter with respect for tenants at its heart.”