The Housing Board

Following many changes in the external housing environment, including the passing of new legislation which means council’s are now inspected by an external regulator of social housing, we have reviewed our approach to how we understand the lived experience of tenants and leaseholders.

Whilst the involvement of tenants and leaseholders has always been important to the Council, the time has come to build on this work and to bring that voice into the decision-making structure of the Council, by creating a Housing Board made up of three elected members (Councillors), three independent members and three Cannock Chase Council housing tenants/leaseholders.
This represents a change in the Council’s approach to working with its tenants and leaseholders. Our expectation is that the Housing Board will ensure that the wider diverse voice and experience of tenants and leaseholders is considered and heard before the Council makes decisions about housing policies and strategies. Having tenants and leaseholders on the Housing Board, working with Councillors and independent members will ensure we have a wide breadth of experience overseeing the delivery of housing services across the district.

Further information is available in the Information for Tenants and Leaseholders Information Booklet, which can be viewed below:

Information for Tenants and Leaseholders

We have completed the appointment process and are pleased to confirm the Board was approved by Cabinet on 30th January 2025. 

The Cabinet report is available to view below:
Cabinet - 30th January 2025 | Cannock Chase District Council

We are pleased to confirm the appointments to the Board are as follows:

Tenant Members

• Brian Murphy, tenant of 30 years, retired
• Natasha Howells, tenant of 6 months, Income Management Assistant, CCDC
• Gary Pace, tenant of 30 years, retired

Independent Members

• Andrew Kenny - Executive Director of Property, Housing Plus.
• Sarah Johnson - Director of Governance and Legal, whg (Walsall Housing Group).
• Lucy Cunnett - Homes Manager, Tamworth Borough Council.

Elected Members

•  Cllr Tony Johnson, Leader of the Council (Chair)
• Cllr Sue Thornley, Housing and Corporate Assets Portfolio Leader
• Cllr Phillipa Haden, Shadow Housing and Corporate Assets Portfolio Leader

We hope to hold the first formal meeting of the Board later in Spring 2025 and we will publish all agendas and minutes of the meetings.

Back row, left to right: Cllr Phillipa Haden, Andrew Kenny, Sarah Johnson, Cllr Tony Johnson.
Front row, left to right: Natasha Howells, Brian Murphy, Cllr Sue Thornley, Gary Pace, Lucy Cunnett.

If you are interested in being involved as a tenant or leaseholder then we have a range of involvement options available to suit everyone, please contact the Resident Engagement and Insight Officer on residentengagement@cannockchasedc.gov.uk or 01543 462621 to find out more, or see the Tenant Participation page for further details.