Background and Challenges
Tamworth Borough Council commissioned Trueman Change to review and update their Housing Strategy, first published in 2020, in response to significant changes in the housing landscape. Additionally, the project included developing a Supported Housing Strategy, anticipating upcoming regulatory shifts. Trueman Change was chosen for this project based on a strong existing partnership and proven expertise in housing consultancy, reinforcing its position as a trusted and valued partner to the council.
Trueman Change Involvement
Trueman Change led the full review and development process, ensuring alignment with Tamworth’s existing Corporate Strategy and housing objectives. This multifaceted project included the following activities:
- Facilitating face-to-face meetings with executive teams and hosting stakeholder sessions to gather balanced perspectives.
- Conducting in-depth consultations with a diverse group of participants, including cabinet members, private sector landlords, and housing association partners.
- Reviewing and analysing extensive existing documentation to ensure the strategy was rooted in Tamworth’s specific context.
- Drafting publicly available, high-quality strategy documents that provide clear guidance and can adapt to evolving government regulations.
We were pleased to offer a forward-thinking approach, allowing the council flexibility to publish the strategies at the most impactful time based on new developments in housing policy.
Outcomes and Solutions
We delivered two comprehensive strategies that set the foundation for effective housing management and supported housing provision in Tamworth. Additionally, we provided market insights that would enable the council to better understand its position in the wider Supported Housing landscape.
We also identified opportunities to expand the private housing sector team, equipping the council to attract increased investment and address housing needs in innovative ways. And we were able to strengthen collaboration between internal and external stakeholders to drive realistic and achievable housing solutions.
Added Value
Trueman Change's experience and established relationships with other local authorities enabled us to deliver consultancy advice that went beyond the immediate scope. We identified opportunities for Tamworth’s private sector housing team, contributing to increased investment potential and expanding the range of viable housing tenures in the borough. By offering expertise and insights from a broader perspective, Trueman Change ensured Tamworth Borough Council was well-equipped to respond to evolving housing challenges.
