Conversations with tenants, leaseholders and shared owners have been helping to drive improvements in local housing services, and next week the city council will once again be knocking on doors across the city as The Big Conversation continues.
As the city's largest landlord, managing around 11,000 council homes, Milton Keynes City Council is committed to creating more opportunities for its residents to have their say.
Last year, council colleagues spoke to hundreds of residents on their doorsteps, gathering feedback that has informed service improvements and influenced key housing decisions.
Residents are now playing a bigger role than ever before. Tenants are joining resident panels, helping recruit new staff, scrutinising performance and working alongside council colleagues on a range of projects and initiatives.
Residents have also helped develop a programme of community 'get togethers' through a group that brings neighbours together, strengthening local connections and helping people find out more about services and opportunities.
The city council's commitment to listening to its tenants was recognised earlier this year when it received a positive judgement in its first inspection under the Government's new consumer standards for social housing.
Feedback from tenants is already making a difference. Residents helped shape the city council's new repairs and maintenance contract, which provides greater oversight of repairs, offers evening appointments and helps ensure urgent repairs are completed more quickly.
"The people who live in our homes know better than anyone what it's like to be a council tenant, so it's vital that we listen to them."
"The Big Conversation is about getting out into our neighbourhoods, hearing what's important to residents and showing that their views can make a real difference. We've already seen tenant feedback help shape everything from repairs services to community activities, and we're seeing more residents getting involved than ever before."
"Whether it's joining a panel, helping with recruitment, taking part in a community event or simply sharing their views when we knock on their door, every conversation helps us deliver better services."
The Big Conversation will take place from 14-18 September.
For more information about The Big Conversation, visit: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/big-conversation