A NEW agreement between a council and its tenants aims to give them more of a say in how their housing services are run.

The compact, drawn up between Richmondshire District Council and its tenants' panel, highlights priorities such as establishing housing estate forums, increasing the number of village volunteers who pass on housing information, training for panel members and the publication of a tenants' newsletter.

Councillor Richard Dunn, chairman of the council's community committee, said the arrangement had a key role to play in helping the council to improve housing services.

"It is important to establish a two-way dialogue between the council and its tenants," he said.

"If we are to meet their needs, we must gain more of an insight into what they want from us and what they see as the main priorities."

Gina Kirby, tenants' panel chairwoman, said: "This is a very positive way of working with the council to improve our accommodation and services, and I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved."

The panel was set up last year to encourage tenants to take part in decision-making processes. It meets monthly with a member of the housing management team and members attend community committee meetings.