A CONFERENCE for council tenants in Winchester attracted 120 people.

The event on Saturday saw residents involved in a variety of workshops, listening to talks and offered them an opportunity to give feedback on the housing service.

During the half-day conference, tenants heard about plans for new housing in the district, with a target of 600 new homes by 2020, improved services and the latest Government announcements on housing which gave them an opportunity to shape future housing services.

There were workshops on universal credit and welfare reform and fixed-term tenancies were popular and well attended.

Council teams showcased their work, including the dog warden service and sports teams who held kurling and boccia displays.

There were also information stalls by Department for Work and Pensions, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Citizens Advice, Christians against Poverty, P H Jones and Osborne – which provides repair and maintenance services to council properties.

One tenant was so grateful for the housing staff that she showed her appreciation by making them a cake, and the day wasn’t just for adults, as there were children’s activities including face painting and balloon modelling.

Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leader of Winchester City Council, Councillor Caroline Horrill said: “This was a fantastic event that showcased the brilliant work of our council as well as the work of our partner organisations which can make a real difference to the lives of our tenants and their communities.

“It was very pleasing to see more than a hundred tenants attend and participate in the workshops and I hope next year’s Housing Tenant Conference will be even bigger and better.”