Housing Hartlepool hero lands board seat

Housing Hartlepool resident, John Lynch, has gone from ‘housing hero’ to new tenant board member, helping to influence a wide range of housing services.

Lynch, who was crowned a ‘housing hero’ by national organisation the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) for his exemplary voluntary work in the town, has been selected to take on the board role.

Previously, Lynch was a leading member of Housing Hartlepool’s Tenant Consultation Panel when the town’s housing was transferred from the local council to the housing company. As a board member he will now have the opportunity to really influence the future of housing in Hartlepool and develop his skills and experience further.

Twelve volunteers make up the board including four tenants, four councillors and four independent members.

John Lynch said: “I am very proud to have been given this opportunity to help shape the way Housing Hartlepool is run. My previous role in the Tenant Consultation Panel involved liaising with residents and Housing Hartlepool to try and make the area a better place to live and work.

“I will have even greater responsibilities in my new role as a tenant board member to work closely with residents and maintain the continual improvement of housing services.”

Andy Powell, director of housing services, said: “The role of board member brings with it responsibilities, but it is also a great chance to influence future services.

“John is the perfect candidate for the board, he has shown that he cares about Housing Hartlepool and is passionate about helping its residents and shaping its services for the future.

“The board is a very important vehicle for Housing Hartlepool as it voices the opinions of a range of stakeholders, whose collective aim is to help make Hartlepool a better place to live as well as improving the environment and amenities for residents.”