Brentwood Borough Council hosted a learning day for residents to network and hear the latest housing-related news.

The Learning Exchange day included a talk about the introduction of Universal Credit by an officer from Southend Borough Council, and Brentwood Borough Council’s Chair of Tenant Talkback Maureen Montgomery spoke about her involvement in Tenant Participation and how that positively contributes to the Council’s housing service.

They also received some training from TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) on how to hold effective meetings.

The event at the Town Hall on Thursday was attended by residents who are involved in the housing service in Brentwood, but also residents and staff from Ipswich Borough Council, Colchester Borough Homes and South Essex Homes.

Brentwood Borough Council's Vice Chair of the Housing and Health Committee, Councillor Vicky Davies, said: "This Learning Exchange Day was an excellent opportunity for residents who are involved in the housing service at Brentwood Borough Council to network with like-minded residents from other organisations and local authorities and share what works and what doesn’t.

"The aim was to share information and to help residents to feel empowered to have their say and feel more prepared for the upcoming changes to the benefits system."

If you are a resident of Brentwood Borough Council and would like to attend a similar event in the future you can contact the Tenant Participation Coordinator lauren.kealey@brentwood.gov.uk to express your interest.