Column by the chair of Stroud District Council's housing committee, Mattie Ross.

There is so much going on in the housing service at the moment, and we have an extra meeting on November 2, when our tenant representatives Becky and Mike will be joining us for the first time. Decisions are made by elected members but our tenant members question and debate, and are much valued for it.

An updated Pet Policy is on the agenda, first approved in 2013 when the benefits of pet ownership were first recognised by the council, helping with reducing social isolation and much more.

Speaking personally, I know that during the darkest days of lockdown having a pet to care for was hugely beneficial to my wellbeing.

Greeting people on our daily walks for one, and Pasha is well known in the town. Up for discussion next week are tenants’ concerns regarding some animals which need addressing, especially but not exclusively in communal accommodation.

The work of the development team within the Independent Living Investment Programme continues, and policies regarding the storage of mobility scooter which do so much to retain independence for older residents, and a volunteer policy for guidance in our units and hubs, will be considered.

Something to celebrate too is the £10,000 award from the National Lottery Awards for All, for the garden at the Concord hub in Nailsworth. Stroud Valleys Project will work with and empower residents to create a riverside haven for wildlife.

Another partnership with five other Gloucestershire councils which we lead on helps us deliver the Warm and Well Scheme with Severn Wye and working closely with the Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Serve and GCC.

This dedicated local team does much to improve and promote energy efficiency improvements for vulnerable householders.