City of York Council's housing tenants and leaseholds will be able to take part in 'Kilroy' style discussion groups as part of changes to the way they are involved in managing their housing services.

The proposals are being enshrined in a revised Tenant Participation agreement, 'Getting on Board', which will be launched at a special event at Murton Park Viking Village next Thursday (14 August).

The first compact was launched in March 2000 with the aim of helping tenants, residents and leaseholders get involved in the management of their homes. The council's 8,500 tenants and leaseholders were invited to take part in a review of the compact in December 2002, putting forward ideas on how they thought services could be improved.

The resulting document sets out over 100 promises by the council to tenants, including agreeing to consult individuals and groups on matters which directly affect them and keeping tenants informed about housing services.

Important changes to the original compact include agreeing to: Ask tenants how they want to be contacted by the council to find out their views Form tenant focus groups to look at parts of the housing service, such as repairs Appoint tenant inspectors to keep an eye on all aspects of the housing service

Housing chiefs are also looking at innovative new ways of involving tenants, including developing a new tenants' section on the council's website, creating tenants' juries where residents' groups can invite experts to explain different services and holding 'Kilroy' discussion forums to enable residents to air their views.

Heather McKenzie, community advisor, City of York Council, said: "By asking tenants to review the original compact, we have been able to introduce the changes they have requested.

"The changes we've made to the compact will mean that tenants can get more involved in how we manage the housing service, in a wider variety of ways, which should result in a better service for all tenants."

Council tenants are invited to the free launch event on Thursday, 14 August, which will start at 6.30pm and finish at approximately 8.45pm. Return coach transport is available and will leave Memorial Gardens, Leeman Road at 6.00pm.

The event will include a light supper and tenants will be able to enjoy a tour of the viking village. Children are welcome and will be able have a go at a range of viking activities, including clay pot making.

Tenants wanting to attend the launch are asked to reserve their place before Friday 8 August, by contacting the Community Advice team on 01904 554108.