Have your say: Neighbourhood Management Policy
At Freebridge, we believe a neighbourhood is far more than the homes within it - it’s where daily life unfolds. It’s the walk to school, the shared green at the end of the road, the neighbour you bump into near the bin store, the places where community pride grows. When these spaces feel safe, cared for, and welcoming, people feel more at home.
That’s why we’re reviewing our Neighbourhood Management Policy - to make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep our streets, courtyards, and shared spaces clean, safe and thriving.
This isn’t just about maintenance. It’s about community, connection, and fairness.
🌿 What This Policy Is About
Our updated Neighbourhood Management Policy sets out how we’ll look after the areas around our homes, support local pride, and work in partnership with tenants, contractors and local agencies. It applies to everyone who lives in, works with, or visits our communities.
The policy recognises the unique character of North and West Norfolk - spanning busy towns, rural villages and coastal communities - and responds to what matters most to our tenants: clean, safe and well-maintained neighbourhoods that feel cared for.
It also reflects the latest regulatory expectations under the Regulator of Social Housing’s Neighbourhood and Community Standard (2024), ensuring our approach is not only supportive and people-centred, but also robust, measurable and compliant.
🏡 What the Policy Covers
Here are some of the key things the updated policy includes:
• Looking after shared spaces
We’ll maintain the communal areas we’re responsible for - like courtyards, pathways, gardens, play areas and car parks - to clear standards. Where responsibility lies elsewhere, we’ll work with the right agencies to make sure issues are tackled quickly.
• Regular inspections and accountability
Every estate will be inspected at least quarterly, with tenants invited to join us. Findings will be shared through our Voice of the Tenant Panel.
• Safety, accessibility and environmental quality
From good lighting to safe play areas to sustainable planting, we’ll design shared spaces that support wellbeing and reflect the needs of all tenants, including those with mobility or sensory impairments.
• Escalating and resolving issues
Where neighbourhood problems persist - such as environmental concerns, vandalism or antisocial behaviour - we’ll escalate them promptly and work with partners like councils and local police to put things right.
• Working together for stronger communities
Contractors, councils, community groups and local organisations all play a role. We’re building social value into every contract and encouraging local volunteer hours, training opportunities and investment.
• Clear responsibilities and communication
We’ll make it easier to know who is responsible for what, how to report issues, and what tenants can expect from us.
Our aim is simple: to build neighbourhoods people feel proud of.
🗓️ Have Your Say
We’d love you to read the full policy (linked below) and share your views in our short consultation questionnaire.
🗓️ Consultation closes: Wednesday 10th December
Thank you for helping us make every Freebridge neighbourhood a place people feel safe, supported and proud to live in.