Those working for housing associations should do more to improve their provision of social housing services, it has been reported.

Speaking at a National Housing Federation conference, Anthony Mayer, chairman of the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), also suggested that housing associations and councils must ensure that they communicate with their residents.

He reported that different communities will have differing priorities and demands from housing associations - whether this is tackling anti-social behaviour in the community or carrying out repairs.

Mr Mayer went on to report that there is far too large a gap "between the best and worst-performing housing associations in terms of the deal they give to their tenants and their engagement with their tenants".

"The key is to listen to tenants and not to tell them," the TSA chairman reminded those in the sector.

As such, he claimed housing associations will have to use a number of approaches if they wish to engage effectively with those people who are living in the properties they manage.

Earlier this month, Ruth Davison, director of campaigns and neighbourhoods for the National Housing Federation, claimed that the range of measures unveiled by Gordon Brown in a bid to boost the flagging property sector were deemed to be "excellent news" for social housing.

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