Friends and family of the late Janet Storar MBE have planted a tree in her memory in Edingley Square, near her former home in Sherwood, today.
Social housing champion Janet, who died in April 2023 following a short illness, was the first Tenant Chair of the Board of Nottingham City Homes, Nottingham City Council’s former Housing Arms’ Length Management Organisation (ALMO), and held the role for seven years.
A spokesperson said:
‘Janet always ensured that Nottingham tenants’ voices were heard. As the Housing and Planning Bill passed through Parliament in 2015, Janet made it clear she was incensed by many of its provisions, including Pay to Stay and the sale of council homes to fund Right to Buy.
‘She spoke at rallies, joined marches, and wrote to MPs, the House of Lords, and even the Prime Minister. She commented at the time, “I don’t flatter myself that it’ll make one iota of difference, but at least I’m going out and registering my disappointment, both as a council tenant of 40 years and as Chair of a company that manages council housing.”
‘She also served on a number of national social housing forums, including a group established in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy that informed the development of new government legislation to ensure social housing tenants have a say in housing policy going forward.
‘She always said that her greatest achievement was being awarded an MBE in 2013 for services to social housing – well-deserved recognition of her commitment and passion.’
Sue Stevenson, a fellow tenant and close friend of Janet who worked with her throughout her time in Housing, said, “Janet has left a tremendous legacy here in Nottingham and across the national social housing sector. This tree will be planted with the greatest respect for everything she achieved and fond memories of her humour and her spirit.”
