 Hello,
In this issue of Housing Matters, your residents’ newsletter from East Devon District Council:
We’d love to hear your feedback on the new format. To share your thoughts, please visit our new Resident Engagement Hub, where new subscribers can also sign up.
If you're new to using the internet or need support, our Communities Team offers digital confidence sessions. We can also assist with any costs. Please contact us for more details.
Waste and recycling services to be brought in house
 We have announced plans to take direct control of our waste and recycling services from July 2026.
Following a detailed review, we believe that bringing the service in-house will offer the most sustainable and adaptable model for the future. The move will maintain high standards, embrace new legislation, and further boost sustainability efforts, including the shift towards an electric fleet.
All current Suez staff and vehicles will transfer to the new council-owned company, ensuring a smooth transition. Until then, the contract will continue without disruption.
East Devon beaches win national awards
Beer, Budleigh Salterton, Exmouth, Seaton and Sidmouth beaches have all achieved the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Award standards.
The Blue Flag signifies a commitment to exceptional beach management, including waste management, accessibility, environmental education and water quality.
We’ve installed track matting, in place until late September, at the eastern end of Seaton beach, Sidmouth Town beach and Budleigh Salterton beach, to improve beach access for residents and visitors with mobility issues. Beer beach benefits from having track matting all year round.
Celebrate with us at the Resident Connect Festival on 21 August 2025
 The Resident Connect Festival will soon be here, and we can’t wait to see you!
The event at Budleigh Salterton promises to be a day filled with fun and informative activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The 10.30am-3.30pm line-up is our best yet, with balloon modelling, a magic show, friendship bracelet making, plus lots of tenancy and neighbourhood-related advice.
What’s more, there’s a free lunch, and you won’t want to miss our awards ceremony, where we recognise community-spirited individuals who go above and beyond.
Help to develop our website
 Our website contains lots of useful information to help you get the most out of your tenancy – and we want it to be as helpful, accessible and easy to use as possible.
Whether you’re checking your tenancy details, looking for support, or exploring our services, your experience matters. That’s why we’ve created a quick survey to get your thoughts on what’s working, what’s not, and how we can make it better.
Please take a few minutes to explore the site, then head over to the Resident Engagement Hub to share your feedback.
The survey closes on Friday 13 June 2025. Thank you for taking part.
Latest tenant satisfaction results are in
 We’re pleased to share that overall tenant satisfaction has increased in Q4, with the latest survey data showing that 60% of tenants are satisfied (a rise of 3%).
The highest scores include:
- Being kept informed (70%).
- Repairs over the past 12 months (66%).
- The provision of a safe home (66%).
However, two measures fell below 50% satisfaction: the way the council listens to tenants' views and acts upon them (down from 44% to 43%), and handling of complaints (down from 21% to 16%).
Over 75? Get your Spring COVID-19 booster
 NHS Devon is urging eligible residents to book their spring COVID-19 booster to maintain protection against the virus.
The booster is available to those aged 75 and over (including anyone turning 75 by 17 June 2025), residents of older adult care homes, and individuals aged six months and over with a weakened immune system.
Appointments can be booked through the National Booking System or by calling 119. Eligible individuals are encouraged not to wait for an invitation but to arrange their vaccination as soon as possible.
Microchipping your cat – things you need to know
 It’s now a legal requirement in England to microchip all cats over 20 weeks old, including indoor cats but excluding free-living cats with little or no human contact.
Owners or keepers must register them on a Defra-approved database and keep details up to date – or risk a £500 fine.
Microchipping is quick, safe and increases the chances of reuniting lost cats with their owners. It typically costs £10-£30, though many vets and charities offer it for free.
We will be hosting free microchipping events later this year. Remember to follow our social media channels for updates.
Join us for a community picnic in Sidmouth
 We’ve been really pleased with the response to our Resident Connect pop-up events.
Our event at St Paul’s estate boasted a variety of fun activities. Residents enjoyed a scavenger hunt, sunflower planting and garden games, all while connecting with staff over a friendly cup of tea.
In Exmouth, we hosted a delightful Easter egg hunt at Ashfield Close play area. There was also plenty to keep the adults informed about, including Devon Home Choice, repairs, and financial support.
Our next event – a community picnic – is in Sidmouth on Tuesday 29 July 2025. We look forward to seeing you there!
Celebrating a year of Forever Connected
 In partnership with Cosmic, dozens of residents have gained essential tech skills, all while enjoying friendly chats and a hot cup of tea, at our Forever Connected workshops over the last year.
From mastering smartphones to safe online shopping and banking, the sessions have opened up a whole new digital world for participants.
Fun, practical sessions like identifying plants with Google Photo Search and using cashback sites like Top Cashback have proved especially popular. Best of all, participants reported an average 4-point boost in digital confidence.
We’re excited to bring the workshops back for another year, so why not come along?
Grow your idea with the Community Initiative Fund
 The Community Initiative Fund supports projects that benefit council tenants and their neighbourhoods. So, whether you want to install a new bench, buy books for your community centre, or set up community picnic event, the fund could help make your project a reality.
Several local groups have already made a difference. Albion Court in Exmouth added colourful plants to their communal garden, creating a cheerful space for neighbours to connect, and the Woodbury Social Group also refreshed their planters, giving their shared space new life.
You don’t need to be part of a formal group, just live in a council property and have an idea that benefits your community.
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