 Hello,
In this issue of Housing Matters, your residents’ newsletter from East Devon District Council:
If you're new to using the internet or need support, our Communities Team offers digital confidence sessions. We can also assist with certain costs. Please contact us for more details.
 Regulator’s report: how we’re doing
 We've been awarded a C2 grade in our first full inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing – a strong result we’re proud to share.
Councils are rated from C1 (top performance) to C4 (major failings). Only three councils have achieved C1, and just 16 of 43 inspected so far received C2 or better.
The regulator praised our work on housing quality, tenant safety, and long-term planning – as well as improvements in complaints handling, tenant engagement, and how we use property data. Some areas still need work – and the regulator was pleased with the clear plan we have in place to address these.
This great result reflects the progress we’ve made over the past year to improve the service tenants receive, and our commitment to making further improvements.
We’re rebuilding the website (with your ideas!)
A big you to everyone who completed our housing website survey in June and to those who spoke with us at the Community Hubs in July. We really appreciate your time and ideas!
We’re still working through feedback from the hubs, and we’ll provide you with more updates as our project develops, but here are some of the key things you’ve told us so far:
- Make the website easier to use on mobile phones.
- Make better use of the East Devon District Council App.
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Ensure services are still accessible for those who don’t currently use the internet.
- Simplify our webpages, so information is easier to find, not spread across multiple sections.
We’re now looking at how to put these ideas into action. If you have more suggestions, we’d love to hear from you! You can contact us by sending an email or speaking to your housing officer.
Results of the stock condition survey
 Our major housing stock condition survey has given us a clear picture of the condition of over 4,500 council homes and community buildings across the district.
The results show that 93% of homes meet the Decent Homes Standard, which is above the national average. Urgent repairs flagged by the survey have already been actioned, and plans are in place for wider upgrades, including heating, insulation, kitchens and bathrooms.
Just 1.27% of homes had serious health and safety issues, all of which are now being addressed. Tackling damp and condensation, found in 10% of homes, is also a key priority. The findings will help shape long-term investment plans, backed by up to £311 million over the next 30 years.
This evidence-led approach ensures homes stay safe, comfortable and energy-efficient for years to come.
 Tell us what you think of the repairs service
The Repairs & Maintenance Scrutiny Group, made up of fellow tenants, wants to hear about your experience with any recent repairs to your home. We're looking at every step of the process: from when you first got in touch, to how the job was finished.
Whether everything went smoothly, or whether there were hiccups, issues and unexpected challenges, we want to know. Your feedback helps us understand what’s working and what needs to improve, so we can make the service better for everyone.
Want to talk more? If you leave your contact details, one of the tenant members of the group will be in touch to follow up on your response.
Look out for the Tenant Satisfaction Survey number
Since August 2024, over 700 tenants have shared their views in the Tenant Satisfaction Survey, with 60% saying they’re satisfied with the Housing Service. We’ve seen improvements in feedback across all areas, which shows we’re starting to make-much needed positive changes.
That said, we know there’s more to do, and your feedback helps us understand where we need to do better. If you get a call or email from Acuity (the number is 01404 619005), please take 10 minutes to complete the survey. It’s safe, and the results influence where your housing service focuses time and resources.
To see more detail about what tenants experienced and felt over the past year, take a look at the results, which we publish on the website.
Tenants help to shape our response to ASB
 Feedback from tenants helped shape our new and improved ASB Policy.
Across three focus groups and an online survey, you told us you wanted to see clearer wording, fairer treatment for vulnerable tenants, and more support to help people stay in their homes. We’re also doing inspections and tenancy visits sooner, and improving communication so you’re kept in the loop.
At the focus groups we also discussed what ASB is – and what it isn’t. ASB includes harassment, threats, noise nuisance, vandalism, and drug-related activity. But everyday noise, lifestyle differences, or one-off neighbour disputes aren’t usually ASB (although your Housing Officer will still support you with neighbour issues in the most appropriate way).
To read the full report on how tenants were involved and what they told us, and to see all the changes that were made as a result, visit the website.
 Garden Competition awards ceremony coming soon
In July, Garden Competition judge Pat Marrish and Community Development Worker Victoria Robinson visited tenant gardens across the district, and they were amazed by what they saw.
Pat said: “I felt honoured to be asked to judge the Garden Competition. I had no idea what to expect – and to be totally honest, I was blown away by all 42 entries.
“There were long-established gardens and brand-new ones just starting out, some only a few months old. The community garden projects really humbled me – people working together to create something everyone can enjoy.
“The enthusiasm from every single one of you was incredible, infectious, and truly inspiring. In my eyes, you were all winners!”
A huge thank you to everyone who took part. Your passion and creativity made this year’s competition really special. We can't wait to reveal the winners!
Protecting lives, one fire door at a time
Fire Door Safety Week runs 22-26 September 2025, and our Building Safety Surveyor, Ryan Roberts, will be visiting the Community Hubs to talk about how fire doors save live – but only when used properly.
Fire doors help slow the spread of fire and smoke, giving you precious time to escape. Whether at home, work, or in shared spaces, knowing how to spot a damaged or misused fire door can make a real difference.
Ryan will be on hand to answer questions and explain what to look out for.
On the subject of fire safety, remember it’s your legal responsibility to check smoke alarms monthly. Press the test button until it sounds. If there’s no sound, please contact us or Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. Let’s all take a few simple steps to keep our homes and communities safe.
 Fun eco wins in "Sustainable September"
This September, small changes can help nature and our East Devon community. Remember, small actions make a difference.
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Eat with the seasons. Apples, squash, and root veg are in their prime. Got more than you can manage? Share with a neighbour or try making chutney or soup for the colder months. Sharing is sustainable.
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Rethink your wardrobe. As the weather cools, check out your local charity shops before buying new. It’s better for the planet, and supports local causes like Hospiscare, Devon Air Ambulance and InFocus.
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Get out and about (car-free). Swap one car trip this month for a walk, bike ride, or bus journey. Discover local gems like Seaton Wetlands, Beer Beach, or the Donkey Sanctuary.
Make a toadstool nightlight
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An empty crisps tube
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A saw
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A sharp pointy tool
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Scissors
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White card
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Felt – two colours
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Tissue paper – a variety of colours
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Glue stick
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Glue gun (or PVA glue)
- Acrylic or felt tip pens
Instructions
1: Cut an empty crisps' tube into three smaller tubs with a saw, so you have three mini tubes
2: Cut a window shape out of the wall with the sharp pointy tool
3: Cut a length of white card long enough to wrap around the tube
4: Draw around the cut-out window shape in the tube onto the white card. Cut this to open outwards like a window
5: Cover the white card with glue stick. Wrap around your tube and hold it until dry. (Be sure to line up the card window with the tube window!)
6: Cut a length of green tissue paper and feather the edge to make grass. Cut flowers out of the tissue paper. Cut two or three layers together to stop it wrinkling. Glue on with glue stick.
7: Make the roof by cutting a circle of felt. Make the circle 4cm bigger than the size of the tube circle
8: Cut a straight line in the felt circle, up to the centre. Curl the circle round to get the shape you want
9: Glue the roof together with the glue gun.
10: Create the spots for the roof with different colour felt. Use a 5p piece to get the right size. Create six or seven and stick them on with a glue gun
11: Glue the felt roof to the top of the tube. (If you’re using the bottom of the tube, make sure you have a way of getting your candle in!)
12: Using your acrylic and felt pens, decorate it however you like!
PLEASE NOTE: ONLY ELECTRIC TEALIGHTS SHOULD BE USED WITH THIS CARDBOARD LAMP
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