 Hello,
In this issue of Housing Matters, your residents’ newsletter from East Devon District Council:
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Seaton’s natural heritage at heart of new plan
 East Devon District Council's newly published Natural Seaton Masterplan will anchor Seaton’s identity in its exceptional natural environment. Seaton is a gateway to the East Devon National Landscape and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, with unique assets such as the Seaton Wetlands, the tramway, and the dramatic undercliffs.
The Masterplan sets out ways to make these places easier to enjoy, including improved access, a new “Natural Seaton Trail”, and a stronger shared identity through a Natural Seaton brand. A programme of events and activities is also planned to bring people together and attract visitors.
A new Natural Seaton Partnership will coordinate this work, with funding support from the sale of the former Seaton Jurassic Centre. The aim is to strengthen community connections, boost tourism, and ensure the town’s landscape and heritage continue to be cared for and celebrated.
Arcot Park upgrade complete
Our Planned Works team is celebrating the successful completion of the fabric and heating upgrade programme at Arcot Park, Sidmouth. This project was a major step in improving the comfort, quality, and sustainability of the homes there.
The work focused on two main areas: enhancing the building fabric and installing new, efficient heating systems. All work was carried out to a high standard from start to finish.
We’re proud to report an average customer satisfaction score of 95%, reflecting the skill and dedication of Bagwells Ltd. Thank you to everyone for your patience and cooperation during this project. We believe these improvements will provide lasting benefits for all tenants at Arcot Park.
Will your pendant alarm still work once landlines go digital?
Many people rely on Home Safeguard personal alarms to live safely and independently at home, knowing help is just a button press away. With the UK switching from traditional landlines to digital phone lines, it’s important to make sure your alarm will keep working.
The Home Safeguard Team is here to help:
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We’re upgrading to a new digital alarm call system.
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We’re contacting our most vulnerable customers to schedule any necessary equipment updates.
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We’re installing new, future-proofed equipment to ensure your alarm works seamlessly after the switch.
You may have seen TV ads about this change — now is the time to make sure your alarm is ready.
Questions or want to join Home Safeguard? Call 0330 678 2381 or email homesafeguard@eastdevon.gov.uk
 Understanding your tenancy – why it matters
If you’re thinking about swapping homes (mutual exchange), taking over a tenancy (succession or assignment), or moving, it’s important to know what type of tenancy you have. Each type comes with different rights.
Most tenants start with an Introductory Tenancy – a 12-month trial. If all goes well, this becomes either a Secure Tenancy or a Flexible (fixed-term) Tenancy.
A Secure Tenancy gives long-term rights, including the possibility of staying for life (if rules are followed), passing the tenancy to a family member, or buying your home (if eligible). A Flexible Tenancy offers similar rights but lasts a set number of years and is reviewed at the end.
There are also Demoted Tenancies, temporary agreements that replace a Secure or Flexible Tenancy when rules are broken.
Knowing your tenancy type helps you understand your rights. The Tenant & Leaseholder Panel reviewed this information and want all tenants to be informed. If you’re interested in joining the panel, get in touch with the Communities Team.
Share your views: domestic abuse policy
We have drafted an updated domestic abuse policy and want to hear your views.
Domestic abuse can take many forms – physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or controlling behaviour. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds. At East Devon District Council, we do not tolerate domestic abuse. We are committed to supporting victims and survivors and making sure they can feel safe in their homes and communities.
This new policy sets out how we will support anyone experiencing abuse. It explains the help available, how staff will respond to reports, and the principles that guide our approach – including safety, respect, and being non-judgemental.
Your feedback is important. By taking part in this consultation, you can help us identify any gaps, strengthen the proposals, and make sure the policy is effective for everyone.
Please share your views by completing our short survey through the link below.
Tenant-led awards shine at Resident Connect Festival
This year’s Resident Connect Festival, was a huge success. Organised by EDDC’s Housing Communities Team, it was full of energy, laughter and connection. At the heart of the event was a special awards ceremony, with nominations and winners chosen by tenants and presented by senior council leaders.
The awards recognised outstanding contributions across the district:
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Mary Paluch was named Exceptional Officer of the Year for her compassionate support.
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Baylie Roberts received the Young Community Champion award for his dedication to neighbours.
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The Community Hubsters were honoured as Community Group of the Year for their welcoming space and weekly meals.
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Sam Packer was celebrated as Engaged Tenant of the Year for her advocacy and insight.
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Lou and Danni, Andre Lambert, and Liesl Sheppard each received Outstanding Community Contributor awards for their tireless service.
These winners exemplify the power of kindness, connection, and tenant-led change. Congratulations to all!
Tully gardens blossoms with community spirit
 Thanks to a little help from the Community Initiative Fund, the residents of Tully Gardens in Sidmouth have transformed their shared space into a blooming haven. What began as a modest application for spring bulbs has flourished into a full-scale gardening project across three blocks of flats. With funding support, the group has added climbers, compost, storage—and even a turntable composter to keep future costs down.
Neighbours now meet regularly, sharing tea, coffee, and nice biscuits (of course). Their efforts have not only brightened the area but strengthened community bonds. (Rumour has it that some officers might be invited to their next BBQ!)
If you’ve got an idea to bring tenants together—be it a fun day, a bench, or a social group—the Community Initiative Fund is here to help. Apply today and start growing something great.
 Do you have a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter?
The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS), which controls some electricity meters and tariffs like Economy 7 or Economy 10, is being switched off nationally from 30 June 2025. This means meters using it will need to be replaced.
Only around 45 homes in East Devon currently have an RTS meter. If you are one of them, your electricity supplier should contact you directly. But to be on the safe side, it’s worth checking your meter yourself.
How to spot one:
- A black box labelled Radio Teleswitch or RTS attached to your meter, or
- Wording such as Radio Telemeter on the display, or
- You’re on a tariff with cheaper “off-peak” times, often linked to electric heating or hot water.
What to do:
If you think you have an RTS meter, contact your supplier. They will arrange a free replacement, usually with a smart meter, before the switch-off.
Autumn wildlife in your garden
 As autumn arrives, many creatures begin seeking out gardens that offer food, shelter, and safety. Hedgehogs are drawn to piles of leaves or log stacks, which provide cover and a place to find insects. Birds such as blackbirds, thrushes, and robins target berry-laden shrubs, seed heads, and fruit trees, which supply energy as natural food sources start to dwindle. Squirrels focus on nut-bearing trees, caching acorns and hazelnuts for the winter.
Even smaller animals play a role: beetles, spiders, and late-season pollinators linger in undisturbed flowerbeds and hedgerows, while garden ponds attract frogs and newts seeking shelter before colder months.
Gardens with structural diversity—trees, shrubs, hedges, leaf litter, and water features—are essential pockets of habitat, especially in built-up areas with cultivated gardens.
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