We're inviting you to share your views on a new Tenant Recharge Policy. This is your opportunity to help shape a policy that directly affects the way we manage and maintain your homes.
Most of our tenants take great care in looking after their homes - creating safe, comfortable spaces and respectful communities. However, there are a small number of individuals who intentionally cause damage or neglect their responsibilities, resulting in costly repairs that unfairly impact all residents.
To ensure fairness and accountability, the updated policy aims to clarify when tenants will be recharged for the full cost of repairs due to deliberate damage, misuse, or neglect.
We want to hear your views before any changes are made. This is your home, your community, and your voice matters.
E-mail your comments and feedback to: housingservicesoffice@lbbd.gov.uk by Sunday 31 August 2025.
Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help shape a policy that works for everyone.
We’re thrilled to share that this year’s Victory in Europe Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, was a resounding success! The special event brought together over 90 tenants from our sheltered housing blocks for an evening of remembrance, community, and joy at the Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club.
Guests enjoyed a fabulous evening mingling, reminiscing, and dancing the night away. The lively atmosphere, complete with music, laughter, and friendship, made for a truly memorable evening for all who attended.
VE Day - is more than just a date in the calendar. It marks the moment when peace was declared after years of conflict and selfless sacrifice. This annual commemoration offers a moment to honour the courage and resilience of those who lived through the war and to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy today thanks to their courage.
Events like these not only celebrate our history but also strengthen the bonds within our community. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped organise this wonderful occasion.
Lest we forget.
We’re committed to making sure our services are accessible, inclusive, and truly meet the needs of all our tenants.
That’s why we are planning to host an event for all our tenants with disabilities where your voice can help shape the future of our services.
This will be an informal, friendly session where we hear directly from you about your experiences
- How easy is it to access our services?
- Are you satisfied with the support you receive?
- What could we do better to make our services more inclusive, and responsive?
Your feedback will help us identify what’s working well and where we need to improve. Whether it’s about communication, physical access, digital services, or anything else – we want to listen and learn.
If you are interested in attending then please email housingservicesoffice@lbbd.gov.uk or alternatively you can call our Contact Centre on 0208 215 3000
Let’s work together to build a more accessible and supportive community.
We recently completed a tenant profiling exercise to better understand the people who live in our homes and the support they may need. By analysing the data we collected, we’re now in a stronger position to provide tailored support systems that reflect the diverse needs of our tenants.
This valuable insight not only helps us improve the services we deliver, but also informs our strategic and operational decisions, resource planning, and efforts to enhance tenant engagement and satisfaction. It’s all part of our commitment to putting tenants at the heart of everything we do.
One particularly interesting finding from the Census was that 10% of respondents told us they have caring responsibilities. This is a significant insight that helps us understand how we can better support carers in our communities.
Do you care for someone?
If so you might be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, a benefit that could help ease some of the financial pressure.
Parenthood isn’t always picture-perfect and that’s why the Council) is proud to work closely with Havering Mind to offer two vital support programmes: 'Mums Matter' and 'Dads in Mind'.
💛 Mums Matter: This free 8-week course is designed by mums, for mums, to support those experiencing mental health challenges. It offers:
- Emotional and practical support
- A holistic approach to well-being
- Creche facilities so mums can fully engage
- A 1:1 session with each mum’s key supporter at the end
🧠 Dads in Mind: Dads matter too - and this project is tailored to support fathers of children aged up to three years old. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, Dads in Mind offers:
- One-to-one and group support (online and in person)
- Tools to manage stress, anxiety, and depression
- A safe space to talk openly and build confidence
Together, these programmes aim to break down stigma, build resilience, and empower parents.
To learn more or refer someone, visit Havering Mind's website or contact your local support team.
Whether you're looking to boost your career, explore a new passion, or simply pick up where you left off, the Adult College in Barking and Dagenham proves that learning has no age limit.
The college offers a wide range of part-time courses designed to fit around your life. From English, Maths, and English Language to Digital Skills, Health & Social Care, and Teaching Assistant training, there’s something for everyone.
Many courses are free for adults earning under £25,000 and financial support may be available for travel, childcare, and tuition fees (subject to eligibility).
Whether you want to return to education after years away or taking your first step into a new field, the Adult College team is ready to support you every step of the way.
If you're interested in new opportunities to learn, visit the Adult College website.
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In our 'A Day in the Life' series, we shine the spotlight on staff across our housing team to give you an insight into the roles and responsibilities we cover.
It's also an opportunity for you to get to know us a bit better, and put a face to some of our names!
This edition, meet Emma Sanders, who tells us about her role as Service Lead for Housing and Neighbourhoods. She says:
"I’m proud to lead a dedicated team working hard to deliver the high-quality housing service that all our tenants deserve.
I work closely with our committed Housing Managers, who in turn support our Housing Officers on the ground. Together, we’re focused on improving services, listening to tenants, and making meaningful changes.
Communication and visibility are big priorities for us. We’ve recently revamped our Housing website to make it easier for residents to find useful information, and we’re proud to see this newsletter now in its third edition and being so well received. It’s just one of the ways we’re making sure you’re in the loop.
We know progress takes time, but we’re committed, focused, and striving for excellence. Thank you for being on this journey with us.
We hope you have a wonderful summer season!"
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