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Welcome to our dedicated e-newsletter for council tenants and leaseholders
We are continuing to address the growing demand for housing in the borough by purchasing properties, developing brownfield land and revitalising our housing estates to create much-needed affordable homes.
With 3,200 applicants on the council’s housing register, a 14 per cent increase in the last three years, and 450 properties let on average each year, priority for homes is given to residents in the greatest need. Many applicants may never receive a social housing offer and it’s important to consider the private rented sector as an option. Visit our website for more information on how to find an affordable private rented property or access a range of support.
To ensure homes go to those who need them most we are currently running a key amnesty, offering anyone illegally subletting council properties a chance to return keys without consequences.
Alongside creating new homes, we are also investing in improving our current stock and ensuring they are safe. As part of that commitment, in May, we maintained our BM Trada accreditation for fire door maintenance. The certification is not a requirement but a mark of excellence and competence in the field of fire door installation and maintenance.
Finally, we are working hard to deliver a quality housing service which adapts to residents' changing needs. I’m grateful to the tenants and leaseholders who have been taking part in our Special Interest Groups to help us make improvements. I strongly encourage everyone to get involved in one of our sessions and share your views.
Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth
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Key amnesty to reclaim homes
If you are illegally subletting or have left your council home, hand your keys in at the main reception, Civic Centre, Uxbridge before 23 June without facing legal ramifications and help us to reallocate those properties to people on the housing register.
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Sign up for e-billing
Help protect the environment by signing up to manage your council tax account online.
It's fast, free, reliable and secure.
Once you're registered, you can download your bill, check how much you owe, set up direct debit payments and keep us up to date with any changes in your circumstances.
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We’re looking for more residents to get involved and help shape the services we deliver for tenants and leaseholders.
Residents' views and local knowledge are vital in helping us understand your needs and priorities.
Last year, we created five Special Interest Groups, covering issues such as policies and procedures, caretaking and grounds maintenance, repairs and planned works, managing anti-social behaviour, and tenant welfare.
The groups meet quarterly and provide tenants and leaseholders with the opportunity to monitor the council’s performance, address specific area-based issues, review boroughwide policies and allow the council to present new ideas or proposed ways of working.
As part of our commitment to being open, accessible and accountable, the Tenant and Leaseholder conference is returning on Friday 26 September. More information will be available soon.
If you have any ideas on what information should be included in future editions of this newsletter, then complete the short feedback form.
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Charge safe
E-bikes, e-scooters and mobility scooters are a growing cause of fires across the country and pose an even greater risk in residential blocks with multiple occupants.
The fires occur when the lithium batteries powering these vehicles fail and explode, which creates fierce flames and a toxic white vapour cloud.
Batteries can fail for several reasons and common causes include poorly built or counterfeit batteries, modifications, damaged batteries, overcharging, or even using the incorrect charger.
Top safety tips to protect you and your neighbours:
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Use the right charger – always use the manufacturer approved charger for your device and avoid off-brand alternatives.
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Charge in a safe place – never charge devices in communal areas or block escape routes like exits or hallways. Keep away from direct sunlight and flammable materials.
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Don’t overcharge – unplug devices once they’re fully charged to avoid overheating the battery.
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Inspect for damage – if your battery shows signs of swelling, leakage, or damage, stop using the device immediately and dispose of the battery safely.
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Dispose properly – contact the manufacturer (or where you bought the product from) - they have a responsibility to recycle them safely and responsibly.
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Partnership to provide early advice and support services
The partnership will be led by Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent.
It will work in collaboration with Disability Advice and Support Hillingdon; Bell Farm Christian Centre, which delivers a range of support services; and Nucleus, which provides benefits, debt, employment, housing and consumer advice.
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Tackling domestic abuse
We are updating our domestic abuse policy for tenants and leaseholders and need your views.
Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.
The draft policy outlines how we support survivors and our zero-tolerance approach to perpetrators. It also aims to contribute to the reduction of harm and to help prevent further abuse by promoting early intervention through a multi-agency response.
To help residents understand the draft policy and ask any questions, we're holding engagement sessions both in person at the Civic Centre, Uxbridge and online.
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Friday 27 June, 6pm to 7pm, committee room five and online. Book your place.
The deadline to submit your views is Sunday 6 July.
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Improving your homes
This year, we committed to delivering a four-year £108 million investment programme to improve the homes of council tenants.
The programme is shaped by information collected as part of the last boroughwide stock condition survey.
In May, our contractor Highview Group completed 14 pitched roof upgrades at New Peachy Lane in Cowley. Each home had new roof tiles and loft insulation installed to improve energy efficiency, alongside new rainwater gutters.
Eileen Newall, one of the tenants, whose home was part of the works, said: "I'm really pleased with the new roof and gutters; it's a great upgrade. We were kept regularly informed by the council and contractors about when the work would take place and what would be required.
"As one of the last homes for work to start, it was reassuring to see how the others on the street were coming along. The team carrying out the project was fantastic and made adjustments to accommodate my individual circumstances and home."
When improvement works are planned, we will write to tenants. All day-to-day repair requests should be submitted online or through MyAccount.
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Unhappy with our service?
We realise that sometimes things can go wrong. If they do, we want to hear from you so that we can put them right and learn from what has happened. You will not be treated less favourably if you decide to complain, and your complaint will be dealt with in confidence.
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