Housing News Winter 2021

What does the Social Housing White Paper mean for Redbridge?

We would like to work with our residents to develop the key themes of the Housing White Paper, which are;

• Keeping Safe
• How we are Performing
• Listening to the Resident Voice
• Complaints Handling
• Homes and Neighbourhoods

If you would like to join a focus group to discuss these themes, please email the Resident Engagement Team or call 0208 708 7629 to register your interest. 

The meetings will be a combination of virtual and face to face gatherings

Orchard Housing Office Reception to Close

We recently consulted you regarding the use of the Orchard Housing Office in Woodford Green. We asked for your views regarding our proposal not to re-open the office reception to residents. During the lockdown, the Orchard reception remained closed. However, residents could still meet with staff by appointment.

We have received feedback from residents regarding the office closure. Some residents  have informed us that they have been able to, and continue to successfully contact the relevant service via phone or email. Other residents have informed us that they would like to continue to use the Orchard Housing Office Reception.

We have now reviewed the feedback and can confirm the Orchard Housing Office Reception will remain closed to the public. The office will continue to operate on an appointment only basis. To arrange an appointment, please email Housing Enquiries or phone 0208 518 2800. 

Affordable Homes Update

Building work is now underway on the development of new affordable homes at Norman Road in Ilford, part of our ambitious plans to create more affordable homes in the borough.

The scheme, which is due to be completed in autumn 2022, will create six new affordable homes and is part of our wider plans to build 600 new affordable homes in the borough by 2022.

Leader of Redbridge Council Cllr Jas Athwal and Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, Cllr Vanisha Solanki, were both on site in November as ground was officially broken and the first pylons laid.

Orchard Estate Flowerbeds

On Saturday 20 November, the Resident Engagement Team got together with residents from Orchard Estate and local community groups to work on preparing and planting the large flowerbeds outside the Orchard Housing Office & Community Hall.

We spent the morning weeding the flowerbeds before raking in fresh compost. After that, we planted perennial bulbs in one of the flowerbeds and will be reconvening in the spring to plant evergreens bushes in other flowerbed.

All in all, it was a lovely morning spent working with the community to produce something that can be enjoyed by all.

Special thanks to Cllr Vanisha Solanki for her support, and members of the Ismaili Civic Community and Noah's Ark Church.

Active Together

Would you like to be more active? 

We are working with Vision to introduce a series of activities to encourage our residents to be active and healthy and are open to hearing what kind of activities you would like us to arrange. Some of the suggestions we've had so far include buggy walks, yoga and exercise classes and tennis in the park. 

These activities will be based in the Orchard Community Hall in Woodford Green but are open to all residents of Redbridge.

To suggest an activity you would like to see, email the Resident Engagement Team. 

Old Mill Court Estate Improvements

Following conversations with residents at Old Mill Court, the following improvement works to the courtyard areas have now been completed:

• The courtyard areas have been resurfaced in a warm red colour and a raised planter and new concrete drying posts have been installed. The planters will contain low maintenance evergreen shrubs which will be maintained by our grounds maintenance team. 
• New security fencing has been installed at the end of each courtyard and residents have been issued with a fob key for the gate to their individual block.
• In addition to these improvements, the brick built bin enclosures have been removed and new bin stations installed which also include recycling bins. 

The finished works have vastly improved the shared courtyard areas, which were looking rather drab and the facilities will benefit residents for years to come and help keep the areas safe, clean and attractive.

Rent Consultation

The proposed rent increase from April 2022 will be 4.1%; this is in line with the Social Housing Regulator’s requirement to increase rent by the Consumer Price Index figure for September (which was 3.1%), plus an additional 1%.

This extra income will go towards the maintenance and improvement of our existing homes and services. We are currently consulting on this proposal. If you are a council tenant, please complete the online survey which closes on 27 December 2021.

Ventilate your home and help limit the spread of Covid-19

Letting fresh air into indoor spaces can help remove air that contains virus particles and limit the spread of coronavirus. In poorly ventilated rooms, the amount of virus in the air can build up, increasing the risk of spreading Covid-19. 

Good ventilation will not only help reduce transmission of the virus but will also help reduce condensation, damp and mould. 

We would like to ask you to ensure that your home is well ventilated. Ventilation does not mean you have to be cold, opening windows and/or doors for a few minutes every now and again can help reduce the risk and allow the air inside your home to refresh. Windows do not have to be fully open to provide ventilation, just opening your window slightly will provide ventilation while reducing cold drafts.