 Great Estates pilots announced
As part of the Great Estates programme the council is pleased to announce that seven projects have been selected, from an incredible 388 applications, to be taken forward as pilots. The proposals include replanting and gardening projects, painting and re-decoration works, measures and works to reduce antisocial behaviour, better storage for buggies and bikes, refuse and recycling, cleaning and artworks such as murals. Well done to all the successful seven estates: Canada, Rockingham, Elmington, Brandon, Rye Hill, Kingswood and Friary.
49 new council homes given green light across Southwark
We have received planning permission to build 49 new council homes across the borough, as part of our goal to build 11,000 new council homes by 2043. It’s a big goal, but crucial if we’re going to tackle the borough’s housing crisis and provide quality homes our residents can be proud of, now and in the future. These new council homes will be built in Dulwich, Walworth and Camberwell.
 Southwark Council celebrates 100 years of the Addison Act
To commemorate 100 years since the Addison Act, which paved the way for large-scale council home building across the UK, the council has launched an exhibition which will be touring the borough through TRA halls and libraries to celebrate our long history of public housing. The eight-panel exhibition takes residents through the decades, starting in the mid-18th century, when south Londoners had to rely primarily on the charity of others for their housing needs, moving on to the slum clearances of the late 1800s, and eventual realisation that the state must provide affordable, safe and clean housing for residents across the borough.
Stay warm this winter
We provide 17,000 homes with heat and hot water through our heat networks. It’s a huge task but it’s our responsibility to ensure that residents have warm homes and hot water. We know that at times our systems don’t work as well as they should, which is why we have set up a Southwark-wide resident working group to look at what we need to improve. It’s also why the council is spending £17million this year to maintain, repair and improve our heat networks. If you live in a council property, get live updates on your network.
 Learn to swim (free of charge!)
Have you ever wanted to learn to swim? If you’re a Southwark resident, a non-swimmer and aged 16 or over, you can now book free swimming lessons, courtesy of Southwark Council. The lessons are once a week for 12 weeks and the next block of lessons start in mid January.
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Have you spotted someone sleeping rough?
If you are concerned about someone over the age of 18 that you have seen sleeping rough, you can send an alert to StreetLink. The details you provide are sent to the local authority or outreach service for the area in which you have seen the person, to help them find the individual and connect them to support.
New homes for Old Kent Road
The regeneration of Old Kent Road is one of the largest projects of its kind in London. In total 20,000 new homes will be built in the area, 35% of which will be affordable - including 5,000 at social rent. Since 2015 planning approval has been granted for almost 6,000 new homes, more than 2,000 of which are affordable homes. Some schemes, such as London Square, are already under construction while others are due to start on site soon. Combined, these Old Kent Road developments will make up a big chunk of the total number of new homes to be built in Southwark over the next decade. Find out more about what's being built.
Are you considering letting your property?
If you’re a local landlord of one or more properties and are looking to let, we would like to work with you. Since 2011 we’ve helped over 500 landlords to let their properties. If you are a leaseholder considering becoming a landlord and would like the security of guaranteed rent in your pocket every month, we can make this happen! If this interests you, please contact Housing Solutions on 020 7525 2947 or email us.
New Year... new course?
Want to learn a new skill in 2020? Whether you’re interested in arts and crafts, fitness, or improving your English, maths or computing skills, our adult education programme has hundreds of courses for you and your family. Enrolment is now open for the spring and summer terms including evening and weekend courses.
Is your child starting primary school in September 2020?
Apply for your child’s primary school place by the deadline of Wednesday 15 January 2020. It’s quick, easy to do and available 24 hours a day. Further admissions information on schools in your area and how to how to apply is available or should you have any other queries please call 020 7525 5337.
Registering for EU settled status
We want every EU resident who has made Southwark their home to know that they are welcome, valued, and have the information they need to stay here. All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who wish to remain in the UK should apply to the EU settlement scheme. You can get help with your application by calling 0300 123 7379.
Do you find it hard to pay your energy bills?
South London Advice and Referral Network offers free advice to help vulnerable residents stay warm and healthy during the colder months. Support is available to anyone living in south London who is over 65, on a low income, or who has a long term health condition or disability. Book your free home visit or call 0808 169 1779.
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