Housing Matters - June 2025
Thursday, 12 June 2025
Read the latest edition of Housing Matters - June 2025.
How did our tenant engagement event go?
We hosted the event in Dunstable at the beginning of June
Creasey Park Community Football Centre, Dunstable, had a new daytime buzz on Wednesday 4 June, when Housing Services held a housing information event. All tenants were invited to come along to talk to us about their home, community and the services we deliver.
During recent smaller tenant involvement activities, tenants expressed a desire to meet with Heads of Service and staff to have their voice heard. In response, we planned a larger scale event involving all Housing Services teams.
The Assistant Director and Heads of Services came along too. They were joined by the Neighbourhood, Repairs and Maintenance, Homelessness, Aids and Adaptations and Feedback teams. Visitors on the day were also treated to the Housing Systems team showing our exciting new housing app. We were pleased to be joined by the Disability Resource Centre, who were also giving advice on the day.
The results speak for themselves: those who came fed back that they found the event informative, eye opening, and felt they managed to speak to each area of the housing service that was important to them. Seven people also signed up to become an involved tenant, meaning they can have their say on the services we deliver.
What made the event truly special was seeing everyone getting involved and talking with staff to have their voice heard. This event shows how talking can make a real difference and help everyone in the community.
If you would like to learn how to get involved and be part of shaping and improving the services you receive, contact the Tenant Involvement team: tenant.involvement@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call Katherine on 0300 300 6880.
Shared ownership opportunities
Properties available soon in Flitwick and Beeston
Two bedroom, shared ownership homes at The Green, Beeston
These homes will be available to residents of Beeston or those with a local connection to Sandy Parish, such as living, working, or having close family in the area.
Shared ownership offers the ability to purchase a share of a home, starting from 10%, and pay rent on the remaining portion. It’s a more affordable way to step onto the property ladder with a smaller deposit and mortgage.
Shared ownership Independent Living apartments in Meadowsweet Place, Flitwick
A new development of one and two bedroom apartments for people over 55 years old is coming soon to Meadowsweet Place, Flitwick. Five apartments will be available to purchase through the Older Persons Shared Ownership scheme, designed for those over 55 who are looking to downsize.
Residents will benefit from access to on-site care, and a wide range of community facilities provided by Care is Central, a council owned care provider. All apartments are designed for comfort, accessibility and independence, with features like lift access, scooter parking and laundry facilities.
If you're interested in purchasing an apartment or want to stay informed as more details become available, visit our website to find out more or contact the Home Ownership Team on 0300 300 6144 or home.ownership@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Bringing empty homes back into use
Empty Homes Loan assistance is financial assistance to help carry out essential work
Empty homes represent a significant challenge within our communities, reflecting both a misuse of valuable resources and a lost opportunity to offer safe, sustainable housing to those in need.
As part of our Empty Homes Strategy and Housing Assistance Policy, financial assistance is available to support property owners in bringing empty homes back into use. Empty Homes Loan (EHL) assistance of up to £15,000 is offered to help carry out essential works to remedy housing hazards so that properties can become habitable again.
There is a requirement for the property owner to fund at least 25% of the cost of works themselves. A charge is placed against the property for the value of EHL provided, which is recovered by the Council if the property is sold within the repayment condition period (10 or 30 years depending on the value of EHL).
Recent projects include homes in Dunstable, Ampthill and Northill where EHLs funded works like plastering, new kitchens and bathrooms, insulation, and more, bringing previously empty properties back into use.
Antisocial Behaviour awareness week takes place at the end of June
Monday 30 June to Sunday 6 July 2025
ASB Awareness week is run by Resolve, who provide advice and support for agencies who manage Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).
We will be carrying out door knocks in some of our estates to advise residents how to report ASB. If you’re not in one of the areas we’re visiting, but would like to raise an issue, email us at neighbourhoodASB@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Resolve’s four wishes and what we’re doing
- Guaranteed support for victims of ASB: Our Neighbourhood Housing Officers work closely with victims and partner services to provide support.
- Resolve delays in the justice system: We escalate court delays through regular forums and have obtained several Civil Injunctions with Powers of Arrest.
- One single, national Information Sharing Agreement: We currently share information with Bedfordshire Police under an existing agreement.
- Make it easier to report ASB: Tenants can email us at neighbourhoodASB@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or report via our website. We’ve also created an online diary form for logging incidents quickly.
Charity donation from our heating contractor
TSG has made a donation to the Chief Executive's charity
Our heating contractor, TSG, has donated £1000 to the Chief Executive’s chosen charity, Respite at Home Volunteers, who support adults living with life-limiting illnesses and their carers.
Get ready for the 2025 Bedfordshire and Luton Wellbeing Games!
For residents of all ages
The 2025 Wellbeing Games will take place on Friday 25 July 2025, from 10am to 5pm at John Bunyan Sports & Fitness Centre in Bedford. No need to book—just turn up and enjoy the activities including Zumba, gym circuits, seated exercise, healthy lunches, and health checks.
Organised by Better and East London NHS Foundation Trust. Find out more.
If you'd like to volunteer at the event, contact Steve Muggridge at steve.muggridge@nhs.net.