Welcome to your residents’ newsletter. This is where we can share essential information with you about housing services and update you about the things you need to know.
In this edition of Open Door we’ve got information on:
- 140 council homes to be improved with £1.4 million funding
- New free homeless prevention drop-ins sessions
- York pensioners get £7,000 per year extra with Pension Credit
- Holgate communal areas get makeover
- Tell us your worries about repairs
- Mum quits smoking
- 2 nuisance tenants evicted after neighbours give evidence
- How to move home the quickest way
- Free school meals introduced at third primary school
- We’ll work with you better
- Changes to Open Door
140 council homes to be improved with £1.4 million funding
This new funding will improve around 140 council homes over the next 3 years. The improvements will make homes more energy efficient and comfortable and will cut carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. See more information about home energy efficiency.
Read more about how the council secured more than £3.4 million funding for warmer homes.
New free homeless prevention drop-ins sessions
If you’re worried about losing your home or tenancy, drop-in to our Homeless Prevention sessions at Carecent, St Saviourgate YO1 8NQ from 1.00pm to 3.00pm.
They take place on the last Wednesday of every month and are for people aged 18 or over.
For more information on homelessness and support to avoid it, please visit our Housing Options webpage.
Read more about new homeless prevention drop-ins.
York pensioners get £7,000 per year extra with Pension Credit
The 231 York pensioners who claimed Pension Credit since December 2024 are now £7,000 a year better off. To claim, you must be over State Pension age and on a low income. See if you’re eligible and apply online. Alternatively, telephone: 0800 99 1234 for local information and support.
Read more about Pension Credit.
Holgate communal areas get makeover
Tenants around Lindsey Avenue are enjoying a refresh of the outdoor areas. The drying areas of the apartment blocks have had new washing lines, with hard surfaces and drainage gullies cleaned, repaired or renewed. Find out more about reporting repairs to communal areas.
Tell us your worries about repairs
Don’t risk £1,000s of court charges from failed disrepair claims like some tenants, tell us about any concerns you have about repairs.
Find out more about a tenant whose disrepair claim failed.
Mum quits smoking
A mum who started smoking aged 12 has quit smoking for good so she can stay healthier and live longer. Mum of 2, Alex, was helped by one-to-one support from City of York Council’s Health Trainers. Find help to stop smoking.
2 nuisance tenants evicted after neighbours give evidence
Neighbours’ evidence against Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) has led to the courts ruling that 2 tenants have breached their tenancy and should be evicted. Find out how to report ASB.
Read about how neighbours’ stand against anti-social behaviour helps council eviction. In addition, read about tenant evicted following drug investigation with neighbours' support.
How to move home the quickest way
Do you want to move home? The quickest way can be by arranging a swap with another council or social landlord tenant. Take some photos of your home looking its best and arrange a swap for free.
Free school meals introduced at third primary school
Pupils at Fishergate Primary School can now get a free breakfast each morning as part of a citywide campaign. They have joined the scheme already running at Burton Green and Westfield Primary schools - find out more about York Hungry Minds. Find out if your children are eligible for free school meals.
Read more about the free school meal pilot extended to a third school.
We’ll work with you better
The council has promised to make York a healthier, fairer, more affordable, more sustainable and more accessible place, where everyone feels valued. In addition, it will support work to develop a 10-year Anti-Poverty strategy with residents and partners across the city. Find out more about York’s Poverty Truth Commission and Social Housing Regulator.
Read more about how the council is going to enhance its standards to improve residents’ experience.
Changes to Open Door
You’ll have noticed that this edition of Open Door is looking a little different: more photos, shorter text and weblinks to more information. Over the coming months, we’ll be asking you more about your thoughts on Open Door: what kind of information or articles you’d like to see, and if you’d like to get involved suggesting stories or people to interview.
Meanwhile, for more details, email: housing.serviceimprovements@york.gov.uk or telephone: 01904 555556.
Open Door
- Email: housing.serviceimprovments@york.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01904 555556