Click here to read the latest housing e-newsletter.

Click here  ^{(pdf, 4.1mb)}for the latest news for Sheltered Housing customers

We’ve received a small number of reports from residents who have been contacted by companies falsely claiming to be working with us on our Energy Saving Homes programme.

Please be aware that when you join the energy saving homes programme, we will let you know which contractor will be carrying out works at your property. They will NOT contact you before we’ve let you know who they are.  Please also keep in mind that the programme is fully funded, and you will NOT be charged for the work.

If you are concerned, or unsure at any stage, please don’t hesitate to contact our Retrofit team on 01962 848 175 or email EHomes@WINCHESTER.GOV.UK.

Click here for all of the latests events and activites for housing, including:

• Digital Inclusion project
• Community Hubs
• Pension Credit mornings

If you're entitled to Pension Credit but aren't sure how to apply, come along to one of our Pension Credit Coffee Mornings, where our staff will be on hand to help you make applications.

Why apply for Pension Credit?

Receiving Pension Credit means you'll also be able to claim extra financial support, including Winter Fuel Payments.

To receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year an application for Pension Credit must be made by 21 December 2024.

How do I know if it might be eligible?

You might be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than £218.50 and you live alone, or less than £332.95 as part of a couple (or slightly higher if you are receiving any disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance). To find out if you can claim Pension Credit you can check online at Pension Credit calculator - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or telephone the Pension Credit helpline for free on 0800 99 1234.

If you need help applying for pension credit, please contact our Tenancy Sustainment Team 01962 848060 or by email to TenancySustainment@winchester.gov.uk.

Hear about housing achievements over the past financial year. See where your rent is spent and how we are performing. 

Read how Neighbourhood Services have been working hard to keep your neighbourhood safe, clean and greener. 
Find out about how we have been listening to your view and how you can get involved.

Click here ^{(pdf, 869kb)}here to read the latest housing annual report

A new guidance booklet has been produced for management of condensation, damp & mould, along with a checklist for customer to download.

Both can be found on the website

Frozen condense pipes are one of the most common winter problems with modern boilers and during extreme cold weather conditions accounts for the highest percentage of repairs call outs. If part of your condense pipework is outside, then in very cold weather it may freeze which could cause your boiler to stop working.

Whilst the Council tries to attend to emergency repairs within its published timescales, this may not be possible during bad weather as road conditions may be treacherous. Phone waiting times may be longer during these times as multiple tenants might be phoning in at the same time. If your condense pipework has frozen you boiler may show the following error codes:

 • Vaillant: F29, F68 or F77

• Remeha/Baxi: E4

• Potterton: E133

When pipework freezes, you may want to try the following easy fixes before contacting the Council as you may be able to fix the problem quicker than the council will be able to get to you.

You can use warm water – not boiling – heated by a kettle or a microwave and pour over the end of the pipe where it is frozen using a container like a watering can, ensuring any excess water is mopped up afterwards to prevent ice puddles forming.

Once the pipe has thawed you should re-set your boiler by holding in the reset button for 3-10 seconds and wait for the boiler to re-fire (the reset button may be clearly marked “RESET” or “R” or it may be a highlighted by a picture of a flame with a line through it).

If you have tried either of the above and the boiler is still not working, please

email hhub@winchester.gov.uk the housing repairs team or

call the Council repairs line on 01962 848 400 or if it’s outside of normal

opening hours on 01962 865 405