Resident estate improvement fund

The estate improvement fund is an annual investment pot that helps residents work with the Council to choose and deliver the changes they want to see on their estate.

It can be spent on one-off, physical changes to improve outdoor and communal areas on estates, whether it’s enhancing what’s in place already or creating brand new facilities. This could include anything from providing new play equipment and seating to creating planting and growing areas or introducing security improvements.

How does it work?

Step 1 – have your say

Tell us about specific ideas for changes you’d like to see, or give us general feedback on the types of things we should focus investment on.

Step 2 – creating proposals

We’ll use your ideas and feedback to create detailed and deliverable proposals for your estate. These will be based on your views, while ensuring any changes are sustainable to manage and maintain and do not cause unexpected issues around things like security or antisocial behaviour.

Step 3 – confirming improvements

We’ll confirm the improvements to take place based on your input , including the proposed timescales for completing them, and publish this online.

Step 4 – delivering changes

We deliver the changes in line with these timescales, and keep residents informed along the way.

Who can have their say and how?

Anyone who lives on an estate can have their say, whether they’re a Council tenant, homeowner, private renter or living in temporary accommodation. You can have your say by completing the online feedback form, returning the feedback form in the September edition of Our Homes, or by attending an estate walkabout on your estate.

What type of changes can the fund be used for?

The funding can be used for one-off, physical changes to improve outdoor and communal areas on estates, whether it’s enhancing what’s in place already or creating brand new facilities.

Previous examples of improvements the funding has been used for include play equipment, seating, planting and landscaping, growing areas, community gardens, security improvements, signage, redecorating communal areas or community halls, and waste and recycling facilities.

It cannot be used for ongoing services or maintenance such as improved cleaning or gardening service, or for events and activities.

How much funding is available and where does it come from?

The fund is part of the Council’s budget for managing and maintaining Council homes, with an amount each year ring fenced for changes influenced by residents.

The amount that can be spent on each estate will depend on the circumstances of each estate and the ideas of residents. If a change is likely to cost more than £250 per home on the estates, or cost more than £100 per year to maintain, we will undertake a formal consultation with leaseholders about their contribution.