@Home Issue 4 - December 2021

ISSUE NO.4 WINTER 2021

BUILDING SAFETY BILL What does it mean for residents?

PERSONAL EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS What are they, and how do they work?

NEW PLAYGROUNDS For Avondale, Middlesex Street and Windsor House Try a new ‘Resident Recipe’ - Sibil’s Layered Aubergines!

HOUSING REVIEW from...

LIAM GILLESPIE

Head of Housing Management

Welcome to the Winter 2021 issue of @home magazine.

In this issue, you can find out how to set up a residents’ group or association on your estate. We look at one successful resident group, Avondale Community Events, and their recent Halloween Party which was enjoyed by around 100 residents.

We also feature an important update on our complaints process, which has been streamlined to bring it in line with the Housing Ombudsman’s expectations for housing providers.

Building safety is obviously an important issue and keeping our residents’ homes safe is our main priority. In this edition of @home, we look at the Fire Safety Act and the Building Safety Bill and what they mean for you, and for us as a landlord.

As part of our work to help ensure your safety,

we are carrying out personal emergency evacuation assessments.

These assessments will help us identify any residents who may need extra help or support in an emergency, for example those people who may require help using stairs or being alerted to an emergency.

An assessment can be carried out over the phone in under ten minutes. You can request a call back by filling in our online form, e-mailing us, or contacting your estate office. Please see page 9 for more details on how to request an assessment for you or one of your household.

We hope you enjoy this edition of @home. If you have any comments on the magazine, or suggestions for future content, please email home@cityoflondon.gov.uk.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

MEET THE TEAM!

Wishing you a safe festive period

3

Word on the Estates

4

Changes to Housing Complaints Policy

5

Avondale Community Events

6

New playgrounds

7

Health and Safety

8

Personal Emergency Evacuation Assessments

9

Building Safety Bill & Fire Safety Act

10

Tenancy Fraud

11

Reporting Noise Nuisance

12

Domestic Abuse: What is coercive control?

13

Climate Action Strategy update

14

Sophie Caley

Resident Recipes

15

Contact the team at home@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Helpful tips on staying safe at home

Major Works projects starting on your estate in 2022 Plus Tempo Time Credits

Halloween Party; and what community events mean to them Plus how to set up your own resident groups Helping you to avoid trips and falls at home What are they and how do they work?

What do these mean for residents?

How we are working to tackle tenancy fraud What to do when experiencing noise nuisance on your estate How to recognise coercive control and where to get help Plus a 2021 themed crossword!

Layered aubergines from Sibil!

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Who are the people behind @Home magazine and newsletters?

Liane Coopey Emily Grant

Rebecca Southin Mohamed Hussain

Wendy Giaccaglia

WISHING YOU A SAFE FESTIVE SEASON The festive season is well and truly here! It’s so easy to get caught up in all the excitement, we often forget about the importance of our health and safety at this busy time.

Please take note of the following safety tips to ensure you have a safe and happy holiday season with your loved ones!

Remember your Christmas tree is a fire risk Real or artificial, your Christmas tree is a fire risk, make sure you put up your tree well away from all heat sources. If you have a real tree, always make sure you replenish the water in the stand. A dry tree can be fully engulfed in flames in seconds and quickly spread to the whole room. Artificial trees should be labelled, certified and identified by the manufacturer as fire-resistant.

Check your fairy lights Inspect your lights for any cracked bulbs, frayed cord or loose wires. Damaged lights on trees can be a fire risk and handling them can be dangerous as they can cause an electric shock. If you’re buying new lights, check they have the British Safety Standard logo on the packaging.

Switch off at night Always switch your lights off when watering the tree and remember to unplug them before going to bed. Turn off all electrical devices and ensure all candles have been blown out.

Be careful in the kitchen We know they say “too many cooks spoil the broth”, well too many people in the kitchen at one time can be dangerous, with hot pans and utensils out and all the rushing around. According to the NHS, more than 80,000 people a year need hospital treatment for injuries such as falls, cuts and burns during the festive period.

Keep your holiday plans under wraps Jetting off somewhere warm over the festive season, or staying with relatives?

Make sure you keep your plans to yourself and don’t be tempted to share your whereabouts on social media. If you are away this winter, make sure all valuable items are out of sight, lock your doors and windows and if you can, set some timers on your lights to make it look like someone’s home. Ask a trustworthy neighbour to keep their eye out.

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WORD ON THE ESTATES

MAJOR WORKS PROJECTS STARTING ON YOUR ESTATE

Avondale Fire Doors

Golden Lane

Crescent House Windows

Spitalfields Fire Doors

Dron House

Fire Doors

Holloway

Windows and Redecorations, Fire Doors

Lammas Green &e Otto Closnd

a Windows tions Redecora

Middlesex Street

Heating systems completed

Windsor House

Windows and Redecora tions 4

2

202

York Way

Lammas Green, Sumner & Buildings lake William B s Fire Door

k Southwar Estates

and Windows tions Redecora

York Way

Fire Doors, Heating e Corridor floors, ob ceiling and System ted lighting complet

CHANGES TO HOUSING COMPLAINTS POLICY On 20 September 2021, the City of London Housing Management and Almshouses sub-Committee approved changes to the City of London Housing Complaints process.

STAGE 2

STAGE 3

The timeframe for investigations has changed from

X

STAGE 1 Remains unchanged

10

WORKING DAYS

10

Removed

20

WORKING DAYS

WORKING DAYS

To allow easier and quicker access to Dispute Resolution Services

The changes implemented are in accordance with the recommendations in the Housing Ombudsman Complaints Handling Code. The code ensures that housing providers adopt a universal approach to complaints handling and service delivery.

Key areas in the Code • Universal definition of a complaint • Providing easy access to the complaints procedure and ensuring residents are aware of it, including their right to access the Housing Ombudsman Service • The structure of the complaint’s procedure - only two stages necessary and clear timeframes set out for responses • Ensuring fairness in complaint handling with a resident-focused process • Taking action to put things right and appropriate remedies • Creating a positive complaint handling culture through continuous learning and improvement • Demonstrating learning in Annual Reports.

More information from the Housing Ombudsman

How to Make a Complaint

TEMPO TIME CREDITS

Tempo Time Credits are a way of recognising the valuable contribution of volunteering your time to help others.

Those who give their time to their communities can receive Time Credits, which can then be redeemed for a variety of experiences, activities and services.

Formerly offered as paper credits, Tempo now offers a digital platform to collect, manage and spend your credits. The City of London Community Engagement team currently distribute credits to members of the Housing User Board who assist on policy consultations.

If you run your own community group you too can sign up for the Time Credits scheme, and

you will be able to offer credits to any volunteers helping out with your group. This can be a great way to invite new members and increase involvement.

POPULAR SPEND ACTIVITIES • • • • • •

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers Tower Bridge Experience Guildhall Art Gallery St Paul’s Cathedral Islington Assembly Hall plus fitness classes, gym sessions, and swimming

If you would like to find out more about earning Time Credits or using them for your community group, get in touch with Community.Engagement@cityoflondon.gov.uk

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AVONDALE COMMUNITY EVENTS HALLOWEEN PARTY 2021

“Thank you so much for doing this, it’s lovely”

“This is a great idea, it’s great that we finally have something to do together after the last year.”

“I love this, are you doing anymore events - will there be anything at Christmas?’

“Is this all for us, is it free, oh wow”

Avondale Community Events held a successful spooky Halloween party on 31st October in the Community Centre on the estate, with approximately 100 people in attendance.

In the days following, residents approached the organisers to say how much they enjoyed what was arranged and that they really appreciated the event.

WHY DO THE AVONDALE COMMUNITY EVENTS GROUP FEEL IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET RESIDENTS TOGETHER? We hold a ‘Picnic on the Green’ and ask the community to bring food to share with others in the community giving everyone the chance to try food from each other’s cultures, share recipes and learn more about each other.

Intergenerational activities are available allowing those of different ages to enjoy one another’s company and help to bridge the generation gap.

We feel it is important to come together as a community at every given opportunity as this enables us take away the mystery/fear that is often created through the lack of knowledge of each other’s backgrounds. For all of the reasons given, this type of event can only benefit the community we live in and share, and will be of great benefit to the community as a whole, as we get to know each other and our neighbours.

One comment that we received over the last few years really struck home “I am new to this country and to this estate, I used to be anxious walking through the estate as I did not know anyone. Coming to these events has made me feel so much safer as even though I may not know everyone’s name, people are smiling at me and saying hello because they recognise me from the events”

The Halloween Party was funded by the City of London Corporation. If you are interested in holding similar events on your estate please contact your local estate office

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RESIDENT ASSOCIATIONS

Are you interested in setting up a group or association on your estate? Find out more about how these groups work, what to be aware of and how they can be of benefit to residents.

A Residents Association is a voluntary body of tenants and residents that represent the views of local residents to their landlord and the local authority.

They can be a really good way for residents to have a greater voice in matters that effect their estate.

Find out if other residents would be interested in getting involved. You’ll want to make sure lots of residents are supportive and keen for a Resident’s

Association to be established. You will also want to discover if the issues that are affecting you are also ones that are affecting others on the estate.

All you would need to get from people at this stage is an agreement that forming an Association would be good, and that they would come to the first meeting.

Speak to your Estate Manager or the Community Engagement team at Community.Engagement@cityoflondon.gov.uk who can provide information and support

NEW PLAYGROUNDS

The City of London Corporation recently carried out the refurbishment of five play areas, three on the Avondale Square Estate and one each at Windsor House and Middlesex Street estate. These areas had been identified by an independent inspector as being the most in need of works to bring up to standard.

Residents at all estates were invited to express their interest in helping to decide what facilities were required.

We are very grateful for the input from those residents at each estate who helped us shape the designs of the areas and in particular with regard to the surfacing. Rather than opting for the usual wet pour safety surface, all estates have had an AstroTurf finish applied, which is more colourful and provides a more natural look to the areas.

All play areas are now ready for use. The City will be considering further play area refurbishments over the next few years.

WINDSOR HOUSE

MIDDLESEX STREET ESTATE

AVONDALE SQUARE ESTATE

AFTER 7

HEALTH + SAFETY HOW TO AVOID FALLS AT HOME

During winter months, slips, trips and falls are more likely to occur due to factors such as wet and icy surfaces, and the cold affecting mobility. You can make your home easier and safer to move around, so that you worry less about getting hurt from a slip or a fall. Here are some top tips to help you navigate your home safely. Once your home is a safe zone, you’re less likely to have accidents. You can move around with more confidence and a renewed sense of independence.

YOUR SAFE ZONE Clear the clutter. Get a friend or family member to help you clear your walkways of anything you can trip over. Phone cords, electric wires and other things can cause trouble. Move it out of the way, or think about getting rid of it.

HOLD THE RAILS If you have stairways, put handrails on both sides. Hold on to a railing when you walk up or down the stairs, and go slowly. If you are carrying anything, make sure you can see each step.

MOVE IT WHERE YOU USE IT

Keep items you use often, such as food, cans, dishes, clothes, where they can be easily reached. This way you won’t have to climb on a stool.

LIGHT IT UP As we get older, you need more light to see. Make sure your light switches are easy to reach, and at the bottom and top of any stairs. Turn the lights on before you get up to move around.

And always know where your torches are in case the power goes out.

CUT THE SLIPS Use self-adhesive, non-slip mats or safety treads in baths and showers. Put non-slip rugs on bathroom floors and pads under rugs on bare floors.

WEAR STURDY SHOES Solid footwear helps with your balance. Avoid slippers with little support or walking barefoot.

Once your home is a safe zone, you’re less likely to have accidents. You can move around with more confidence and a renewed sense of independence.

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What is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Assessment and how does it work?

We have rigorous procedures in place to ensure our homes and estates are safe, and each block has a clear plan outlining what you should do in the event of a fire.

However, we know that some people would be more vulnerable than others in an emergency, particularly if they need to evacuate the building and get to a place of safety.

A Personal Emergency Evacuation Assessment outlines what your medical or health issues are and what specific support you would need in an emergency.

A Personal Emergency Evacuation Assessment will help identify residents who, due to medical or health needs, may not be able to reach a place of safety unaided, or within a satisfactory time in the event of an emergency.

As part of our commitment to ensuring all our residents are safe in their homes, we are asking residents whether they, or anyone in their household, need additional support to evacuate their home and building in the event of an emergency.

By identifying those with additional needs, we will ensure they get extra support and we can provide specific information to the emergency services so they can better help residents.

If you feel that you or anyone in your home is in need of additional support, please email us at housingfiresafety@cityoflondon.gov.uk to request an assessment form. You can also fill out the form online at www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/housing/housing-fire-safety.

We will review this information and, if a full assessment is necessary, we will contact you to complete this via telephone.

If there are other members of your household that may require assistance, then please request another copy of this form by contacting us at housingfiresafety@cityoflondon.gov.uk.

Alternatively, you can use the online form as above.

Find out more If you have any questions or would like further information, e-mail housingfiresafety@cityoflondon.gov.uk.

For general advice on home fire safety, please visit the London Fire Brigade's website at www.london-fire.gov.uk.

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BUILDING SAFETY BILL & FIRE SAFETY ACT Over the past few years, building and fire safety has featured heavily in the news. It has been a high priority area of action for residents, the government, local authorities, and housing associations. Recently, the government has introduced the Building Safety Bill and the Fire Safety Act as a way of ensuring that people feel safe in their homes and ensuring a tragedy like the Grenfell Tower fire never happens again.

services • Fire safety instructions provided to residents in a clear and easy to understand format • A requirement to check all fire doors to ensure they work as intended and are compliant with the regulations • Ensuring up-to-date fire risk assessments and measures are put in place to address risk from fire or the spread of fire

The Fire Safety Act became law in April 2021 (though is currently not in force), whilst the Building Safety Bill is currently making its way through the various stages in the Houses of Parliament and will be subject to being passed into law by MPs.

What will the Building Safety Bill do?

The aim of this article is to ensure you are fully aware of the key points of the Fire Safety Act and the Building Safety Bill, and what it means for you and the City of London Corporation.

The following measures are expected to come into force: • Introduction of a Building Safety Regulator which will oversee and advise the Government on changes to building regulations • New design and construction obligations to improve building safety • Establishing the role of an Accountable Person who will be legally responsible for the safety of higher-risk buildings • Giving landlords the power to enter a premises for relevant building safety purposes with 48 hours of prior notice • Introduction of a developer levy for high rise residential buildings to ensure the building industry makes contributions to fixing historical building safety defects • The Bill will allow social housing residents to escalate a complaint directly to the Housing Ombudsman services once they have completed their landlord’s complaint process

The Building Safety Bill will apply to buildings that are deemed ‘high risk’. This is expected to be buildings that are of 18 metres, or 6 storeys, or more, in height.

What does this mean for you and the City?

What will the Fire Safety Act do?

The Fire Safety Act places several duties on owners or managers of buildings such as flats to manage and reduce the risk of fire on the external structure, entrance doors, balconies, and shared communal areas within the buildings. The act does not cover individual flats in buildings but focuses on the building itself and the communal areas with enforced measures such as: • Ensuring regular lift inspections • Giving more power to fire services to take enforcement action and hold building owners to account if they are not compliant • Fire Safety strategies reviewed regularly and shared with residents and local fire and rescue

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The safety of our tenants and leaseholders is the City’s number one priority. We want all our residents to be safe and feel safe in their homes. We have already worked hard to enhance fire safety on our estates, by initiating a programme of upgrading fire doors to provide up to 60 minutes of fire resistance and beginning a programme of retrofitting sprinklers in our tower blocks to increase the level of protection and reassure residents.

The City is waiting for the Government to publish guidance for the Fire Safety Act, which will set out our responsibilities to you as tenants. The City will also be monitoring the progress of the Building Safety Act, which is expected to come into force in 2023, and will work to ensure we are ready for any new regulations brought into force.

TENANCY FRAUD The City of London Corporation takes a robust approach to tackling tenancy fraud across its housing estates and has a dedicated team working to tackle this problem. It is important that tenancy fraud is appropriately identified to ensure social housing continues to serve those who are in need.

Did you know that tenancy fraud isn’t just about people sub-letting their council homes, it also includes • unlawful succession (where people provide dishonest information to succeed a tenancy) • fraudulent applications for housing • key selling (the named tenant passes their home to someone else to evade the application process) • not residing at a property as your principal home • giving dishonest information when making an application under the right to buy.

The City of London’s Tenancy Fraud Team use a range of measures to tackle tenancy fraud, these include visits, referrals from staff and residents, reviewing housing applications and supporting evidence, and through data-matching. Our Investigators have access to lots of data and can obtain, for example, bank statements, utility bills, mobile phone and internet subscription details, as well as information from your council, such as Council Tax registration, school records and parking permits.

CASE STUDY 1

CASE STUDY 2

• Over 20 years ago, a tenancy was obtained following a successful application with a European passport • The City received a whistleblowing call to the Fraud hotline providing information that the tenant was using a counterfeit passport.

• The City’s Anti-Fraud team worked with the Home Office and confirmed that the passport was a fake, but very sophisticated • A fraud investigation deduced that the resident had secured social housing, subsidised rent and benefits using a counterfeit passport • The tenant made a full admission when interviewed under caution • The tenant was evicted and prosecuted under the Fraud and Counterfeiting Act 1981, a custodial sentence was issued

• A tenancy was obtained following a successful application • A data matching exercise identified a ‘high-risk’ linking the resident to another London property • A Land Registry check identified that the tenant owned a property. Further checks identified that the tenant had claimed to be a tenant of the property and not the owner. It was discovered that the tenant’s application was fraudulent • The tenant lived in the social housing property while renting the property owned, for several years and to considerable financial gain • A number of witness statements were taken from residents as evidence in the prosecution undertaken by the City • The tenant pleaded guilty at Crown Court and received a custodial sentence as well as paying significant compensation and legal costs to the City

The tenancy was recovered and has been let to those in need of housing

The tenancy was recovered and has been let to those in need of housing

If you suspect tenancy fraud on your estate, we encourage you to report it as soon as possible, this could be anonymously if you like, but rest assured we’ll always keep you report confidential. We have a number of ways that you can report your concerns: • By calling the City of London Fraud Hotline on 020 7332 3663 • By using our online form • Reporting your concerns to your Estate Manager or Area Housing Manager • By post to: The Corporate Anti-Fraud Manager, City of London, PO Box 270, Guildhall, London, EC2P 2EJ

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REPORTING NOISE NUISANCE ON CITY OF LONDON ESTATES The City of London Corporation is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB). We take all reports seriously and work closely with partner agencies, such as the police and other local housing providers to tackle crime and ASB. View the full leaflet here.

WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP We will record all reports of noise but can only take action on noise complaints where the City can investigate, gather evidence and independently witness unreasonable noise levels from your home, this can be done using the noise monitoring app (The Noise App). We can accept anonymous complaints but this does limit what we may be able to do to help.

REPORTING NOISE PROBLEMS Contact your Estate Office in the first instance if you are experiencing noise issues. Estate Staff will note all reports of noise but can only act on noise complaints where there is evidence provided. Once we have evidence, we can investigate the sources of the noise nuisance, gather further evidence and attempt to independently witness unreasonable noise levels from your home. You can download the Noise App to your smartphone to record any instances of noise nuisance as evidence, find out more here.

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DOMESTIC ABUSE: What is coercive control?

This article highlights experiences of domestic abuse victims and survivors and the impact of coercive controlling behaviour. Please note that some readers may find this article triggering. For support please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

relationship, have been in an intimate relationship or are family members who do not live together.

These are important changes to the legislation as it now recognises that coercive controlling behaviour continues after the relationship has ended and extends beyond the four walls of a home.

So when we say ‘coercive control’ what does it actually mean? Coercive control is an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used by the abuser to harm, punish or frighten the victim/survivor. This type of behaviour is used by the abuser to make the victim/survivor completely dependent on them, so they feel unable to leave the abusive situation.

There is still a common misbelief that domestic abuse has to be physical violence. However, domestic abuse takes many different forms, including emotional abuse, sexual abuse, economic/financial abuse and physical abuse. Different forms of abuse are used by abusers to have power and control over the victim/survivor and keep them in the abusive situation.

This can be done through forms of abuse such as isolating them from family, friends and support networks, regulating their everyday behaviour, controlling their finances and access to money, putting them down, degrading them and ruining their self-confidence. These are all ways for the abuser to control the victim/survivor to keep them in the abusive situation.

Coercive and controlling behaviour became a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015.

This meant where the victim and abuser are in an intimate relationship, have been in an intimate relationship and still live together, or are family members who live together, the abuser could be prosecuted and face up to five years in prison.

The victim/survivor may feel unable to leave due to fear of what the abuser will do to them or their children, not having anywhere to go, having no access to money, having no self-confidence or believing that they do not deserve a better life, amongst many other reasons.

This offence has been updated within the new Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to include coercive controlling behaviour, which continues postseparation and extends to those in an intimate National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

If you are experiencing any form of domestic abuse you are not alone, there are many support services that can help. Ending domestic abuse is everyone’s responsibility and we must do what we can to support our friends, family, neighbours and colleagues.

For further advice on how you can support others please contact Safer.City@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Victim Supportline: 0808 16 89 111 www.victimsupport.org.uk/

City Advice: Advice for people in the City of London (toynbeehall.org.uk)

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CLIMATE ACTION STRATEGY UPDATE COP26 in November brought into sharp focus the need for immediate action on climate. The City of London Corporation is proud to have had a sciencebased and funded Climate Action Strategy and plan in place since October 2020 which targets net zero and climate resilience for the City and the Square Mile.

What can you do?

Many stakeholders, from governments to business to communities, are invested in the healthy and just future of the planet. As well as outlining our plans to mitigate and prepare for the impacts of climate change through our climate action strategy, we want to hear from you about your own community initiatives.

If you are on a journey to learning more about how you can contribute, take a look at our climate action guide and glossary, and our ‘what you can do’ guide for residents.

Visit Cheapside’s sunken garden, and take a look at the monitors on the trees. They’re measuring temperatures and soil moisture as part of a pilot scheme to include more sustainable drainage to manage higher levels of surface water from heavy rain.

Our goals include Halving Square Mile emissions by

Earlier this year, many residents helped Consultants Etude to shape a plan for achieving net zero in our residential housing estates, both within and outside of the Square Mile. They shared their lived experiences of energy use, ventilation, heating and cooling to inform the desk and site studies undertaken by Etude.

The resulting plan has been seen by Community and Children’s Services Committee and is pending decision following the outcome of dependent energy surveys. We will keep all residents updated on its progress with specific communication to those who participated.

2030

What happens next?

The next six months will see further progress on plans for housing. On-site surveys will commence this year to gather data on EPC ratings; communal heating, lighting, other electrical usage e.g. lifts; and suitability for Photovoltaic panels. Gathering this information will give us a clearer picture of where carbon savings can be made.

TRY OUR EVENTS OF 2021 CROSSWORD!

Across 3. In January this US building was stormed by rioters?

6. In July which team won the Euros?

8. Who broke the record for most Grammys won by a female artist?

9. Which browser did Microsoft pull the plug on this year?

11. Which cake did M&S go to war with Aldi over?

12. Who was banned from Twitter this year?

13. Angela Merkel is stepping down as the Chancellor of Germany, how long did she serve for?

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You can complete this puzzle online! Go to: https://bit.ly/31fUMdb Down 1. Which British city hosted COP26?

2. In what month was President Biden inaugurated?

4. What was stuck open for nearly 12 hours due to a technical fault?

5. What did Price Harry and Meghan Markle name their first daughter?

7. Who is pictured on the new £50 notes?

10. Which city hosted the 2021 Olympics?

Resident Recipes LAYERED AUBERGINES A recipe from Sibel

Hi, I’m Sibel and I have lived in Avondale Square Estate for almost 25 years.

Originally I am from Turkey. I have always been passionate about cooking and baking. When I moved to UK, I was cooking only Turkish dishes. Over time I learned to cook other cuisines such as; Italian, Chinese, Thai, Middle Eastern. I like trying new recipes as much as I like cooking Turkish dishes. I also like experimental cooking, as I like to create my own recipes.

Aubergine is very popular in Turkey and there are many Turkish recipes that use aubergines as a main ingredient. The flavour of aubergine goes very well with tomatoes, yogurt or garlic and it can be cooked in many different ways. This is one of the traditional recipe that called “patlican oturtma”. We can simply call it “layered aubergines”.

Ingredients 4 aubergines 350-400 g mince beef 2 mid size onions, finely chopped 1 green or red pepper, diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tin chopped tomato ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper 1 cup tomato sauce (made of tomato paste and water) 4 table spoon olive oil or sunflower oil plus extra to brush before baking 1. Peel the aubergines lengthwise, leaving strips of the skin. Cut the aubergines into 1cm wide slices, brush each side of the rounded aubergines with oil and place in a baking tray. Bake them about 20 min at 200C until they get little soft.

2. In the meantime, prepare the beef mixture. In a pan brown your beef mince meat, add the finely chopped onion, pepper and garlic. Cook for a few minutes and then add the chopped tomatoes, salt, black pepper (and oregano-optional), season to your taste. Cook on a medium heat for 10 minutes.

TIP: If the mince beef mixture looks not moist enough, add some hot water and tomato paste to make it juicier.

3. Place one layer of aubergines in the bottom of your baking tray or glass baking tray; use a spoon to scoop the meat mixture on each of aubergine slices. Then place another layer of aubergine on top to. (It will look like a sandwich; meat mixture will be between two coins of aubergines).

4. Place a thin tomato slice and green pepper on each aubergine slice. Pour tomato sauce on and around the aubergines. Bake at 200 0C for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

5. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!

If you would like to see your favourite recipe featured in a future edition, please email home@cityoflondon.gov.uk

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Barbican Estate Office

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/housing

020 7029 3958 3 Lauderdale Place, Barbican Estate, EC2Y 8EN

Repairs

Homelessness 020 7332 1804

Universal Credit

0800 035 0003

0800 328 9344

020 7332 3937 (and ask for the Rents team)

020 7392 2919

Home Ownership

City of London Council Tax

020 7332 1647 / 3208

020 7332 1882

020 7332 1237 / 3452

0800 316 9800

020 7332 3937 (and ask for the Benefits team)

0870 608 1524

Rents

Housing Needs Benefits

City Advice

Thames Water Gas - National Grid