Welcome to our latest tenant newsletter. As ever, this edition brings together updates on our services, opportunities for you to get involved, and news from across our communities. We know that the wider social housing environment continues to feel challenging for many households, with pressures from the cost of living, national policy changes and ongoing conversations about standards, safety and value for money. Against this backdrop, our focus remains firmly on providing safe, secure homes, being open about how we are performing, and working with you to shape services that genuinely meet your needs.
In this newsletter, you’ll read about some of the positive things happening across EPIC – from the fantastic fundraising efforts at the Discovery Academy Winter Fayre, to our Community Voice event that took place in Bentilee last week. We’re also sharing updates on national developments, including the November Budget, alongside progress on projects you’ve told us are important, such as our new website, the tenant portal and clearer reporting on our performance.
You’ll also find information about new ways to get involved, community news and practical advice to help keep you and your home safe and well. Thank you for continuing to engage with us, share your views and hold us to account. Your voice plays a vital role in helping us improve, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.
With best wishes,
Tracey
EPIC NEWS
Festive Fundraising Success at The Discovery Academy Winter Fayre
On Saturday 6 December 2025, the EPIC team proudly attended The Discovery Academy Winter Fayre with our annual tombola. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our staff and contractors, we had a record number of prizes to give away! The tables were overflowing with goodies including games, toys, sweet treats and toiletries, and there was a constant queue of visitors eager to try their luck.
Our amazing colleagues gave up their time to run the stall, with some even bringing their families along to join in the fun. We’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone who donated prizes and supported the event. Special recognition goes to our contractors Brenden Fern,Hankinson WhittleandJRB Construction, whose contributions helped make this year’s tombola bigger and better than ever.
We are thrilled to share that we raised a fantastic£437 for our Charity of the Year,Bentilee Volunteers, which will go towards supporting their vital work in the local community. We’re so proud of what we achieved together – a true example of EPIC teamwork and community spirit. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this event such a success!
Tenants Share Their Feedback at Latest Community Voice Event
Eight tenants joined us on Saturday 21 February for our latest Community Voice event, where we shared updates on local Pride in Place work, an upcoming apprenticeship event, and our plans to launch a new tenant group later this year.
Tenants offered plenty of helpful feedback – including positive comments about recent repairs, along with suggestions for how we can continue to improve.
Our next event will be in Bentilee on Wednesday 13 May 2026, 6.30 – 8.30pm. Keep an eye on your inbox and social media for sign up details. Read the full story on our website here.
EPIC NEWS
Continuing Our Journey with The EPIC Connection
You’ve heard us talk about The EPIC Connection for a while now – our people first cultural programme designed to strengthen relationships and improve how we communicate, listen, and work with you. Co created with The Connectives (independent and impartial consultants), the programme continues to focus on building more meaningful, human conversations across EPIC.
Your feedback from recent engagement sessions has played a major role in shaping this work, especially around clearer communication, better follow through on repairs, quicker updates, and ensuring you feel informed and involved in decisions that affect you.
The next phase of The EPIC Connection supports colleagues across the organisation to communicate openly, act with empathy, and build stronger relationships through collaboration – all of which reflect EPIC’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and genuine care. We believe that trust is built through action, and we remain focused on making every interaction feel supportive, respectful, and responsive to what matters most to tenants.
Please keep an eye out for further updates on our website and social media.
Rent Convergence from April 2027
The government has announced that rent convergence will return from April 2027. This is a national policy designed to ensure that similar social-rented homes in similar areas have broadly similar rents. It uses a standard calculation called formula rent, which is based on property values, local earnings and the number of bedrooms. All social landlords, not just EPIC, must follow this approach.
For tenants, this means that from April 2027, landlords can apply a small additional increase to rents that are currently below the government’s formula rent. This will be an extra £1 per week in 2027–28, rising to £2 per week from April 2028, and applied each year until the formula rent is reached. Not all homes will be affected, and any changes will be gradual.
We will write directly to tenants closer to the time if their rent is affected. Your letter will explain whether rent convergence applies to you, when it would start and what any change would mean for your rent.
RENT AND SERVICE CHARGE UPDATES FOR 2026/27
Each year, EPIC reviews rents and service charges to ensure we can continue maintaining your home and delivering the services you rely on.
The Regulator of Social Housing has confirmed that rents for 2026-27 can increase by 4.8%.
Why Rents Are Changing
Costs for energy, contractors, materials and essential services have continued to rise. Rent is EPIC’s main source of income, helping us maintain homes, deliver repairs and invest in long-term improvements. By the end of 2025/26, we will have invested around £1.3m in new bathrooms, kitchens, roofs, doors and boilers, with further planned improvements each year. In addition, we expect to spend £1.9m on day-to-day repairs and preparing homes for new tenants – over £3m invested this financial year to keep homes safe, warm and well maintained.
When the New Rent Applies
Weekly tenancies: from Monday 6 April 2026
Monthly tenancies: from Wednesday 1 April 2026
Service Charges
If you receive services from EPIC, your service charges have been reviewed as part of our annual assessment. Some may increase or decrease depending on supplier and operational cost changes. Your individual letter will confirm the details.
Service charges cover things like:
Grounds maintenance
Communal cleaning
Communal lighting
In the coming weeks, all tenants will receive a letter explaining the changes in more detail and including a full list of FAQs. We strongly encourage you to read your letter carefully, as it contains information specific to your home and tenancy.
If You’re Worried or Struggling
We know that any increase to household costs can be worrying.
Our team is here to help with:
Budgeting support
Benefit checks
Affordable repayment plans
Signposting to independent debt advice
Email: rents@epichousing.co.uk
Phone: 01782 252575
We are here to support you – please reach out if you need us.
EPIC NEWS
Green Doctor Drop-In Sessions in Bentilee
We recently welcomed Green Doctor to the Resource Room at our Bentilee office for one of their drop in sessions, offering free advice and support with energy and utility bills.
The session proved incredibly valuable for local households. Support provided on the day included: Fuel vouchers issued
Applications made to Severn Trent Water on behalf of two households for additional help with water bills
A referral to Disability Solutions to support a PIP application for one household Energy‑saving bulbs and radiator foils distributed to three households to help reduce energy use and costs
Thanks to the success of this session, we’ll be inviting Green Doctor back very soon. Keep an eye on our social media channels for upcoming dates.
New Savings Match Fund Scheme Launching April 2026
We’re excited to announce a new savings support initiative starting April 2026. To help tenants build financial resilience, we’ll be match funding the first 60 tenants who open a savings account with Potters Bank Credit Union and meet the simple criteria below.
To qualify, tenants will need to:
Make one deposit per month for six consecutive months
Deposit a minimum of £5 each month
Show an increase of at least £5 saved each month (you can deposit and withdraw the money - this will still qualify)
Once the six month saving period is complete, we will:
Match fund the £30 saved, Or match up to £40 if you save more during the six months.
Savings do not need to start in April. As long as the six month saving pattern is completed before the end of March 2027, you’ll be eligible (provided the 60 match funding places haven’t already been filled). Match funding will be paid directly into your Potters Bank savings account, and places are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Potters Bank is a trading name of Just Credit Union.
EPIC NEWS
November Budget Update
Following the Budget announced by Rachel Reeves in November 2025, you may have seen information about how it could affect you.
The Budget touches on many aspects of daily life, and now that we have had time to review the details, we wanted to share key points that may be most relevant for tenants.
Click here to visit our website to find out more about the changes and how they could affect you.
New Website: What You Told Us
Thank you to everyone who took part in our early preview of EPIC’s new website. We heard from 12 tenants, and your feedback is already shaping the final build ahead of launch by the end of February 2026.
What’s working
well
First impressions were strong: 10/12 (83%) gave a positive initial reaction. The look and feel was mostly positive: 8/12 (67%) said it was very or somewhat appealing; 3/12 (25%) felt neutral.
Navigation and clarity stood out: 100% felt comfortable finding their way around, with 92% saying nothing felt confusing. All respondents said the information and language were clear and easy to understand.
Trust and inclusion: 92% would trust the site for help or information, and 100% said it felt welcoming and inclusive.
Clear calls to action: 83% felt prompted to take action, and 92% said it was clear how to do so.
Accessibility: 83% said they could adapt the site to their needs (only 1 person said no). Would you recommend it? 58% said yes and 33% said maybe.
What’s next
We’re taking this feedback on board as we put the finishing touches to the new site, aiming to launch by the end of February 2026. Keep an eye on our usual channels for the go live date –and thank you again for helping us build a clearer, easier and more inclusive website.
EPIC NEWS
Update on the Tenant Portal
Over the past year, we’ve talked about introducing a tenant portal –a secure online space where you can check rent statements, make basic changes, make rent payments, complete forms to notify us about changes and access personalised information. We know from the recent new website feedback that many of you are still keen on this feature, and we really appreciate your continued interest.
We originally hoped to launch the portal in summer 2025. However, during early testing, we identified some data security issues. Because protecting tenants and their personal information is an absolute priority, we made the decision to pause the rollout while these issues are fully resolved.
Work is now well underway with our housing system suppliers to put the right security measures in place, and we’re aiming for a new go-live date in summer 2026. We want to be confident that when the portal launches, it is not only useful and easy to navigate, but also completely safe and secure for every user.
We’ll keep you updated on our progress and share more information as we get closer to launch. Thank you for your patience and for helping us shape services that work for you.
How Are We Performing?
At the end of the financial year, in May 2025, we published our first Business Performance report on our website so that tenants can see how we are performing in areas that impact them. The reports can be found on our website here, and will be updated on a quarterly basis, with the Q3 2025/26 report being published in the next few weeks. We also publish our Tenant Satisfaction Measures alongside these so tenants can have a full suite of information in relation to our performance.
Electric Car Charging Scheme
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has launched a new Cross Pavement Gully Scheme to help residents without off street parking charge their electric vehicles safely and affordably. The scheme funds 100% of the installation cost for a recessed pavement gully, allowing a home charging cable to run safely across the pavement while keeping walkways clear and accessible. With over half of local households lacking driveways, this initiative aims to make EV ownership more accessible and cost effective for everyone. Read the full story here.
EPIC NEWS
Charity of the Year
We are currently gathering nominations for our Charity of the Year 2026/27, and soon we will be inviting you to help choose which local organisation we support next. Once we have a shortlist, you will be able to vote for the charity you feel should receive our support.
In previous years, thanks to our staff and contractors, we have raised funds for fantastic local causes including St Stephen’s Church, Alice Charity, and our current charity, Bentilee Volunteers.
We are looking forward to continuing this tradition by raising vital funds for another charity that supports our local community. More details – including how to cast your vote – will be shared soon.
New Tenant Group
Following our work last year with TPAS (Tenant Participation & Advice Service), we’re excited to be developing new opportunities for tenants to shape the services we provide.
Later this year, we’ll be launching a brand-new tenant group designed for people who want to get more involved, have their voices heard, and help drive positive change across EPIC. This group will play a key role in:
Reviewing our performance
Shaping future involvement activities
Helping us make improvements
We will be emailing all tenants with full information soon but if this sounds like something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Mark Bourne (Customer Service & Resident Involvement Team Leader) by emailing m.bourne@epichousing.co.uk or calling 01782 252575.
Meet Mouldy
We have added a new “Meet Mouldy” video to our website to help tenants understand how damp and condensation develop in the home, and what you can do to prevent and manage them effectively.
It is a quick and helpful guide for spotting issues early and keeping your home healthy.
You can watch the video here.
YOUR HOME
Gardening Services Resuming in March
We’re pleased to share that our gardening services will resume in early March. Here’s what you can expect for the coming months:
Grass cutting – two cuts per month (weather dependent) from March to October
Shrub and hedge trimming –scheduled between July and October
Weed control – treatments to all hardstanding areas in March, May, July, and September
We will also be carrying out a tree audit starting at the end of March in communal areas for the first time, so you may see some surveys being carried out in your area.
Your Responsibilities
Before our gardening team visits, there are a few things we kindly ask tenants to do so we can safely and thoroughly maintain the shared green spaces.
If you have items such as children’s toys, swings, trampolines, paddling pools, garden furniture or planters on the grass, please move these onto your patio or another solid surface. This helps us cut the grass properly and prevents any accidental damage. Please also make sure any low level solar lights are moved, and that dog waste is picked up beforehand. If you’ve planted anything in the shared grassy areas that you’d like to keep protected, it would be really helpful if you could mark these with a small border or edging so our garden team know to avoid them.
We’d also like to gently remind everyone to avoid putting food out on the grass. Although feeding birds is well intentioned, it can attract vermin and has led to a number of complaints.
Thank you for your support in keeping your outdoor spaces pleasant and enjoyable for all.
COMMUNITY NEWS
New Bentilee Post Office
Did you know that there is now a Post Office in Bentilee?
Bugsy's DIY on Beverley Drive opened in December and is open 9am - 5.30pm daily.
Apprenticeship
Information, Advice & Guidance Workshop
Are you thinking about an apprenticeship or supporting someone who is? Training and Business Solutions Ltd are holding an Apprenticeship Information, Advice & Guidance Workshop at Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday 14 March 2026.
The session will be delivered by specialists in apprenticeships, with extensive experience in supporting individuals and helping businesses grow and develop their workforce.
10am arrival | 11am presentation | Q&A to follow.
A free Youth Club runs every Friday at the Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre, suitable for children and young people aged 7–14 to spend time after school.
The sessions run from 4:30 – 6pm and provide a relaxed space to make friends, enjoy activities, and get support from experienced youth workers. There is no need to book, simply turn up and get involved.
This Youth Club is completely free and delivered by Transform Communities Staffordshire CIC.
Bentilee Youth Club
COMMUNITY NEWS
Preventing Identity Theft
Identity theft is on the rise, but there are simple steps you can take to keep your personal information safe. Always be cautious about who you share your details with, whether online, over the phone or in person. Keep important documents such as bank statements, passports and letters containing personal information stored securely, and shred anything you no longer need. When using the internet, choose strong passwords, avoid clicking suspicious links and never share login details with anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and check before giving out information.
If you’re ever unsure about a request for your personal details or think your information may have been compromised, contact your bank or a trusted organisation for advice straight away.
Keeping Your Home Safe
As the darker evenings continue, it’s important to take a few simple steps to keep your home secure.
Always make sure windows and doors are locked – even if you’re only popping out for a moment.
Closing curtains or blinds when it gets dark helps prevent people from seeing into your home, and leaving a light on a timer can make it look occupied when you’re not there. If you have outdoor lighting, using it can help deter unwanted visitors.
Taking these small precautions can make a big difference in keeping your home safe and giving you peace of mind.
SEASONAL RECIPES – CHEESY LEEKS
Leeks are in season in the UK in February and March, so why not try this recipe for Cheesy Leeks? It’s great as a side dish for roast chicken – especially if you are serving vegetarians as well as meat eaters. This recipe makes enough for a generous supper for two or a vegetable accompaniment for four.
Prepare less than 30 mins
Cook
10 to 30 mins
Serve
Serves 2–4
Cheesy Leeks
Each serving provides 237 kcal, 10.7g protein, 15.2g carbohydrate (of which 6.2g sugars), 14.2g fat (of which 8.6g saturates), 2.9g fibre and 0.67g salt.
Ingredients
4 slender leeks (around 575g/1lb 4½oz total weight), trimmed 20g/¾oz butter, plus extra for greasing
20g/¾oz plain flour
200ml/7fl oz milk, semi-skimmed or full-fat
1 tsp English or Dijon mustard
100g/3½oz mature cheddar cheese, or other cheese, finely grated
2 tbsp dried white breadcrumbs (ideally panko breadcrumbs), optional salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
1.Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. Lightly butter a shallow baking dish (it will need to hold around 1 litre/1¾ pint).
2 Fill up a third of a medium saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Remove any tough or damaged leaves from the outside of the leeks if not already done. Trim the leeks, leaving all of the white part and some of the green.
3.Cut the leeks into roughly 3cm/1¼in pieces and add to the water. Return to the boil and cook for 5 minutes, depending on the thickness, or until the leeks are tender. They are ready when the tip of a knife slides in easily. Drain in a colander over a large mixing bowl to reserve the cooking water.
4 To make the sauce, return the empty pan to the heat, add the butter and melt gently. Stir in the flour and cook for 10–15 seconds while stirring. Gradually add the milk and then a ladleful (around 100ml/3½fl oz) of the reserved cooking liquid, stirring or whisking well between each addition to make a smooth, creamy sauce.
5.Add the mustard, half the cheese and season generously with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6.Scatter the leeks into the baking dish and pour the sauce on top. Mix the remaining cheese with the breadcrumbs, if using, and sprinkle on top. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.
By Justine Pattison.
Do you have a recipe that you would like to share? Email it to us and it could be included in the next newsletter –marketing@epichousing.co.uk
Save money online or instore with the Housing Perks app.
Discounts are available on everything from everyday supermarket shops, DIY, and fashion to jewellery and experience days. Throughout 2024-25, tenants who signed up to the app saved a combined savings total of just over £2,800. If you aren’t already signed up to the Housing Perks app you can find out more here or contact our reception team on 01782 252575.
