Estate Services: Responding to Resident Feedback
Listening to residents is an important part of improving our services. Feedback from residents signed up for SEH Points has highlighted several estate management issues that matter most to residents, including dog fouling, fly tipping, recycling and making it easier to report concerns. As a result, we are taking action to help keep our neighbourhoods cleaner, safer and more enjoyable places to live.
Tackling Dog Fouling
Dog fouling continues to be a concern for many residents. Within SEH-managed areas, reports of dog fouling are dealt with by our Estate Services team.
Residents can report dog fouling by calling 0800 833 160 or by completing the online reporting form on our website: https://southessexhomes.co.uk/cleaning-caretaking
Dog fouling outside SEH-managed areas should be reported to Southend City Council (SCC) on their website: https://www.southend.gov.uk/street-care-cleaning/dog-fouling or by calling 01702 215000.
Some residents suggested additional signage. While signs can help raise awareness, experience shows they have limited impact on behaviour and can be costly to install and maintain. Our focus remains on encouraging responsible pet ownership and responding quickly to reports.
Addressing Fly Tipping
Fly tipping was another issue highlighted, and we understand the frustration it causes.
Our target is to remove reported fly-tipped waste within five working days, which we achieve in most cases. However, increasing levels of fly tipping can affect response times. Any waste posing an immediate health and safety risk is prioritised and dealt with as quickly as possible.
Residents can also help by reporting any fly tipping they witness. With enough evidence, enforcement action can be taken and fines may be issued.
Improving Recycling
We are working closely with SUEZ and SCC through a dedicated working group focused on environmental improvements across our estates.
One of the biggest challenges in communal housing is contamination of recycling bins. When non-recyclable items are placed in shared recycling bins, entire collections can be rejected, making recycling less effective and increasing costs.
To help tackle this issue, we are launching a pilot project at Beaver Tower. This will include improved signage, clearer recycling guidance, improvements to bin storage areas and measures designed to reduce contamination. The lessons learned will help shape future improvements across other estates.
Making Reporting Easier
Residents told us they wanted simpler ways to report issues and find information. In response, we are improving the resident portal to make reporting estate-related concerns quicker and easier online.
We have also reviewed our website to ensure estate information is easier to find, helping residents access the right support when they need it.
You can find estate information and reporting options here: https://southessexhomes.co.uk/your-estate
Clarifying Responsibilities Across Our Neighbourhoods
Residents also told us that it is not always clear who is responsible for maintaining different areas within our neighbourhoods.
We recognise that this can be confusing, particularly where SEH-managed land sits alongside areas maintained by SCC. This can make it difficult for residents to know who to contact about issues such as grounds maintenance, litter, fly tipping and other environmental concerns.
In response, we are exploring ways to provide clearer information about estate boundaries and responsibilities. This includes developing maps and guidance for our website and resident portal to help residents identify whether an issue should be reported to SEH or SCC.
Our Commitment
The feedback provided through SEH Points plays a vital role in helping us improve services. By working closely with residents and partner organisations, we are committed to tackling environmental issues, improving recycling and maintaining clean, safe and welcoming neighbourhoods. We would like to thank all members for helping to shape these improvements and ensure resident voices continue to influence our services.