As the seasons begin to change, now is a good time to carry out a few simple checks around your home. Whether it's testing your heating, reporting repairs early or reducing condensation, taking action now can help avoid problems later and keep your home comfortable as temperatures begin to fall. 

We're also looking for residents to get involved in My Repairs, our resident engagement group, helping us monitor repairs services and improve the experience for tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. 

Get ready for autumn and colder weather 

We've put together some tips to help you stay warm, safe and prepared as we move into autumn. 

Report repairs early 

If you've noticed a repair issue around your home, please report it to Mears as soon as possible. Small problems can quickly become bigger ones when the weather turns colder and wetter. 

Remember, Mears offers evening repair appointments every Wednesday, making it easier to book a time that suits you. 

How to report a repair | Milton Keynes City Council 

Check your heating now 

Before you need it every day, switch on your heating and run it for around 15 minutes. Make sure your radiators are warming up properly and report any issues to Mears early. 

How to report a repair | Milton Keynes City Council 

Bleed cold radiators 

If your radiators are warm at the bottom but cool at the top, they may need bleeding to release trapped air. A quick check now could improve heating performance and efficiency. 

Keep warmth in 

As temperatures begin to drop, simple changes can help keep your home comfortable. Closing curtains in the evening, using draught excluders and keeping your heating at a steady temperature can make a real difference. 

For most homes, a temperature between 18°C and 21°C is recommended for health and comfort. 

Stay on top of condensation 

Condensation is more common during cooler weather. To help reduce moisture in your home: 

• Open windows regularly for short periods. 
• Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. 
• Wipe excess moisture from windows and sills. 
• Avoid drying clothes directly on radiators. 

Check gutters and outdoor areas 

Falling leaves can block gutters and drains, increasing the risk of water damage during autumn and winter. 

If you live in a house, please help keep gutters free from leaves and debris where this is your responsibility. (This does not apply to residents living in blocks of flats.) 

Keep loft spaces clear 

Please do not use lofts for storage. Loft spaces are insulated and ventilated to help regulate temperature and reduce the risk of damp and condensation. 

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms 

Regular testing is one of the simplest ways to keep your household safe. We recommend checking your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every week. 

How we keep your home safe and compliant | Milton Keynes City Council 

Check your energy costs 

Energy prices can change regularly, so it may be worth reviewing your tariff to check you're getting the best value. 

If you're struggling with household costs or need financial support, visit our Cost of Living support page for advice and assistance. 

Cost of living support | Milton Keynes City Council 

Have you thought about joining My Repairs? 

We're looking for residents to help us review and monitor the repairs and maintenance service delivered to council tenants, leaseholders and shared owners. 

Members provide valuable feedback on customer experience, communication and service standards, helping us ensure residents receive a good-quality service and identify areas where improvements can be made. 

By sharing your views and experiences, you'll help us understand what's working well and where we can do better. 

No specialist knowledge is required, just a willingness to get involved. 

Register your interest today. 

 https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/housing/tenant-involvement-registration  

August Performance Highlights  

Here’s how things went in August 2026:   

With many people enjoying the summer holidays, this month’s edition is a little shorter than usual. However, we still wanted to provide an update on our service performance during July. 

July Performance Highlights  

Here’s how things went in July 2026:   

This month, we're sharing important information about pest control responsibilities and highlighting customer feedback and service performance during June.  

Pest control  

Not sure who to contact about a pest problem? 

If pests are found inside your home, you are responsible for arranging treatment. To ensure work is carried out safely and professionally, we recommend using a pest control company accredited by organisations such as the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) or the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). 

We can help with pest problems in communal areas of council-owned buildings, on public land, or where rats and mice are affecting neighbouring properties. 

If you discover a bee swarm, we recommend contacting a local beekeeper who can provide advice and, where possible, safely relocate the bees. 

Find out more about pest control responsibilities and how to report issues on the Milton Keynes City Council website:  

Pest control | Milton Keynes City Council 

Mears Voice of the Customer  

When you share your experiences with us, it helps us understand what we're doing well and where improvements can be made, enabling us to deliver the best possible service. 

Mears' Voice of the Customer programme focuses on three key areas: 

• Overall satisfaction 
• Ease of doing business 
• Likelihood to recommend 

Between January and June 2026, we received 2,485 repair satisfaction survey responses, with an average of 89.8% of respondents rating our service 7 out of 10 or higher. 

Your feedback plays a vital role in helping us improve our services and shape future customer experiences.  

June Performance Highlights  

Here’s how things went in June 2026:   

This month, we're sharing an update on our condition survey programme, improvements to the way we manage essential safety checks, and highlighting how the service performed in May.  

Condition surveys 

Our new condition survey contract started in October 2025 and will help us understand the condition of every tenanted home. 

We're making great progress and have already completed more than 4,500 surveys, putting us ahead of schedule. We've received very positive feedback from residents and quality checks show the surveys are being carried out to a high standard. 

The information we collect helps us keep our records up to date and plan future repairs, improvements and investment in our homes. 

We aim to contact every household and offer a survey by December 2026, which we expect will result in around 8,000 completed surveys.  

Find out more about condition surveys here.

Keeping your home safe and compliant 

Following feedback from residents, we've improved how we manage essential safety checks by directly overseeing the specialist contractors who carry out this work. We're now in the final stages of appointing all of our contractors. 

Find out more about how we keep your home safe and compliant here. 

May performance highlights  

Here’s how things went in May 2026:   

Join us at The Great Get Together.

Come along and meet your community. There will be free refreshments and activities. Everyone is welcome. Find out more about events near you.

This month we’re revisiting Mears’ Social Value work and highlighting how the service performed in April. 

Mears social value 

Mears does more than provide repairs and maintenance for MKCC. They are committed to making a real difference in communities across Milton Keynes - supporting residents, improving local spaces, and helping people feel more connected. 

Building on previous years 

This work builds on the strong foundations laid over recent years. From supporting schools and helping create spaces like the Woughton Wellbeing Centre, to giving hundreds of hours to local projects, Mears has continued to show a genuine commitment to the community. 

Supporting the community in 2026 

So far in 2026, their work has included: 

• Gifting 438.5 hours of volunteering across community and education projects
• Supporting Camphill Village Trust with gardening and repair work
• Running afternoon bingo sessions in sheltered housing, helping bring residents together and reduce isolation
• Taking part in career fairs and school sessions, sharing advice and inspiring local students
• Carrying out repairs for local charities, improving important community spaces
• Continuing the Handy Helpers programme in sheltered housing, offering practical help where it’s needed most 

Investing locally 

Mears’ impact is strengthened by their connection to the area, with 72% of employees living in Milton Keynes. This helps ensure that their work supports the community not just through projects, but through local jobs and opportunities. 

April performance highlights  

Here’s how things went in April 2026:   

As we move into spring, this repairs and maintenance update includes what residents should look out for at this time of year, what happens when you report a repair, and how the service performed in March.

Reporting repairs

Winter weather can sometimes cause damage that becomes more noticeable as the weather improves. Reporting repairs early can help prevent problems getting worse and may reduce the need for more extensive work later.

When you report a repair, it goes through several stages before it is completed:

• The repair is assessed and given a priority based on urgency
• Some repairs can be completed on the first visit
• Some may need specialist parts before work can be completed
• Others may need a Mears supervisor or a Milton Keynes City Council (MKCC) surveyor visit to assess the issue and agree what work is needed

You can help us complete repairs more quickly by:

• Giving clear and accurate details when reporting the problem
• Sharing photos where possible to help us understand the issue
• Making sure access is available for scheduled appointments

A reminder about appointments

Since our new repairs and maintenance contract began in August 2025, there have been 1,881 appointments where our contractor, Mears, could not gain access to carry out repairs.

Missed appointments delay repairs and take up time that could help other residents. If you can’t be at home, please let Mears know as soon as possible so your appointment can be rearranged.

Thank you for helping us keep council homes safe and well maintained.

March Performance Highlights

Here’s how things went in March 2026: 

Here’s your March update, keeping you informed about how our repairs and maintenance service will operate over Easter. This edition includes important information about emergency contacts during the holiday, along with highlights from our February performance.

Repairs over Easter

• Mears will deliver our usual repairs and maintenance service up to 2 April.
• Between 3 – 6 April, emergency repairs only will be carried out.
• Normal service resumes on 7 April.

Emergency repairs (24/7): 0330 123 2522 (option 1)
Gas emergencies: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 (have your postcode ready). Then contact Mears on the number above.

Repair categories

Emergency repairs

• These are issues that pose an immediate danger and need to be made safe.
• Mears aims to attend within 4 hours.
• Emergency gas issues: Mears aims to attend within 24 hours.

Priority repairs

• Used when waiting 28 days would be too long.
• Mears can now raise a priority repair and aims to attend within 14 days.

Routine repairs

• Mears aims to attend all routine repairs within 28 days.

February performance highlights 

Here’s how things went in February 2026: 

This month, we’re sharing guidance on tenant alterations, as well as performance highlights from our repairs service in January.  

Home improvements: what you need to know 

Spring often inspires a fresh start and for many tenants, that means planning home improvements. You can make minor changes without needing to ask us first, such as: 

• refreshing paintwork
• laying new carpets
• putting up shelves 

For anything more than this, please speak to us before you begin. Larger changes count as alterations and require written permission from the Council. This helps ensure homes remain safe, compliant and well‑maintained, and prevents situations where work must be corrected at the tenant’s expense. 

Minor alterations  

We typically approve these requests, provided the work is reasonable and completed to a good standard. 

Examples include: 

• Installing new kitchen units in line with the current kitchen layout
• Installing a new bathroom suite in line with the existing layout
• Laying hard flooring such as vinyl
• Replacing internal doors (excluding fire doors)
• Installing a television aerial or satellite dish
• Putting up or removing fencing, a garden shed, or a greenhouse
• Creating patios or garden pathways 

Major alterations  

These types of alterations will not be considered, as they involve changes to the structure, layout, or essential systems of the home.  

Examples include: 

• Removing or altering internal or external walls
• Loft conversions
• Building a garage, conservatory, or any extension
• Installing fireplaces or log burners
• Installing or altering electrical systems
• Laying tiled flooring
• Replacing or altering staircases, balustrades, or handrails
• Replacing or altering glazing
• Creating off‑road parking or driveways
• Installing outdoor structures attached to the property
• Adding ponds, hot tubs, water features, or decking
• Installing outdoor electrics 

Electric vehicle charging points 

Following a review of Electric Vehicle Charging Options for Tenants, MKCC is not currently approving tenant requests to install EV charging points at council homes. 

We will continue to keep this position under review, particularly as technology develops and the city‑wide charging network expands. A further review is planned this year. 
You can read more about EV charging options for tenants here. 

How to apply for permission 

If you’re planning a minor alteration, here’s how to request permission: 

1. Read the introduction section of the online tenants’ alterations form.
2. If the request meets the approval criteria, complete the form with full details of the proposed work.
3. We will review the request as soon as possible — please allow up to 20 working days for a response. 

Unauthorised tenant alterations 

Unauthorised alterations can pose significant safety risks and, in some cases, result in substantial costs to put right. They may also put your tenancy at risk. 

We are currently reviewing how we identify and manage unauthorised alterations and will share further updates soon. 

January performance highlights 

Here’s how things went in January 2025: 

For information 

We are sending letters to Council tenants we believe may be affected by the national Radio Teleswitch (RTS) switch‑off happening from March 2026, and advising anyone with a potential RTS meter to contact their electricity supplier urgently to check whether they need a free smart meter upgrade to avoid disruption to heating and hot water. 

Welcome to your January update. 

It’s a shorter edition this month, as we’ve been busy welcoming the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) for our first ever planned inspection. 

The RSH focuses on how well landlords meet the consumer standards, and we’ve been sharing a wide range of information with them, including: 

• How we resolve issues with our properties
• The opportunities residents have to share their views and feedback
• How we learn from complaints and use them to improve our services 

December performance highlights 

Here’s how things went in December 2025: 

Keeping you updated on how our repairs and maintenance service will run over Christmas and New Year. This edition includes important information about emergency contacts during the holidays, a look ahead to 2026 with our My Repairs Resident Engagement Group, and highlights from November’s performance. 

Report repairs: Christmas and New Year 

Mears will continue delivering our repairs and maintenance service as usual until 24 December, and again from 29 to 31 December. 

On these dates, only emergency repairs will be done: 

• 25 December
• 26 December
• 1 January 

Normal service resumes on 2 January. 

Emergency repairs (24/7): Call 0330 123 2522, option 2. 

Gas emergencies: If you smell gas or think there’s a leak, first call the National Gas Emergency Service at 0800 111 999 with the postcode ready. Then, contact Mears on the number above. 

Looking ahead 

In 2026, our Resident Engagement Group My Repairs will be focusing on ways to: 

• Improve access to repair and maintenance appointments
• Promote evening appointments available on Wednesdays
• Review unauthorised tenant alterations that may cause damage or safety risks 

If you would like to get involved, you can find out more at Residents engagement | Milton Keynes City Council 

November performance highlights 

Here’s how things went in November 2025: 

As the colder months approach, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for winter. In this edition, we’re sharing practical tips to help you stay safe, warm, and comfortable—plus a few simple steps that can prevent issues later. From checking your heating to managing condensation, these quick actions can make a big difference. 

We’re also sharing highlights from October’s performance updates. 

Get set for winter 

Preparing your home now helps you stay comfortable and avoid issues later. Here are the key steps: 

• Report repairs early  

Report any repairs to Mears as soon as possible.  Early action prevents damage and keeps homes safe. 

Don’t forget - Mears now offers evening repair bookings every Wednesday, making it  easier to choose a time that works best for you. 

• Gas boiler servicing  

When contacted for your gas safety inspection, please book an appointment at a time you’ll be home. This ensures your boiler is safe and working efficiently. 

• Test your heating 

If you haven’t used your heating recently, switch on your boiler and run it for at least 15 minutes. Check that all radiators are warming up properly and report any issues to Mears. 

•  Bleed radiators  

If radiators are cooler at the top, use a radiator key to release trapped air.  

•  Prevent draughts and heat loss  

Aim to keep main living spaces at a sensible temperature (around 18–21°C is recommended for health and comfort). Small changes like closing curtains at night and using draught excluders can help maintain warmth without increasing energy costs.

• Manage condensation  

Wipe down windows daily, keep rooms ventilated, and use extractor fans. Avoid drying clothes directly on radiators. 

•  Check gutters  

Tenants are responsible for keeping gutters clear to prevent blockages (unless you live in a block of flats). 

•  Loft use  

Do not use the loft for storage. It is insulated to keep your home warm and ventilated to reduce damp. 

•  Safety first  

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors weekly. 

•  Energy tariff  

Check and compare energy prices online to make sure you’re on the best deal. 

For financial help, visit our Cost of Living support page. 

October performance highlights 

Here’s how things went in October 2025: 

There’s a big change this month — Awaab’s Law starts on 27 October, and we’ll explain what that means. 

We’re also sharing how things went in September, based on key performance updates. 

And just a reminder — Mears now offers evening repair bookings every Wednesday, so it’s easier to find a time that works for you.  

What is Awaab’s Law?  

Awaab’s Law is named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who sadly died in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home. His story led to new rules to protect tenants from serious health hazards in social housing. 

What does this mean for you? 

From 27 October 2025, all social landlords including Milton Keynes City Council must: 

• Investigate and make safe emergency hazards (like severe damp, unsafe electrics, or fire risks) within 24 hours.
• Start investigating significant mould problems within 10 days of a report.
• Provide written updates within 3 working days after an inspection.
• Keep you informed throughout the repair process. 

These rules apply to all council and housing association homes across England. 

What should tenants do? 

If you spot a serious issue in your home: 

1. Report it immediately to Mears.
2. Keep records  - take photos and note dates and any messages.
3. Expect action within the legal timeframes. 

We’ve updated our internal procedures to align with the latest standards, ensuring your home remains safe and well-maintained. As we continue to learn and grow, we’ll keep improving the way we work.  

Find out more here 

September performance highlights 

Here’s how things went in September 2025: