Your May 2026 newsletter includes:

  • Housing and Consumer Standards Programme update 
  • New permanent senior leadership appointments 
  • Making it easier for you to have your say 
  • Downsizing could be your next move
  • Major fire safety works now complete 
  • Clear spaces are safe spaces
  • SmokeFree Bristol 
  • Aardman magic at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Housing and Consumer Standards update

Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee

Putting safety first in your home 

Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, shares a progress update on phase two of our improvement plan and what it means for you and your neighbours.

“Our goal isn’t just to meet regulatory standards. It’s to deliver a housing service you can trust, with homes where you feel safe, comfortable and supported.”

"We’ve been working hard to complete essential safety checks and follow-up work, and I’m pleased to say we’re now close to finishing many of the actions we committed to:

  • over 90% of the electrical safety backlog has been cleared, reducing more than 1,800 overdue inspections to just 125
  • 95% of previously outstanding fire safety repairs have now been completed
  • our approach to managing asbestos has been strengthened and improved
    We’ve been deliberately focusing on the most urgent issues first. That means tackling the things that matter most to residents, which in turn will help you feel safe and secure in your home.
"We’ve been deliberately focusing on the most urgent issues first. That means tackling the things that most."
David McNulty, Executive Director of Housing and Fiona Lester, Director of Homes and Landlord Services

New senior leadership strengthens services 

David McNulty is our new Executive Director of Housing. He has responsibility for all housing associated services and developments delivered by the council. Fiona Lester has now been appointed as Director of Homes and Landlord Services, following a period in the role on an interim basis.

These roles give us strong, long-term leadership so that we can keep improving our housing services and make sure you are safe, secure and supported in your home.
David brings a wealth of experience to the council, joining from Harrow Council where he was Director of Housing, and before that held a senior housing role at Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

“One of the highlights of my recruitment process was being interviewed by the Resident and Community Panel and the Housing Scrutiny Panel members. It was great to meet you and to hear where we need to improve, and how we can better serve our communities.

“I hope this will be the first of many opportunities to meet residents as I spend time getting to know the fantastic, diverse and thriving neighbourhoods that make up Bristol.”

Having already worked closely with colleagues and residents in her role for some time, Fiona is delighted to continue the work she has already started – including her commitment to ensure the time you give sharing your experience is well spent.

“My top priority is supporting efforts to ensure your homes are safe, well maintained, and that the services you rely on work better every day. I am committed to strengthening the ways we listen to residents, improving our communication, and ensuring that your feedback leads to real and visible improvements.” 

A woman and man sat in front of a laptop smiling at each other

Making it easy to have your say 

Our new resident voice approach makes it easier for you to tell us what's important, challenge us when things aren't right and help shape our services.

The Resident and Community Panel, Housing Scrutiny Panel, Leaseholder Forums and High-Rise Living Group offer inclusive ways for you to get involved and give you a stronger voice in how we work. 

If you're passionate about where you live and want to improve community life for you and your neighbours, get in touch. You will get plenty of support and gain valuable skills and experience for your CV. Plus we’ll reimburse your costs. 

A group of people sat in a circle having a meeting

Upcoming Scrutiny Bootcamps

Led by the independent Housing Scrutiny Panel, new Scrutiny Bootcamps are being introduced. They will be short, focused one-off sessions where you work with council staff to look closely at a single housing service. We’ve designed the bootcamps to be quick, practical and easy to take part in, without the need to join regular meetings.

The next bootcamp will take place in the summer (exact date to be confirmed) and will focus on making recommendations to improve our contact centre and phone service. 




Fire safety

Clear spaces are safe spaces 

Your safety matters. If you live in a building with communal spaces including corridors, laundry rooms and foyers, please work with us to keep your home safe and always keep them clear. It’s important that nothing is stored, left or displayed in communal spaces – they are safe escape routes.

While they may appear harmless, even small items can cause trips, smoke or block access during an emergency. That’s why we have a clear-space policy for all communal areas. We want to keep you safe. 

We must take your things away if you don’t remove them and you may be charged. 

A cityscape photo of Bristol with a view of colourful high-rise residential buildings

Strengthening fire safety in high-rise buildings 

No more waking watch

In the last three years, the council had 35 buildings with waking watch – a fire safety measure where trained people patrol a building 24/7 to detect signs of fire, raise the alarm if necessary and ensure prompt evacuation.

The implementation of waking watch has always been a temporary measure and with our programme of installing automatic fire sprinkler systems, updating smoke alarms and removing cladding now complete, we’ve been able to remove them entirely. These improvements will give those of you who live in high-rise buildings safer, long term fire protection.

A Fire Action Notice

Fire Action Notices


If you live in a high-rise building or other type of building that has communal spaces, it’s important that you familiarise yourself with and follow its evacuation procedures. You will find Fire Action Notices all around your building and most prominently at the entrance and near the lifts.






A woman stood by a sofa packing cardboard boxes

Downsizing could be your next move 

“Managing my home was becoming overwhelming. Now I’ve got a new place that I can manage and call my own.” Eileen from Bedminster

“I can now start my new life.” Leanne from Brislington

If your home feels larger than you need or has become difficult to manage, moving to a smaller home could be right for you. Downsizing can mean less clutter, less cleaning and maintenance, and lower household costs, including utility bills. It can help make everyday life simpler, with a comfortable home that meets your needs now and in the future.

Deciding to move is entirely your choice. Our team is here to offer clear information, guidance and support, so you can explore your options at your own pace. Email downsizing@bristol.gov.uk

Go SmokeFree for your friends

SmokeFree Bristol 

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take for your health – and you don’t have to do it alone. 

Delivered by Bristol City Council in partnership with Solutions 4 Health, SmokeFree Bristol offers free, tailored support to help you quit for good. Our friendly, expert team will give you the tools and confidence you need to succeed, including: 

  • one-to-one sessions with trained advisors 
  • nicotine replacement therapies and medications 
  • support for young people, schools and families 

Whether you’ve tried before or are thinking about quitting for the first time, we’re here to help you make that change.

Gromit the dog. A cartoon character

Enjoy Aardman magic at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Tiny treasures from the Aardman animation studio have been hidden around the museum for visitors to discover.

Families and curious explorers of all ages can pick up a free detective map from Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to help them track down and tick off all the secret treasures.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Entry is free – but donations are always welcome.









Complaints and compliments - your feedback matters

“They handled my complaint really well and took on some of my points. I'm really satisfied with how the manager dealt with my complaint. Dealt with it in a timely and sensitive manner. Was clear and concise.” Feedback from a council home resident.

If something isn’t working for you, we want to know. Sharing feedback with us is simple. You can do it online, by phone or in person. When you complain, we’ll explain what happens next, keep you updated and use your feedback to improve services for all residents. 

Complaints aren’t judged. We welcome them because they help us put things right. Your voice matters, and by speaking up, you help shape a better housing service.

Your complaint will be treated fairly and impartially. We will handle it in line with our corporate complaints policy and Housing Ombudsman standards.

We want to hear from you! 


We hope you've found this edition of Housing News useful. If there’s anything more you'd like us to include in future updates, please email housing.news@bristol.gov.uk

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