Housing

With rents increasing, heating bills soaring and taxes rising, this is a very difficult time for many people across the UK.

Housing is one of the most common reasons constituents come to Tan Dhesi MP’s office for help. However, despite our wish to help where we can, in most situations concerning housing Tan and his team are not able to offer direct assistance to constituents, with others better placed to do so.

This page gives some basic information about a range of housing issues and where you can go for assistance if needed.

Homelessness

If you are at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days or are currently homeless, please follow the steps outlined on Slough Borough Council’s website for advice and assistance: https://www.slough.gov.uk/homelessness

If the Council do not respond to you in a timely manner, then please contact your local councillors who are best placed to assist you with all council related matters: https://democracy.slough.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx

It is important to avoid being found to be “intentionally homeless”. Unless you are at risk of harm, for example facing domestic violence, we would advise that you do not leave your home until you have been in contact with Slough Borough Council. You can find more information about intentional homelessness on Shelter’s website here: https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/homelessness/intentionally_homeless

You can find advice and support on homelessness from Slough Homeless Our Concern and Shelter. Full contact details for these organisations are outlined on this page under ‘Other Support’.

Housing repairs

If you are a tenant in a property your landlord is responsible for most repairs in your property. This responsibility applies to councils and housing associations, as well as private landlords. In the first instance you should report repairs to your landlord.

Slough Borough Council: If your landlord is Slough Borough Council you can raise your issue directly with the Council at https://www.slough.gov.uk/contact, or by using their complaints procedure https://www.slough.gov.uk/complaints-feedback.

You can also contact your local councillors who are elected to decide council matters and represent you with council issues: Find Councillor (slough.gov.uk)

Alternatively, you can call the Council on 01753 475111 or you can book an appointment with an advisor from the Council on the Slough Borough Council website: https://www.slough.gov.uk/directory-record/7400/book-an-appointment. They will be able to offer you a face-to-face appointment should you need additional support.

Additional information about housing repairs can be found on the Council’s website here: https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-housing-tenants/repairs

Please refer to ‘Other Support’ on this page to see what local and national organisations may be able to offer you additional advice.

Housing Register and Overcrowding

If you require social housing, you will need to join the housing register which is managed by Slough Borough Council. You can find further information about the housing register and apply for social housing on the Council’s website here: https://www.slough.gov.uk/housing/apply-council-home

All issues relating to the housing register, including wait times, being removed from the register, overcrowding, and priority needs, should be raised directly with the Council.

You can raise your issue directly with the Council at https://www.slough.gov.uk/contact, or by using their complaints procedure https://www.slough.gov.uk/complaints-feedback.

You can also contact your local councillors who are elected to decide council matters and represent you with council issues: Find Councillor (slough.gov.uk)

Please note that Tan Dhesi MP and his team do not have any authority over Slough Borough Council. This means we do not have access to the housing register. We do not know and cannot affect your place in the queue.

Private Accommodation

Tan Dhesi MP is often contacted by both constituents who are private landlords in dispute with their tenants and private tenants in dispute with their landlord.

Members of Parliament are elected to represent constituents on public matters and cannot intervene in any private disputes between two or more private parties, which includes private tenants and their landlords. It is the role of the courts and not individual MPs to settle private disputes.

There are several organisations outlined below which may be able to offer you support in these circumstances, including Shelter, Citizens Advice and the National Residential Landlords Association. Full contact details for these organisations are outlined on this page under ‘Other Support’.

Other Support

For additional information and advice on homelessness, repairs, tenant rights, evictions or private renting the organisations outlined may be able to help.

Slough Homeless Our Concern (SHOC)

SHOC provides care for the homeless in Slough and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Phone: 01753 577 747

Email: info@weareshoc.org.uk

Website: https://sloughhomeless.org.uk/who-we-are/

Address: Quaker Meeting House, 74 Ragstone Road, Slough, SL1 2PX

Shelter

Shelter is a registered charity that campaigns for tenant rights in the UK. They give advice, information and advocacy to individuals facing housing issues and homelessness.

Phone: 0808 800 4444

Website: https://england.shelter.org.uk/

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

CAB provides information and guidance on housing issues.

Phone: 0800 144 8848 (National Phoneline) / Slough Advice Line on 0808 812 7022 Mon to Fri (10am to 4pm)

Website: https://caeb.org.uk

Pre-booked appointments (Thursdays only) are now held at:

Citizens Advice East Berkshire – Slough
Slough Treatment, Advice & Recovery Team (START),
Slough Community Hub (CHUB),
27 Church Street,
Slough,
SL1 1PL

Web: https://caeb.org.uk/get-advice/visit-us/

National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)

The NRLA is the UK’s largest membership organisation for private residential landlords in England and Wales and provide their members with expertise and support. You can find further information on their website here: https://www.nrla.org.uk

Getting Help from Tan Dhesi MP

If you are a resident of the Slough Constituency who is also a tenant of Slough Borough Council or a housing association and have already tried to contact Slough Borough Council and your local Councillors to raise your housing issue but it has not been resolved, Tan is always happy to contact the Council on your behalf to request an update on your case.

Contact Tan Dhesi MP