Housing News Spring 2023

Housing News

If English is not your first language and you need a translation, we can get one for you. If you would like this information in another language, Braille, audio tape, large print, easy English, BSL video or CD rom or plain text please contact: 0117 352 1444.

Where to get cost of living support

The council has taken a One City approach to addressing the cost of living crisis, working together as a city to support the communities most impacted. This edition of Housing News is a cost of living special to help provide council tenants and leaseholders with advice and contact information for agencies who can help. If there is further advice you need that is not in this newsletter, visit Bristol City Council’s cost of living support webpage, www.bristol.gov.uk/ costofliving It brings together organisations and agencies from across the city that can provide advice and guidance on topics including housing, benefits and

financial help, employment and skills, mental health and wellbeing. There are also links to useful websites and community organisations across the city. Our Citizen Service Point, located at 100 Temple Street BS1 6AG, is also on hand if you need help using the council’s services. The opening hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm, Wednesday 10am to 5pm. The service is closed on bank holidays. If you do not have access to the internet and want to find out where you can get help, you can also call the We Are Bristol helpline for free on 0800 694 0184, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.

Housing advice

We know that rising household costs are making it difficult for you to pay rent, bills, and in some cases, mean some people could be facing homelessness.

There is guidance available on our cost of living support webpage www.bristol.gov.uk/ costofliving including advice on paying your rent and options for applying for housing benefit or Universal Credit.

You can also reach out to a number of agencies across the city for housing advice.

Tel: 0330 175 5121

Open Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm, weekends and bank holidays or visit england.shelter.org.uk

Tel: 0117 924 8662

Open Mon to Fri, 9.30am – 4.30pm

www.bristollawcentre.org.uk

Tel: 0808 800 4444

Open Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm, weekends and bank holidays, 9am to 5pm, or visit www.housingmatters.co.uk

Supporting your mental health and emotional wellbeing

The pressures of the cost of living crisis may be affecting people’s mental health, making you feel stressed, anxious or low. Please talk to family and friends about how you’re feeling but also check in on people who you think may be struggling.

There is also lots of help available from local organisations.

Every Mind Matters give expert advice and tips to help you look after your mental health –www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters

Community Access Support Service can signpost to organisations across Bristol for all groups of people and communities Tel. 0117 304 1400 www.cassbristol.org/useful-information

Changes Bristol run wellbeing groups across Bristol Tel. 0117 941 1123

www.changesbristol.org.uk

Vita Minds is an NHS Mental Wellbeing support service, 0333 200 1893 (Mon – Thurs, 8am – 8pm; Fri, 8am – 5pm; Sat 9am – 1pm)

www.bit.ly/VitaMindsBNSSG

If you start to feel that daily life is getting too much to cope with, you can contact Samaritans They offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0330 094 5717.

Benefits, financial and debt advice

If you are struggling to manage your money or are facing financial challenges, there is advice and support available to you.

Use the Bristol City Council benefits calculator to find out if you can claim benefits – you may be eligible for some extra money: bristol.entitledto.co.uk/home/start

If you need financial advice to help you manage your money or have debt problems there is advice here www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/benefitsand-financial-help/help-with-money-and-debtproblems on funds and support available.

There are a number of agencies in Bristol that can provide advice including:

Citizens Advice Bristol –0808 278 7957 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm) www. bristolcab.org.uk

North Bristol Advice Centre – 0117 951 5751 (Mon – Thurs, 10am – 2pm), 2 Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze BS7 9XA www.northbristoladvice.org.uk

South Bristol Advice Services – 0117 903 8358 Withywood Centre, Queens Road BS13 8QA admin@southbristoladvice.org.uk www.southbristoladvice.co.uk

St Paul’s Advice Centre –0117 955 2981 (Mon – Thurs, 10am – 2pm), 146 Grosvenor Road, St Paul’s BS2 8YA enquiry@stpaulsadvice.org.uk www.stpaulsadvice.org.uk

Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service –0117 352 1888 (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 9am – 1pm) welfarerights@bristol.gov.uk www.bristol.gov.uk/wramas

Age UK Bristol – advice for over 55-year-olds 0117 929 7537 (Mon – Fri, 10am – 4pm) www.ageuk.org.uk/bristol

West of England Centre for Inclusive Living –disability benefits for Disabled people –0117 947 9911 www.wecil.org.uk

If you need help with council tax and are on a low income you could apply for Council Tax Reduction. Find out more at www.bristol.gov.uk/ctr

Where to get support if you’re struggling to buy food

There are a number of food banks across Bristol for those who are eligible, with friendly volunteers available to talk about your needs and how they might be able to help. Contact them to find out where your nearest one is.

Your local community centre is a really good place to visit to ask about what food services might be available in your neighbourhood, or you can email info@feedingbristol.org.uk

There are foodbanks across Bristol for those who are eligible, with friendly volunteers available to talk about your needs and how they might be able to help.

North Bristol and South Gloucestershire Foodbank – nbsg.foodbank.org.uk or call them on 0117 979 1399

Bristol North West Foodbank and Homebank –www.bristolnorthwestfoodbank.org.uk or call them on 0117 923 5343

South and East Bristol Foodbank –eastbristol.foodbank.org.uk or call them on 07584 625 082.

Visit the Too Good to Go website to find out how you can buy food from cafes, restaurants and shops at a reduced price. www.toogoodtogo.org

On the Olio website you can find people giving away free food to their community. www.olioex.com

Here are eight excellent tips to reduce your energy bills

1 Switch off standby

You can save around £55 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode.

Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming. You may want to think about getting a standby saver or smart plug which allows you to turn all your appliances off standby in one go.

2 Draught-proof windows and doors (and holes around pipes)

Unless your home is very new, you will lose heat through draughts around doors and windows, gaps around the floor, where utility pipes enter your house and chimneys. Professional draught-proofing of windows, doors and blocking cracks in floors and skirting boards can cost around £200, but can save around £40 a year on energy bills. DIY draught proofing can be much cheaper with a wide range of products easily available.

3 Turn off lights

Turn your lights off when you’re not using them or when you leave a room. This will save you around £20 a year on your annual energy bills. Replacing all the lights in your home with LED bulbs could help you save even more.

4 Be careful with your washing

You can save around £28 a year from your energy bill just by using your washing machine more carefully. Use your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures, some manufacturers now even advise cold washes, and only wash full loads.

5 Avoid the tumble dryer

Dry clothes outside when possible or on racks to save £55 a year.

6 Spend less time in the shower

Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £65 a year on their energy bills.

7 Be savvy in the kitchen

Kettles are one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. But many of us will admit that we at least occasionally boil the kettle with more water than we’re going to use.

Avoid overfilling the kettle and save yourself £11 a year on your electricity bill.

8 Fill your dishwasher

Only run your dishwasher when it is full to reduce the amount of water you use. Reducing your dishwasher use by one run per week for a year could save you £14.

Managing your energy bills

Direct debits

If you pay your energy bills by direct debit, your payments will usually be estimated on the amount of energy you’ll use over a year.

You may find that your payments will increase if you use more energy than the supplier has estimated. Your supplier may also have recently increased its prices, although there is a limit to how much they can do this. If your direct debits have increased your supplier must let you know before it happens. If they don’t, complain to your supplier.

To ensure you’re paying the right amount of direct debit make sure you send monthly meter readings. This means you’ll be less likely to owe them extra money.

If you’re are struggling to pay your energy bills there are steps you can take to make sure you don’t end up in debt. Energy saving advice is available from the Centre for Sustainable Energy www.cse.org.uk/ advice or contact Citizens Advice Bristol. Visit www.bristolcab.org.uk or call 0808 278 7957

Save on bills, while helping the planet

People across Bristol are saving money while saving the planet by making small changes to their daily habits by:

• rethinking how they travel and leaving the car at home for shorter journeys

• changing how they’re eating, growing their own food and eating less meat

• spending less on shopping by repairing not replacing and thinking second-hand first

• and, spending more time in nature – it’s free and great for your health and wellbeing

Hear how Martin, Kanwal, Roy, Simon, Sumita, Benhinn, Becky, Nobby, Jim and Olivia are cutting their costs and carbon footprint in their short film Save money save the planet www.bristolclimatehub. org/save-money-save-the-planet

Free holiday activities and food over the school holidays

Your Holiday Hub has been set up to provide free activities and food for eligible children and young people aged 4 to 16 during the Easter, summer and winter school holidays.

The Your Holiday Hub programme allows children and young people to learn something new, try new things and make new friends during the holidays. Over the winter holidays, activities included festive arts and crafts, music club and Ninja Warrior. Activities are updated and available to book before each school holiday.

With each activity, children and young people will also receive a hot meal as well as learn about food, nutrition and healthy living through interactive workshops and classes.

Find out more on the Your Holiday Hub website www.yourholidayhubbristol.co.uk

Find out more about free school meals on the Bristol City Council website www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/ schools-learning-and-early-years/travel-and-freeschool-meals/free-school-meals

New rapid response team

Over the last 12 months we have been piloting a rapid (repairs) response service. The team have been fixing and undertaking repairs to communal areas of high and low-rise blocks.

The jobs the team have been resolving are ones that make the biggest impact to improving the ‘look and feel’ in and around communal areas such as repairing communal fencing, bush/shrub pruning and clearance, replacing broken paving slabs, repairing bin areas, replacing guttering and down pipes and removing moss and other debris from paths. So far the team have completed over 350 jobs for you!

Keep a look out for the team and say hello when you see them!

Preventing and dealing with mould in your home

Condensation

Condensation is caused when warm humid air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as windows and external walls. Without adequate ventilation condensation can build up and result in mould growth.

Penetrating damp

Penetrating damp is caused when water seeps into the building. This might be due to roof leaks, leaking pipes and plumbing, cracks in the external wall, rising damp, among others.

If you suspect the property has penetrating damp this should be reported to the landlord as soon as possible, as these issues can cause serious damage if left untreated. Please get in touch via 0117 922 2200 if you need to report mould or damp.

How to avoid condensation and mould growth

Ventilatation

• Open windows regularly If you have trickle vents keep these open.

• Use an extractor fan whilst cooking and bathing If you don’t have an extractor fan try to keep a window open. Contact your landlord if your extractor fan is not working.

• Position furniture slightly away from walls

Increasing the amount of space behind furniture this will improve airflow.

• Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed, this will prevent humidity moving to other partsof the property.

Heat

• Heat your home Keeping your home warm will reduce the number of cold surfaces where condensation could form.

Reduce moisture

• Dry clothes outside If this isn’t possible hang your washing in a bathroom with the extractor fan on or window open

• Regularly wipe condensation off surfaces

Remove mould

• Use an anti-fungal solution and anti-mould paint If mould does grow on a surface remove using an anti-fungal solution. These are available in most major supermarkets, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use anti-mould paint when repainting.

Fire safety – what we’re doing to support you

Last year you may have heard about two separate fires that occurred at highrise blocks at Twinnell House and Eccleston House in Bristol. The causes of the fires are thought to have been accidental at Twinnell and suspected arson at Eccleston. These events have deeply affected us all.

Waking watches

These precautions involve:

1 introducing around-the-clock waking watches

2 removing or preparing to remove all EPS (expanded polystyrene) cladding from our blocks.

Waking watches involve fire marshals patrolling the buildings twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. The marshals job is to provide early alert in the event of a fire and to help with any potential evacuation while any EPS cladding is still in place or being removed.

For those 38 blocks there is now a simultaneous evacuation policy, and so if there is a fire in a flat or anywhere in the block residents must leave. We have written to all residents in these blocks advising them of the change in evacuation policy and arranged drop in events to answer any questions or address concerns.

For the remaining 24 high rise blocks the evacuation policy remains get out/stay put. This means you must get out immediately if there is a fire in your flat, but crucially stay put if there is a fire anywhere else in the building.

Keeping escape routes clear

It is very important that corridors, stairs and other communal areas in high-rise blocks are kept clear of any items that might be an obstruction or a fire hazard.

The recent fires in high-rise blocks have demonstrated how important fire safety precautions, such as keeping escape routes clear, can be for the people living in high rise blocks.

Please do not be tempted to leave anything that could be a hazard for even the briefest time in the way of your escape route. We have a policy that allows us as your landlord to remove and dispose of anything left in corridors that is considered to be hazardous.

Please let us know, by phoning Estate Management on 0117 9222 200 (select option 4 or 5), if you see:

• any materials on the stairs, including mobility scooters or bikes

• anything which needs repairing, such as bannisters or tiles

• anything obstructing the final exit door.

Please remember that your hallway may form part of your escape route in the event of a fire. Please keep your exit routes clear and safe from hazards.

Avon fire safety home visits

We work closely with Avon Fire and Rescue Services to frequently review our approach to fire safety. The Fire Service provide advice and information through their home visit programme.

The home visits suggest simple changes that you can make to reduce the risk of fire happening in your home.

You can book a home visit by calling the Fire Service on 0117 926 2061 or at www.avonfire.gov.uk/ourservices/home-fire-safety-visits/home-fire-safety-visitrequest

Fire safety tips

Extra precautions before you go to bed

At night there are some simple steps you can take to protect your home from a potential fire:

• Close all internal doors to stop a fire from spreading.

• Turn off and unplug as many big electrical appliances as possible, unless they are designed to be left on like your fridge.

• Turn off and unplug other small appliances, such as chargers, washing machines and heaters.

Balcony safety

On your balcony:

• never BBQ

• do not use it as a fire pit

• do not store fireworks

• do not fix fairy lights, additional timber, combustible screening or flooring.

Flammable materials to be aware of in your home

• Do not use paraffin, or bottled gas heaters or appliances.

• Do not store petrol, diesel, oil, paraffin bottled gas or any other dangerous liquid or material.

• Do not store any appliance or machinery fuelled by the liquids above.

Keep fire doors closed (if your block has them)

Please do not prop open or block fire doors. When the doors are closed they stop the spread of fire.

Smoke alarms

All council homes should have a heat or smoke detector on each level. If you think yours is broken or missing please report it 0117 922 2200 or visit www.bristol.gov.uk/contact/citizen-service-point Avon Fire and Rescue Services have lots of useful fire safety tips to keep you safe. You can find more information at: www.avonfire.gov.uk/safety-advice/ fire-safety

Look out for your vulnerable neighbours

The cost of living crisis is affecting families and vulnerable people all over the country. During these difficult times many are worried about keeping warm and safe during the winter months. It can be helpful to look out for our more vulnerable neighbours during this time.

If you are worried about the welfare of a neighbour, perhaps because you have not seen them out an about as you normally would, here are some simple steps you can take.

1

2

If you know your neighbour personally, try giving them a call, a knock on the door or a phone call, if you can and let them know you’re just checking they are ok.

If you have not seen a neighbour that you would regularly see and you know your neighbours friends/family well enough, perhaps reach out to family members or friends to let them know you are concerned and politely suggest they call in on them.

3

If you haven’t seen your neighbour and have concerns but are not familiar with them personally, you can contact a housing officer or if you live in a flat or sheltered scheme, speak to the caretaker or warden. Whilst we will not be able to share personal information about your neighbour, we will be able to check and where relevant contact next of kin and/or seek reassurance that they are ok.

If you are checking on a neighour that you are worried about, please do so safely and respectfully. If you are concerned about a neighbours welfare and you think there is an immediate risk, call the police on 999

Looking for a new job or training?

With the cost of living continuing to rise you may be thinking about getting a new job or developing new skills to help you find more work or a better-paid job.

One Front Door can help you find work and training, and they give priority to unemployed residents. Visit www.onefrontdoor.org.uk or call them on 0117 922 3440 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Future Bright offers free coaching and support to help people on low incomes find better-paid work and increase their incomes.

Visit www.onefrontdoor.org.uk/future-bright or call 0117 922 2250.

Bristol Community Learning provides free course to improve your confidence and skills for life and work, including English, maths and digital skills. Visit www.communitylearningwest.net

Clean Slate helps people on low incomes or facing challenges in life to become better off. They can also help people find new, better paid or extra work. Visit www.cleanslateltd.co.uk or call 0117 457 4287

What can you do to help others during the cost of living crisis?

The national cost of living crisis continues to affect households across Bristol. If you’d like to make a difference and support your community, there are lots of volunteering opportunities available in the city.

Roles include, providing advice to residents, cooking and serving food, gardening and general admin support. Register your interest to become a volunteer on the Can Do Bristol website.

You don’t need to be a registered volunteer to support your community. Simply getting to know your neighbour, reaching out to a friend you

haven’t heard from in a while or offering to help an elderly relative can make a big difference.

If you are part of a community organisation in the city and need volunteers to help you reach your local residents and neighbourhood, you can post a volunteering opportunity on the Can Do Bristol website for volunteers to sign up to.

Visit candobristol.co.uk

Bristol City Council

www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/peopleand-communities/cost-of-livingsupport?tab=supportyourcommunity

Could a homecare job be right for you?

With lots of different roles on offer and the chance to develop new skills and gain qualifications, could you be there for people in need across Bristol?

Proud to Care has lots of homecare opportunities available. You don’t have to have a particular qualification to apply, and you’ll be making a huge difference to those who need support.

For more information and vacancies visit the Proud to Care website: www.beproudtocare.co.uk

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone is here –get help to get around

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone is now live, helping to reduce air pollution and improve the health of our city. Most vehicles won’t be affected but older and more polluting vehicles must pay a charge to drive through the zone. You can check online if your vehicle will need to pay a charge. We can all help reduce air pollution by walking, cycling and using public transport more and our friendly travel team can offer you advice through a travel planning session.

Free support

There is also funding to help people travel more sustainably, with offers including:

• one month bike and e-bike trials

• adult cycle training

• VOI eScooter credit

• taster bus and train tickets

• car club credit

Register your interest online and we can talk you through the options. Alternatively, call our Customer Services Centre on 0117 922 2000 www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/streets-travel/ bristols-caz

Get in touch

You can contact us in several ways. Information about our services is available on our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week at: bristol.gov.uk/councilhousing

Caretaking

www.bristol.gov.uk/caretaking

Citizen Service Point

100 Temple Street, Bristol

Opening hours

Monday: 9am to 5pm

Tuesday: 9am to 5pm

Wednesday: 10am to 5pm Thursday: 9am to 5pm

Friday: 9am to 5pm

We don’t deal with all housing services face-to-face at our citizen service point, but we will help you contact services online or by telephone.

Complaints or feedback

www.bristol.gov.uk/complaints

Email: complaints.feedback@ bristol.gov.uk

Tel: 0117 922 2723

(Monday to Friday,10am to 4pm)

Emergency repairs

Please call the Emergency Control Centre:

8.30am to 6pm (office hours):

Tel: 0117 922 2200 (option 1)

6pm to 8.30am (out of hours):

Tel: 0117 922 2050

Textphone: 0117 922 3892

Estate management

www.bristol.gov.uk/ counciltenants

Tel: 0117 922 2200 (Option 4)

Find it in Bristol

maps.bristol.gov.uk/pinpoint

Get involved

Find out about Local Housing Forums and other resources: www.bristol.gov.uk/ tenantparticipation

Grounds

maintenance

Email: bristolparks@bristol.gov.uk

Tel: 0117 922 2100 (Option 4)

Housing benefit and council tax reduction

www.bristol.gov.uk/benefits

My account Register for ‘My Account’

Using ‘My Account’ is quick and easy. Find out how you can manage your Council Tax, Rent, Housing Benefit and Landlords services all in one place!

Visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/sign-in

Rehousing

www.homechoicebristol.co.uk

Email: hcb.enquiries@bristol.gov.uk

Tel: 0117 922 2400

Rents and housing payments

www.bristol.gov.uk/payrent

If you are struggling to pay, call: Tel: 0117 922 2200 (Option 3) (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm)

Manage your tenancy online: www.bristol.gov.uk/tenantaccount

Report repairs

www.bristol.gov.uk/housing/repairs

Tel: 0117 922 2200 (Option 1)

Report street problems

www.bristol.gov.uk/report-astreet-issue

Social media

facebook.com/ bristolcouncilhousing

twitter.com/BristolCouncil instagram.com/ bristolcouncil

youtube.com/ bristolcitycouncil

Smell gas?

Report gas immediately to National Grid Gas Emergency Service. Tel: 0800 111 999

Tenants energy advice

www.cse.org.uk/bristoltea

Tenancy fraud

Email: tenancy.fraud@bristol.gov.uk

Tel: 0117 922 2470

Tenant services online available 24/7 www.bristol.gov.uk/ councilhousing

Travel planning

journeyplanner.travelwest.info/ directions

www.betterbybike.info

What’s on

Bristol museums and galleries

www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/ whats-on