housingnews www.bristol.gov.uk Summer 2014
News for Bristol City Council tenants
Blooming marvellous! Your garden questions answered
Inside: l How to get credit in a crisis l Top free summer events l Have your say on services
Please recycle this magazine after use
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer 2014
Welcome to the summer issue of
If English is not your first language and you need a translation, we can get one for you.
housingnews
If you would like this information in a different format, for example braille, audiotape, large print or computer disc, or community languages, please contact 0117 922 2979
Thank you to everyone who gave their views in our survey about Housing News. Most people said they found it helpful and wanted it to continue – so we hope you enjoy this edition. We know there is also room for improvement so we are setting up a tenants’ editorial panel to help shape the content from next issue onwards. Thank you to everyone who has already expressed an interest in this. If you would like to be involved (and haven’t already let us know), we’d love to hear from you. Please email tpu@bristol.gov.uk or call us on 0117 352 1444. From our next issue onwards, we’ll also be launching an email version of Housing News. Visit www.bristol. gov.uk/councilhousing to sign up. And for the latest updates, why not follow us on Facebook? Just search for Bristol City Council Housing. Have a great summer! Steve Barrett & Mary Ryan Service Directors, Bristol City Council Housing Housing News is published three times a year and delivered to every city council home. We welcome your comments about the paper, or if you have any enquiries please contact the editor. Call: 0117 922 2979 email: communications.marketing@bristol.gov.uk Or write to the Freepost address: Communications Team (3BH), Bristol City Council, Freepost BS 4341, Bristol BS1 5ZZ (no stamp required).
Complaint, compliment or comment If you have a complaint, compliment or comment about any council service please contact the relevant department directly or Fair Comment. faircomment@bristol.gov.uk Email: Fill out an online form: Written, designed and printed by Bristol City Council. BD5399 June 2014
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www.bristol.gov.uk/faircomment
Write to our freepost address: Fair Comment, Freepost BS4341, PO Box 595, Bristol BS99 2BR For more information or help please contact: 0117 922 2723
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Check your rent balance online Did you know you can now view your rent account online? Our easy new system lets you view your latest payments and check the balance on your account straight from your computer or smartphone. Just visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/ myaccount to get started. If you don’t have internet access at home you can go online for free at any Bristol library. See page 13 for more details.
You can also check your rent balance by using our 24-hour automated payment line (even if you’re not making a payment). Call 0870 707 7776 and choose option 4.
Rent summer break
If your rent payments are up to date, you can look forward to a rent payment holiday in the weeks of 18 and 25 August. Remember you still need to pay if your account is in arrears.
Warmer Homest c e j o r P
Warming up for warmer homes Over 3,000 council homes are set to benefit from new external wall insulation in the next 6 – 8 years. This will make them warmer and cheaper to heat – and it’s good for the environment too. The project will focus on houses, flats and bungalows of non-traditional construction, many of which suffer from damp and condensation. We have already written to all the tenants whose homes are included in the project.
We’ll soon be starting work on pilot schemes in Inns Court and Lawrence Weston to test the repair methods on a small number of homes. We hope to start work on the first phase of the project later this year or early in 2015. To find out more, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/ warmerhomes
Dog-free blocks Tenants in Brookridge, Barlands and Gilton blocks have voted to go dog-free in future. As a trial, current dog owners living in the blocks have been asked to sign a responsible petowner’s agreement and get their dog micro-chipped. Future tenants in these blocks will not be able to own dogs (except for registered assistance dogs). To support the changes, Dogs Trust offered dog owners free micro-chipping and the PDSA offered free dog health checks.. If successful, the scheme could be extended to other blocks in future. Did you know? Dog micro-chipping will be compulsory in England from April 2016. Visit www.chipmydog.org.uk to find a local vet who will chip your dog for free. page three
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer 2014
Tenants get hands-on in Hartcliffe Thirteen Morrisons trolleys, five skips, and three loads of rubbish taken to waste recycling centres… residents in Upjohn Crescent have been smartening up their street. The community clean-up day was organised by the council’s estate management team in partnership with Knightstone Housing and other agencies after receiving complaints of antisocial behaviour in the area.
Officers also took enforcement action and offered support to families affected.
“I thought it was brilliant. The street looks better for it.”
“I was happy to see people helping me, and everyone smiling,” said one resident.
Do you want to give your local area a makeover? See page nine for details of our environmental improvement fund.
Tough action on Tenancy Fraud Thirty-nine council properties have been regained from fraudsters this year, thanks to the council’s campaign against tenancy fraud. Over 200 cases of suspected fraud were reported in 2013-14, of which 177 were investigated. Of the properties recovered by the council, more than half were being fraudulently sub-let. They can now be used for people who really need them. Remember, if you suspect fraud, report it! Call 0117 922 2470 or visit www.bristol.gov.uk/ tenancyfraud for more details.
Hundreds of homes get a new lease of life Residents in Sea Mills are now enjoying the results of a multimillion pound project which has saved hundreds of homes from demolition and kept a community together. The two year programme saw 391 pre-cast reinforced concrete (PRC) council homes repaired and refurbished. Of these, 245 were in Sea Mills and the remainder in Henbury, Lockleaze and Lawrence Weston. Tenant Mrs Palmer, who has lived in the Sea Mills for 12 years, said: “They’ve done the work quicker than I thought they would and it was definitely worth it. It was freezing and draughty before and I’m already noticing it’s a lot warmer. It’s made the house look a lot smarter too.”
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visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Grants of up to £500 available Did you know that tenant groups can apply for funding to help with community events or projects? You need to be a formally organised group (with a written constitution) and more than half the members must be Bristol City Council tenants. You’ll also need to demonstrate that your event or project will help bring your local community together. To find out more contact Lesha Wilson, tenant participation manager, on 0117 35 21315 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk. Terms and conditions apply.
Most energy suppliers offer something called the Warm Home Discount to certain people. It’s a yearly £140 rebate on your electricity bill.
Sites for first new homes revealed
Work on the first of 1,000 new council homes could soon be underway. Planning applications have now been submitted for 14 new houses on council garage sites at Mill House (Easton), Butler House (St George), Crabtree Walk (Eastville) and Ledbury Road (Fishponds). If permission is granted, building work could start
Could you get a discount on your electricity bill?
this autumn with a completion date in summer 2015. A further planning application to build 13 homes on a garage site at Kingsmarsh and Baynton houses (Lawrence Hill) will be submitted this month. The proposals are all part of a major 15-year council programme to increase the supply of affordable housing across the city.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you should get it automatically. If you receive any other income or disability-related benefits, it’s worth ringing up your supplier to ask if you are eligible too. Most suppliers offer it to a wider group of people – but you have to ask! There are more details at www.gov.uk/the-warm-homediscount-scheme, or call the Home Energy Team for free help and advice on 0800 082 2234.
Get housing news faster Want the latest council housing news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free email newsletter now. Visit www. bristol.gov.uk/councilhousing You can also now find us on Facebook. Search for Bristol City Council Housing. page five
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer 2014
HomeChoice changes on the horizon The way that social housing is prioritised and allocated in Bristol is set to change in late 2014. At any time there are over 14,000 households on the HomeChoice Bristol system but only 2,000 properties become available for letting each year. To make sure these homes go to the people who need them most, some changes are needed. We asked for people’s views on this through a survey – which received 1,400 replies – and meetings. The feedback we received directly influenced the changes, which will include: • Greater priority for local people. Applicants will need to have lived in Bristol for at least two years. • Not accepting applications from certain households. For example, people with a high income who could make alternative housing arrangements or those with a history of serious unacceptable behaviour.
Importantly, people in certain circumstances will still get high priority. This includes people with an urgent medical need, severely overcrowded households and social housing tenants downsizing from larger properties. We will let current applicants know about the changes before they are introduced.
Hot meals direct to your door Do you or a member of your family need help with meals? Apply to Bristol Community Meals to receive tasty, nutritious hot meals – straight to your door. Why Bristol Community Meals delivers more • Staff are professional, efficient, and respectful. They’re also reliable – delivering every day including Christmas. • When plating up your nutritious meal, staff help you prepare to dine comfortably and serve water to keep you hydrated. • During the visit staff will check you are safe, secure and happy. If something’s wrong or needs the attention of another service, they will help out. page six
The service is now open to residents of all ages, whether you’re an older person, a new mum, convalescing patient, carer, student or on a low income. You can apply direct without needing a referral from social services. A hot meal with dessert costs just £4.90 (including delivery); a light teatime meal is £2.91. To find out more or apply online, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/ communitymeals or call 0117 903 1522.
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
early education More Free for two year olds If you are the parent/ ●● Children with a child carer of a two year old protection plan and you receive certain ●● Children looked after benefits you could be by the Local Authority eligible to apply for a free ●● Children who are TravelWest early education place. members of a Children may be eligible travelling family if their parent is in How do I apply? receipt of benefits eg: If you are interested ●● Income Support or please complete an ●● Working Tax Credit application form: or Child Tax Credit www.bristol.gov.uk/ and an annual income earlyyears that does not Or please contact the exceed £16,190 Family Information Or if they are: Service on 0845 129 ●● Children with a 7217 for further disability or special information. educational needs
Electoral Services, Bristol City Council Tel: 0117 922 3400 Email: electoral.services@bristol.gov.uk
News in brief Give a little ‘respect’… City tenants and the council have signed up to the ‘respect’ charter for effectively dealing with antisocial behaviour. The nationally recognised charter will guide the council in improving services. Find out more at www.cih.org/RespectCharter
Improved letting standard
New tenants can now expect higher standards when they move into a council home. The new letting standard, designed and agreed with tenant representatives, includes
more decorating and a carpet in at least one room. Find out more at www.bristol.gov.uk/ newtenants
Make sure you’re still registered to vote You may need to take action to join the new register of electors, even if you are currently registered. We are writing to residents to tell them if they need to re-register. Look out for a letter that will tell you what to do. Visit www.gov.uk/ yourvotematters for more information.
Satisfaction scores Our annual tenant satisfaction survey showed that 80 percent of tenants are happy with
council housing services. The independent survey asked a random sample of 3,000 tenants for their views – thank you to everyone who took part. We will use the feedback to help us improve services.
Gym competition winner Well done to Birgit Thornhill (pictured) who won last issue’s competition for a year’s gym membership, courtesy of Everyone Active.
Resource centre closes
The Tenant Resource Centre closed its doors on 30 June. A special mention is due to all the volunteers who worked at the centre over the past 12 years, providing a fantastic service to tenants. page seven
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer 2014
Blooming marvellous! A garden makeover on a budget
Tenants from Orchard Court in Redfield have transformed an overgrown garden into a haven for wildlife. “It was September last year we started all this. Nothing was here,” says resident Jim Carpenter. “It was literally all overgrown. But now there are foxes, badgers, squirrels, hedgehogs, robins, thrushes and insects.” “It started with just digging out one weed,” he laughs. “Now we’ve got tomatoes, beans, strawberries, cauliflowers, pear, apple, plum and cherry trees”. The garden is abundant with plants and flowers: snapdragons, sweet peas, pansies. There are window boxes and containers overflowing with colour. Without any funding from the council, almost everything is salvaged, recycled or donated. “We’ve used slabs from an old storage heater to make a path,” says resident Fred Saunders. “Those are old slats are from an airing cupboard” – he points to some garden furniture. page eight
Old pallets have become garden tables and benches. Black PVC pipes have become patio plant displays. The attention to detail is incredible. The pair have even built a hedgehog house, complete with tiny chimney. “The strawberries are all going to come out while Fred’s on holiday,” Jim jokes.
Orchard Court
“I’m going to be out here every day doing watering. Then he’ll come back and it’ll rain and he’ll say ‘I’ve done my watering’.” Clearly, gardening doesn’t have to be too serious. Nor does it have to be too expensive – it is Jim and Fred’s creativity, ingenuity and energy that have made this transformation possible.
Orchard Court
Could you do the same on your patch? Send us a photo of how you’ve transformed your garden – either a shared space or a private garden – and you could win £50 in B&Q vouchers. Two runners up prizes of £20 and £10 are also up for grabs. Send your pictures to tpu@bristol.gov.uk or by post to Communications Team (3BH) Bristol City Council, Freepost BS 4341, Bristol BS1 5ZZ (no stamp needed). Closing date 30 August. (Terms and conditions apply).
Fred Saunders
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
How often do you cut hedges?
Gardening without a garden!
We cut hedges twice a year, avoiding the bird nesting season between March and the end of July.
Do you want to learn about gardening but have no garden? Why not join a community gardening session. It’s a great way to spend more time outdoors, meet new people and learn about growing vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs.
How can I report overgrown grass, weeds or hedges? Visit www.bristol.gov.uk/ grasscutting or call 0117 922 3719 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)
Orchard Court
How can I report flytipping? Visit www.bristol.gov.uk/ flytipping or call 0117 922 2100 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm)
Can I put a climbing frame or trampoline in our communal garden? If you want to put large play equipment in a shared garden you need to make a written request to Estate Windmill Hill City Farm Management Service, PO Box 595 Bristol BS99 2AW Communal grounds: or email your questions estates@bristol.gov.uk. You will need to make sure the answered equipment doesn’t cause There are over 700 an obstruction and take pieces of shared responsibility for its maintenance.
land across the city, maintained by the parks department plus two contractors. How often do you cut the grass?
Between March and November we normally cut the grass every 15 working days. Sometimes there may be a longer gap if there is bad weather.
What about a paddling pool? For a large paddling or swimming pool you need to make a request in writing (as above). If you put up a paddling pool, you must not leave it unattended and must drain it down at the end of the day.
Windmill Hill City Farm is now offering free weekly sessions on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm and Thursdays from 10am – 12pm. For more details contact Susan Rogers on 0117 963 3252, email susan.rogers@ windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk, visit www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk or simply drop in at Philip Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EA. To find other community gardens near you, visit www.farmgarden. org.uk
Get funding for your local area Did you know you can apply for funding to improve shared outside spaces? The environmental improvement budget can be used for works such as landscaping or planting, improved lighting, crime prevention, communal fencing, benches or safety measures. The works must be on councilowned land and you need to have the support of at least two other tenants. For more information visit www.bristol. gov.uk/eib or call 0117 922 2200 (option four).
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News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer 2014
If you have a garden you are responsible for keeping it tidy by cutting grass regularly, trimming overgrown hedges and bushes and clearing any rubbish. If you fail to do this, you could be breaching your tenancy agreement.
How can I get rid of large items of rubbish? The council will collect up to three items of bulky household waste at a cost of £15. If you receive income support, housing benefit, guaranteed pension credits or means tested council tax benefit you can get this service for free, once every six months. For more details and to book a collection, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/bulkywaste or call 0117 922 2100.
Can I have a bonfire in my garden?
Garden waste sacks with a capacity of 75l are available for £1 each (including collection) from your local library or customer service point. You can order packs of 25 sacks and book collections online at www.bristol.gov.uk/ gardenwaste or by calling 0117 922 2100.
Bonfires are a common cause of air pollution and smoke nuisance to others. Please consider other ways of disposing of garden waste such as composting or booking a waste collection (see left).
A larger (240l) garden waste bin is available for £53 a year (£28 if you receive certain benefits). This includes weekly collections. Call 0117 922 2100 to order.
Is there any help available for older people or people with disabilities? Yes – please contact Estate Management on 0117 922 2200 (option 4) and ask for a referral to CSV. There is a small charge towards labour costs.
Gardening jobs for July...
• Water any pla nts in pots or ha nging baskets da ily if it’s dry
• Put in sta kes to support an y ta ll flowers • Dig out weeds
• Deadhead withered blooms • Mow your lawn regularly. In hot weather, water any new turf • Now ’s the time to sow se eds for salad vegeta bles such as lettuce, rocket, spinac h and radishes • Get your deckchair out and enjoy the sun!
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My neighbours are having a party outside and the noise is disturbing me. What can I do? Try to speak to your neighbours directly – they may not realise how much noise they are making. If you continue to have problems you can get help from Estate Management on 0117 922 2200 (option 4) or the noise pollution team on 0117 922 2500. Visit www.bristol. gov.uk/noise for more information and advice.
S S
Who is responsible for looking after my garden?
How can I get rid of garden waste?
HE H ER RB B
Private gardens: your questions answered
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Dispute with your neighbours? Talk it through. Whether it’s noise, threatening or abusive behaviour, cultural and lifestyle differences, parking or boundary issues – problems with neighbours can affect your health and quality of life. But you don’t have to suffer in silence: there is help available. Bristol Mediation offers a free, impartial service working with neighbours to help resolve disagreements. Over 90% of Bristol Mediation’s cases are resolved successfully when people are able to have some direct or indirect communication with their neighbour. The mediators work flexibly, daytimes, evenings and weekends to enable people to get over their differences and move forward.
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Real life story: Mending fences Cathy* lived upstairs in a house divided into flats. Jayne* and Simon* had recently moved in downstairs and although they got on well at first, relationships had broken down with allegations of noise, dog’s mess, verbal abuse and misuse of the garden. Cathy was upset with the problems and had stopped using her part of the garden, which she was unhappy about as she had planted vegetables. Jayne and Simon felt upset by all the complaints being made. They felt they had been as helpful as they could and that their efforts had been rejected. Mediators visited both neighbours separately at their homes and listened to their stories. The neighbours agreed to meet each other so this was set up at a local community centre. The session began with introductions, ground rules and uninterrupted time for both sides to tell their story. There were then questions and discussions, which got quite heated. The mediators took out a pad and pen and soon everyone was drawing the house, garden, fence etc. There seemed to be different ways of dividing the garden with different consequences.
Mediators called a break perfect. The meeting went pretty well. and when Jayne We feel less stressed as it has taken and Simon a big weight off our shoulders. It’s a returned they good way of getting a dispute sorted.’ brought back a radically different solution, which they drew on flipchart paper. It involved building a new fence which would keep the dog in, leaving Cathy with her garden intact, and able to access it freely. Both sides agreed to this and to contribute to the fence, one providing the fencing, the other fence-posts.
Simon’s view: ‘Things have been
This solution could not have been achieved without impartial and neutral mediation working with both sides to find a way forward. *All names have been changed to protect clients’ identities.
Co
diation help uld Bristol Me
you?
Call: 0117 941 5379 (9.30am – 3pm, Monday to Friday)
Email: casework@bristol-mediation.org Text: 0753 418 8396. Or visit us at our drop in at Filwood Hope Centre on Filwood Broadway, Knowle West any Wednesday, from 1pm – 3pm. page eleven
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer 2014
Credit in a crisis Unexpected events or emergencies can sometimes leave us needing money we don’t have. When you need a quick solution, high interest catalogues and pay day loans can seem like a tempting option. But both these types of credit usually have much higher than average interest rates or fees, meaning you end up repaying many times more than you borrowed. They also come with very high charges if you fail to keep up repayments. So what are the alternatives? Housing News takes a look at what’s on offer in Bristol.
Free or cheap household goods
Grants
You can find many second hand items online for free. Try Freecycle www.freecycle.org and Freegle www. ilovefreegle.org
Some charities provide financial assistance and other forms of support, depending on your particular background and circumstances.
Several local furniture projects refurbish and recycle furniture and electrical goods, selling them at bargain prices. Big discounts are given to those on benefits. These include:
• Visit www.turn2us.org.uk and click on ‘Grant Search’ to find grants available to you.
• Sofa Project, Old Market, 48-54 West St, St Phillips, BS2 0BL, Tel: 0117 954 3567, email: info@sofaproject.org.uk •K nowle Sofa Plus, Unit 23, Broadwalk Shopping Centre, BS4 2QU, Tel: 0117 300 3766 • Emmaus, 72 Bedminster Parade, Bedminster, BS3 4HL Tel: 0117 963 3033 & Upper York Street Shop, Backfields House, Upper York Street, Bristol, BS2 8WF Tel: 0117 954 0886 • Re:store, 17 Filwood Broadway, BS4 1JN, Tel: 0117 923 1970 email: info@reworkltd.org.uk
• Also try www.bristolcharities.org.uk or call 0117 930 0301. Local Crisis & Prevention Fund: If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get help paying for furniture and white goods from the Local Crisis and Prevention Fund. To apply you must be living within the boundaries of Bristol City Council and have experienced a crisis or an emergency. For example, if you’re left with no money for basic items such as food or electricity or are in desperate need of goods such as a bed or cooker. Priority is given to people in the greatest need. For more information and an application form visit www.bristol.gov. uk/lcpf telephone 0117 922 4500 or Freephone 0800 923 0101.
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visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Loans Budgeting loan from the Social Fund: Budgeting Loans can help pay for essential things like rent, furniture, clothes or hire purchase debts. The smallest amount you can borrow is £100. Budgeting Loans are interest-free so you only pay back what you borrow. You normally have to repay the loan within 104 weeks. You can apply for a loan if you’ve been getting income-related benefits for at least 26 weeks. To apply either fill in a form at your local Jobcentre Plus, or visit www.gov.uk/budgeting-loans for a printable version. Bristol Credit Union Bristol Credit Union is an independently-run local co-operative organisation which offers a range of low interest loans. If you have had previous debt problems or a poor credit history, you may still be eligible depending on your current circumstances. To find out more contact: Bristol Credit Union on 0117 924 7309, visit 112/114 Cheltenham Road, BS6 5RW, email info@bristolcreditunion.org.uk or visit www.bristolcreditunion.org
What is APR? APR stands for the Annual Percentage Rate of charge. Credit providers advertise using their APR and it can be used to compare different credit and loan offers. Generally, the lower the APR the better. The APR takes into account not just the interest rate but also other charges you have to pay such as annual fees (excluding cash withdrawal fees and default fees). For example, if you borrow £100 at 100% APR for a year, you will have to pay back a total of £200 (the original loan of £100, plus £100 in interest and charges). All lenders have to tell you what their APR is before you sign an agreement. Make sure you check your rate; you will not automatically be offered the advertised ‘representative APR’.
Money advice Whether you’ve had a crisis or you’re struggling with day to day bills, there is help at hand. Try one of the agencies below for free, impartial expert advice. • The Pennywise Project Free advice service for all social tenants. Call 0117 970 4548 or visit www.pennywise.org.uk/ and click ‘Can I get help?’ • Cashpoint Project One-to-one advice and group sessions on managing money for young people aged between 16 and 25. Call 0117 317 8800 or visit www.1625ip. co.uk/What-We-Do/Cashpoint-Project/ and use the referral form • Talking Money (the new name for Bristol Debt Advice Centre) Free, independent debt advice, energy advice and financial education. Call 0117 954 3990, email: mail@talkingmoney.org.uk drop in to 1 Hide Market, West Street, BS2 0DH or visit www.talkingmoney.org.uk for more information including drop in times •S tepChange Debt Charity Free debt advice. Visit www.stepchange.org or call 0800 138 1111 • The Money Advice Service Free and impartial money advice. www.moneyadviceservice.org or call 0300 500 5000 • My Money Steps Online debt advice service from National Debt line. Visit www.mymoneysteps.org or call 0808 808 4000 • Moneysavingexpert.com Useful information about budgeting and information on the cheapest overdrafts and credit cards. Visit www.moneysavingexpert.com
Free internet access Join your local library to use the internet for free. You just need a copy of your tenancy agreement or other proof of address to sign up. For more information call Bristol Central Library on 0117 903 7200 page thirteen
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer 2014
Your home, your say Did you know that tenants are part of the top level board that runs council housing in Bristol? All big decisions about council housing services have to be considered by the housing management board, which is made up of five tenant/leaseholder representatives, four councillors and an independent professional. The board meets every six weeks to review reports on key decisions, advise on changes to policy and monitor the council’s performance. It also looks at the housing department’s business plan and budgets once a year. In the saddle: Pete Best Tenant Pete Best who lives in a block in Bedminster has been a board member for two years. “I mainly do it because I’m a tenant and what happens affects me and other tenants,” he explains. “Our role is to try and influence things in a way that is beneficial for us. If something’s good, to support it. If we’ve got ideas, voice them. It’s an opportunity to get our voice heard.”
Come to a meeting The board meets every six weeks on a Wednesday at City Hall, College Green between 6pm and 8pm. City Hall is fully accessible and everyone is welcome to attend. To check the date of the next meeting and see papers from previous meetings, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/ housingmanagementboard
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Ask a question You can put a question to the board as long as it relates to an issue that affects all tenants. Questions must be received in writing at least three clear working days before the meeting. Email tpu@bristol. gov.uk or write to Housing Management Board, c/o Tenant Participation, Freepost (BS4341) PO Box 595, Bristol, BS99 2BR
And does it make a genuine difference? “Well, there are a quite a lot of ‘for info’ reports,” he admits. “But if we come up with good ideas they really do listen. “Recently I suggested doing an energy saving project specifically targeting people who have lost money from their income because of benefit changes. They thought that was great and have done it.”
With a full time job and a young family, how does he find time to fit it in? “Honestly – it’s not too bad,” Pete says. “Other than a few hours of preparation plus the meeting itself, it’s not particularly time consuming. And it’s worth it.”
Any advice for others who are interested in joining? “If you’re interested – great! Come and watch a board meeting and see how it works. Come and talk to us. Get involved!”
Get on board We’re currently recruiting for a new tenant representative to join the board. Previous experience is not essential - you’ll receive free training, support and paid expenses. To find out more contact Lesha Wilson on 0117 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk
Free summer events in Bristol
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Make the most of your summer holidays without breaking the bank. We bring you the best of Bristol’s free summer events.
© 2014 Aardman Animations Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Made in Bristol
Wallace & Gromit from the drawing board | On until 7 September M Shed: Immerse yourself in the story making process of Aardman’s award-winning Wallace & Gromit films in this cracking new summer exhibition. Free entry on Wed 16 July and Wed 20 August. Admission charges apply on other dates. www.bristolmuseums.org.uk
Jeremy Deller: English Magic | On until 21 September Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: See Jeremy Deller’s critically acclaimed exhibition on tour. A magical assembly of largescale mural paintings, drawings, photographs, film and historical artefacts. Visiting with little ones? Pick up a family trail and follow the bunny to discover hidden magic. www.bristolmuseums.org.uk
Bristol Pride | 12 July Castle Park: A celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Bristol. Kicking off with the Pride Parade through the city, the festival will feature two stages of entertainment, family area, funfair, market and expo stalls, food, bars and roller disco. Entry by donation (£3 suggested) www.pridebristol.co.uk Bristol Harbour Festival | 18 – 20 July Harbourside: Bristol’s biggest free event will once again transform the city’s harbourside. Three days of cultural celebrations including dance, music, children’s activities, a busy on-water programme and circus performances. www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk Behind-the-scenes: Dino Delights | 30 July 11am – 3pm (tours every 30 minutes) Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: Discover the secret world of the museums’ geology collections, home to the bones of the Bristol dinosaur. Tours are suitable for age 7+. Book at reception on the day. Suggested donation £2. www.bristolmuseums.org.uk
Redfest | 2 August St George Park: Free community arts festival for the communities of East Bristol. Features live music, kids’ village, cabaret tent, acoustic tent, market and catering stalls. www.redfestbristol.co.uk
Make Sundays Special | 3 August and 7 September, 11am – 5pm Old City Centre: Take the chance to explore the streets and sample a fantastic mix of arts, music, street games and entertainment. www.bristol.gov. uk/makesundayspecial Bristol International Balloon Fiesta | 7 – 10 August Ashton Court Estate: Europe’s largest ballooning event. It’s a spectacular, free, four days of fun for the whole family. Visit in the evening on 7 and 9 August to see the balloons lighting up a stunning backdrop of fireworks and music. www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
www.bristol.gov.uk/majorevents page fifteen
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer 2014
Contact us
You can get in touch with us in many different ways. Information about our services is available on our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.bristol.gov.uk/councilhousing Repairs and maintenance Report a repair online at www.bristol.gov.uk/repairs l Email: repairorders@bristol.gov.uk l Post: Repairs, PO Box 595, Bristol BS99 2AW l Fax: 0117 922 2011
Rents and other housing payments Pay your rent online at www.bristol.gov.uk/payrent l Email: rent.management@ bristol.gov.uk l 24 hour payment line 0870 707 7776 (for touch tone phones) l Post: Rent Management, PO Box 595, Bristol BS99 2AW l Fax: 0117 352 5033
Caretaking l Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/ caretaking l Email: caretaking@bristol.gov.uk l Post: Caretaking Services, PO Box 595, Bristol BS99 2AW l Fax: 0117 352 5270
Estates services Helping with issues about your tenancy, neighbours and neighbourhoods. l Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/estates l Email: estates@bristol.gov.uk l Post: Estates Management Service, PO Box 595, Bristol BS99 2AW l Fax: 0117 353 5104
For all repairs, rents, caretaking, anti-social behaviour and estates enquiries
0117 922 2200
You can ask us to call you back to save time and money. page sixteen
Rehousing l Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/ rehousing l Email: rehousing.enquiry@ bristol.gov.uk l Telephone: 0117 922 2400 l Post: Rehousing Service (AC), PO Box 640, Winchester SO23 3LY l Fax: 0117 353 3050
Housing and council tax benefit l Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/ benefits l Email: benefits.enquiry@ bristol.gov.uk l Telephone: 0117 922 2300 l Post: Housing and Council Tax Benefits, PO Box 43, Bristol BS99 1BF l Fax: 0117 352 6400
Adaptations services Helping people stay independent in their own homes. l Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/ caredirect l Email: adult.care@bristol.gov.uk l Telephone: 0117 922 2700 All initial calls handled by the council’s Care Direct Service.
Ground maintenance l Email: bristolparks@bristol.gov.uk l Telephone: 0117 922 3719 (Option 4) l Post: Bristol Parks, Floor 4, Bazaar Wing, Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY
Tenancy fraud l Email: tenancy.fraud@bristol.gov.uk l Telephone: 0117 922 2470
Out of hours emergency
0117 922 2050
Customer Service Points
We don’t deal with all housing services face-to-face at our customer service points, but we will help you contact services online or by telephone.
Visit us at:
l Phoenix Court: (next to Cabot Circus) Bond Street South, Bristol BS1 3PH Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm and on Wednesday 10.30am to 5pm lF ishponds: Robinson House, Hockeys Lane, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3HL Open 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am to 5pm on Wednesday and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday. l Hartcliffe: Symes House, Peterson Square, Hartcliffe, Bristol BS13 0BD Open 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am to 5pm on Wednesday and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday. l Ridingleaze: Ridingleaze House, Ridingleaze, Lawrence Weston, Bristol BS11 0QE Closed Monday Open 9am to 5pm Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am to 5.30pm Wednesday and 9am to 4.30am on Friday. l Southmead: Southmead House, Greystoke Avenue, Southmead, Bristol BS10 6BQ Open 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am to 5pm on Wednesday and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday.