Summer
Autumn 2015
News for Bristol City Council tenants
Summer in the City!
Changes to benefits WIN a green computer! Celebrating neighbourhoods
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer / Autumn 2015
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 5935
Welcome to the Summer / Autumn issue of
Photo by Ruth Fuller
If English is not your first language and you need a translation, we can get one for you.
Members of the editorial panel Ron Preddy, Pat Robinson and Ben Wallis
In the summer a ‘staycation’ brings rewards because Bristol has become a real leader in festivals and city events. We hope you’ve enjoyed summer as European Green Capital. Events continue on page 15. This edition also offers ideas about connecting locally with groups and projects. Here’s Pat (above, centre) from the Housing Scrutiny Panel (HSP): “Since Spring’s Housing News nearly 30 people came to the HSP’s Open Day: twelve submitted expressions of interest; five have now joined HSP and started training. We’re thrilled with the response. All council tenants or leaseholders can apply at any time, and we’ll offer more interviews and training later in 2015. It takes time but working together to improve council housing is a satisfying way to spend it. Contact HSP: 078279 79551 or hsp@bristol.gov.uk”. Your views can help Bristol tackle all its housing challenges. Do take part in the Housing Strategy consultation at www.bristol.gov.uk/ housingstrategy before Monday 21 September.
IN THIS ISSUE
Main cover photo: tenants and residents Aly Johnson and Claire Blackwood help coordinate the St Anne’s Day Celebrations in July.
Get Housing News by email To switch to the email version of Housing News visit: bristol.gov.uk/housingnews
News
3
Competition
4
How to get a low cost computer
5
News in brief
6 - 7
Benefits changes & energy tips
8 - 9
Meet our tenants: Good neighbourhoods special
10 - 12
Money to support you
13 - 14
What’s on and contacts
15 - 16
Housing News is published three times a year and delivered to every city council home. To contact us email tpu@bristol.gov.uk, call 0117 352 5935 or write to: Freepost RTKJ-SGBZ-ULSH, Tenant Participation (SAH), Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS. (no stamp needed) Written, designed and printed by Bristol City Council. BD7174 August 2015
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Good news!
Good news!
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Tenancy fraud success Since 2010, our Tenancy Fraud team has:
144
• regained properties to put back in use for those with a real need,
926
referrals • dealt with of possible tenancy abuse. More on page 7.
Summer in Summerleaze Congratulations to Sue Quick (pictured) and Gill Hutchinson, who have transformed the communal gardens at 22 Summerleaze, Fishponds. Despite suffering debilitating illnesses both ladies have given the garden colour and interest. Where it was just grass, now raised beds, fairy lights, ornaments and themed areas make all the difference. Housing News was more than happy to bike over for a special viewing. Gill has difficulty getting around but does some gardening most days. When it’s more of a struggle she can at least enjoy the view from her living room. Says Sue, “This garden and this neighbourhood is the best part of living here. It can also be the toughest because not all your neighbours want the same things as you. But I can genuinely say I have seen Gill flourish since we’ve been doing this.“ Gill explains how being dedicated to the garden helps them both, “It’s good for our health and wellbeing. We’ve invited people to join us in our project and offered to talk to others about it. One great thing is that the kids don’t run through the gate now. They respect what we’ve done.” When asked what would make it perfect, they both agree: “Get French Doors - straight onto the garden!” You have to admire Sue and Gill’s initiative: “Housing helped us write to Aldi who gave us plants they weren’t selling, and when our road was dug up we asked for some topsoil!” More ideas on pages 10-12.
Helping you swap brings rewards Bristol was awarded the ‘HomeSwapper Star Landlord Award 2015’ for the South West & Wales. The award, presented to us in July, recognises the work that our team has put into helping tenants move to accommodation that better meets their needs. Our successful year saw: • over 250 tenants use the service to find a mutual exchange (or ‘swap’). • more council tenants sign up to the service. If you are using the service we’d really like to hear about your experiences and feedback. Please email: under.occupation@bristol.gov.uk
Our team receive the Homeswapper award page three
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer / Autumn 2015
Photo competition
Snap Up September Win refurbished computers or garden starter kits! We’d love to know what you and your neighbours have been up to ‘round your way this summer. With a focus on Green neighbourhoods Housing News and Bristol2015 invite tenants to submit a photo that celebrates ‘My place in the European Green Capital’. You could win a refurbished computer, or if you fancy something more green-fingered, a Bristol 2015 Wildlife Friendly Garden Starter Kit.
Prizes We’ve got the following up for grabs: 1st Prize A Refurbished Laptop, worth £99* 2nd Prize A Refurbished Desktop PC, worth £75* *Courtesy of www.bristolcomputerreuse.org 3rd Prize 10 winners will receive a Bristol2015 wildlife-friendly garden starter kit. Courtesy of Avon Wildlife Trust, Riverford and Vinehouse Farm
Your photo of friends or family should feature local, green or sustainable ideas. So be proud of what’s great about your bit of Bristol. Here are a few ideas. Have fun! ●● Communal activity - allotments, play, clear-ups,
conservation ●● Efficiency - saving energy and water ●● Gardens - yours or shared gardens
How to enter
●● Neighbourliness - working together
For a chance to win send one photo representing ‘My place in the European Green Capital’ to Housing News by Wednesday, 30 September 2015. Here’s how:
●● Recycling - reusing things imaginatively
●● Email or text your photo to tpu@bristol.gov.uk
●● Transport - my healthy travel
●● or post it to ‘MY PLACE PHOTO COMP’,
●● Green play - get creative
Make your Do15 in 2015 pledges on page 15!
Freepost RTKJ-SGBZ-ULSH, Tenant Participation (SAH), Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS. (No stamp needed). ●● Include your name, address, email or phone
number. Rules. Only one entry per tenancy. For full competition rules please visit bristol.gov.uk/housingnews. Winners notified by end October 2015.
Spring’s ticket-winner Congratulations to tenant David Vallance (pictured) from Highridge who won tickets to the rugby in our Spring competition.
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Want a refurbished computer? You do not have to enter our photo competition. If you are on a low income, registered Disabled, on benefits, over 65 or a full-time carer, then Bristol Computer Reuse want to hear from you. See page 5.
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Green computers don’t cost the Earth Ever wanted to explore the world of computers – get online even – but couldn’t get started? Well now you can, from just £75, and even spread the cost. In Bedminster a project is breathing new life into pre-owned computers, and it’s being done to help people on lower incomes, or facing other barriers, to get their first PC. Bristol Computer Reuse works with stocks of computers that are no longer required by local businesses and organisations, including the council. The machines are stripped down, data-cleansed and fitted out to be used again by new owners. Housing News met manager Nathon Hawke to understand the deal: “These desktops are great machines. They have decent processing power (Dual Core CPU) and enough memory (2GB), a flat screen monitor, keyboard and mouse, all with a 6 month warranty.
Once we’ve completely wiped the data we install software including Windows 7, Antivirus, Libre Office and Multimedia software - the essentials to get you started.” Customer support is available through us and we can advise on connecting to the web. Nathon explains their green credentials: “We’re creating a second use for the machines and all leftover materials are carefully recycled. Data Protection is rigorous - our contract clearly sets out our duty of care. Plus, we’re helping Bristol to connect people and be digitally inclusive so anyone can have a home computer”. Vera and friends (pictured) inspired us with their technical abilities when we visited their computer room. You too could start getting connected now. For £75, apply below for a reconditioned Windows 7 desktop computer (or apply online at: bristolcomputerreuse.org.)
0117 3706 375
#
Yes please reserve me a Desktop PC! This is the first application for my household. I/We fit one of the eligibility criteria as follows (please tick): 65 or over full time carer My/our details: First name Last name Email Telephone/mobile Address Address Address Postcode
registered Disabled our child receives free school meals
I receive benefits on a very low income
How would you like to be contacted if successful? Email Text message Letter Send to: Bristol Computer Reuse, Byteback IT Solutions Ltd, Unit 1 Brewery Court, North Street, Bristol BS3 1JS. Your contact information will be treated confidentially and will only be used to keep you informed about the computer reuse scheme.
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News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer / Autumn 2015
News in brief Remember to return your annual canvass form
Surveying council homes and write to tenants in the selected areas in advance. Please help us by arranging an appointment if you receive a letter.
As part of the annual voter registration canvass, we want to make sure we have the right details on the electoral register – so we’ve sent a household enquiry form to all homes across Bristol. Please check your form is correct and advise us of any changes that need to be made. The form will explain how you can do this. Your early response helps us keep reminders, and costs, to a minimum. In May 2016 there will be city-wide local, mayoral and police & crime commissioner elections taking place so make sure you’re registered to take part.
Our surveyors aim to visit all homes every few years to complete a general survey. The information helps us to include the right homes in our programmes of repairs and improvements including windows, roofs, kitchens and insulation. We work around the city on a ward-by-ward basis,
It’s vital that we have this information or you may miss out on necessary improvements to your home.
REPORT A REPAIR Need repairs or maintenance? Report them online at bristol.gov.uk/ ReportARepair
More new mobility scooter stores We started building mobility scooter stores with battery charging points last year, in key areas of the city. We know that mobility improves the quality of life for many people, so we’re planning more new stores over five years. The facilities avoid scooters being left outside homes in shared
areas restricting escape routes or causing other hazards. Easy to use and maintain, the stores occupy under-used shared spaces including garages. We charge an annual rent of £50.40 to cover electricity use. So far over 33 happy residents are leasing new spaces and like the layout.
New council homes taking shape Building work is well under way at three of our new build sites; Butler House (St George), Crabtree Walk (Eastville) and Mill House (Lawrence Hill). ● Foundations are being laid at Butler House. When complete the site will provide four, large family homes and two smaller bungalows. ● First-floor brickwork at Mill House and Crabtree Walk is nearly complete with both sites to be finished this autumn.
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What next? This summer we expect to appoint a contractor to build new homes at Ledbury Road and Kingsmarsh & Baynton House (Lawrence Hill). Further plans include builds at: Sea Mills: Lawrence Weston; Henbury and Brentry; Chakeshill Drive, Peverell Drive & Satchfield Crescent. Find details at:
bristol.gov.uk/newcouncilhomes
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Parks and caretaking: new way of working Parks and Caretaking now deliver one common service to council tenants, buildings and environments.
Tackling tenancy abuse in Bristol The shortage of affordable housing is a national problem. Private rents are rising sharply, we need lots more new social housing, and welfare changes are affecting the family budget. Bristol is taking measures to tackle the issues including filling empty homes, and securing temporary housing where citizens have nowhere else to go. It’s vital therefore our council homes are only being used by those with a real need.
ü Having a relative or friend to
stay with you for a short visit, or to care for you whilst you are unwell, is not tenancy fraud or abuse - we of course recognise that this is your right.
But, letting someone else use your property whilst you live elsewhere, and renting your property to someone else, are serious abuses of the tenancy agreement. We take action against fraud and abuse. This includes prosecution. If in doubt, please refer to your tenancy agreement or contact the Estates Management Service to ensure you do the right thing. If you believe Tenancy Fraud is happening near you, please report it, at bristol.gov.uk/tenancyfraud, email Tenancy.Fraud@bristol.gov. uk or call 0117 922 2470.
The collaboration means that information about ‘what needs doing and when’ will be better shared across the two areas. In 2015 residents and tenants will enjoy on-going improvements to grounds maintenance and upkeep of external areas, caretaking in all communal areas, and, where we have tenants, grass-cutting and shrub-pruning. Information shared between tenants, Estate Management and Caretaking Services will cover work standards, dates for grounds maintenance, and contact details. Peter David, (Client & Operations Coordinator) said, “We invite our tenants to contact relevant area services directly, but they can now expect a more integrated, agile service. Should standards fall short of what is expected in an area, we’ll be able to respond to the challenge and keep improving”. Who to contact. Contact Caretaking about your building. If it’s grounds maintenance they’ll help, but contact Parks if it’s a public area such as a park or playground. (See page 16 for contacts).
Looking Local service to end From April 2016 Bristol will withdraw its provision of the ‘Looking Local’ information service. Looking Local is a national service providing local council information to residents in two ways: the My Council and My Landlord ‘Apps’ available for mobile devices, plus a digital TV information service on Virgin Media (channel 233) or Sky TV (channel 539). The decision to finish on March 31 is partly due to a fall in tenants using Looking Local. It also fits with Bristol’s improvements to services available via our own website. At bristol.gov.uk you’ll find easy ways to report a problem, request services and pay for them, and get advice. They are also easier than ever to use on your mobile phone or other internet device – just like an app.
GETTING CONNECTED • Our back page is a handy, cutout-and-keep list of important contacts, including bristol.gov.uk/ ReportARepair and our account for council services, bristol.gov.uk/ MyAccount. • Our page 5 article explains how to get a low cost computer. • Use the free internet at all Bristol Libraries.
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News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer / Autumn 2015
Get ready for Universal Credit From November/December 2015, single people without children who want to make a new claim for Jobseeker’s Allowance or Housing Benefit in Bristol will have to apply online for Universal Credit (UC) instead. UC is a new benefit administered by central government. It’s designed to make it easier to take temporary or part-time work while claiming.
How do I know if I’m affected by Universal Credit? Universal Credit will eventually replace: • Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income Support • Employment & Support Allowance
• Are a single person of working age
• Housing Benefit
• Are making a new claim for Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Working Tax Credit • Child Tax Credit
Important information on benefit changes in Bristol The Government has announced major changes to benefits which will affect many tenants in future. Here are the recent changes. Benefit cap for families. This will limit the total benefits one household can receive. • The limit for families will be reduced from £26,000 to £20,000 a year. Expected date: April 2016 • If you are not working or getting certain benefits and your current income from benefits exceeds £20,000, your Housing Benefit payment will be reduced. • For Benefit cap info visit gov.uk/benefit-cap. Benefits freeze. Most working age benefits will be frozen for four years from April 2016. Child tax credits changes. • Additional tax credits payable for the first child in a family will be removed from April 2016. • For new claims and for children born after April 2017, support will be limited to two children. • Visit www.gov.uk for more information. If you have any concerns about paying your rent, please contact Rent Management on page 16. page eight
You will only be affected before the end of 2015 if you:
• Do not have children • Do not have a disability or long term illness. However, if you are of working age and receiving any of the benefits being replaced by UC, you will eventually be affected. By the end of 2016 it is expected that the next group to move onto UC will be couples making a new claim.
Could you switch and save? Check you’re on the cheapest tariff. Some energy suppliers offer better deals than others. Tenants who have never switched can typically save up to £200 a year. Visit a comparison website or call your supplier and ask if they have a cheaper tariff for you.
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
How is Universal Credit (UC) different?
• You can only apply for UC online.
I haven’t got a bank account. How will I get paid? You’ll need a bank account to receive UC. If you have problems getting an account with a high street bank you could consider a community bank such as Bristol Credit Union. Visit bristolcreditunion.org or call 0117 924 7309 for details.
• The benefit will be paid monthly in arrears, not weekly. This means you need to prepare for a five week gap in benefit payments.This includes money to help you with your rent. • UC will be paid directly into your bank account and it will be your responsibility to make payments to the council. If you have any concerns about this, you should speak to us.
What if I don’t have internet access? You can use the web for free in all Bristol Libraries. If you need help using a computer, ask libraries about free courses. Visit bristol.gov.uk/libraryfinder
Where can I get information? • For more about UC visit: gov.uk/universal-credit • For details about changes in Bristol visit bristol.gov.uk/universalcredit • For free impartial advice visit citizensadvice.org.uk/ benefits/universal-credit or call the Citizens’ Advice Bureau on 03444 111444
Be energy smart - with a Smart Meter ‘Smart meters’ for gas and electricity give you up to date information about your energy use and better control of your bills. Here are five smart ways the meters can help you reduce your energy use and save money: 1. With smart meters your fuel bills are based on accurate information rather than estimates. You’ll pay the right amount for your use and so avoid a debt building up.
4. People who pay for their energy on a key or card can have a smart pay-asyou-go meter. This gives you more ways to top up your credit - by phone, text, online.
2. Smart meters send your readings straight to your supplier. You needn’t do a thing.
5. By 2020 all energy suppliers will offer customers smart meters. Today, British Gas and E.ON offer smart meters to existing customers. Utilita and OVO offer smart pay-as-you-go meters to new customers.
3. Smart meters come with an in-home information display. Use it to find out which household appliances use most energy. Check your energy use over time to help you budget.
For help lowering your energy bills contact the Tenant Energy Advice team (see page 16)
To find out if you can get a smart meter call your energy supplier or register your interest on their website.
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News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer / Autumn 2015
Meet our tenants getting involved inside... … High five for Francombe Francombe House is so famous even Dr Who has travelled there in his TARDIS. With Waring House and Underdown House it forms the ‘WUF’ flats, a Redcliffe landmark to rival St Mary’s. We brought biscuits and caught up with Vera Marks to hear how the WUF Tenants Group get involved.
The TARDIS visits Francombe flats!
What projects have you been part of? “We do things as a group, but everything from the picnic area, railings ‘round the children’s play area and new play equipment, to festivals. Others help. We plan trips to shows, coffee mornings, pedicures. I help Diane and Wendy’s fundraising and supported the efforts to get our library and computer room. I love using it!” What brings tenants together? “Community ideas - fireworks displays, planting and scarecrows for the kids. Those that want to get involved will, but some are wary about organisations and hold back from raising questions. Candy got funding and painted our mural. She got families involved. Tom who chairs our group does the newsletter. That keeps people informed and is enough for some folks. I go to Service User Groups and Neighbourhood Watch to share information about building issues. Members here are mostly older, so we need younger representatives for family issues, and people who will take pride in Francombe’s appearance. It’s hard but rewarding.” What’s been your proudest moment? “It’s now the cardboard recycling! But I helped get our first ever recycling bins, through the CREATE centre. We decided we needed them – and got them!” What bothers you, and what do you do about it? “Maybe a lack of Young at heart: Vera watches Diane and Wendy Rowland choice with what we get, like when we campaigned for the garden fencing. The children’s play area is quite smart but we hoped for more choices. I’ve been very involved since retiring. You just keep working at things – like with the cardboard recycling!” What’s great about living at Francombe? “For Frank and Margaret it’s the view! For me - the location – we’re so near the shops, the train and bus station.” Happy 80th birthday Vera! Congratulations on the Group’s efforts. More photos on Facebook (see page 16 for contacts) and Flickr. For ways to get involved where you are visit: bristol.gov.uk/tenantparticipation Pictured left from top: Vera Marks, Candy Bishop, Tom Cooke. page ten
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
… and out
Kara Bernard and Alyson Johnson meet the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith. Pageant pals Julian Thomas (in armour) and Mary Churchill with storyteller Kevan Manwaring.
St Anne’s Well
Summer smiles at St Anne’s Wood In the field above Nightingale Valley and St Anne’s Wood a knight in shining armour is queuing for a hotdog. Smiling while battling to keep the queue happy are tenants Alyson Johnson and her daughter Kara Bernard, from the Lichfield Rd side of St Anne’s, and Claire Blackwood, a local resident. As members of the local residents group MISSH (short for ‘mission’) they are making a difference in their area. We went to their big date, the St Anne’s Day Celebrations. Says Aly, “The event is a lot to coordinate, but we’ve had community support through the Neighbourhood Partnership and some financial help through Housing. We’re tenants but other residents like Claire give up their time to organise and run this”. This year, the group are joined by Claire and other ‘Friends of Brislington Brook’ to co-present the event alongside the yearly Mediaeval Parade. The history fans celebrate the ancient St Anne’s Well. Dressing in costumes to hear myths and legends from storyteller Kevan is all part of the fun. Kara, remembers, “I got involved when we first put this on in 2010 but this year’s the first time we’ve worked with the pageant. It’s great to all come together on a day that actually celebrates St Anne’s”.
The Lord Mayor joins Aly and St Anne’s revellers
The Lord Mayor joins us for a chat in the sunshine and is impressed with the activities provided by APE (for Art, Play and Environment). This community organisation supports local children, young people and families and will also help create an art installation here this year. Aly is modest about her efforts to make the event a success, but getting APE and others involved meant attending meetings, writing applications for funding and licenses, making lots of contacts, and using the local Neighbourhood Partnership. Today’s sunshine (between very rainy days) is a gift for the groups’ hard work, but Aly and Kara agree that organising the event is itself rewarding. Says Aly: “Seeing everyone together enjoying the day makes you feel good. Doing this you meet a lot of people, I’ve learned lots of local history, and it makes you want to plan more projects” Congratulations to the MISSH on their successful mission! • Contact your councillor: bristol.gov.uk/councillorfinder • Contact APE: apeproject.co.uk
Rachel and Guy from APE
• Get the most out of your Neighbourhood Partnership – page 12 page eleven
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer / Autumn 2015
Better by bike on Easton Way From September Bristol residents can enjoy much improved access along the busy Easton Way between Stapleton Road and Lawrence Hill Roundabout.
Before
The Easton Way Cycle Track and footway improvement project has taken a year to implement and creates a safe, pleasant route for pedestrians and cyclists. Previously the stretch had suffered from poor navigation and deterioration. We joined Project Manager Nick Pates (Highways) to try out the new surface. Nick said: “This project is rewarding because it’s meeting several city needs at once: the area is more connected; it’s safer and more attractive; it’s easier to walk around, plus cyclists get a better deal too – great for European Green Capital year. We’re not done yet either: Phase 2 will join up with Lawrence Hill Roundabout and the Bristol/Bath cycle path. Landscaping and tree-planting will happen later in the year, during the planting season”. Local tenants consulted were very positive about the scheme which offers separate paths for bikes and pedestrians. If you have questions about this scheme please email highways.traffic@bristol.gov.uk. See the Bristol Cycle Strategy at betterbybike.org
After Nick Pates and Highways colleagues test the cycle track.
Want to make your community better? If you want to have a say in what happens in your local community and take action with others on issues you care about, get involved in your Neighbourhood Partnership (NP). NPs help make decisions and get things done at a local level. They are a way for residents and community groups to work together with the council, police and local businesses to shape and influence their neighbourhood. NPs also have access to funding for local community projects. Many tenants are already involved and benefitting from the support of NPs. Recent projects include organising community fun days, digging new allotments, and tackling isolation among older tenants.
rking together to our Neighbourhoods MY NEIGHBOURHOOD • To find out how to get involved, visit bristol.gov.uk/neighbourhood partnerships or call 0117 922 2329.
• For your partnership area visit bristol.gov.uk/myneighbourhood
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65 or over? Need some help to live independently at home? You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance of £55.10 or £82.30 per week, to help with your living or care costs.
Who can get Attendance Allowance (AA)? ●
●
●
You must be 65 or over. If you are under 65, then you can look into claiming Personal Independence Payment here bristol.gov.uk/PIP. If you already get disability living allowance, you should ask for a benefit check before claiming AA (see coupon on page 14).
You must normally live at home, or if you are in residential care, be paying your own fees.
●
AA may be paid if you:
●
have difficulty with personal care tasks like washing, bathing, or getting dressed
●
have sight or hearing problems and need help communicating
●
More information about Attendance Allowance ●
●
It’s paid direct to your bank account every four weeks.
You can spend it as you need. You don’t have to have home care, or someone coming in to look after you. It’s the help you ideally need that counts.
●
It is paid on top of pension credit etc.
need someone to keep an eye on you, for example because you have falls
Use this extra cash on what will help YOU, e.g. ●● travel costs ●● help with cleaning or gardening ●● an internet connection and laptop ●● extra heating ●● home care help ●● replace furniture or household items ●● a mobile chiropodist or hairdresser ●● warm winter clothing ●● visits with family and friends
Illustrations: Celia Witchard
For a benefit check, or to claim AA, complete the coupon on page 14. page thirteen
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer / Autumn 2015
Help with claiming Attendance Allowance. To start off a claim, or for a benefit check: ● View details online and complete an application request form at: bristol.gov.uk/attendanceallowance, or ● Fill in this coupon and return it to our Freepost address below. Mr Mrs Ms Miss I am over 65 and want to claim for Attendance Allowance. Please post me a claim form and general factsheet. (Please tick).
First name:
There are special rules about Attendance Allowance for people who are terminally ill. For a factsheet on this, please tick.
Age of person to claim:
Phone number:
Address:
Postcode:
Please send this coupon in an envelope (you do not need a stamp) to:
&
Freepost RTKJ-SGBZ-ULSH, Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service (100TS/3/N) Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS
re tu Fil rn l in th a is nd co up on
Email (If you would like the factsheet by email):
HN-Sum2015
I would like information in large print, another format or another language (please state)
Last name:
Could you get £140 back on your electricity bill? The Warm Home Discount (WHD) is a £140 rebate offered by the bigger energy suppliers to certain customers. Here’s what to check to see if you can get the discount: ●
Each supplier is different so check if your energy company can offer you the discount.
●
If you qualify, apply for the discount. The payment is either added to your electricity account or credit is automatically put on to your meter if you pay using a key or card. This payment will be made before 31 March 2016 to help reduce your winter bills.
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If you received Guaranteed Pension Credit on 12 July 2015 you are entitled and should receive a letter about the discount from central government by Christmas 2015. You could also receive it if you’re on a low income or other benefits.
To check you are eligible and get help with your application, contact the friendly advisors at Tenants Energy Advice service (details on page 16).
page fourteen
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Summer into Autumn What’s on...
‘Snap up September!’ - photo comp. September, Citywide. Don’t forget our photo competition to win green computers and garden growing kits. Get your phones and cameras at the ready to show off the local and green ideas you’ve been involved with this summer. It’s a chance to have fun and put yourselves on the map. See page 4 for details. Closing date: 30 September.
The Big Draw © Neil Phillips
The last of the summer’s still on offer in this green and pleasant city. Come rain or shine, here are some affordable, fun, educational and free ideas. More at bristol.gov.uk/events and visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do
Nature, Camera, Action! The Big Draw: Dem Bones! 29 October, M Shed Get involved in the world’s biggest drawing festival! Use the museum’s dinosaurs, fossils and animal skeleton collection for inspiration as you explore skeletons through stories, songs, drawing and making. bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed
Until 1 November, M Shed The secrets of making incredible wildlife films. Go behind the scenes of programmes like Planet Earth and Deadly 60. Explore the challenges wildlife filmmakers face getting the perfect shot. Free days: 7 Oct, 28 Oct (Under 16s free). bristolmuseums.org.uk/mshed/whats-on/nature-cameraaction
Neighbourhood Partnerships Citywide Exhibition. 24 October, M Shed View an exhibition showing how the 14 partnerships work (see story p12). In afternoon: find out about ‘Active Citizenship’, how to get things done in your community. Share ideas and get them started. Find what help is available. Ask questions! Email neighbourhood.partnerships@ bristol.gov.uk. Visit bristol.gov. uk/neighbourhood
Do 15 in ‘15 Mexican Day of the Dead 31 October, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Explore Mexican artefacts and discover fascinating facts. Create your own celebratory crafts and help make the ‘Day of the Dead shrine’. bristolmuseums.org.uk/ bristol-museum-and-art-gallery
All year (and beyond), Citywide. Celebrate our year in the green spotlight by pledging 15 things you’ll do differently or more of, such as walking, recycling and keep fit. What are your ideas? Push the green button in person at our City Centre ‘Lab’, or online at: do15.bristol2015.co.uk
Please note: event information correct at time of publication. Please check before your visit.
Bristol’s free parks in 2015 From Blaise Castle Estate to Hengrove Park there’s a lovely green space available for everyone to enjoy – all year round! Get involved: bristol.gov.uk/parklife page fifteen
News for all Bristol City Council tenants Summer / Autumn 2015
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 Join us at facebook.com/bristolcouncilhousing
Repairs and maintenance
Rehousing
Report a repair online Online: bristol.gov.uk/ ReportARepair Post: Responsive Repairs (A Shed)
Online: bristol.gov.uk/rehousing Email: rehousing.enquiry@ bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2400 Post: Rehousing Services (FHO)
Rents and other housing payments Pay your rent online Online: bristol.gov.uk/payrent Email: rent.management@ bristol.gov.uk 24 hour payment line: 0870 707 7776 (for touch tone phones) Post: Rent Management Service (100TS)
Caretaking Online: bristol.gov.uk/caretaking Email: caretaking@bristol.gov.uk Post: Caretaking Services (BH)
Postal Address for the above contacts: Department Name (see ‘Post’ line, above), Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS
Housing benefit and council tax reduction Online: bristol.gov.uk/benefits Email: benefits.enquiry@ bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2300 Post: Housing Benefits (100TS)
Estates services Your tenancy, neighbours and neighbourhoods. Online: bristol.gov.uk/estates Email: estates@bristol.gov.uk Post: Estate Management Service (100TS) For all repairs, rents, caretaking, anti-social behaviour and estates enquiries
Citizen Service Points We don’t deal with all housing services face-to-face at our citizen service points, but we will help you contact services online or by telephone. If mailing us, to avoid delay please post to one of the council housing services (listed left).
Visit us at: 100 Temple Street* Bristol BS1 6AG Phoenix Court** Bond Street South, Bristol BS1 3PH Fishponds Robinson House, Hockeys Lane, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3HL Hartcliffe Symes House, Peterson Square, Hartcliffe, Bristol BS13 0BD Lawrence Weston Ridingleaze House, Lawrence Weston, Bristol BS11 0QE
0117 922 2200
Southmead Southmead House, Greystoke Avenue, Southmead, Bristol BS10 6BQ
You can ask us to call you back to save time and money
Opening hours 100 Temple Street (*) Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Grounds maintenance
Independence in the home. Online: bristol.gov.uk/caredirect Email: adult.care@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2700 All initial calls handled by the council’s Care Direct Service.
Email: bristolparks@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 3719 (Option 4) Post: Bristol Parks, Floor 4, Bazaar Wing, Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY
Phoenix Court (**) and other CSPs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 5pm, Wednesday 10.30am to 5pm, and Friday 9am to 4.30pm. Please note: Lawrence Weston closed Mondays. Phoenix Court closes at 5pm on a Friday.
Tenants Energy Advice
Tenancy fraud
Email: home.energy@cse.org.uk Tel: 0800 082 2234 or 0117 934 1957 Web: www.cse.org.uk/bristoltea
Email: tenancy.fraud@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2470
Have you registered for My Account?
Out of hours emergency
0117 922 2050
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Using ‘My Account’ is quick and easy. Find out how it can manage your Council Tax, Rent, Housing Benefit, and Landlords services all in one place! Visit bristol.gov.uk/myaccount
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