Winter
2015/16
News for Bristol City Council tenants
Warmest wishes for 2016!
Looking out for you Annual report summary Save and stay warm
News for all Bristol City Council tenants winter 2015/16
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 5935
Welcome to the winter issue of It’s hard to believe that our year as European Green Capital is over. Now, after the New Year celebrations comes a citywide task to continue the good environmental work Bristol started in 2015. Green Capital year shone a light on our projects to make homes warmer and more modern, and our neighbourhoods safer. Find out more on page 15. So how have we done? This Housing News brings you a summary of the Annual Report for Tenants (2014–15). It gives a snapshot of how we performed as your landlord and improvements we’re making to the standard of the properties you live in. We hope our news roundup supports your tenancy and provides ideas for 2016. The government has decided to reduce social housing rents by 1% each year, for four years, starting from April 2016. We will write to you nearer the time with full details as well as advice about
Mary Ryan and Steven Barrett – Tenants’Housing editorialDelivery panel Service Directors,
what to do if you are currently in arrears. A rent reduction is always welcome news for tenants but it presents a challenge for us as your landlord. Lower rents mean less money to invest in your homes and services, or to invest in new homes to help meet the overwhelming housing need in Bristol. In 2016 we will research the impact of rent reductions to see how we can continue to improve the services we deliver to you despite having less money to do so.
IN THIS ISSUE
Cover pictures: Top, Left-Right: Getting involved; Green energy for warm homes, Middle, Left-Right: What’s on near you; Enjoying shared spaces; celebrating neighbourhoods; Building new homes, Bottom: Prize-winning gardens!
Get Housing News by email To switch to the email version of Housing News visit: bristol.gov.uk/housingnews
Estates features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 News in brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Supporting your energy and finance needs. . . . . . . . . . 8 Benefits for carers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Metrobus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 A year in numbers – Annual Report for tenants. . . 12–14 What’s on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Get in touch – ways to access housing services. . . . . . 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 1444 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. BD7346 December 2015
page two
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Good news!
Competition winners Well done to winners Jordan Ford and Ken Ewings who scooped computer prizes in our ‘Snap Up September’ photo competition.
We asked you to think about Bristol European Green Capital and what it meant to you in your area. Jordan emailed us a picture of the garden (right) he’s been helping his mum Patricia with at their home in Hartcliffe. Jordan was over the moon to win the laptop prize and joined us for photos at the Bristol Computer Reuse showroom in Bedminster. Mum Patricia said “It’s been fun finding ways to do the garden with recycled materials and a few pounds spent on plants and ornaments. Jordan’s 15 and has helped me a lot.” Ken sent his photo (left) by post as he did not have a computer – until now! Ken’s winning snap shows the garden he works on at Parbrook Court, a sheltered accommodation scheme in Whitchurch. Ken told us, “I love
Jordan (left) and Ken (centre) receive their prizes from Nathon at Bristol Computer Reuse
doing the garden partly as visiting relatives appreciate it. My grandson will show me how the computer works!”. Praising Ken’s efforts, Sue Andreoletti, from Parbrook’s Support to Older People team said, “Ken’s quite a dynamo for a man in his 80s. The other residents also join him to enjoy the garden with a cuppa and a friendly chat”.
Get connected... To buy a reconditioned Windows 7 computer from just £50, contact Bristol Computer Reuse. Email info@bristolcomputerreuse.org, phone 0117 3706 375 or visit www.bristolcomputerreuse.org For other winning photos join us at: facebook.com/bristolcouncilhousing
May Barber – 100th birthday! Going green at Burchell’s Residents in the Burchell’s Green area have been planting bulbs in their local verges in a Bristol European Green Capital initiative. Working with the council’s Head Gardener and the Chair of the St George Neighbourhood Partnership residents helped decide areas for planting and what to grow. Funding came from the Neighbourhood Partnership Clean & Green budget, the Environmental Improvement Budget and the Community Development Team. There’s more neighbourhood support on page 5. To find out how your area can use the Improvement Budget visit www.bristol.gov.uk/eib
Congratulations to tenant May Barber of Bedminster Down who turned 100 on 15 October. Everyone enjoyed May’s celebratory meal and live music. After proudly displaying her letter from the Queen, May was joined by Jayne McCrossan (left) and Claire Shearn (right), mobile wardens in the Support To Older People Team for the cake-cutting. May declared. ‘It was a wonderful day, I really enjoyed it’. page three
News for all Bristol City Council tenants winter 2015/16
Looking out for
Meet the team Hidden in the heart of Bristol, officers observe a bank of TV monitors. Phones chime loudly. This is part of Bristol’s high-tech Emergency Control unit looking after tenants in several housing areas. Housing News spoke to manager Joe Thompson to find out how his team supports our aim to provide great neighbourhoods and successful tenancies across our city.
What’s this service made up of? “Our company, Mitie, provides security in partnership with the council, the police, and Safer Bristol. 19 trained officers watch over Hartcliffe, Barton Hill, Easton and St Pauls. We’ve 418 CCTV cameras in and around blocks of flats.” page four
L–R: PCSO Abdillahi Yusuf( Easton beat team); Pete Jetullaji (Supervisor, Mitie); Andy Cutter (Housing Officer); Joe Thompson (Manager, Mitie); PC Andrew George (Beat Manager, Easton); Andrew Windsor (Mitie).
Why is it needed? “We provide a high quality support service to neighbourhoods and reassure thousands of council tenants in areas such as central Bristol. We help prevent ASB [antisocial behaviour] or crime, typically theft or damage to property. We assist the council to tackle flytipping, or tenant disputes over using the laundry room or parking. On a positive note we support Housing and the Emergency services to do their jobs such as to gain access or reach someone who’s had an accident.”
How does it work for tenants? “We watch and listen for alerts to help to put things right. We let the police know about suspicious behaviour or trouble. The areas
covered have been decided through consultation with police, the housing authority and tenant groups. So where we do operate, a weekly surcharge covers this monitoring plus concierge services – entry systems, gates and intercoms at blocks, etc.”
What do you do all day? “Keep an eye on these neighbourhoods all day! 365 days a year we’re in radio contact with the police and our cameras can link up to other areas so we can help the rest of Bristol too. We’re a trusted resource for police evidence who frequently thank us for our work. And we support housing officers every day: we’ve given four Housing enquiries to officers this morning.”
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Joe breaks off as colleagues react to an incident in a park – a suspected bike theft. Joe’s camera operators zoom from one location to another updating the situation. Meanwhile, Joe’s colleague Paul shows me around the impressive array of technical kit. The state-ofthe-art technology puts an amazing amount of information at the team’s fingertips. Joe continues, “Everything is digitally recorded. You’ve just seen that incident occur. We’ll hand the footage over to the police to bring the offender to justice. That park you saw – it used to be a bad place for drugs and prostitution, but not today. Yes, crime might move elsewhere but we can help Bristol prevent it, and actually improve neighbourhoods”.
So what’s next for this service? “We are developing a new internet system that makes our monitoring even smarter. Deployable cameras can watch a problem-area temporarily, when there’s an agreed need. Once offenders are caught or stopped, the cameras can move on. We’re highly responsive.”
Issues with neighbours? Raise concerns with Estates (see page 16). For community safety topics visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/saferbristol
Tom Sparey www.tomsp arey.com
you
If you have an idea or want to make something happen in your local area, your Neighbourhood Partnership is here to help. You can get involved in your local partnership to: ●● Meet up with other people who
care about your neighbourhood ●● Take action on the things that
are important to you ●● Find out more about what’s
happening locally ●● Have your say about local
streets, parks and other services.
urhood In Fishponds a neighbo ga rdening d te partnership-suppor finals of project reached the Brita in in Bloom.
In Bishopswor th partnership w the neighbourhood orked with C Skateparks to ampus swimming pool transform an old .
What are Neighbourhood Partnerships? The 14 partnerships across Bristol bring together local people, community groups, Bristol City Council, police and local businesses. They agree priorities and take action on the things that are important for that area. You can get involved by coming along to a meeting or joining a working group in your area. To find out more visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/ neighbourhoodpartnerships Call: 0117 922 2329. Like: facebook.com/ NeighbourhoodPartnerships
The Mayor’s Fund for Bristol Following the Mayor’s announcement that 2016 will be a themed year of learning, he has also dedicated his Mayor’s Fund for Bristol to learning initiatives and opportunities. The Fund was set up to enable local citizens to contribute towards helping disadvantaged people in Bristol. The fund, managed by Quartet, an independent community foundation, will give grants to charitable organisations and social enterprises which support local people. This could benefit your area. To find out more about the fund and how it helps citizens of Bristol, or to donate, visit quartetcf.org.uk or search ‘Mayor’s Fund for Bristol’ at Justgiving.com
Emergency? Call 999.
Looking Local: reminder Bristol’s digital TV information service, Looking Local, ends on 31 March 2016. All information about your tenancy (and more) is available at: www.bristol.gov.uk/councilhousing page five
News for all Bristol City Council tenants winter 2015/16
News in brief Keep housing on their toes! Being a volunteer on the Housing Scrutiny Panel (HSP) is a great way to learn more about your landlord, housing issues and about managing tenancies. You’ll meet new people and work as a team with other tenants and leaseholders. It’s a chance to make a real difference in your neighbourhood.
Use the WUF computer centre Council tenants in the Redcliffe area can book to use the Community Learning & Resource Centre at the Waring, Underdown & Francombe (WUF) flats. The centre has nine computers, a laser printer and scanner. Access emails, copy, print, scan and save photos or documents. How about researching your family tree? Also, report a housing repair, manage your rent and other housing needs online at www.bristol.gov.uk/ councilhousing. Volunteers are here to help. When: Monday to Thursday, 10.15–11.45am. Where: Between Francombe House and the Velindra Pub, Commercial Road, Bristol. Access: left of main entrance, Francombe/ Waring House.
Want to get involved? Attend the HSP Open Day on 2 February in central Bristol. See page 15 for details. For more information or for an application pack, email HSP@bristol.gov.uk, phone the dedicated line 07827 979 551 or write to:
Important elections – are you registered to vote? Did you know that on Thursday, 5 May 2016 there will be citywide local (all councillors), mayoral and Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner elections, and if you’re not on the electoral register, you won’t be able to vote? If you’re not registered, why not take a few minutes today to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
reference agencies use the register to validate applications. If you can’t register to vote online, you can email electoral. services@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 922 3400 to get a paper registration form.
Not being registered can also impact on applications for credit or mobile phones, since credit
Estates – a status update Our Estate Management service is undergoing a review to improve the way we provide services to tenants. Currently we have a number of vacancies at Housing Officer level – those staff delivering the service on the ground – and as a result of this we have had to prioritise our work. We recognise as a result
page six
Freepost RTKJ-SGBZ-ULSH Housing Scrutiny Panel (St Anne’s), Bristol City Council, P.O. Box 3176, BS3 9FS. Find out more at www.bristol.gov.uk/hsp
of this there could be delays in us responding to certain tenant enquiries. We are doing all we can to make sure these delays are kept to a minimum. Currently we are prioritising work that has legal implications, poses a risk to health and safety or has a detrimental effect to tenants. www.bristol.gov.uk/estates
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
First new council homes are built
Report a repair online Your 3-step, ‘how-to’ guide You can now report many maintenance and repair problems online*. It’s a fast and FREE way to get your repair booked*.
1 check
Go to www.bristol.gov.uk/ ReportARepair or scan this QR code with your phone to find out about the type of repairs you can report online. Check which repairs you can book with us. Some jobs are chargeable to you as tenant.
We have completed the first of our new council homes in the New Build programme. These are at Mill House, Easton, (main picture) with the new tenants moving in for Christmas and at Crabtree Walk in Eastville (inset) where the keys are ready to be handed over to tenants. Together the developments offer four, large family 4-bedroomed homes.
Built to the highest environmental quality, the properties are low carbon, fit for the future and meet ‘code 4’ on the national sustainable homes standard. Both these and proposed developments make use of underused housing land. Around 100 homes will be built over the next 18 months. www.bristol.gov.uk/ newcouncilhomes
100 Temple Street Citizen Service Point Since launching a year ago the new Citizen Service Point (CSP) at 100 Temple Street has seen demand grow from 50 to 500 citizens a day. In the modern, spacious building visitors are encouraged by friendly advisors to start their enquiry using the free to use, ‘self-serve’ computer facilities. If your question cannot be solved online, advisors
can either talk you through an update on the spot, or book an appointment with a specialist. They can also show you how contact can be made from the comfort of your own home. The emphasis of the CSP is firmly on helping citizens to help themselves access services in a modern and friendly way. See p16 for contact details.
It’s good that people have helped me on the computer. I can go home and do this with my family now I have the website link.
2 report
When you are ready to proceed, click the blue, ‘Report a repair’ button and follow the booking sequence. Information to help you is provided as you go. At the end, note the on-screen message confirming your booking. You can also receive an email.
3 make a date
For some types of repair you can choose your own appointment time online. For other jobs we will call you back to arrange a time slot. If you provide your mobile phone details we’ll send you a reminder text 24 hours before the appointment. * Emergency repairs must be reported by telephone call (see page 16). page seven
News for all Bristol City Council tenants winter 2015/16
Energy, Finance and Support Make the most of your night storage heaters If you have night storage heaters and are on the Economy 7 energy tariff you get seven hours of cheaper electricity each night, usually between midnight and 7am. Storage heaters charge up overnight using this cheap electricity. The electricity is turned into heat, stored ready for the next day.
Energy in
Heat out
An input dial controls how much charge they take on and sets the amount of heat available for tomorrow. So, if the forecast is for very cold weather the input dial needs to be on a high setting so that you’ll have enough heat for the following day.
1
1 2 1
23
43
OU UT TP UT
UT PUT 1 P N I IN
TP
3 2 2
5 4
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An output dial controls how quickly the stored heat is released. Adjust this each day. If it’s colder set it higher. But, overnight, when the storage heater is charging the output dial needs to be turned right down to make sure as much heat as possible is kept in the heater ready for the next day.
A short film on night storage heater controls is at www.cse.org.uk/nsh
Heating under control In 2015 we successfully installed biomass boiler at Broughton House (see our cover). It’s part of a project to deliver heat efficiently to a ‘district’ of tenants and consumers. Unlike gas, biomass boilers burn wood chips or pellets – it’s more environment-friendly.
Elsewhere, 3,000 flats have now had modern, digital heating and hot water metering systems. Tenants now monitor their energyuse online and save on their bills. We are the first large social landlord in the UK to go ahead with this system.
Tips for healthy homes and lower bills Keep warm: Get to know your central heating
Save cash: Check you’re on the cheapest tariff.
controls (see above). Set the time and temperature to suit your routine. Make sure the heating is off or low when you’re not at home. Stay warm. Keep heat in with thick lined curtains and close them at dusk. Keep furniture away from radiators – it lets heat circulate.
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.
Stay healthy: Reduce mould by keeping it warm
need. Mobile phones don’t need to be plugged in all night. Turn the TV and lights off when no one is in the room. Don’t fill the kettle – just boil what you need.
in any rooms that get damp. Help moisture to escape by using extractor fans and keep any trickle vents open. When using the bathroom or kitchen open the window to let the steam out and keep lids on pans when cooking. Dry clothes outside if you can. Never hang wet clothes over the radiator. page eight
Save energy: Only use as much electricity as you
• For more advice about any of these tips call the Tenants Energy Advice service free on 0800 082 2234.
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Have a thrifty 2016 After the Christmas spending is over, many families have to be more careful with their money. Higher prices, the bedroom tax, benefit cap and zero-hours contracts mean that 2016 will have to be thrifty. Prioritising rent, essential bills, and working out a budget for the year will reduce the stress. Here are five tips to help: 1 S pread monthly costs by buying non-perishable foods, like tins, pickles and frozen food on offer. Finding offers in January should make you some savings on bigger items for 2016. 2 R egister for deals with www. moneysavingexpert.co.uk Get updates of online and high street offers, vouchers and codes.
4 P op in to Pennywise. Check you are financially secure for 2016. The Pennywise team will help you take control of your money, check the right cash is coming in and that you’re making the most of what you do have. They offer a free and confidential one to one, so call 0117 970 4548, text your name to 07435 974 651 or visit www.pennywise.org.uk for lots of tips on saving money in Bristol. 5 C heck out Cashpoint‘s money advice for tenants under 25. Cashpoint is a similar service to Pennywise but for Young Adults. Contact Chloe on 0117 317 8800.
3 M ake New Year’s resolutions. Look into ‘Jam Jar’ accounts where you save for specific expenses including Christmas. Ask at Bristol Credit Union, or use the same approach at home using real jam jars!
Universal Credit Universal Credit (UC) is the benefit that will eventually replace several benefits including Housing Benefit. Currently you will only be affected if you are single, childless and making a claim for out-of-work benefits. Eventually, Universal Credit will affect everyone claiming the benefits listed at www.bristol. gov.uk/universalcredit
What’s different about UC? Your housing costs will be included in your UC and paid to you, not us. You’ll be responsible for paying your full rent to us when it’s due. You’ll receive one payment per household every month direct to your bank account.
What do I need for UC? ●● A bank account. You can set up a basic account at a bank, credit union or post office, to pay your rent and other bills.
Warmer Homes – high rise update What’s the latest regarding the high rise cladding project to improve tower blocks and make them warmer? ●● Brandon House: new roofs
and windows installed; wall insulation under way. ●● Sedgewick House/Barwick
House: scaffolds up and roof work underway. ●● Yeamans House/Broughton
House: Early stages of transformation; renewal of the roofs nearly complete. ●● Twinnell House: Scaffolding is
down revealing a smart, new brick-type finish on the wall insulation. At Ashman Close and Wills Drive there will be an additional, new, communal laundry plus a car-safe community space for residents. Next up: Contractors have been appointed for further blocks in Bedminster: Winterstoke, Whitemead, and Southbow. Work is expected to start early in 2016.
●● Access to the internet. Find out
where you can get online locally. Libraries offer free internet access and basic computer skills courses. ●● To budget monthly instead of
weekly or fortnightly. You’ll need a plan to pay your rent, bills and living costs. Join in: www.facebook.com/ DontMissOutBristol
Twinnell House, Stapleton Rd, Eastville page nine
News for all Bristol City Council tenants winter 2015/16
Benefits for carers Do you help an older or disabled person to live independently at home? Carers save the country many billions of pounds a year by providing care at home, so it’s important to claim the financial support available. You may be entitled to benefit as a carer if you; ●● are aged over 16; ●● provide care for 35 or more
hours a week; ●● are not a full time student; and, ●● if you do some work, you
earn no more than £110 per week (net).
Who is a carer? Anyone who looks after a disabled child, adult, or a frail, older person, for 35 or more hours per week. This can include time watching over them, as well as providing active help and care. To be eligible for benefits, the person you provide care for must get one of the following: ●● Attendance Allowance. ●● Disability Living Allowance –
the middle or higher rate care component. ●● Personal Independence
Payment daily living component. For more information about these benefits visit www.bristol.gov.uk/ benefits-financial-help page ten
Which benefits can I claim? Carers’ benefits can be complicated. You might qualify for carer’s allowance of £62.10 a week and/or extra money called ‘carer’s premium’. This is added to top-up benefits such as pension credit, income based employment and support allowance or jobseeker’s allowance, housing benefit, or council tax reduction.
Advice for carers It’s a good idea to get advice before claiming benefit as a carer, so that you know how your income will change. In some cases, if the disabled person lives alone, they may be getting benefits which take account of this and their income could be affected if their carer then gets carer’s allowance. Ask for a carers’ benefit check using the request link at www. bristol.gov.uk/carerbenefits or send in the Freepost coupon on the next page.
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
HN-Win2015/16
Benefits checks and advice for carers I would like to know more about benefits for carers and have a benefit check. Please telephone me. Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss
Last name: Phone number: Address:
Postcode: If you would like information in large print, another format or another language please state:
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
#
First name:
MetroBus shifts gear Construction has started across Bristol on the new MetroBus network. Major improvements to the city centre include reducing traffic around the cenotaph and creating new public spaces and segregated paths for cyclists. ●● On Redcliff Hill there will be
more green areas and increased space for pedestrians and cyclists. MetroBus will have dedicated cycle routes and improved pedestrian footways between Bedminster Bridge and Redcliffe roundabout. ●● In Filwood and Inn’s Court
MetroBus is now upgrading existing bus stops, resurfacing the road and installing trafficcalming measures. MetroBus will use green buses on a combination of segregated busways and bus lanes. Services will be more reliable and quicker, for longer bus journeys, than current bus services. MetroBus will start operating in 2017. More information www.travelwest.info/metrobus page eleven
News for all Bristol City Council tenants winter 2015/16
A year in numbers Annual report summary 2014 – 2015
Welcome to our latest annual report – a snapshot of how we performed as your landlord between April 2014 and March 2015. To read the full report, please visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk/councilhousingperformance
Who are we? 27,600 homes managed 62,000 residents 79% satisfied with the services we provide
Customer service New Citizens Service Centre at Temple Street opened 72% said that our staff were helpful 92% of complaints successfully resolved
How tenants have been involved 1,033 surveys returned by you, to help us identify where we can improve the service we offer
55% satisfied with the opportunities available to make their views known
56% satisfied their views were listened to and taken into account
Understanding and responding to your needs 356 level access showers fitted 73 stair lifts installed 100% of reports of hate crimes investigated New An Under Occupation team started, to help
people who want to downsize their home page twelve
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Repairing your homes 90,769 repairs carried out 82% of repairs completed on first visit 98% s atisfied that they could make an appointment on a day and time of their choosing
12 days
Average time taken to complete a non-urgent repair
Improving your home 80% satisfied with the quality of their home 98% satisfied with their new heating 1,246 new kitchens fitted 1,511 new boilers/central heating systems fitted 1,064 homes rewired
European Green Capital 3 housing blocks had external cladding fitted New Introduced modern, digital, heat-meters for radiators in flats.
Helping you maintain your tenancy 2,440 incidents of anti-social behaviour investigated 90% were successfully resolved 1,453 incidents of tenants breaching their tenancy conditions investigated 93% were successfully resolved 97% were satisfied with the start to their tenancy 190 cases tenancy fraud investigated
Safe, clean and green neighbourhoods 81% satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live 99% of blocks receiving a caretaking service were judged to be satisfactory £1,000,000 spent on area improvements citywide to help tackle issues identified by you
New Construction of new council houses started page thirteen
News for all Bristol City Council tenants winter 2015/16
Your rent 95.1% of all rent due was collected 73% of tenants are satisfied that their rent is value for money 73% satisfied with advice and support received to help them manage their finances and pay rent/service charges
45 tenants evicted for not paying their rent
How we spend your money £30.5 million
£36.5 million
Investments to improve your homes
Providing services to tenants.
£1.5 million
£12.2 million
Interest on previous loans.
£31.7 million
Other, including council tax on empty properties, plus other rents and rates
Ongoing maintenance and repairs to homes
Do you have a view? If you’ve got an idea for something you think we can do better or you’d like to get involved in how we manage, maintain and improve your homes contact us on 0117 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk
Can you help inspect your block? We provide a caretaking service to 59 high rise blocks and 319 walk-up blocks – a total of 8,497 homes. More tenant representatives are needed to help inspect these sites. If you live in a block that receives a caretaking service and you have some free time why not join us on a site inspection? Contact us on: 0117 922 2200 (option 5) or email: caretaking@bristol.gov.uk page fourteen
visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk
Winter What’s on... With the last of the festivities ringing in the air it’s time to look ahead. This New Year edition offers ways to make a difference in your area, and learn new skills or teach others. More ideas at: bristol.gov.uk/events and visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do.
City Ideas Studio: Energy
Computers for over 55s
Keep pledging into 2016!
Until 24 January, Architecture Centre, Harbourside Explore Bristol’s citywide energy projects to provide affordable warmth without costing the earth. It includes the council’s Warmer Homes project for flats and houses, efficient heating, and environmentfriendly new homes. www.architecturecentre.co.uk
From 4 February, 1.30–4pm, Waring, Underdown & Francombe House, Redcliffe. Introductory course for the over55s, with Linkage Bristol. Find out about email accounts, surfing the web, online security and safety and more. Cost for five, 2½-hr sessions lessons: £15 total. To book, call Linkage: 0117 353 3042.
The #Do15 environmental campaign has attracted celebrity support from Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall, rock band Kaiser Chiefs and Shaun the Sheep! It’s not too late to start making your own green changes. Find out more at do15.bristol2015.co.uk
Housing Scrutiny Panel – Open Day 2 February, Redcliffe Hill Drop in to the team between 10am and 4pm at the Tenant Resource Centre, 4 Waring House, Redcliffe Hill, Bristol BS1 6TB. All Bristol City Council tenants or leaseholders are welcome. Email HSP@bristol.gov.uk, or call 07827 979 551. www.bristol.gov.uk/hsp
Love Learning Week 8–14 February, citywide 2016 is a Year of Learning in Bristol. From Love Learning Week onwards, taster sessions and opportunities to learn will be signposted around the city. Why not try something new? Find out more at bristollearningcity.com Got a learning story to share? Please email learning.city@bristol.gov.uk.
Chinese New Year 6–7 February, 11am–4pm Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Welcome in the Year of the Monkey with spectacular performances, stalls, workshops and family activities. Try your hand at paper folding, special tea tasting, learn about your zodiac sign and much more. www.bristolmuseums.org.uk Photo © John Seaman
death: the human experience Until 13 March, 10am–5pm Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Entry charge: ‘Pay what you think’. As a society we are reluctant to talk about death and dying, but this popular exhibition helps start that conversation. www.bristolmuseums.org.uk
Feed Me & Win!
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Use your food recycling bin: you could win double value vouchers in Jackpot January! Visit www.feedmeandwin.co.uk
Please note: all event information correct at time of publication. Please check before your visit.
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page fifteen
News for all Bristol City Council tenants winter 2015/16
Join us at facebook.com/bristolcouncilhousing
Repairs and maintenance Report a repair online Online: bristol.gov.uk/ ReportARepair Post: Responsive Repairs (A Shed)
Rents and other housing payments Pay your rent online Online: bristol.gov.uk/payrent Email: rent.management@ bristol.gov.uk 24hr 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)
Rehousing
Online: bristol.gov.uk/rehousing Email: rehousing.enquiry@ bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2400 Post: Rehousing Services (FHO)
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)
Postal address for above contacts: Department name (see ‘Post’ line, above), Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176, Bristol BS3 9FS To call about repairs, rents, caretaking, anti-social behaviour or estates (open Mon–Fri 8.30am–6pm, Wed closed 12–1.30pm):
0117 922 2200
Repairs Rents Estates Caretaking
Out of hours emergency 0117
option1 option 2/3 option 4 option 5
You can ask us to call you back to save time and money.
922 2050
Adaptations services
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
Tenants Energy Advice Email: home.energy@cse.org.uk Tel: 0800 082 2234 or 0117 934 1957 Web: www.cse.org.uk/bristoltea
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Tenancy fraud Email: tenancy.fraud@ bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2470
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 www.bristol.gov.uk/csp or: 100 Temple Street* Bristol BS1 6AG 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 Southmead Southmead House, Greystoke Avenue, Southmead, Bristol BS10 6BQ
Opening hours 100 Temple Street (*) Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm 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.
Have you registered for My Account? 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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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
Citizen Service Points
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