Tenants' Times | Autumn 2014

Free childcare for more families SEE PAGE 11 FOR DETAILS

tenants’ times

News for tenants of Ipswich Borough Council - Autumn 2014

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Tenant Involvement - Tenants are involved in numerous ways, ensuring we provide a quality housing service. Such involvement is valuable to councillors and housing staff as well as the tenants themselves.

There are three Area Housing Panels on which there is active tenant representation. These monitor service performance; act as consultee for local policies affecting council tenants; and identify and agree spending from a Community Improvements Fund allocated to each Panel.

The Tenant Scrutiny Panel gives more power to holding the landlord to account. It reviews

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housing matters

aspects of the service of its choosing and reports its findings, comments and recommendations to the Housing Working Group.

The Housing Working Group is where tenant representatives meet with Councillors to consider reports and help to shape housing policy.

The Council has long-since had a good working relationship with its tenants and this is greatly valued. We would welcome more tenants participating. And so, the message is ‌ get involved!

Councillor John Mowles Housing Portfolio Holder

Front cover shows children happy at their nursery

Housing matters

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Tenant Scrutiny Panel

Silver Surfers get online

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Lots to do @ Ipswich libraries

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Home swapping success

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Recipe time

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Blooming marvellous

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Live Well Suffolk

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Summer of fun

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Recycling quiz

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Fun, facts and fundraising

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The way we register to vote

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New town centre credit union

Landlord/Tenants working together 17 Microchip your dog

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Crossword

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Struggling with rent arrears

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Measuring up

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Basic bank accounts

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Useful Contacts

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Entitled to free childcare?

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Tenants’ editorial panel Angela Griffiths, Pamela Pamment, Brian Laffling and Derek Rusher

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Updates

www.ipswich.gov.uk

TENANT scrutiny P A N E L

Dear fellow tenants, I hope you all had a good summer.

Since the last Tenants’ Times the Council has responded to our Caretaker Service report and considered our findings and recommendations.

We have checked on the kitchen and bathroom refurbishment programme and fed the results back to the Operations Manager responsible and expect a response before the next edition. The Scrutiny Panel also welcomes back chairman Brian

Laffling from medical leave. We are now continuing work on our latest scrutiny project into Customer Services.

If any tenant has a housing matter please ring Customer Contact on 01473 433370 or email: enquiries@ipswich.gov.uk Graham Bennett Tenant Scrutiny Panel Member

Home swapping success Mutual exchange is when social housing tenants swap houses and tenancies. It allows them to move to more suitable homes quickly. Whether you’re a growing family short on space or you need to downsize, exchanging may be right for you.

On 23 June we worked with other Ipswich landlords to hold a mutual exchange event at the town centre Key Café. Hundreds of tenants including our own and those from Flagship Housing, Orwell Housing, Suffolk Housing, and Sanctuary Housing came to find a match. There was help to get registered on a national mutual exchange site, House Exchange, and advice from housing and benefits staff and SNAP advisors.

If you are looking to move and are in a low priority banding for Choice Based Lettings an exchange may be a good option for you.

If you would like to know more about mutual exchange contact us for advice 01473 433370.

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s u o l l e v r a m Blooming

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Council tenants from across Ipswich were nominated for the Best Kept Garden competition featured in the last edition.

Thanks to everyone who entered and to all the tenants working away, brightening their neighbourhoods with beautiful gardens.

Each winner received a ÂŁ30 garden centre voucher.

Winner

Winner North West communal garden Gina Hancock, Hazlit Road

North West own garden Paul Copping, Mountbatten Court

East communal garden Christine Sullivan & Charles Godfrey, William Houser

Winner

Runner Up North West communal garden Mayo Court South West own garden Malcolm Varley, London Road

Runner up East own garden Mrs Lloyd, Shackleton Road

Runner up South West communal garden Mrs Keen, Fitzwilliam Road

Runner Up East own garden Carde Moss, Geneva Road

Winner

East communal garden William House

Winner

Winner

East own garden Campbell Road

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n u F f o r e Summ

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Local residents’ associations in south west Ipswich put on great family days out this summer.

Chantry Residents’ Association hosted the everpopular Lark in the Park at Gippeswyk Park on 21 June with Ipswich Youth Steel Band, dance troupes, martial arts demonstrations and fun games.

Maidenhall Residents’ Association teamed up with ActivLives for the Big Garden Party with attractions including jitterbug dancers, live music, bee tours and birds of prey.

Triangle Residents’ Association joined up with the youth club and local church to host Kelly Road Party on the Green with live music, DJs and dance groups.

If you would like to know more about residents’ associations in your area contact the Tenant Participation team on 01473 433313 or tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk

Green fingered tenants

In the last edition we featured All Hallows sheltered housing scheme tenants who had made over their neglected communal garden. After a shopping spree to buy pots, plants and tools, and hours of hard labour, the scheme now boasts a leafy oasis to enjoy. The project has brought together tenants and the transformation is eye-catching.

To find out more on how Area Housing Panel funding can help with projects in your neighbourhood contact the Tenant Participation team on 01473 433313 or tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk

Sheltered tenants have enjoyed fun activities throughout the summer at the Get Together events and fund raising days.

These lively events pair useful information from organisations such as Ipswich HEARS home responders, Healthwatch Suffolk, ActivLives and bogus callers with fun activities such as the Keep on Rocking

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t a g n i s i a r d n u f d n a s t c a f , Fun s e m e h c s d e shelter

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choir, reptile encounters and circus skills. At the last event we were proud to thank Peggy Seymour of All Hallows Court for her dedicated support to tenant participation throughout the years. Each Get Together is at a different sheltered scheme and is free for sheltered tenants to attend.

Sheltered tenants have continued to support good causes across the town this summer.

Holywells Court residents led by Pat Farnham organised a table top sale benefitting Suffolk Family Carers. Residents donated household goods, clothes and cakes to visitors and raised ÂŁ310.

Broke Hall Get Together Peggy Seymour receives her award

Mayo Court held a quiz in aid of the Rotary Club.

Quiz master for this popular, fun event was our own Kevin Barnes, Sheltered Service Manager.

More than ÂŁ50 was raised.

Congratulations to everyone involved in both events.

Mayo Court quizzers

Reptile encounter ... with a snake

If you are a sheltered housing tenant and want to know more speak to your Scheme Manager or the Tenant Participation team on 01473 433313 or tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk

Fund raisers with their cheque

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r e t s i g e r l l a The way we ging

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n a h c s i e t o v to

The way you register to vote is changing across the UK. The new system is called ‘Individual Electoral Registration’.

In Ipswich almost 10,000 residents might need to take action to join the new register, even if they were registered in the past. Previously, the ‘head of household’ was responsible for registering everyone who lived at an address, now every individual is responsible for their own voter registration. This is the biggest change to the voter registration system in 100 years and for the first time people are now able to register online.

To register, you will need to provide a few more details, including your National Insurance number and date of birth. This helps make the electoral register more secure. Most people who are already registered have been transferred automatically to the new register. However around 10,000 eligible voters in Ipswich will need to re-register, there are also people who are not registered to vote at all. They will need to register to have their say in elections. We have written to local residents to tell them about the change. If you received a letter, it’s important you respond so that you can have your say in future elections and referendums. You can register under the new system at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. For more information: www.ipswich.gov.uk/elections e: elections@ipswich.gov.uk t:01473 432533

Have your say in your local area

Area Committees give you the chance to influence Council decision-making, share opinions and contribute to positive neighbourhood changes. There are five area committees covering Ipswich Electoral wards. Councillors representing each ward work with residents, businesses and community groups at these public meetings to agree how money can be spent improving the local area. As an Ipswich resident, this is your opportunity to have your say on improvements. Future meeting dates are: Central

Wednesday 1 October 7pm, Bramford Road Methodist Church IP1 4AY Tuesday 18 November 6.30pm, venue TBC

North East

Thursday 18 September 7.30pm, St Johns Church, Cauldwell Hall Road IP4 4QE Wednesday 12 November, 7pm, venue TBC

North West

Thursday 25 September, 7pm, Whitton Baptist Church, 209 Highfield Road IP1 6DH Thursday 27 November 7pm, venue TBC

South East

Thursday 4 September, 7pm, Nansen Road Baptist Church, Nansen Road IP3 9HP Thursday 6 November, 7pm, venue TBC

South West Wednesday 10 September, 6.30pm, Triangle Community Centre, Dickens Road IP2 0JW Thursday 20 November, 6.30pm, venue TBC To find out more about area committees please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/areacommittees or Facebook and Twitter

Two of the region’s largest credit unions, Ipswich & Suffolk Credit Union and Norfolk Credit Union have merged to form Eastern Savings & Loans, a financial co-operative owned and managed by its 7,000 members across Suffolk. It works to benefit its members by providing affordable loans, savings products and promoting sound money management. Working in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council, Eastern Savings & Loans opened at 58 Westgate Street in Ipswich town centre in July. Mayor Bill Quinton cut the ribbon.

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n o i n u t i d e r c e r t n e c n w o New t

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opportunity of a town centre location as a vehicle to offer our products and services to the whole community.” Eastern Savings & Loans offers its members online and telephone services, debit card facilities via a prepaid VISA card, foreign exchange, and Western Union transfers.

It has more than £1.5million in assets, 70 volunteers and six paid staff, providing a safe place to save as well as affordable loans.

The new shop has longer opening times (Monday to Friday 9.30am-4pm and Saturday 10am-1pm) is close to parking and public transport routes and gives local residents greater access to affordable loans and savings products. Chris Mole, CEO of Eastern Savings & Loans said “We see this

Never too late to start saving ...

Money box

Christmas is just round the corner and paying for everything from December’s income pushes many people into extra debt. Now is the ideal time to begin to put a little aside or spread the cost by getting some shopping done early.

1. Join a Christmas saving club: your workplace may offer one, the Post Office Christmas Club is free to join. Take ID (passport, driving licence or utility bill) to your local branch to get started. They will issue a card you can top up with money. From November you can use this to pay at most high street shops.

2. Save monthly: putting spare change in a jar can help. Better to save now than borrow later. Some payday loans charge more than 2000% APR, authorised doorstop lenders can charge 250-500% APR so if you borrow £50 and can’t repay quickly borrowing for a year at 2000% would cost £1000!

3. Consider new traditions: sending personalised online Christmas cards can be fun and save money, a pre-Christmas clear-out could bring in cash and make room for gifts, there are lots of ideas for handmade gifts online at sites such as www.pinterest.com or www.bbc.co.uk/food 4. Write a list and set a budget early: try to be realistic - don’t forget food and wrapping paper. If you can stick to the budget it will help contain the cost and avoid a last minute panic!

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h t i w g n i l g g u r St

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rent arrears

As a tenant you are responsible for keeping your rent payments up-to-date.

Rent arrears are a priority debt because the consequences of not paying are so serious.

Ultimately you could lose your home! During 2013/14 there were 22 evictions for rent arrears across the town. There are steps you can take to avoid the stress of falling further behind.

What can I do if I fall behind with my rent?

If you can’t pay your rent please contact us as soon as possible on 01473 433370. If we know there is a problem, we can often help. If you are unable to clear the full arrear we will try to come to an agreement with you to pay it off at regular intervals. Don’t ignore the arrear or letters we send because the consequences become more serious; you could be liable for court costs and enforcement action. If you have made an agreement to pay the arrears it is important you keep to it and contact us immediately if you are unable to make a payment. If you do have rent owing continue to pay as normal over the two Christmas rent-free weeks. This is an opportunity to catch up and any agreements still apply over these weeks.

Can I get help with my rent?

If you are on a low income you may be entitled to housing benefit. Find out if you qualify by using our housing benefit and council tax reduction calculator online at www.ipswich.gov.uk where you can also make an online claim. If you are uncertain whether you qualify for housing benefit you should still apply.

What should I do if I am waiting for housing benefit to be paid?

Please tell us if you are waiting for your claim to be assessed. It is important you respond to all requests for information as quickly as possible.

The sooner all the information is supplied the

quicker your claim for housing benefit will be assessed and if approved payments can be made to your account.

I am receiving housing benefit but my circumstances have changed what should I do?

Tell us about any changes in your circumstances as soon as possible because a delay telling us could seriously affect the amount you receive. You can notify us of a change online at www.ipswich.gov.uk or by calling 01473 432700.

If you are unsure what changes to tell us about, please ask.

How can I pay my rent?

• Set up a monthly direct debit on 1st or 15th of every month by calling 01473 433370 • Use your debit card and rent account number to make an online payment at www.ipswich.gov.uk • Pay over the phone with your debit card and rent account number on 01473 433777.

• At any post office or payzone using the barcode from your rent letters. Through your bank or building society. Contact us for more information

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s t n u o c c a k n a Basic b

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Basic bank accounts are widely available from banks, building societies and credit unions. They are often cheaper and less risky than current accounts. You can use one to receive money, pay bills and, provided you have money in the account, you don’t usually have to pay. Basic bank accounts are simple, don’t provide a cheque book or overdraft so may be a good option if you’ve been turned down for a current account. With most basic accounts, you can: • have wages, salary, benefits, pensions and tax credits paid in • pay cheques in for free (as long as they’re not in foreign currency) • withdraw money over the counter or from a cashpoint • pay your bills by direct debit or standing order • some accounts will give you a debit card You need to be over 16 to open a basic bank account.

All banks will ask for proof of your identity and address before you can open a bank account.

For information ring 0300 500 5000 Things you don’t need: Because you can’t overdraw, a credit check is not needed to open the account Basic bank accounts don’t have a minimum amount you have to pay in each month Although you can’t overdraw with a basic bank account, it’s important to have money in your account to cover a standing order or direct debit as the bank can refuse to pay it. You may be charged as much as £25 each time a payment is refused. You might want to check before opening a basic bank account: • can you use cash machines near your home or work for free • does it offer the services you need, ie. debit card, direct debits or standing orders • is there a buffer zone that lets you withdraw a small amount even when your account balance is low • if you already owe money it might make sense to open your new account with a different bank, building society or credit union. Your bank may use your new account money to pay off what you owe on your old account

TENANT Q+A

Based on advice from the Money Advice Service which has lots of useful information about money matters. For more information visit: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

“Am I charged for repairs to my council property? Shane Pooley Yes if the repair arises from damage, neglect or misuse (eg you lose your keys/request access or deliberately break fixtures and fittings). Where disabled tenants request we undertake decorative jobs or aspects of jobs that are normally the tenant’s responsibility, the Council will undertake the repair for the tenant. (See Tenants’ Handbook) What is the Council’s policy on chain-link fencing of two Council properties? Pamela Pamment Generally fencing is a tenant’s responsibility. The Council establishes the boundary line, usually via existing posts. Cases relating to safe-guarding children or vulnerable tenants may be considered differently. Requests must be supported by Social Services or an Occupational Health assessment with full knowledge and support of Tenancy Services.

To have your housing questions answered here or join our Facebook group then please email: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk or ring on 01473 433313

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e c i v d a t n e m y o l p m e e e r F

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Been made redundant? Unsure of your next move? Returning to work? Unhappy in your current job and ready for a change?

The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you decide on learning, training and work opportunities, offering impartial confidential advice.

Everyone has the ability and potential to develop and grow in their lives and careers. The National Careers Service website has all the career tools you need to make the right choices about your future.

Search for training courses in your area, advice about funding for costs such as course fees, travel, equipment and day-to-day living costs. Use the Skills Health Check tool to work out what you are good at, what you like doing and get a report summarising your strengths and suggestions on job areas to suit you. Get in-depth job hunting advice on where to find vacancies, filling in application forms, writing a professional CV, performing well in interviews and what different jobs are like.

Check out www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk or call 0800 100 900 to speak to an advisor.

Entitled to free childcare?

Taking up a free childcare place gives your child the opportunity to learn new skills, activities, make friends and develop their confidence. If you have a young child you may be entitled to free care.

From September 2014, the Government is extending its criteria for eligibility for two year old funding. If you receive one or more of the benefits below, you could be entitled to 15 hours free childcare per week:

All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours FREE childcare for 38 weeks of the year

Income Support - Income-based Jobseekers Allowance; Income-related Employment Support Allowance; Child Tax Credit and earn no more than £16,190 per year; Working Tax Credit and earn no more than £16,190 per year (NEW September 2014); The Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit; Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; Working Tax Credit during the four week period immediately after their employment finishes or after they start to work less than 16 hours a week.

Bows and Arrows Group told us “We realise sending your child to nursery can be daunting so we work closely with families to make this transition as easy as possible. Our goal is to work in partnership with you to provide your child with the best possible care and start in life.” They have four nurseries across Ipswich (three recently rated outstanding by Ofsted):

off Hawthorn Drive

off Landseer Road

off London/Hadleigh Roads

Whitton Church Lane

To find out more about funded places call on 01473 240304 or email: info@bowsandarrowsgroup.co.uk

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e n i l n o t e g s r Silver surfe

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If you are a council tenant and over 60 you can get extra help to use a computer.

Whether you are interested in online services or pictures of cats in silly hats we can help you find your way online. Tenant Participation is running internet skills training for older tenants. There will be six beginner sessions covering: getting started with a computer, internet browsing, emailing, shopping and online services. Each two hour session is delivered by officers, tenant representatives and AgeUK volunteers at the Council offices, Grafton House. Session dates are: Wednesdays 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 October and 5 November 2-4pm Places are limited to ensure individual support so book with Tenant Participation Team on 01473 433313 or tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk

Fun things with ActivIpswich If we could bottle it, physical activity would be one of the most successful medicines ever. It can help combat depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, help us meet new people, develop social networks and improve our life quality. It doesn’t need to be hard work or require expensive equipment or clothing. Many people want to have fun, meet people, keep agile or improve health but barriers such as cost, venue, age or fear of beginning something new often stops them.

Ipswich Borough Council was recently awarded £239,000 by Sport England and has teamed with local charity ActivLives to help support people who want to be more active but feel traditional sessions are not for them. We would like your help to develop a range of affordable social-based activities that appeal to you. “Getting to Know You Sessions” will be held in south west Ipswich soon so we can listen to what you think might work well.

Come along for a free, no pressure chat, find out what’s available and help us get you a healthier life. Ring 01473 345350 for more information.

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Lots to do at Ipswich libraries

There are a wide range of regular events and activities taking place in Ipswich libraries. They run regular, fun Bookstart sessions for young children and families and also weekly Top Time sessions for older people. You can access the internet for free at the library as well as borrowing from a wide range of books, CDs and DVDs. (All libraries should offer free wi-fi by late 2014).

For full details you can check the website www.suffolklibraries.co.uk

IPSWICH COUNTY LIBRARY Northgate Street t: 01473 263810 14 October 7-9pm African History and Poetry event 18 and 19 October World Music Day Celebration 29 October 2-4.30pm Mr Bean’s Reptile Encounters - a chance for children to meet snakes, lizards and other animals CHANTRY LIBRARY Hawthorn Drive t: 01473 260880 Fridays Street dance sessions for 8-13 year olds with multi-sports on the basketball court next to the library Monthly walking book group for people to discuss books while exploring the local area GAINSBOROUGH LIBRARY Clapgate Lane t: 01473 260888 Monday and Friday afternoons Club 4 Teenz Mondays 2-4pm Top Time sessions Mondays 4.30-5.30pm Self-esteem workshops for girls Wednesdays 10.30am-noon Sharing Stories (for adults with learning disabilities) Wednesdays 2-4pm Scrabble sessions Thursdays 2-4pm Writing group Thursday afternoons Mini Teenz Fridays 10.30-noon Bookstart sessions There are also children weekend activities and crafts on Saturdays 2-4pm and Sundays 1-3pm ROSEHILL LIBRARY Tomline Road t: 01473 719279 Thursday mornings Weekly Top Time sessions Thursday/Friday afternoons Bookstart sessions Sundays 11.15am-1pm Crafts for children Quiz nights are planned so look out for these!

WESTBOURNE LIBRARY Sherrington Road t: 01473 749929 12 September from 7pm Stargazing Night telescopes provided, contact library for details Saturday 11 October 10am-1pm Broomhill Park Conservation Work Party (in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council Park Rangers). Meet outside the library STOKE LIBRARY Maidenhall Approach t: 01473 681751 Mondays 1-4pm Book cafĂŠ Tuesdays 10-10.30am Bookstart for young children

ing Of s u o H , r r a C e t a

by K

My grandparents lived in Greece for 12 years.

Although they never had much money, they always ate well. This was one of my favourite meals when I visited.

Serves 4-6 Ingredients 400g chicken thigh meat cut into chunks 500g orzo (rice shaped pasta) 1 litre chicken stock 6 ripe large tomatoes, halved 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 2 large onions, cut into eight equal pieces 400g tin chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp dried oregano 1 tsp paprika 1tsp chilli flakes ( or 1 chopped red chilli) 2 tbsp olive oil salt/pepper to taste 100g parmesan/cheddar (or a mix of both)

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e p i c e r o z r O Chicken

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ficer

Pre-heat oven to 190 ยบc. Place oil, garlic, onions, chicken, spices and large tomatoes in oven-proof baking dish. Mix together, roast for 20 mins.

Remove dish from the oven; there will be lots of lovely juices from the chicken and tomatoes. Add the orzo and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta.

Add tinned tomatoes, stock and stir. Return to oven.

Stir pasta every 15 minutes to stop it sticking to the dish and ensure it soaks up all the stock evenly. After 45 minutes it should be cooked; the orzo should be fat and the stock absorbed. If it looks dry, add 300mls boiling water, stir and return to the oven for another 15 minutes.

Remove from oven, stir, sprinkle grated cheese over the top. Return to the oven until golden and bubbling. Let the dish stand for 10 mins before serving, ideally with a (Greek!) salad and crusty bread.

SHOPMOBILITY offers FREE use of a wheelchair or battery powered scooter to get you around the town centre.

Limited mobility?

Call in and see us at IPSWICH SHOPMOBILITY at the Buttermarket shopping centre on the lower ground (LG) car park level* Monday - Saturday 9.30am-4.15pm *two hours free parking for Shopmobility users

www.ipswich.gov.uk/shopmobility t: 01473 222225

As children return to school it’s important their food choices give them energy to fuel their day. Live Well Suffolk has the following advice to help families enjoy healthier lunchtimes.

From September, all Key Stage One pupils will be entitled to a free school meal. “The nutritional content of school dinners is much better than packed lunches,” explains Live Well Suffolk dietician, Heather Osborn. “We recommend children have a school meal whenever possible, however, for those children who do take a packed lunch, there are a few simple changes that can make them healthier.”

The key to packed lunches is variety.

Introducing new foods will help ensure children don’t get bored. A sandwich is a lunchtime staple, but starchy carbohydrates like wholemeal bread, wraps or pittas are healthier alternatives to white bread, wholemeal rice and pasta are good too.

Why not make a tub of homemade pasta or rice salad instead?

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r e i h t l a e h a Enjoy h c n u l d e k c a p

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For sandwich fillings and salads, lean meats like chicken, ham and tuna are great sources of protein. For children who are vegetarian, use boiled eggs or a small amount of hummus. A nutritious lunchbox should include a variety of fruit and vegetables. Bulk up sandwiches, wraps, pittas or salads by adding tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce leaves or chop peppers and carrots into sticks - they are great on their own or dipped in hummus. A handful of cherry tomatoes are a good snack. Make fruit easy to eat by cutting into chunks, or go for strawberries, grapes or small boxes of dried fruit on its own or with low fat yoghurt.

Cakes, crisps and chocolate bars should only be an occasional treat as they are high in fat and sugar, but you could try your hand at healthier baking.

Recipes for muffins, flapjacks and cakes are available at www.nhs.uk/change4life. Water is the best drink option as fizzy drinks and fruit juices often contain added sugars, so children consume extra calories they don’t need. Live Well Suffolk is the county’s free healthy lifestyle service and is encouraging both children and adults to take advantage of its new Lose Weight with Live Well Suffolk programme. If you are worried about your weight or your child’s weight please ring on 01473 229292 or visit www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk.

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Recycling quiz 1. In the UK how much of the food & drink we buy each year gets thrown away? a. nearly 10% b. nearly 20% c. nearly 50% 2. What is the average annual cost to the typical family with children for their wasted food? a. £300 b. £700 c. £500 3. What is the most common reason for food being thrown away? a. bought too much (BOGOF) b. cooked/prepared too much c. food has gone off 4. How much longer could an apple last if it was stored in the fridge rather than in a fruit bowl? a. up to 3 days b. up to 7 days c. up to 14 days 5. How many slices of bread are thrown away daily in the UK? a. 2 million b. 9 million c. 24 million 6. In the UK how much of the salad we buy gets thrown away? a. nearly 25% b. nearly 50% c. nearly 75% 1B 2B 3A 4C5c6B

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s t n a n e t d Landlord an r e h t e g o t g workin

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As a tenant or leaseholder you have the opportunity to represent your neighbourhood.

This could be attending Area Housing Panel meetings and helping identify projects for community funding or working with your neighbours in a resident association. Being involved can play an important part in improving housing services.

We provide training and support suitable for all levels for tenant representatives. Courses cover topics such as: Negotiation Skills Working together with other panels Equality and diversity Chairing meetings Project reviews Assertiveness Being a tenant representative will not put you out of pocket as we cover childcare costs, travel expenses and lunches. If you are interested or want more information have a chat about becoming a tenant representative or forming a resident association contact the tenant participation team on 01473 433313 or tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk

Tenants awards nominations

Through the year council tenants give up their time to benefit the local community. This is your chance to join us in celebrating these individuals.

There are three categories: • Council Tenant of the Year for service to the community • Young Tenant of the Year for under 25s and • Tenant Representative of the Year - for those working with our tenant panels to help other tenants We are looking for people who have been helping to: • improve community in Ipswich • promote well-being and social inclusion for groups, such as the elderly, people with disabilities and minority communities

• improve opportunities for young people • make neighbourhoods safer • support a charitable cause Shortlisted nominees will be invited to the awards ceremony. Winners will receive £100 shopping vouchers, a trophy presented by Councillor John Mowles, Housing Portfolio Holder, and meet Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Bill Quinton at the Town Hall. To vote contact the Tenant Participation team on 01473 433313 or email: tenant.participation@ipswich.gov.uk Give names of the individuals you want to nominate, provide contact details and a brief descripton of why you are nominating them.

Closing date for submission: 14 November 2014

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Ipswich Stray Dog service Please make sure you know where your dog is at all times.

If your dog gets lost it could be expensive especially if they are not microchipped. If our Dog Warden picks up your lost dog, he will try to return it home. However this is only possible if it has a current tag or microchip. The Government levies a £25 fee for this service. If your dog does not have a tag or microchip it will be taken to our kennels, but before it can be released to you the following fees must be paid: Dogs with a current tag/microchip

Statutory Government prescribed fee Dog Warden fee Kennelling fee, per night - £12.60 (min 2 nights payable) Minimum total release fee (based on 2 nights kennelling fee)

Dogs without a current tag/microchip

£25.00 £18.00

£25.00 £40.00

£25.20 £68.20

£25.20 £90.20

By April 2016 it will be a legal obligation for all dogs in England to be chipped. The Dogs Trust is currently offering free microchipping, call 0330 123 0334 or visit www.chipmydog.org.uk for more details.

Please look after your dog and ensure they do not disturb your neighbours.

For more information on Ipswich Borough Council Dog Services please ring 01473 433015

Page 19 ACROSS 1. Odds and ends (4,3,6) 8. Confess (5) 9. Garish (5) 10. Uncanny (5) 11. Pledge, curse (5) 12. Provoke (5) 13. Mule (3) 15. Slanted lettering style (6) 16. Thrown, grassed (6) 17. East Anglian Cathedral (3) 19. Foreboding (5) 21. Asian dish adopted by the British (5) 23. Ingress, log (5) 24. Part of a flower (5) 25. Small boat (5) 26. Useless thing, major injury (4,2,3,4) DOWN 1. Metal alloy (5) 2. Volatile (13) 3. Amend (5) 4. Remnants of explosion (6) 5. Bay (5) 6. Perimeter of circle (13) 7. Calmed by medication (7) 13. Expert (3) 14. Pig pen (3) 15. Detailed (2,5) 18. Most recent (6) 20. Indian city (5) 21. Rotation (5) 22. Profit, harvest (5)

p u g n i r u s a e M

Update on housing performance - Period covering April - July 14 RENTS

At the end of July ÂŁ794,773 in rent payment was outstanding which is 2.22% of the total due for the year. Target <2.38%

COMPLAINTS

3 complaints about Tenancy Services. All received full response within deadline of 20 working days. 2 were upheld and 1 was partially upheld.

COMMUNITY CARETAKERS

918 pledge visits/1368 minor repairs in communal areas completed.

GAS SERVICING

At each month end all our properties should have an up-to-date gas safety certificate, at the end of July 2014 there was one service overdue.

TENANCY

Due to make 339 visits to introductory tenants, completed 302.

ALLOCATIONS

On average 23.5 working days taken to process a housing application.

Target <20

REPAIRS

6314 repairs raised an average 97.9% were completed on target each month. Target >98.5%

TENANCY

Averaged 17.32 days between tenancy ending and the next starting.

Target <15 days

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Of 19,306 calls made to Housing and Repairs 85% were answered.

Target >90%

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

64 open anti-social behaviour cases at the end of July

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS You can contact us on

01473 433370

To report a repair or if you have a repair enquiry

01473 432100

(including out of hours emergency repairs) To order a gas repair or gas service

0800 533 5630 or 01473 835145

HANDY RECYCLING BAG If you would like a FREE reusable blue bag to help you store and carry your recycling contact the Waste & Recycling team: recycling@ipswich.gov.uk t: 01473 432099