Lucky number 3,333 ... Milestone kitchen refurbishment
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tenants’ times News for tenants of Ipswich Borough Council - Autumn 2015
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Tenancy Agreement Consultation on the review of the Council’s Tenancy Agreement has closed with more than 130 responses had been received. Thanks to everyone who gave their comments. We will take these into account prior to the introduction of the new Agreement early in the New Year. New Homes 62 of the new council homes being built at Bader Close are due to be completed and occupied soon. The total development of 108 homes is on schedule to be completed by the end of this year. Solar Panels We are aiming to provide solar panels to some Council houses. 2,000 homes were previously identified as being suitable but the scheme faltered due to legislative changes. We are
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housing matters concentrating on these properties first but, hopefully, others will follow.
Smoke alarms and CO detectors From October private landlords will be required by law to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their properties. Although there is no legal requirement on the Council to fit carbon monoxide alarms to council houses there is an annual gas check/service to any Council-owned gas appliances. The Council do supply and install hard-wired smoke detectors to our houses.
Councillor John Mowles Housing Portfolio Holder
New homes take shape Building is progressing at McClure Way off Ulster Avenue, where a former garage site to the rear of the shops is being transformed into 22 Council homes. The development honours Pte Aaron McClure, a member of the Royal Anglians who died in Afghanistan in 2007. Pte McClure, 19, was born and brought up on Whitehouse estate.
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l e n a P y n i t u Tenant Scr
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As the newest Tenant Scrutiny Panel member, I have received intensive training to equip me with the knowledge and skills to carry out my role effectively. I have a good understanding of the services offered by our landlord, Ipswich Borough Council.
Ipswich Borough Council, whether identifying areas of good practice or making recommendations for improvement.
For those unaware of the Tenant Scrutiny role, it provides an opportunity for tenants to inspect and evaluate services provided by the landlord. This means that landlords can tailor their services to reflect local needs and priorities. Tenant Scrutiny enables landlords to determine how resources can be targeted, leading to services which are better value for money for us, the tenants.
Thanks to everyone who returned their Customer Service survey. The information we have obtained will be very useful for the current project.
Our Tenant Scrutiny Panel provides customer led assessments of services offered to tenants across
I hope I have given tenants an idea of what we do on the panel.
I hope you all enjoyed the summer. Thank you for your time. John Steward Tenant Scrutiny Panel Member
Ipswich Kurlers get competitive
Ipswich’s New Age Kurling competition, held at Suffolk New College as part of the ActivIpswich Sports Project, was aimed at encouraging more people over 45 to participate in social sports activities. It was a tremendous success with competitors including tenants of Cumberland Towers (Sally & Owen Elvin, Pat Spilling, June Brooks, Frances Jones and daughter Heather) and Walton House (Rodney & Anita Burrows). Frances and Rodney received medals, winning joint 3rd and 1st place respectively. New Age Kurling (rather than curling) is a new sport accessible to the over 60s. ‘Stones’ on ball bearings are aimed at the target with a ‘pusher’, so players don’t have to bend down low when they play. To find out more about kurling or any other sports sessions eg. beginners lawn bowls, fitness walks, boccia, walking football or walk sport for women, please contact Mike McCarthy on 01473 345350 or email mike@activlives.org.uk
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d a e h a o g k r Skatepa
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It has been a long time coming but at last plans are progressing to build a skatepark in Whitehouse Park. With few good facilities for young people in the north west of Ipswich, several surveys have identified a need for a skatepark in the area. Whitehouse Park was chosen as the most appropriate location. Fun is on the way for local youngsters
Since November 2014 North West Ipswich Big Local Trust, SITA Trust and Ipswich Borough Council have worked together on this project and the skatepark should be completed by late October 2015 having received planning permission. Whitehouse skatepark will be very different from the skatepark at Stoke Bridge. There are many reports showing the potential benefits of a skatepark: • reduction in anti-social behaviour • provides a safe and attractive place for young people • encourages significant physical and mental health benefits • brings communities together • creates a street culture based on respect • positive economic impact on the area North West Ipswich Big Local Trust is passionate about its work to provide what residents need in the community and look forward to providing more exciting projects in the future. If you are a resident in Whitehouse, Whitton or Castle Hill and would like to join us to make great changes in the area then visit www.nwipswichblt.co.uk or phone us on 07976 565329.
Ipswich history
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VC heroes honoured researched by Andrew Beal To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War, a national project to recognise people awarded the Victoria Cross is under way by laying paving slabs in their home towns, villages or cities close to the dates they were originally awarded. Ipswich Borough Council is pleased to announce that Samuel Harvey and Arthur Saunders will be honoured. They were awarded the Victoria Cross, just days apart from each other, after both taking part in the same battle. This is a first in the country and on Saturday 26 September 2015 these two national heroes will be honoured. The event will be held at 9.45am at the Soane Street entrance of Christchurch Park and be hosted by the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Glen Chisholm with guest speaker Mr Taff Gillingham, historian, and Harvey and Saunders family members. Samuel Harvey VC and Arthur Frederick Saunders VC survived the war and went on to live in Ipswich, both with contrasting life stories. An exciting exhibition will be held at the Town Hall on 25-26 September.
8273 Private Samuel Harvey VC 1st Battalion The York and Lancaster Regiment London Gazette on 18 November 1915 Citation reads: On 29 September 1915 in the 'Big Willie' Trench near the Hohenzollern Redoubt, France, during a heavy bombing attack, more bombs were urgently required and Private Harvey volunteered to fetch them. The communication trench was blocked with wounded and reinforcements and he went backwards and forwards across open ground under intense fire and succeeded in bringing up 30 boxes before he was wounded in the head. It was largely owing to his cool bravery in supplying the bombs that the enemy was eventually driven back.
3/10133 Sergeant Arthur. F. Saunders VC 9th Service Battalion The Suffolk Regiment London Gazette on 30th March 1916 Citation reads: On 26 September 1915 near Loos, France, “When his officer had been wounded during the attack, Sergeant Saunders took charge of two machine-guns and a few men and, although severely wounded in the thigh, closely followed the last four charges of another battalion, giving them all possible support. Later, when the remains of the battalion which he had been supporting was forced to retire, he stuck to one of his guns and in spite of his wound, continued to give clear orders and by continuous firing did his best to cover the retirement."
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Ken and Bet Gleed of Mayo Court have celebrated their platinum anniversary. The happy couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with friends, neighbours and family, cutting cake and raising a glass of bubbly. When they first met, Bet was the 14 year old girl who lived next door to Ken’s aunt. When 15 year old Ken visited romance blossomed over the garden fence. Their relationship grew and when Ken returned from service in the Second World War, having taken part in the Rhine crossing, the young lovebirds tied the knot in June 1945. Over the years since family followed and their brood numbers four children, nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. The infectious happiness of these two longstanding tenants has made them social stalwarts of Mayo Court and their neighbours were keen to celebrate their remarkable milestone.
Home sweet home improvements
Kelly Road tenants, Mr and Mrs Raine, are pictured on the front cover with a celebratory hamper presented by the Council’s Housing portfolio-holder, Councillor John Mowles, and Keepmoat’s Contract Manager, Lee Anderson. Their new kitchen marks a milestone for Ipswich Borough Council being the 3,333rd kitchen and bathroom refurbishment completed under its current council housing modernisation contract. This ongoing programme helps raise tenants’ homes to the Ipswich Standard, a measure set by the Council exceeding the Government set Decent Homes standard. In 2014/15 405 homes had a new bathroom installed, 135 homes had a new kitchen installed and a further 163 homes had both installed. Now only a handful of homes remain below the Ipswich Standard which are where tenants have refused permission for the refurbishment work. This significant commitment to tenants and the quality of their homes remains a key priority for the Council.
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Hundreds of people attended a Health Fair on the Cornhill. Many organisations came together to promote healthy lifestyle choices and to raise awareness of the harmful effects that certain substances can have on people. The Health Fair, facilitated by Ipswich Borough Council’s Community Safety team, was also a great opportunity for the Suffolk Recovery Network services to promote their new integrated treatment services through partnership working. Visitors to the Health Fair said they found it really useful and several people took advantage of the free NHS health check as well as participating in ‘Boxercise’ taster sessions carried out by AIR Sports Network.
Are you a smoker who wants to quit, but prefers to do so in the privacy of your own home than face-to-face support with a GP or health adviser? Live Well Suffolk has launched a new package of self-help materials called ‘My Quit Suffolk’. This includes a quit kit, self-help manual and smartphone app - all completely free of charge. The smartphone app can be downloaded for free on iPhone and Android devices and shows how many days you have been smoke free as well as useful hints and tips on managing withdrawal symptoms and social circumstances. You can also play a distraction game and monitor how much money you’ve saved since giving up.
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u o y p l e h o t t i K t i u Q e e r F
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The self-help manual guides you through each quitting stage and introduces the various nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) available. As part of the My Quit Suffolk package, you will be given the opportunity to try patches and another NRT method such as chewing gum, lozenges or an inhalator. Additionally, the quit kit contains a wall planner to help you track your progress and a quit sack to encourage you to bin all of your smoking materials. It also includes a ‘health and wealth’ wheel, a stress reliever toy and doubles up as a money box, helping you to save the cash you would normally spend on cigarettes. For your free ‘My Quit Suffolk’ bundle order online at www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk/myquit or phone 01473 229292.
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s e i t i v i t c a s t Free spor ng people
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for you
Suffolk Positive Futures deliver a range of free sports sessions for young people aged 10-19
The project is managed by national charity Catch22 and funded by Suffolk Police and the Police & Crime Commissioner. It also works in partnership with Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council. During the autumn term the project will be running the following activities across Ipswich: Football session Whitton Sports Centre Wednesday 4-5pm Girls only sports session Chantry Sports Centre Wednesday 6-7pm Boxing Westbridge PRU Wednesdays 5.15pm-6.15pm (restarting in the autumn) Football YMCA Fridays 5-6pm There is no charge to take part. Young people can simply turn up and join in. For further information please contact paul.knight@catch-22.org.uk
Outdoor fun all year round! Ipswich Children’s Nursery Little Learners is keen to promote outdoor learning ‘whatever the weather’ giving children the chance to learn about nature in different seasons, exercise and let off steam. Autumn doesn’t mean hibernate inside!
We are lucky in Ipswich to have many great free outside resources - such as local parks and woods. For young children splashing in puddles, digging in dirt, creating dens, climbing trees and socialising are lots of fun whatever the weather as long as they are appropriately dressed. Being outdoors can help development of your child’s motor skills, self-awareness and confidence and it’s a great learning environment. So don’t hibernate - put on welly boots and coats and join in the fun outside. OUTSTANDING-rated Little Learners Nursery is off Landseer Road, Ipswich. Open all year, we offer funded, paying care from 3 months-5 years. Visit www.littlelearnersipswich.co.uk or call 01473 725454. Little Learners Nursery is part of the outstanding Bows and Arrows Group which prides itself on giving local children the best start in life.
Regent panto Britain’s favourite magician Paul Daniels stars in the Regent Theatre’s stunning pantomime, Aladdin, this winter. Paul and Debbie McGee will be in the Enchanted Entertainment production from 19-30 December.
Get tickets now from www.ipswichregent.com or at the Tourist Information Centre in St Stephen’s Church.
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y a d n e p o s n e Edible Gard
The People’s Community Garden celebrates its autumn bounty on Saturday 19 September from 1-4pm with a series of events and judging of our Big Sunflower Competition from 3pm. There will be apple pressing using heritage varieties from the orchard and firing up the clay oven for bread baking … or perhaps “empanadas” this year. Visitors can pick their own produce, forage for soft fruits and herbs, as well as the opportunity to buy our much sought-after honey - hay fever sufferers welcome. (Honey from your local bees can help banish seasonal sneezes). We hope growers will bring in their biggest blooms for consideration in our Big Sunflower competition. All entries or pictures of entries must be submitted by 3pm that day. The celebration will continue into the evening, with a Harvest Supper and Gardeners’ Question Time quiz held at the CRESS pavilion at 5pm (this will be garden themed, so don’t worry if you don’t know a lot about gardening!). Please book a table for your team (minimum four people per team) on 01473 345350 and get your thinking caps on. Tickets are £5 each or £3 for regular volunteers of ActivGardens.
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s d o o h r u o b h g i ne
The Area Housing Panels consider and fund projects for tenant neighbourhoods throughout the year - below are just a few they have supported. Triangle Youth Club
A new pool table for the relaunched group (pictured right)
Defoe Road Orchard
Wildlife housing supplied by The Centre, learning disability activity centre
Meeting Place
Signs for the new community centre in Whitehouse Park
Jasmine Close
Warning signs to deter fly-tipping
Panels are a way for Councillors and tenants to have a say on council housing/community improvements. To find out more about getting involved please call our Tenant Participation team on 01473 433313.
Bright new look for community shop
Maidenhall Resident Association volunteers have been working to brighten up the community shop on Maidenhall Green. Volunteers packed, tidied and sorted to make way for new flooring (funded by the South West Area Housing Panel) then painted, remodelled and restocked the shop. Gone are the cluttered aisles, creating a brighter, more welcoming shop and already their efforts have reaped great results. The shop is open Monday to Friday 10am-2pm for the sale of books, music, clothing and household supplies. Why not pop in and grab a bargain?
One of the most successful crime reduction initiatives ever. What are the benefits? • less likely to be a victim of crime • household insurance premiums may be reduced • personal safety and security advice • improved community spirit • become part of an established communication network between the community and Police What does Neighbourhood Watch involve? At its most basic, membership involves awareness of your neighbourhood, using simple precautions to prevent/reduce the risk of crime and being alert and willing to report anything suspicious. Neighbourhood Watch is a community initiative owned and run by the community. The Police support this initiative, they do not run it. Members have a key role in making it a success.
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. . . h c t a W d o o h r u o b h g i e N
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Aims of Neighbourhood Watch It aims to develop a close liaison between neighbourhoods and the local Police: • helping people protect themselves and their property • reducing fear of crime by means of improved home security • greater vigilance • rapid, detailed reporting of crime and suspicious incidents to the Police • fostering an improved community spirit. Where can I get more information? Contact Anthea Pipe, Community Watch Liaison Officer, Police Station, 10 Museum Street, Ipswich IP1 1HT. Anthea is office-based 9.30am-4.30pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays t: 01473 613888 (Ext 3142) e: anthea.pipe@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Further information also available at www.ipswichnw.co.uk or Suffolk Neighbourhood Watch www.suffolknwa.co.uk
SUFFOLK HAS ONE OF THE LOWEST CRIME RATES … LET’S KEEP IT THAT WAY!
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g n i v a s t i f e n e Child b
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and loan plan
Eastern Savings & Loans Credit Union understands the importance of being in control of your finances, and how preparing for a new school year can put an additional strain on your budget. The Child Benefit Saving & Loan Plan allows members to apply for £500 repayable at £12 a week from their Child Benefit. The loan takes 50 weeks to repay with total interest of £92.12 so you repay a total of £592.12 (43.2% APR). At the same time, you can also save for holidays or any of life’s little extras. If you have one child and save the remaining balance of £8.70 per week by the end of the loan you will have £435. We encourage you to save but you can withdraw your savings whenever you need. We can transfer funds the same day to your bank account. Eastern Savings & Loans Credit Union is a successful co-operative business, offering very user-friendly services. It has already helped many people save for the first time. Eastern Savings & Loans is a credit union, 100% owned by its members so any surplus made is shared as a dividend at the end of the year. To apply for Child Benefit Savings & Loan Plan and become a member of Eastern Savings & Loans apply online at www.eslcu.co.uk or at any access point or via a town centre location. For more information see our website: www.eslcu.co.uk. Full membership is open to anyone over 18, living or working in Norfolk, Suffolk or Cambridgeshire. There is a one-off joining fee of £5, junior accounts for under-18s can be opened free of charge.
FAMILY
SWIM
OFFER Free family swim at Crown Pools Bring this advertisement in to receive a free family swim at Crown Pools. Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children Offer expires 31.10.15
FREE FAMILY S WIM
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. . . n o i t a c i n u Comm
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s r a e r r a r u o y g n i y a p o t y e k e th Housing Officers are always available to discuss how to prevent losing your home through eviction due to non-payment of rent. As a responsible social landlord, Ipswich Borough Council’s primary objective is to help everyone struggling to pay their rent but we need you to communicate with Housing Officers as soon as possible before the problem becomes overwhelming. Here are two examples of tenants who have taken the step to acknowledge they needed help, were prepared to communicate and work with the Housing Officers to ensure they were no longer threatened with the real possibility of being evicted: “I’d let my rent arrears reach £600, always believing I’d catch up and was in control. I’d already received a Notice of Seeking Possession but never thought it would go any further because even if my payments weren’t regular I was paying something. In March I had a call from the Housing Team querying my payments as they noted the amounts and frequency differed. I realised I’d been kidding myself - I wasn’t in control. At last I felt someone was listening to my situation, wanted to understand my finances and genuinely help me. We put in place an affordable weekly agreement, four months later my arrears were fully cleared. During this time I received numerous encouraging emails which helped me so much. I’d certainly recommend anyone struggling with rent payments to contact their Housing Officer without delay.” Miss C. (Castle Hill) “I’m currently under a Court Order for rent arrears and feared the worst when I got a letter from the Housing Team saying they were applying for a Warrant for Eviction. My situation was constantly changing with my partner working then not working (agency work) and housing benefit never the same from one week to the next. I contacted the Housing Team after I got a x7 day warrant letter and am glad I did as I was given the opportunity to fully explain my circumstances. After a long conversation an action plan was agreed. Immediately I gave Housing Benefit up-to-date information and which meant my Housing Benefit claim was reassessed resulting in an increase. An affordable weekly repayment plan was put in place to repay my arrears which will result in satisfying my Court Order in early October. I am so relieved the Housing Team are willing to help me keep in my home. What I have learned from this is not to put things off - make sure the Housing Team are fully in the picture.” Miss L (Castle Hill)
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p l e h d n i f o t e wher
If you are in debt a gambling problem can make life more difficult especially if you rely on credit to sustain it. Borrowing money to gamble increases your debts while stress caused by rising debt can trigger more gambling it’s easy to see how problems get out of hand. Signs which may indicate a gambling problem are: • gambling using an overdraft or credit card • spending money on gambling and not paying living costs, bills or debts • gambling to pay off debts Sounds familiar? If you have gambling and debt problems you need to address both of these at the same time. It’s important to get expert support to deal with your gambling and debt advice to help you with your finances. StepChange Debt Charity (www.stepchange.org) provides confidential, free, debt advice. It will look at your budget and find a personal debt solution best for you. Visit its contact page to find out how to speak to a Helpline advisor. Alternatively, use its
Suffolk Skills Fair
anonymous online advice tool Debt Remedy. The charity also have a week-long email programme called “7 days, 7 Ways” which gives daily steps to help you prepare for debt advice. It’s possible your gambling problem has affected your health and well-being. Your GP can look at options available, this can include treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talking therapy many people find effective. If you prefer to speak to someone anonymously, GamCare provide online support and counselling, or ask for advice on 0808 8020 133, they are open daily from 8am-midnight. GamCare’s advisors also let you know about local face-to-face counselling services that could help you. Sharing your problem with people face to face can also help relieve pressure you may be feeling. Gamblers Anonymous or SMART Recovery can give guidance on how to keep your gambling and any resulting issues caused, under control. GamCare or your GP can tell you where to find your local support group.
The Suffolk Skills Show takes place on Wednesday 21 October at Trinity Park, Ipswich. It is anticipated to be the largest employer-led skills and careers event in the area, attracting more than 4,000 visitors and will give young people the opportunity to: Have-a-go at different skills including hands-on activities • Engage with more than 100 local employers Find out about career opportunities • Access to Apprenticeships and real job opportunities Get independent information, advice and guidance • Be part of a live Skills Show Employer Sectors Taking Part: Advanced Manufacturing | Agriculture | Science and Food | Construction | Creative & Digital Industries | Education & Training | Energy | Engineering | Enterprise | Financial Services | HM Forces | Horticulture | IT & Technology (ICT) | Law & Legal Services | Ports and Logistics Drop in from 9am-6pm (last entry 5.30pm), free parking, refreshments on site. For information on exhibiting and attending contact hello@suffolkskillsshow.com or visiting www.suffolkskillsshow.com
Ipswich Shopmobility is appealing for volunteers to help run its service. Shopmobility provides wheelchairs and mobility scooters for residents and visitors to get around the town centre. The service, run by Ipswich Borough Council’s located in Lower Ground of the Buttermarket shopping centre and is open Monday to Saturday 9.15am-4.15pm. They can be contacted on 01473 222225 or shopmobility@ipswich.gov.uk If you would like more information on becoming a Shopmobility volunteer, please contact Heidi Cobb or Jennifer Barrett on 01473 432228.
24 HOUR MONITORING & RESPONDING SERVICE Covering Ipswich and surrounding towns and villages
HOME EMERGENCY ALARM RESPONSE SERVICE
CALL
01473 433236
hears@ipswich.gov.uk
VISIT
www.ipswich.gov.uk/hears
NO MINIMUM CONTRACT REQUIRED
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An aluminium bottle top might only be small, but it is estimated more than 5,000 tonnes of aluminium could be recovered if only we recycled them.
Thank you for leaving your cap on!
At today’s raw material prices that’s approximately £2million worth presently being discarded in to landfill or energy from waste (EfW) plants. The easiest way to recycle bottle tops is to screw them back on to the empty glass bottle. Modern recycling methods allow metal to be separated easily during the glass recycling process. This is the best way to ensure your aluminium bottle tops are recycled. You might think a screw top wine bottle is something new, but aluminium wine closure was invented more than 40 years ago. Recycling aluminium used only 5% of the energy required to produce aluminium from raw materials. About 75% of all the aluminium ever produced is still in use today - that’s pretty impressive compared to almost every other type of material. As recycling rates improve and we get better at it, this figure can only increase.
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e r u s n e o t r e h t e g o t g n i k r Wo liance p m o c & y t e f a s s 100% ga
Ipswich Borough Council and Aaron Services have been working in partnership since October 2012. Their main objective is to ensure all landlord responsible gas appliances within council properties are serviced and maintained to the highest standards. Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. They are legally obliged to make sure: • pipework, appliances and flues provided are maintained in a safe condition • appliances and flues provided for use have an annual safety check • a gas safety record is provided to tenants within 28 days of check completion or to any new tenant before they move in. • every gas safety record is kept for at least two years
Aaron Services completed 7,942 gas services during the last 12 months and managed to gain access to approx. 94% of these on the first appointed visit! We are currently operating at 100% of all our properties having a gas safety check within a 365 day period, something of which we are very proud, this has been a real team effort to achieve. You can play your part by always allowing access for a gas service appointment; this ensures your gas heating appliances are working safely and efficiently. Please ensure you have your own gas appliances serviced, ie gas cooker, as these types of appliance also require regular maintenance to ensure that they are safe. Before any gas work is carried out always check the Aaron Services engineers ID card.
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Update on housing performance - Period covering April - July 2015 COMPLAINTS
10 complaints about Tenancy Services. 8 received a full response within deadline of 20 working days. 1 was delayed, 9 not upheld.
ALLOCATIONS
It took 14.75 working days to process a housing application. Target <20
RENTS
At the end of July ÂŁ779,885 in rent payment was outstanding which is 2.14% of the total due for the year. Target <2.38%
GAS SERVICING
At each month end all our properties should have an up-to-date gas safety certificate, at the end of July 2015 0 services were overdue.
REPAIRS
5,913 repairs were raised of which 98.7% were completed on target. Target >98.5%
TENANCY
We averaged 17.19 days between a tenancy ending and the next one starting. Target <15 days
COMMUNITY CARETAKERS
100% pledge visits/1,311 minor repairs in communal areas were completed.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Of 23,967 calls made to Housing and Repairs 90.7% got through to an agent before ending the call. Target >90%
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
44 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
Environmental Health (for noise problems)
WANT TO BE MORE INVOLVED? JOIN THE TENANT FACEBOOK GROUP www.facebook.com/groups/IBCtenants/
01473 433015