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News for Islington Council residents and homeowners www.islington.gov.uk/housing
CONTENTS
2–4 / News and information
Winter2015
5 / Thinking of a move? 7 / Caretaker of the year
6 / Supporting residents
Fun and games at Islington’s sports festivals
8 / Noticeboard and diary dates
Green fingered residents improve the Marquess Estate An enthusiastic gardening group have worked with the council and a local charity to make huge improvements to an area of the Marquess Estate. Help on Your Doorstep – who are based at the Walter Sickert Community Centre – helped to raise awareness of the existing gardening group among residents and bring new life to the underused gardening boxes. Demonstration sessions on planting and healthy eating were held and new members were encouraged to sign up. The gardening area is now once again a colourful and vibrant space full of plants, vegetables and herbs.
October’s Disability Sports Festival was held at Islington Arts and Media School
Over 50 excited children had a go at martial arts, boccia, handball, athletics and other sports at the Disability Sports Festival held in October. The festival, held four times a year in Islington, is organised by the council’s housing team, working with GLL, Arsenal in the Community and Disability Sports Coach. As well as offering sports taster sessions and competitions, it also acts as a forum for informing parents, carers and participants about upcoming events. The sessions are aimed at motivating and capturing the imagination of young disabled people aged between five and 19 years-old who live on an Islington estate and go to school in the borough.
To find out about details of the next Disability Sports Festival, contact Cheryl.Obiakpani@ islington.gov.uk or email HCDT@islington.gov.uk
Any residents on the Marquess Estate interested in making use of one of the gardening boxes can contact Steve White on 020 7527 5378 or via e-mail steve.white@islington.gov.uk
Parents/carers must accompany children at these events and siblings are welcome to come along and participate.
FREE Christmas Sports Festival Young residents can try their hand at basketball, football, tennis, netball, dodge ball, badminton, squash, and more at a free Christmas Sports Festival on 22 December. The event has been organised by Access to Sports in partnership with
Islington’s housing services. It will run from 10am-4pm at Finsbury Leisure Centre, EC1V 3PU and is open to 8 to 16 year-olds. For more information and to book, call 020 7686 8812 or visit www.accesstosports. org.uk/islington
News and information Think twice if you receive an offer to help buy your council home – it may be too good to be true! If you are offered money by, or enter into an agreement with, a company or individual to buy your council home on their behalf, think carefully about whether it’s a good idea. It’s unlikely you will benefit financially, and you could end up homeless. If you do decide to enter into this type of agreement, you may need to pay back some or all of your Right to Buy discount. Any money that you make is unlikely to be enough to buy another home, and if you have sold your council home, Islington Council will not provide you with another tenancy.
Feedback on resident repairs The council’s repairs team deals with thousands of repairs each week for its tenants and leaseholders. Earlier this year, the team welcomed members of the Repairs Reference Group and Housing Disability Panel to its offices, to provide feedback on the council’s repairs service. The visit was an opportunity for the members of both groups to meet with housing repairs team managers and staff. Residents found out more about how these teams work and provided feedback on their experience of the council’s repairs service. They were also asked to comment on areas where they feel improvements could be made. Feedback included the need to increase awareness of the handyperson service available and more ways for deaf residents to report their repairs. Domingoes, a member of the Repairs Reference Group, said about the visit: “It was good to express our concerns and opinions on what improvements can be made to the service and speak to officers who answer repairs calls and plan the home visits.” 2
Annette Parsad, manager of the Housing Direct Team, found the event similarly helpful:
The Repairs Reference Group…
“I think the event went really well. The residents were able to get a real understanding of how our services operate and the work we already do to try to help our most vulnerable customers. Members of my team that took part said they found it a great experience to meet face to face with people they normally speak to on the phone when they report repairs.”
…is made up of nine council tenants and leaseholders. They represent the views of other residents and help improve the repairs service offered to all homes directly managed by the council. Alongside other resident panels, they provide feedback on any changes that are proposed to the repairs service.
If you are interested in joining the Repairs Reference Group or Housing Disability Panel please contact Nalini Trivedi on 020 7527 4079 or email Nalini at: nalini.trivedi@islington. gov.uk You can also find out about how to become a member of the Service Review Group or Leasehold Reference Group and help to improve housing landlord services within the council.
The Housing Disability Panel… …is formed by eight council tenants who have a physical, visual or hearing impairment or experience mental ill health. The group looks at the impact of housing policies on disabled tenants and helps it make improvements to housing services which benefit the lives of disabled residents. The panel was formed in partnership with Disability Action in Islington in 2007.
www.islington.gov.uk
Customer satisfaction feedback survey – tenants and leaseholders share their views Thank you to all those who took the time to fill out the customer satisfaction survey in July. The independent survey went to council housing residents, Partners for Improvement in Islington residents and Tenant Management Organisations residents. What did we ask? A range of topics were covered in the survey, including overall satisfaction levels with services, how people felt about the quality of their home and neighbourhood, repairs and maintenance services, anti-social behaviour and the level of customer service delivered to residents. 1705 replies were received from tenanted households and 1630 from leaseholder households. The results will be used to plan where improvements in housing services are needed. What you told us The main area highlighted in the survey as being a priority for both tenants and leaseholders was repairs and maintenance. Tenants are also concerned with the overall quality of their home and being kept informed by housing services. Leaseholders
told us they are concerned with value for money relating to service charges and the need to take homeowners views into account. Other key findings from the survey include: yy 74% of tenants are satisfied with the overall service provided yy 76% of tenants are satisfied with the quality of their home yy 70% are tenants are satisfied with the repairs and maintenance service yy 75% of leaseholders are satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live yy The main service priority for both tenants and leaseholders is repairs and maintenance Congratulations to the six winners from N5, EC1, N19 and N1, who each won a £50 shopping voucher after their names were selected in the survey prize draw. Further information about the survey results in your area will be provided at the next round of tenant and resident panels (see the noticeboard page for dates).
Don’t let Christmas affect your rent payments Christmas can be an expensive time of year and put a strain on your finances, but it’s important that you continue to pay your rent in advance and avoid getting into arrears.
If you are struggling to pay your rent please contact your local area housing office who can provide you with help and support to manage your money and arrange energy and debt advice.
Contact details Holland Walk Area Housing Office: Call 020 7527 7480, 85-88 Holland Walk, London, N19 3XS St. John Street Area Housing Team: Call Finsbury Library, 245 St. John Street, EC1V 4NB Upper Street Area Housing Team: Call 020 7527 5300, 222 Upper Street, London, N1 1XR Partners: Call 0800 587 3595, 4-6 Colebrooke Place, London, N1 8HZ
Stolen property seized from garages Two stolen cars, four stolen motorbikes and illegal drugs were all recovered as part of a joint initiative by the council and police checking vacant estate garages across the borough. One of the cars had been stolen in a house burglary, while three of the motorbikes were high powered models that were probably stolen to order. They were in the process of being broken apart to be re-built and used to carry out street crime. All the garages have now been returned to good use. The partnership operation has been so successful that the police now plan to use the same approach in other boroughs across London.
Harvist estate eviction Islington Council has evicted a tenant whose property was used to run a cannabis factory on the Harvist Estate, N7. Following a leak from the property which affected several properties on the block, the Fire Brigade forced entry into the property and discovered a cannabis factory with over 50 plants. The council pursued possession of the property and the judge agreed that the behaviour of the tenant was in breach of their tenancy agreement and awarded an Outright Possession Order. The eviction was completed in October 2015.
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News and information
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The council’s housing team will be hosting another film club event at Screen on the Green in January. Cinema Club attendees at Screen on the Green
Free cinema visit is a big hit Over 100 residents enjoyed a free trip to the cinema, to watch the iconic film Singin’ in the Rain in September. The Cinema Club for the over 55s was organised by the council’s housing team and Partners for Improvement in Islington. Guests were welcomed by volunteers and offered refreshments before settling down to watch the classic Gene Kelly film at the Screen on the Green cinema on Upper Street.
Following the film, a raffle was organised, with proceeds donated to one of the Mayor of Islington’s chosen charities, Music First.
Contact Tamara Awarieta on 020 7527 5148, tamara. awarieta@islington.gov.uk Many guests commented on how much they enjoyed the club, with one resident, Paul Hyams, commenting:
“I was really impressed by the generosity Before the afternoon ended, organisers of the event. Thank you for showing surprised one lucky resident, Ms. appreciation to us residents”. Thiman with a colourful bouquet of flowers and a chorus of Happy Birthday to celebrate her special day.
Hundreds of homeowners attend Islington open day Islington Council welcomed over 100 council and Partners For Improvement home owners to their annual leaseholder and freeholder open day on Wednesday 7 October at Islington Assembly Hall. The information tables provided an opportunity for homeowners to discuss their queries, including annual and major works service charges and future works to the home. Exhibitors at the event included LEASE – the independent leasehold advice service, Credit Union, Citizens Advice Bureau, insurance providers Zurich, and the Islington Leaseholders Association. Those who attended told us that they welcomed this annual event and the opportunity to discuss their queries with staff face to face. They also suggested that there should be more council services represented at next year’s event.
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Free tickets are on a first come first served basis. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Islington Leaseholders Association meetings The Islington Leaseholders Association is an independent body dedicated to assisting Islington Council leaseholders. The ILA holds a regular monthly meeting in the main council chamber of Islington Town Hall on Upper Street from 7-9pm on the second Wednesday of every month. All meetings are open to Council Leaseholders requiring assistance or information. For further details email: Islington.Leaseholders@ hotmail.co.uk Or visit www.ila.org.uk @ilaorguk www.facebook.com /IslingtonLeaseholders Association
Thinking of a move?
www.islington.gov.uk
Mrs McDonagh moved to a smaller property with mutual exchange
Find your perfect housing match with mutual exchange There are many reasons why you might want to move into a larger or smaller social housing property, relocate to another area of Islington, or even move out of London all together. The quickest way to make a move is often by finding another tenant who would like to swap homes with you, through a ‘mutual exchange’. You can swap your home with another council or housing association tenant in Islington, London or anywhere else in the UK. You don’t need to be registered on the transfer list or have any points to take part in a mutual exchange. We spoke to two tenants who are enjoying their new homes after making the move with mutual exchange. Mrs McDonagh had been bidding for three years for a smaller property without success before she found a new home through mutual exchange, downsizing from a five bed property to a two bed. “I found it to be a pleasant experience and the mutual exchange officer was very helpful. I’d lived in my old home for 25 years. But this property is much more manageable. It’s easy to clean, it’s warmer and the bills are a lot lower too. For me the removal process was also very smooth and the council covered the costs of moving.” Miss Mcnamara found tensions arising in her two bed property once her son and daughter became teenagers and needed their own space and separate bedrooms. She used the Home Swapper service to find a three bed home in the borough.
“I had tried bidding for another home but it was disappointing, as there was always someone on the list with more points than me. Mutual exchange was much easier. The actual moving wasn’t easy as we had more stuff than I thought. A few boxes turned into hundreds! But we managed it using the adrenaline from the excitement of moving to a bigger place. “We are all much happier now and there are no more kids arguing! It’s a new area but it’s probably actually better as we are even closer to amenities for the kids. I’d describe it as ‘home’ now, our perfect property.”
Finding a home to swap with There are several ways that you can find a mutual exchange partner to swap homes with: Smart Move, Home Swapper and word of mouth. When looking for a partner, make sure that the property you are moving to is suitable for your needs. Register on www.homeswapper.co.uk - a national website free to Islington Council tenants, that allows you to advertise your property and search for others. Find out more: Visit www.islington.gov.uk/ movinghome or call 020 7527 4140 (choose option 3) 5
Supporting residents Help with household repairs Handyperson scheme
Housing Direct
The council’s handyperson scheme offers help carrying out basic repairs around the home for vulnerable or disabled residents and registered carers of adults.
The housing direct team aim to respond to emergency repairs within two hours, urgent repairs within 24 hours and routine repairs within 20 days. www.islington.gov.uk/services/housing/repairs Freephone Landline Text Email
Only a small fee is charged for services, which include: home maintenance security fixing appliances
carpentry plumbing gas and electrics
You don’t need to be receiving benefits to be eligible to make use of the service. To find out more and see if one of our team can help you, please contact 0800 694 3344 or 020 7527 5400. Alternatively, you can email repairs.handyperson@islington.gov.uk
0800 694 3344 020 7525 5400 07786 202892 repairs@islington.gov.uk
Email address for deaf residents who need emergency repairs: deafemergencyrepairs@islington.gov.uk
Do you need help with decorating? If you are over 70 or in receipt of disability living allowance, our Estate Maintenance Team can complete decorations to two rooms in your property for you for free. To find out more about this scheme, contact your customer service advisors at your local Area Housing Office and complete the application form provided.
Employment support for estate residents In January 2016 two youth employability programmes will be run on the Harvist and Andover estates. Since 2011 Arsenal in the Community and Islington Council have been delivering an award-winning youth employability programme based on estates. The 12-week course improves literacy and numeracy skills and focusses on getting participants ready to enter the job market. The community team also assists in helping to put graduates of the programme in touch with local and national employers across a range of industries. They are supported throughout the recruitment process and for a period while in work too.
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Learn literacy and numeracy skills
To book your place and obtain further information please contact Jack Ferguson by e-mail jferguson@arsenal.co.uk or telephone 020 7704 4152
Caretaker of the year
Who will be your caretaker of the year?
www.islington.gov.uk
2016 Caretaker of the Year
AWARDS
If your caretaker always goes the extra mile, make sure you nominate them! Now is your chance to nominate your Caretaker of the Year for 2016. Each year we give tenants the opportunity to sing the praises of a caretaker who they feel always goes the extra mile to help residents and keep their estate looking good and running well. Last year’s winners 2015’s winners were Scott Paton, from the Tenants Management Organisation on the Elthorne Estate, N19 and John Lynch from Bevin Court, WC1. Scott was praised for going beyond the call of duty and carrying out his work in a friendly and cheerful manner. John was described by his nominees as being dedicated to the residents of Bevin Court, who were grateful for the way he looked after the estate and made sure that antisocial behaviour was always reported.
2015’s winners John Lynch and Scott Paton
If you think your caretaker has provided an excellent service in the past year and should have their hard work recognised, either fill in the form below and drop it into your nearest area housing office or send it back to us at: Caretaker Awards H&ASS Learning and Development 7 Newington Barrow Way London, N7 7EP Alternatively, email: julia.jennings@islington.gov.uk When emailing, please remember to include the caretaker’s name, the estate or area where they work and, why you think they should receive the award. The closing date for nominations is 1 January 2016. The awards ceremony will be held on 10 February 2016 and the winners will be announced online at www.islington.gov.uk
Caretaker of the year Nomination form Name of the caretaker Name of the estate or area
2016
Careta
ker of th
e Year
AWARD S
Your name Your address
Your contact details Reasons why you are nominating this caretaker:
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www.islington.gov.uk
Noticeboard
hours g in n e p o r a e Y w e N d n Christmas a d yy 1 January – close rvice, Your repairs set will be Housing Direc open on:
Housing Aid Centre The housing aid team will be unavailable from 4pm on Thursday 24 December, reopening at 9am on Tuesday 29 December 2015. The team will also be unavailable from 4pm on Thursday 31 December, reopening on Monday 4 January 2016. During these periods, the following services will be unavailable yy Housing advice and prevention of homelessness yy The housing options service and choice based lettings When the housing aid office is closed, an emergency telephone service is available for people who are homeless and are unable to find alternative accommodation. This service can be accessed via the council’s main switchboard on 020 7527 2000.
myy 24 December - 8a 8pm sed yy 25 December - clo sed yy 26 December - clo sed yy 27 December - clo myy 28 December - 8a 8pm m– yy 29 December - 8a
Further information can also be found at www.islington.gov.uk/housing
Housing Scrutiny Committee dates
All meetings are held at Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD Tuesday 26 January 2016 7.30 pm Friday 29 February 2016 7.30 pm
8pm
m– yy 30 December - 8a 8pm m– yy 31 December - 8a 8pm
– 12pm yy 2 January – 8am urs, only Outside of these ho can be emergency repairs reported on . 0800 694 3344 Or email .gov.uk repairs@islington repairs. for non-emergency
Choice base d lettings
The last adve rt for this year for choice bas ed lettings w ill be published on Thursday 17 December 2 015, but bid ding will not close un Sunday 27 D til midnight on ecember 201 5 with viewing s over the w eek commencing 4 January 20 16.
Tenants’ and Residents’ panels
Upper Street North Panel
Is someone parked where they shouldn’t be?
Upper Street South Panel
There is a new number to call to report cars being parked where they shouldn’t be on your estate - 020 7527 6512. You can also report online directly to our contractor www.wingparking.co.uk or by following the ‘report a nuisance vehicle’ on our new look estate parking pages www.islington.gov.uk/parking
Upper Street West Panel Elthorne Panel
Whittington Panel St . John Street Panel
TBC Tuesday 19 January 20 16 Tuesday 15 March 2016
For enquiries please contac t: christopher.donovan@ islington.gov.uk or 020 7527 5379 Islington Town Hall, Uppe r For enquiries please contac Street, N1 2UD t: ste ve.white@islington. Thursday 21 January 20 16, gov.uk 7-9pm or 020 7527 5378 Westbourne Community For enquiries please contac Centre, Roman Way, N7 t: 8RD ch ristopher.donovan@ Monday 22 February 20 16, islington.gov.uk 7-8.30pm or 020 7527 5379 Holland Walk Area Hous ing For enquiries please contac Office, 85-88 Holland t: Walk, pa mela.aristokle@ N19 3XS islington.gov.uk Wednesday 13 January 2016, or 020 7527 74 71 7-9pm Wednesday 16 March 20 16, 7pm Hilldrop Community Ce ntre, For enquiries please contac Community Lane, N7 0J t: E pa mela.aristokle@ Tuesday 19 January 20 16, islington.gov.uk 7pm or 020 7527 7471 Tompion Community Ce ntre, For enquiries please contac 40 Percival Street , EC1 t: va l.barnes@islington.gov. Wednesday 27 January 2016, uk 7pm and Wednesday 30 or 020 7527 6259 March 2016