Spring 2010
Southwark Housing News
Changes to your tenancy conditions p4 Inside this issue: How to... report a repair p2 Free and fun things to do p6 What’s on for young people p14
The magazine for Southwark Council tenants and leaseholders
www.southwark.gov.uk
2
It’s happened to us all at some point, the roof starts leaking in a rainstorm, or the hot water cuts out when you’re getting ready to go to work. We know the standard of the repairs service is your highest priority, and we want to make sure your problems are sorted out as soon as possible.
Some repairs are more complicated than others, but there are some simple steps you can take to speed up the repair process. When reporting a repair, try and give as much detail as possible about what’s gone wrong. If the roof only leaks when it’s raining or you think the flat above you is empty, let us know when you call. The more information you can give us about the fault, the easier it is for staff to decide which tools and parts are needed for the job. We’ll be able to put it right that much faster. There might be times when it is necessary for an inspection or for the area to be made safe before the repair can be carried out. A follow-up appointment might be needed to complete the job properly, so we will call you to arrange an appointment. This can take up to a week, as we might need to speak to specialist contractors or check prices. The council is responsible for repairing and maintaining the structure of your home, such as windows and walls,
but you are responsible for the fixtures and fittings, such kitchen units, tiles and flooring. If you’re not sure, please see your tenants’ handbook or go to www.southwark.gov.uk/housing No-one likes to wait in all day for an appointment, so we’re now able to offer morning, afternoon and school run appointments. When you call us to report your repair, we’ll ask for your mobile phone number so we can send you a text message to confirm the appointment, and another message to remind you that we’re coming on the day of the appointment.
We are always trying to improve the service you receive, which is why we want to hear from you if you are unhappy with the quality of our work. To help us improve the service, we regularly carry out satisfaction surveys with customers, either by telephone or post.
How to...
3
Top tips to report your repair • Don’t wait to report your repair; you can call us 24/7. On average, call waiting times are shorter outside of peak hours, and we’ll be able to arrange an appointment sooner. Just call 0800 952 4444 or visit www.southwark.gov.uk and select housing repairs. • The more you tell us about what’s gone wrong, the greater the chances we’ll be able to put it right first time. • If you need to cancel your appointment, let us know by calling 0800 952 4444 or sending an email to repairs@southwark.gov.uk
4
Your questions answered When you first became a Southwark tenant, you signed a tenancy agreement that said you agreed to conditions which are explained in the conditions of tenancy booklet. This document also explains the council’s obligations as your landlord. We have been working with a group of local tenants and tenant representatives to update the conditions of tenancy for all our tenants, with the aim of making your tenancy conditions easier to understand and reflect your needs as a tenant. The new conditions have now been approved and will come into effect for all tenants on 5 April 2010.
I’ve received a letter titled “Notice of variation of your conditions of tenancy”, what does this mean? This letter explains what changes are being made to your conditions of tenancy, what the effect of those changes are and when they will come into effect.
How can you change my conditions of tenancy? The law allows us to change your conditions of tenancy at any time. However, to change the conditions, the we must follow a set process which started last September when we sent you a preliminary notice of the council’s intention to vary your conditions of tenancy. Tenants were asked for their feedback before we changed the conditions.
Who decided what the new conditions of tenancy would be? We drew up a list of proposed changes, taking into account changes in the law and what other councils have found useful. For example, Wandsworth Council has found that making sure all tenants have their dogs microchipped has help them tackle dog related antisocial behaviour.
Your questions answered
We then asked a group of tenants for their comments, before asking all tenants for their comments in September and again in December. In total over 500 tenants responded. We considered their comments, and those of tenant council and the Southwark group of tenant organisations, and agreed to withdraw four of our proposed changes. The council executive and the executive member for housing approved the final changes.
The new conditions talk about introductory tenancies. I’m a secure tenant – has my type of tenancy changed? No – it just means the new conditions also explain the conditions of an introductory tenancy. If you are currently a secure tenant, you will remain a secure tenant and if you are an introductory tenant, you will remain an introductory tenant until you become a secure tenant in accordance with the law.
The new conditions say I can only have a dog if it is microchipped. I already have a dog – do I have to have it microchipped? Yes. All tenants who wish to have dogs must have them microchipped and give the details to us. We understand this is a big change and so we’re planning dog fun days across the borough to give residents a chance to get their pets chipped for free. Every year, over 300,000 pets get lost or go missing in the
UK, which can be very upsetting for their owners. A microchip is a tiny chip which is painlessly injected into the scruff of the dog’s neck, and once it’s done it lasts a lifetime. The chip can be read by a scanner, so if your pet is found by our dog warden, we can reunite you as quickly as possible. We’ll be giving tenants a number of opportunities to get their pet microchipped before we start enforcing this condition, and we think it will take more than a year to roll out the policy across the borough. Look out for more details on our dog fun days in the July/August issue of Southwark Housing News.
The new conditions say there can only be one succession to a tenancy – can my children still inherit my tenancy? If there has already been a succession on your tenancy, for example if a joint tenant passed away and the surviving joint tenant becomes a sole tenant, or if you inherited your tenancy from a family member, you will not automatically be able to pass your tenancy on. In this case, the remaining tenants or household members can apply to us and we’ll consider their individual circumstances.
5
This is a very important change as it means we can make sure that our homes are going to those most in need.
The letter refers to an updated tenant’s handbook – where do I get a new handbook? We will send all tenants a new tenant’s handbook in the next month.
I want to put down laminate flooring – is this still allowed? In some properties, particularly flats and conversions, laminate flooring can cause more noise and disturbance for neighbours. This is why you now need our permission to change your floor coverings. Generally carpet will always be allowed, but if you want to put down laminate, lino or wooden flooring we have to consider whether it may result in noise nuisance for other people living in your block when deciding whether or not we give you permission.
Some of our most eagle eyed tenants spotted a terrible typo in the letter sent out with the new tenancy conditions. It stated that “tenants...must not behave in an reasonable way”. Clearly a mistake – our tenancy agreement still requires you to behave reasonably and not harass, annoy, cause alarm or distress. To those who phoned, thanks for pointing this out.
6
Free and fun in Southwark There’s so much going on in Southwark, from culture and art to sports, there’s something for everyone. We’ve rounded up our top picks for free and fun things to do across the borough.
Events Bankside will be in good cheer, celebrating St George’s day on 23 April. The event will celebrate English cultural heritage with traditional festivities, frivolities and fun, morris dancers, music, entertainers, and a re-enactment of the legend of St George and the dragon at Borough market, plus a chance to enjoy cider tastings, hog roasts and traditional food from regional producers. For the full programme of events, go to www.stgeorgefestival.org.uk or call 020 7193 1845. In celebration of William Shakespeare’s birthday on Sunday 18 April, the Globe opens its doors for a free day of events and activities. The day is organised as part of the Mayor of London's St George's Day celebrations, starting at 12 noon until 5pm, and promises fun for all the family.
Kids and families
There’s so much to do in Southwark for children and young people; admission to many museums and galleries, including Tate Modern, the Imperial War Museum and the Cuming Museum is free, with guided tours, events and activities to help you make the most of your visit. In Rotherhithe, Surrey Docks farm is home to goats, chickens, pigs and many more animals, so you don’t have to go far for a taste of the countryside. To find out what’s going on near you, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/more2do or call the family information service on 0800 013 0639 for a free copy of the Easter activities guide.
Culture Do you want a chance to share your experiences of living in Southwark with aaudience? The Old Vic theatre in Waterloo is looking for people who live in Southwark to inspire their new creative project, called PLATFORM. This is a chance for local people to have their say about living and working in the city, through creative performances and inspire the writing of a brand new play. If you’d like to take part or find out more, call Alex, community manager on 020 7902 7596 or email alexander.ferris@oldvictheatre.com. If you live or work in Southwark, you can also get discounted tickets to many of the Old Vic performances. With tickets starting at just £5, who says a night at the theatre has to be expensive? For more information, go to www.oldvictheatre.com/creativecommunity.php or call in at the box office.
Free and fun in Southwark
More info Seven Islands Leisure Centre 100 Lower Road, Rotherhithe, SE16 2TU Tel: 020 7237 3296
Sport If you’re aged under 16 or over 60, you can swim for free at Peckham Pulse healthy living centre and Seven Islands leisure centre. Pick up an application form from your nearest leisure centre and get swimming! Yoga is a great way to keep your body flexible and relieve stress. Why not join a free yoga class every Wednesday from 7.15pm to 8.15pm at Jessie Duffett Hall on the Wyndham and Comber Estate, SE5 0UB. For more information, call Laura Harvey on 020 7525 0884. Walk your way to fitness by joining a walking group in Bermondsey, Dulwich, Peckham and Rotherhithe. Led by friendly volunteer walk leaders, the group starts with a gentle warm-up followed by a brisk 20 minute walk to get your heart pumping. Everyone is welcome, to find out more, visit www.southwark.gov.uk and search for “group walks” or call Vusi Edeki-Ayuko on 020 7525 0889.
Peckham Pulse Healthy Living Centre 10 Melon Road, Peckham, SE15 5QN Tel: 020 7525 4999 Shakespeare's Globe 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT Tel: 020 7902 1400 The Old Vic theatre The Cut, SE1 8NB Tel: 020 7928 2651 Tate Modern Bankside, SE1 9TG Tel: 020 7887 8888 Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ Tel: 020 7416 5000 The Cuming Museum 155 Walworth Road, SE17 1RS Tel: 020 7525 2332 Surrey Docks city farm South Wharf, Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5ET Tel: 020 7231 1010
re for young people to do ...and see page 14 for even mo
7
8
Bermondsey
Camberwell
Silver showcase at Burgess Park
Blooming lovely at St Saviours Residents on St Saviour’s estate will be pleased to see some new flowerbeds taking root by their TRA hall, thanks to the enterprising local scout group. The scouts who meet at the TRA hall on Purbrook Street wanted to do something to make the surrounding area more cheerful and welcoming, so with support and permission from the council, planting got underway a few months ago. The scouts were shown how to choose and look after the plants and shrubs. As the weather warms up, we look forward to seeing the estate looking even more bright and jolly, and would like to offer our thanks to the scouts for their community spirit.
Come along on Saturday 17 April for the Silver showcase exhibition, featuring arts, crafts and performance for all ages. Try your hand at mosaics, gardening, knitting, singing, dancing and digital photography. Explore the beautiful surroundings of Burgess Park on foot with Cooltan Arts or by bike with Southwark Cyclists. Snap up a beautiful piece of handmade craft, take part in the talkaoke debate, or tap your toes to performances by Southwark's own talented musicians and dancers. If spring makes you sing, then join the choir and be part of the afternoon performance. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, then come for some home made cake and nice cup of tea. The exhibition is open from 12noon to 5pm at Art in the Park and 1st Place, Chumleigh Street, Burgess Park.
Borough and Bankside
Money worries? We’re here to help The income and customer services officers in Borough and Bankside are getting proactive to help tenants who are behind on rent payments, with visits planned to several estates later in the month. The visits are aimed at those with a large amount of arrears on their rent accounts, to show that there is help available, and a chance to pop in to the office and discuss their money worries and rent problems. The sooner you speak to us, the easier it is for us to arrange a payment plan and help you get your finances back on track. There are lots of different ways you can pay your rent, and your housing officer can help you make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to if you’re finding it hard to manage your money. If you’d like to find out more, speak to your housing officer or visit www.southwark.gov.uk/moneyworries.
Dulwich
Creating storage space for cyclists in Halliwell Court It’s now even easier for residents of Halliwell Court who want to travel by bike. In the past, a lack of secure storage space had led to clutter and some cyclists worrying about theft and vandalism. To solve the problem, residents successfully bid for cleaner, greener, safer funding for purpose-built bike sheds to be installed in an unused part of the estate. Residents can now hire a space in the bike sheds, keeping their bikes safe and secure.
9
Nunhead and Peckham Rye
Rotherhithe
Enjoy a slice of the countryside
Creature comforts on the Cossall estate Over the past few months, the Celia Hammond animal rescue centre has been involved in feeding, catching and rehousing stray cats that were living on the Cossall estate. Two of the cats were living in the gardens of the sheltered housing unit, being cared for and fed by the residents who had grown very fond of them. The cats enjoyed their outdoor lifestyle too much to be rehoused, but the severe winter weather meant the charity and residents were concerned about their welfare. With this in mind, Celia Hammond staff built a cat shelter in the garden, giving the cats freedom to live alongside the residents in a warm, safe environment. Staff from the charity now carry out weekly visits to ensure all is going well, and the latest reports are that the shelter is running purrfectly! Peckham
Moving on from Sumner Road All tenants who lost their homes in the fire on Sumner Road on 26 November have now been offered a permanent new home. Over 100 tenants lost their homes, and many of these people had specific housing needs or large families. Despite a shortage of larger homes in the borough, we have been able to offer suitable homes to every household. Practical help, in the form of financial assistance and support has helped tenants get back on their feet and start settling into their new homes. With experts still assessing the safety of the buildings, the council is not yet able to decide the future of the homes at Carisbrooke Gardens and Oak Court. Tenants who need to remove possessions from Carisbrooke Gardens should speak to their housing officer, as access to the site is restricted, for health and safety reasons.
If you like gardening, but don't have your own garden, why not join the have a go horticulture club at Surrey Docks farm? A little slice of the countryside on the banks of the Thames, the club is free and open to everyone, from absolute beginners to keen gardeners. On Fridays you can learn about gardening techniques and members are welcome to come along any day of the week to get digging and planting. Learn skills including hedge planting, willowweaving, and all about growing your own food. For more information, call 020 7231 1010 or visit www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk
Walworth
Brandon estate door entry scheme Over 400 residents on the Brandon estate can now feel even safer and more secure at home, since new door entry phones have been installed. A new main entrance door was installed, and residents have been given secure key fobs and entry phones in their homes to control entry into the building. The entrance lobbies have also been given a facelift, with the floors being re-tiled and walls getting a fresh coat of paint. The tenants and residents association hope that the added security will help tenants feel safe at home and reduce the fear of antisocial behaviour.
10
News
Prove your age and win a TV and DVD home cinema system If you’re aged 16 to 25 and live in Southwark, you could be in for a chance to win an amazing prize. Sign up for a Southwark proof of age card between 20 March and 31 May 2010, and you’ll be entered into our prize draw to win a 32” LCD TV and DVD player. The spa card makes it easy for you to prove your age, and also entitles you to discounts at a wide range of shops and attractions in Southwark. To get your card, or find out when the team will be in your area, call Southwark Council’s trading standards team on 020 7525 2000 or visit www.whtvr.org/whats-happening
Pay as you go Streetcar coming to Southwark The council has joined forces with Streetcar, the UK’s largest car club, to make it even easier for residents who need to use a car but don’t want the hassle and cost of owning one. The scheme will see over 90 cars parked in convenient locations across the borough. If you need to use a car, from a few hours to a weekend or even longer, just reserve a car online and you’re off. With prices starting at just £4.95 an hour, you can have a car at your fingertips when you need one. Using a car club rather than a private car reduces congestion and pressure on parking bays, and also reduces emissions, helping us make Southwark a cleaner, greener place to live.
For more information visit www.southwark.gov.uk/parking To become a member, visit www.streetcar.co.uk or call 0845 644 8475.
Switch off and save
Last year saw the launch of The Big Switch Off, and since then we’ve seen a huge increase in residents choosing to be energy efficient at home. We asked readers to tell us how they saved energy in June last year, and again in December, and we discovered more and more of you are switching off, turning down and choosing to save energy. Valerie Haye is the winner of the £50 cash prize; we estimated that she saves around £177 a year by being energy efficient. If every household in the borough saved energy like Valerie, the total annual saving would be over £8.5m, which is enough to fuel 6,500 households! The Energy Saving Trust says an average household can save up to £340 a year on their energy bills just by making a few small changes in the home. Turning the heating down by one degree and switching to energy saving light bulbs are just a few of the ways you can save energy and money.
Further information For some simple low cost tips visit www.southwark.gov.uk/ thebigswitchoff or call the climate change and sustainability team on 020 7525 2000.
News
11
Go for gold with the spring clearout
If you’re having a spring clean you could strike gold. Tell us your recycling pledge and you could win £1,000 with our recycling giveaway, sponsored by Veolia environmental services. To enter, just make your recycling pledge online or by phone by 31 May. It’s never been easier to recycle, and to get you started, here are our top tips for a greener spring clean. To enter the draw, go to www.southwark.gov.uk/recycle or call 020 7525 2000. Full terms and conditions can be found at www.southwark.gov.uk/recycle or by calling 020 7525 2000. Acceptance of the prize will form an agreement that Southwark Council and Veolia Environmental Services can use your name, photographs and/or video footage of you in connection with publicising the competition.
1. Don’t forget bottles and jars from bathroom products and unwanted jars and cans lurking in the kitchen cupboard are recyclable. Just empty them out, give them a rinse and pop them in your blue box or clear bag. 2. Got loads of old paperwork, magazines, catalogues and directories? They can go in the blue bag, along with cardboard boxes. 3. Call 020 7525 2000 to arrange free collection of larger items and furniture. 4. Need more clear bags or an extra blue box and bag to manage your clear out? Call us on 020 7525 2000. 5. You can recycle even more at the household waste and recycling centre, including clothes, electrical items and car batteries. The centre is open seven days a week, at Manor Place, off Walworth Road, SE17 3BD.
In the country
If you’ve found that the kids have left home, and you fancy a change of scenery, help may be at hand with a new scheme from the South East London Housing Partnership. The innovative scheme gives tenants who live in homes with three or more bedrooms the opportunity to exchange their home for a one or two bedroom flat or bungalow in the Folkestone, Dymchurch, Hythe and Cheriton areas in Kent. The South East London Housing Partnership, in partnership with Town & Country Housing Association, is offering all council and housing association tenants the opportunity to downsize their current property. Tenants benefit from a home which is easier to manage, and support with moving, while the council is able to free up more family sized homes and reduce overcrowding in the borough. There’s no age restriction, and priority will be given to tenants who would like to move out of larger properties.
For more details about the scheme and help for households who would like to move, call Hazel Church at the South East London Housing Partnership on 0800 83 84 81.
12
News
Are you
covered?
If you had to replace everything in your home, from the television right down to the clothes in your wardrobe, could you afford to do it? Most people would probably find it a struggle, but if you don’t have contents insurance that could be exactly what you have to do. While the council is responsible for insuring the building and structure of your home, insuring your belongings is your responsibility as a tenant or leaseholder. The council can’t help if your property is stolen or damaged at home, even if you are a tenant. And for leaseholders, the council has very limited responsibilities. If, for example, a water pipe burst in a council block, the council would repair the pipe but without contents insurance, residents would have to pay for replacement personal possessions if they were damaged. Sadly, the need for contents insurance was demonstrated after a fire at a building site destroyed a number of council properties on Sumner Road.
Ruth Griffiths, a resident of one of the flats permanently damaged by the fire, said “I did have contents insurance for my things and I’m very thankful for that as I would have lost the cost for all my possessions. Other tenants were not so lucky and have lost so many of their personal effects. Some thought that the council is responsible for insuring their things but this isn’t the case.” The council has teamed up with Jardine Lloyd Thompson to offer cheaper insurance for tenants and leaseholders. Standard cover starts at just £2.44 for fortnightly payments or £52.25 annually. For more information, call 020 7525 1293 or email richard.harrington@southwark.gov.uk
A new regulator for council housing The Tenant Services Authority is the new independent regulator for social housing, and from 1 April they will be responsible for regulating council landlords. Their goal is to work with landlords and tenants to improve services for new and existing tenants. Their key aims are to • Improve service standards for tenants • Support the development of decent homes and neighbourhoods • Promote ways for tenants to get involved in their homes and communities • Ensure landlords are well run and deliver value for money • Promote and protect public and private investment • Encourage and support well-managed social housing We will be working with the Tenant Services Authority to help deliver these aims, including developing a set of local standards with residents. For more details on the role of the Tenant Services Authority, go to www.tenantservicesauthority.org or call 0845 230 7000.
Update
13
How we are doing?
We’re working hard to improve tenant satisfaction, and deliver an excellent service for all our residents. Our research has shown that our performance is improving on the things that tenants tell us are important to them. Between April 2009 and January 2010, satisfaction with repairs, engineering and the area reception services was above 90% and the number of repair appointments made and kept beat our target at 99.5%. However, even though most services are improving rapidly, we still have a long way to go to meet all of our end of year targets. Making sure you know how well we are doing is one way of keeping us on our toes!
Performance indicators
We want to make sure our services meet your high standards, so we are looking for tenants and leaseholders to join a new group that will examine the performance of housing services. The views of the group will contribute to improvement – you will have a real opportunity to change Southwark housing for the better. You don’t have to have previous experience, as training and expenses will be provided. The group will meet approximately four times a year, and meetings will last around two hours. For further information please contact Antoinette on 020 7525 7713 or email service.standards@southwark.gov.uk by 26 April 2010.
How did we do last year?1
How are we doing now?2
Target 09/10
Are we improving?
87.8% 63%
90.7% 80%
90% 90%
▲ ▲
40%
68.1%
80%
▲
New target
97.9%
100%
n/a
96.8% 98% 81.9% 92.7%
95.6% 99.53% 79.7% 99.2% (Dec 2009)
95% 90% 90% 100%
▼ ▲ ▼ ▲
94.7%
95.2%
96%
▲
99.16%
99.55%
100%
▲
53.5 days
38.8 days
30 days
▲
Customer care Satisfaction with recently completed repairs Resident satisfaction with how housing officer resolved query % of tenants complaints answered within target time Estate services % of six weekly estate inspections completed on time Repairs % of repairs completed on time % of repair appointments made and kept % of repairs completed right first time % of properties with a valid gas safety certificate % of lift availability Collecting rent % rent collected (current tenants) Tenancy management Average time to re-let empty properties
Performance between April 2008 and March 2009
1
Performance between April 2009 and January 2010
2
14
n o s ’ t a h Wr teens and young people fo
There’s loads going on in Southwark over the Easter holidays! Here are some of our top picks, but for even more ideas, visit www.whtvr.org
Sport
Performing arts
Youth clubs
Whites Ground FREE skate park Practice your skateboarding and learn new tricks. Everyone from complete beginners to experienced skaters is welcome, and instructors are on hand on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Call Peter Leandre on 020 7525 1102 for more information and opening hours. Druid St/ Crucifix Lane, SE1 3JW
Camberwell choir school Come along to learn an instrument, practice your singing, and find your voice, every Saturday. The school is open to all ages and tuition is just £1 per week. Call 020 7701 2464, or visit www. camberwellchoirschool.org.uk St Giles parish hall, 161 Benhill Road, SE5 8RB
Kingswood young people’s project With sports including football, basketball, pool and table tennis, plus gaming, internet access and arts and crafts, the Kingswood project is a great place to get active and get more out of life. Call Julien Allen on 07949 286 328 for more information and opening hours. Telfer House, Seeley Drive, Kingswood Estate, SE21 8PH
FREE Southwark community games The community games are a year round programme of sports coaching and competition for eight to 16 year olds. With sessions taking place around the borough, including football, cricket, tag rugby and athletics, there’s bound to be something on near you. To find a coach or a session near you visit www.southwark.gov.uk/ communitygames
FREE
Youth theatre group If you love drama, London Bubble’s youth theatre group for 13 to 17 year olds is just the place for you. Friendly and fun with creative games and exercises to help you develop your performance skills. No previous experience necessary, just enthusiasm! Monday evenings from 6pm to 8pm. Call 020 7237 4434 or email lucy@londonbubble.org.uk London Bubble theatre company, 5 Elephant Lane, Rotherhithe, SE16 4JD
Damilola Taylor centre The Damilola Taylor centre offers a wide range of activities, from karate to badminton, basketball and street dance. You can join the sports league or play football on their floodlit seven a side pitch, and there’s a sports hall for dance, yoga and aerobics. Open to everyone, membership is just £3 and sessions cost just 30p. Call 020 7703 9996 for information and opening hours. 1 East Surrey Grove, Peckham, SE15 8DR
15
If you require information in your language, or in other formats such as audio or large print, please call 020 7525 5000.
Last issue, we asked you what you'd like
to see in the next issue
of Southwark Housing
News, and you asked for
more information on free and fun
things to do in Southwark.
In the next issue, we’ll be bringing you more
information on the future of the Aylesbury estate,
how we’re reducing antisocial behaviour, and
what we’re doing to tackle noise nuisance across
the borough.
We'd love to hear your views on Southwark
Housing News, if you'd like to contact us you can
write to: The Editor, Southwark Housing News,
Communications Team, PO BOX 64529,
London SE1P 5LX.
Regeneration is starting on the Aylesbury estate and over the next few years you'll see big changes.
This initial demolition notice dated 1 April 2010 has been served on all the occupiers of the blocks
listed below because the council is intending to demolish these blocks by 31 December 2016.
This will suspend completion on right to buy applications received after January 17 2005. After an initial demolition notice has been served, a final demolition notice may be served, after which the right to buy cannot be exercised. If you are currently thinking of, or are in the process of buying a property in the named blocks under the Right to Buy scheme, you may not be able to complete the sale. If you live on the Aylesbury, and would like to talk about what the regeneration means for you and your rehousing options, speak to your housing officer or the Aylesbury transitional team on 020 7525 2600. To find out more about the plans, look out for the July/August issue of Southwark Housing News or visit www.southwark.gov.uk/aylesbury
THE AYLESBURY ESTATE REGENERATION INITIAL DEMOLITION NOTICE Under Schedule 5A of the Housing Act 1985 as amended This Notice is given by The Mayor & Burgesses of the London Borough of Southwark, Town Hall, Peckham Road, London, SE5 8UB ("the Council")
The intention of Southwark Council to demolish flats at The Aylesbury Estate, London SE17 The Council is required, by Schedule 5A of the Housing Act 1985, to publish the following information: • The Council intends to demolish the following buildings: 241-471 Wendover, 1-30 Foxcote, 1-25 Padbury
1-81 Ravenstone, 1-30 Winslow, 152-192 Wolverton
revoked or otherwise terminated under or by virtue of paragraph 3 of
Schedule 5A of the Housing Act 1985.
• Whilst this Notice is in force the Council will not be under an obligation to make such a grant as is mentioned in section 138(1) of the Housing Act 1985 in respect of any claim to exercise the right to buy in respect of any of the flats. • There may be a right to compensation under section 138C of the Housing Act 1985 in respect of certain expenditure incurred in relation to any existing right to buy claim.
• The demolition of the blocks of flats is necessary for the regeneration of
the Aylesbury estate and is integral to the scheme.
Dated:
1 April 2010
Name:
Gill Davies
• The Council intends to demolish the blocks of flats by 31 December 2016.
Title:
Director of Environment and Housing
• The Council has served initial demolition notices upon the tenants of the flats. These notices will remain in force until 30 December 2016, unless
On behalf of the Mayor and Burgesses of the
London Borough of Southwark
16
And finally...
Word search
Pick which of the following subjects you’d most like to read about in a future issue of Southwark Housing News
Search for the words below and you could WIN £50 worth of shopping vouchers. D C S E R V H E R I T A G E
R E N E R G Y B L P I U C C
O D B U D G E T B R D Z H N
L W E K U P A L E I P D A A
WORDS: RECYCLING INSURANCE DOWNSIZE
D E N S C T A C T G G S I R
N Y E B I I Y R E E G C R U
A Y P V I C D R E P A I R S
L E E A L T R O C B W T T N
V V R I R V N E W I W V A I
L T N O N K G B N N R W U W
O G D T B H S D E E S N D R
LANDLORD EXHIBITION ENERGY EMISSIONS
S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
N T P C N A C T Y A H C Z M
I S E E M I S S I O N S E E
F I N L U S E M A G F U I T
The lucky winne r last issue was Norah Barrett, 8 6
A S R C N O I T I B I H X E
SUSTAINABILITY AEROBICS REPAIRS HERITAGE
What happens to your recycling How to bid for funding for your community project Support for tenants with health problems and disabilities
Name:
Tel no:
Address:
Age: Comments:
Send back your completed word search by 31 May to: Southwark Council, The Editor, Southwark Housing News, Communications Team PO BOX 64529, London SE1P 5LX. Winners will be announced in the next edition. The information you provide will be used fairly and lawfully and Southwark Council will not knowingly do anything which may lead to a breach of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Useful housing contacts
Rent Pay by direct debit: 020 7525 2600
Pay by debit/credit card: 0845 6000 611 (24hrs)
Pay online: www.southwark.gov.uk/onlinepayments
To pay in person: Peckham cash office:
19-23 Bournemouth Road, SE15;
Walworth cash office: 177-179 Walworth Road SE17;
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 8.30am to 4.45pm,
Sat 8.30am to 2.45pm
To pay by post: The London Borough of Southwark
cashiers, 19 Spa Road, PO Box 11767, London SE16 3QN
Repairs Tel: 0800 952 4444 (24hrs) Utilities (emergencies): Electricity: 0800 096 9000; Gas: 0800 111 999; Water: 0845 200 800 Leaseholders/freeholders Home ownership unit - Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm Tel: 020 7525 1400 Email: hsg.homeownership@southwark.gov.uk Publication date March 2010. This magazine is printed on recycled paper.
Environment Abandoned vehicles, flytipping, bulky collections (free),
graffiti, rubbish collection
Tel: 020 7525 2000 (24hrs)
Email: environment@southwark.gov.uk
Benefits Council tax benefit - Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm Tel: 020 7525 1850 Email: soucounciltaxuk@liberata.com Housing benefit - Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm Tel: 020 7525 1880 Email: souhousingbenefitsuk@liberata.com Southwark antisocial behaviour unit Tel: 020 7525 5777 Email: sasbu@southwark.gov.uk Web: www.safersouthwark.gov.uk Southwark Homesearch Bidding hotline: 0845 270 0655 Bidding text line: 07781 486 526 Advice line: 020 7525 4140 Web: www.southwarkhomesearch.org.uk