Housing Services
SPRING 2015
CONTENTS PAGE
1 FIRE RISK CHECK
6 JANUARY NEWS
2 UNIVERSAL CREDIT
6 ASB ZONE
4 GET INVOLVED
7 HEALTHY EATING PROJECT
FIRE RISK CHECK Homes Fire Risk Check contract awarded to Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service The contract to carry out Home Fire Risk Checks in all of Tamworth Borough Council’s properties has been awarded to Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service. The safety of tenants is of paramount importance and Home Fire Risk Checks are carried out to ensure the safety of tenants living in council properties and to identify any alterations they have made which could compromise safety, for example the removal of doors or not having a working smoke alarm fitted. The contract with SFR will see each of Tamworth Borough Council’s 4,450 homes visited at least once over the two-year period. In instances where it is considered that the tenant is a higher risk due to health, age or mobility, additional visits will be carried out. The visits will include checks on smoke alarms and carbon dioxide detectors, replacement of batteries where needed, relocation of incorrectly positioned alarms and detectors and installation of additional alarms and detectors where needed. The contractors will also identify the need for specialist equipment, such as flashing alarm light for deaf people, as well as offering safety advice.
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UNIVERSAL CREDIT Universal Credit started in Tamworth on 23 March 2015 for new single claimants previously eligible for Jobseekers Allowance. This change does not affect current pensioners. From March 23rd 2015, benefits to new single claimants previously eligible for Jobseekers Allowance are paid in a new way. Universal Credit is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions and paid directly into a tenant’s bank account, building society or post office account. It can be claimed online at www.gov.uk/universal-credit Council tenants who switch to Universal Credit will all have to start paying their rent directly to the Council. This will be a big change for tenants who have previously received full housing benefit. In certain circumstances, the DWP can consider paying the rent directly to Tamworth Borough Council, especially if you are vulnerable or in rent arrears. If you need support or wish to have your rent paid directly to the Council, please ensure you mention this when making your claim. If you are more than eight weeks in arrears, we will request that your rent is paid directly to Tamworth Borough Council.
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When making a claim, make sure that before you start, you have the following details:• Your postcode • Your National Insurance number • Details of your bank account, building society or post office account into which you would like your Universal Credit to be paid • Your current rent agreement • Details of savings or capital or details of any income that is not from work (e.g. insurance plans) • Details of any other benefits you get • Details of any other people in your household It can take up to 20-40 minutes to complete a form and the claim will time out, so have your details ready when you make a claim Universal Credit will also be paid monthly in arrears, so we are suggesting that all single people who may be likely to have to make a claim should start making payments onto their rent account as soon as possible. This will ensure your rent account does not get into arrears while you are awaiting your Universal Credit payment. If you wish to apply to pay by direct debit or payment card, please contact the income team on 01827 709514 The Council may not be automatically informed if you switch to Universal Credit. If you do, you must notify the income team immediately on 01827 709514.
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GET INVOLVED! As a tenant of Tamworth Borough Council, there are a variety of opportunities available for you to get involved in directly influencing and shaping the housing services you receive. We want tenants to have a real impact in driving improvements, generating quality, openness and transparency. Through the involvement and key successes of our tenant working groups, this helps to continually improve service delivery, which results in high levels of customer satisfaction. Because we know that not all tenants want the same level of involvement we offer a wide range of involvement options to choose from. Involvement can be as convenient as you want it to be and this may range from simply completing an occasional survey to taking an active role in policy making decisions
Not sure if involvement is for you? Take a look at our frequently asked questions What does getting involved actually mean? There are lots of different ways of getting involved. It can range from completing a survey to being trained as a tenant inspector to being part of our Tenant Consultative Group. What you what to get involved in and how is completely up to you. How much work is involved? This depends on the level of involvement you would like to have. For example, being a member of the newsletter editorial panel ‘Tenants Voice’, means you will have to attend meetings every three months. However completing a questionnaire can take just a few minutes.
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When and where are meetings held? Meetings can be held at our town centre offices or in the areas in which we work. They are arranged with you at times that suit you. If you work in the week or have childcare commitments, meetings can be held in the evening. How do I get to meetings? You can either arrange to get to meetings yourself, we can arrange transport for you, or if you are travelling by car or public transport we will reimburse your travel expenses. Are meetings friendly? Yes. You will find that everyone is polite and respects each others’ view. There is also a code of conduct that we like people to adhere to, so everyone feels welcome and can make a valuable contribution. Do I have to attend meetings? No. We offer a wide range of involvement options, both formal and informal, and the choice is totally up to you. For more information about what’s on offer, take a look at our Tenant Involvement & Consultation Strategy or the Tenant Involvement ‘Opportunities to Influence Housing Services’ leaflet available on our website atwww.tamworth.gov.uk/tenant-involvement-0 What are the benefits of being involved? There are lots! You will meet new people, there are free training opportunities and also the chance to learn new skills. Getting involved may also increase your confidence, give you the chance to air your views while making a real difference to where you live and the services you receive. Can anyone have access to my personal details? No. We have a strict confidentiality policy and also adhere to the Data Protection Act 1998. Your personal details will not be disclosed to anyone without your express consent.
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JANUARY NEWS Staffordshire Police received an outstanding inspection of its service in 2014. The report, released in November 2014, summarised ‘there is a clear commitment to treating ASB as a priority in Staffordshire’. Specifically looking at partnership working, the inspector reported ‘the force has strong relationships with partners that help it to tackle ASB effectively and consistently. Officers referred to their work with housing officers to provide a joint, cohesive response to ASB. They considered this to be more effective, because offenders are increasingly likely to change their behaviour in response to housing interventions than police enforcement action. Local neighbourhood teams have developed particularly strong relationships with housing services and respond effectively to any escalation of incidents, identifying and addressing vulnerability and repeat victims’.
ASB ZONE We have an ASB Zone on our website, which has an updated news page each month and a Factsheet Library. If you would like information on any area of antisocial behaviour, we will be happy to provide you with a Factsheet. Please visit www.tamworth.gov.uk/asb-zone
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INVOLVED… Tamworth Borough Council’s Tenant Regulatory Involvement team: Leanne Allwood Tenant Regulation and Involvement Manager 07891052184 Diane Hughes Tenant Regulation and Involvement Assistant 01827 709374 Helen Rich Tenant Involvement Administration Assistant 01827 709260
Ann Summers Landlord Improvement and Project Officer 01827 709374 01827 709260 Marilyn McNally Independent Tenant Friend 01827 709448
email us: tenantparticipation@tamworth.gov.uk
If you require this document in an alternative format or language, please contact us on 01827 709709.
Tamworth Borough Council Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 7BZ. Enquiries: (01827) 709709 Main Fax: (01827) 709271
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Designed and Produced by Tamworth Borough Council (2/15) 1777