On the house tenant news mar14 by Winchester City Council

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Housing news for Winchester City Council tenants and leaseholders

As part of its ambitious New Homes programme, the Council has now let 5 brand new homes in Micheldever. These family homes have been built in partnership with Winchester Housing Trust. New City Council tenants, who all have a local connection to Micheldever, were handed the keys in recent weeks. Cllr Keith Wood, the Leader of the Council said, “The City Council is committed to an extensive programme of new homes delivery over the coming years and this scheme at Micheldever is an excellent first step and example of what can be achieved through partnership.” The development has been named Barron Close after Brian Barron, who

D & M Photography

New Homes for Micheldever

D & M Photography

was responsible for the running of Winchester Housing Trust for 20 years and worked closely with the Micheldever community. Mr Barron sadly passed away in December 2012, shortly after opening the site for construction.

Mr & Mrs Cobb and their 4 children are so happy to have been offered one of the new properties in Micheldever. Mrs Cobb’s brother, Mr Robinson, is also moving into one of the one bedroomed flats at Barron Close and said it will be just perfect all to be living so close to each other.

Mr & Mrs Browning and their two children live in Micheldever and work in Overton, Mrs Browning said: “I’m so excited to be moving into Barron Close - I cannot believe our luck!”

inside this edition: G G G

Active Lifestyles 4−5 Repairs Information 6−7 Update on Tenant Information Form 11 Rent increases 12

edition edition

April 2014

thebigword telephone interpreting service The Council uses a 24-hour Telephone Interpreting Service, which also provides written or recorded translations. If you, a relative or a neighbour would like to talk to the Council through an interpreter, please contact your Area Housing Manager on 01962 848 400.

on disc On the house is available in large print or on CD (audio). Please call Tenant Involvement on

Freephone 0800 716 987.

TEXTPHONE This facility is available for readers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Please telephone 01962 878 982. If you have any particular needs which affect how you are able to use or be involved in our services or how you would like to receive information - for example translation, interpreters, Braille, audio tape, large print, sign language - please contact the Customer Service Centre either by telephone: 01962 840 222 or by email: customerservice@ winchester.gov.uk Winchester City Council, City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ. telephone 01962 84 84 00 fax 01962 841 365 email housing@winchester.gov.uk website www.winchester.gov.uk Telephone calls may be recorded. Printed on 75% recycled paper.

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Tony Calls it a Day! The local Government elections in May will see the end of Cllr Tony Coates’ role as the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing. Tony has been City Councillor for Hambledon since 2003 and since his promotion to Portfolio Holder for Housing in 2006, he has been a passionate advocate for all residents in the district who need support with their housing situation. Arguably, the most significant contribution Tony has made was in leading the Council through the changes to national Housing finance in 2012, which resulted in millions of pounds’ more investment in housing each year and the start of Council house building for the first time in 20 years. Tony has also introduced many other initiatives that have made a real difference to local residents, just a few of which are listed below: programme The loft conversion residents to that has allowed ed home stay in their extend rced to move rather than be fo grew. when their family The Estate Improvemen t programme which has seen so many changes across the district to improve park ing, access and the appearan ce of housing estates.

The discretionar y works programme which now provides tenants with choices on improvements to their home.

The “Wise Move” incentive scheme which has supported so many residents to move to more appropriate homes. Whoever takes on the Portfolio Holder role for Housing in June certainly has some very big shoes to step into!

Response from Cllr Coates I have always really enjoyed my time with Housing. I think I’ve been able to make a difference – when I started I was shocked at how little the Government allowed for investing in Council housing. I’d like to think my challenges went some way to influencing change! I leave the Council with real pride in our reputation as a landlord. It’s good to see tenant satisfaction went up again last year.

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Safety in Communal Areas The Council is now introducing a more robust approach to managing items left in the communal areas of flats, both inside and outside of blocks. Over recent years, the number of items stored on landings or placed there to enhance the appearance has increased and this brings with it Health and Safety concerns. It also restricts how contractors are able to maintain and repair the buildings, making this an important issue to address. The Council has a duty to make sure it meets fire safety regulations and in doing so to ensure: G

The risk of fire from combustible and flammable items is minimised

Fire exits are not obstructed

Trip hazards are removed

Staff and contractors can work safely and unhindered

Housing staff regularly inspect communal areas and we will be approaching residents where the volume or type of items is unacceptable to ask you to remove them. Some items will be permitted to remain, providing the risk is minimal, such as a pot plant and door mat. Other items such as electrical appliances, furniture and soft furnishings and gardening equipment will not be allowed in communal areas. You can get advice about how communal areas should be used in your Tenancy Conditions and Tenants Handbook or speak to your Area Housing Manager.

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A bad example

A good example

Pet Policy A tenant or anyone residing with the tenant is not permitted to keep a pet at the property without first obtaining our written permission. Not all of our properties may be suitable for all kinds of pets. This is why we require all tenants to apply for permission first so we can consider if their individual circumstances and the particular pet are acceptable. We understand how much fun and happiness a pet can bring and want to help people to be responsible pet owners. The new Pet Policy has been designed to ensure peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyles and homes are suitable for a pet, with the welfare of the animals always at the forefront of everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minds. If you are thinking about getting a pet please contact your Area Housing Manager who will explain the pet policy to you.

Cleaning Contract The Council has re-appointed City Cleaning to carry out cleaning of the communal areas at all the blocks of flats in the Winchester district. The new contract will be effective from 1st April 2014. There will be no fundamental changes to the service you receive now. We will continue to work with City Cleaning to monitor performance of this service. All communal areas, including stairs and landings and common rooms at sheltered schemes, will continue to be cleaned every two weeks and the glazing to communal areas every 3 months. If you have any concerns regarding the cleaning in your communal area, please contact 01962 848 400.

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Active Lifestyles

Imber Road Outdoor Gym

Since April 2013, Winchester City Council has delivered a number of free activity programmes across the district engaging 778 people.

Winnall Outdoor Gym

Physical activity helps people maintain their body weight and ensure lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure and depression. For older people, there is also less risk of falling and of hip or back injuries. Physical activity can be any bodily movement produced by muscles that use energy. This includes a range of activities such as walking, doing household chores, gardening, and dancing.

778 participants engaged in 8 week courses. Average course cost of £13.45 per person; average session cost of £1.68 per person.

Launched in June 2013, the new Outdoor Gym at Imber Road has proven to be a fantastic use of recreational space. Over 20 residents regularly came along to 2 sets of 8 week circuit sessions. The project has been so popular that extra sessions will take place this year. See page 5 for more information!

Here are just some of the things we have been doing to help …

Did you know? People with depression can alleviate their symptoms by as much as 47 percent with regular exercise!

Holiday Football Courses This scheme has grown in size and now covers 9 venues across the district. Delivered by Arsenal Soccer Schools, sessions aim to teach children new skills and improve their 80 7 10 70 5 football awareness. There are daily 60 6 4 50 5 giveaways, medals and certificates 4 40 given 3 30 to those involved and all of the young people are asked to 20 1 10 attend a tournament hosted by the University of Winchester to 0 compete to win the title of best neighbourhood team! No. of people

Sport in the Park

Holiday Football participants: 9

150

Number of venues

No. of people

120

7 5

Sport in the Park participants:

3 30

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Apr 2013

Aug 2013

Oct 2012

Aug 2012

Feb 2012

Oct 2011

Apr 2011

Oct 2010

Feb 2011

1 0

Attending three local parks in the early afternoons and evenings with a range of equipment, our activators delivered drop in activity sessions alongside local sports clubs. Sessions included over 15 different sports such Did you know? as rounders, hockey, People aged football, cricket, 5 – 17 should tennis, bowls and accumulate at least basketball. This 60 minutes of summer the team moderate to will return – details vigorous physical on page 5! activity every day

Somers Close

Imber Road

Garrison Ground,

Rec, Stanmore

Park, Winnall

Highcliffe

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Schools Tri Golf & Athletics Sessions

Winchester Health Walks Winchester boasts some fantastic scenery and the best way to see it is to come along to one of our weekly health walks. Since June 2013, our Active Lifestyles Scheme has hosted a Stanmore Health Walk starting at Cromwell Road with 14 participants attending.

Exercise Referral Scheme

What a 60kg person burns in 30 minutes: strolling (2mph) - 75 calories walking (3mph) - 99 calories fast walking (4mph) - 150 calories

Over 87 participants have taken part in our excercise referral scheme this year. The scheme allows doctors and other health professionals to refer people who would benefit from extra physical activity. Each scheme member receives an initial assessment with our exercise referral instructors and then chooses a range of activities to take part in to improve their health. If you would like more information please contact our exercise referral office.

What’s Next?

Over 100 children from All Saints Primary School and Stanmore Primary School have taken part in athletics and ‘tri golf’. The sessions have proved so successful that we now continue to work with both schools and are looking to develop new activities for them over the coming months!

MEND

Upcoming active lifestyle programmes in your area.

Starting Tuesday 29th April at Stanmore Primary School, MEND has been developed by experts to help families make gradual changes to the food they eat and the physical activity they take. It offers a supportive, nonjudgmental environment combining active play, parent discussion groups and family workshops.

Sport in the Park

Holiday Football

This summer we will be in three local areas to deliver our Commonwealth Games sports programme for young people aged 6 to 16. Sessions will run as follows:2 to 4pm Starts w/b 21st July for 6 weeks

5 to 7pm Starts w/b 7th July for 10 weeks

Tues

Garrison Ground, Highcliffe

Cromwell Road, Stanmore

Wed

Cromwell Road, Stanmore

Imber Road, Winnall

Thurs Imber Road, Winnall

Garrison Ground, Highcliffe

This April (14th, 15th, 16th & 17th) will see the return of holiday football in 9 areas across the district. Alresford, Colden Common, Compton, Denmead, Stanmore, Kings Worthy, Harestock & Weeke, Whiteley, Winnall & Highcliffe. To register an interest email or call us!

Outdoor Gym Sessions Starting w/b April 21st we will be in three local venues delivering circuit sessions for free from local Outdoor Gym facilities. The sessions run from 7 to 8pm as below:Tues

Fraser Road Outdoor Gym, Kings Worthy

Wed

Imber Road Outdoor Gym, Winnall

Thurs

Priory Park Outdoor Gym, Bishops Waltham

Website: www.winchester.gov.uk/sports Email: sport@winchester.gov.uk Sports & Physical Activity Team: 01962 848 532 Exercise Referral Office: 01962 848 725 on the house

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Repairs Information 2014/2015 External Repairs and Painting

Stock Condition Survey Nearly Complete We would like to say a huge thank you to all tenants who have cooperated with Winchester City Council and allowed surveyors access to their homes. We have been able to survey around 90% of Council homes, as well as all of the communal areas, resulting in the collection of a staggering 412,000 separate pieces of data! The information we have collected will help make sure we can maintain all Council homes to a decent standard over the next 30 years and will highlight areas of greatest need. It is essential that a survey is completed for each and every home. If we do not have a completed survey for your home it risks being excluded from any future major works programme. If this applies to you and you would like to make arrangements for the survey to be carried out at your convenience, please contact a member of the Asset Management Team on 01962 840 222.

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As in previous years, we will be carrying out repairs and painting and offering our discretionary works programme to around 20% of the housing stock in the next year. All tenants and leaseholders in the roads listed below will receive a hand-delivered letter to let them know the extent of work they can expect to be carried out, the appointed contractor and a likely start date.

Alresford Ashburton Close Crockford House Jacklyns Lane Robertson Road

Bishops Sutton

Keble Close Pelican Court Tudor Cottages

West Meon

Martyr Worthy

Wickham

Couch Green

Mayles Close Warwick Way

Hobbs Close

Meonstoke

Bishops Waltham

Pound Cottages

Battery Hill Blanchard Road Claylands Road Greens Close

Micheldever

Cheriton

Southbrook Cottages Meadow View Southbrook Place

The Pastures

Stanmore

Denmead

Airlie Corner Eversley Place Kings Avenue Kingsley Place Milner Place Selbourne Place Stanmore Lane Stuart Crescent Walton Place

Barn Green Close

Droxford The Park

Easton Chapel Lane

Hambledon Stewarts Green The Gardens

Highcliffe

Stoke Charity

Highcliffe Road

Old Stoke Road

Hursley

Weeke

Catways

Stoney Lane

Doctors Lane Meonwara Crescent

Winchester City Centre Albert Court Bartholomew Close Canon Street Cripstead Lane Danemark Court King Alfred Place Matilda Place Monks Road Richard Moss House St Bedes Court Staple Gardens Magdalen Hill

Winnall Ebden Road Fairdown Close Firmstone Road Moss Road St Martins Close

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Repairs Information 2014/2015 Discretionary Works Scheme Surprisingly, the take up for this scheme remains lower than expected. Only around 80% of the homes invited to take part last year actually participated. Tenants living in the roads listed on page 6 for external repair and painting should look out for their invitations which will be issued over the next 3 months. Be sure to return your completed application form in good time to take full advantage of the benefits.

Asbestos Surveys In order to comply with the Health & Safety Executive, before any major works are undertaken in your home we must carry out an asbestos survey. There is no need to be alarmed by this; the findings of these surveys will be dealt with appropriately and tenants will not be put at any risk.

Updating Kitchens and Bathrooms

Apprenticeships and Training Oppportunities

We continue to spend approximately You may have noticed a few £2million every year on updating old new faces out and about Joseph Kingsholt-Taylor, kitchens and bathrooms. We will look with your Area Surveyor Chloe Field, Billy Ackland at the age and condition of the fittings to lately. Property Services is determine if a full refurbishment is necessary. Any maintenance fully supporting the Council’s drive to issues you may be experiencing with your kitchen or bathroom offer modern apprenticeships. We should be reported through Customer Services in the usual way. currently have 2 young people taking a 2 year BTEC construction course through Cosham College and another Improving Housing Stock undertaking a one year Level 2 As well as works to maintain your home, the Council is increasing Business Administration course investment on improvements to homes and to estates. Important through Sparsholt College. In addition, works in the next year will include: one of our own Customer Liaison Improved Heating: Over £1.5million on improving heating systems, including Officers is embarking on an HNC in switching homes from storage heaters to more modern controllable systems. Construction and Built Environment. Loft Conversions: This is a long term project specially introduced to address We wish them all every success in issues of over-crowding. Two conversions were completed last year and a their endeavours. further 6 are underway. The Council will shortly be approaching all families who are currently registered as being “over-crowded” to see if adapting their existing home would improve their living conditions. Improving Sheltered Housing: We are investing over £250,000 every year on improving facilities at sheltered housing schemes. Garages: We have started a programme of improving the state of Council owned garages, in some cases completely rebuilding them. Schemes are planned for Winnall and Wickham. Estate Improvements: The programme of estate improvements will continue with a focus on addressing parking concerns. If you are aware of particular problems, you can suggest they are included in the programme by speaking with your Area Housing Manager.

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Gas Servicing Reminder It is essential that you allow us access to complete the annual gas service at your home. Please make arrangements for an appropriate adult to be in the property for your appointment. If your allotted appointment is not convenient please contact Liberty Gas on 0800 130 3105 to make an alternative arrangement.

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Help with Money Advice and Benefits In response to the challenges of Welfare Reform, the so called “Bedroom Tax,” and the general economic climate, the Council has set up a new team to help those tenants struggling to sustain their tenancy. The new “Wise Move” scheme has helped over 40 people move to smaller homes and the team has provided support and money advice to many tenants struggling to pay their rent. I’m Barbara Dunne and I joined the council in April 2013 as the Money and Benefit Advisor. This was a new role, put in place to help with the Government’s Welfare Reform changes. I am currently working with tenants affected by the Housing Benefit changes and can help with: Budgeting, maximising your income, benefit checks/applications and

looking into ways to reduce your outgoings (including liaising with any creditors you may have.) I have previously worked at the Citizens Advice Bureau in a Money and Benefit Advisor role and have had similar positions with other social housing providers. I am passionate about helping our tenants and have a genuine interest in assisting people improve their day to day lives.

Mrs X was facing financial hardship trying to cover all her bills and rental contributions. Now out of work, Mrs X had no idea for how long she would be able to manage and her debts were increasing. We got together, explored all her options and discovered that Mrs X was eligible for a Debt Relief Order (DRO). As a result of obtaining the DRO, Mrs X’s outgoings have been significantly reduced and she is now debt free. Mrs X said, ‘Managing on benefits is a financial challenge. However now I don’t have to worry about my non priority bills; I can concentrate on paying my priority bills, such as my rent, Council Tax and TV licence. I can answer the phone without worrying about who is calling and concentrate on getting better and hopefully back to work sometime in the future’.

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Since joining the Council I have worked with many tenants who have been affected by the social sector size criteria, ‘bedroom tax’. We are all feeling the financial pinch and need to stretch our money as far as possible, so we have been looking at how to budget and shop around for the best deals. I have also been working alongside the Credit Union who offer a great budgeting tool, namely the ‘jam jar account’. We are currently piloting a scheme to help tenants who would like to open an account. The Credit Union offer an outreach service at the Carroll Centre in Stanmore and the Winnall Community Centre and are also at the City Council Offices (see page 9 for details). If you would like more information on opening a jam jar account, please come along to either session or give me a call. You may be aware that the roll out of Universal Credit nationally has been delayed. However, when the changes do happen it will mean significant changes for how benefits are paid, including the need to have a bank account. If you do not have a bank account and need help setting one up or want help getting ready for Universal Credit, please get in contact.

Phone 01962 848 227 or send an email to bdunne@winchester.gov.uk or speak to your Area Housing Manager.

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Beware of Pay Day Loans Pay Day Loans are an expensive way to borrow money and the interest rates charged are often very high. For example: Borrow £200 for 28 days. The total charge for credit is £50. Interest is fixed at a rate of £50 per £200 loan (326% per annum). The total amount repayable is £250, that’s 1734% APR Representative!

Another example: Borrow £1200 over 10 months. The interest charged is 300% per annum making the total amount repayable £2,831.34. That’s a total charge of credit of £1,631.34, comprising solely of interest (1362% APR Representative).

Whatever your reason for borrowing, please look at the interest rates, especially the APR (annual percentage rate) which is the price you pay for the sum you borrow, over the period you borrow it over. For further information and advice on borrowing go to www.moneysavingexpert.com

Credit Unions – a safe place to bank, save and a more affordable way to borrow Credit Unions are financial co-operatives that are owned by the people who use them. The money saved in Credit Unions is safe; it is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, just like money in banks and building societies. Credit Unions offer loans at affordable rates; for example, borrow £500 over 6 months and the total amount you will have to repay will be £564. That’s a charge of £64 for the credit. Similar lending from a doorstop lender could potentially cost you £250 in interest. We are currently working in partnership with our local Credit Union (United Savings & Loans) and offer outreach services at The Carroll Centre Stanmore and the Winnall Community Centre on alternate Thursday mornings between 1012pm – (first and third Thursday at The Carroll Centre, second and fourth at the Winnall Community Centre).

Are your home contents insured? The City Council is not responsible for damage or loss of your property, including furniture, carpets, clothing and other household and personal effects, as a result of a flood, fire, theft or other risk at your home. We advise all tenants to take out their own insurance policy to cover these risks. Covering your contents may not be as expensive as you think. Please contact your Area Housing Manager for more information on the ‘Pay as you go’ home contents insurance scheme or visit www.moneysupermarket.com or www.comparethemarket.com for examples of low cost home insurance schemes.

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The Credit Union is also at the City Council offices every Monday between 9.30 and 2.30pm. We can also accompany the Credit Union and visit you at home to set up an account if you can’t get to these venues. You can join the Hampshire Credit Union (United Savings & Loans) as you live within the Hampshire area and for a limited period of time we will pay for the initial set up fee and the monthly fee for you. For more information please contact your Area Housing Manager on 01962 848 400 or Barbara Dunne, Money and Benefit Advisor on 01962 848 227. is a social business providing services that help people in tough situations to turn their lives around. They work to increase employment opportunities for young people and adults. They have more than 200 years’ experience of providing services that help people. For further information go to their website www.catch-22.org.uk or call 020 7336 4800.

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Winchester Students ‘Take Over’ Housing Services On the 23rd November 2013 we hosted National Takeover Day. Ten students from two local secondary schools came into our offices to gain a day’s work experience within the Housing Services team. National Takeover Day is organised by the Children’s Commissioner’s office and is a great opportunity for young people to get involved with local organisations for a day, understand what the organisation does and become involved with the day’s decision making. The students spent the day with staff covering all aspects of the housing services, including estate management, garage rentals, a

sheltered scheme meeting and to see how we work in partnership with the local charitable Basics Bank food provider. One student said, ‘I had no idea that some people’s situations become so desperate that they have to rely on a charity to offer them food’. She was really concerned and was going to raise awareness at her school so hopefully more food donations would be made to Basics Bank.

Young Carers get Building

Becky Hemming from Henry Beaufort School said, ‘It was a fascinating and extremely beneficial experience that enabled us to receive a taste of what life is like for those who work at the council. A massive thank you to all who contributed to the day!

Students at Basics Bank

On a lovely sunny day in October, the Tenant Involvement Team joined the guys from Osborne, the City Council repairs contractor, and the young carers at KAYAC (King Alfred Youth Activity Centre) to help build a new BBQ for them to use in the summer. The young carers use this centre regularly and there were no facilities for them in their outdoor area, so Osborne decided to create a fantastic BBQ for them. The guys worked hard all day and were helped by two of the young carers who got a taste of working on a building site and learnt the basics of brick laying! They can now say that they helped build a substantial part of their new BBQ. Osborne also organised for the young carers to design their own tiles that have now been fixed on to the front of the new BBQ. This will be a great place for the young carers and their families to hang out in the summer!

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Direct Debit the easy way to pay your rent Simple, convenient and safe, Direct Debit is an automated payment method which you can use to pay your rent. If you have a current account with a bank or building society it should be possible for you to make Direct Debit payments. We collect Direct Debit payments at the beginning or the middle of the month to suit you. We will write to you before payments start to confirm the arrangements and if the payment amount changes at any time, we will give you ten working days’ written notice in advance of your account being debited (the Direct Debit Guarantee).

No queuing at the cash office or Post Office

Your bank and building society do all the work and you stay in control

Saves time

We re-calculate your payments with the rent increases at the start of the financial year

The benefits of paying by Direct Debit are:

You can cancel the arrangement at any time

An immediate money-back guarantee from the bank or building society if any error is made

No worries about remembering to pay at the right time

No need to write and post cheques

Tenant Information Form Thank you to all tenants who have completed their Tenant Information form. We have received a great response, with 70% of forms returned. Council officers and Marketing Means, the research company appointed by the Council to collect the information, have been contacting tenants by post, email, telephone and through home visits since November 2013 to complete the form. on the house

It is really important that we collect information from all tenants to ensure our records are up to date and correct. Some of your responses are also informing decisions about the types of services we should be providing for tenants over the next financial year. The lucky winners of the prize draw who each won an ipad mini were Miss Tiller from Stanmore, Miss Browning from Winchester, and Mrs Mcgailey from Colden Common. Also, winning £25 love to shop vouchers were Mr Baigrie

Did you know? 42% of tenants already pay by direct debit.

If you would like to pay by Direct Debit, please contact the Rent Accounting team on 01962 848 400 who can help you set this up. Every tenant who pays by Direct Debit and is not in arrears will be entered into a prize draw to win £100 love to shop vouchers!

from Weeke, Mrs Thompson from Kingsworthy, Miss Boardman from Stanmore, Mr Roth & Miss Laderio from Weeke, Mrs Spiers from Winnall. Mr & Mrs Hand from Owslesbury, Mr & Mrs Gubby from Wickham, Mrs Mackechnie from Titchfield, Mrs Meaney from Meonstoke and Mr Greenyer from Denmead. If you haven’t completed a form, please contact us and we will ensure you receive one immediately. We will continue to contact any tenants who we have not had a response from.

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Want to make your home your own? Bigger discounts under the Right to Buy Scheme could make a real difference. Since the top Right to Buy discount was increased last year, 20 more tenants in the Winchester district have bought their homes. Have you looked into the discounts yet and found out whether you are eligible?

Average rent increases of 5.4% for April 2014 have been announced by the Council, which take account of the Governments national policy for setting social housing rents. Councillor Tony Coates said: “I appreciate that above inflation rent increases will be tough for many residents. However, the Council is spending nearly £14million each year on maintaining Council homes as well as £66m over the next five years building new Council houses. With over 2,000 people on the waiting list for housing, it is essential that we do all we can to increase the number of affordable homes in the district.”

If you’ve been a tenant for 5 years or more, under Right to Buy you could get up to 60% off the price of your house, or 70% off your flat. This could mean tens of thousands of pounds off the purchase price, up to a maximum discount of £75,000. Your home could be an asset and an investment for years to come, for you and your family – giving you the security that home ownership can bring. And the money raised through extra sales is going straight towards building new, affordable homes.

Rents to Rise by 5.4%

Remember, buying is a big decision, and you should always get financial and legal advice before deciding whether it’s the right choice for you.

The Government has announced that 2014 will be the final year of its “rent restructuring” policy, which aims to bring rents in line with housing association rents. From April 2015, national rent policy will be set in line with the September Consumer Price Index plus 1%. This level of increase will apply each year for the next 10 years. The City Council’s current plans are based on following this national rent policy.