3 star excellent services
homes & people Bringing you all the news that matters to you
March/April 2013
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Improve your job prospects
Save money on your energy bills
See page 10
See page 6
Prepare for the beneďŹ t changes see page 8
Community Housing Offices Benwell and Scotswood
0191 277 1484
North Kenton
0191 277 4360
Blakelaw
0191 277 1000
Shieldfield
0191 278 1566
Byker
0191 278 1555
St Anthony’s
0191 278 1600
Cruddas Park
0191 277 1066
Walker
0191 278 8455
Gosforth
0191 277 1166
Westgate
0191 277 1300
Newbiggin Hall
0191 277 4360
West Denton
0191 277 7940
Leasehold
0191 278 7725
Other numbers Adaptations
0800 091 1255
0191 278 8633 †dvb K‡i Avcwb GKwU wjwLZ Abyev‡`i Rb¨ ej‡Z cv‡ib| Community Care Alarm Service 0191 278 8699dvwb©Pvi Newcastle GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvg wbDK¨vmjKvDw݇ji mvwf©m mg‡Ü hvivFurniture †Ubv›U‡`i Ni evox mvRv‡Z mvnv‡h¨i Rb¨ ewcastle Furniture Service (NFS) 278 1888 dvwb©Pvi mieivn K‡i| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^0191 v‡i †dvb Ki“bervice Envirocall 0191 274 4000 0191 278 8633 Repairs Centre Gas A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi †i›U GKvD›U (fvovi wnmve wbKvm) m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw`and <evsjvq> ent HASBET (Housing Anti-Social Servicing 0191 277 8888 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633
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Behaviour Enforcement Team)
0191 278 8740
Housing Advice Centre
0191 277 1711
Your Choice Homes
0191 277 2020
GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi Ni evox †givgZ Ki‡Z PvIqv m¤^‡Ü|GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq
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Rent
Young People’s Service
0191 277 1190
这是有关您的租金账户的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电 0191 278 GB Z_¨ nj †Ubv›U‡`i KvDw݇ji Ni evox †Kbvi AwaKvi m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq ight to Buy 8633 索取。 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 Repairs 这是有关要求维修您的住房的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电 0191 Rent 這是關於您的租金賬戶的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 0191 278 GB Z_¨ njthe wbDKvm¨vj KvDw݇ji †Ubv›U wnmv‡e Avcbvi `vq and `vwqZ¡ m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw`want <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb enancy This is ‘Homestéléphoner & People’ newsletter for Newcastle council tenants leaseholders. If you this information in 278 8633 索取。 au 0191 278 8633 pour obtenir une traduction écrite. fvlvq 索取。 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 8633 we will arrange for an interpreter to help you on 0191 278 8633. This information is also available Right to Buy your own language 这是有关租客有权购买他们的市政房屋的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致 GB Z_¨ nj Avgv‡`i †jwUs mvwf©m( fvov welqK) m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ ‡qvRb nq CH Repairs 這是關於如何要求維修您住房的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 0191 电 0191 278 8633and 索取。 in easy read, large print, Braille audio tape. We can also arrange for you to see a British Sign Language interpreter. Zvn‡j GB 索取。 bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 278 8633 Tenancy 这是有关您作为纽卡斯尔市政租客所需要承担的责任的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语 Newcastle Furniture informations concernent le service « mobilier » de Your Homes qui fournit du mobilier GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvgm wbDK¨vmj mg‡Ü| Ges Avgiv wKfv‡e `vwqZ¡ cvjb Newcastle, KiwQ †m mg‡Ü| BDi †nvgm wbDK¨vmj, HN + Ces Rightgeneral/Homes to Buy 這是關於租客有權購買他們的市政房屋的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致 言版本，请致电 0191 8633 索取。 dans leur logement. Si vous avez besoin de ces service aux locataires pour les278 aider àKvDw݇ji s’installer wbDK¨vmj wmwU KvDw݇ji c‡¶ Ni evox e¨e¯’ v cbvi `vwqZ¡ c Ö v ß| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb eople 電 0191 278 en 8633 索取。ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633. YCH 这是有关我们的出租服务的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本，请致电 0191 278 informations fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nqfrançais Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 8633 索取。 Tenancy 這是關於您作為紐卡素市政府租客所需要承擔的責任的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語 Rent Ces informations concernent votre loyer. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou YHN general / Homes + 这是有关代表纽卡斯尔市政府（Newcastle City Your Homes Newcastle 言版本，請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。 dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278Council）负责管理市政房屋的 8633. People （您的纽卡斯尔住房）组织的信息，内容解释了我们是如何运作。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其 Repairs Ces informations concernent les demandes de travaux pour votre logement. Si vous avez 0191 besoin de YCH 這是關於我們的出租服務的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本，請致電 278 它语言版本，请致电 0191 278 ces informations en français ou 8633 dans 索取。 une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.
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8633 索取。 Ces informations concernent les droits des locataires relatifs à l’acquisition de leur logement social. 這是關於 Your Homes Newcastle（您的紐卡素住房）機構的信息，內容解釋了我們代表紐卡素市政府 Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : （Newcastle City Council）負責管理市政房屋以及如何運作。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它 0191 278 8633. 語言版本，請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。 @ói@óäb @NóäbmóØòìíäb‚@ñòìó䆋ÙØbš@üi@ðîŒaí‚a†@ðmóïäüš@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ Ces îŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ informations concernent vos responsabilités en tant que locataire de la municipalité de Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 0191 278 8633 @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ Si vous deآن ces informations enدرfrançais dans uneدرﺑﺎره autreاﻃﻼﻋﺎت langue, ،Newcastle. ﺷﻬﺮدارى ﻧﻴﻮﻛﺎﺳﻞ از ﺳﻮىavez ﺳﺎزﻣﺎنbesoin اﻳﻦ.اﺳﺖ ﻋﻤﻠﻜﺮد ﻧﯿﻮﮐﺎﺳﻞ« و ﻫﺎى ﺷﻤﺎou ﺧﺎﻧﻪ » ﺳﺎزﻣﺎن اﻳﻦ téléphonez au :ﻫﺎى 0191 278 8633. @ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NòŠb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@î ‹Ø@üi@çbåï“å–‹Ø@Àbà@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ ﺗﻠﻔﻦ ﺷﻤﺎره ﺑﺎ دﻳﮕﺮ زﺑﺎن ﻳﺎ ﻓﺎرﺳﻰ زﺑﺎن ﺑﻪ اﻃﻼﻋﺎت اﻳﻦ ﺑﻪ ﻧﻴﺎز ﺻﻮرت در .دارد ﻋﻬﺪه ﺑﻪ را دوﻟﺘﻰ ﻫﺎى ﺧﺎﻧﻪ اداره ﻣﺴﺌﻮﻟﻴﺖ <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. Ces informations concernent notre service location. @óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633de .ﺑﮕﻴﺮﻳﺪ ﺗﻤﺎس ٠١٩١٢٧٨٨۶٣٣ Esta informação refere-se à sua0191 renda. Se @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633. @m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @N óîa‡Ý—bØüïä@óÜ@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðÙ—åï“å–‹Ø@íØòì@òí—÷@ðäbØóïmóîb‹qŠói@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. Ces informations concernent Your Homes Newcastleem : qui chargé gérer les logements sociaux Esta informação refere-se ao8633 pedido de reparações suaest casa. Se de precisar desta informação em Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí— q@0191 278 @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ au nom de la municipalité de Newcastle et comment nous procédons. Si vous avez besoin de ces <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. @Šóè@ bî@ ñ†ŠíØ@ ðäbàŒ@ ói@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷@ m‹ Šòì@ óÜ@ çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @ Nóîóá—÷@ ð–‹Ø@ ðäbØómóà‚@ ói@ pòŠbió@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷ Esta informação refere-se direito os langue, inquilinos têm de comprar a sua social. Se informations en français ouao dans uneque autre téléphonez au : 0191 278habitação 8633.
Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ precisar desta informação em <português> ou0191 noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. @òìóÝ—bØüïä@ñŠb’@ñaŠü’@çóîý@óÜ@óØ@óîóØó䆋؊bØ@ðmóïäüš@ì@ Your Homes Newcastle @ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ Esta informação refere-se às suas responsabilidades como inquilino social em Newcastle. Se precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. @ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NpbÙi@ðmóîaŠóiòí–Šói@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@óØ@òìaŠ‡—q@ñòìó÷@ðØŠó÷ idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Esta informação refere-se ao serviço0191 de arrendamento. Se precisar desta informação em Nç‹ i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ Ésta es información sobre cómo pedir quepara se realicen reparaciones en su casa. Si necesita esta <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar o 0191 278 8633. Esta informação refere-se a organização información en español oà enYour otroHomes idioma,Newcastle, llame al 0191 278 8633. responsável pela gestão da habitação social em nome e a anossa situação actual. municipal. Se precisarSidesta Ésta es información sobredo losMunicípio derechosde deNewcastle, los inquilinos comprar su vivienda necesita informação em <português> noutra para278 o 0191 278 8633. esta información en españolou o en otro língua, idioma,queira llame ligar al 0191 8633.
Ésta es información sobre sus responsabilidades como inquilino municipal de Newcastle. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Ésta es información sobre nuestro servicio de adjudicación. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Ésta es información sobre Your Homes de Newcastle, que es la responsable de gestionar las viviendas municipales en nombre del Ayuntamiento de Newcastle, y sobre nuestra manera de hacerlo. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633.
Your Homes Newcastle Limited. Registered in England and Wales. Registration number 5076256. Registered office: Newcastle Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PR. A company controlled by Newcastle City Council.
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Designed by: barkingdog design and layout. Printed by: Mosaic Print Management Plc
Contents
Your Homes Newcastle are coming to a location near you to talk about the government’s benefit changes. We can talk to you about your options and offer advice.
Date of visit Time of visit 12 March
Estate(s)
8.30am to 10am Benwell & Scotswood 8am to 9.30am
14 March
Blakelaw & Cowgate 8am to 9.30am
26 March 28 March 9 April
8am to 9.30am 3pm to 4.30pm 10am – 2pm 10am – 12pm 1pm to 3pm
Location Milford Road opposite Bridgewater Primary School, Delaval Road Thomas Walling Primary School, Lindfield Avenue, Blakelaw Hilton Primary Academy, Hilton Avenue, Blakelaw
Byker Cruddas Park Gosforth
Cruddas Park shopping centre/community centre Dinnington Social Club, off Main Road The Jubilee public house, Fawdon Lane
10am – 2pm
North Kenton
Teasdale House/shopping centre
10am – 2pm
Shieldfield
Heaton library, Newton Road
25 April
10am – 2pm
St. Anthony’s
St. Martins, Roman Avenue
7 May
10am – 2pm
Walker
Hexham Avenue near Walker Centre
8 May
2.30pm – 4.30pm
Westgate
Elswick Park opposite West End Women and Girls Centre, Elswick Road
10am – 12pm
West Denton
Page 4
• Brilliant budgeting
Page 5
• Making the most of your money
Page 6
• Save energy, save money
Page 7
• Benefit changes timetable
Page 8
• “How the bedroom tax will affect me”
Page 9
• “What I’m doing to prepare for the changes”
Page 10
• “I’m really proud of myself now I’m working again”
Page 11
• Walker Learning Hive
Page 12
• Talk to Us bus timetable
Page 13
• Ways to pay your rent
Page 14
• Own Your Own
Page 15
• £25 prize wordsearch
Page 16
• Free training courses
Brinkburn Street car park, near Byker Primary School
23 April
1pm to 3pm
• Welcome to a special Homes & People
St Lawrence’s Primary School, Headlam Street, Byker
11 April
21 May
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Lemington Centre, Tyne View, Lemington Sainsbury’s car park, Throckley
Listen to this issue online: www.yhn.org.uk/home/listen_online.aspx
Welcome to a special Homes & People It’s not always easy talking about money is it? But we’re going to try. We know that money is tight and the government’s benefit changes will affect many of you. This edition of Homes & People is full of information on how to make your money go further and how to prepare for the changes. The changes, starting in April, are the biggest shake up of the benefits system for over 30 years. They are going to affect over 18,000 of you if you are of working age - whether you just happen to be out of work, are disabled or sick and unable to work, or are working part time and claiming top up benefits. If you are old enough to claim Pension Credit you won’t be affected. We have been working hard to tell you about these changes - touring the city with our bus,
visiting thousands of you affected by the ‘bedroom tax’ and producing lots of useful guides and information. We have also been developing a range of ways that we can help you to increase your income, reduce your expenditure and make it easier to prioritise your payments such as rent. We can only do so much to help though and there are many ways that you can improve your own situation. Getting into work is the best way to avoid the financial impact of the benefit changes. There’s lots of support out there to help you get into work or training. Whatever your circumstances there’s something in here for you so please take a look. Make the most of the help on offer and don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local housing office with any questions. Diane Creighton Welfare Reform Project Manager
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Brilliant budgeting A budget is a great way to take control of your finances. It’s a record of money you have coming in (from things like wages, a pension or benefits) and payments that you make (such as your rent and bills as well as living expenses like food and travel). Christine set up a budget with the help of Molly, one of our Financial Inclusion Assistants. She said: “I’m a single mum with 12 year old twin girls and we live in a 3 bedroom house. After sitting down with Molly we worked out that because I have an extra bedroom I’m going to lose £10.17 in Housing Benefit each week. “I’ve been putting a bit of money aside because I knew the changes were going to happen and I had all my budget information laid out when Molly arrived so we could start straight away. It was so helpful and we worked out that with some small changes, I would be able to make up the shortfall in my rent without having to move. “I’d love to go back to work but I do worry about the cost of childcare and how I would manage when they’re not at school. Molly gave me some information on Working Tax Credits to see if I might be eligible for help with childcare costs so I’m going to look into that. “I really appreciated Molly taking the time to sit down with me and help me find ways of making small but positive changes. I feel
Molly Dunne (left) helps Christine set up a budget much happier now that, when the benefit changes happen, I can hopefully manage without getting myself into debt. “I’ve always kept on top of my bills - I’d rather that than someone knocking on my door. That’s the way I’ve always been.”
For more information about budget planning, contact the Financial Inclusion Team on 0191 277 4502. The following websites also contain lots of useful information: • Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert – www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/Budget-planning • Citizens Advice Bureau – www.adviceguide.org.uk (search for ‘budget planners guidance’) • The Money Advice Service – www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk (search for ‘budget planner’)
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Every penny counts how to make the most of your money Find things for free on the internet Furniture, clothing, toys, kitchen equipment… all of this and more is offered for free on sites such as www.freecycle.org.uk. Items are usually second hand and in good condition – just register and search the Newcastle ‘offers’. Also have a look at the freebies section on www.gumtree.co.uk You can access the internet for free at any library in Newcastle.
Good quality second hand clothes for 5p! Every month St Cuthbert’s Care’s ‘5p Bus’ travels to over 20 areas in Newcastle offering essential good quality second-hand clothes, bedding, children’s toys, and books. Each item costs just 5p! To find out when the bus will be in an area close to you, call 0191 488 5031 or search for ‘5p bus’ at www.yhn.org.uk
Supermarket sweep Fruit and veg is much cheaper if you buy at a local market rather than the supermarket. Tempted by a takeaway pizza? Try making your own using ready made bases, chopped tomatoes and lots of veg – good for your waistline and your wallet!
Simple changes – big savings Little luxuries such as magazines and scratchcards soon add up. You’ll be surprised how much you can save in just one week by making some simple changes: • 1 pack cigarettes less per week
£7.46+
• turn heating down by 1 degree
£1.10+
• walk kids to school one day instead of getting bus
£2.20 +
• stop buying weekly magazine
£1 +
• stop buying weekly scratchcard
£1 = £12.76 saved per week/ £663.52 per year
Save energy, save money - some tips • Switch your supplier. • Turn off electrical appliances when you are not using them - this can save you up to £40 a year. • Use energy saving lightbulbs - they use up to 80% less electricity and last ten times longer. • Look after your fridge and freezer - don’t put hot food in your fridge or freezer as this makes them work harder which uses more electricity, and defrost your freezer regularly. • Wash your clothes at 30°c or 40°c - you’ll save a third more electricity than washing your clothes at 60°c. • Use a shower instead of taking a bath - a bath heats more water than a shower, so long as you don’t have a shower for longer than 5 minutes. • Arrange a free Energy for the Future home visit - see page 6.
our Contact y for a ffice housing o of our f re e c o p y
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“Finding out how much I could save on my energy bills was a real eye opener” Lynn Summerside, from Benwell, had a visit from YHN’s Energy for the Future team and was surprised to find out about all the things she could do to save money and energy. The team is visiting customers across the city to give advice on how to heat your home, make the best use of appliances and check you are on the cheapest energy tariff. They will also install a range of products to cut your energy use and better insulate your home - and it won’t cost you a penny. Mrs Summerside said: “The visit was a real eye opener, I had no idea I could save money by switching from a pre-payment meter to paying by Direct Debit, and I thought switching suppliers would be a real hassle but it sounds so easy! The electricity monitor I got at my home visit is brilliant too, it means I can keep an eye on how much electricity I’m using and make sure I’m switching things off that don’t need to be on. I’m also going to look into getting a water meter fitted.”
Project Officer Danny McAllister and Lynn Summerside
Save money on your energy bills! Arrange an Energy for the Future home visit today. Contact us by: • Phone: 0191 278 3842 • Email: energy@yhn.org.uk
Find your Energy Best Deal drop in sessions Changing energy suppliers can be one of the easiest ways to save money on your energy bills. Drop in to any of the venues below to ask for help to find your ‘energy best deal’: • Civic Centre Customer Service Centre, Cruddas Park Library, East End Customer Service Centre and Library, Gosforth Customer Service Centre and Library, Kenton Customer Service Centre, Outer West Customer Service Centre and Library, Walker Library, West End Customer Service Centre and Library - any time during normal opening hours. • City Library: Sunday - Friday between 11.30am - 12.30pm, and Saturday between 10 - 11am You must bring your most recent energy bill (contact your supplier for an annual statement if you are on a pre-payment/credit meter). Without this it will be impossible for the energy advisors to find you a better deal!
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Do you know what’s changing? Don’t get caught short… find out more. April 2013
Council Tax benefit
Local authorities will be responsible for their own schemes. Anyone of working age will now have to pay towards their council tax you should have received a letter if this affects you.
Disability Living Allowance
Being replaced by Personal Independence Payments. All new and existing claimants
will be reassessed using stricter rules so fewer people will qualify. The new assessment will focus on an individual’s ability to carry out a range of key activities necessary to everyday life.
Non-dependant deductions
Your Housing Benefit will be reduced if you have a non-dependant person living in your home.
Summer 2013 Benefit Cap
of benefit A cap on the maximum amount week for that people can receive. £350 a ples and single adults, £500 a week for cou ted in lone parents. The cap is being tes ed to be London from April, and is expect ber. nationwide by the end of Septem
The Social Fund
Local authorities will run their own schemes to provide emergency funding for vulnerable people.
Under Occupation
Tenants with more bedrooms that they need will receive less Housing Benefit from April. 14% less for one extra bedroom, 25% for two or more.
October 2013
Universal Credit
A number of “out of work” benefits are being brought together into one single payment. Claims will have to be made and accessed online.
2013 - Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
c circumstances. The way This is a temporary payment that is given to people in very specifi sed the amount of money DHP is assessed has changed slightly and the government has increa e living in significantly available for two priority groups: foster carers and disabled peopl the under occupation charge. adapted accommodation, who don’t have enough income to pay ed on their income and Whilst their applications will be prioritised, they will still be assess of these groups can still apply expenditure and a DHP is not guaranteed. Other people outside and each case will be assessed individually.
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“How the bedroom tax will affect me” David Bell, 51, is a YHN customer living in a three bedroom property in West Denton. He is separated and has joint custody of his two sons, aged 11 and 16, who live with him about half of the time. As only one of his sons is registered as a permanent resident at his address, David will receive less Housing Benefit for underoccupying his home from April. YHN Housing Services Officers visited David to talk through the changes. David said: “I was aware of the changes to benefits but didn’t know how much they were going to impact on me and the boys financially. The home visit from YHN was a great opportunity to have someone come and talk through our exact circumstances with us. “I really appreciate the time YHN has taken to explain everything to me; I got so much
information and understand everything much better now. “The new government rules are so black and white that they make no allowances for our custody situation, so I either have to move or suffer the loss of around £10-15 each week. “Moving isn’t really an option for me, my children are settled in this area and it’s easy for them to get to school. If I move, their lives will be disrupted and it could impact on their education and career prospects which I obviously don’t want. So I have to find the extra money from somewhere. “I’ve recently started working part-time for Choiceworks helping young people to cook healthy and affordable meals at Trinity Oakfield College and I’m thrilled to be working again. I’m a bit sceptical about the government’s view that everyone will be financially better off under the new system - as the extra money I make will be going straight towards my bedroom tax. “I would definitely rather be in work though. My job is so rewarding and even if I am losing the extra money, I’m gaining so much personally that I still prefer it. We’re just going to have to cut our cloth even further like thousands of other families across Newcastle, it’s hard but there’s no getting away from it.”
YHN will visit around 7,000 tenants by April. If you think you are under occupying but you have not already had a visit or received a letter about arranging a visit, someone from your housing office will be in contact soon. Staff will be able to talk through your situation, go through your options and offer advice and support to help you make the most of your money.
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“What I’m doing to prepare for the changes” “I’m going to a job club every Tuesday and go to Action for Employment in the city centre. I’ve also been taking my CV into local shops and have done a bit of volunteering.” (James, Walker)
“I thought a water meter was just for homeowners. I will definitely look to get one fitted to reduce my bills.” (Lynn, Benwell)
“I’m trying to give up smoking – the money I’ve saved will help make up the shortfall in my rent.” (Paul, Shieldfield)
Who should I contact? Your Community Housing Office can give you information about your options, suggest possible solutions to maximise your money or see whether you could move. Contact details for all of our Community Housing Offices are on page 2. YHN has joined forces with several organisations that can give you reliable information about dealing with debt, borrowing money, and stopping smoking:
Five Lam
p
safforda ble per son and deb t advice al loans . • Call: 0 300 111 0556 • Email : info@fi velamp s.org.uk • Webs ite: www.fi ve finance lamps.org.uk/ /
Moneywise Credit Union a safe place to save and get access to loans that suit you • Call: 0191 276 7963 • Email: admin@moneywise.org.uk • Website: www.moneywise.org.uk
Welfare Rights at Newcastle City Council -
• Advice and in formation on benefits and tax credits call 0191 277 2627 • Debt advice ca ll 0191 277 1050
Newcastle Stop Smoking Service -
a pack of with the cost of ing £7.46 cigarettes averag ct time to now is the perfe – for your give up smoking wallet. health and your 2911 • Call: 0191 229
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“I’m really proud of myself now I’m working again” Getting into work is the best way to avoid the financial impact of the benefit changes. Read on to find out how two YHN customers have recently got back into work with the support of Newcastle Futures… Leeanne Fulcher, from Throckley, hadn’t worked since 1996 as she’d been bringing up two children. “I really wanted to get a job but my confidence was low and I just didn’t know where to start. I contacted Newcastle Futures and Kelly, my Customer Co-ordinator, helped me create an action plan. I didn’t know how I’d manage childcare at the same time as working but Kelly helped me find out about childminders and afterschool and breakfast clubs in my area which was a huge help. “Over the next few meetings Kelly helped me set up a bank account and we put together a CV and cover letter to help when looking for jobs. We practised interview techniques and she showed me how to use email and apply for jobs online. “I completed a personal development programme which really helped my confidence. Less than a week after finishing the course I had a job! I was passing a local shop and called in to ask if they had any vacancies and they said yes. I would never have done something like that before. “I’m now working part-time and managing to support my family. I have loads more confidence and love meeting new people - I’m really proud of myself.”
YHN works in partnership with Newcastle Futures to offer practical advice and support to help unemployed people in Newcastle get into work or training. You can meet with a Customer Co-ordinator in YHN Community Housing Offices across the city for one-to-one advice and guidance.
To find out more, call Freephone 0800 587 0478 Kelly and Geoff from Newcastle Futures with or email info@newcastlefutures.co.uk. Samantha Carver
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Samantha Carver, from Throckley, used to be a care worker but struggled to arrange childcare for nightshifts so had to leave her job. Newcastle Futures helped her think about other types of jobs she could do. “I really wanted an office job as I’d completed a few computer courses and enjoyed them, but I didn’t have any admin experience. Kelly at Newcastle Futures helped me look at what I needed to do to get to where I wanted to be. She suggested doing some voluntary work to build up experience which I hadn’t thought of before. “I contacted some employers in the hope of gaining admin experience and was really pleased to be invited to meet with Warmseal for a chat. I met Kelly before the meeting to run through what I would say and what questions I could ask, and was over the moon when I was offered a volunteer placement. “In August 2012 I started volunteering as an admin assistant and learnt so much. A few months later the company offered me a permanent paid job. I’ve got my own desk with a phone and a computer and am doing a job I really enjoy. I’m earning my own money and can provide for my family.”
Have you heard the buzz about the Walker Learning Hive? Do you live in the Walker area? You can improve your job prospects by visiting the Walker Learning Hive, the new community learning centre at Walker Parish Church, in the Church Walk Centre. Brush up on maths and English, improve your computer skills, and search and apply for jobs. You can also learn how to cook healthy meals on a budget and get support with managing your household budget. Rachel Gowens (left) has been going to the Learning Hive since September.
Rachel said: “I first went along to get some help finding a job. There is so much on offer, I joined a maths group and the job club. I also started volunteering in the Hive’s food project, preparing food parcels for local people. Thanks to my new skills I’ve just got a part-time job with BT.” If you’ve got a bee in your bonnet about improving your job prospects, make sure you visit the Walker Learning Hive! Find out more Call Pauline or Clare on 07918 627 750, or pop in and see them on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am - 4pm.
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Your Homes Newcastle is coming to a location near you to talk about the government’s benefit changes. We can talk to you about your options and offer advice.
Date of visit Time of visit
Estate(s)
8am - 9.30am Byker
26 March 3pm - 4.30pm 28 March 10am - 2pm 9 April
10am - 12pm 1pm - 3pm
Cruddas Park Gosforth
Location
St Lawrence’s Primary School, Headlam Street, Byker Brinkburn Street car park, near Byker Primary School Cruddas Park shopping centre/community centre Dinnington Social Club car park, off Main Road The Jubilee pub car park, Fawdon Lane
11 April
10am - 2pm
North Kenton
Teasdale House/shopping centre, Newbiggin Hall
23 April
10am - 2pm
Shieldfield
Heaton library, Newton Road
25 April
10am - 2pm
St. Anthony’s
St. Martins Centre, Roman Avenue
7 May
10am - 2pm
Walker
Hexham Avenue near Walker Centre
9 May
2.30pm 4.30pm
Westgate
Elswick Park opposite West End Women and Girls Centre, Elswick Road
21 May
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10am - 12pm 1pm - 3pm
West Denton
Lemington Centre, Tyne View, Lemington Sainsbury’s car park, Throckley
Other ways to pay It’s really important that you continue to pay your rent as it helps us to provide our services to you. You could be at risk of losing your home if you don’t pay your rent. The good news is, there are lots of ways you can pay! • Pay your rent in person You can pay your rent in person at Newcastle City Council Customer Service Centres.
• Pay your rent by swipecard You can pay your rent using a swipecard at any Post Office or PayPoint outlet. We issue swipecards for all new tenancies.
• Pay your rent by standing order Payments can be made weekly, fortnightly, four weekly or calendar monthly, in advance. These arrangements can be made with your Housing Services Officer, who can also help you calculate your payment.
• Pay your rent by phone Automated telephone payments can be made by calling 0845 111 4199. Please follow the telephone instructions. You must ensure that you have your 11 digit reference number and a valid debit or credit card.
• Pay your rent online Follow the “Do it online” link from the Newcastle City Council website homepage. www.newcastle.gov.uk
WIN £50!
If you pay your rent by Direct Debit you will be automatically be entered into a monthly draw to win £50… Ashleigh Toole (left with Housing Services Officer Lewis Brown) from Shieldfield pays her rent by Direct Debit and was one of our lucky winners!
NEW: you can now sign up to pay your rent by Direct Debit over the phone. No more forms! Paying your rent by Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay. Because your bank or building society makes the payment for you there are: • no queues • no cheques to write • no paperwork or postage every month.
Sign up over the phone Call the Income team on 0191 278 7749 to set up. There are no forms to fill in (unless you request a paper form).
Choice of payment dates You can choose what date and how often your payments are made, so you could ask for the money to leave your account just after you receive your wages or benefits.
We can also help you set up a basic bank account. If you don’t already have one, now is the perfect time to open one. When Universal Credit is introduced from October this year, you will have to claim benefits online and they will be paid straight to your bank account. Setting up a bank account doesn’t have to be scary and can make paying your bills much easier. Call our Income team for more information on 0191 278 7749.
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Don’t pay over the odds for your household appliances!
Own Your Own how to buy You can choose from five products: condenser dryer, fridge, washing machine, electric cooker or fridge freezer. Choose the product you want to buy in the Own Your Own booklet (available from Community Housing Offices) and fill in the application form. You can only buy one product at a time. Any questions? Call 0191 278 1888 and we’ll be happy to help.
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Buying things like cookers, fridges and washing machines from weekly payment shops will cost you a lot more in the long term because of the high interest charges. YHN has a weekly payment scheme called Own Your Own which is interest free - so you won’t end up paying over the odds. Janis Marshall from Gosforth bought a fridge freezer through Own Your Own. “I looked at fridge freezers in one of the weekly payment shops in town and couldn’t believe the extra charges. I said to my daughter, ‘they’ve got to be joking, look at the amount of interest they charge’. If I’d bought from them I would’ve ended up paying more than the fridge was worth! “I’d got something through the door about the Own Your Own offer and filled in the application form. It was really easy to do and a week later I got a letter saying my application was successful. “My new fridge freezer arrived in December, just in time for me to do a big Christmas shop. I’ve got 4 grandchildren so I need to keep my fridge fully stocked! I pay £5 a week for 50 weeks, and pay with my PayPoint card at the local shop. I’ve saved a heck of a lot of money buying it this way and it’s been so easy to do.”
£25 prize wordsearch Complete the wordsearch to win a £25 Eldon Square voucher to spend on whatever you fancy! E M P L O Y A B I L I T Y A L W C S
N E P E E G N I V I L Y H T L A E H
E N S N S T P E W L K S E K R A M Y
R H T G A U N E C T T R I A H L E S
G E I L E T B L M I B S O L H N L E
Y V F T A U I E Q A T L H W O O N S
F S E M D E Z E N I E L Q M F W N R
O R N G G A N K U A E S G A O W S U
R E E I N E A E M A I N O R O T E O
T T B E B C I N R A I T U R D T S C
H L X Y C T I N A G R O A N B A S G
E P O O T Y I S A N Y K F X A I O N
F D U W G N C N I N E S E W N M R I
U N A H G R A L W N T E A T K L T N
T I I H S M G O E C M Q T V S I E I
U V I I O T I B E D T C E R I D L A
R V L L H C A L C U L A T I O N S R
E C N A R U S N I E S L U P M I G T
Bank account Benefits Budget Calculations Direct Debit Employability Energy for the Future Energy saving Freecycle Healthy living Insurance Learning Hive Managing money Markets Own Your Own Training courses
✁
Work
Name: Address:
Postcode:
Daytime telephone number:
Send your completed puzzle along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to: Homes & People competition, Communications team, Your Homes Newcastle, YHN House, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7LX by 23 May 2013. Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears.
Mr Kenneth Thompson of Fenham was the lucky winner of last issue’s crossword competition. Mr Thompson wins a £25 Eldon Square voucher – congratulations! page 15
Free training courses Every penny counts!
Have you ever found yourself sho rt of cash or struggling to pay for food, household bills or clothing? If the answer is ‘yes’ then you’re not alone. This training course will help you make your money go further. You’ll also be able to spe ak to one of our trained advice and support workers at the end of the session if you have any questions. How to book • Phone Jill Davie - 0191 278 872 1 • Text - ‘money’ to 0781 578 403 7 with your name and address • Email - jill.davie@yhn.org.uk
What’s on! Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Group When: Thursday 21 March 2013, 6pm Where: Newcastle City Library An informal group that looks at ways that YHN could improve services to LGBT customers. Contact Lou Grogan on 0191 278 4391 or email louise.grogan@yhn.org.uk for more information or to book your place.
Young Persons pizza meeting When: Thursday 28 March 2013, 5.30pm
Introduction to computers and the
internet
An informal training course that will help build your confidence and give you the basic skills to use a computer and the internet. Courses will be held in Newcastle City Centre and there will be a number of dates available. Spaces are limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis. How to book • Phone Jill Davie - 0191 278 872 1 • Text - ‘computers’ to 0781 578 4037 with your name and address • Email - jill.davie@yhn.org.uk
Scrutiny training
like r detail and would you fo e ey an ve ha u yo Do itor t how tenants can mon to find out more abou this receive? Come along to ey th at th s ice rv se e th t more. taster session to find ou March 2013 When: Wednesday 27 estgate Road, NE4 9PQ W , on ac Be e Th : re he W How to book - 0191 278 3959 • Phone Stuart Clarke yhn.org.uk • Email - getinvolved@
Where: YHN House, Benton Park Road, Newcastle A chance for young tenants under the age of 25 to tell us what they think about our services and meet other young tenants. Contact Lou Grogan on 0191 278 4391 or email louise.grogan@yhn.org.uk for more information or to book your place.
Come along to a YHN Board meeting Board meetings take place at YHN House on Benton Park Road, at 5pm on the following dates: • Tuesday 16 April 2013 • Tuesday 28 May 2013 • Tuesday 9 July 2013 Visit www.yhn.org.uk for more information. Meeting dates correct at the time Homes & People went to press.
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