Homes and people winter 2017

Page 1

homes & people Bringing you all the news that matters to you

January/February 2017

In this issue

New year, new you?

Exclusive tablet offer See page 4

Jobs Fair February 2, St James Park See page 5

Apprenticeships at YHN See page 5

Universal Credit update See page 6


YHN Housing Services YHN Housing Services @ East End

0191 278 1566

YHN Housing Services @ Kenton

0191 277 4360

YHN Housing Services @ Outer West

0191 277 7940

YHN Housing Services @ Walker

0191 278 8455

YHN Housing Services @ West End

0191 277 1484

Follow us on Facebook. Search Your Homes Newcastle Follow us on Twitter: @NewsfromYHN

Newcastle Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS) This new service provides specialist accommodation and support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Newcastle. They work with women and men who are experiencing domestic abuse to provide support and safe accommodation. They have recently opened a purpose-built refuge in Newcastle for women and their children. • 24 hour helpline: 0191 214 6501 • email: Nidas.Team@thirteengroup.co.uk • web: www.newcastleidas.co.uk

Other numbers Advice and Support Service 277 wjwLZ 1144Abyev‡`i Housing Options Centre 0191 278 8633 †dvb K‡i0191 Avcwb GKwU Rb¨ ej‡Z cv‡ib|

0191 277 2020

ewcastle Furniture Customer ervice

GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvg wbDK¨vmj- KvDw݇ji dvwb©Pvi mvwf©m mg‡Ü hviv †Ubv›U‡`i Ni evox mvRv‡Z mvnv‡h¨i Rb¨ Involvement 0191 278 8600 Leasehold 0191 278 7725 dvwb©Pvi mieivn K‡i| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b0191 278 8633 Ostara 0191 277 7470 Newcastle Furniture GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi †i›U GKvD›U (fvovi wnmve wbKvm) m¤^‡Ü| (NFS) GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev 0191 Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq Service 278 1888 Envirocall 278 7878 cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i0191 †dvb Ki“b0191 278 8633

ent

Repairs Centre and Gas HASBET (Housing Anti-Social Servicing 0191 278 7878 Behaviour Enforcement Team) 278 8740 GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi Ni evox0191 †givgZ Ki‡Z PvIqv m¤^‡Ü|GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Young People’s Service 0191 277 1190 Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 Housing Advice Centre 0191 277 1711

epairs

ight to Buy Rent

GB Z_¨ nj †Ubv›U‡`i KvDw݇ji Ni evox †Kbvi AwaKvi m¤^‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq 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 cÖ ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 8633 索取。 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 Repairs enancy 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 This is ‘Homestéléphoner & People’ newsletter for Newcastle council tenants leaseholders. If you this information in aunq 0191 278GB 8633 obtenir traduction écrite. 278 8633 索取。 fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb Zvn‡j bv¤^vpour ‡i †dvb Ki“b-une 0191 278 8633 8633 索取。 your own language we will arrange for an interpreter to help you on 0191 278 8600. This information is also available Right to Buy 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 in easy read, large print, Braille and audio tape. We can also arrange for you to see a British Sign Language interpreter. 电 0191 索取。 Zvn‡j GB278 bv¤^8633 v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633 278 8633 索取。 Tenancy Furniture 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 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 278 8633 索取。 dans leur logement. Si vous avez besoin de ces service aux locataires pour les aider à s’installer wbDK¨vmj wmwU KvDw݇ji c‡¶ KvDw݇ji 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 0191 278 8600 fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nqfrançais Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 8633 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 8633informations 索取。 Rent Ces concernent votre loyer. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou YHN general / Homes + dans 这是有关代表纽卡斯尔市政府(Newcastle City278 Council)负责管理市政房屋的 Your Homes Newcastle 言版本,請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。 une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 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 8633 索取。 ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633. 8633 索取。 Right to Buy / Homes + Ces informations concernent les droits des locataires relatifs à l’acquisition de leur logement social. YHN general 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 : People (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 îŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @NóäbmóØòìíäb‚@ñòìó䆋ÙØbš@üi@ðîŒaí‚a†@ðmóïäüš@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ Tenancy Ces informations concernent vos responsabilités en tant que locataire de la municipalité de Repairs N general / Homes + 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 ople 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. Right to Buy YCH Ces informations concernent notre service location. @óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ Si vous avez besoin de ces278 informations en Nç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 278 8633de .‫ﺑﮕﻴﺮﻳﺪ‬ ‫ﺗﻤﺎس‬ ٠١٩١٢٧٨٨۶٣٣ 0191 8600 Rent Esta informação refere-se à sua0191 renda. Se @ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra françaisqueira ou dans une autre langue, au : 0191 278 8633. @m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @Npara óîa‡Ý—bØüïä@óÜ@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðÙ—åï“å–‹Ø@íØòì@òí—÷@ðäbØóïmóîb‹qŠói@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷ língua, ligar o 0191 278téléphonez 8633. YHN generalTenancy / Homes + Esta Ces informations concernent Your Homes Newcastleem : qui chargé gérer les logements sociaux Repairs 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÷ People au nom de ðäbàŒ@ la ou municipalité de Newcastle et para comment nous procédons. Si vous avez <português> noutra queira ligar o 0191 278 8633. ói@ pòŠbió@ @Šóè@ bî@ ñ†ŠíØ@ ói@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@língua, ãó÷@ m‹ Šòì@ óÜ@ çbmŒóyŠó ó÷ @ Nóîóá—÷@ ð–‹Ø@ ðäbØómóà‚@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷ besoin de ces Right to Buy YCH 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@0191 278 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ Tenancy YCH

YHN general / Homes + People

Repairs

YHN general / Homes +

People Right to Buy

Tenancy YCH YHN general / Homes + People

precisar desta informação em <português> ou 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 refere-se 0191 278 8633. Esta informação ao serviço0191 de 278 arrendamento. Se precisar desta informação em Nç‹ i@ñ‡äòí—q@ 8633@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ 8600 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 0191 278nuestro 8600. 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.

page 2

Designed by: barkingdog design and layout. Printed by: Mosaic Print Management Plc


concerns or further questions cts of these changes please email @yhn.org.uk or call 0191 277 114?

Contents

nnual maintenance programme s cutting, weeding, hedge pruning and removing litter.

31 per week over 49 weeks.

ct us now uote.

rm and e

ostcode:

ne-off job

the Update on d Housing an t Ac Planning you that there

Page 4

• Exclusive Tablet offer

Page 5

• Jobs fair, Thursday 2 February, St James Park

Page 6

• Universal Credit • Great gardens, great communities

Page 7

• Housing and Planning Act – update • LGBT online group

Delay to tenancy nt agreeme review on our social

told ncy edition, we to the tena In our last sing and e changes may be som reflect the new Hou to agreement Planning Act. ils are Stay that counc Pay to nced nment annou to Stay. The ber the gover d to implement Pay g over In Novem legally oblige ed in households earnin no longer have result policy would to pay a higher rent. g £31,000 havin

tenancies

have seen been You may that we have changes to media pages to make some to reflect planning cy agreement ing the tenan ng and Plann the new Housi the tenancy make Act and to user a bit more ment agree friendly. to start ss was due ver due This proce mas howe ation before Christ public in the to a delay t regulations of governmen take place n will now consultatio

Page 8

lifetime most new will mean cies policy two and ten ts lifetime tenan term of between The end of current tenan a fixed not affect ed will be for tenancies tions. It will was originally intend some excep the . It 2017, but years, with current home d in April n in their implemente regulations that tell who remai would be the policy hed this publis that yet t have not es. governmen the chang make to us how on:

An end to

OST NAT22311, guidance waiting for ty housing office. We are still s

e propertie

• New Assistive Technology on www.yhn.org.uk • Noise App

Page 10

• Handyperson Service

er ls of ook and Twitt g the detai We are sharinNewcastle on our Faceblike 05/01/2017 more in us if you’d will work please follow : channels on Twitter . Follow us HN information

e

Online

e LGBT onlin panel bisexual

Page 9

valu Council, astle City ing Newc when properties rities, includ ng autho er value” to the Local housi selling “high y then being sent to consider will have with the mone until at least 2018. e empty, ed they becom been delay This has now changes Treasury. how these

ok. on Facebo Newcastle Follow us Homes Search Your

• Are you worried about a loved one living alone? • Free Computer training

later in 2017. Facebook eye on our Keep your further r pages for and Twitte how you when and updates on your say. can have

if e tenancy their lifetim able to keep ts will be • Which tenan cies er term tenan they transf cies longer fixed term tenan qualify for • Who will offering fixed switch to to have • When we

Sale of high

• Tenancy Agreement update – now on hold

gay, a lesbian, have If you are tenant we or transgender where you can group an online services. say on our have your lting with are consu ct you by When we conta we will views. customers you for your email to ask can also of the group es they Members and servic views on. suggest issues to give their would like s are kept nal detail to Your perso and not given ential confid anyone else. in being part interested ct us by: If you are please conta of the group .org.uk olved@yhn Email - getinv

06:50

Page 11

• Prize wordsearch

Page 12

• Save time Do it Online

@NewsfromY

page 7

ax, housing benefit and business rates online.

nteractive and hat allows ax, ing a

s

n ons

y of

Read previous editions online at www.yhn.org.uk

Welcome to the winter edition of Homes & People. We’d like to wish you a very happy new year from everyone at Your Homes Newcastle! We hope you enjoyed Christmas and are feeling ready to start 2017 with renewed energy. Firstly, some good news you may have seen in the local press just before Christmas, when Olivia Grant, the current Chair of YHN, was awarded the freedom of the city in recognition of her “life-changing” work spanning four decades. I’d certainly echo the words of the Council when they called Olivia an ‘inspirational advocate for Newcastle’. I’ve found her knowledge, wisdom and energy invaluable to me in my first six months at YHN. Congratulations Olivia! It still feels like early days for me here at YHN but I am impressed by what we offer our customers. I feel that we can build on this to ensure we continue to deliver great services and are in the best possible position to deal with the challenges we face. I’m really keen to involve as many customers as we can in our transformation programme, which we’re calling ‘The Gap Year’. We’ve already talked to a lot of customers about where we are as a business and what our future plans should concentrate on, but there’s still much more we can learn about your

experience as a customer and citizen of the city of Newcastle. If you would like to guide us round your community, help us understand the city we live in and support YHN in drawing up its future plans then we would love to hear from you! With the new year comes lots of changes. A new year can bring lots of opportunity but it can also have its own set of problems, one of which is the stretch on our finances. So this newsletter includes an update on the current changes to the benefits and welfare system, with Universal Credit being introduced in more parts of the city very soon. We’re also hosting a major jobs fair in February, so if you’re looking to find work or train for a new job, we can help you! Please come and join us at St James Park on 2 February. We hope you enjoy our first edition of 2017 and look forward to receiving your feedback. Regards, Tina Drury Managing Director, Your Homes Newcastle

Want to join us on our Gap Year? To find out more please contact our Customer Involvement Team: 0191 278 8600

‘Newcastle’ to 07815 784 037

The

Gapr Yea

getinvolved@yhn.org.uk

page 3


Exclusive Tablet offer

We have an exciting offer for our customers! We are running a pilot project where we are giving away a limited number of free tablets with internet access. At the end of the project you get to keep the tablet.

To be in with a chance to get one of these tablets you need to: • be unemployed or working part-time • live in a YHN managed property You will have to: • attend 2 training sessions • keep in touch with us to tell us about your experiences of getting online. Some of our customers have already started on the pilot and have learnt lots of new skills. Darren got in touch because he wanted to learn how to get online and didn’t have the right equipment or internet access at home. Darren now knows how to send and receive emails, how to look for information on the internet and has even applied for some jobs online! He’s also learning how to use Facebook and is getting some support at Newbiggin Hall Hive on how to use Universal Jobs Match. Darren (pictured left) said “I’m not frightened to use the internet now, I’m really enjoying it!”

“I’m not frightened to use the internet now, I’m really enjoying it!”

Carol who also joined the group said “I am so happy I applied to join the digital project. I’m finding out and learning new things every day”. Sharon said that being part of the tablet project has helped her to get back her independence after suffering from ill health; she no longer has to rely on her son to take her shopping as she can do this in the comfort of her own home! Sharon said “I felt vegetated and was getting down but this project has helped me to get confidence in myself”. Do you want to learn how to get onto the internet and learn new skills? Or do you have some skills but want to learn more? Get in touch with the Customer Involvement team to register your interest either by: • Tel: 0191 278 8600 • Email - getinvolved@yhn.org.uk • Text “tablet” with your name and address to 07815 784 037

page 4


Jobs Fair We are holding a Jobs Fair for our customers on Thursday 2nd February at St James Park, Platinum Suite. The fair is from 10am until 1pm and you can drop in anytime, although you’ll need to book your place! We will be joined by over 50 local businesses where you’ll be able to find out about their current vacancies as well as training courses and advice and support to help you find longer term employment. Previously attended by the likes of The Marriot Hotel, Keepmoat, Sainsbury’s, Carewatch, Teleperformance, Go North East, McDonalds and many more, this is an event not to be missed!

Apprenticeships Are you unemployed and aged between 16 and 24? YHN’s Apprenticeship Programme is now recruiting and we want to hear from you. Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain qualifications and workplace experience. You’ll be employed by YHN for one year and can earn as you learn by gaining practical skills in the workplace whilst studying for nationally recognised qualifications at college, including an NVQ level 2. We have opportunities in: • Business Admin • IT/Digital • Customer Service • Production and manufacturing at Palatine Beds • Warehousing If you are interested and would like to find out more please email employabilityteam@ yhn.org.uk or call the team on 0191 277 3667. Please note that these opportunities are for anyone that lives in a Newcastle City Council or Leazes Homes owned property that is managed by Your Homes Newcastle (YHN).

To book your place, contact us by: Email: employabilityteam@yhn.org.uk Text: ‘Job fair’ and your name to 07814 753 088 Call: 0191 278 8600 page 5


Changes in the welfare and benefits system It has been another year of change for many people claiming benefits and this can of course be very unsettling. The benefit cap The benefit cap was reduced again in November, when a new limit on benefits was set at £384 per week for couples and lone parents and £258 per week for single adults. Some people are exempt from the benefit cap, not all benefits are included and the cap may not immediately apply to some claimants if they have been working recently. There’s lots of information on both our website and the City Council’s. If you have any concerns just get in touch with our advice and support service or email us at benefitcap@yhn.org.uk. We realise that all of this can be very worrying and that it’s complicated - please do read more on this so you can better understand it. Universal Credit We’ve been providing information about Universal Credit for some time now but we know it can be difficult to take everything in all at once.

!

great gardens, great communities

Need help to keep your garden tidy? YHN’s garden care service can help!

It is a means-tested benefit for working age people that is replacing Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Incomebased Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Housing Benefit, Income Support, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. We also know that some people think they understand how the process works but find themselves a little caught out when they eventually go through it for themselves. The Universal Universal Credit Credit‘full ‘fullservice’ service’isiswhen whenUniversal Universal Credit is is introduced introducedinto intoan anarea areafor forall allnew newclaims claims and Tax Tax Credits Creditsfor forall allclaimant claimanttypes, types,including including anyone who isis currently currentlyon onexisting existingbenefits benefitsororTax anyone who Tax Credits a change of circumstance that Credits and and has ahas change of circumstance that would would naturally a new to Universal naturally trigger trigger a new claim toclaim Universal Credit. Credit. The ‘full service’ was first introduced here last May The ‘full service’ first introduced last May at Newcastle Citywas Jobcentre. It will behere introduced at Newcastle City Jobcentre. It will introduced next at Newcastle East Jobcentre in be February and next at Newcastle Jobcentre in February and at Newcastle WestEast Jobcentre in March. at Newcastle West Jobcentre in March. If you have any concerns or further questions If you have any concerns or changes further questions about the impacts of these please email about the impacts of these changes please email universal.credit@yhn.org.uk or please contact your universal.credit@yhn.org.uk or call 0191 277 114? local Housing Office.

Sign up to the YHN garden care annual maintenance programme and your garden will receive grass cutting, weeding, hedge trimming, planting, cutting back, pruning and removing litter. The garden care service costs £8.31 per week over 49 weeks. We do more! We also offer one-off jobs. Contact us now to arrange a free no obligation quote. Interested? Fill in this information request form and return it as soon as possible to the freepost address below.

Your name: Your address: Postcode: Tel:

Email:

I am interested in an annual maintenance programme

One-off job

Cut out and return to: Your Homes Newcastle Garden Care, FREEPOST NAT22311, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7LX or hand it in to your local community housing office. Alternatively call 0191 278 8600 or email gardencare@yhn.org.uk.

page 6


Update on the Housing and Planning Act In our last edition, we told you that there may be some changes to the tenancy agreement to reflect the new Housing and Planning Act. Pay to Stay In November the government announced that councils are no longer legally obliged to implement Pay to Stay. The policy would have resulted in households earning over £31,000 having to pay a higher rent.

An end to lifetime tenancies The end of lifetime tenancies policy will mean most new tenancies will be for a fixed term of between two and ten years, with some exceptions. It will not affect current tenants who remain in their current home. It was originally intended that this policy would be implemented in April 2017, but the government have not yet published the regulations that tell us how to make the changes.

We are still waiting for guidance on: • Which tenants will be able to keep their lifetime tenancy if they transfer • Who will qualify for longer fixed term tenancies • When we have to switch to offering fixed term tenancies

Sale of high value properties Local housing authorities, including Newcastle City Council, will have to consider selling “higher value” properties when they become empty, with the money then being sent to the Treasury. This has now been delayed until at least 2018.

We are sharing the details of how these changes will work in Newcastle on our Facebook and Twitter channels - please follow us if you’d like more information. Follow us on Facebook. Search Your Homes Newcastle

Follow us on Twitter: @NewsfromYHN

Delay to tenancy agreement review You may have seen on our social media pages that we have been planning to make some changes to the tenancy agreement to reflect the new Housing and Planning Act and to make the tenancy agreement a bit more user friendly. This process was due to start before Christmas however due to a delay in the publication of government regulations consultation will now take place later in 2017. Keep your eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for further updates on when and how you can have your say.

LGBT online group If you are a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender tenant we have an online group where you can have your say on our services. When we are consulting with customers we will contact you by email to ask you for your views. Members of the group can also suggest issues and services they would like to give their views on. Your personal details are kept confidential and not given to anyone else. If you are interested in being part of the group please contact us by: Email - getinvolved@yhn.org.uk

page 7


Are you worried about a loved one who lives alone? Our discrete alarm equipment and 24 hour mobile response service take the worry out of living at home for thousands of people in Newcastle.

“Each fall you have undermines your confidence. “Ostara gives you confidence that someone is always there to come and help you”

4 24 hour service, 365 days per year 4 No installation or set-up costs 4 Free cancellation at any time 4 Menu of equipment to meet individual needs, including alarm buttons, fall detectors and pill dispensers 4 Local provider based in Newcastle upon Tyne 4 Fleet of response cars and team of response officers always on hand

Get in touch Contact us to request a free information pack today. Our service is available right across Newcastle, including properties that aren’t managed by YHN. contactus@ostara.org.uk 0191 277 7470 www.ostara.org.uk

24 hour response and support to lighten up lives

www.ostara.org.uk

Free Basic Computer Training Working with the City Council, we are still offering computer training and online job searching courses at the City Library. The courses are designed to give people the skills and confidence they need to get online. It’s lots of fun and completely free. All of the courses are shown on the homepage of our website. If you don’t have access to a computer (yet!), just call 0191 277 4100 and an advisor will book a place for you.

page 8


New Assistive Technology on www.yhn.org.uk

Noise APP Need to tell us about noise? Our new Noise App makes it really easy for you to report it.

Our website is now even easier to use! We’ve just added assistive technology that allows users to customise the website to the way they need it to work for them.

You can use the App to record noise nuisance every time there is a problem. More often than not, we can help solve the problem just by showing people how much noise they’re making – they are often unaware! If that’s not enough and we need to go to court, the recordings can help build our case and can be used as evidence. The App allows users to record problems as they happen instead of using diary sheets. We can then listen to those recordings via a secure website. When you install the App we can send secure messages direct to your device, keeping you up to date with our progress investigating your case.

Features include text to speech functionality, dyslexia software and a translation tool. It also works on mobiles and tablets. To access the software from the homepage of the website, simply click this logo.

SPEAK OR TRANSLATE

me

As the website is now fully mobile responsive and accessible for all users we’ve decided to close the YHN App. From 31 January, customers who have downloaded the App or any customer who tries to download from their store, they will instead be redirected to www.yhn.org.uk. Make it easy for yourself by adding a link straight to the YHN website to the home page of your smartphone or tablet.

The App is free for you to download and use on your smartphone or tablet. To download, go to our website and search for ‘Noise App’.

page 9


Your Homes Newcastle

Handyperson Service Do you need help with a small repairs job? Are you struggling to move a piece of furniture? Do you need some help building a flat pack? Our Concierge Response Team can offer you a reliable and trustworthy Handyperson Service. Abouts us Our Handyperson Service is available to older and vulnerable customers who need help with small, practical jobs. We aim to make lives easier and homes safer. The Concierge Response Service, which provide the Handyperson Service, has a fleet of vans and a dedicated team of staff ready to take your call. All of our staff carry ID, wear our corporate uniform and drive a clearly branded Your Homes Newcastle Concierge Service van. The Handyperson service is charged at ÂŁ35 per hour (this could include more than one job if time allows). All payments must be paid in advance.

Services we offer (Please note, this list is not exhaustive - please contact us to discuss any other requests you may have.) Fitting doorbells

Unblocking sinks

Replacing tap washers

Clearing gutters

Fitting spy holes or letterboxes

Connecting washing machines

Fitting new locks

Putting up curtain poles/ rails

Renewing door hardware

Replacing light bulbs and cords

Replacing broken toilet seats

Assembling flat pack furniture

Trimming loose carpet

Moving small furniture

Putting up shelves and Pictures

Fitting telephone extension leads

Contact us now to book your appointment or discuss a potential job: 0191 278 1977 page 10

handyperson@yhn.org.uk


£25 prize wordsearch This edition we have done something a little different with the wordsearch. You must complete the puzzle which contains words related to our Handyperson Service. But – one of the words is missing. To enter the competition all you need to do is identify which word is NOT in the wordsearch then text or email us your answer. Good luck!

L A C I T C A R P H M R Y M S O T F

T T E B U N X A S T R U G G L I N G

N J O B S U B P R E P A I R S X A N

K O W H T C R P R I I L T A O L X W

R B U P U S Z O B V K R C F H R H S

S K N I S G N I K C O L B N U H E A

A E Y P L E H N N L E O X M A V O H

T X R Z W I F T C G Y R I N L B E B

X A N V O S E M R L Y O D E J M Y S

E Y P U I N N E M H X Y H F T Q Z R

V R W W R C I N N Z P S L N H J F E

Y A U T A C E T S E E A Z E R H Z M

S L D T N S C S R B T X H W R A J O

I N F O I B H S U P J M T L O P J T

F D O R X C P I C A T N H W O J B I V F N N W S O R K F E C U I A R B F O P S E R Z B C A E T Q V Y H I O C K S A H T S Y L H D I G B X S U C B

Handyperson Service Repairs Flat pack Concierge Team Customers Appointment Shelves Unblocking sinks Doorbells Tap washers New locks Furniture Practical Struggling Jobs Help

Congratulations to Zoe Ronald and Sol McGlew from Kenton who won last issue’s competition. Well done! Send the missing word along with your name and address to:

Email: communicationsteam@yhn.org.uk Text: 07815 784 037 By Friday 24 February 2017. Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears. Follow us on Facebook. Search Your Homes Newcastle

Follow us on Twitter: @NewsfromYHN


Save time

DoitOnline MyAccount

View your council tax, housing benefit and business rates online. MyAccount is a free, interactive and secure online service that allows you to access council tax, housing benefit (including a landlord service) and business rates, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With MyAccount you can:

• Check your account whenever you want

• Get access to your bills and notifications securely

• Get email alerts when new bills or notifications are issued

• Notify us immediately of any changes in your personal details


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.