Home talkAutumn 2013

The magazine for Cannock Chase Council tenants

Another Council tenant gets their home double glazed! Fitter

Dave Cooke of Proframe (UK) Ltd is working in conjunction with Lovells on the external envelope

programme. Turn to Page 3 to find out how it is progressing.

Inside :6–page

Housing Annual Report.

Super prizes :NEW!

Quickie Quiz P5

Word– search P6

www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk search for ‘Cannock Chase Life’ #CannockChaseDC

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A new lease of life for Council homes

chase housing news

Find those empty homes!

Before:One of the ‘Cornish’ houses in need of some TLC.

Work on making good the design-defective Cornish houses in Pye Green is right on schedule.

It’s the second phase of the Council’s efforts to extend the lifespan of more than 100 properties in its housing stock

Stage 1, the 63 Reema homes on the Moss Road Estate, started in April and should be completed around now.

Stage 2, the 44 Cornish houses in the Rowley Close\Bradbury Lane Area started in July and is due for completion by November.

The work includes the structural stabilisation of existing walls, external insulated rendering, new double glazed windows, new roof finish with new fascia and gutters plus new external doors, which together will make the properties energy-efficient.

Both sets of properties will have an extended life of 30 years.

Chase Housing officers are on a mission to find Council homes that have simply been ‘abandoned’ by tenants.

Identifying such properties is not as easy at it seems. Some tenants just disappear without a word to the Housing Department.

Who knows why, but the fact is they cause real Housing problems.

Empty properties cost the Council in lost rent revenues, deny people on the waiting list a home and sometimes deteriorate to become an eyesore on the estate.

For these reasons alone, tenants are being asked to help track down any

Council properties they suspect are ‘abandoned’.

If you haven’t seen anyone at a dwelling for weeks, the garden is overgrown or you spot junk mail out of the letterbox, the tenant may have left the property without notifying the Council.

Housing officers will always investigate. Call the Estate Management Team on 01543 462621 or email EMTeam@cannockchasedc.gov.uk IN STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.

All properties recovered will be repaired and advertised on the Cannock Chase Homes website to provide a home for someone or family on the waiting list.

Hometalk readers have given a thumbs-up for the Quids In magazine. The majority who gave feedback on the money-management publication found it enjoyable and informative. As a result, Quids In will be included with your Hometalk twice a year until further notice. Thank you to all our readers who responded.

T enants and leaseholders on a Cannock estate are ready to sign up for a pledge to look after their smartened-

up blocks of flats - and to look out for their neighbours!

The Council recently carried out a number of improvements to the Walsall Road estate, which included carpeting the communal areas and installing new, safer doorways.

Now, in a partnership deal with the Council, all existing and new tenants and leaseholders on the estate will be signing up to a ‘Good Neighbour Agreement’.

It is a pledge made by residents to look after the estate and the blocks of flats, to respect other people and to be a good neighbour generally.

Unlike the Tenancy Agreement, this one is not legally binding, however it does show a commitment by those tenants and leaseholders to look after the area in which they live.

It is hoped that, gradually, ‘Good Neighbour’ agreements can be rolled out to council tenants on other estates within the Cannock Chase district. Moss Road and Rumer Hill are among those that have been earmarked for negotiations.

A work in progress…

After: A pair of restructured houses that are now as good as new and will last for years to come!.

Quids are in

Don’t forget…

search for ‘Cannock Chase Life’

Tenants make estate pledge

3Warmer windows at the double! It’s full steam ahead for the Council’s programme to install double glazing in every tenant’s home.

After getting the contract sorted out and materials ordered, work on the first properties in Norton Canes started in July, before moving on to the Moss Road Estate at the end of August.

Now the contractors Proframe (UK) Ltd are installing or upgrading windows at the rate of 25 dwellings a week!

The work is being carried out as part of Lovell’s External Envelope Programme. It is such a big job that, even with an intensive ongoing programme it will take seven years to complete the task. Tenants are urged to be patient.... your turn WILL come around.

The window upgrades will see double glazed units fitted into the existing upvc frames plus the provision of new locking handles and replacement of any defective seals or hinges.

Double glazing will make tenants’ homes more energy efficient and warmer as well as cutting condensation.

T enants looking to do some home improvements have

been cautioned not to cross the line and carry out unauthorised alterations.

Anything other than internal decorating is classed as an ‘alteration’ and requires permission from the Landlord, in this case Cannock Chase Council.

Unfortunately, many tenants don’t know this or choose to ignore the rule and unauthorised ‘improvements’ are regularly found in Chase Council properties.

In serious cases, they present a risk to life or to the structure of the building. It is a breach of the Tenancy Agreement, with potentially serious consequences.

It could lead to eviction or more likely, contractors called in to remedy the situation with the bill passed to the tenant.

Any requests for alterations\improvements are given fair consideration by the Housing Department, after all good quality work can only enhance a property.

The Council has three Officers who deal with these alteration requests and they will also give tenants help and advice.

BEFORE any work is done, alteration requests must be in writing, either by letter or e-mail to the Officers:Gary Felles — call: 01543 456817email: garyfelles@cannockchasedc.gov.uk or Steve Bate — call: 01543 456829email: stevebate@cannockchasedc.gov.ukor (gas/heating only) Colin Braddock —call: 01543 456846email: colinbraddock@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

• If you need a chat about an alteration, you can see them at the Hawks Green Depot, or they can visit your home.

A new housing development for the over 55s is under construction in Cannock.

The residence, to be called ‘Langbourn’, will have a total of 63 apartments, 48 with two bedrooms and 15 one bedroom units.

Scheduled for completion in 2015, the apartments, at Longford Road, are self-contained with a range of other services on offer.

Its ‘flexi-care’ scheme is designed to allow residents to live an independent lifestyle whilst providing access

to a range of additional facilities such as a café, social activities and care services when needed. The motto is ‘live the life you choose’.

Applications are invited from this November, but for further information or to find out whether you may be eligible, email info@shireliving.co.uk and title your email ‘Langbourn’.

���If youthink you’ve

got a Bright Idea, to benefit the Housing Service, contact the Service Improvement Team.Text message them: 07 814 758558; Phone them on:01543 464772;

E-mail them at:serviceimprovements@cannockchasedc.gov.ukWrite to them at:The Civic Centre,The Bungalow Annexe,PO Box 28,Beecroft Road,Cannock WS11 1BG.

Or use the suggestion forms available in Local Council offices.

We’ll pay for Bright Ideas!

Tenant Sheila Round will feel the benefit of her new double glazing this winter

An artist’s impression of how the new residence will look when completed.

Stylish homes for over 55s

www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

tw i tter@CannockChaseDC

Don’t forget…

D-I-Y alert for tenants

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housing news extraCouncil battling to

beat ‘Bedroom Tax’ trapCannock Chase Council is taking

action to help people struggling with the consequences of the

recent benefit reforms, in particularly the ‘Bedroom Tax’.

Many Chase tenants deemed to be ‘under-occupying’ are now feeling the pinch of paying between £10.50 and £18.75 a week for so-called extra bedrooms.

Some have already started to fall in to rent arrears - and Council Housing chiefs want to help get the situation under control.

As a result, the Council has changed its allocations policy to enable tenants affected by the ‘Bedroom Tax’ to register for a transfer to smaller accommodation.

Tenants with rent arrears will now be eligible for a transfer or mutual exchange to smaller accommodation, subject to certain conditions:1. No County Court action has started.2. The household’s rent account was

in good order up to 1st April or was meeting payments on an agreed rent-arrears plan.

3. A current arrears payment plan is in place.

4. The transfer or mutual exchange is to a property where the Bedroom Tax will not be levied.

5. Where a housing association tenant is re-housed by the Council, the resulting vacant dwelling will get a tenant nominated by the Council.Another change to the Allocations

policy sees housing applicants getting limited offers of accommodation:a) Homeless applicants and social

housing tenants with arrears eligible for a transfer will get one direct offer of accommodation where the applicant has not expressed an interest in all suitable properties within two months of acceptance or registration;

b) All other housing applicants and transferring tenants will receive three offers of accommodation.

If these offers are refused, applicants will lose their priority status for a period of 12 months.

If you want to apply for a transfer to smaller accommodation, contact Lorraine Thiselton of the allocations team on 01543 462621 or apply direct by logging on towww.cannockchasehomes.co.ukthe Council’s Choice Based Lettings site or email allocations@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Mutual Exchanges As an alternative to a transfer, tenants could consider a mutual exchange - a swap of accommodation between two, three, four, or more tenants.

Tenants cannot ‘exchange’ their home for an empty property - each party must move permanently into their exchange partner’s property.

All Cannock Chase Council tenants with Secure Tenancies can apply to exchange their accommodation. It can be with another Cannock Chase tenant, a tenant of a housing association or a tenant of another council.

Unfortunately, Mutual Exchanges for tenants in leased or privately rented accommodation are not allowed. All tenants must obtain permission from their respective landlord(s) before going ahead with an exchange.

For more information about Mutual exchanges, contact Tracy Dawes of the Allocations team on 01543 462621 or email:allocations@cannockchasedc.gov.uk or register on the HomeSwapper website for more information about tenants who want to exchange properties. The Council is signed up to HomeSwapper, the mutual exchange matching website for use free of charge by our tenants.

In addition the Council will be holding three information sessions about mutual exchanges:

Thursday 7 November 2013 at Norton Canes Library Burntwood Road Norton Canes 9.30am to 11.30am.

Tuesday 12 November 2013 at the Council Offices, Anson Street Rugeley 9.30am to 11.30am.

Wednesday 20 November 2013 at Hednesford Library, Market Street, Hednesford 9.30am to 11.30am.

W hat a great summer we’ve had! Alas, winter is heading our way, so get ready for it.

The best way to deal with the cold is to stay warm, stay healthy and don’t take chances if the weather is coming in from Siberia.

Without stating the blindingly obvious, here’s some good advice from Housing staff and local health professionals.

Stay warm.Saving money on energy bills is all very well, but turning the heating down too low can be dangerous. Hypothermia kills many people, especially the elderly, each year. several thin layers of clothing will

keep you warmer than one thick layer gloves, hats and scarves will keep out the cold inside, a shawl or blanket provides a lot of warmth

and wear warm clothes in bed use a hot-water bottle or an electric blanket to warm

the bed, but NEVER the two together! Some electric blankets can be kept on all night but others are only designed to warm the bed before you get in. Know which you have and get it checked every three years by an expert. (Local trading standards departments often offer free testing).

Stay healthy. GET YOUR FLU JAB! If you get real

flu, stay at home, rest and you won’t spread it around

Keep cold, flu and sore throat remedies in the house, just in case

Order repeat prescriptions in plenty of time, when bad weather is forecast. Some pharmacies offer a delivery service - helpful if you can’t get out.

Really bad weather. Don’t go out unless you have to, especially against Met Office advice. Keep some basic food items in, BUT don’t go panic buying! Icy roads and paths are dangerous: wear boots with non-slip soles and a warm lining or thermal socks.

Try to keep steps and paths ice free with a sprinkling of salt and sand.

Consider fitting a grab rail if you have several steps at your front or back door.

Good neighbour.If you live by an elderly or vulnerable person, or a

relative in a similar situation, call by or phone them regularly in bad weather to check they are all right.

Get ready for winter

P umpkin Patrol and Operation Good Guy are coming to Cannock Chase this year to try to make sure youngsters stay safe

on Halloween and Bonfire Nights.With the aid of a specially liveried vehicle, police,

firefighters and council staff have joined forces to urge youngsters to ‘Take Care and Be Aware’.

They will be handing out safety information providing simple ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts during this worrisome period for many.

Halloween can be harmless fun but members of the community can become distressed by unexpected trick or treaters. And the nuisance and dangers of fires and fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night don’t need to be spelled out.

Cannock Chase Council is working with Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Staffordshire County Council to help young people stay safe and keep out of trouble.

Pumpkin Patrol, sponsored by Knights BMW Stafford, consists of high visibility patrols with the use of a Halloween themed vehicle.

It’s part of a wider ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ initiative, with young people being encouraged to

‘Think – Be Aware Who You Scare’.Glow in the dark ‘No Trick or Treat’ cards will be

available for residents living within Cannock Chase District to display in their windows. You can pick up a card from your local Council office, police station or

community fire station from 25th October.

These can all be found on the Council’s websitewww.cannockchasedc.gov.ukalong with an animation highlighting the key safety points.

T he second phase of the initiative – Operation

Good Guy - is being led by Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A special Firework Hotline has been set up to answer any legal questions that

residents have about Bonfire Night and they can also call the number if they have a query about anti-social behaviour.

The number to call is 08454 02 03 34. Alternatively visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk for more information.

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A warm welcome at Reception

community corner

Good guys keep kids safe

Anyone piling up wood and rubbish for a garden bonfire on November 5th is urged to look out for sleeping hedgehogs.That heap of debris is an ideal hibernating spot for the hedgehog, who unfortunately settles in around the end of October and start of November.Check underneath before Guy Fawkes Night

- if you find a hedgehog, move it to a similar, safer spot during the day of November 5th.

H ere’s a great new HOMETALK competition with a chance to win £25 in high street

vouchers - really handy coming up to Christmas!

All you have to do is answer one question:How many replacement bathrooms did the Council complete during 2012-13?

We don’t expect you’ll know the answer off the top of your head, but look in Housing’s Annual Report or this issue of HOMETALK and you’ll find it!

You can enter and give your answer on the Council’s website:www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/htcomp

OR for those of you with Android smart phones, scan the QR code here:

OR you can post your answer to the usual address (find it on page 6), marked ‘HTCOMP’, not forgetting to include your name and address!

The answer and competition winner will be in the next issue of HOMETALK.

P.S. Readers can enter all prize competitions in HOMETALK if they wish.

Repairs Satisfaction:May: Mr S Clews,Cannock.June: Mr P Hickman, HednesfordJuly: Mr R Phillips, RugeleyHometalk Wordsearch:Mrs J Smith, Rugeley.Estate WalkMr B Wadsworth, Cannock.Alarm Pull CordMrs S Horton, Hednesford.Gas ServicingApril:Miss L McCallum, CannockMr J Higgs, Norton CanesMay:Mrs D Smith, RugeleyMrs M Cattell, Norton CanesJune:Mr F Whitehouse, West ChadsmoorMr R Yates, CannockJuly:Mrs K Stevenson, ChadsmoorMr J Key, West ChadsmoorAugust:Mrs L Atkins, RugeleyMr J Cope, RugeleyInsurance WordsearchMiss P Harvey, Cannock.

Prize draw winners

Everyone visiting the main Housing Office in The Bungalow are always very welcome, whatever their business.

Housing are constantly looking for ways to improve that welcome, particularly in the reception area.

A barrier has been put alongside the footpath to The Bungalow for visitors’ safety, to reach reception without negotiating the car park. Please do not climb over the barriers.

Inside, following your feedback, the ticket-queueing machine has

been taken out to provide a more customer-friendly atmosphere. Visitors

should just take a seat and they will be called forward when it is their turn.

Etiquette.Of course visitors themselves can help by showing

consideration for others.Be aware of people’s privacy - don’t stand by

someone already at the counter. Nobody wants their private housing business aired in front of an audience!

Please sit down and wait your turn to go up.

NEW!

Published by: CANNOCK CHASE COUNCIL HOUSING DIVISION Editorial Consultants: MID STAFFS NEWS AGENCY 01785 823489

Tenants who suspect their electricity meter box may have a fault or is damaged in any way, are urged to report it to the Council as soon as

possible - phone 01543 456861.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

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CHECK THOSE ALARMS!Tenants & all other clients using the Council’s alarm system are reminded to carry out their

monthly check: ONCE A MONTH pull the cord to alert the call centre. This will test the alarm is working and

reassure operators that you are all right.DON’T FORGET THE £25 ALARM TEST PRIZE DRAW!

Your name .................................................

Your address ............................................

................................ Post Code ...............

Tel. ............................... I am aged over 16

NB Closing date is: Fri. 22nd November.

(Employees of the Council and their families not eligible to enter)

Housing Services may wish to contact you concerning housing matters. If you do not wish to be contacted, tick this box

A £50 gift voucher A D R A Z Z I L B SR I T C Y S E T G UW M R O T S C N D NW I N D R S I O T SC Y C L O N E B H HH N G L T O A O G IR M I H B W W D U NC T G A I E S N O EL I A H R Z Z I R TL R E D N U H T D C

exclusively for tenants!

Send entries to:Hometalk WordsearchThe Civic CentreBeecroft RoadCannock(or hand it in at your local Council Office).First correct entry drawn out wins the prize.

Find these WEATHER terms in the Wordsearch grid:STORM SHOWERSNOW HAILRAIN LIGHTNINGSUNSHINE ICETHUNDER TORNADOCYCLONE WINDBLIZZARDTiebreaker: Hidden in there is the kind of weather to make you thirsty.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

Hometalk is available in LARGE PRINT and ON TAPE. Contact

the Service Improvement Team on 01543 462621.

ContactCentre

Cannock Chase Council website:www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Opening Hours…The Council’s Housing Office at the Bungalow in Beecroft Road, Cannock, is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The Local Council Office in Anson Street, Rugeley is open the same times EXCEPT Wednesdays, when it is 9am to 1pm.The One-stop Shop at the Library in Market Street, Hednesford is now open for general inquiries 9am - 5pm (closed 1pm

- 2pm). Appointments can also be made.

Writing to us…Cannock Chase Council,Civic Centre,P O Box 28, Beecroft Road,CannockStaffs. WS11 1BG.

Housing Enquiries…General enquiries: Tel: 01543 462621

Emergency Repairs…

Repairs Reporting…All repairs: Tel: 01543 462621 or

All areas outside office hours:Tel: 01543 456816

Anti-social behaviourOut of hours service…DON’T LIVE WITH IT - REPORT IT! Tel: 01543 464657ONLINE: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Housing and Council Tax Benefitsenquiries: 01543 464292

Benefits Enquiries…

Pay by Phone: 0845 2340080

Rent Payments…

Council Online…Online: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk - ‘Pay it’

Online: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk - ‘Report it’

Annual 2012-13Report

www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Cannock Chase Council Housing Services

A Review of the services provided for Cannock Chase Council tenants between 1st April 2012 and 31st March 2013.

Introduction

Serving our CustomersAccessing Housing Services

Tenant InvolvementTenants and leaseholders Involved

and Influencing their Housing Service 2012-13

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This is the Annual Report for Cannock Chase Council to 31 March 2013 as required under the ‘Revised regulatory framework for social housing in England from 2012’.A complete version of the Annual Report is available on request from the Service Improvement Section, Tel 01543 462621 email: serviceimprovements@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Your housing service has a duty to give all customers, including those with diverse needs, quick and easy access to services.Serving you in Housing Reception 2012/13

12,387 reception visitors served in Housing Reception

100% of interviews conducted without a wait of over 15 minutes

75% of customers satisfied with helpfulness of employees

What we will do Reception staff will be welcoming, friendly,

informative, discreet and professional at all times Housing reception area is disabled-friendly and

accessible, with private interview rooms and hearing loop available

Service Standards agreed with tenant representatives are available in leaflet form and on the Council’s website www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Provide a translation service on request

The Council’s Housing Department has four focus groups that tenants and leaseholders attend at present.

Many options for involvement are available and include joining tenant and resident associations, Housing Sounding Board, Focus Groups and many other opportunities as well as taking part in surveys. Representatives of Chase Tenants’ and Residents’ Federation regularly meet the council to discuss matters of policy.

Support is available to enable any tenant or leaseholder to attend training including transport and care allowances as required. Special arrangements can be made for people with diverse needs.For more information about involvement options contact the Housing Service Improvement Section Tel 01543 462621 or email: serviceimprovements@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Understanding and responding to diverse needs of tenantsWhat we will do

The Council is committed to equal opportunities and valuing diversity and will consider the needs of all members of our community.

Every employee receives training in equal opportunities and diversity issues.

Hometalk is available in large print or on spoken word tapes and\or CDs.

Neighbourhood Services – Our commitments to you - Estate Walks - Local Offer - Traffic Light system

The frequency of the estate walk is determined by a score rating for each estate, based on the

number and type of issues which were identified from the walk during the previous year. As a

result of the evaluation, an estate is categorised into one of three “traffic light” group evaluation

ratings. The walks may be increased or decreased through each year as each walk is constantly

under review. Suggestions can also be made by participants for estate-based improvements by

application through the Minor Works Focus Group.

Neighbourhood & CommunityCaring for your neighbourhood

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We will work in partnership with you and others to keep your neighbourhoods and communal areas clean and safe, in the most cost-effective way possible.

128 Estate Walks were carried out during 2012-13. 41% of these areas were given a ‘green’traffic light group evaluation rating.

What we will do

We will inspect and in co-ordination with our partners ensure the removal of all fly-tipped items on housing land, communal areas and garage sites

Arrange for the removal of graffiti on Council homes, estates and garage sites

Arrange for the removal of abandoned vehicles on housing land

Carry out regular inspections of all Council low rise flatted estates

Carry out a programme of minor works, both with Chase Tenants’ and Residents’ Federation and through applications from any Council tenant

Repairs & MaintenanceKeeping your homes in good repair

Lettings & AllocationsA Fair Lettings Service which is easy to use

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We will provide a cost-effective repairs and maintenance service to homes and communal areas that responds to the needs of, and offers choices to tenants and has the objective of completing repairs and improvements right first time. They will meet all applicable statutory requirements that provide for the health and safety of the occupants in their homes.

98% of repair appointments were made and kept

14,709 repairs were completed during the year 2012-13

Our commitments to you:

What we will do

Provide an emergency repair service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Complete repairs within the priority times set out in the Repairs Handbook

Offer an appointment for all internal work when you report your repair and provide you with a number for reference

Provide proof of identity before entering your home

Undertake all work in a safety-conscious manner in accordance with current health and safety guidelines

Registered providers shall let their homes in a fair, transparent and efficient way. They shall take into account the housing needs and aspirations of tenants and potential tenants. They shall demonstrate how they make the best use of available housing, are compatible with the purpose of the housing and contribute to local authorities strategic housing function and sustainable communities.

There were 1043 applications registered with UChoosehomes as at 31st March 2013.

356 properties were re-let during 2012-13.

Lettings - our commitments to you:

What we will do

We will provide a copy of the Allocations Policy (Somewhere to Live) at your request which will explain how properties are allocated

We will verify your application made on Cannock Chase Homes within 10 working days

We will contact you if your application is not complete or if further information is required

We will ensure that a Housing Officer views any property offered with you

We will provide a welcome information pack to ensure you are aware of all available services before you move into your new home.

Anti-social BehaviourServices preventing & tackling ASB

Complaints to the CouncilLearning from your complaints

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Tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) in 2012/13

100% of serious ASB cases were responded to in 1 working day — There were 13 cases

100% of persistent ASB cases were responded to in 2 working days — There were 168 cases

100% of environmental ASB cases were responded to within 5 working days — There were 236 of these

79% of tenants were satisfied with the management of their case

Local Area Co-operation

The Council’s Community Safety partnership has been formed to work with a wide range of Partners to prevent and tackle ASB

We work closely with the Police and Victim Support to tackle issues and provide practical support to victims and witnesses suffering ASB

The ASB Focus Group of residents was formed to work with partners to tackle issues around ASB and improve the service we provide

Work closely with the Council’s ASB Prevention Officer to promote support and implement initiatives to prevent ASB in partnership with other agencies.

What we will do

We will provide a dedicated Estate Management Officer to discuss the situation with you and advise you on what we can and cannot do, and, in conjunction with you, formulate an Action Plan that will clearly set out what will be done and by whom

We will investigate all reports of anti-social behaviour promptly

We will use mediation services where appropriate

23 official complaints were received during 2012-13.

How we learned and changed

Following feedback received from tenants regarding gas central heating breakdowns and repairs during the winter period, we have implemented a revised winter strategy for gas central heating breakdowns.

What we will do

We will try to resolve all complaints at the first point of contact.

Your complaint will be acknowledged within three working days of receipt by the Housing Service

Improvement office. A full reply will be given within ten working days. You will be kept informed of where your

complaint is in the process and of any potential delays in replying

We will inform you of the next step you should take if you disagree with the outcome of the complaint.

Money MattersValue for Money in 2012-13

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Snapshot of some housing budgets in 2012/13

About £4 million spent on repairs and maintenance

About £5.4 million spent on Decent Homes improvements and major works and other essential works such as asbestos removal

About £600,000 spent on Disabled Facilities Works to Council properties

About £6.6 million spent on capital financing (making loan payments)

Meeting the Decent Homes Standard

The key requirement for the Council has

been investing in the housing stock to

maintain the Decent Homes Standard.

Future programmes will ensure homes

are kept to the decent homes standard.

The five improvement programmes are:

Replacement Kitchens — we replaced

109 kitchens

Replacement Bathrooms — we

replaced 295 bathrooms

Electrical upgrading — we carried out

495 electrical upgrades

Gas Central Heating — we upgraded

313 central heating systems

External Envelope — we carried

out external improvements to 748

properties.