Providing Quality Homes & Neighbourhoods Introducing your Neighbourhood Housing Offi cers

Inside this issue

Cover Story Offi cers at the ready Meet your Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer and our new Anti-Social Behaviour Offi cers on pages 6 and 7. One call for all Ask us almost anything with our new call centre service, see page 5. Just champion! We name our Community Champions for 2012 on page 9. www.a1housing.co.uk Issue 32 Autumn/Winter 2012 Involving you & Community News Welcome from David Welcome from Bernard A message from In Touch’s Tenant Editor, David Smith A message from A1 Housing’s Managing Director, Bernard Coleman

DOESN’T time fl y! It doesn’t seem fi ve minutes since the last of the incredible EVERY year we celebrate the McMillan (pictured) and Anthony Tromans. I’d like to take this issue back in the spring and so much has happened since. Not performances of these achievements and efforts of opportunity to thank them both for their hard work over the last that I’d really know as I’ve been glued to the telly for most of athletes have put me A1 Housing tenants with our few years and say they will not only be missed, but will also be the summer, so much so that I think I’ve missed every day of to shame. Before the Community Awards. tough acts to follow. sunshine we’ve had this year. games I moaned and groaned about my bad back and aching These awards recognise the outstanding hard work Once again we are facing changes as the Government It’s been a sportastic Olympic bonanza and I’ve loved every limbs, but oh no….not now. and often selfl ess acts of tenants who simply introduce new legislation around housing. The Localism Act minute of it, especially seeing as though the British athletes did Tributes were also paid to the thousands of volunteers, now want to improve their communities or help their wants social landlords to have more freedom and fl exibility in so well. known as ‘Games Makers’, without who the games would not neighbours. All were deserving winners who the way that they manage their stock and respond I always enjoy watching the Olympics and often caught myself have been possible. received their awards at our Annual General to local needs and circumstances. watching things like weightlifting, water polo and even the horse The same could also be said about a number of A1 Housing Meeting, and you can read more about The Localism Act puts an increased dancing. Put those on the telly on a normal rainy Sunday and I’d tenants who freely offer their time and services to help improve this on page 13. emphasis on local accountability change the channel quicker than you can some of the services that A1 Housing offer We also had other business to address with tenants setting priorities and say ‘Clare Balding’! But there’s through tenant groups. These groups that night and a short presentation monitoring standards. This fi ts in with just something about the form some of the many cogs that help showed how we have performed the Government’s ‘Big Society’ agenda and Olympics that makes any to drive this organisation forward. as an organisation in 2011/12 and more information on the Right to Manage, sport captivating! I’m part of this small band of what you as tenants thought of our Right to Transfer and Right to Buy can be found After the incredible volunteers but we are always services. on the A1 Housing website. Olympic Games looking for more of you to join If you would like to see the fi ndings of this Over the next month A1 Housing and Bassetlaw I was a bit us. If you’ve got some of that report we have published both a summary District Council will be consulting on changes to dismissive about Olympic spirit still in you turn and full report on our website the Choice Based Lettings scheme to ensure that we the Paralympic to page 19 and learn how you www.a1housing.co.uk. You can also meet the new Government requirements and make best Games – until it can help to make a difference a request a copy from any of our offi ces. use of the housing stock. You can view this on both the started! From the little closer to home. The AGM also saw the retirement of two A1 Housing and fi rst day of coverage long-serving Board Members, Heather Council websites. I was hooked and all David Crystal adds sparkle to big Final funding announced for Decent Homes Bassetlaw Christmas events THIS year’s Bassetlaw Christmas Lights celebrations will be the biggest and best yet WE’VE got some great news about with more than fi ve hours of festive entertainment leading up to the big switch on. our Decent Homes programme as we’ve just been told that we’ll be Where When receiving the fi nal instalment of our Saturday 24th November funding. Saturday 1st December The Government has confi rmed the last Decent Homes allowance A Christmas Market will get the festivities underway of £3.5M, which will allow us to from 1.30pm with loads of other activities throughout complete the Decent Homes the afternoon, including; a Santa’s Grotto, Fire Eaters, programme in 2014/15 and Fairground Rides and a Climbing Wall. improve the homes of many more tenants. Trax FM will be on-hand to get everyone into the Christmas Spirit and there’ll also be entertainment Managing Director, Bernard from local dance acts and music from Blues Brothers Coleman said: “This is fantastic tribute band ‘Bruvvas Blue’ and Coldplay Tribute news and this fi nal instalment will Band ‘Coldplace’ who will headline the event. allow us to fi nish the job we started back in 2007.” That’s all before London 2012 Paralympian, Crystal Lane fl icks the switch that lights up the town centre For more information on the at 6pm. Decent Homes programme, please see the leafl et that came with your Look out for more details and entertainers who will copy of In Touch. be announced closer to the event.

Our Call Centre is open from 8am to 5pm - to 2 beat the rush, call after 2pm 3 Issue 32Issue Autumn/Winter 29 Autumn 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk National award a fi rst for A1 Housing One number – all the answers!

A1 HOUSING has gained national A1 Housing’s Rachel Burton, Service THE power to ask us any question is at your fi ngertips as we’ve recognition when it comes to keeping Manager for Housing added: “This made it even easier for you to contact us with just one telephone How does it work? our estates and communities is an excellent achievement with number. Our call centre team can answer enquiries and take requests ‘Cleaner, Safer, Greener’. A1 Housing Offi cers, Caretakers, regarding these services and we aim to answer as many of your Planned Maintenance and Branching questions as possible, and if we can’t answer it we will arrange for We are currently the fi rst and only Out all working together to improve 0800 590542 someone from the relevant department to ring you back. social housing provider in the neighbourhoods for Bassetlaw.” As well as calling us to report your repairs, you can now contact to have been awarded the Keep us about: Because we’re answering more calls, at busy times it may take The Quality Mark was awarded us a little longer than usual to speak to you, so if you have to wait Britain Tidy ‘Cleaner, Safer, Greener • Decent Homes Neighbourhood Quality Mark’ for all following a two-day inspection that for more than 60 seconds you can leave a message and we’ll call took place in February along with our estates. • Paying your rent and general rent enquiries you back as soon as we’re free. other evidence provided by A1 • Request a Housing or Garage Application Form However, if you want to avoid the queues completely call us after And KBT Chief Executive Phil Housing offi cers. • Property adverts and bidding enquiries 2pm Tuesday to Friday. Barton said “Congratulations to A1 This took into account a wide range Housing for receiving our Cleaner, • Housing Application enquiries Our number is free from landlines but we know that call costs of criteria including the overall from mobiles may be high, so if you have a non-urgent matter you Safer, Greener Neighbourhood appearance of estates, A1 Housing’s • Book a Community Centre can text us on 07860 021511 with a brief message about your call Quality Mark. This award shows vision and values with regard to • Report Anti-Social Behaviour and we’ll ring you back. they are committed to improving environment, estate management the environment for the benefi t of and community involvement; • Leave a message for your Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer residents in Bassetlaw and we hope planning; partnerships with other or request a call back they continue their fantastic work in organisations; resident involvement the community.” and ASB.

Busy summer for Branching Out Branching Out

OUR Branching Out team have been busy over Conway residents provided some design hints the summer months creating some fantastic and our Branching Out team also received some gardens that are being enjoyed by all the help from volunteers and exchange students. community. This project was made possible thanks to Back in June, their hard work was showcased A1 Housing board member Roy Hewett and with the offi cial opening of the Queen’s Jubilee County Councillor Mike Quigley Garden in Misterton (below), which has proved to who gained funding from the County Council’s be a popular addition in the heart of the village. Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). The team then turned their attentions to a sensory If you would like Branching Out to take on your garden at one of A1 Housing’s sheltered schemes project, give them a call on 0800 590542. – Conway Gardens in Retford.

4 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk 5 Issue 32Issue Autumn/Winter 29 Autumn 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk NOBODY likes to suffer Anti-Social with a quicker, more specialised service, NHO’s are available to talk about any Behaviour in their communities, that’s why investigate complaints and provide support issues you may have about your tenancy, we now have two specialist offi cers who to the victims of ASB. your home or the area where you live. meet the sb-team will be tackling ASB for A1 Housing. As part of this we have also made a They can also help with minor cases of ASB, neighbour disputes, advice on how a The new offi cers will be working number of changes to the Neighbourhood Introducing our new ASB team and Neighbourhood Housing Offi cers with Bassetlaw District Council and Housing Offi cer patches, you can see to look after your home or garden, and to provide you below who your new housing offi cer is. keeping communal areas clean and tidy.

Adele Hewison Caroline Hurt For general enquiries call 07725 768369 07725 768463 Covering: , Blyth, Covering: Thievesdale, Styrrup, Scrooby, Misson, Larwood, Prospect, Keswick Anti-Social 0800 590542 Everton, Gringley, West Road, Valley Road, Gateford Stockwith, Misterton, Oldcotes Behaviour Paula Owen 07725 768505 Covering: Central Retford, East Team Markham, Laneham, Tuxford, Jason Green June Pocklington A1 Housing tenants can report acts Askham, Dunham-on-Trent, 07725 768498 07725 768494 of anti-social behaviour to Gary Ragnall, Darlton, Normanton-on- West Manton, Ordsall, Ranby, Plumpton or Debbie Savage on: Trent, Gamston, Bothamsall Covering: Covering: The Mews, Priory, Westgate, Elkesley, Sandy Lane (Worksop) Bracebridge, Garside Street, St Johns Court, Cuckney, Nether Donna Bell Langwith 07725 768489 Covering: Hallcroft, Retford, North Road Area, Thrumpton, ilsson Clayworth, Clarborough, Jenny N Chris Eyre 07725 768508 07725 768481 Rampton, South and North Leverton, Habblesthorpe, Sturton Covering: Carlton-in-Lindrick, Covering: East Manton, Kilton, le Steeple, Ranskill, Torworth, , , Rhodesia, Sunnybank Mattersey, Mattersey Thorpe, Shireoaks Sutton, Lound, Beckingham, Walkeringham, North Wheatley 0800 590 542

Advice and information from your Community Surgeries Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Estate inspections make a difference

Location Service EVERYONE should have a feeling of pride agencies. This means that we have specifi c about their local community, and having a tidy people on hand that can address any specifi c Kilton - Rayton Spur Community Centre, Every Thursday, 10.30am to 11.30am - Chris Eyre and well maintained estate is the fi rst step problems. Rayton Spur, Worksop towards this. We also encourage tenants to go on Estate Sandy Lane - 1 Sandhill House, Worksop Every Wednesday, 10.30am to 12noon - June Pocklington Estate Inspections allow us to look for things Inspections, after all it is your estate and nobody that will improve the area or make it look better knows it better than you. Prospect - 91 Lancastrian Way, Worksop Every Tuesday, 10.30am to 11.30am - Caroline Hurt for the residents, such as broken walls and If you would like to know when the next estate Carlton - 24-28 Sycamore Road Every Tuesday, 2.15pm to 3.45pm - Michelle Hoggard fences, graffi ti, overgrown gardens and illegal inspection is taking place, visit our website parking. www.a1housing.co.uk and diary can be found in Mattersey Thorpe - Community House, Last Tuesday of each month, 2pm to 4pm - Donna Bell Each community will have at least one the ‘Your Tenancy and Estate section’. 3 Cunningham Close inspection per year and they are carried out All Estate Inspections start at 10am and involve Tuxford - Mine of Information, 2 Market Place First Tuesday of each month, 9.30am to 11.30am - Paula Owen by the Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer for that a walk around your estate and take about particular area. Other people are also involved, two hours. If you would like to join an Estate Misterton - The Misterton Centre, High Street First Tuesday of each month, 10am to 12am - Adele Hewison for example, offi cers from Bassetlaw District Inspection, please contact your Neighbourhood Council, Nottinghamshire Police and other Harworth - Scrooby Road Information Offi ce Every Monday, 10am to 12noon - Adele Hewison Housing Offi cer.

To report incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour 6 out of offi ce hours call 0800 590 542 7 IssueIssue 32 29 Autumn/Winter Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Winners Have Blooming Good Time

SUMMER may seem a long time ago now but each year, A1 get really tough, dad Graham has built himself a bar in his shed. EVERY year we like to recognise the hard work and often selfl ess acts that are Housing celebrates the good work that tenants and community But in the year that saw another record number of entries, Brian Tenantshown by individuals in our communities.Champions groups put in to making their back yards bloom with our annual Lavin fi nally wrestled the ‘Traditional Category’ prize from the Our Community Awards have become a highlight in A1 Housing’s calendar and it is our Gardening Competition. grasp of two-time winner Robert Garside, having been runner-up way of saying thank you to the people that make their communities a better place to live. Last year we introduced some new categories, including a Family for the last two years. The awards were presented at our Annual General Meeting in September, and the Garden prize. This year’s winners sum it up completely and they Ordsall’s John Harvey won the ‘Modern Garden’ prize while winners are... say ‘the family that eats together stays together’, but the family Willow Community Garden in Manton took the ‘Community that gardens together... that can be even more rewarding. The success of a community group Garden’ prize at the fi rst time of asking. Tenant Champion is often attributed to the immense The Stevenson family (pictured below) were named as winners in “It’s fantastic and a real honour to win something like this,” said Angela Kirkbright level of commitment from individuals the ‘Family Friendly’ category thanks to the novel way they have Willow’s Chairperson, Katherine Wall. “We’ve only been up and who are prepared to give up their created a different part of the garden for each member of the running since April 2011 so this is a great bit of inspiration to keep Our Tenant Champion is simply someone who has spare time. family. going.” helped to make a difference to all tenants’ lives. Not only was it Jackie’s cheery “It’s a place for us all to relax and also a place to escape if Willow Community Garden meets every Sunday between 2pm Angela’s involvement with A1 Housing as a Tenant nature and understanding anyone wants some privacy,” said Judith Stevenson, who has two and 5pm at their Spur Crescent plot and Katherine added: “We’re Inspector and a member or our Customer Panel - A1 personality that made her stand daughters. “We’ve lived here for almost 12 years now and when always looking for new members of all ages, so come along.” Hundred Club – means she has helped to shape out, it is also the fact that as well we fi rst moved in the garden was bare and full of rubbish. Over many of the services A1 Housing provides. She has as being the Chair of Tuxford TRA the years we’ve just added to it bit by bit.” If you would like more information about Willow Community Garden contact Katherine on 07710 597104. also used her charm and enthusiasm to recruit new she manages a demanding home The different areas include a shady area where mum and dad can members to many other groups. life caring for her husband following relax, a family area where they can all enjoy a meal together, a Community Champion serious illness. thriving vegetable plot, a herb garden, and when things Jackie Smith

Clockwise from left: This years winners; Young Tenants Champion The Stevenson family; Amy Georgeson Anti-social behaviour Champion - Modern Garden Jean Foulds winner; Traditional Garden winner; Over the last couple of years we have made Good Neighbour Champion Jim and Dot Halliday Our ASB Champion proved that no Community huge efforts to get younger tenants involved with matter what age you are, you are never Garden winner A1 Housing though new services like Facebook, tenant training and our Scrutiny Panel. We all lead increasingly busy lives and can too old to rid your community of an abusive bully. But Amy is one young tenant who is a shining easily forget to look out for our neighbours, example to others of what can be achieved by but not Jim and Dot! Thanks to her determination, Jean getting involved in all of these things and more. It seems nothing is too much trouble for our went through the rigorous and lengthy husband and wife team - shopping, dog process of collecting evidence and walking, visiting ill neighbours, all in the information and also had the strength to name of being neighbourly and to make stand up in court and face the person sure everyone is ok. who had targeted her community.

In a change to previous years, this year’s award recognises the volunteer work that our winner has done outside of their day to day role. As a valued member of A1 Housing’s Repairs team, Greg swapped his hand saw for ice skates and became part of a sporting project in Carlton that is helping to reducing Anti-Social Behaviour in the area. Working alongside Nottinghamshire Police, Sporting Chance and Neighbourhood Housing Offi cers from A1 Housing, Gregg has used his expert ice hockey skills to wow a group of Managing Director’s Award youngsters on their monthly trip to Sheffi eld Ice and make a difference in this community. Greg Winfrow 8 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk 9 Issue 32Issue Autumn/Winter 29 Autumn 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk Sprinkler systems can save lives Is your fl at fi re safe? ELDERLY and vulnerable tenants living in A1 Housing’s sheltered schemes now have extra fi re safety protection thanks to a new IF YOU live in a block of fl ats you may have noticed that A1 these areas, it could cause a dangerous obstruction to yourself or £150,000 initiative. Housing has been making a number of fi re protection upgrades other people when trying to evacuate the building. including new fi re doors, lighting and other improvements. A new sprinkler system has been installed at Larwood House, Things like carpets, mats and plant pots could be tripped over and Worksop, while a number of mobile misting units have been In recent years there have been a number of serious fi res within many other items like children’s plastic toys, furniture and even installed in the fl ats of some of the most high-risk and vulnerable blocks of fl ats that have caused injury and loss of life, and these electric motor scooters could help to increase the intensity of the tenants at Westmorland House in Harworth, Abbey Grove in improvements are being made to improve the safety for all fi re. Worksop and Conway Gardens, Retford. residents. Over the next few weeks, your Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer This innovative and ‘best practice’ approach from A1 Housing But we also need your help and because of recent changes to will be checking stairwells asking residents to remove any follows consultation with the Northern ALMO Fire Safety Group fi re regulations, Fire Offi cers are now recommending that certain belongings. Please help us by removing your own items, although and the Fire Authority, and is being funded by Bassetlaw District personal belongings can no-longer be stored in communal we will eventually have to remove and dispose of items if we Council as part of a wider Fire Safety project. corridors and stairways. cannot identify the owners. “The safety of our tenants is a top priority and we have initially Corridors and staircases are effectively escape routes that have If you have any questions about this, please contact your identifi ed those who are most at risk before rolling this out to our to be kept clear if there is a fi re, and if certain items are stored in Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer. other sheltered schemes over the next 12-18 months,” said Joice Rennie, Director for Strategy and Change at A1 Housing. Councillor Alan Rhodes, Cabinet Member for Housing at Bassetlaw District Council added: “This is an excellent initiative from A1 Housing who is leading by example when it comes to protecting its tenants against the risks of fi re.” The sprinkler system at Larwood House was fi tted by Domestic Sprinklers PLC while the mobile misting units have been supplied and fi tted by Ultra Suppression Systems Ltd. Can you spot tenancy fraud? Did you know there are many ways of committing tenancy fraud, all of which are illegal? Just some examples are listed below but all mean there are less Fraudulent applications: Using false information on a Housing A1 Housing properties for the people that really need them. Application Form to get a house that you are not entitled to, or to speed up your application. Unlawful Subletting: Moving out of your property to allow someone else to pay you rent to live there. Successions: Where you continue to live in a property after the Warning as electrical fi res claim lives tenancy holder has passed away, without having the rights to Right to Buy: Where someone uses your tenancy rights to do so. purchase your property at a reduced price in order to sell on later NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is reminding • Plugs that get hot or blow could indicate a fault and for a profi t. We take tenancy fraud extremely seriously and will pursue legal householders to ensure electrical items are well maintained and should be checked by a qualifi ed electrician. Cuckooing: Someone uses your property as their own, either action against those people who are suspected of committing any used correctly following incidents in which two people died. of these offences, but we also need your help. • Replace worn, broken or taped up electrical leads with or without your permission. In August, a Newark man lost his life in a fi re and make sure they don’t run under carpets Ghosting: Dishonestly applying for a council property using If you know or suspect anyone who is committing tenancy fraud, caused by an electrical fault in the TV. or rugs. please inform your Housing Offi cer. someone else’s details. Just two weeks later, an electrical fi re • Have electric blankets tested every three in the bathroom claimed the life of a years and replace them every 10. Look man in . out for creasing, fraying, scorching and Electrical fi res could happen to anyone exposed elements. at any time, but there are steps we • Always switch your blanket off before going can all take to minimise the risk. to sleep, and never use a hot water bottle at • Switch off all electrical items that the same time as an electric blanket. can be turned off when not in use • Finally, fi t smoke alarms on each level of and never overload sockets. your property and test weekly. • Check for loose wires and faulty For more information about how to stay safe plugs - this could be indicated by from fi re visit www.notts-fi re.gov.uk scorching or fl ickering lights.

10 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk 11 Issue 32Issue Autumn/Winter 29 Autumn 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Don’t get caught out by a cold snap Tuxford tenants set for greener, cheaper energy

IN the last issue of In Touch we featured a handy guide to get you TUXFORD tenants could the installation of these systems prepared for any cold snaps this winter. Frozen Pipes – how to handle them soon be feeling the benefi ts of also shows our on-going Turn off the water at the main stop tap, this is usually under You can still read this on our website www.a1housing.co.uk in the reduced energy bills thanks to a commitment to increasing the sink. Should your pipes burst while they are frozen, this ‘In Touch’ section, but if you missed it, here are some quick tips to renewable energy project from renewable energy in our will prevent any severe leaks when they thaw out. keep your house running through the remainder of the winter. A1 Housing. tenants’ homes and reducing A Government grant of around our carbon footprint.” Burst pipes – what to do £153k has been awarded To date A1 Housing has Preventing to upgrade tenants’ heating installed 224 Air Source Turn off the water at the main stop tap and then turn off any systems from that of solid fuel, Systems and 147 Ground water heaters. frozen electric and expensive oil fi red Source Systems across the pipes Turn on all your taps to drain the system, when the water boilers, to more energy effi cient district. stops running turn all the taps off. and environmentally friendly Air This latest grant will enable Check your pipes are Call A1 Housing on 0800 590542 to report your leak or for Source Heating systems. them to install a further 46 lagged and insulated, any more advice. Air Source heating is used as units in the Tuxford area and, especially those outside. an effective way to provide when combined with the current Open the loft hatch as affordable and green energy projects that are taking place, the heat from your home where there is no access to a will take the total number of Air can prevent pipes from local gas supply. And not only Source Systems installed to freezing. are they more environmentally over 300. friendly, they can reduce the Set your heating to come on at regular intervals or even leave Gas boilers Portfolio Holder for Housing your heating on a low heat constantly, especially during extremely cost of an annual household at Bassetlaw District Council, cold temperatures (- 5 and below). By doing this overnight the risk If your boiler should stop energy bill by up to 30 per cent, Councillor Alan Rhodes said: of frozen and burst pipes the following day is reduced. working call our gas depending on the individual’s engineers Liberty (GMT) on usage. “It’s fantastic that A1 Housing If you are going away on holiday, turn your water off at the stop 0330 333 5786. has been able to secure a grant tap and drain your system. Also tell your Neighbourhood Housing “We want to help families to such as this which will help Manager or Warden you will be away. reduce their energy bills and tenants to reduce their fuel improve their day to day living,” bills and live in a more energy said Don Spittlehouse, A1 effi cient way. Not only will this Housing’s Director of Technical help those on a low income it and Housing Services. will also improve the quality of IMPORTANT NOTICE “We’re thrilled to have been our housing stock.” You should now contact Liberty Gas direct if you have awarded this latest grant and a problem with your Gas or Oil fired central heating. Call: 0330 333 5786 Viewpoint to conduct surveys over the phone

- To report your Gas or Oil Heating Repairs MOST of you will have received survey over the phone. (24 hours a day) one of our satisfaction surveys Viewpoint will know if you through the post at one time or - Make enquiries about your annual Gas or Oil have received a service from another. A1 Housing and contact you Safety Check (servicing) These surveys give us some with the relevant survey. They - Make any general Gas or Oil Heating enquiries really useful information on how can also tell who has already we are delivering our services, completed a survey and won’t however, not everyone contact those people. Liberty Gas are an approved partner of A1 Housing and ALL Gas completes them and sends If you get a call from Viewpoint and heating related enquiries should be reported direct using them back. about one of our services the low-cost number above. This has replaced the A1 Housing To make it easier for you please spend a couple of Freephone number (0800 590542). to take part in a survey we minutes completing the survey. Liberty are working with a company Your opinions matter and we called Viewpoint who will ring use the results to look at any Thank you for your co-operation Gas A TRUSTED PARTNER customers and conduct a areas that may need improving.

12 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk 13 Issue 32Issue Autumn/Winter 29 Autumn 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk £ Universal Credit – A big change is coming £ £ ££ £ £ What is it? How will it be paid? £ ££ Instead of being paid several different means-tested benefi ts, Universal Credit will be paid directly to a claimant’s Bank Account ££ £ claimants will just receive one payment from the Department for by one payment each month. £ £ £ Work and Pensions (DWP). £ £ £ £ £ Because Housing Benefi t is being replaced by Universal Credit, £ Universal Credit will be made up of: A1 Housing will no longer automatically receive the Housing Income Support Benefi t part. This means that all tenants who receive Universal £ £ Income Based Jobseekers Allowance Credit will be responsible for paying their rent to A1 Housing. £MILLS’ MONEY MATTERS£ Income Related Employment and Support Allowance Housing Benefi t Working Tax Credit What should I do? Child Tax Credit You will need to open a Bank Will this affect me? Account, if you do not already Housing Benefi t is changing... have one. Universal Credit is being phased-in from October 2013. To You could also consider joining start with it will only apply to ‘new’ claimants. However, the 2 Shires Credit Union who will Will you be under-occupying your home? Government plans to phase it in completely by 2017. be running a schemes to help IF you claim Housing Benefi t and are of working age, the If you’re interested in downsizing to a property with fewer Universal Credit will not affect single people of Pension Credit people manage their bills. For Government will be making changes that mean you will only be bedrooms and would like some information on the HomeSwapper age* or over, or families where both members of a couple are more information telephone entitled to benefi ts that cover a certain number of bedrooms in Scheme, please call into one of our Property Shops or contact Pension Credit age or over. 01909 500575. your home. Customer Services on 0800 590542. * You can check your Pension Credit age at www.direct.gov.uk and put ‘pension age calculator’ in the search. Housing Benefi t will be reduced from April 2013 if you have a If you are a foster carer or live in a property that has been spare bedroom in your home under the Government’s new ‘size substantially adapted for a disabled person, please contact our criteria’ rules. Money Advisor for information about a discretionary housing What is it? payment scheme that could help you. If you have one spare bedroom there will be around a 14% Personal Personal Independance Payment (PIP) will replace the current reduction in your Housing Benefi t, which means you will have to Disability Living Allowance (DLA). pay approximately £11 a week towards your rent. If you have two To start with it will only affect new DLA claimants, but eventually or more spare bedrooms there will be a 25% reduction which is Independence all claims will be reviewed to see if they can be paid PIP instead. likely to be around £20 per week. It will not affect anyone receiving Attendance Allowance or DLA The size criteria rules do not affect anyone living in a one claiments who are under 16 years of age or 65 and over. bedroom or bedsit property or anyone aged 62 or over in April Payment 2013. If you have any questions about Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment please call us on 0800 590542 or email Bassetlaw’s District Council’s Housing Benefi ts Unit has notifi ed [email protected] all A1 Housing tenants affected by the new rules. If you are one of these tenants we can give you advice and guidance on your options for managing the reduction to your Housing Benefi t. If you want to stay in your home but think the reduction to your Housing Benefi t might make it hard for you to make up the shortfall in your rent, please contact our Money Advisor, Adam Mills, on 01909 533744.

EVERY other month we select two lucky The prize draw is our way of saying thank winners of our Clear Rent Account Prize you for keeping your rent account up to date Clear rent Draw who each win £150, just for being up and to be in with a chance of winning you to date with their rent. must: account Our latest winners are: • Have a clear rent account for the previous two months (Super Draw of £300) - Mr Mark Poppit April • Not be in breach of your tenancy conditions and Mr Darren Smith winners • Be up to date with your annual gas service June Mr & Mrs Needle and Mr Brian Fores If you would like more information, please August Mr & Mrs Richardson and Destin contact the Income Recovery Team on cash in Timmins 01777 713201.

14 15 Issue 32Issue Autumn/Winter 29 Autumn 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Council Tax Benefi t consultation ends soon! Hire out our Community Centres FROM April 2013, if you are working age (not claiming your HAVING a party? Need a venue for your state pension) and claim Council Tax Benefi t, the amount of Changes to support you receive may be cut. community group? Council Tax Benefit This is because the Government is reducing the amount of A1 Housing has 12 Community Centres throughout the district money available and asking local council’s to run their own The Draft Council Tax Support Scheme - Consultation that you can hire for daytime and evening events. schemes. The centres are based in the heart of our communities and are all This means that the Council now has to make some diffi cult fully equipped with tables and chairs, kitchens and other facilities. decisions about who gets fi nancial support and how much they All are available at a very reasonable hourly rate; from £9.50 with will get. discounts available for Under 16s and senior citizens groups. The Council is consulting on the proposed Council Tax Support For more information or to make a booking, call 0800 590542 scheme and would like to know your views. This consultation is (8am to 5pm Monday to Friday). open to everyone and not just those residents claiming Council Tax Benefi t or Council Tax Support. Centres are located in; The consultation ends on 28th October 2012 and unfortunately, we cannot run the consultation past this date as we have Worksop Retford to prepare the budget timetable for next year’s Council Tax Balmoral Hallcroft Cleveland Close setting. Crown Place Westhill Road Kilton Forest Tuxford To fi nd out how the new scheme could affect you and to have Kingston Close Harworth The Beeches your say the Council have produced a booklet called ‘Changes Rayton Spur to Council Tax Benefi t’. Beverley Road Thievesdale Devonshire Road Please contact 01909 533710 for a copy or you can collect one from either of the One Stop Shops in Worksop or Retford. You can also view the proposals and respond online at www.bassetlaw.gov.uk Open doors with tenant training

A1 HOUSING will be running a series of free courses for tenants Have your say on Ambulance Service future that could not only boost your knowledge, but also improve your employment opportunities. As part of its commitment to offer tenant training, A1 Housing A1 Housing tenants are being urged to have their provides courses on subjects such as Introduction to IT, Job Skills say on the future of local ambulance services after and Health and Safety all of which are free of charge and open to Bassetlaw District Council launched a scrutiny tenants of all ages. review into proposed changes to And if proof be needed, just ask single mum Amy Georgeson who Ambulance Service. made the most of these opportunities to land herself a job at the These changes include the closure of the soon to be built ASDA in Harworth. Ambulance Station in Retford and Worksop and She said: “I’ve done lots of training courses ranging from fun replacing them with Community Ambulance Points things like Cooking on a Budget to Presentation Training and, as and a Super Hub being at Mansfi eld. a result of having all this down on my CV, I’ve landed myself a job East Midlands Ambulance Service says this will for the fi rst time in years. improve effi ciency and provide better response “I also became more involved with A1 Housing and it was a great times, but the Council want to know what you boost to my confi dence.” think. Not only does A1 Housing provide training, but tenants can Cllr Graham Oxby, Chair of the Scrutiny Review access loads of free community-based courses provided by North Panel said: “People need to tell us what they think Nottinghamshire College. about the proposed changes. These changes may be seen by some to be lifesaving and by others as Training and Development Manager for A1 Housing, Lindsay life threatening. EMAS need to justify and explain Bradshaw added: “We have a number of courses starting in why they will implement these proposals.” September and running throughout the year. It’s a great chance for tenants to have fun and learn a new skill.” To have your say fi ll in the online survey at www.bassetlaw.gov.uk or pick up a hard copy from If you would like more information, contact Lindsay on 01909 the One Stop Shop in Worksop or Retford. 533226 or visit www.a1housing.co.uk/training

Send a text to A1 Housing on - 16 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk 07860 021511 17 Issue 32Issue Autumn/Winter 29 Autumn 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Training up our new apprentices

A1 HOUSING is investing in the youth of Bassetlaw by taking on a new group of young apprentices – a bricklayer, joiner and NEEDS electrician. The three-year programme will see Solomon Harland, Elliott Wallhead and Brent Cook spend four days a week learning on the job with A1 Housing, and one day a week at college working towards an NVQ Level 3 in their respective trades. All three have already settled in well and Brent, an electrician said: “I’ve been here a couple of months and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve always been into electronics and once I’d done my GCSE’s I knew this is what I wanted to do. “I’d done some work experience with my Dad, who’s a plumber, and always thought it was more fun than sitting in a classroom,” added the 16-year-old. “I’m learning loads and really enjoying meeting new people and doing a variety of Pictured left to right: Elliott Wallhead, Solomon Harland and Brent Cook different jobs.” Some tenants may already recognise bricklayer Solomon Don Spittlehouse, Director of Housing and Technical services who has already accrued two-years of experience by joining at A1 Housing, said: “As a local employer we feel it is important A1 Housing on day release from West Notts College where he to provide apprenticeships such as this to young people in completed a construction course. Bassetlaw. He said: “I’ve always wanted to work in construction and going to “We take on new apprentices every three years and it is testament college and being here one-day a week really helped me to get to the standard of training and A1 Housing as a company that Do you have what it takes to be part of our team? many former apprentices are still with us today.” this apprenticeship.” We’re looking for talented tenants to A1 Housing. By talking to the offi cers who already involved with A1 Housing. be part of a very important group at A1 work in that area and testing our services, Call Sarah Cartlidge on 07985 568884 or Housing. you can help to make lasting changes. Angie Kirkbright on 07523 306710. Our Tenant Scrutiny Panel helps to To learn more about being on our Quality You can also talk to our Tenant More ‘Bonjour’ than ‘Auf Wiedersehen, Pet’ improve our services and give tenants a and Impact Panel or being a Tenant Participation Offi cer, Jim Fieldhouse on voice by looking closely at certain areas of Inspector, speak to tenants who are 01909 533242. YOUNG A1 Housing offi cers have been helping Then in September, four A1 Housing offi cers travelled to the to strengthen relationships with our European Heusden-Zolder region of Belgium to learn the techniques used neighbours through a cultural and job skills by Belgian companies when it comes to building eco-friendly and training exchange. energy effi cient houses, as well as getting a fl avour of Belgian Be part of your community Earlier this year, a group of 10 French culture. apprentices between the ages of The exchange was run in partnership with Business & Education Find your nearest TRA Find your Tenant Voice 15 and 18 spent 10 days working South Yorkshire and will also see more young apprentices from on a variety of projects with A1 A1 Housing, Bassetlaw District Council, Bullock and Hornes visit IF you’re new to one of our areas, looking to make some new In the places where there is no TRA, we still want to make Housing’s Repairs and Branching Belgium later this year. friends or get more involved with your community and A1 sure that the voice of tenants is still getting through to us. Out teams, as well as spending Housing, then why not get in touch with your local Tenant and That’s why we have volunteers in many areas who represent Bernard Coleman, Managing Director of A1 Housing, said: “I’m Resident Association (TRA)? their community. time with contractors Bullock thrilled that A1 Housing was able to take part in this exchange Construction and Hornes and not only provide young French apprentices with a taste of You’ll fi nd there’s plenty going on and all the TRAs are ready These ‘Tenant Voices’ speak with A1 Housing and other tenant Construction. employment and culture in our region, but also allow our own to welcome new members. They also regularly speak with A1 representatives on a regular basis and can help you with any offi cers and apprentices the chance to experience different ways Housing and may be able to resolve any issues you have. tenancy or estate related issues and put you in touch with the of working and cultures.” All the numbers and locations are below, so why not give them a right people. Joyce Tinker, from Business & Education South Yorkshire, added: ring and fi nd out when their next meeting is? Worksop Areas New Manton “Everyone involved has shown great enthusiasm throughout the Priory Estate, Worksop Trish Hobson 07825 338488 Worksop areas Retford areas project and we’d like to thank A1 Housing for their commitment Taylor Holmes 07749 820155 Thievesdale, Worksop to the development and quality of this project adds value to the Ordsall 01777 708040 Old Manton Mick Day 07870 511906 French Apprentices mobility experience in the UK.” Prospect 01909 532192 Hallcroft 01777 701790 Karen Searles 07552 200468 Retford Areas A1 Housing would also like to thank Turner Hire on Gateford Tuxford 01777 871792 Balmoral 01909 488134 Manton Villas & surrounding district Road, Worksop for supporting the project. Mattersey Thorpe Rampton Village 07510 451097 Claire Smith 07977 319882 Roy Hewitt 01777 248754 Pictured are French apprentices Clement Leduc (front) and North Carlton 01909 730766 Harworth & Bircotes Mid-Manton Clarborough Vincent Fievet (back). Langold 01909 731260 01302 746393 Shaz Cook 07858671198 George Teasdale 01777 707565

For gardening and handyperson services, call 18 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk Branching Out on 0800 590 542 19 Issue 32Issue Autumn/Winter 29 Autumn 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Make yourself ‘Heard from Home’ How are we doing? EACH year the A1 Housing Board, which is made up of tenants, and so that you can see how we are doing, we have shown just a WOULD you like to have YOUR say on how A1 Housing provides just that, congratulations go to: Bassetlaw residents and representatives of Bassetlaw District few of these in the table below. Council set targets for us to work towards. some of its services? April Joy Johnson, Misterton The information tells you how we performed in a selection of These are spread across all areas of A1 Housing, such as areas between April 2011 and March 2012, how we are currently Well, you can do this without having to leave the comfort of your May Ronald Machin, Worksop sofa and in a number of different ways, for example, via post, Housing Management, Customer Services and Repairs and make performing, and our targets for 2012/13. Bridget Bartle, Tuxford telephone or Facebook. June sure that we are giving you a good level of service and continue The colour coded faces tell you whether we are on target, slightly to meet high standards. Each month we will send you a very short questionnaire and the July Christine Holland, Retford below or doing better than we expected. answers you provide can really make an impact on some of the August Sandra Winder, Gringley There are more than 120 targets that we have to work towards, decisions that are made. You can join our ‘Be Heard From Home’ group by calling Area What we measure How we Latest Our target How are You can also win yourself some ‘Love to Shop’ vouchers in the Customer Services on 01909 534520 or fi nd us on Facebook at performed in performance for 2012/13 we doing? process, and here are the names of our latest winners who did A1Housingcustomerservices. 2011/12 Customer Average Time Taken to respond to complaints 5 3.00 5.00 Just some of the questions we have asked Contact (Working days) over the last few months were: Customer % of Telephone calls answered in 10 seconds No data from No data from 96.00 Contact BDC BDC How would you like to contact your The majority of people who answered said they would prefer to Housing Average time taken to relet properties 21.68 22.90 20.00 call them, followed by visiting them at either Retford or Worksop Management Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer? Town Halls or at Community Surgeries. We also asked where you would prefer to see your NHOs. The Housing % ASB closed cases in the current reporting 98.57 98.15 98.00 overwhelming majority was in your own home, again followed by Management period which have been resolved at either Retford or Worksop Town Halls or Community Surgeries.

Housing Estate Inspections - % done and report sent 93.33 87.00 100.00

Management out in 10 working days

SAID. It seems a large amount of you have no idea that Housing Benefi t

.. Are you aware of the proposed

U A1 HOUSING Housing Current Rent Arrears (£’s) 262,423 346,913 247,000 O is changing and that Universal Credit will be introduced. That’s

SAID Y

changes to Housing Benefi t YOU

why we’ve put together a leafl et explaining these changes and Management

.

. DID . we’ll be going out into our communities to tell you more. The and the introduction of WEA1 HOUSING I D Housing Proportion of rent collected exc b/f arrears 99.67 98.11 100.06 W D Council also has more information on this that you can pick up Universal Credit? E from the Town Halls in Worksop and Retford and view online. Management

Repairs % emergency repairs completed in timescale 99.91 99.79 99.75

SAID.

..

U A1 HOUSING We gave you a choice of courses and the top answers came out

What free courses would you O

Y SAID as ‘Introduction to IT’ and ‘Introduction to Microsoft Offi ce’.

YOU Repairs Non emergency repairs - % of appointments 99.67 99.84 99.75

.

like us to provide as part of

. DID . We’ve already added these to our regular Tenant Training courses made that are kept WEA1 HOUSING D our Tenant Training? I and will be holding sessions throughout the year. W E D Repairs % repairs completed “Right First Time” 99.71 99.20 99.75

Adaptations Average time taken to complete Adaptations 50.64 58.62 43.00 for all works (calendar days) Log on to Decent Overall Customer Satisfaction with Decent 92.05 93.00 96.00 Smarterbuys is an exciting new website that Homes Homes works can help you buy the essential things you need at massively websites who offer low weekly prices for goods, but charge you discounted prices. extremely high interest rates. Supported Response rate to warden intercom calls 98.17 98.35 99.00 Housing received at the A1 Contact Centre - % in 30 Smarterbuys is a little bit like ‘Groupon’ and will be offering one By working with Credit Unions such as 2Shires in Bassetlaw and seconds deal every month – it could be a fridge, washing machine, bed, Bolsover you can get discounted goods and access lower interest sofa – any of the essential items you might need for your home. rates. There are a range of payment options to suit you – whether you It’s about helping you to make your money go further – and Some fi gures measure our progress as we work towards the have a bank account or not. You can pay with a debit card, use making smarter buys. fi nancial year end target for 2012/13 (April 2012 - March 2013). cash, or can access low-interest, affordable fi nance through credit To subscribe to Smarterbuys visit www.smarterbuys.org.uk. You If you do not understand any of the information or would like to unions. KEY can also follow Smarterbuys on twitter: @smarterbuys Above / On Just Below Below know more about the information we have provided, please call our Smarterbuys is different to many of the high street stores and Target Target Target Customer Services team on 01909 534 520.

20 21 Issue 32Issue Autumn/Winter 29 Autumn 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk Why are we collecting cookies? competition winners YOU may have seen a new pop-up message on A1 Housing’s Every month we make a note of our most popular pages to make website recently. This is because by law we now have to inform sure these are easy for you to fi nd. We are not able to see any you that we collect information called ‘Cookies’ each time you visit personal information and the data we can collect is completely Where’s Alfie? SUDOKU our website. anonymous. Cookies allow us to see which Internet browser you use, what you search So what are ‘Cookies’? for on our website and how Congratulations to winner A cookie is a small fi le that’s stored on your computer. It contains long you spend on each Jazmin Jenkins from Worksop who the address of the website and codes that your internet browser page. All this information sends back to the site each time you visit a page. Cookies don’t helps us to give you a better spotted me on Page 12 of the usually contain personal information or anything dangerous; browsing experience. Spring issue. they’re usually innocent and very useful and only collect what the If you would like further I’m hiding again somewhere in this issue browser tells them. information on Cookies and and if you can fi nd me, you can win an inline Why do we use ‘Cookies’? our website please go to scooter like the one pictured. A1 Housing use cookies for one reason, to improve your http://www.a1housing.co.uk/ When you have found me, write down the experience on our website. privacy_cookies page number together with your name, Every issue we have £15 worth of High Street address and a contact telephone number and A1 HOUSING is managed by a Board of non-executive directors who meet nine shopping vouchers up for grabs if you can Board Update times a year to discuss and review everything that happens within the organisation. send it to; correctly complete our Sudoku puzzle below. A1 Housing Customer Services Team Day Date Venue Time Carlton Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, Worksop, S81 0TS And the winner Tuesday 30th October 2012 Worksop Town Hall, Assembly Rooms 4pm - 7pm Board Or email your entry to; Mr Edward Heaton from Retford Tuesday 27th November, 2012 Carlton Forest, Meeting Room 4pm - 7pm [email protected] who entered our Winter competition is... and was the fi rst person to be Tuesday 29th January 2013 Retford Town Hall, Council Chamber 4pm - 7pm Closing date for all entries is January 31, 2013 Meetings drawn out of the hat. Tuesday 26th February, 2013 Worksop Town Hall, Ceres Suite 6.30pm - 9.30pm Tuesday 26th March, 2013 Retford Town Hall, Council Chamber 6.30pm - 9.30pm 2 3 9 4 5 The fi rst 15 minutes of each meeting are set aside for tenants to ask questions on relevant issues. Individual or personal issues cannot be discussed and these should be taken up with the appropriate offi cer. Sudoku ENTER 1 6 Debate at Leaseholders event YOUR CHANCE TO NOW! 9 6 8 7 LEASEHOLDERS got together back in August for their summer section of our website, www.a1housing.co.uk 8 2 1 6 3 5 9 meeting, which proved to spark a number of debates. Also on the agenda were a number of initiatives including fi re WIN HIGH STREET Top of the agenda was a review of the Leaseholder’s Service doors and smoke/heat detectors, Bassetlaw District Council’s Level Agreement which is addressed every two years. This Empty Property Strategy and the possible re-purchasing of SHOPPING VOUCHERS! sets out the standards of service between leaseholders and A1 leasehold fl ats by BDC. Any future updates on these topics will be 4 3 7 5 2 6 8 Housing. You can see the approved copy in the Leaseholders published on the website and future issues of In Touch. Each coloured block needs to make 45 1 9 3 4 Cut out your completed Sudoku puzzle and entry form With winter almost here, it won’t be long before you crank up your boiler, and if you have gas central heating, you need to and send it to: A1 Housing, Customer Services, Carlton 8 3 ensure that all your appliances are regularly checked by a Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, Worksop, Notts qualifi ed Gas Safe engineer. S81 0TS. 6 3 8 9 7 As a leaseholder it is your responsibility to make sure all your The deadline for all entries is appliances are safe, but regular checks also mean your boiler Sudoku - Competition Entry Form will be more effi cient and could save you money. January 31, 2013 and the Name ...... To encourage leaseholders to carry out these regular checks fi rst correct entry drawn will we have negotiated a competitive price on servicing your gas receive £15 worth of Address ...... central heating with Liberty, the same company we trust to High Street shopping ...... Postcode ...... service our tenants’ gas appliances. vouchers. Telephone...... If you would like to take advantage of this offer please call 0114 294 2040 and tell them you are a leaseholder of Email ...... Bassetlaw District Council.

For the latest information on A1 Housing visit 22 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk www.a1housing.co.uk 23 Issue 32Issue Autumn/Winter 29 Autumn 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk How to contact us There are a number of ways you can contact us.

For repairs, rent payments and all general enquiries call: 0800 590542 Foreign language versions £ You can pay your rent by direct debit or credit card, by phoning If you need any help communicating with us or understanding Automated payment line 01777 713864 any of our documents, please contact us on 01909 534519. Contact Centre 0800 590542 Online at www.a1housing.co.uk Mandarin On-line Visit our website at www.a1housing.co.uk Email us at [email protected]

Urdu TxT Text message 07860 021511

By visiting us If you want to talk directly to a member of staff, you can visit us at our property shops. We can also arrange to visit you at your home or meet you at Punjabi one of the council’s community houses if you prefer. You can call into our property shops without making an appointment. However, you may need to make an appointment if you want to see a particular member of staff. Polish Head Offi ce Carlton Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, Worksop, Notts S81 0TS Retford Property Shop Town Hall, 17B The Square, Retford, Notts DN22 6DB Worksop Property Shop We can arrange for a copy of this document in large print, Queens Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop, audiotape, Braille or for a Language Line interpreter or Notts S80 2AH translator to help you. Our contact details: By writing to us A1 Housing Bassetlaw Limited 0800 590542 Carlton Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, e-mail: [email protected] Worksop, Notts S81 0TS

All of our offi ces are open Monday to Friday between 8.40am to 5pm

Issue 32 Autumn/Winter 2012 www.a1housing.co.uk