INSIDE DON’T BE A VICTIM OF DOORSTEP CRIME • EMPTY HOMES BROUGHT BACK INTO USE

A MAGAZINE FOR COUNTY COUNCIL TENANTS

Newsham MATTERS

YOUR VOTE - use it or lose it

SPRING 2017

x174962_NCC_p3_sw.indd 1 03/03/2017 09:28 FOREWORD

Welcome to the Spring edition of Your News, which focuses on investments made 4 by the council to help DON’T BE A VICTIM OF DOORSTEP CRIME improve the communities in which you live.

The word community means a group scheme, which can improve the lives of people who live in the same area of everyone in the area. Hopefully, and who have a shared interest or a this pilot will help us to develop our common goal. approach and we may then replicate this in other areas. As a council we are committed to working with our tenants and A community is also about taking partners to create welcoming care of each other, whether that’s communities you can be proud looking in on an elderly or vulnerable 8 of and live in. neighbour, or reporting suspicious activities in your estate, such as One of the ways we try to achieve EMPTY HOMES BROUGHT door-to-door callers or anti-social this ambition is by investing to BACK INTO USE behaviour. improve our estates with improvement projects, such as We all have a part to play in making those at The Oval in Newsham. Northumberland a happy place to live and we welcome your support We couldn’t do this without your and involvement. co-operation. Projects like Newsham Community Matters aim to bring a Allan Hepple, cabinet member community together, to develop a for housing at the council YOUR HOUSING 14 MANAGEMENT SOLID FUEL TEAM IS ON THE MOVE

The team, currently based at Blyth Civic Centre, is moving to a new home at Compass House in the centre of Blyth, following the sale of the civic centre. Compass House, as with the Civic If you need to access the team 16 Centre will not be open to the public or have a housing management but we intend to improve access to enquiry, you should continue to GET YOUR KIDS DAY OFF our services by offering meetings by call our Contact Centre on TO A HEALTHY START appointment. 01670 542424 or call into one of our Information Centres. FRONT COVER IMAGE: No set date has been agreed for the Spring fun at move but we anticipate that it will

2 YOUR NEWS Spring 2017

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 2 03/03/2017 13:43 NEW BUNGALOW brings back memories for tenant

“The bungalow is going to make things so much easier for us, we are really impressed with it. As time passes and we get older, we will now have a house which will hopefully suit our needs.” New tenants have now moved into a Rita Railton development of bungalows in Blyth.

And for Rita Railton opening the it. As time passes and we get older, Northumberland County Councillor doors to her newly built bungalow, we will now have a house which will Allan Hepple, cabinet member for on the site of the former Morpeth hopefully suit our needs.” housing said: “The lack of affordable Road school, was like stepping housing is one of the biggest issues The £2.8m development is part of back in time. facing people in Northumberland the council’s Affordable Homes and the council has placed a strong The 70-year-old is a former pupil programme and is made up of emphasis on building new of the school and grew up on the 26 two-bedroom bungalows, affordable homes. nearby Cowpen Road. The old two of which have been built to school railings now also border accommodate wheelchair access. “It’s fantastic to see the tenants her back garden moving into their new homes, which The bungalows are part of a focus are helping local people, such as the She said: “It’s like I’ve come full on affordable housing by the Railtons, stay in the communities circle. The bungalow is going to council, which has seen more than they know and love.” make things so much easier for 300 new homes being built across us, we are really impressed with the county in the last three years.

YOUR NEWS Spring 2017 3

x174962_NCC_p3_sw.indd 3 03/03/2017 09:28 SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS DON’T BE A VICTIM OF DOORSTEP CRIME

Northumberland Trading Standards Service is warning residents to be Remember aware of bogus door to door callers. if you are unsure call the Citizens These callers may offer services They often have a good “story” to tell such as garden maintenance and and can be very persuasive. Once Advice Consumer home repairs, or try to sell you LQVLGH\RXUKRPHLWFDQEHGLIÀFXOW Helpline on products. Fish sellers are a common to get them to leave. Tenants should complaint for Trading Standards. also be aware that in some cases 03454 04 Rogue door to door sellers target some people have been subject to 05 06 vulnerable or elderly tenants, who distraction burglary after allowing may feel intimidated or pressured these sellers into their home. into buying from them or agreeing Typically the work carried out is of to have work carried out in their a low standard, people are charged home or garden. an excessive amount for work done You may also end up on a “suckers or they fail to complete the work list” where your details could be altogether even when they have passed around to other rogue been paid to do it. Complaints about traders. As a result you may then ÀVKVHOOHUVLQGLFDWHWKDWWKH\PD\ receive an increased number of show you a small amount of quality calls and visits to your home. product, but leave you with a large amount of lower quality product, for which you may be charged a lot of money.

If you have elderly neighbours or relatives be aware that they may be vulnerable to rogue traders so pass on these tips and advice.

4 YOUR NEWS Spring 2017

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 4 03/03/2017 13:43 SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS

NORTHUMBERLAND TRADING STANDARDS SERVICE ARE HERE TO HELP WITH SOME TIPS AND ADVICE:

If you are unsure about the service being offered, you should always take the time to think. Ask for a business card and say that you will contact the trader rather than agreeing to work immediately.

For home maintenance or gardening services it may be better to ask a friend or neighbour for a recommendation for a tradesperson they have used. PHONE AND EMAIL SCAMS Be wary of letters,phonecalls Look for businesses on the Business Approval Register or emails asking for personal www.businessapprovalregister.com. This is a directory of information, such as bank businesses providing home improvements and professional account numbers, login details services, providing a safer way to choose a tradesperson. or passwords. Sometimes emails may look convincing but banks   $VNIRULGHQWLÀFDWLRQ0RVWUHSXWDEOHEXVLQHVVHVZLOOKDYHD and Government departments WHOHSKRQHQXPEHURQWKHLGHQWLÀFDWLRQFDUGV\RXFDQFDOOWKLV such as HMRC would not ask for WRFRQÀUPWKHLGHQWLW\RIWKHGRRUVWHSFDOOHU,I\RXDUHFRQFHUQHG your personal details in this way. about a door to door caller report it immediately. Contact the police Never respond to letters or via the 101 emergency number or call the Citizens Advice emails asking for you to send Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 for further advice. money to an account. Even if an email is from someone in your Avoid allowing someone you do not know into your home and use contacts, their account could a door chain if possible. have been hacked, so always FKHFNZLWKWKHPÀUVW Never agree to take someone to your bank to withdraw money to pay for goods or services. Be wary of letters, e-mails or phonecalls which tell you you ɿ Staff in most high street banks are now trained to have won a prize, especially if look out for any suspicious withdrawals they are asking you to send Fish sellers need a licence to sell door to door, so ask for evidence money or call a premium rate of this. number in order to claim this prize. Remember if it seems too Place a no cold callers sign in your window good to be true, it probably is. (please cut out the sign provided) If you are still unsure call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

 CUT OUT YOUR NO COLD CALLERS SIGN HERE

We DO NOT deal with COLD CALLERS PLEASE LEAVE AND DO NOT RETURN Failure to do so is a criminal offence

The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008

YOUR NEWS Spring 2017

x174962_NCC_p3_sw.indd 5 03/03/2017 09:29 ELECTIONS Local Elections: ‘THEY’RE ON YOUR DOORSTEP’ Deadline to register Thursday 13 April

Elections take place Thursday 4 May

Northumberland County Council and local Parish and Town Council Elections take place on Thursday 4 May. This is your opportunity to choose who decides, on your behalf, what happens in your area and for the people of Northumberland.

To be able to vote, you must be may not be on the Electoral Register. how to apply, or contact Electoral registered and registering to vote If you are unclear about whether Services on the details above to is easy. You can do it in just a few or not you are on the register call request an application form. 01670 624811 or email minutes at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Once you have registered you will

You’ll need to provide your National [email protected] receive a polling card which advises Insurance number, your date of birth If you can’t vote in person you can you that you either have a postal and your address. Thursday 13 April still have your say with a postal vote vote or give the details of the polling is the deadline to register to vote, or, if this doesn’t suit your needs, a station where you should attend on so don’t miss out! proxy vote (where a person you trust the 4 May. If you have chosen to If you have moved house or recently votes on your behalf). Go to vote by post, you will receive your moved into Northumberland, you yourvotematters.co.ukWRÀQGRXW postal vote within the month of April. Make your vote count in this year’s local Elections. #OnYourDoorstep

6 YOUR NEWS Spring 2017

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 6 03/03/2017 13:44 Please MONEY MATTERS don’t wait for the changes to happen. You need to start getting Working BE PREPARED prepared Tax UNIVERSAL now. Credit for Child Income Tax Support Credit JSA CREDIT Housing Benefit Universal credit, the new benefit for working age people, who on are a low The six benefits income or out of work, is Universal credit being introduced in stages across the country. Income- will replace related Employment ,WZLOOFRPELQHWKHVHEHQHÀWVLQWR and Support one payment, which will be paid Allowance directly into your bank account. This means that if you are entitled to help with your rent, (i.e. you are We are waiting to hear when Universal Credit is to be introduced FXUUHQWO\RQ+RXVLQJ%HQHÀW WKLV more widely in Northumberland. But please don’t wait for the money will be included in your changes to happen. You need to start getting prepared now. Universal Credit payment and paid directly to you. Unlike before, you 1 Open a bank account: even if you have a poor credit rating, you can will be responsible for paying your open a ‘Basic Bank Account’ Go to a local bank and they will help you. rent and making sure you don’t fall

YOUR NEWS Spring 2017 7

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 7 03/03/2017 14:48 AFFORDABLE HOUSING EMPTY HOMES BROUGHT BACK INTO USE Empty homes across Northumberland will be brought back into use thanks to a project being delivered by the council.

Thirty homes from across the county 25 empty homes. Using the grant Northumberland County Council’s will be repaired and released back these homes would be returned to a business chair, Scott Dickinson, said: onto the rental market, using a habitable condition and rented out. “Empty properties can have a negative £750,000 grant from the Homes The council will also purchase a impact on the sustainability of an and Communities Agency’s (HCA) IXUWKHUÀYHSURSHUWLHVZKLFKZLOO area, affecting everything from local Affordable Housing programme. then be refurbished and once rented, businesses to public services, such would be managed by Homes for as schools and transport. The council is working with owners, Northumberland. who currently have homes which “Thanks to this funding from the have been empty for two years or It is hoped that repair work to the HCA, we will now be able to work more, to identify the homes to be homes will be complete next year with owners to identify properties, included in the scheme. with each being available to rent which could be given a new lease no later than 2018. of life and become a much-needed Each home will be assessed in family home.” terms of its viability, such as cost of repair work, future rental potential, housing need in the area and the impact of it remaining empty on a community. Using an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO). The council will take over the management of up to

8 YOUR NEWS Spring 2017

x174962_NCC_p3_sw.indd 8 03/03/2017 09:29 AFFORDABLE HOUSING MILLIONS INVESTED in Blyth estate

The work A multi-million pound scheme expected toi sbe completed by to rejuvenate a Blyth estate is the end of nearing completion. March.

More than 350 homes in The Oval alongside a number of owner- “There were area of Newsham and New Delaval occupiers. some issues with have seen their garden walls replaced, anti-social behaviour in this area, Northumberland County Councillor but hopefully the community will IRRWSDWKVUHOD\HGZLWKÁH[LSDYLQJ and ward member Deidre Campbell and new streetlights installed. now take more pride in the estate.” helped to initiate the project. The properties have also been Northumberland County Councillor She said: “It’s fantastic to see the re-rendered and new guttering Allan Hepple, cabinet member for project almost at completion. The housing said: “This major investment DQGIDVFLDVÀWWHG transformation of the estate is is part of our ongoing commitment The council has invested £2.9m wonderful, and tenants I have to improving the lives of our tenants. into the scheme of environmental spoken to are really happy with services. the work. “We hope that there will be a positive impact, not only to their community, Roads in the estate will also be “The estate was looking old and but to the area as a whole. resurfaced and a front canopy tired but this work has given it a placed on a number of properties. new lease of life. If an area looks “As a council we ensure that all our good it makes you feel better about homes meet the Decent Homes The majority of the homes in the the place.” standard. Improving the appearance estate are managed by Homes for of our estates is a natural Northumberland, the council’s Gordon Webb, chair of the council’s progression of this work.” housing management team, housing working group, added:

YOUR NEWS Spring 2017 9

x174962_NCC_p3_sw.indd 9 03/03/2017 09:29 INFORMATION Working with LANDLORDS

Did you know that the council is working with landlords in your area to help to improve standards across our estates?

Working with private owners is key HERE’S HOW WE CAN HELP IN MORE DETAIL: to ensuring that all homes in your community are a decent condition. WHAT’S ON OFFER We offer a range of support and The accreditation scheme was introduced to offer responsible services to encourage landlords and landlords with a free reference checking service for tenants,the owners to look after their properties same way we reference check our own tenants, to make tenancies This includes an accreditation scheme more sustainable and to minimise the risk of failing tenancies. which offers a free tenant check, and a Rent Deposit Guarantee scheme. WHAT WE NEED WHAT A LANDLORD GETS The council is committed to working To access the scheme there are a ɿ)UHHWHQDQWUHIHUHQFHFKHFNV with landlords, property owners and number of things we require from including arrears checks and agents to improve standards in landlords including; all the previous landlord reference rented housing across the county. QHFHVVDU\VDIHW\FHUWLÀFDWHV *DV Electrical and Energy); building ɿ)UHHDGYHUWLVLQJWKURXJK insurance and proof of a buy to let 1RUWKXPEHUODQG+RPHÀQGHU mortgage. ɿ$FDVKUHLPEXUVHPHQWRQHLWKHU your gas, electrical or energy Once we receive these we will do an inspection of the property to ensure FHUWLÀFDWHRQFHWKHSURSHUW\LV accredited there are no health and safety risks. ɿ$FFHVVWRWKH5HQW'HSRVLW *XDUDQWHH6FKHPH VHHRSSRVLWH  ɿ7UDLQLQJVHVVLRQVDQGQHWZRUNLQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV VHHRSSRVLWH ɿ$FRPSHWLWLYHDGYDQWDJHE\ promoting your properties as a responsible landlord

10 YOUR NEWS Spring 2017

x174962_NCC_p4_sw.indd 10 03/03/2017 10:59 INFORMATION

RENT DEPOSIT GUARANTEE TRAINING COURSES SCHEME (RDGS) AND LANDLORD FORUMS Once a property has been assessed Working alongside the National Landlord’s Association, Newcastle City and accepted into the accreditation Council and North Tyneside Council we offer a range of training courses scheme, the RDGS is available to for landlords throughout the year. These focus on everything from tenants, who are unable to raise the understanding deposits and disputes to landlords’ safety. The courses are funds through other means, to help £85 per delegate. them secure a property in the We also organise an annual county-wide Landlords Forum. This event is a private rented sector. JUHDWZD\WRQHWZRUNZLWKRWKHUODQGORUGVDVZHOODVÀQGLQJRXWPRUH The bond guarantee can be claimed about what the council can do to help. upon by landlords at the end of a There are also Development Forums in South East Northumberland, three tenancy (up to 12 months) if there times a year. The forum is a partnership between the council, private has been damage to the property or landlords and letting agents working in the private rented sector. It helps rent arrears. Both parties must be in to promote the views of private landlords to contribute to the improvement agreement before a bond guarantee of the county’s housing. can be signed. This scheme allows properties to be let more quickly. Tenants will be expected to save up over the period of the tenancy in order to repay the council in case of any claim being made. For more information on the Property Accreditation Scheme and its EHQHÀWVHPDLO[email protected] or phone 01670 622299. Visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/Housing/ Landlords.aspx#privaterentedsectoraccreditationscheme

YOUR NEWS Spring 2017 11

x174962_NCC_p4_sw.indd 11 03/03/2017 11:09 COMMUNITY LIFE

MAKING THINGS MATTER in Newsham A new community project led by Northumberland County Council is striving to improve the lives of people living in Newsham.

After a series of anti-social behaviour incidents in the area, the council carried out a door-to-door survey ZLWKWKH3ROLFHWRÀQGRXWZKDWWKH main issues were, and what people wanted to see happen in the community. More than 300 households responded, with many saying they would like to see a community project with everyone working together to bring back some pride to the area. From there tenants developed the Newsham Community Matters project. With funding from NE Procurement the scheme aims to offer tenants and residents activities and courses to help improve their lives for the future.

Activities and courses will run in three different venues in Newsham. IT Matters, Church of Yahweh (lead by the 1RUWKHUQ/HDUQLQJ7UXVWRIIHULQJVXSSRUWZLWKMREDSSOLFDWLRQVKHOSZLWKEHQHÀWFODLPVHVSHFLDOO\8QLYHUVDO Credit, help with writing CV’s, short courses, and home budgeting). Practical Matters, St Bedes Church Hall DFWLYLWLHVVXFKDVFUDIWVFDNHGHFRUDWLQJEDVLF)LUVW$LGOHDGHUVKLSDQGFRQÀGHQFHEXLOGLQJDQGWHQDQF\ advice) and Family Matters, The Pavilion (activities such as healthy cooking, cooking on a budget, dealing ZLWKGLIÀFXOWVLWXDWLRQVDQGKHDOWK\OLIHVW\OHDGYLFH 

12 YOUR NEWS Spring 2017

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 12 03/03/2017 13:44 COMMUNITY LIFE

Save the date Come along to a family fun day to launch With funding from Newsham Community NE Procurement the Matters on March 18th scheme aims to offer at The Pavillion from 10am to 2pm tenants and residents Irene Willis, 72, has lived in Newsham for activities and courses more than 50 years and is fully supportive to help improve their of the project. lives for the future. “I have seen a lot of changes over the years, but recently we seem to have lost that community pride in the area,” she said. “This project has so many different elements to it that I think there is The council will be working in something for everyone. Working partnership with NE Procurement, together, and getting the older the, Police, Community Voluntary generation to help the younger one, Action Blyth Valley, Youth Forum, will hopefully not only improve the Northern Learning Trust, the Army, community but also the lives of Northumbria Healthcare, Red Cross, people who live here. St Bedes, Church of Yahweh and “I would encourage everyone to go volunteers from the community to DORQJWRWKHRSHQGD\DQGÀQGRXW deliver courses and activity sessions what courses and activities could starting on Wednesday 22 March. EHQHÀWWKHPµ We are also working with the Community Voluntary Action Blyth Valley (CVABV) to establish a For more information about the project contact the council’s Community Interest Company, made Resident Involvement Team on 01670 542424 or the up of tenants, who can develop and Newsham Community Project mobile on 075522 60613. take the project forward. Or go to www.facebook.com/newshamcommunitymatters YOUR NEWS Spring 2017 13

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 13 03/03/2017 13:44 HOME ADVICE

Wood is wood, Do you have a solid fuel appliance in your right? Wrong, Your home? Then we have some advice on how solid fuel appliance to look after it and what fuel to burn. is only as good as the fuel you burn on it. There are a number of threats to SO HERE ARE SOME DO’S AND DON’TS your appliance which can not only cause large repair bills for the DON’T council, but also can pose as a • Burn “Green wood”. danger to your home. • This is wood which has not been dried, or seasoned. Unseasoned or Northumberland County Council is green wood, still has the sap inside. Once the wood starts to burn the responsible for servicing your appliance sap evaporates inside the chimney, the smoke cools and the sap turns twice a year, this includes sweeping into tar. This sticks to inside of the chimney and could result in a the chimney and cleaning and FKLPQH\ÀUH repairing any parts, such as grates

RUÀUHEDUV • $ÀUHZRXOGFDXVHPDMRUGDPDJHWRWKHOLQLQJRIWKHFKLPQH\DQG would need to be replaced, costing the council £1,500 each time, However, we have seen an increase to reline the chimney using a specialist chimney contractor in repair work as some tenants choose the wrong type of fuel to burn. • Green wood also gives off less heat, so will end up costing you more as you will need to burn more to keep warm.

DO • Buy your logs from a responsible supplier. • These should be logs that are already seasoned and ready to burn. • Wood should be stored under a cover to protect it from rain, but with DJRRGVXSSO\RIDLU)RUVRIWZRRGFRQLIHUVVXFKDVÀUWKH\VKRXOGEH stored for a year and for a hardwood trees, such as oak, up to two years. • If you are unsure ask the supplier who can advise you on the best type of wood to burn and how to store it correctly.

For more information call our Repairs and Maintenance team on 01670 542424

14 YOUR NEWS Spring 2017

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 14 03/03/2017 14:42 HOME ADVICE Tenants invited TO EXHIBITION

DON’T • 8VH3HWUROHXP&RNH Otherwise known as Pet Coke, this cheaper alternative to coal or coke, burns uncontrollably and at an intense heat. It can burn through your ÀUHEDUVFDXVHJODVVRQWKH front of your stove to crack and crack the chimney.

DO • Source your coal or coke from a reputable, registered coal Tenants were invited to a special merchant, who can advise you exhibition to showcase the next on the best fuel to burn. phase of the council’s £31million Capital Works programme. This programme will include kitchen and bathroom replacements, DID YOU KNOW... electrical rewires, new heating systems, replacement roof coverings If you need help and windows and doors. moving furniture, or preparing your house Tenants whose homes are in line for for work, our housing improvements this year were invited Handyman can do this to an exhibition at Blyth’s Civic Centre. free of charge. Call They were able to view the choices on offer to them, ranging from bathroom 01670 542424 suites and tiles to new front doors for more details and kitchen units. They were also given an idea of the date when work will start in their homes.

YOUR NEWS Spring 2017 15

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 15 03/03/2017 13:44 RESIDENTS’ FESTIVAL NORTHUMBERLAND Residents’ Festival OUR PEOPLE, OUR PLACES

Attractions across the county will be opening their doors to residents to encourage you to explore what’s on your doorstep. © National Trust -XVWFXWRXWWKHYRXFKHUDWWKHERWWRPRIWKLVSDJHÀOOLQWKHGHWDLOVDQG take it along to your chosen attraction, with proof of residence, such as a driving licence, utility bill or bank statement. 7RÀQGDIXOOOLVWRIDWWUDFWLRQVLQYROYHGSLFNXSRQHRIRXUOHDÁHWVIURP\RXU nearest library or information centre or go to www.activenorthumberland. org.uk/northumberland-festivals-and-events Here’s some highlights: FREE entry Seaton Delaval Hall Woodhorn Museum 2 Blyth Battery 2 for 1 admission into 2 for 1 admissionn for 1 Explore this important 2 adm this National Trust for 1 to Brick Dino ission WW1 and WW2 defence battery for property where you can exhibition, and free all weekend. The only WW1 admiss explore the drama of ion come face-to-face battery observation post left in the the central hall as well with dinosaurs world. There will be children’s as the wide open spaces built entirely fromm activities as well as guided tours. in the surrounding landscapes, LEGO® bricks. gardens and woodlands.

 CUT OUT YOUR VOUCHER HERE

Please be aware that you must bring proof of residence when presenting this voucher. A driving licence, utility bill or bank statement will all be accepted. To save time, please complete the voucher before arrival at the venue.

Name: Newbiggin Maritime Centre Address: 50% 50% entry into the entry heritage and art Email: exhibitions at the centre. There will be a host The above information may be used by the attractions for marketing purposes, of special Residents’ Festival 16 YOURshould youNEWS not wish Winter to be contacted, 2016 please tick this box. activities throughout the weekend.

x174962_NCC_p3_sw.indd 16 03/03/2017 09:29 YOUR HEALTH Get yyyour kids dayday offoff to a healthyhealthy start

As the sayingygg goes “Breakfast is the Public Health ’ s Top most importantp meal of the day ” but Breakfast tips are: ɿ Add fruit:OLNHVOLFHGEDQDQD did you know that some children are UDVSEHUULHVRUEOXHEHUULHVWR having twice the daily recommended SODLQFHUHDOVRUSRUULGJH ɿDrink lower-fat milkOLNHVHPL amount of sugar before the morning VNLPPHGRUIXOO\VNLPPHG EXWQRWIRUFKLOGUHQXQGHU  school bell? ZLWKFHUHDO According to research by Public By the end of the day children have ɿHave wholegrain toastLQVWHDG Health some children in consumed more than 3 times these RIKDYLQJZKLWHRUDVXJDU\ England consume more than 11g recommendations. FHUHDODQGXVHRQO\DWKLQOD\HU of sugar at breakfast time alone, RIWRSSLQJVOLNHMDP The research also found that of that’s almost 3 sugar cubes. The ɿMaster porridge oatsE\PL[LQJ those parents of children who were recommended daily maximum is no WKHPZLWKIUXLWDQGORZIDW DQG eating 3 sugar cubes at breakfast, more than 5 cubes of sugar for 4 to ORZVXJDU \RJKXUWDQGOHDYHLW 84% of them considered the 6 year olds and no more than 6 WRVRIWHQRYHUQLJKWLQWKHIULGJH breakfast they were giving their cubes for 7 to 10 year olds per day. Bagels children as healthy. ɿ JRIRUORZHUIDWVRIWFKHHVH ɿSwap sugary drinks for alternatives OLNHZDWHUORZIDWPLONDQGMXLFH GULQNVZLWKQRDGGHGVXJDU ll at sma bow ocol e sp uice A l o Ch rea t j So here’s some stats f s d ui u o fr g n f which may surprise you, a t o r o y s along with some tasty a s c s a healthy options that e t l r g

e

your kids will love in a

A

the morning. l

'RZQORDGWKHXVHIXODQGIUHH%H6PDUW)RRG$SSWRKHOS\RXDQG\RXUNLGVÀQGDKHDOWKLHUVWDUWWRWKHGD\ www.nhs.uk/change4life-beta/be-food-smart

YOUR NEWS Spring 2017 17

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 17 03/03/2017 14:49 GET INVOLVED TENANT FORUM LEASEHOLDERS Did you update know?

Our tenant forum continues to lead the way with the development of a bespoke tenant engagement system called ThinkChange.

Did you know that as a leaseholder you have a number of responsibilities you To help improve tenant engagement, and receive feedback on what is must carry out to important to tenants and residents, the forum is working on an innovative ZHEEDVHGDSSOLFDWLRQFDOOHG7KLQN&KDQJH:KHQODXQFKHGWKH7HQDQWV protect your lease. )RUXPZLOOEHFRPHWKHÀUVWRILW·VNLQGLQWKHUHJLRQWRKDYHVXFKDEHVSRNH tenant engagement system in place. 1RUWKXPEHUODQG&RXQW\&RXQFLO owns the land and the building that The system would allow tenants to 7KH7HQDQWV)RUXPFRXOGDOVRXVH your home is in and is the freeholder suggest ideas on how to improve the 7KLQN&KDQJHWRFRQVXOWZLWKWHQDQWV of your building. We are required to housing service they receive as well on particular areas of the housing maintain the exterior of the building as commenting on current initiatives VHUYLFHVXFKDVWKH&RQWDFWV and any common areas. and projects. &HQWUHRU5HSDLUV7KH\FRXOGWKHQ However, you must pay towards this take the views of tenants direct to Each tenant would be offered the cost and will be charged for any the council for further discussion. opportunity to sign up to the system work carried out to the structure or and would be given a personal login communal areas of your building. which could be accessed from any Here is a list of some of your other computer or mobile device. responsibilities: Karen Bailey, •

x174962_NCC_p4_sw.indd 18 03/03/2017 10:59 GET INVOLVED ADD YOUR VIEWS

Over the next few months members of our Customer Service Development Group will be contacting tenants to get their views on the Customer Contact Centre.

They will be making phonecalls to Results of the survey will be collated no personal details will more than 800 tenants to gauge E\WKH7HQDQW)RUXPZLWKWKHÀQDO be included in any results. customer satisfaction in relation to report outlining the full results later Remember if you do wish to speak calls made to the contact centre. in the year. to a member of the team, as well So if you receive one of these calls Tenants are advised that any members as calling 01670 542424, you can make sure you give your feedback involved in the survey will be signing also drop into one of our Information as it can help shape the way the a Data Protection Declaration and Centres around the county. service is delivered in the future. SEE BELOW FOR THE LIST OF CENTRES You can visit us Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays) Blyth Greenwell Lane, Alnwick Blyth Library, Bridge Street, Blyth Wansbeck Square, Ashington Concordia, Cramlington Within Bedlington library, Hadrian House, Glebe Road, Bedlington Market Street, Hexham Berwick Morpeth Walkergate Building, Walkergate Royal Sovereign House, Please note: Alnwick Information Centres Manchester Street, Morpeth closes at 4:30pm, Bedlington has changed. Seaton Delaval Library, Astley High School, Elsdon Avenue

AT ANY OF OUR CUSTOMER INFORMATION CENTRES YOU CAN: get advice and information regarding any of our services anywhere in the county

arrange delivery of any council service anywhere in the county

make a payment for council services submit applications along with supporting documentation or evidence

get assistance and advice in completing application forms If your request can not be dealt with immediately, we will ensure the appropriate person or department will contact you. MAKING A PAYMENT: For extra convenience, you can also make DSD\PHQWDWDQ\3D\3RLQWRUSRVWRIÀFH

YOUR NEWS Spring 2017 19

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 19 03/03/2017 13:44 LEISURE Boost for BLYTH DURING TALL SHIPS

Nearly half a million people flocked to Blyth last summer for the North Sea Tall Ships Regatta.

500,000 VISITORS 8/10 VISITORS WOULD RETURN TO THE AREA ECONOMY BOOST OF £13.5M

The four day event saw people spending money Blyth and acrossin theboth wider county, boost Northumberland ing economy by a ’ s stagger £13 ing .5million The four day event saw people A remarkable 99% of those spending money in both Blyth and attending the regatta described it across the wider county, boosting as ‘very good’ or ‘good’ - while more ´7KHVHÀJXUHVPRUHWKDQGHPRQVWUDWH7KHVH ÀJXUHVPRUHWKDQ GHPRQVWUDWH Northumberland’s economy by a than eight out of ten visitors from the importance of bringing high staggering £13.5million. other parts of the UK said they SURÀOHHYHQWVWR1RUWKXPEHUODQG would be more likely to return to Spending on eating out, ´7KHOHJDF\LVQRWMXVWLQÀQDQFH the area, and spend, as a result. accommodation and other tourism and memories however - it also gave opportunities for volunteers and leisure services far exceeded &RXQFLOOHDGHU'DYH\VDLG´%HQHÀWV initial targets and has demonstrated from holding the Tall Ships event in and trainees to become involved in the huge value to the county. Northumberland have far exceeded learning and in gaining life skills of our initial expectations. This world KXJHEHQHÀWWRWKHPLQWKHIXWXUHµ The economic impact has been class event produced a huge Blyth will once again host the YHULÀHGE\LQGHSHQGHQWUHVHDUFK economic impact for the county as which also shows that there was Northumberland Live festival this a whole, and particularly so in Blyth an extremely high satisfaction rate year, which attracts 10,000 number and surrounding areas. from visitors to the event. of people to the area.

20 YOUR NEWS Spring 2017

x174962_NCC_p3_sw.indd 20 03/03/2017 09:30 NOTICEBOARD

Northumberland Day Sunday 28th May Show your love for the place you live by celebrating the first ever Northumberland Day. 29 July 2017 Why not organise a street 24 June 2017 party, or a special event or Á\WKH1RUWKXPEHUODQGÁDJ BLYTH BEDLINGTON or decorate your house in [Blyth Beach NE24 3PL] [Gallagher Park NE22 7LA] the county’s traditional NO ON SITE PARKING ON SITE PARKING colours of red and yellow. www.blythtowncouncil.org.uk NorthumberlandliveBedlington16 NorthumberlandLiveFestival The Undertones The Commitments Plus many more* Plus many more*

* ********** FREEFREE FamilyFamily FestivalsFestivals ********* Watch this space LIVELIVE MUSICMUSIC / SSTREETTREET TTHEATREHEATRE // FFUNUN FFAIRSAIRS FOODFOOD ATAT AAFFORDABLEFFORDABLE P PRICESRICES O ORR B BRINGRING A A P PICNICICNIC FREE) HAVE-A-GOHAVE-A-GO AACTIVITIESCTIVITIES FFOROR AALLLL T THEHE F AFAMILYMILY ( M(MOSTLYOSTLY FREE) Northumberland’s Homefinder will be re-launched at the end l [email protected] or for more ForFor moremoremore informationinformationinformation aboutaboutabout thethe eventevent pleaseppleaselease emaiemaiemail [email protected] or for more of March. information regarding public transport please visit http://jplanner.travelinenortheast.info/ * Both headline acts are supported by a wide range of bands which are suitable for a family audience The new look website will be more user friendly using the most up-to-date technology to help you choose your future home.

EASTER DATES Good Friday 14 April 17 April Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday 1 May Spring Bank Holiday 29 May

FOLLOW US ON Simply search Homes for Northumberland and click to like our page @HomesforN_land

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 21 03/03/2017 13:44 PERFORMANCE HOW ARE WE performing?

We aim to be the best we can possibly be and offer the best service we possibly can to our tenants. This is why we are constantly monitoring our performance and measuring our work against a set of performance indicators.

Performance Indicators are targets used to PHDVXUHRXUSHUIRUPDQFHLQVSHFLÀFDUHDV and provide important information on the key services we provide. Our performance indicators have been agreed by tenants. Our latest figures show how we were performing between April and December 2016.

CURRENT RENT ARREARS AVERAGE NUMBER NUMBER OF EMERGENCY OF DAYS TO RE-LET REPAIRS COMPLETED A PROPERTY WITHIN 24HRS Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual £517,011 £612,763 30 Days 31.5 Days as a % 96.69% 99.20%

Total Total number completed within 24hrs NUMBER OF GAS SERVICING CERTIFICATES COMPLETED of repairs 8,608 8,323 Target Mid-year Number of Number as a % point FHUWLÀFDWHV outstanding 100% 99.93% completed 5* NUMBER OF REPAIRS FIXED 6,816 FIRST TIME Target Actual $WWKHWLPHRIWKLVSXEOLFDWLRQJRLQJWRSULQWDOORXWVWDQGLQJJDVVHUYLFLQJFHUWLÀFDWHVKDGEHHQ completed, giving a 100% completion rate as a % 96.84% 98% NUMBER OF SOLID FUEL CERTIFICATES COMPLETED Target Actual Number Number Total Total as a % 100% requested completed number completed 100% 176 176 of repairs ÀUVWWLPH 28,677 27,772

*Many of the repairs requiring a second visit were due to a tradesman needing to order in materials to complete the job

22 YOUR NEWS Spring 2017

x174962_NCC_p5_sw.indd 22 03/03/2017 13:44 HOUSING OFFICERS

YOUR HOUSING MANAGEMENT TEAM

Your Housing Management Team is here to help with questions on a range of housing services including, rent, estate management or your tenancy. We have a dedicated Housing Officer for each estate. Find out who your officer is and contact them on 01670 542424. st go que rey cGre r e e er le to M ar rp d g S H o o O a e ’ Th S p in O n t l h p p s r li a li i a i s i r a r h u h h e a

P S P C P S

Head of Housing Head of Housing Area Housing Area Housing Team Leader Team Leader Management Manager Manager Blyth North Blyth South Blyth North and Blyth South and Alnwick Area Alnwick Area YOUR HOUSING OFFICER

ALNWICK OFFICERS

waite is tan th Simon covers: w Hannah covers: ws os re o Andrew covers: r Alnmouth, Boulmer, B All estates, H C h a w Alnwick n Craster, Embleton, Hauxley e o n r Elsdon, Felton, n d m a i n

S Glanton, , H A Longframlington, Longhoughton, Netherton, Newton by the Sea, Powburn, , , Whittingham BLYTH OFFICERS

l d nnel woo Go in ar c sk H M Shaun covers: n Lee covers: e Graeme covers: a n The Poet’s Estate, m Cowpen estate D (DVWÀHOG/HD u e a Seaton Sluice, e Collingwood Grange, a r h e

S New Hartley, L 0D\ÀHOG'DOH&RZSHQ G Allendale, Estate Flats

d er t e alk h m Imran covers: Joanne covers: rig Dawn covers: h W A The Avenues, e East Hartford, W Newsham and n n n a Solingen n New Delaval r &UDPOLQJWRQ(DVWÀHOG w a a o m Blyth Town Centre Grange, Cramlington J I D 0D\ÀHOG*ODGH Cramlington Allensgreen/Allerhope

d or ey lf dl a a Kevin covers: r Jeff covers: H Debbie covers: r e B k ie North Farm, Bebside, Seaton Delaval a Seaton Delaval b n B i b Cowpen Farm, v and Seghill f and Seghill f e e

e

D Hodgsons Road, K J Cowpen Quay

YOUR NEWS Spring 2017 23

x174962_NCC_p3_sw.indd 23 03/03/2017 09:30 FOLLOW US ON for latest news & advice

Why not follow us on Facebook and keep If you have a Facebook account, simply search up to date with the latest news and advice Homes for Northumberland about your home and the services we provide. and click to like our page.

KEEP IN TOUCH CONTACT US SAVE TIME AND CUSTOMER For queries about your council property, DO IT ONLINE INFORMATION CENTRES repairs, rents and neighbourhood If you want to report a problem, apply You can call in at any Northumberland services ring 01670 542424. for services or pay bills it is cheaper, County Council customer information For questions about any other faster and easier to do it online. Simply centre and speak to one of our Northumberland County Council visit www.northumberland.gov.uk friendly advisors about any housing VHUYLFHVXFKDV+RPHÀQGHU and complete your task from the or council related issue. FRXQFLOWD[KRXVLQJEHQHÀW comfort of your own home. or refuse collection ring 0345 600 6400.

x174962_NCC_p3_sw.indd 24 03/03/2017 09:30