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Tyˆ Agored Rhifyn 2 2015 Y cylchgrawn ar gyfer Tenantiaid a Les-ddeiliaid y Cyngor Open House The Magazine for Council Tenants and Leaseholders Issue 2 2015

RReettuurrnn AAddddrreessss: : CCiittyy aanndd CCoouunnttyy ooff SSwwaannsseeaa,, CCiivviicc CCeennttrree,, OOyysstteerrmmoouutthh RRooaadd,, SSwwaannsseeaa,, SSAA11 33SSN N CCyyffeeiirriiaadd ddyycchhwweellyydd: : Dinas a Sir Abertawe, Canolfan Ddinesig, Ffocws ar West Cross Dinas a Sir Abertawe, Canolfan Ddinesig, Focus on West Cross HHeeooll YYssttuummllllwwyynnaarrtthh,, AAbbeerrttaawwee,, SSAA11 33SSN N Gweler tudalen 1 am fwy o fanylion See page 1 for more details Os hoffech gael yr wybodaeth hon mewn fformat arall e.e. print bras, Braille, disg neu ddull arall, cysylltwch â'r Gwasanaethau Cwsmeriaid Tai  01792 635045 neu ewch i’n gwefan If you require this information in a different format eg large prin t, Braill e, disc or other, please contact  http://www.abertawe.gov.uk/tai Housing Customer Services 01792 635045 or neu e-bostiwch  [email protected]  visit our website  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing or email  [email protected]

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FEATURES A

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Focus on West Cross DHO ...... 1 for Council tenants and leaseholders. P

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TENANCY AND ESTATE ISSUES information about a Social Enterprise called EEESafe, aimed at D

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preventing electrical appliance waste on page 31, and advice on 6

Tenants voice ...... 9

how to deal with rogue traders on page 34.  4 3 ...... ! g u f f r y w h c a s n a f m a d d u b y h R

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...... r w a 4 2 u a h t e a g o d m y C i g o n f e C d e n U 7 0 5 8 4

Suspension of the Right to Buy ...... 11 On a lighter note, see what the swans are getting up to on Fendrod 6

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Lake (page 3), and if you’re thinking of getting a dog, the article on 5

Universal Credit ...... 12

 8 2 ...... y w n h c w l e g o i D 0 0 1 5 3 6 ...... o i r i e w y g t A t l l w s y G n a f l o n a G pages 16 and 17 has some very useful information that you may Y

Thinking of getting a dog? ...... 16

want to consider first. We’ve also got a voucher for a free pay and  7 2 ...... i d d r e g u s a d d a r a r o g n y C

5 4 0 5 3 6 ...... r e b b e W e n n A – d d y g y l o

play session for the kids this summer to use at our Active Swansea G L O N I D E R F F Y C N O I R E T A M A R O G N Y C l o i d d y n f e D u a d a i t l l y s y Advice to owners of dogs ...... 17 C

centres.

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Refurbishment of high rise flats ...... 20 You can also find all this information and more in our online version Y

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3 2 ...... i a t u a d a t Rent payment methods and support of Open House at:  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing s

i l o e h r h t e a g e t a r t s y r a f a r a d d e w i d services ...... 21 Y ŷ

1 2 ...... i g o n f e c Anne Webber , Editor  i a t / k u . v o g . e w a t r e b a . w w w : n y d e r o g A D o n i e l - r a n w i s r e Housing estate management f

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Capital programme update ...... 24 D 0 2 ...... l e h c u u a i t a l f f u d d y w e n d A

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Useful Contacts ŵ

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Editor – Anne Webber ......  635045 a

Advice on garden alterations ...... 27

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Gas safety ...... 28

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Eee safe ...... 31 A

1 1 ...... u n y r B i l w a H r y l a t

24 hour Neighbourhood Support Unit ......  648507 A

Free PC access ...... 32

1 1 ...... n i e l - r a s e h c o l l d i a i t n a n e

Environment Contact Centre ......  635600 T

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Rogue traders alert! ...... 34 d

...... 9 d i a i t n a n e T y s i a l

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Maintenance of trees ...... 35 d

U A D A T S A H T E A I T N A N E T N O I R E T A M

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Fire safety ...... 35 District Housing Office Numbers e

L O E L L U A D A I T L L Y S Y C r ’ o l o s a h t i e d m y G r e t n e F m a l o i d d y n f e d d h t e a d o b y w g s y w n n y c

Recycling ...... 36 Eastside District Housing Office ......  791251 ...... 7

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24 hour services ...... 38 Morriston & Clase District Housing Office ......  601720 M h c i e u s a d d a m a d d y s h c o n o h o y n n y h i a h r r ’ I . r u d a i f i r f y c h c ’ o r w a f

...... 4 e w a t r e b A n i e l - r A h c w e

Sketty District Housing Office ...... 516810 D

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EQUALITY ISSUES  f

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Townhill & Mayhill District Housing Office ...... 513900 D

Hate crime ...... 39 

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Blaenymaes District Housing Office ...... 534060 Y

Active kids ...... 40 

U A L G Y H T R E . r o g n y c y d i a i l i e d d s e l

Gorseinon District Housing Office ......  897700 a

Can we help you? ...... 41

d i a i t n a n e d i n w a r g h c l y c y , d e r o g A ˆ Ty f a r a d d e w i d n y f i r i o s e o r

Penlan District Housing Office ......  582704 C n w e

The Big Housing Conversation ...... 42

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Town Centre District Housing Office ...... 650486 cysylltwch arall, ddull neu disg Braille, bras, print e.e.

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Rhifyn 2 2015 2 Rhifyn Y cylchgrawn ar gyfer gyfer ar cylchgrawn Y Tenantiaid a Les-ddeiliaid y Cyngor y Les-ddeiliaid a Tenantiaid Agored ˆ Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Ty  [email protected] Focus on ... West Cross District Housing Office

Hello, I’m David Richards and I’ve been the manager for the West Cross District Housing office for approximately thirteen years.

Local Facilities and outdoor attractions Situated four miles outside of the City of Swansea and under a mile from the seaside resort of Mumbles, the West Cross estate is within walking distance of the promenade and sea shore and offers panoramic views across Swansea Bay (see cover page). The estate is well served by public transport going in the directions of both Swansea and Mumbles. In addition to two GP surgeries and a dental surgery, West Cross has a number of local shops Staff at the West Cross District Housing Office both on the seafront overlooking West Cross village green and at the top of the estate at West Cross Location of the office and areas covered Lane. The shops include a pharmacy, hairdressers, The District Office was opened around 1989 and is supermarkets, café, post office, a chip shop and a situated off Linden Avenue, West Cross next door to Chinese take away. The estate is close to the the West Cross Community Centre. The District nationally acclaimed Clyne Gardens, Clyne Valley Office manages 602 properties in the Boarspit and Cycle track and a Skateboard Park which is situated West Cross areas. The housing stock consists of on the seafront between West Cross and Blackpill. houses, flats, maisonettes, bedsits and bungalows, and a sheltered housing complex at Thomas Harries House. There is very high demand for accommodation in the area. West Cross and Boarspit are situated in the West Cross Ward and the local Councillors for the area are Councillor Des Thomas and Councillor Mark Child.

Improvement Schemes in the area • 434 properties in West Cross have been rewired since 2000 • 578 properties have had new doors since 2009 (96% of council properties in the area) • 312 properties have had new hard wired smoke alarms since 2009

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 1  [email protected] Community Centres The West Cross Community Centre is well used by local groups, and activities include indoor bowls, badminton, dancing, bridge, craft activities and singing. Use this link for contact details:  www.swansea.gov.uk/article/7149/West- Cross-Community-Centre

Schools There are 2 primary schools, a Welsh Medium Primary School and a Voluntary Aided Primary School in the area. For more information about Schools in West Cross please use this link:  www.swansea.gov.uk/article/1808/ Search?q=Primary+schools

Police The Community Police Support Officer covering the West Cross area is PCSO Victoria Cassidy and you can contact her to talk about local issues or concerns on  07805 301620 or  Vicky.Cassidy@south-wales.pnn.police.uk . However to report crimes and incidents please use 101 for non- emergencies and 999 for emergencies. Local History The local PACT meetings are usually held in Washinghouse Brook Woodland Walk Mayals School on Fairwood Road and current priorities are parking issues and speeding. This pleasant woodland walk runs though the West Cross estate beside the Washinghouse brook, the wood is home to birds such as tawny owl, green woodpecker, dunnock, song thrush, greenfinch, goldfinch and bullfinch. The walk can be accessed at the bottom of the estate from West Cross Lane near the shops on the village green or near the top of the estate off Elmgrove Road. The Washinghouse brook originally flowed into the “Washing Lakes” near the West Cross Inn where limestone slabs or “Mumbles Marble” were washed and milled. The marble works at West Cross is believed to have closed by 1837. For further information about the Washinghouse Brook walk please use this link:  www.swansea.gov.uk/washinghousebrook . And for more information about Mumbles Marble and its uses locally please use this link:  www.margamcountrypark.co.uk/ default.aspx?page=1369

2 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Window on your World

We recently asked readers of Open House to send us photos of local events, spectacular views and unusual sights in the Swansea area for this new feature.

Animal antics Thank you to Gaynor from Mayhill, who wanted to share these wonderful photos taken at Fendrod Lake in Llansamlet on the day that Wales were playing Austria in a friendly game of football at Liberty Stadium. Gaynor says ‘the only way I can describe what I saw with these photos, was almost as if the birds knew what was happening that day and wanted us to feel good, it was so funny and surreal...’ ‘I have never seen anything like it before, all the birds were posing to have their photos taken, they were showing off. It felt like I was watching children playing…..’

Why not go and take a look at these for yourself at Fendrod Lake?

Do you have any photos that you’d like to share? If so, please send them to us.

Please tell us where and when it was taken and any other interesting information about the photo. If it includes people we will need their permission to feature it in Open House. If you have taken the photo using a digital camera please e mail a digital copy to [email protected]

All photos must be high resolution and at least All photographs will be returned, but 300dpi at A4 size. Images used on the web or Facebook are unfortunately not of a high quality to don’t forget to include your name, use for print. If you only have a printed copy or do address and an up to date telephone not have access to e mail please post the photo to number, mobile number or e mail Housing Services, City & County of Swansea, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN FreePost address so that we can contact you. RSCT JJZHKLJZ.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 3  [email protected] Want to learn how to post photos onto Facebook, shop online and save money and time? Well now you can.

Get Swansea 2) ‘New to Online’ Courses Online is a new which are run as one session of 3 hours and are initiative that is aimed at people with some experience of using already helping computers. people learn these skills by offering free computer 3) 'Digital Fridays' Drop-in sessions courses and drop in sessions. which are run in most libraries across Swansea. These sessions are aimed at anyone who needs Learn how to……search for jobs, talk to family support to get online or use technology. These on Skype, send e-mails, save money, book are informal drop in sessions where the tutor will holidays, surf the web, use Facebook and twitter tailor the session to the individual needs. and lots more…. FREE For more information about dates, times and Run by a qualified tutor, these sessions are locations of courses near you, contact the held in venues across Swansea including some Communities First Offices in: libraries and community buildings. They will cater for everyone and are split into 3 West (Townhill) 01792 457025 groups: North West (Portmead) 01792 578632 South (Dyfatty) 01792 452301 1) 'New to IT' Course East (Bonymaen) 01792 464751 which is aimed at people with limited or no North East (Heol Ddu) 01792 700670 experience of using computers. It will last for 2 hours a week for 3 weeks. For more details on Digital Fridays contact your local library.

4 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Get involved in the FREE courses or drop in sessions

As well as the published programme if community groups supply a suitable venue and guarantee a minimum of 5 people there may be an option to put on additioSnteavl eco Juernskeisn -s acot ntact the project sctoe-pohrdeina.jetonrk [email protected].

The project is also looking to recruit suitable To discuss the possibilitiSetse fvuer tJheenr kpilnesa aset contact volunteers as Digital Champions to help members sthtep phreonje.cjet ncokionrsd@insawtoarn sea.gov.uk . of the local community to get online and carry out basic tasks with their PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. They don’t have to have their own Fwowr dwe.gtaeiltss wona nthsee acoounrlsinees.,c dor.oupk i n sessions visit device as there is free access to public computers at their local library. They also don't have to be a technical expert either as it is all about being able to explain everyday computer tasks in a clear and The project is supported by Swansea Council and simple manner to someone who is unfamiliar with its partners Age Cymru, Swansea Bay and Family the technology, giving them the confidence to do it Housing Association Wales and backed by for themselves. Communities 2.0, the Welsh Government's digital inclusion initiative and funded by the European Training is available for Digital Champions. Regional Development Fund.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 5  [email protected] Swansea’s Community Green Maps

Community Green Maps are part of a worldwide phenomenon which started in New York in 1995 as a way of promoting sustainability and environmental awareness in a local area. They use an internationally recognised system and by now, over 600 maps have been created in over 50 countries.

Their aim is to highlight sustainable and from the Environment Centre in the marina area- environmental resources in a particular area and so keep an eye out for them! can include entries such as places to buy local food, places to recycle, community resources such The latest in the series of maps is now available as libraries, community centres, green open which focuses on Penderry and the surrounding spaces and play areas, walks, natural features areas. such as nature reserves and so on. Sustainable Swansea has been at the forefront of this movement and has produced numerous maps with the more recent community maps being for Townhill, Castle, Morriston, Pontarddulais, Gower and St. Thomas and Port Tennant.

These maps are created by contributions from local people as individuals and collectively as groups where consultations have taken place and we also run digital photography sessions where participants have walked around their locality, identifying entries and taking photographs.

Copies are distributed to public places such as libraries, community centres, post ofﬁces, Churches, pubs and shops. Additionally, copies are available from District Housing Ofﬁces and

For more information, please contact Sustainable Swansea o n  01792 480200 or call in at The Environment Centre, Pier Street, Swansea, SA1 1RY.

You can also try our website to view the maps:  www.sustainableswansea.net.

6 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Local Links Local Links provides information about activities taking place in your area. If you would like to contribute to future editions please call  01792 635045. Please note that we try to ensure that information in Local Links is accurate but we recommend that you check details with relevant venue/event provider.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Swansea has a perfect combination of beaches, cliffs and countryside making it ideal for a huge variety of outdoor activities. It doesn't matter whether you're experienced or just starting out, you'll find that all levels are catered for, so do something different for a change! Here are some ideas for you:

Walking

Swansea has an abundance of natural green space, scenic landscapes, coastal walks and urban parks and the aim is to get more people using these more often. With all the benefits of walking there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy the fresh air and scenery around us. You can find out more about walking routes and guided walks within Swansea if you visit our website –  www.swansea.gov.uk/walking

Multi Use Game Areas

Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) are a great way to encourage young people to play informal sport in a safe environment. Each area is marked out to play one of a number of sports, including: football, basketball, netball, tennis and hockey. MUGAs can be found in the following areas: • Blaenymaes • Parc William • Clase • Pontlliw Park • Coed Gwilym Park • Ravenhill Park • Cwmbwrla Park • Townhill • Dunvant Park • Victoria Park • Elba Sports Complex • Ynystawe Park • Hafod Park • Mayhill There is also the adiZone facility at Pentrehafod Sports Centre.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 7  [email protected] Running and Jogging Clubs

Running clubs are a great way to meet new people, pick up some training tips, improve your technique, and most importantly... make you run! They are great fun and keep you motivated to help you achieve your goals - whatever they may be. Below is a list of local clubs in the Swansea area. Please contact individual clubs for further details.

Morriston Leisure Centre  01792 797082 Penyrheol Leisure Centre  01792 897039 Swansea Harriers Athletic Club  01792 792301  www.swanseaharriers.co.uk Celtic Tri  077107834839  www.celtictri.com Swansea Bay Striders  01792 478627 Mumbles Milers Road Running Club  01792 655960 3M Gorseinon Road Runners  01792 202040 Bowls

There are a number of bowling greens in Swansea, with the opportunity to play both indoors and outdoors. You can play outdoor bowls at your local park:

• Bonymaen Park • Manselton Park • Brynmill Park • Morriston Park • Coed Bach Park • Parc Williams • Coed Gwilym Park • Parc y Werin • Cwmdonkin Park • Parc Llewelyn • De la Beche Road • Primrose Park, Llansamlet • Dunvant Park • Ravenhill Park • Dyfatty Park • Southend Gardens For more information or • Hafod Park • Victoria Park to book a pitch please • Jersey Park • Ynystawe Park ring 01792 635411.

8 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Hello, my name is Alison Winter and I am the Participation Officer. This is my regular update on tenant involvement in Swansea, where I provide you with news and progress of the local and city and countywide groups. to sheltered housing and responded to issues Local groups that were raised at the previous meeting. Clyne Court Residents Association held their The Estate Management and Caretakers Annual General Meeting in January and I Panel met to talk about the issue of fly tipping would like to welcome the 3 new Committee with Norma Green, Fly Tipping Action Wales. Members to the team. There were some detailed discussions about A representative from the contractors, the impact of fly tipping and common hot Bouygues UK attended the meeting in April to spots. update the group about the ongoing refurbishments programme and to answer any questions. Community Space, Tesco Fforestfach The Community Space in Tesco Fforestfach is a free, purpose built facility that can be used by the community. It has four computers, level access, toilets and baby changing facilities. Since 2014, the Housing Service has arranged regular drop in sessions every Monday afternoon between 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Topics have included Digital Inclusion, Community Safety, Grants, Renewals and Energy Efficiency. City and Countywide Positive feedback has been received from those that have attended and further sessions groups have been planned. If you are interested in The Tenant Steering Group met up to discuss finding out more about future sessions please progress with the review of the Tenant contact Alison Winter for further information. Participation Strategy. The group discussed feedback from the tenant questionnaire and ideas for the revised strategy. The Sheltered Reps met Tina Williams from Social Services who told the group about the Community Voice Project which aims to empower patients and carers’ to be more involved with the delivery of health and social services. Diane Thomas, the Sheltered Housing Manager, also attended and provided updates on various matters relating

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 9  [email protected] Big Housing Conversation Tenants Consultative Panel In the last edition of Open House, we mentioned a new project being developed to encourage (TCP) Recruitment Drive younger people to get involved. Last September, Any tenant or leaseholder can be a member of the an initial event was held with young people from TCP. As a member you will be asked your views on local schools and clubs to discuss the issues that policies and procedures and for ideas for face them in relation to their homes, communities, improving services. You can do this through homelessness and how they can get involved and questionnaires, email, and text or by attending ‘have their say’. The event was very successful with meetings. feedback showing that homelessness and maintaining a tenancy are two of the most important issues affecting young people. In response to this, a further event took place in April where the young people talked about what was important to them when moving into their own ﬁrst home. The young people were keen to form a group to discuss these issues further and are planning to hold their ﬁrst meeting in the next couple of months. If you are aged 16- 25 and would like to get involved with this group please contact Alison Winter for further information.

If you would like more information about any of these groups or meetings, or you want to have your say and get involved, you can contact Alison Winter, Participation Ofﬁcer on  01792 635043, or  [email protected] or text your comments along with your name and address to 07775221453 Your comments about Open House

Do you have any comments about this edition of Open House magazine or any of the articles you have read? If so, you can either write to: Housing Services, City and County of Swansea, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN Freepost RSCT-JJZH-KLJZ or  [email protected] or 01792 635045. Thank you for your time. Please let us know if you are happy for your comments to be included in Open House magazine.

10 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Getting sheltered housing

Complexes, namely Gloucester House, Pantgwyn, tenants online Heol Y Gors, Tirdeunau, Ty Dewi Sant, Llys Gwernen, Laugharne Court, Llys Gwalia, In July 2014, over 950 questionnaires were Dan Yr Allt and Ger Y Pant. The courses distributed to tenants in the Council’s Sheltered were well attended and interest was Housing Schemes across Swansea. The aim of expressed for further training on IT the exercise was to explore the possibility of which we are planning to organise assisting this group of tenants to become more over the next year at selected sites. digitally included. Questionnaires were returned Other opportunities are currently being from 41% of the group which identified a definite explored including inter-generational interest across a number of the sheltered working with local schools. schemes. We are also planning to introduce temporary Based on the results received from the wireless access to the internet via Mi-Fi in the questionnaires, from September to December communal lounges at a number of identified 2014, we worked in partnership with the sheltered complexes over the next 2 years. This will Community Connectors, Lifelong Learning and the allow up to 5 mobile wireless devices i.e. mobile Get Swansea Online Project and provided ‘New to phone, laptop or tablet to access the internet IT’ courses at a third of our Sheltered Housing connection at the same time. Suspension of the Right to Buy Since 2012, the Welsh Government has had the “As a council, one of our key objectives is tackling power to suspend the Right to Buy scheme in areas poverty. This successful application will help us make where there is a shortage of affordable housing. further progress by helping meet demand for social After consulting tenants, the Council applied for the housing and reducing the decline in the number of Right to Buy to be suspended in Swansea for an council properties available to rent. initial period of 5 years to help tackle the shortage of “We’ve also started detailed work on a strategy for affordable housing locally. more Council housing locally which will include an The Welsh Government has now formally approved assessment of the type of accommodation to be that application which means that the Right to Buy built, where they should be provided and the scheme (and the Right to Acquire scheme for available funding options. This means, within a short Housing Association tenants) is now suspended in time, new Council housing will be built in Swansea Swansea from 1st December 2014. This means that for the first time in a generation.” any Right to Buy applications that were received after The Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, 1st December 2014 will not be considered. Lesley Griffiths said; Councillor David Hopkins, Swansea’s Cabinet “Approving Swansea’s application to suspend the Member for Communities and Housing added: Right to Buy in its area will help the Authority “Over the past decade, more than 1,500 council safeguard its social housing stock as part of its houses in Swansea have been sold under the Right ongoing action to meet local people’s housing to Buy scheme. This has led to a significant shortage needs.” of affordable housing in the city, which is why we applied to the Welsh Government to suspend the scheme.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 11  [email protected] - it’s almost here!

What is Universal Credit? The way working age beneﬁts are paid is changing – a new system called Universal Credit has been introduced by Central Government. It is aimed at making the beneﬁts system simpler and is for people who are in work and on a low income as well as out of work.

Universal Credit will be introduced to Swansea from July 2015. To begin with only new claimants who are single and on Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) will be affected.

After July, if you are of working age and fall within this group you will have your JSA and your housing costs paid to you in a lump sum on a monthly basis, this one payment is known as Universal Credit. Eventually as part of the Government’s Welfare Reform programme there are plans that all people of working age will receive their beneﬁts including, Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Beneﬁt (working age claimants) as a single Universal Credit payment. You will be told by the DWP if and when the change will affect you.

There is still time to get ready – so start planning for the changes. Universal Credit will be paid into bank, building society or credit union accounts so if you don’t already have one of these you will need to open one. Claiming most beneﬁts is now done on the internet so you need to think about how you can access the internet. District Housing Ofﬁces and the Rents Team can advise you on both of these.

How will it affect your rent? Every Council tenant pays rent, but if you receive housing beneﬁt this is paid directly to your rent account. From July, for tenants who receive Universal Credit, housing costs (previously housing beneﬁt) will be paid directly to you and not to your rent account. This means that if you receive Universal Credit you will have to pay all of your rent yourself. This is a big change and if you need help in setting up a method of payment that suits you to ensure your rent is paid, we can help you.

Have you been asked to complete a questionnaire? Recently, whilst visiting your District Housing Ofﬁce, Rents Ofﬁcer or through contact with the Tenancy Support Unit (TSU), you may have been asked to complete a short questionnaire about how you pay your rent, manage your money and what access you have to the internet. We very much appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey. The information we are collecting is important to ensure the council is able to help prepare tenants for the introduction of Universal Credit, and support people wherever possible with the changes.

12 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Frequently Asked Questions

How will Universal Credit be paid? Universal Credit will be paid to you in one lump sum once a month on or around the same date each month, into your bank, building society or credit union account.

After making your claim you may have to wait up to five weeks for your first payment of Universal Credit so for those first five weeks, with no benefits coming in, money will be tight. If the Council know you are waiting for a payment they will be able to consider this and can also help you set up direct debits to pay your rent, so when the first monthly payment does come in, you can be sure that your rent is paid.

If you would like to start paying your rent by direct debit now, please contact the Rents Team on  01792 635015 .

If you live with your partner/husband/wife and both claim Universal Credit you will receive a single payment into one account that covers you both.

What if I need help? If you need help and advice on budgeting and planning for UC, you can contact:

• The Tenancy Support Unit in the council on:  01792 774360 or  [email protected] • The Rents Team on:  01792 534094 or  [email protected] • Paula Montez, Financial Inclusion Officer , Rents Team on:  01792 534098 for information on benefit entitlement, managing your budget and debt counselling • The Government’s Money Advice Service to get help  0300 500 5000 or  www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk • Swansea Credit Union (LASA) may be able to help you on  01792 643632 . • The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) website has useful information:  www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/benefits/universalcredit

How do I claim Universal Credit? • After you are told when Universal Credit will affect you, you will have to make your claim for Universal Credit online:  www.gov.uk/universal-credit . There is NO PAPER CLAIM FORM. • You will also have to MANAGE YOUR CLAIM ONLINE – ensuring that your details are correct etc.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 13  [email protected] How to get ready for Universal Credit

Make sure you have a bank account (or equivalent - building society account or credit union account) If you have a Post Ofﬁce® card account, you won’t be able to set up direct debits so you’ll need 1 to use a bank account instead.

Get online - you will have to APPLY for Universal Credit and MANAGE your claim. You can use computers and get on the internet for FREE 2 in most local libraries and job centres across Swansea, details can be found on the Council’s website -  www.swansea.gov.uk

Get budgeting - think about how you will do this. You can contact the Council’s Rents Team or Tenancy Support Unit for 3 help with budgeting over a month.

Things to avoid: • Borrowing from doorstep lenders. • Missing your priority bills – rent, gas, electricity, council tax and television licence.

There is a Government Universal Credit Helpline The Government’s web page on Universal Credit  www.gov.uk/universal-credit provides a lot of useful information to help you prepare.

Contact the helpline if: • you have any questions • your circumstances change and you’re already getting Universal Credit

www.swansea.gov.uk/housing 14 Open House: Issue 2 2015   [email protected] Universal Credit A quick guide

Universal Credit will replace a number of beneﬁts administered by the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) What? and the level of beneﬁt available will be capped.

If you're working age adult (16-64) in receipt of beneﬁts, you'll Who? be affected.

The transition to Universal Credit is taking place in Swansea When? from July 2015 .

Universal Credit will be paid into a bank or credit union account as a lump sum each month to cover both daily living Where? and housing costs. If you don’t have a bank account you’ll need to set one up.

The beneﬁts to be replaced by Universal Credit include: Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; Income-related Employment and Support Allowance; Income Which? Support; Housing Beneﬁt; Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit; Parts of the Social Fund

The DWP will contact you when you need to apply for UC. You will be expected to apply online . If you need help applying online let your Housing Ofﬁcer / Tenancy Support Worker How? know so that they can signpost you to local free PC support, access and training.

For further information contact the Housing Rents Team  01792 534094 / 601720 or email  [email protected]

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 15  [email protected] Thinking of getting a dog?

Dogs are ideal pets and make great If you feel you can care for and afford a dog, ﬁrstly check companions, but before you commit your Tenancy Conditions, (sec. 4.8.(i)), to see what is yourself to keeping a dog, please consider expected of you, For example, you must ensure that your whether you have the time and money to dog does not cause a nuisance or annoyance by barking care for it. and fouling. You must also ask your District Housing Manager in writing for permission regardless of the type of Costs such as vet bills, pet insurance and property you live in. Permission will not be refused if your dog food should be considered carefully request is considered to be reasonable. before making a decision. Unfortunately many dogs are discarded as budgets Please think carefully about getting a dog or puppy that is become tight. As many rehoming centres advertised for free or cheaply in the newspaper. Many of are full this can lead to dogs being these puppies are from puppy farms and have no abandoned on the streets. experience of being handled by humans and are therefore frightened of people and everyday noises. A much better option is to visit a rehoming centre such as the RSPCA Centre, Llys Nini in Penllergaer, Swansea or the Dogs Trust Centre in Bridgend. Websites such as  www.rspca-llysnini.org.uk and  www.dogstrust.org.uk will provide you with information about the dog’s nature, how much exercise they need and if they are good around children. This sort of information can help you decide on the best breed of dog to suit your lifestyle.

If you would like a dog but are struggling to manage your bills and re-pay debts then think of volunteering at a rehoming centre. They often need people to help walk and play with dogs. You could also offer to walk a dog for a neighbour who is unable to walk theirs or you could volunteer in the PDSA or RSPCA charity shops.

16 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Advice to owners of dogs

The amended “Dangerous Dogs Act” came into effect in England and Wales on 13 May 2014. This law applies to all dog owners regardless of size or breed.

Which elements of the existing Dangerous Dogs What Should Dog Owners be doing now? Act should dog owners be aware of? • Ensure your gardens are safe - You need to It is a criminal offence for the person in charge of a make sure that any visitor can safely access your dog to allow it to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in front door without encountering your dog. a public place. • Control your dog when someone knocks – consider how your dog greets people. What you What are the changes to the Act? view as a dog being friendly by jumping up at The biggest difference is that the Act now also visitors may be seen as threatening behaviour by covers incidents on private property in addition to a stranger. public spaces. This includes your own house and both front and back gardens. In addition: Owning a dog is a huge responsibility but by • It will now be an offence for your dog to attack following this advice you will an assistance dog (Guide dog, Hearing dog etc.) be taking steps to keep • Prison sentences will be increased for those everyone safe. convicted of some offences • Police or an appointed local authority now have powers to seize a dangerously out of control dog in a public AND private place

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 17  [email protected] New HomeSwapper Website – www.homeswapper.co.uk

If you are a tenant who is registered with HomeSwapper, you will have recently noticed that the HomeSwapper website looks a lot different. HomeSwapper launched a new version of their website on Saturday 14th March 15.

What is HomeSwapper? For those who are not registered, HomeSwapper is a free on-line service for Council and Housing Association tenants who want to move. It may be a much quicker way to move than applying for a transfer. HomeSwapper can help you ﬁnd a swap with someone who needs a bigger or The new HomeSwapper home page looks like this smaller home. You can swap your ﬂat or house (often referred to as a ‘mutual exchange’) with another tenant of a Council or Housing Association. If you have recently become a tenant and have an introductory tenancy you will have to wait 12 months until you become a secure tenant before moving home.

Using the new version of HomeSwapper To log onto the new website, tenants who are already members can log on using their current username/e-mail and password.

If you are new to HomeSwapper please take a few moment to register and create an account it only takes a few moments and is FREE for Swansea Council Tenants.

After logging into your account, you are now immediately directed to a ‘Dashboard’ screen which shows, in a snapshot, key valuable information such as all swaps/matches and saved homes, including a record of tenants you have been in touch with to express an interest in a swap.

Dashboard that tenants now log into

18 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] To help find a swap, tenants are now able to filter Visit the website at their matches more accurately and include specific features in their searches such as property type, www.homewswapper.co.uk rent amount, amenities, adaptations etc. Tenants can also click on properties they do not want to If anyone has any queries in relation to the new appear in future searches. website, please contact your local District Housing Office – contact details are on the inside For those properties tenants are interested in, they cover of this magazine. are able to obtain further details, view a map, view a street view and send a secure prewritten e-mail to contact another tenant to arrange a viewing. HomeSwapper hope that this will make dealing with other tenants easier and safer – and ultimately lead to more swaps! There is also a facility to allow tenants to be more accurate with their search, meaning tenants only get homes in the area they want with the features they want.

Tenants may ﬁnd that they have fewer potential swaps than before, but this should mean that the properties are more compatible with their needs. Tenants may need to widen the search criteria in order to increase the number of matches.

New to the website is the ability to search for ‘multi swaps’ which automatically ﬁnds possible chains meaning there are more opportunities to ﬁnd a move than before.

Tenants can look for those properties where the tenants are desperate to move or those who are just looking, this may help to reduce or increase the numbers of properties in your search. New to the website is the ability to search for ‘multi swaps’ which automatically ﬁnds possible chains meaning there are more opportunities to ﬁnd a move than before.

Mobile Friendly App HomeSwapper are hoping that their mobile friendly app for tenants will be available soon – we will keep you posted.

HomeSwapper Facebook and Twitter Pages Keep up to date with the latest news from HomeSwapper by logging onto HomeSwapper’s ofﬁcial Facebook pages and following them on Twitter. You may ﬁnd answers to any queries on the new website here as well as comments from other users.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 19  [email protected] Refurbishment of high rise ﬂats

Work has started on a major repair and improvement programme to council owned blocks of high rise ﬂats.

The Council has approved the start of repair and improvement work to two blocks of ﬂats at Matthew Street, City Centre, one block at Jeffrey’s Court, Penlan and three blocks at Clyne Court, Sketty Park.

The buildings are more than ﬁfty years old and require major repairs both internally and externally to bring the properties up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS).The works to be carried out include the following:

External Work Other Works (specific to flat types) • Structural repairs and strengthening work • External cladding called insulated rainscreen • Secure entrance porches at Matthew Street walling • Demolition of garages and creating residents • Renew roof covering and upgrade insulation parking areas at Matthew Street • Replacement high performance windows and • Creating ten new ground floor flats at Matthew balcony doors Street for disabled tenants • New glazed balcony panels • Adaptations for disabled tenants in all blocks • Improved CCTV security coverage • Electrical re-wiring of communal areas in all blocks Internal Work • Enclosing open verandas at Clyne Court with glazed curtain walling • New kitchens – units, worktops, floor covering, • Fire doors at Jeffrey’s Court wall tiling, plastering and decoration • New bathrooms - new bathroom suite, wall The council engaged Interserve Construction tiling, over bath showers, shower curtain and (Swansea) to carry out the approved scheme to the rail, floor covering, plastering and decoration two blocks at Matthew Street. The contractor set up • Electrical re-wiring on site in December and repair works commenced • Replacement of above ground drainage and in January. The anticipated period of contract is soil and vent pipes 120 weeks, so work to both blocks should be • Removal of some redundant flues and completed by March 2017. cupboards in kitchens • Mechanical extractor fans to kitchens and The contracts for Clyne Court and Jeffrey’s Court bathrooms have been awarded to Bouygues UK, formerly known as Leadbitter Construction. Bouygues set External Environment Work up site in January and construction work started in February. It’s anticipated that the one block at • Paving and tarmac to front entrance of blocks Jeffrey’s Court should be completed by March 2016 • Landscaping with shrubs, trees and plants and all three blocks at Clyne Court by May 2017.

20 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Rent Payment Methods Forms are available on-line or you can request them from the Rents Team on  601720 / 534094 or email request to  [email protected] You will need a Payment swipe card, ask the Rents Team or phone them on  601720 / 534094 . Payments made on a Thurs or Friday using your card will not show until the following week.

Payzone - You can use your Payment swipe card to pay at any retailer that displays the payzone logo. For a list of retailers please visit  www.payzone.co.uk . Or ask the Rents Team where your nearest payzone retailer is.

By contacting You can pay using Debit, Switch, Solo, Maestro or Credit Card your by ringing  601720 / 534094 or your local DHO during Rent Officer Office Hours.

Please visit the Council’s website  www.swansea.gov.uk Via Internet Click on ‘Council House Rents’ on the right hand side of  page. If you have any difficulties, please call on  601720 / 534094 for assistance.

If you know your rent reference number, you can phone our Over the phone automated service English  0300 456 2765 and Welsh   0300 456 2775 at any time. (If you do not know your rent reference please call  601720 / 534094 ). At all District Housing Offices At your local Nb Gorseinon District Housing Office can only accept card Housing payments (no cash). Office Payments can also be made at the Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road.

You can pay your rent direct from your benefits via the Swansea Credit Union - Swansea Council will pay your CU membership fee. For more information contact  01792 643632 or email  [email protected] %""*&%) #%*"&#(" www.swansea.go ""'&v.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 21 ( &' %!% (housin g&## % @swans e%#a.go v&$.uk $ #$ #$!$ # " "')"& % '" #"#+%&% "&* )*#!" "*#(%!#"* #) "*#('#$('& !#"* '#$**#(%%"' &"#'%#&'&

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Making a new To make a new claim for Housing Benefit contact the Housing Take Up Team  635885 Benefit Claim Email  [email protected]

Housing To discuss your claim with a Housing Benefit Officer please Benefit ring  635885 or email  [email protected]

Financial If you are having difficulty with your Rent contact Inclusion Paula Montez, Tel  01792 534098 or 07920 560244 Officer Email  [email protected]

The Tenancy Support Unit is provided by the City & County TSU of Swansea; they can offer a support worker to help with Tenancy financial problems or any other support issues with your Support Unit tenancy. Please contact the Rents Team or the Tenancy Support Unit on  774360 if you feel you need support.

Swansea Citizens Advice Llys Glas, Pleasant St, Swansea, SA1 1PE. Tel  0844 477 2020  www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales.htm

If you are threatened with homelessness they will offer you free advice and assistance. Tel  01792 469400 Housing Advice helpline  0845 800 4444  www.sheltercymru.org.uk

Money advice and debt advice - Also free advice given if Housing your tenancy is at risk. Call at 17 High St, Swansea, SA1 1LF. Options Tel  01792 533100 Email  [email protected]

National Housing Debt Helpline Wales Debt Advice Tel  0800 107 1340  www.housing-debt-helpline-wales.org/

22 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Housing Estate Management Strategy update

Members of the Estate Management and security for tenants on council estates Caretaking group have played a part in • To improve public perceptions of council housing reviewing and updating the Housing Estate estates Management Strategy, which is completed every • To ensure a consistent approach to the delivery 3 years to ensure that it reflects the priorities of of the estate management service both the Housing Service and tenants. Many • To reduce costs and improve the performance thanks to those members of the group who and efficiency of the delivery of the estate participated. management service • To address tenants’ concerns that the estate The new strategy for 2015-2017 is available at management service should be given greater District Housing Offices and on the Housing priority website at:  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing • To improve tenants satisfaction levels with the overall estate management and housing service The aim of the strategy is: • To improve the standard of council housing estates. (This is a new objective which was ‘To work in a proactive, efficient and cost- requested during the consultation with tenants effective manner, to ensure that council housing in 2013) estates are clean, safe and pleasant environments where people want to live.’ The Estate Management and Caretaking Group meet a few times per year and if anyone is The objectives of the Strategy are: interested in becoming involved, please contact the Participation Officer, Alison Winter on • To promote awareness about safety within the  01792 635043, home and on estates  [email protected] or send • To take a more proactive approach to tackling a text with your name and address to people’s fear of crime and improve safety and 07775 221453.

Credit and Debit card payments

In line with all other District Housing Offices, Gorseinon office can now accept credit and debit card payments at the front desk as well as over the telephone. Please note, Gorseinon District Housing Office is still unable to accept cash, cheque and postal order payments.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 23  [email protected] Capital Programme Update

The Welsh Housing Quality Standard is the Welsh Government’s target standard for all social housing in Wales.

The Council has the key aim to improve the Council housing stock and estates up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2020. The programme will require investment of over £270 million between now and 2020 to deliver the improvements. The work needed will vary as some properties may need more work than others to bring them up to the standard. Tenants will be notiﬁed individually in advance on what work is proposed for their home, including likely start dates and who the contractor will be etc.

Every year around February time, the Council sets the budget for the next ﬁnancial year and determines what works will be undertaken as part of the annual Housing Capital Programme. A signiﬁcant amount of money has already been invested in the properties and the following information looks at what work has been done and what is planned:

• As part of the programme of improving • Electrical testing and rewiring - all of the properties up to the Welsh Housing Quality Council’s properties are tested for electrical safety Standard, new kitchens and bathrooms are every 10 years. 3,825 properties were tested in being installed in properties that need them. In 2012/2013 and a further 422 will be completed in the last 2 years, 377 properties have had new 2014/2015. If the electrics do not pass the test kitchens and bathrooms. A further 972 are then the property has to be rewired. These safety scheduled for 2015 with increasing numbers in tests are a crucial area of work and it is the years following. important that tenants allow access for this to be • Since April 2010, 1949 properties have received carried out. In addition to electrical testing work, external improvements such as wall insulation, properties are also rewired every 30 years. new roofs, new doors and new guttering and a 2,149 properties have been rewired since 2010 further 878 properties are due to have external and an additional 307 properties are due to be improvements over the next 3 years. rewired in 2015/2016. A programme is also currently underway to • Gas boilers are renewed as part of a planned improve high rise blocks at Matthew Street, Clyne programme with the oldest systems treated as a Court and Jeffreys Court. Work includes priority. It is intended that all properties will have recladding, rooﬁng, replacement windows, efﬁcient combi boilers with 8629 installed so far. improvements to communal areas, new kitchens Another 855 are scheduled for replacement this and bathrooms. year with around 800 per year after that. • A number of structural repairs are needed on • Tenants are offered the option to switch heating Council estates including work to retaining walls fuels to either gas or oil if they have coal or and drainage improvements. £300,000 has electric. 20 properties have been converted this been set aside to carry out this work during year. 2015/16.

24 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] • Upgrades to heating systems are also offered. • The door renewal programme is nearly Tenants can request timer clocks, room complete with 8497 properties having had new thermostats or a radiator for a room if it doesn’t uPVC or fire safety doors installed since April already have one. 94 properties are on this 2010. A further 548 properties will have new year’s scheme for an upgrade. doors in 2015. • 1898 properties have had new roofs since April • Considerable work is being done to enhance fire 2010. New schemes are planned over the next 4 safety in blocks of flats and sheltered complexes years to improve weather protection. which includes fire doors, emergency lighting • 6443 properties have had new hard wired and new improved signage. 2144 of the doors smoke alarms fitted since 2010 with 1400 replaced since April 2012 were fire doors replacements planned for 2015/16. improving the fire safety in flats opening out onto communal areas. Flat doors have been • Communal blocks - from 2014 to 2018, 79 blocks replaced to a higher standard and the new will benefit from having voice entry systems fitted doors will provide 60 minute protection for or upgraded. residents. Other fire safety work includes work to • A total of 844 balconies require repairs/upgrade sheltered accommodation communal areas and work and a total of 295 balconies have been community rooms, installation of sprinklers in completed so far. some complexes and new fire alarm systems. • The majority of the Council’s properties now have • Damaged or worn out meter boxes are being uPVC double glazing following an extensive repaired or replaced which helps to improve the windows programme. external ‘look’ of the property.

Let us know if you change your contact details

In order for us to provide the best service we can to our tenants we need to have your most up to date contact details. If you change your mobile/landline number or your e-mail address, let us know…

The Housing Service may need to contact you from time to time. We may need to get in touch with you about a repair to your home or a transfer etc so it is important that we have the correct contact details for you. It is often quicker and easier for ofﬁcers to text or phone tenants.

Have you changed your mobile or landline number, or your email address recently - have you let us know? If you are a leaseholder, please contact the Leasehold Team on  01792 635223 . If you would like us to check that our records are correct, e-mail us on: When we next speak to you by phone we  [email protected] or phone your District will check your details so we can be sure Housing Ofﬁce and we will be happy to check. our records are up to date.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 25  [email protected] Changes to anti-social behaviour law

Many of you will be aware that the recent Anti- social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 has changed the law which relates to the way landlords can evict tenants who have broken their tenancy conditions by behaving in an unacceptable way.

The new law removes a judge’s discretion whether to refuse to grant a court possession order to a landlord against a tenant in certain circumstances. This change is known as the “absolute ground for possession” and may be used when one of the following four conditions is met, where the tenant or member of the tenant’s household, or a person visiting the property has been: that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and that the Council will use this absolute power of • convicted of a serious offence possession when appropriate. • found by a court to have breached a civil injunction The absolute power of possession is one of many • convicted of breaching a criminal behaviour changes brought about by the new act and future order editions of Open House will contain articles about • convicted for breaching a noise abatement some of the other changes that affect how notice or order anti-social behaviour is dealt with.

Although in these circumstances judges no longer If you have been a victim or wish to report have discretion, providing the correct procedures anti-social behaviour, please contact your local have been followed, the court must be satisfied District Housing Office or the Neighbourhood that the action is fair and reasonable and that there Support Unit (NSU) on  648507 out of office has been no breach of human rights. The serious hours. offence or anti-social behaviour must have taken place in the locality of the property and affected other residents or landlord’s staff or contractors. Serious offences may include violent and sexual offences and those relating to weapons, drugs and Did you know that last year damage to the property. our records show that nearly The Council is determined to provide safe and half of all anti-social secure homes for tenants and will use the powers available in law to deal robustly with anti-social behaviour incidents were behaviour. The Council will also seek to tackle anti-social behaviour by providing support and reported out of hours to the guidance to those who are affected by NSU? unacceptable behaviour. Tenants may be assured

26 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Advice on garden alterations When digging in your garden you may get Rain, rain and more than you bargained for if you don’t ask for advice first and/or consider what and more rain…. where you are digging. Swansea is an area of high rainfall; drainage systems are there to protect you, your home and Digging deep.. the properties around you. Surface water drainage from the hills around Swansea can be Sometimes if you dig down to put in a pond or in high amounts and flow very quickly so it is build foundations for a garden wall you can hit important that culverts, streams, drains and underground water and then this can be difficult ditches are maintained and not hindered or to sort out. You could also hit cables, water damaged in any way. mains or pipes. If you have a ditch or culvert by your property In most gardening jobs you are not likely to dig which you are concerned about or if you have down that deep but if it is deeper than usual, problems with water pooling or water not then you need to do so carefully and if you are draining from your garden then let us know and unsure, seek advice first. it will be investigated. Hills and banks, culverts and ditches If your garden is on a hillside or there are banks, digging into or removing parts of these may make them unstable or undermine them. This could cause floods or release water from culverts or ditches on the other side of them into your garden.

Some people also create drainage channels from culverts and ditches to water their gardens. These can be potentially dangerous as it may “Example of rubbish blocking a stream” lead to floods if the water cannot be controlled. A trickle of water one day may become a full flow of water the next, possibly even several days If you are planning on carrying out any after having steady rain. alterations to your garden, please ensure you have permission from your local It is also important to remember not to fill up the District Housing Office. ditches and streams near your garden. Putting rubbish or garden waste into these may block You can contact your District Housing them which stops them performing their job of Office or the Repairs Contact Centre draining serious water flow away from your using the contact details on the inside home and into the drains nearby: blocking these cover of the magazine or you can email can cause damage and flooding.  [email protected]

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 27  [email protected] Attention Leaseholders: Take care – Be gas safe

If you are a leaseholder you have a responsibility for your own safety to ensure that your gas appliances are safe and are inspected on an annual basis by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Unless gas appliances are serviced regularly they can become dangerous and can kill. You are • Gas leaks putting yourself, family members and neighbours in danger if you do not have your gas appliances • Fires regularly checked. • Explosions Badly ﬁtted and poorly serviced appliances can • Carbon Monoxide poisoning cause the following gas safety risks:

Gas Safe Register replaced Corgi as the organisation responsible for gas safety in Great Britain in 2009.

To ﬁnd a Gas Safe registered engineer visit  www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or  0800 408 5500.

28 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Are you a leaseholder who sublets your home? Are you a landlord?

Landlords have speciﬁc legal responsibilities to their tenants when it comes to gas safety. If you are a landlord letting a property you are responsible for meeting the landlord's statutory obligations under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

If the property is equipped with gas appliances you engineer has checked the gas appliances in need to understand and comply with the law your rental property relating to gas safety. This means you must: • Keep a record of all safety checks carried out for at least two years after the safety check. • Ensure that all gas appliances, installation • Provide your tenant with a copy of the gas safety pipework and flues for which you are check record within 28 days of the inspection. By responsible, are in a safe condition. law, landlords must provide up-to-date gas • As a landlord, you are legally responsible for safety certificates to their tenants. making sure that a Gas Safe registered engineer • Ensure any new tenant receives a copy of the checks the gas appliances in your rental current gas safety check record before they properties every 12 months and gives you copies move in for the first time. of the gas safety certificates. • You are also obliged to show your tenants how • Ensure the work is carried out using a Gas Safe they can turn off the gas supply in the event of a registered engineer by asking to see a current gas leak. registration certificate or ringing Gas Safe Register on  0800 408 5500 or online at Getting your appliances serviced every  www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk year is vital to their safety and • Ensure that you are provided with a gas safety certificate when your Gas Safe registered efficiency.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 29  [email protected] Swansea Housing Your one stop shop for rented accommodation in Swansea Website Council Housing, Housing Associations, Private Rented and Affordable Housing The Swansea Housing website aims to help those ... all on one easy to use website! who are looking for housing in Swansea to make Loads of Advice choices about the options available to them. Contact Information It provides information about Council Housing, Housing Waiting Times Calculator Associations, private renting and other affordable Properties Advertised housing. It also features a waiting time calculator to help people who have applied for or are thinking of applying for housing via the Council's Housing Register (or to another social landlord) to decide whether social housing is right for them. It includes details of: n The location of all social housing properties n The number of lettings in various areas of the city n The number of applicants waiting to be housed n Whether an offer is likely The Swansea Housing website also advertises private, Council and Housing Association properties that are immediately available to rent. You can visit the site at:  www.swanseahousing.co.uk

More Homes Project

The Welsh Government has made changes to the way Council Housing is ﬁnanced across Wales and this will allow councils to have more money to invest in building new homes.

There's an overwhelming need for more affordable housing in Swansea and the Council is looking at what it can do to directly meet this demand.

Detailed work has started on a strategy for more Council housing locally which will include an assessment of the type of accommodation to be built, where they should be provided and the available funding options.

We hope to be able to give you more information on this strategy for More Homes in the next edition.

30 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] A unique and innovative Social Enterprise called opportunities and to make second hand EEESafe has been launched aimed at preventing appliances safer. The scheme will help create jobs electrical appliance waste. through the recruitment and registration of regulated repairers and by delivering a new It offers a new Sustainable Environmental sustainable Training Certiﬁcation within the local Appliance Repair Standard which aims to improve community. A national register of appliances exists the safety of refurbished or reused appliances such and can work with LocalitEEE Community Resource as fridge freezers, washing machines, cookers. The Hubs and EEESafe Centres for safer repairs. EEEs represent Electronic Electrical Equipment as Using a Registered Repairer, an EEESafe Domestic noted in the WEEE Directive, however because of Appliance Technician (DAT), means you are using a increasing safe repairs, Waste is prevented. Tradesman with independent proven competence in Appliance Repair Skills. By placing the EEESafe mark on refurbished electrical appliances, consumers will be able to This Competence based Register of Technicians, purchase used goods knowing they have been with your support, will hopefully become your repaired using competent persons and processes. repairer of choice.

The Council supports schemes such as EEESafe as For further information on EEESafe, the safety of appliances used in the home and the please contact: potential hazard and ﬁre risk that they represent • IndyCube, 2nd Floor, 220 High St, along with the environmental impact of discarded Swansea SA1 1NW equipment is of great concern. •  01792 720780 •  [email protected] There is a need to reduce the waste we generate in our everyday lives and there is a huge potential to make an impact on the reduction and prevention of waste locally and this is recognised by EEESafe.

People are encouraged to donate their old appliances to LocalitEEE.com so that they can be repaired by Local Appliance Technicians. The appliances will come with the EEESafe Safety Label if repaired by an EEESafe DAT (Domestic Appliance Technician), and are likely to be safer for customers to purchase at low cost.

The Council and a number of organisations are working with EEESafe in order to provide training and employment

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 31  [email protected] 32 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected]  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 33  [email protected] Rogue traders alert!

It’s the time of year when you may get a knock • claims to be in a trade association - always on the door asking if you want your home or check if they belong to the trade association they garden tidied up by somebody offering you claim to be in. If they don’t, they’re probably what seems like a good cheap deal. dishonest and committing a criminal offence • claims to work for a company with a good Before this happens, make a note of any jobs that reputation - check out their claims - if they are you want doing around your home and then use dishonest, you’d be better off not using them the following advice before asking a trader to do • doesn’t offer you a contract, or doesn’t sign any work: the one you give them • Think about what you want and what you can • asks for money up front - a reliable business afford won’t ask you to do this, not even if they need • Get different quotes from responsible local materials. If they run a business, they should be people before going ahead with any work able to cover these costs themselves and only • Ask friends, neighbours and family if they can ask for payment once they’ve completed the job, recommend somebody reliable or done a reasonable amount of work. • If you are called by a stranger suggesting you • gives a detailed quote and schedule of work need work doing, say “no thanks” until you’ve had but then doesn’t follow it the chance to discuss it with a friend, family • doesn’t charge VAT when they should - small member or somebody else you trust or new traders may not need to register or pay VAT -it depends on how much work they do in a year. If they should be registered, they could be Do you know someone who may need your avoiding paying it, to save money and charge support to prevent them being ripped off? less than others, which is dishonest and against If so, how can you help them? Think about using a the law notice on the doorstep saying “No thanks” to cold • only accepts a cash payment - they could be callers. acting dishonestly by avoiding VAT payments If you decide to get someone to do work around If you have any concerns or complaints about a your home or garden, be very careful about taking rogue trader operating in your area, contact on anybody who: Trading Standards on  01792 635600. • offers very cheap quotes or estimates – they Nothing is too small to report and calls are might be a ‘cowboy’, or not experienced enough treated confidentially at all times. to give accurate figures For further advice and information go to: • is unwilling to put a quote or estimate in  www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/home-and- writing – this could mean they don’t intend to care/home-safety-and-security/bogus-callers/ stick to it • is unwilling to offer references • is too keen to start the job straight away – rogue traders often do lots of work in one area before moving out of the area altogether. They often leave very poor or unfinished work behind and are impossible to track down • is unwilling to offer you details about their business – for example a permanent known address or landline number

34 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Maintenance of trees The importance and impact of trees on the environment is recognised by the Council whose vision is for “A safer, greener, smarter, fairer, healthier, richer Swansea.”

The Housing Service owns large areas of land across the City and County of Swansea. In order to ensure as far as possible that the trees on its land are in a healthy condition and that the risk of falling trees and branches are minimised, a comprehensive survey has been carried out by the Council’s Parks section. This survey has highlighted that there are a number of trees which are in need of remedial works and some will have to be felled due to disease or damage caused to them.

You may therefore notice tree works being carried out in your area during the coming months. This work is deemed essential even if to the untrained eye, the tree may appear to be perfectly healthy.

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility New fire safety information is being provided to To reinforce this important fire safety message, all tenants and leaseholders living in low rise flats metal signs will be displayed in all blocks and and sheltered accommodation in a bid to drive sheltered housing to remind residents of what to do home the fire safety message. in the case of a fire. The signs also highlight the need to look after the communal areas to ensure The leaflets and posters, which have already been that these are also safe. circulated to residents of high rise flats, will be sent out to each resident in the first instance, and All tenants and leaseholders must play their part in included in the sign-up pack provided to all new this fire safety message – it’s everyone’s tenants. responsibility.

The leaflets provide information on : • what action to take in the event of a fire • how to keep communal areas safe from fire • how to reduce the potential for fire within your flat

Also included in the leaﬂet is additional information and contact details for other agencies, including the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service who carry out free Home Fire Safety Checks which are available to all households.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 35  [email protected] Smart Recycling

Swansea Council is pleased to announce Don’t have a smart phone? the launch of a FREE smartphone app to www.swansea.gov.uk/recycling2015 help residents keep track of their recycling Visit and waste collections. The new app, called to see your collection schedule. Connect Swansea will give residents all the information you need on the service in the Get Involved palm of your hand. It is exciting to see so many Residents simply need to download the app residents recycling their from iTunes for the iPhone and iPad or the waste and as a result we Google Play store for Android devices. After now recycle just over half entering your postcode, you will be able to our waste in Swansea. access: Recycling from your household has never been • Customisable collection reminders easier and the more • Details on collection days and weeks waste you recycle the less including which bags will be collected black bags you will need • Guidance on which materials should go in to store and put out for each bag and container collection. The City and • Notiﬁcations of any change to collection County of Swansea date e.g. due to bank holidays or collect paper, card, plastic, inclement weather cans, glass, food waste, garden waste and cardboard. For more information about our For more information visit sewrviwcews. svwisiat nsea.gov.uk/recycling  www.swansea.gov.uk/recyclingapp  01792 635600. or 

36 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected]  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 37  [email protected] Try our round-the-clock services Last year Swansea Council’s website was If you haven’t got access to a computer at home, re-designed following feedback which indicated why not visit your local library and access a PC for that people wanted to do business with us free? Libraries have free wi-fi too! online and at a time, day or night, to suit them. Alongside the online services there are also When you now use the website you will find it automated 24-hour a day telephone lines to deal easier and quicker to get information, report with issues like benefits and Council Tax. This issues, pay for services and apply for and request service offers customers the option to report services online. The new website was also changes or make payments without having to designed with mobile phones and tablets in mind speak to a member of staff. Those using the as this is the way many people now access the service who have more complex issues will still be internet. able to speak to staff over the phone during office hours. All you need to do is log on and complete your task from the comfort of your own home, or even The telephone numbers to call are: on the move from your smart phone; at a time that Benefits  01792 635353 suits YOUR lifestyle. Council Tax  01792 635382 .

Try the re-designed website at Customers also still have the option to use face-to- face services eg our District Housing Ofﬁces and  www.swansea.gov.uk the contact centre in the Civic Centre.

38 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Hate Crime – together we can stop it What is a Hate Incident or Hate Crime? A crime or incident committed because of who you are or who someone thinks you are. If because of your age, disability, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, gender (including gender identity) or lifestyle choice, someone or a group of people targets you, commits a crime against you, bullies you or harasses you, then this is a hate crime or hate incident.

This may include: • Verbal abuse • Assault • Offensive grafﬁti • Cyber bullying • Threatening behaviour • Abusive texts, emails or phone calls • Damage to property • Taking money from you

Why is it so important to report a hate crime or hate incident? Hate incidents and hate crimes are under-reported. We need to understand the problem so that the right decisions can be made to stop you or a member of your family and friends from becoming the next victim.

Reporting these issues helps us and other organisations track the extent of the problem in your local area and do the right things to make your community safer, a better place to live and make sure the right support is available.

What support is there? Victim Support has been funded by the Welsh Government to increase the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents across Wales and to offer support to victims of these offences.

Working with other organisations such as the Police, Victim Support can be pro-actively preventing further hate offences through local and national targeted interventions.

Support may include emotional support, practical support or advocacy. We can also provide you with assistance in reporting a crime to the Police and in attending court.

Who can I contact? • The Police directly by dialling  999 if you are in immediate danger, or 101 for non-emergencies. • Victim Support free on  0300 3031 982 (24/7). Calls are treated confidentially and you have the option to remain anonymous. • Report Hate Crime website:  www.reporthate.victimsupport.org.uk and complete the confidential reporting form. • Visit or contact any Council office or your local District Housing Office where Victim Support report forms and leaflets are available. The Housing Service will investigate the incident, take appropriate action and report the incident on your behalf.

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 39  [email protected] ActiveActive KidsKids

FunSwimming,FunSwimming, andand football, football, fitnessfitness gymnastics, gymnastics, forfor netball, netball, allall zumba,zumba, tennis, tennis, roller roller skating skating and and athleticsathletics – – you you will will be be spoilt spoilt for for choice choice with with ourour Active Active Kids Kids programme programme which which can can be be enjoyedenjoyed in in 5 5 centres centres across across Swansea. Swansea. OurOur team team of of fully fully qualified qualified coaches coaches will will ensure ensure youryour child child has has fun, fun, learn learn new new skills skills and and make make friendsfriends while while keeping keeping fit fit and and healthy. healthy. YouYou can can pay pay each each time time you you use use an an activity activity or or if if youyou visit visit the the centres centres more more than than once once a a week week why why notnot take take out out an an Active Active Kids Kids membership membership for for only only £15£15 a a month month and and save save even even more more money? money? ForFor details details of of activities activities call call one one of of our our centres centres oror visit visit www.activeswansea.com www.activeswansea.com.. BishopstonBishopston Sports Sports Centre Centre 01792 235040 01792 235040 CefnCefn Hengoed Hengoed Leisure Leisure Centre Centre 01792 798484 / 797082 01792 798484 / 797082 MorristonMorriston Leisure Leisure Centre Centre 01792 797082 01792 797082 PenlanPenlan Leisure Leisure Centre Centre 01792 588079 01792 588079 PenyrheolPenyrheol Leisure Leisure Centre Centre 01792 897039 01792 897039 WhetherWhether it’s it’s an an activity activity at at the the weekend weekend or or after after schoolschool we’re we’re confident confident that that you you will will find find something something atat an an Active Active Swansea Swansea centre. centre. WithWith FREE FREEparking,parking, friendly friendly staff staff and and a a range range ofof activities activities to to suit suit all all ages ages and and abilities, abilities, it’s it’s no no wonderwonder parents parents choose choose Active Active Swansea. Swansea. ¡¡ FREEFREEpaypay andand playplay sessionsession atat oneone ofof thethe ActiveActive SwanseaSwansea centrescentres ForFor more more information information and and to to book book your your space space contact contact one one of of the the Active Active Swansea Swansea centres. centres.

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40 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected] Can we help you? Do you have difﬁculty reading small print or perhaps you sometimes feel bogged down by District Housing Offices have hearing loop systems, the amount of information you see on letters, hand held magnifying glasses, signature guides, leaﬂets and application forms. large grip pens and other aids which are available for use at the reception desk or interview room. It’s important to us that you are able to have access If this is the case we can provide information to you to all of the services which are available to you in other ways. We can send you information in from the Housing Service; so if you would like us to Large Print, Braille, or on a Compact Disc or do things differently for you, please just ask and we Cassette tape. If you are a Welsh Speaker or are will be pleased to do so. learning Welsh and we can also provide information to you in Welsh or in English and Welsh.

To receive information in an alternative format, please let the staff at your District Office know or con0ta1c7t9 th2e 6 C3u5s0to3m7 er Services Team on  or  [email protected]

If you need help completing a form that we have given you, please ask your District Office staff for help.

A private interview room is available if you do not wish to do this at the reception counter. All of our

Debt Panic? PDeubtss cahn bteh soerte db out tton! more easily than you think.

The Debt Panic Button will help you take control, and get proper, free support. www.debtpanicswansea.org.uk

 www.swansea.gov.uk/housing Open House: Issue 2 2015 41  [email protected] Are you aged between 11 - 25 and want to be part of the BIG HOUSING CONVERSATION?

Are you interested to join in the Big Housing Conversation about any of the following topics?

3 Looking for a place of your own 3 Anti -Social Behaviour 3 Making a difference in your community 3 Getting involved and ‘having your say’ If you want to ﬁnd out more about the ‘Big Housing Conversation’ or any of the above topics and meet other young people, then get in touch with Alison Winter, Participation Ofﬁcer, Housing Services

 01792 635043 / 07775221453  [email protected]

42 Open House: Issue 2 2015  www.swansea.gov.uk/housing  [email protected]