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Contents Mossley Welcome Neighbourhood Profile A great place to live... Local knowledge What next? Our commitment Neighbourhood plan What can you do? Getting Involved Your Money

Welcome to your new neighbourhood plan At Jigsaw Homes Group we take pride in how we can work with our local partners to our neighbourhoods and want to work with make improvements. residents to achieve our mission of ‘Creating homes. Building lives.’ As a result of the findings, we will target resources to areas in need through a range This plan takes on board feedback from of activities to make you feel happier with employees and residents looking at key your neighbourhood. issues like health and employment, crime and antisocial behaviour, money We’ve been using neighbourhood plans for management and neighbourhood desirability. six years in Tameside now and they have helped us to target resources and carry out This information helps us to identify the work in areas most in need. This plan will be main challenges in your neighbourhood and in place for three years.

Neighbourhood profile information Properties by type Here are some facts and figures about the people and properties that make up your Bungalows Houses Flats neighbourhood which we thought you may masionettes & bedsits find interesting. 35 359 Tenant by age 294

Under 25 years - 4% 36 - 54 years - 36% Number of Jigsaw Homes properties 688 25 - 35 years - 19% 55+ years - 41% Average length of tenancy 8.23 years A great place to live...

The Mossley neighbourhood is a desirable area located in the upper part of the Tame Valley at the foothills of the Pennines along- side neighbouring towns of Stalybridge and Uppermill.

The neighbourhood stock consists of 688 properties which are mix of property types including detached, semi-detached, one and two bedroomed flats and an independent living scheme made up of twenty four studios and is considered by most residents as a desirable area to live in. Boundary Close is situated on the outskirts of the neighbourhood and has recently undergone some redevelopment and consists of new bungalows alongside a small number of family homes and flats.

Within a five minute walk is a busy village Hollins High School which is an Outstanding spectacular area, popular with visitors and with a range of local shops including a local Ofsted rated High School (2014). for family days out. superststore, a range of shops and boutiques, a chemist and doctor’s surgery, a vets, a The neighbourhood benefits from good public Jigsaw has plans to build around 2,400 more library and George Lawton Community transport links including a regular bus service homes by 2022 through a mix of tenures Hall. There are also several churches, a fire and Mossley train station. including affordable rent, shared ownership station, a large children’s park and Mossley and market sale. We plan to build over 300 of Association football club (The Lilywhites). There are numerous green spaces and these new homes in Tameside, some of which There are four primary schools within easy country walks in the area and a short drive are already complete or in progress and reach of the neighbourhood and Mossley away is Dovestones Reservoir which is a we’re sourcing potential sites for others.

How well is your neighbourhood performing? Community insight

We have identified a range of both internal and external indicators that The neighbourhood scores poorly when compared with other areas tell us how great your neighbourhood is overall. locally in terms of social economic factors. Performance in relation to health, employment, skills and training figures and poverty are all given The indicators range from the condition of the properties in the consideration in this section. neighbourhood to levels of employment and poverty. You can see them all below with an explanation of what the ratings mean for your neighbourhood. Household money management Neighbourhood experience £ When looking at the way in which people pay their rent, levels of rent On average, people who move into the neighbourhood tend to stay arrears and the number of evictions, the neighbourhood performs to a in their homes for a reasonable length of time. The neighbourhood satisfactorily level. However, this means some households may still be experiences some antisocial behaviour or neighbour nuisance experiencing money management issues, could be at risk of losing their cases. This indicates that while the majority of residents treat each homes, and may need additional support. other with respect, there are some incidents that do occur that have a negative impact on people’s ability to relax and feel secure in their homes. Satisfaction with the neighbourhood is relatively high although Demand there is room for improvement.

The time it takes to re-let a property is generally good across the neighbourhood indicating that properties are generally popular with a low number of repairs required and people who are eligible can move Overall summary into their new home relatively quickly. Overall the neighbourhood is a good place to live but it does experience some problems that occasionally Property condition affect people’s quality of life. The main aim for this neighbourhood is to identify the right activities, Generally, the homes in the neighbourhood are in a good condition, services and initiatives that will help address the are energy efficient and there are no common issues with repairs and specific issues that currently hold the area back. maintenance costs. Local knowledge: What you told us about your area. Residents stated the area benefits from a Some residents had concerns regarding litter good range of local shops. and requested more bins in public areas.

There are good transport links including bus More of a police presence was requested by service and train station. some residents.

Residents said that they enjoyed the An upgrade and tidy up of parks and surrounding countryside and walks. children’s play areas is needed.

The local schools were excellent in the area.

How will we progress the plan? As these plans are an update of the former Neighbourhood plans, work has already begun in your area, as well as in the other 28 New Charter Homes neighbourhoods.

We will continue to review our performance data frequently over the next three years and we will keep you updated on the progress through our website, social media and newsletter. You will also have the opportunity to be involved so please watch out for advertised activities or requests for feedback.

Our commitment We will monitor how residents are managing empty. We will identify any challenges early improvements are required, liaising with to pay their rent and continue to offer advice and make sure any properties that become residents in relation to the concerns raised. and guidance to those that are struggling empty are ready to let as quickly as possible. financially. To work with partners and internal teams to We will identify where customers are not address low level antisocial behaviour We will work closely with residents to ensure happy with the repairs service provided and To continue to give advice and assistance that the community knows where to access look to establish any trends in this data. We to the established resident associations and help and advice on money management will establish patterns in the number and social groups with an aim to increasing issues. costs of repairs and introduce a responsive membership and community initiatives plan to address areas of concern to sit along- To enable and promote community usage of We will target any properties that are more side our targeted investment and planned our neighbourhood hubs by offering key difficult to let within the neighbourhood replacement programmes. holder agreements to local constituted and work to resolve any related appearance groups and partner agencies. issues that may affect their popularity. We Work closely in partnership with Greater will also take action on any other issues af- Manchester Police & Tameside Council at a To identify current youth facilities and work fecting the desirability of the area, to ensure local level in tackling antisocial behaviour, with partners to provide more activities in a a better customer experience. nuisance and crime. joined up way, making sure the community are aware of the available activities. We will regularly monitor the property We will carry out an annual neighbourhood condition, area appearance and management audit focusing on environmental issues and Work with residents to create communities issues related to any properties that become grounds maintenance to highlight where ready for In-Bloom competitions. What can you do?

Familiarise yourself with the money advice address any issues in your area and give you services that we and our other agencies the best service. provide and tell your neighbours, friends and family about them if you think they may be Get in touch if you experience anti-social in financial difficulty. Get in touch with us behaviour or, if you feel you are seeing a rise as soon as possible if you feel you are getting in crime in the area, so we can assist and behind on your rent and bills. You can also give practical advice. Tell us if you believe look on our website for advice on a range of properties are being use for illegal purposes. money matters and links to other sources of Take pride in your community and regularly help and support. maintain your own garden or clean the space outside your flat etc. We can offer low cost Link here support if you need help with this. Be a great neighbour – top tips Be observant around your neighbourhood and ● Introduce yourself to your neighbours and let us know when things do not look great. consider your neighbours’ lifestyles It may be that the standard of communal ● Be aware of the noise you create in your spaces can improve, the environment could own home, particularly in buildings with be improved or when you see something that communal entrances. you don’t think is safe. Let us know if you ● Be mindful of where you park and be think a property has been abandoned as soon considerate of others as possible so that we can take action to re- ● Let your neighbours know if you are having let the property and avoid possible damage. a celebration Report repair issues quickly and keep an eye ● Maintain your garden and keep your com- on any recurrent problems you notice in your munal areas free of items home, or those of others in your community, ● Put your bins out on the right night and and let us know. Always fill in the repairs bring them in again once collected feedback surveys, this will really help us ● Keep an eye on your neighbour’s property

Getting involved We encourage residents to get involved in so you can do as much or little as you like. wherever possible so please get in touch if improving and shaping our performance and Activities include feedback surveys, photo you have any ideas on how to improve your the standard of our services. We understand tasks, mystery shopping and the opportunity neighbourhood. that not everyone wants the same level of to volunteer for our scrutiny panel. involvement, so we offer a range of ways to In addition to Jigsaw Rewards you can also get involved. have informal involvement by attending community events or following us on social media, our websites and through our news- letters. Jigsaw Foundation If you want to be more involved you can be April 2019 sees the launch of Jigsaw part of a focus group to discuss different Foundation offering funds for local projects Jigsaw Rewards services and attend events and training. You which make a difference to the lives of our Jigsaw Rewards is an opportunity for you to can even become a tenant director on our residents and their communities. The fund give your feedback by completing surveys Board, join/set up a residents’ association or is open to charities, resident and community on our services, mainly from the comfort of local group in your area. groups, voluntary organisations, social enter- your own home. In return you will receive We also recognise that everyone has skills, prises and local partner agencies. £500,000 points which can be exchanged for gift capability and drive to improve their neigh- will be available annually to share between vouchers or credits on your rent account. It bourhoods and this is happening with great projects within our neighbourhoods. For is simple and quick to register for Jigsaw success in a number of places. We’re keen more information and an application form, Rewards. Just visit rewards.jigsawhomes. to promote this and whether it’s a small pro- visit www.jigsawhomesgroup.org.uk. Grants org.uk/ and enter your surname, payment ject near to your home or something more under £25,000 will be voted on by tenants reference and tell us which areas of the ambitious, we want to hear your ideas and through Jigsaw Rewards. Anything above business you are interested in. We will only help you to make this happen. Our neigh- this will be voted on by Jigsaw’s executive share with you the activities you have chosen, bourhood team will support you to do this team. Your money Welfare benefits Recurring card payment – you can set a recur- You can join Cash Box if you live or work in ring card payment and can cancel or amend Tameside. If you need to make a claim for welfare this with us at any time. If you did not have benefits, you need to do it as soon as pos- the funds when we attempt to take a pay- Cash Box offers secure savings and sible. Don’t delay as you could miss out on ment you would not incur any bank charges. affordable loans at low rates of interest. money you are entitled to. We have a bene- fits calculator and budgeting tool available to Allpay payment card - Look for the PayPoint More information is available on the Cash all tenants in the Jigsaw Homes Group. or e-pay sign and pay your rent with your Box website www.cashbox.org.uk or by allpay card at the till. telephoning 0161 342 3266.

Through our website- You can pay on our We have a number of website with your debit card and allpay swipe card using our online services. This service is as well as a household budget available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Cash Box Credit Union is authorised by The tool – why not try them out. Prudential Regulation Authority and Standing order - Payments can be made regulated by The Financial Conduct directly from your Bank or Building Society on Authority and The Prudential Regulation Please visit a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. To use Authority. FRN 213528 this payment method please contact us and www.newcharter.entitledto.co.uk we will send you a Standing Order form for If you are concerned about debts or would you to complete and return to us. Smarterbuys Store like advice on benefits, contact us on: Over the telephone - You can pay your rent The Smarterbuys Store is supported by 0161 331 2000 or over the phone using our 24 hour automated New Charter Homes. If you’re looking [email protected] service. Please phone connect on 0300 111 for new electrical or household goods, 1133 and select Option 3. If you are calling don’t be tempted by expensive furniture Getting ahead with your rent outside our normal working hours which are stores or high interest weekly payment between 6:00pm – 8:00am, you will need to stores. The Smarterbuys Store offers select option 2 instead. Please note that you It may not come as a surprise to you that a high-quality goods at competitive prices. will need your allpay card along with a valid high level of the UK households have little debit or credit card to use this service. or no savings. When there is a financial If you pay your rent on a monthly basis please issue at home, this can have a real impact. be aware that your rent is charged on a By paying a little extra with your rent each weekly basis and that you must meet all your week, you can build a buffer which will help weekly rental obligations within that current when money is a bit tight. This can also financial year (1 April to 31st March). There- help if you are moving on to Universal Credit For more information, please call into any fore we expect you to have one week credit and you are waiting for your first payment. of our Hubs, log on to: balance on 31st March of each year. This is If you need extra cash, do not be tempted to https://gm.sbstore.org/home to reflect the 1st week in advance payment use a loan shark – they are not your friend. you will have been asked to make when you Telephone 0300 500 0975. signed your tenancy. Loan sharks Smarterbuys Store is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, reference If you are affected by a loan shark, don’t Home contents insurance number FRN 713 746 suffer in silence. The Illegal Money Lending We offer a scheme to protect your home Team can help. You can contact the team contents that you can pay weekly with your anonymously on 0300 555 2222. rent? Find out more on 0161 331 2000. Water bill reduction schemes

Need help saving and You may qualify for one of United Utilities Payment facilities managing your money? water bill reduction schemes.

Direct debit – these can be set up weekly, Cashbox Credit Union is a community savings Simply call them on 0800 072 6765 fortnightly, 4 weekly or monthly and can be and loan co-operative, where members pool Last year tenants taking part each saved on any date in the month their savings to lend to one another. on average £164.59.

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