April 2013 PIONEER NEWS Spring 2013

People making the news in the St. Peter’s area of Ashton-u-Lyne

WIN £25 Internet drop-in sessions COMPLETE ENCLOSED QUESTIONNAIRE ON OUR REPAIR SERVICE at the tenants base SEE PAGE 13 FOR MORE DETAILS

APH and REACH have worked together and installed internet access in the Tenants Base! Residents can call in on Tuesday afternoons between 1pm and 3pm for free access to the computers. Residents can use the internet to search for a job, help with benefits and claims.

We have also introduced “One To One” sessions where residents can spend time learning basic I.T skills. Residents will get help setting up email accounts and Facebook pages supported by local volunteers and staff from Ashton Pioneer Homes.We are also going to host a session on Social Media for Beginners. You may be aware that Ashton Pioneer Homes and Pioneer People have two Facebook pages, and residents are encouraged to “like” these pages. We use these pages to share information about Welfare Reform and other relevant topics. We also give regular updates on the Community Groups and what the Resident Involvement Team has been up to. If you would like to find out more or book a session please contact Nicola on 0161 343 8128 or call in to the office. UNIVERSAL CREDIT IS COMING TO THIS MONTH Did you know? Universal Credit is a new type of financial support for people of working age who are looking for Universal Credit will be a work or on a low income. It’s being introduced in Tameside from the 29th April 2013 onwards. single, monthly payment into

What is Universal Credit? Universal Credit will replace: • Working your bank account Universal Credit is a new simpler, • Income-based Jobseeker’s • Housing Benefit single monthly payment for Allowance If you’re on a low income, you people in or out of work, which • Income-related Employment will probably still get Universal claimant commitment which merges together some of the and Support Allowance Credit when you first start a clearly sets out your responsibilities benefits and tax credits that • new job or increase your part- and the consequences if you fail you might be getting now. time hours. Your Universal Credit • to meet them. If you are worried won’t suddenly be taken away, about how the changes will Please Like us on Facebook but steadily withdrawn as your affect you and your family, www.facebook.com/ashtonpioneer earnings increase. All Universal please contact us for more and Follow us on Twitter @AshtonPioneer Credit claimants will have a information and advice.

Inside... Universal Credit A Guide to Basic Facebook Pioneer Panel Money Matters! coming to Tameside Bank Accounts Explained!!!! Challenges APH 2 Pioneer News Spring 2013 HOUSING MANAGEMENT Universal Credit: from 29th of April 2013 if you make a new claim for benefit and you live in OL6, OL7, M43 & SK16 postcode areas of Tameside you will be claiming Universal Credit

An introduction to Universal Credit : The Government say Universal Credit will introduce greater fairness to the welfare system by making work pay. Despite considerable welfare spending in recent years, the current benefit system has trapped more people in poverty than ever before. Universal Credit will ensure that work is the best choice for individuals or families and provides a route out of poverty and away from benefit dependency for thousands of people.

CLAIMING UNIVERSAL CREDIT Commitment but this will not ask you to introduced Universal Jobmatch (www. Most people already use the internet to carry out any job seeking activities. gov.uk/jobsearch), a new online service access services and to get information UNIVERSAL CREDIT PAYMENTS to help you find jobs that match your skills and experience. You can build and instantly. Under Universal Credit, you Universal Credit will be paid monthly, upload a CV, tailor your job preferences WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU can make your claim online at www.gov. directly into the account you have chosen. and receive messages when suitable Universal Credit aims to sweep away the uk/universalcredit. If you are part of a couple, living in the new jobs are advertised. complexity of the current system and If you cannot claim online, face to face same household, and both of you are provide a single monthly payment if you and telephone support will be available claiming Universal Credit you will receive UNIVERSAL CREDIT AND EMPLOYERS are on a low income or out of work. It will until you can get access to the internet. one monthly payment into one account. Universal Credit will introduce Real Time include support for the costs of housing, Universal Credit will be introduced Other adults living in the same household Information (RTI) to help employers children and childcare, as well as support gradually from April 2013. This means who are claiming Universal Credit will be manage their payroll and help their staff for disabled people and carers. that you may continue to get your paid separately. Monthly payments match get the right benefit payments. When existing benefits for a while, if your the way most salaries are paid. This will you are in work and your hours change, Between April 2013 and the end of circumstances stay the same. If there are help you to move into work, as you will be your employer will report it on RTI and 2017, Universal Credit will replace: no changes in your circumstances you used to managing a monthly budget. A your Universal Credit payment will be • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance will not be any worse off when you range of support services will be available adjusted accordingly. This gives your • Income-related Employment and move onto Universal Credit. if you need help with budgeting and employer and you more opportunity to Support Allowance A TWO WAY RESPONSIBILITY managing your money. Where necessary it work flexibly, and removes the risk of • Income Support Universal Credit will establish a new two will be possible to use alternative your benefits being stopped just because arrangements, such as fortnightly you work a few more hours. Many • way relationship between you and the Government. In return for receiving payments, for a period of time. employers have already started to use the • Child Tax Credit Universal Credit, you must accept and BETTER OFF IN WORK RTI system to report their staff’s earnings • Housing Benefit to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs fulfil a Claimant Commitment that sets Unlike the current system, your benefits (HMRC). More employers will start to use MAKING WORK PAY out your responsibilities and the won’t be suddenly taken away just it from April 2013, and by September Universal Credit aims to ensure you will consequences of not meeting them. The because you have started work. 2013 most employers will be using the be better off in work and will make it Claimant Commitment will take account Universal Credit will only be steadily new system. easier for you to start a new job or work of your personal circumstances, your withdrawn as your earnings increase more hours. As your take home pay current situation and potential for future and you move toward financial GETTING READY FOR UNIVERSAL CREDIT increases Universal Credit will reduce earnings. If you are unemployed but able independence. You will be better off for Universal Credit will be introduced in gradually so you won’t lose all your to work you will be expected to make every additional hour you work, phases from April 2013. When it will benefits at once. There are no fixed looking for a job your full time focus. If whether in a full or part-time job. By affect you will depend on where you live hours thresholds, such as the 16 hours a you are not able to work you will combining in work and out of work and any benefits you currently claim. week rule. Even working just a few hours continue to receive financial protection. benefits Universal Credit will remove Getting online and sorting out the best a week will make a difference, as you If you are already working to your full the financial risks of taking up a job. To way to manage your money will help you move towards financial independence. potential you will still have a Claimant make searching for work easier we have get the most from the new service. St. Peters Neighbourhood Policing Team

NBO 04155 MARK AKERS PCSO 66032 ROB KELLY NBO 1482 DAVE FRITH PCSO HELEN BROCKETT PCSO 65446 JOHN CORR Pioneer News Spring 2013 3 HOUSING MANAGEMENT Council Tax Frequently Asked Questions

I did not previously pay A new bill with your revised instalments Please remember to quote your Council BENEFIT QUESTIONS Council Tax and I thought will be issued once this amendment has Tax reference number when paying been made. by this method to help identify your that my bill would only be payment. Why have I got a bill to pay, for 20% but it is more. Why? How can I pay my bill? when I have always been on Payments can be made monthly or If the property is in a higher band than RECOVERY QUESTIONS full benefit? band B you also need to pay the full weekly. Telephone payments can be With effect from 1st April 2013 Council amount between a band B and your made using a debit/credit card using our Tax Benefit has been abolished by the own property band. 24-hour payment line. PLEASE NOTE I have received a reminder/ Government. In its place a Council Tax THERE IS A 2% CHARGE FOR PAYMENTS summons, how do I make an How can I check that you MADE BY CREDIT CARD. Support Scheme has been introduced to arrangement for payment? assist people on low incomes, however have my correct income Telephone payment line number: there is a cap in place for the maximum details? 0844 848 2566 Please supply your telephone contact details, either over the phone or by amount of discount that can be awarded, You will have received a notification Payments can be made on the web emailing [email protected], this cap is 80%, therefore all working letter which will explain the income we www.tameside.gov.uk age people will now have to pay at least you will be contacted within 5 working have used. If you check the reverse of your bill, this 20% of their Council Tax charge. days to discuss arrangements for payment. details the many different methods of Why are my income details I am on Income Support / Job payment that are available. I have received a bailiff visit shown differently for Seekers Allowance / You can also see details of how to pay notification, how do I make Housing Benefit and Council Disabled, why have I got a on our website www.tameside.gov.uk/ an arrangement for Tax support? counciltax Council Tax bill to pay? payment? Your income details are treated Can I pay by direct debit? Contact details for the Bailiff can be With effect from 1st April 2013 Council differently under the two schemes, Payment can be made by direct debit. found on the notification, please contact Tax Benefit has been abolished by the therefore on your notification they will Details can be taken directly over the the Bailiff directly to discuss payment. Government. In its place a Council Tax be shown differently. Support Scheme has been introduced to phone or alternatively: I am not going to pay my assist people on low incomes, however How will my Council Tax You can register for self-service via Council Tax bill, what will there is a cap in place for the maximum Support be paid to me? our website www.tameside.gov.uk/ amount of discount that can be awarded, happen? Any Council Tax Support that you are counciltax and click on self-service, once this cap is 80%, therefore all working Council tax instalments are usually paid entitled to will be deducted from your set up, you can input your direct debit age people will now have to pay at least over a ten month period from April to Council Tax Bill so that you will have a details directly. 20% of their Council Tax charge. January each year, however to assist you lower amount to pay. You can also set up a direct debit with repayment your instalments can be Why has my benefit been instruction by completing a paper What if I disagree with the instruction this can be found on our spread over a twelve month period reduced? decision and want to appeal? website www.tameside.gov.uk/payments providing we are advised prior to the With effect from 1st April 2013 Council 5th April 2013. If you are struggling You need to write in and state why you Once the direct debit is implemented an Tax Benefit has been abolished by the meeting all your commitments free debt disagree with the decision. An internal amended bill/arrangement letter will be Government. In its place a Council Tax advice can be obtained from the review of the decision will then be issued confirming the change in Support Scheme has been introduced to following places: carried out. You can email your appeal payment method. assist people on low incomes, the directly to [email protected] Welfare Rights Debt Advice calculation for this discount has Can I pay by standing order/ Tel : 0800 074 9985 changed, please try our online calculator bacs transfer? Minicom : 0161 342 2178 located on our website www.tameside. PAYMENT QUESTIONS www.tameside.gov.uk/welfarerights Payment can be made by standing order gov.uk/ctss to confirm your entitlement. or bacs transfer, please see the reverse Money Information Network Tameside Why have I no Council Tax Can I pay over a longer of your bill for full details. You can also Tel : 0161 331 2456 benefit? period? see details of how to pay on our website www.minttameside.org.uk www.tameside.gov.uk/counciltax With effect from 1st April 2013 Council Council tax instalments are usually paid Tax Benefit has been abolished by the over a ten month period from April to Government. In its place a Council Tax January each year, however to assist you Support Scheme has been introduced to with repayment your instalments can be assist people on low incomes, the spread over a twelve month period calculation for this discount has providing we are advised prior to the changed, please try our online calculator 5th April 2013. You can email located on our website www.tameside. [email protected] directly to gov.uk/ctss to confirm your entitlement. request this change. 4 Pioneer News Spring 2013 HOUSING MANAGEMENT YOUR HOME, YOUR CHOICE

It is important for residents to be realistic and appreciate that there are rogue traders out there but the good news is that there are some simple steps they can take to protect themselves when dealing with traders at their property. Residents should:

NOT SAY YES STRAIGHT AWAY MAKE SURE THE BUSINESS EXPLAINS Don’t allow a trader to pressurise you into THAT YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO CANCEL signing up straight away. Tell them to By law you have a right to cancel an come back another time or that you will agreement within a cooling off period of give them a call to confirm at a later date. seven days. If the business does not give This will allow you to shop around and you notice of your cancellation rights and also make enquiries about the company, refuses to when asked do not enter into as described below. an agreement with them. With regards to KNOW WHO THEY’RE DEALING WITH services offered a business must obtain a All reputable traders will provide you written agreement from you to start work with an initial estimate/quote or a before the expiration of the seven day business card containing their business cooling off period. If this is the case please name and address. If they don’t supply be aware that you may be liable for the their name and address and refuse to cost of any work carried out if you decide when asked do not purchase from them to cancel within this period. or hire them to carry out work! Getting a CHECK THE FACTS legitimate name and address is important Make sure that the business makes you for your protection in the event of any fully aware of the total cost of the problems with products or services transaction, the exact details of the carried out. Also, and just as importantly, product or services to be included in the check the trader’s identity. Always ask to agreement and the arrangements for see an identity card and make sure you delivery of the product or the start date look up the business to check the for work. All reputable traders will NEW representative’s identity is genuine provide you with written confirmation of before agreeing to have any work carried all costs and full details of the product or out or to buy any products from them. If services included so if they do not give STARTERS there is a different number listed online you this and refuse to when asked do not or in the yellow pages, to the one on the enter into an agreement with them. Also, identity card, use this number instead. If read the small print before you sign any Hi my name is Paul Macklin Hi my name is Michael the trader states that they are members agreement to make sure you are fully of a Trade Association such as the aware of what you are signing up for. I started working for Speakes, I started work at Federation of Master Builders or the DO NOT PAY CASH UP FRONT Ashton Pioneer Homes as Ashton Pioneer Homes as Direct Selling Association then you can FOR SERVICES a Neighbourhood Services a Neighbourhood Services make enquiries about the company No reputable trader will ask for payment Assistant in August 2012. Assistant in December through that organisation. before the completion of work, even Before I started working for 2012, before that I worked if they need materials. Never agree to Ashton Pioneer Homes, I for Metropolitan Drinks in go with a trader to the bank to take money out. was working for the Council Dukinfield for 5 years as a TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS emptying bins. I am looking Delivery Driver. My hobbies are If something sounds too good to be true forward to working in a football, socialising, going to it probably is team and getting to meet the pictures and also enjoy REMEMBER….IT’S OK TO SAY NO! the tenants. My hobbies are playing golf, I also enjoy It’s your doorstep and your decision. If when I get time, playing golf, carrying out DIY at home. I am you are not happy with anything or you are feeling pressured then ask the person going to the gym, I also enjoy looking forward to my role at to leave. watching speedway, as I once Ashton Pioneer Homes and If in doubt, call the Citizen’s Advice rode myself. working with all the staff and consumer helpline on 0845 4 040506 or meeting all our tenants. visit www.adviceguide.org.uk. Pioneer News Spring 2013 5 CUSTOMER SERVICES NOTICES

How to use Facebook explained!!! HomeSwapper

Facebook and other social networking websites can be very confusing to advertise for those who have never used it. So if you are having friends and family request that you get on Facebook, but aren’t sure why you your property should use Facebook, continue reading. WHY FACEBOOK? means the grandparents can look at their In order to Facebook can be thought of as your grandchildren anytime they want. attract interest home on the Internet. It’s a place people FACEBOOK FOR FUN, GAMES AND MORE to your property can go to leave you a message, browse There is also a lot more to Facebooking from other through your photo collections, or even than just post on your friend’s wall. You at once. Start slow by sending friend HomeSwapper users, chat with you while you are online. It can play online games like Candy Crush. requests to your friends and family and follow these helpful hints … can be a great way to keep in contact You can also use Facebook applications to reading what’s up on their wall. Once you • Present your property with friends and family, and even find map out who you are related to on get accustomed to it, you can expand Remember that you are trying long lost friends that you haven’t Facebook and even chat with any friends your use to uploading photo albums, and advertise your property! Make it spoken to in years. The Facebook “wall” and family that are online. from there, begin experimenting with look appealing to any prospective is where it all happens. This is where you swappers! FACEBOOK FOR BUSINESS some of the neat Facebook applications. write comments on what you are up to • Photographs You can also use Facebook to connect ASHTON PIONEER HOMES or share photos and articles with your Ensure that you take photographs with co-workers and old co-workers to FACEBOOK PAGE friends. You’ll also see what your friends of every room that you can upload keep the workplace networking going. Ashton Pioneer Homes uses Facebook to your property advert! People are and family are posting on their wall, to keep tenants updated on a daily It’s a fact that one of the best ways to find more likely to open adverts with and anyone on your friends list can basis about issues such as Welfare a new job is to be recommended by a pictures so they have an idea of the come by and write a comment on your Reforms, Community events, repairs & friend, so keeping up with business property’s layout and condition. wall. So not only is the Facebook wall a maintenance issues. Tenants can leave contacts can be very important. • Sell your area great place to let everyone know you messages 24 hours a day and keep other FACEBOOK FOR FINDING OLD FRIENDS Draw people in by describing the are back from holiday and post trip residents informed about community Ever wonder whatever happened to attributes of your area! E.g. Ashton photos, it is also a place where matters. Please search AshtonPioneer on your prom date? Or your best friend Pioneer Homes is based in Ashton- conversations are started. Facebook and click LIKE to receive from middle school? With more and u-Lyne, one of ’s historic FACEBOOK IS YOUR ONLINE messages and updates direct to your more people joining Facebook, it is and picturesque cotton towns, PHOTO ALBUM Facebook account. lying in the lee of the Pennines, 7 becoming a great place to look up old In addition to keeping up with friends www.facebook.com/AshtonPioneer miles east of city centre friends and getting back in touch. and family, Facebook is a great place to in the borough of Tameside. REMEMBER TO START SLOW upload all of those family photos. You could also put information Ordinarily, you’d have to whip out the Now that you know all you can do with about the local schools, facilities photo album when people are over at the Facebook, the trick is to not become and transport links to sell your area house, but uploading them to Facebook overwhelmed by trying to do everything even more. • Describe your property Make sure that you put all property details on your advert to attract people who look for specific features in a property. I.e. 3 bed terraced house with downstairs APH CAN HELP YOU toilet, garden front and back, and large kitchen. UPVC windows throughout. Gas Central Heating (GCH), gas fire. MAKE THE MOST OUT • Fill in ALL family details so that HomeSwapper finds accurate swap matches for you! This is essential. OF HOMESWAPPER! If you need help registering and/ using HomeSwapper or if you want help taking pictures then please ask!. We now offer a service to all of our tenants whereby we can help you make the most of using HomeSwapper! Please contact us for help with: • Registration to HomeSwapper • Help with entering your property’s details • Marketing your property; i.e. We can send a member of staff to take pictures of your property and upload them to your HomeSwapper profile on your behalf. This is extremely important, as it is widely known that prospective swappers are more likely to be attracted to a profile with pictures!

For help with the above, or for any queries, please contact the Customer Services Team on 0161 343 8128 or by calling into the office. www.homeswapper.co.uk 6 Pioneer News Spring 2013 CUSTOMER SERVICES NOTICES

HOW ARE WE PERFORMING? Tenant QTR 3 ASHTON PIONEER HOMES PERFORMANCE TARGET OCT - DEC 2012 Satisfaction Voids % (number of empty properties) 31 -

Current tenant arrears as a % of the annual rent debit 2.76% 2.65% Surveys…

Number of days on average to re-let a property 13.30 28 In order to increase your chances % of properties that are vacant and available to let 0.33% 0.50% of winning £25 of vouchers for Average number of seconds taken to answer a call 4 18 a store of your choice in Ashton- QTR 3 under-Lyne all you need to do is REPAIRS PERFORMANCE TARGET OCT - DEC 2012 make sure you return the repair % reactive repairs completed within target time 97.49 95% questionnaires that are sent to you when repairs are completed. % of emergency repairs completed within target time 100 97% Not only does it help us improve % of urgent repairs completed within target time 98.10 95% our repair service to you but you % of routine repairs completed within target time 90.42 95% can also win a prize, so send yours back today! Here’s a few Number of responsive repairs completed in the period 1069 - of our lucky winners from the % of dwellings with a valid gas safety certificate 100 100 last few months:- December - 37 William Street getting a job. The Prince’s Trust offers a January - 106 Welbeck House number of courses and opportunities to young people who are unemployed, or at February - 10 Bentinck Terrace risk of unemployment through March - 76 Margaret House underachieving in education. If you’re Are you aged 13–30 and struggling to looking for ways to improve your future find training, education or employment? Congratulations to you all! prospects, or the future of a friend or My name is Ashley Bridgwater and I am family member, then please come along The Princes Trust Job Ambassador for to a drop-in session for a chat. To find out Tameside. I will be available at Margaret when I’m next in, contact a member of House to offer advice, guidance and the Customer Service Team at Ashton inspiration to help you move towards Pioneer Homes on 343 8128.

Computers and the internet can 3C’s Update seem daunting if you’ve never Below is a breakdown of complaints been online before, or if you received between April 2012 and December 2012. Upheld means that the don’t have the skills you need to complaint was justified. If you would like do what you want with them. to pay us a compliment or if you have a There are lots of reasons to find NEW STARTER comment or complaint to make then out more – you can look for a please complete one of our C Cards or LEE HANVEY contact our Customer Services Team. new job online, stay in touch with friends and family, or do Hi, I’m Lee Hanvey and I am a new 12 the weekly shop. member of the Neighbourhood 10 You can find all the help you need at your local UK online centre, and on the Service Team. I would like to say 8 www.learnmyway.com website. hello to the staff and residents of 6 To find out where your local on line Ashton Pioneer Homes! For the centre is call 0800 771234 or search on past 10 years I have worked 4 their website at: alongside homeless families for 2 www.ukonlinecentres.com Manchester City Council helping 0 You can also use the computer in our Not Not Not Not Not to rehouse them through the Upheld Upheld Upheld Upheld Upheld reception area to access the website Upheld Upheld Upheld Upheld Upheld and our Customer Service Team will be private rented sector. In my spare Repairs & Housing Customer Services Governance Rent on hand to help. maintenance Management time I like to race model cars with What are you waiting for…see what my son, fixing anything that is APRIL TO DECEMBER 2012 the internet can do for you! broke and watching TV and films.

You can now You can now follow follow APH APH on Facebook: on Twitter www.facebook.com/ @AshtonPioneer ashtonpioneer 6 Resident Reporters Stepping out into your local community

CAN YOU BUILD IT?... RACE FOR LIFE 2013 REDMIRE CAN by Nicola Woods By Resident Reporter Peter Glenn The usual crew are once again joining the Race for Life to help If you go around the estates you will probably see red and white vans beat cancer! So who fancy’s belonging to Redmire who are maintaining flats and maisonnettes on joining us? Why not make a day the estates. The amount of work and commitment to doing a great job of it and have some fun! Race for tenants is superb. for Life events are not just for those taking part. It is a great Redmire was started in 1984 by Geoff The girls finishing the Race for Life last year. Denny taking the name from a lake in day out for your family and together and raised more than £493 Warwickshire. Geoff took on contractual friends too, so bring them along. million for Cancer Research UK’s life- work together with maintenance and Once you’ve crossed the finish saving work, making it the UK’s largest dealing with voids on the estates. Having women-only fundraising event. Some seven staff including his sons and line there will be plenty of ladies take part in celebration of surviving daughter Shelley who looks after the activities for you to enjoy. Music, a cancer experience. Others take part in administration. They have formed a children’s stalls, health memory of a loved one or to give hope to great team of skilled builders and a cancer-free future. But everyone shares plumbers dealing with maintenance information stands and games a common goal, to raise money for Cancer problems. Having talked to tenants on arenas that will make your Race Research UK’s groundbreaking work and the estates regarding Redmire’s work for Life a day to remember. to help save lives! If you would like to join there was nothing but praise, namely on had been done. Tell you what Bob the the Race for Life team, please contact time, helpful, a job well done friendly Builder is shaking in his shoes keep the Since Race for Life started in 1994, an Nicola Woods on 0161 343 8128 or call in and most of all cleaned up after the job great work up team. incredible six million women have come to the office. Interview with Family from Cougar Ki Martial Arts Club By Vicky Williams

Q How did you find out about the Club? Q What would you say to people thinking of joining? A I met Sensei Dan when he was door knocking in the area trying A Come and give it a go! The first lesson is free. So you have nothing to encourage members when he first started the club. My husband to lose! It’s normal to be nervous, but Sensei Dan and all the students and 2 boys were already training at another club and I didn’t like at C.K.M.A make you feel so welcome! The youngest is 4 the eldest it, it was too rough for me! So in January I decided to give C.K.M.A is 47!!! You won’t regret it as you will gain so any achievements! (Cougar Ki Martial Arts) a try! I enjoyed it that much on the You don’t you have to attend all sessions, it’s up to you!! Our family Tuesday the rest of the family joined on the Thursday as well! enjoy it so much we go to all the sessions!! Q What are the benefits for yourselves and how often do you train? The class is at West End Methodist Church, Trafalgar Square Tuesday 6pm - 7.20pm, Thursday 6.15pm - 8.15pm and Saturday 1.30pm - 3.30 pm. A Its personal achievement, individually and as a family. It helps boost Prices: £4.50 per session - If there are 2 family members: £4.00, confidence and it’s something we can do together as a family and 3 or more of the same family: £3.50 support and encourage each other! We train every Tuesday and Thursday also tournament training on a Saturday. Q You mentioned that your 2 boys train with you, how have these classes helped to improve their lives? A Personal gain and self confidence, respect and discipline. It has bought us closer together as a family unit. Q What have you enjoyed most about attending the club? A Being part of C.K.M.A. we have gained so much. We have all graded, taken part in the E.K.O European karate Organisation Championships. We have attended seminars and workshops and FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: have several more lined up. SENSEI DAN (3RD DAN) ON 07770691439 7 Resident Reporters Stepping out into your local community

THE GOOD OLD Trivia DAYS - ASHTON By Resident Reporter Peter Glenn Quiz Hello everyone once again Mr Sherlock Holmes and myself Looking back on how Ashton used to be in the thirties,forties and (Doctor Watson) have composed a little quiz to get you fifties i’m sure many memories will be brought back and discussed thinking. Some are easy some hard and some for you to with family and friends. discuss with friends and family. So no looking at the

Do you remember your first bike solid tyres hard saddle and available for a £1.00. answers, no looking on the computer just use as our Then there were “bogies” made out of pram wheels and a bit of wood. If you had fellow detective would say use your little grey cells. four wheels you were posh as most had three. During the war the Home Guard were BEST OF LUCK! placed on duty at Hartshead Pike, the men slept inside the Pike and had a sweet shop that sold other things as well as sweets. Their main duty was to guard the beacon 1. Where is Tiger Bay? against invasion which gladly never arrived. Shopping must have been a delight, Stamford Street full of shops as far as the eye could see, then the market, with fruit 2. Who wrote the murders in the Rue Morgue? stalls, Podmores Sweets, fishmongers and people selling oilcloth and carpets. 3. What do the W.G. in W.G.Grace stand for? Different stalls sold almost everything and also plenty of ice cream vans. Hope this 4. Who created Doctor Watson? brought back a few memories i’m sure you can think of more to discuss let us know at Pioneer News your memories for the next edition. 5. Where is the Golden Temple of Amritsar? 6. Which British city has Piccadilly and Victoria rail stations? 7. In which city is the Karntnerstrasse? 8. What was the name of the pilot of Fireball XL5? SO COLD 9. Who painted the Mona Lisa? 10. Who was Elvis Presley’s Manager? By Dee Wilson Think you have solved them? Answers on page 10.

Easter been, Easter gone, It’s been the coldest I have ever known, Will this be the only one. With ice and snow in the air, Cold threatened throughout the year, Is this what we have to bear. BECOME A Will we ever feel the sun, Have our warm days finally gone, End of our Summer fun. Pray I’m wrong, That Summer warmth TENANT does come, And will be very long. DIRECTOR OF APH Love to The Board of Ashton Pioneer Homes is currently reviewing the way Tenant Directors are recruited to the Board of Management. If you have an interest in write! governance issues or you want to have a say in how Ashton Pioneer Homes is managed then why not join our Board? If you would like more information please Resident Reporters are looking for people who would like call or email Tony Berry, Chief Executive for an informal to write poems, short stories (200 words), report on activities, chat about what it means to sit on the Board. events, what’s on etc for our newspaper. Please contact Nicola on 0161 343 8128 at APH office for more details. Telephone: 0161 343 8128

8 Resident Reporters Stepping out into your local community

Healthy Option Recipe Healthy Option Recipe Sausage, Tomato and butter bean Bake Carrot Cake Muffins This recipe is perfect for a satisfying midweek meal. These light, tasty muffins are so delicious for an afternoon tea treat. They’re great to pop one into a packed lunch box. Serves: 4 adults Preparation time: 5 mins Cooking time: 40 mins INGREDIENTS: Serves: 8 adults Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 30 mins • 1 can chopped tomatoes • 8 reduced fat sausages INGREDIENTS: • 2 cans butter beans in water • 1 tsp orange finely grated zest • 2 tsp olive oil • 200g plain flour drained and rinsed • 100ml 1% fat milk • 1 large onion finely chopped • 2 tsp baking powder • 1 pinch ground black pepper • 50g low-fat spread melted • 1 tbsp dried sage • 100g light muscovado or soft brown sugar • 3 carrots (or 250g) finely grated METHOD: • 1 egg • 50g sultanas • Preheat the grill. Grill the sausages • Cook in the oven for 15-20 under a medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until everything is • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 125g lower fat soft cheese minutes, or until just sealed and bubbling and the sausages are METHOD: lightly browned on both sides. cooked through and tender. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Serve straight to the table and • Preheat the oven to Gas Mark Tip 1: Always use proper cooks let everyone tuck in. 6/200°C/fan oven 180°C. Put 8 measuring spoons and level them off • Preheat the oven to 180ºC, 350ºF, paper muffin cases into a muffin tin. for accurate results. gas mark 4. Tip: Try adding chopped courgettes or other veg to get more of your • Put the flour and baking powder into Tip 2: The secret of successful muffins • Put the olive oil in a frying pan, 5 A DAY. a large mixing bowl. Stir in the sugar. is to avoid over-mixing when adding add the onion and sage and fry the wet ingredients to the dry ones very gently for about 10 minutes. • In a jug or bowl, beat together the - just stir until combined. The onion should be completely egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, softened but not coloured. Add the milk and melted reduced fat spread. Tip 3: Try using the mixture to make tomatoes, bring to a simmer, then Add to the dry ingredients with the mini muffins. The quantity will make cook for about 5 minutes, stirring grated carrots and raisins or 24 and they will take 18-20 minutes now and then until the sauce is sultanas and stir until just combined. to bake. slightly reduced and thickened. Avoid over-mixing. Season with pepper. • Share the mixture between the • Transfer the tomato mixture to paper cases. Bake for 25-30 an oven dish and stir in the butter minutes until risen and golden. beans. Arrange the sausages Cool on a wire rack. on top, before burying them in • Mix together the reduced fat soft the mixture. cheese and orange zest. Spread an equal amount onto each muffin, then enjoy! serve. enjoy! What a mess! P.G. Tips Gardening by Peter Glenn I have noticed recently that people have not been cleaning up Competition after their dogs, that it’s on the paths, seating area and play by Dee Wilson area within APH buildings. Hi Everyone, It’s Gardening Competition time and we have made We know how this can harm our loads of changes. There are new categories, including Vegetables children, mess our property and have a detrimental effect on the area in which and Herbs. This was mentioned to us by one of the Tenants, we live. If you know anyone who is not so we added it to our categories. This was a good idea and cleaning up after their dog, PLEASE tell something different. them, report them, photos are welcome. Another thing is cigarette ends thrown We will be keeping most of our other categories, one of which is Young Gardener from the balconies, not just one or two as we hope there are some youngsters out there who loves gardening and would but whole ashtray full. What is going like to enter. Most of the changes we have made because of suggestions by our on? I’m sure none of you want to see Tenants to make it a lot better for all. One of those changes was for the judging this mess. This is the worse I’ve ever to be done in May instead of July, which we will be doing sometime over the last seen. Please for the sake of our children, two weeks of May. So get your forms and return the as soon as you can as the last our shoes, our views and our homes… date for handing them in is Friday 3rd May. 9 Resident Reporters Stepping out into your local community

WELCOME TO REACH by Peter Glen, Chair REACH

REACH stands for Residents Engaging Across Communities in Housing. If someone is confused I say, REACH is a community based group assisting other groups within the community. The group holds monthly meetings at the tenants base situated in Ryecroft House, West Park to discuss events that will take place during the year, what is needed and what help is required. Last year we were successfully in obtaining funding from ‘You Choose’ which was put towards events to bring the community together. The group has a solid committee, myself as Chair, Terry Woolley (Vice chair), Carrie Owen (Secretary) and Jenny Boff (Treasurer) and together with members of the group have progressed in the community. The group also have close relationships with Tameside MBC, Manchester Police (for security talks) and Ashton Pioneer Homes. We are always looking forward to hearing from you and hopefully seeing you at the next meeting on May13th or at the drop in sessions at Ryecroft House on Tuesday from 1pm. If you want more information please contact the numbers below or email or twitter. Contact numbers: Peter Glenn (Chair) 0161 830 0113 Terry Woolley (Vice Chair) 0161 330 8660 Jenny Boff (Treasurer) EMAIL: [email protected] TWITTER: @reachtameside (Chair REACH)

The Rough Look forward to seeing you! Peter Glen Diamonds Social Group The story so far! by Nicola Woods

We were again successful in well, Live Healthy Cooking sessions, and receiving the ‘You Choose‘ we have two happy, healthy facilitators called Dave and Irene. We would like to funding! We have been as busy welcome anyone to come along to any of as ever this year planning our our sessions, we would be very pleased to activities. So all its been since meet you. If you are interested in learning to knit or if you can knit please join us on receiving this money is plan, plan a Monday afternoon at 1pm in the and more planning! February Tenants Base, Ryecroft House. We also was the launch of the knitting have a sewing machine and will be up- cycling clothes! If you have any sewing sessions, and we have 3 fantastic machine skills we would love to hear from teachers that are more than you. If you fancy giving Matchstick Model happy to help. making a whirl come to the Tenants Base at 7pm Thursday evening. For a place on March saw the launch of the Match Stick the next Eat Well, Live Well Cooking Model Making sessions, and we have a course or any information about the great teacher called Mark who is very other sessions please contact Nicola on talented. April was the start of our Eat 0161 343 8128 or text 07503673647.

TRIVIA QUIZ ANSWERS HOW DID YOU DO? You can now follow You can now follow 1: Cardiff 6: Manchester 1-4 Poor APH on Facebook: REACH on Twitter 2: Edgar Allan Poe 7: Vienna 4-8 Not Bad www.facebook.com/ @ReachAshton 3: William Gilbert 8: Steve Zodiac 8-13 Good ashtonpioneer 4: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 9: Leonardo Da Vinci 13-16 Very Good 10 5: India 10: Colonel Parker 16-20 Excellent Pioneer News Winter 2011 11 RESIDENT INVOLVEMENT The Pioneer Panel Challenges APH to Improve

BY Iain Every

Have you ever asked the question: Is Ashton Pioneer Homes any good? How does it compare to other housing associations? Do you wish tenants could have a say in how services are run? Or do you wish that APH would just listen to how it feels to be on the receiving end of one of their decisions or services? If so, you might be interested in applying to join The Pioneer Panel. This is a group of tenants who work to challenge APH to deliver the very best service possible. As well as being tenants themselves, the members of The Pioneer Panel like to discover the experiences of other tenants and APH staff, in order to bring about improvements to APH services. You may be one of those tenants contacted in the Panel’s review of Gas Servicing. The promises APH make regarding gas servicing, their Helen Bradbury Iain Every performance (and that of Hadfield and Britain), and the experiences of tenants were all looked into very carefully, and then compared with other housing associations across the country. The Pioneer Panel produced a report with 15 recommendations and presented it to the APH board just before Christmas. The board welcomed the report and have put together an action plan to respond to all 15 recommendations. Improvements to the service and how it affects tenants have already been made and others will follow. So if you want to see an example of tenant power actually improving APH, look out for the full report which will be online, or the summary which will be sent to all tenants. Ron Metcalf Jenni Boff Like the Pioneer Panel Facebook page to keep up with what they are doing, and email Helen at [email protected] if you have any suggestions or are interested in applying to join.

Nigel Beswick 11 12 Pioneer News Spring 2013 REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE PLANNED MAINTENANCE SPEND VEHICLE GATES Following the incident which occurred last October the 12 sliding vehicle gates will remain, under an Order issued by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), fixed in the open position. We are aware of the potential effect this has on private tenant parking but must as always ensure that we put the health and safety of our residents first. We have been holding regular meetings with our engineers and the HSE to identify a solution which reduces any risks associated with the use or mis-use of the gates and will be carrying out works over the next few weeks to one of the gates to test out one option. Therefore, subject to the HSE’s approval of the modifications, that gate will be restored to normal use and similar adjustments will follow to the remaining 11 gates across the estates. The delay in arriving at the current situation reflects the complexity of dealing with the risks associated with the operation of motorised equipment in a public place. It is impossible to eliminate all risks associated with the gates opening and closing. To ensure that privacy of the parking areas can be achieved, it is essential that everybody coming into contact with the gates exercises due care for themselves, and other users and any safety notices in place.

Landscape Maintenance

You may have noticed that despite including the grassed area the disappointing start to Spring, between Welbeck Terrace and weather wise at least, our Katherine Street and the grassed landscape contractor, Greenscape, area at the corner of William started their operations with our Street and Victoria Street. first grass cut at the start of April. Unfortunately, due to the very Whilst Greenscape’s contract is cold weather, the display of primarily around planned flowers expected this Spring may maintenance, cutting grass, not be as good as usual. maintaining planters, cutting We would welcome any back shrubs etc we also do our suggestions you may have for best to carry out enhancements improvements to any of our which we hope will improve the landscape features and these visual experience of living on could then be considered for our estates. inclusion with our landscape Back in November, we planted a works over the coming months. significant number of daffodil Please give us a ring or pop in and bulbs in clusters at various talk to our Customer Services locations across the estates, staff if you have any suggestions. Pioneer News Spring 2013 13 REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE Energy Ashton Pioneer Efficiency Homes are Changing our habits can be difficult but if changing habits starting a Green actually saves you some money it has to be worthwhile?

• Turning your thermostat • Only boil as much water as down by 1°C could reduce needed this can save you £7 Angels your heating bills by up to a year. £60 per year. • A dripping tap wastes Campaign • Is your water too hot? Could energy and in one week you be wasting money? wastes enough water to fill Your cylinder thermostat up half a bath! We are looking for residents to should be set at 60°C. • Use energy saving light bulbs. get involved so that we can • Close your curtains at night They last up to 10 times monitor the energy usage in making sure that you tuck longer and can save you your home and look at providing them behind radiators to around £55 over the lifetime. energy savings. If you are keep the heat in. Or £3 per year for each bulb interested in getting involved and saving money, please • Turn off lights when you you use in your home. contact us! leave a room. • Install a water meter; they • Don’t leave appliances on can save you a lot of money. standby and remember • Switch your energy supplier not to leave laptops and - GM Switch Campaign mobile phones on charge could save you up to £250 Water meters unnecessarily. This could save year on your energy bills. The you up to £86 a year. Unplug next auction will be in April or switch off! 2013. Call 0800 009 3363 in high rises OR www.gmfairenergy.com • Fill up your washing If you are interested in having machine, tumble dryer or • You could also go to a water meter installed by dishwasher. One full load uswitch.com/gas-electricity United Utilities but have been uses less energy than two even if you are using a refused, please sign up to our half loads and always prepayment meter you can water meter campaign! remember to use the still qualify for cost savings. economy setting. Win £25 High Street Vouchers of your choice!

ATTENTION, Ashton Pioneer Homes are carrying out a survey of the Repairs and Maintenance Service. Please ensure that you complete the survey enclosed with your Pioneer News and return it to APH. It is important that your views are heard so please return to us by the 24th of May. We will publish the results in the next newsletter. 14 Pioneer News Spring 2013 MONEY MATTERS

Thanks to the credit crunch, rising fuel prices, rocketing heating costs and continued rises in food prices, everyone is feeling the pinch – especially at this time of year, when many of us are still recovering from the big Christmas spend. So in this, our first edition of Money Talks, we are looking at ways of taking control of our spending and helping you to budget and manage your money more effectively.

Rent & Service Charges BUDGETING

Ashton Pioneer Homes will be Now more than ever it’s important to keep track of your money. When it comes to budgeting, it often consulting with Tenants in the helps to write down all your monthly outgoings to get a clear picture of your financial situation. From this Summer in respect of the new you can see where potential savings can be made. Budgeting can help you :- Rent and Service Charges to be • Make decisions about your money, so you know exactly where it’s going charged from October 2013. APH must again follow Government • Identify where you can make changes to your spending habits guidelines whereby the increase in Rent will be the September 2012 RPI + 0.5% • Help to make your money go further and get you into the savings habit +/- £2. Service Charges are being fully reviewed to give everyone a clear Try it yourself using the table below. picture of what the various amounts charged actually pays for. ITEM DESCRIPTION ACTUAL AMOUNT TARGET AMOUNT SAVINGS Pay Your rent using Income (Salary / Benefit etc) the allpay App Rent Council Tax

The allpay App is a mobile Water Rates Electricity application (App) available to Heating (Gas) download from the Apple App Store or Google Play enabling TV License you to pay your bills using their Home / Life insurance Apple or Android smartphone. Telephone / Mobile DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW AT Satellite/Cable TV

Food / Groceries

Hire Purchase/Loans

Travel (Bus/Train/Taxi)

Car – Insurance

Car-Fuel

WHO CAN USE THE ALLPAY APP? Car-Road Tax If you have an allpay rent card and account number then you can download Car – Servicing / Repairs the App free of charge and immediately start using it - it’s a great opportunity Childcare for you to move to a speedy and convenient method of paying. Clothing HOW WILL THE APP BENEFIT YOU? Alcohol/Cigarettes It is free of charge for you to pay their bill using your smartphone. Once logged AMOUNT REMAINING into your App account, you can store your payment reference number, bank card details and payment amounts so • Keep a spending diary so that you can see where your money is going. Use our planner to keep a track you don’t have to enter them each of what you’re spending each month. time. You can also create a 4 digit pin number to access the App for a fast and • Make sure you review your budget regularly so that you know where you stand and ensure that you’re secure login process. All of this is in the living within your means, especially if your circumstances change. secure environment you would expect from allpay. You can also use your • Try cutting back on non-essential spending to help balance your budget. What could you do without smartphone to make payments over to help you reduce your outgoings? the internet, by telephone or SMS text message. • If you are lucky enough to have money left over, try and get into the savings habit. Pioneer News Spring 2013 15 MONEY MATTERS Borrowing Money

There are many different ways to borrow money and different organisations may lend it, such as:- • Bank Overdraft • Personal Loans • Credit Cards • Store cards • Hire Purchase • Credit Unions • Doorstep Lenders • Payday loans

Before deciding to borrow money, always • Don’t be tempted by a low make sure that you are able to afford the introductory rate – always check how repayments. much you will have to pay back overall • Remember, if you do borrow money, • Ask yourself is a credit card the best you will have to pay it back in the way for you to borrow money, a future, usually with interest added. personal loan could actually be cheaper. • Don’t borrow for longer than necessary • Money lent to you by ‘doorstep’ • Some ways of borrowing are cheaper lenders or payday loan companies can than others, always check the APR be expensive, always try and explore (interest rate). other options. A guide to opening a basic bank account

How can I open an account? HALIFAX • Banks must be contacted directly in 34 The Arcades, Warrington Street, Ashton Under Lyne OL6 7JE order to open a bank account either Tel: 0161 253 9303 by ringing them or calling into your Website: www.halifax.co.uk local branch BANK • All banks require proof of identity 26 Market Street, and residency as part of the Ashton Under Lyne OL6 6AN application process Tel: 0844 736 8368 • It is not a requirement of basic bank Website: www.ybonline.co.uk accounts to have a minimum amount LLOYDS TSB credited to the account each month 91 Old Street, Ashton Under Lyne, CREDIT UNIONS What will I need to prove my identity Lancashire OL6 7RU Credit unions are non-profit Tameside has it’s own Credit Union and residency? Tel: 0845 300 0000 called Cashbox, whilst The • A passport or photo-card driving Website: www.lloydstsb.com making financial co-operatives Manchester Credit Union also licence owned and controlled by their SANTANDER operates in Tameside. You may be • Any letter from the Department of 66 Old Street, Ashton Under Lyne, members. They offer savings, a member of both organisations Work and Pensions dated within the Lancashire OL6 6BQ great value loans and insurance last twelve months, which shows Tel: 0845 765 4321 Website: www.santander.co.uk products, plus they are local your present address and confirms and ethical and exist solely to that you receive state benefits, for ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND example, , Retirement 232 Stamford Street, Ashton Under Lyne, benefit their members. Lancashire OL6 7NQ Pension, Income Support etc. Members pool their savings and Tel: 0161 339 2988 Cash Box Credit Union Ltd, • A Housing Benefit notification letter these savings are lent out to other Website: www.rbs.co.uk Room 3.44, Council Offices, dated within the last six months, members. This is why, when you Wellington Road, which shows your present address. BARCLAYS have a loan from them, they ask Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6DL Your Housing Benefit advisor will be 190 Stamford Street, Ashton Under Lyne, that your savings remain in your [email protected] able to provide you with this Lancashire OL6 7NZ account until your loan is repaid Tel: 0845 755 5555 Telephone: 0161 342 326 so that they can use this money to • A Council Tax bill dated within the Website: www.barclays.co.uk last 12 months which shows your lend out to other members. THE CO-OPERATIVE BANK current address, your Housing In the current economic climate 1 Market Place, Town Centre, Benefit advisor will be able to Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire OL6 7JU more and more people are having Manchester Credit Union, provide you with this Tel: 0161 343 7602 difficulty making ends meet and Suites 17 & 18, First Floor, high street credit is out of reach. Each bank has its own policy about Website: www.co-operativebank.co.uk Building No.2, Universal Square Credit unions are a safe alternative identity checks which it will explain to NAT WEST Devonshire Street, for affordable loans and are much you. We’ve provided details here of 28 Warrington Street, Ashton Under Lyne, Manchester, M12 6JH cheaper than door step lenders, some of the local banks in Ashton that Lancashire OL6 6JL [email protected] cheque cashers, log book loans or offer this service. Tel: 0845 605 1605 Telephone: 0161 231 5222 Website: www.natwest.com web-based loan providers. 16 Pioneer News Spring 2013 RESIDENT INVOLVEMENT

Our Local Offer HCA Standards for Ashton Pioneer Homes will provide all our customers with a local service offer annually. This is over and above the national standards registered providers we are expected to achieve as a regulated provider of social housing. The new HCA regulatory standards follow two main focus areas. Our customers will receive a new Local Offer each and every year in These are economic standards and consumer standards. In April. We will also give all customers and stakeholders an Annual addition to the national standards, Ashton Pioneer Homes Report in October each year. consult with local tenants to provide a Local Offer which reflects This report will provide information on the following; NUMBER the needs of the communities we serve. • Our Performance against the Local Offer • Governance & Financial • Home • Our Performance against National Standards compared with Viability • Rent other Housing Associations • Tenant Involvement and • Tenancy • The Pioneer Way Improvement Plan Empowerment • Neighbourhood & • How residents can get involved in agreeing the Local Offer • Value for Money Community

APH Local Offer 2013/14

The APH Local Offer 2013 is introduced in April of each year. The 2013 Local Offer is summarized in the table below and has been developed following consultation with local residents and tenant groups. The Management Team provides quarterly performance and benchmarking reports to Board. In addition to this, Pioneer News and the APH Social Media forums will keep tenants and stakeholders informed of the Local Offer performance.

ECONOMIC STANDARDS STANDARD OUR LOCAL OFFER

• Review the way Tenant Directors are recruited to the Board Governance & Financial Viability • Work with tenant groups to plan for the financial implications of Welfare Reform

• Facilitate more opportunities to communicate digitally & through social media Value for Money • Involve local tenant groups in a VFM self-assessment

• Enable tenants to check their rent accounts through the internet Rent • Extend the consultation with tenants on service charge setting

CONSUMER STANDARDS STANDARD OUR LOCAL OFFER Tenant Involvement Provide opportunities for tenants to be trained in the following: • Using the internet • Mystery shopping and Empowerment • Tenant Scrutiny • Continue to support the Pioneer Panel to scrutinise APH services

• Help residents reduce fuel bills through energy efficiency savings Home • Further extend the use of the appointment system for the repairs service

Tenancy, Neighbourhood • Give priority to applicants on the Housing Waiting List that can demonstrate a community contribution and Community • Provide free access to the internet to all APH tenants via the Tenants Base

To get this newsletter in Phone: 0161 343 8128 Text: 07624 802412 Braille, large print or on tape: Email: [email protected]

Pioneer News is published by Ashton Pioneer Homes, Margaret House, Margaret Street, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7TH