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SWT Housing News Autumn 2020

SWT Housing News Autumn 2020

AUTUMN 2020

Housing News Great Homes for Local Communities

Introduction from Cllr Francesca Smith (Housing Portfolio Holder) Welcome to the West and Housing Newsletter. We have not produced a full newsletter for some time so there is lots of information in this edition which we hope you find useful. There is certainly lots going on and to tell you about. This document is also available online at www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk . We have all been through so much in the last few months, and as a landlord our main priority is to protect the wellbeing of our tenants and this means continuing to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. We have put measures in place to limit non-essential face to face contact and whenever possible we will engage with you by phone, text, email or in writing. We continue to get all of our services back to a “new normal” where we can safely, but it will take us a bit more time to do this fully. While we do this, we thank you all for your ongoing support and patience. In this newsletter we also signpost you to a wide range of support that is available to you if you should need it, and I would encourage you all to make contact if you feel this is right for you. Lastly, you may in the coming weeks pick up in the media about current discussions concerning the future of Local Government in Somerset. We will keep you fully informed of any changes and any impact on tenants in due course.

SWT Housing Objectives We have established three objectives for the Housing Service to support our ambition to provide Great Homes for Local Communities where our homes are safe and secure and we will build many more homes in which tenants will thrive. 1. Delivering more new homes 2. Providing great customer service 3. Improve our existing homes and neighbourhoods

1 Responsive Repairs Throughout the coronavirus lockdown SWT continued to provide an essential emergency repairs service, ensuring we put in place measures to keep both residents and staff safe from coronavirus whilst work was carried out. We have put in place the necessary safety precautions to complete all work at a distance. If we have to enter your property to carry out a repair, we ask that you allow us to access and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Please do not have work completed in your property if you or a member of your household has coronavirus symptoms. Instead please contact SWT immediately so we can re-book your repair. Non-emergency repair requests were also logged during this time, and we have now started to tackle these tasks; again with appropriate safety measures in place. It will take some time to get through these and the incoming new repairs requests, so please bear with us as we work to catch up.

Property Safety Gas Safety Checks - The annual gas safety checks to all Council owned gas appliances were continued during the lockdown period, with required coronavirus additional safety measures in place. These checks are essential for your safety, so please make sure you provide access for our engineers when contacted to arrange an appointment.

Fire Safety - SWT has been continuing with regular inspections of communal areas to make sure these are kept clear to help keep everyone safe in the event of a fire. We are also looking to carry out some fire safety improvement works to some areas, e.g. replacement fire doors, upgrading emergency lighting, etc.

Asbestos - Following the easing of the lockdown, SWT is shortly due to recommence the asbestos survey programme to individual homes. Gulley Howard is the chosen contractor to undertake the surveys. They are fully accredited asbestos surveyors and will undertake the surveys safely. You will be advised by letter if you are on this programme, they will need full access to all areas of your property.

Electrical Safety - Electrical safety checks to communal areas have recommenced following the easing of the coronavirus lockdown. SWT is now looking to plan electrical safety checks in individual homes, so again please help by allowing our electricians access if you are contacted.

Major Work Programmes All major work programmes (e.g. kitchen/bathroom/window replacements, and heating upgrades) ceased during lockdown. SWT is arranging for contractors to start these works again once they are ready, as many furloughed their staff. We are working with all our contractors to ensure works can be undertaken safely, allowing for social distancing, and this may mean some works take longer to complete. We have returned to work on our external painting and replacement roof line (plastic gutters, rainwater goods, fascia and soffits) programme.

2 Supported Housing

During lockdown, SWT made phone calls to many tenants including all sheltered and extra care, to check on their welfare and remind our tenants of support available. SWT also referred to Village Agents for practical support for those shielding. Food parcels were delivered to tenants in crisis and in-person welfare checks for those not contactable by phone. Many tenants were also added to the Deane Helpline daily welfare calls schedule, to support those who were unable to get support from family or friends. Sheltered tenants are receiving a monthly welfare check by phone. Home visits are made only when necessary and safe to do so. Tenants needing aids and adaptions are assessed by phone, and visited, where necessary to complete the assessment. Extra Care Tenants were requested not to have visitors, to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. SWT staff and care providers have worked together to ensure tenants have food and medications and that they are not feeling isolated.

The Supported Housing Team and the patch areas they cover are listed below: Dawn Lingard, Case Michelle Dunn, Case Manager Supported Housing Manager Supported Housing Taunton - Calway Road, Taunton - Crossways, Harnell Close, Milton Close, Moorland Close, Moorland Monmouth Road, Normandy Place, Newton Road, Drive, Seabrook House, Trinity - Dinhams, Road. - Polkesfield, - Sycamore Fay Coleman, Case Manager Walk. Supported Housing Wellington - Bovet Street, Kath Jones, Case Manager Bulford, George Street, Lodge Supported Housing Close. Taunton - Broomfield House, Creedwell Close, Creedwell Georgina Farebrother, Case Orchard, Darby Way, Dorchester Manager Supported Housing Road, Enmore Road, Quantock Taunton - Bruford Close, Road, Slapes Close, Chapman Court, Churchill Way, Wellington - Squirrel Court, Henderson Close, Manor Drive, Stedhams Close. Middleway, Roland Close, Willie - Plain Pond. Gill Court, Tauntfield Close, Charter Walk, South Road. Deborah Ayres, Case Manager Supported Housing Richard Lynett, Case Monkton Heathfield- Manager Supported Housing Bungalows Elm Estate, Taunton - Cheddon Road, Heathfield Drive, Richards Dowell Close, Kilkenny Court, Crescent, Triscombe Road, Wellesley Taunton - Fletcher Close, Street, , Grange Walk, Hope Corner Leaches Field, Lane, Lyngford Place, Lyngford Road, Close, Warwick Road.

3 Reopening of Sheltered Housing and Extra Care Meeting Halls SWT plan to partially re-open meeting halls at the extra care and sheltered housing scheme sites, in line with government guidance, through the Autumn. Officers who work in the Supported Housing Team will be offering a weekly morning appointment based service for tenants within the schemes. This is all about offering tenants more support and contact, as needed. On the same day, during the afternoon, Officers will also be carrying out visual checks of the schemes and gardens and also visiting tenants within their homes, if necessary.

Help with Rent It is important that all tenants continue to pay their rent on time, if you’re already in receipt of benefits these will continue and if your Universal Credit includes an amount for your housing costs it’s important that you use this to continue to pay your rent as normal. If you have been affected by coronavirus or self-isolation and this has meant you are going to miss a rent payment or not pay the full amount, then it is very important that you contact us as soon as possible on 0300 304 8000 so that we can discuss this further with you. SWT do not want anyone to lose their tenancy as a result of the virus. If you are having problems paying your rent either because you can’t pay by your usual method or you’re having financial difficulties, please call us on 0300 304 8000. It is very easy for tenants to pay their rent without having to leave the house. We encourage all tenants to set up a Direct Debit, which is the simplest way to pay and this can be done by asking us to set this up by calling 0300 304 8000.

Council Tax Support If you are making a claim for Universal Credit and you are liable for Council Tax please call our Benefit Case Managers on 0300 304 8000 to make a claim for Council Tax Support. Normally we receive a notice from the Department for Work and Pensions once you receive Universal Credit. This can take several weeks so we are asking you to call our Benefit Case Managers immediately to see if we can award you any help with your Council Tax quickly. We will carry out a telephone claim and award support based on your income until we get your Universal Credit award details.

Deane House Hub open for appointments The customer services team are continuing to answer calls between 8am – 6pm, and people are being encouraged to access services online. However, when a face to face meeting is the only way to solve an issue appointments can now be made at the Deane House Hub in Belvedere Road. All visitors and staff will be required to wear a mask unless exempt and to follow social distancing guidelines. SWT staff manning the interview rooms will be wearing face visors rather than masks to make communication easier and minimise any impact on visitors with a hearing impairment. To make an appointment at the Deane House Hub please call 0300 304 8000.

4 Housing Awards Recognise Inspirational Colleague A member of SWT’s housing team has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of “the people that make housing great”. Denise (Dee) Bradley is a finalist in the Inspirational Colleague of the Year category of the Housing Heroes Awards run by Inside Housing and the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Denise Bradley - Debt Benefit Advice I am Denise Bradley, your Debt and Benefit Case Manager. I work within the Housing Team supporting Somerset West & Taunton Council tenants. My aim is to help increase household incomes and minimise household debts. If you are struggling to pay your rent and/or Council Tax or need help claiming Universal Credit and other Benefits, I am here to help. My weekly drop-in sessions have been temporarily suspended, but I can be contacted at The Deane House Hub. To make an appointment please telephone 0300 304 8000. On 6 April 2020, your rent charge changed. If you are claiming Universal Credit and need help reporting this change via your online journal, I can help you update this change in circumstances in order that the correct Housing Cost is calculated and paid to you.

Pensioners – Did you know? Over a million Pensioners are eligible to claim Pension Credit – but fail to do so! This may be because you don’t know you can or how to claim – To find out more you can call the Pension Service Helpline on 0800 731 0469, or I can help you. If you are a single Pensioner and have less than £175.20 per week in State Retirement pension, or you are a Pensioner couple with less than £263.20 per week in State Retirement Pension you could be eligible for Pension Credit. The Pension Credit Claim line is 0800 99 1234 – or I can help you. Don’t forget: from the 1 August 2020 if you are NOT getting the Guarantee Pension Credit top up to your State Retirement pension and you are over 75, you will have to pay for your TV licence. It’s worth a phone call. For more info please contact Denise. Email: [email protected]

Fly Tipping Information and Support Please dispose of your household items responsibly and check that anyone who you pay to remove rubbish on your behalf has the correct licence for waste disposal. Fly-tipping can be dangerous, pollutes land and waterways and costs the Council Tax payer significant amounts of money to clear away. The Council is continuing to investigate fly-tipping incidents and anyone witnessing possible fly-tipping is asked to report the details. Please use the SWT report fly-tipping online form or phone 0300 304 8000. Reported fly-tipping incidents will be attended within 5 working days unless a specialist is needed to remove it. 5 Bridging the gap in the community MIND are a support and advocacy project for tenants of SWT Housing who have mental well- being issues. MIND’s particular areas of focus are Halcon, North Taunton and Wellington, although they will take referrals from any SWT Housing tenant who needs their help. MIND are part of the One Team; a scheme set up by the police, which also involves other agencies. MIND will:- • Listen and offer emotional support where needed. • Accompany someone to meetings or appointments, as a supportive presence. • Represent clients in situations where they don’t feel able to represent themselves. • Provide mental health information. • Signpost to appropriate services. • Identify options. • Help with letters, emails, and phone calls. • Offer support with domestic abuse issues, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and mental health issues. • Promote activities such as the “Youth Matters Walking and Talking Groups” to offer support for young people.

This is a confidential service and any support accessed would not be shared outside of the project. If you think MIND may be able to help you please contact them at www.mindinsomerset.org.uk or ask a Case Manager Tenancy Management to make a referral.

Smartphones to Help Tackle the Digital Divide Thanks to a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Taunton, The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) Village Agents will soon be able to distribute a number of Smartphones in the Taunton Area. CCS is thrilled to have such a valuable and useful donation to help their clients who are in need – young carers, families and older people, or indeed anyone to whom it will help – these phones will make a huge difference to people’s lives. Applications for a smart phone can be made via your local Village Agent – go to CCS website to find who to contact in your area.

Re-home a Phone to Help Tackle Isolation The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) is calling on the generosity of local people to donate their second-hand smartphones, to help tackle lone- liness and isolation. CCS will refurbish the phone, including removing any personal data. They then provide the new owner with a SIM card and support them to use the phone with video tutorials and by installing apps that will help them to keep in touch with their loved ones. If you have a smartphone to donate, please e-mail [email protected] or call 07946 461510. For more information please go to https://ccslovesomerset.org/network_news/re- home-a-phone-to-help-tackle-isolation-in-somerset/.

6 ReEngage Charity Are you living in a sheltered housing scheme or over 75 and feeling lonely? Did you know you can contact ReEngage Charity and ask to be matched with a ‘Call Companion’ Freephone: 0800 716543. A volunteer call companion will call the same older person between two and four times a month at a mutually agreed time for an informal chat. Calls will last for around 30 minutes.

Live online Talking Café As the regular weekly Talking Café Events have had to cease during coronavirus, Village Agents have launched a live online Talking Cafe broadcast, via Facebook. The Team (including Wellington of course!) hosts the café on Tuesdays at 11am for about 45 mins. There are also links to local organisations and professionals who can offer lots of tips, support and advice. You can access the link by logging onto https://www.facebook.com/ talkingcafesomerset/live.

Do you want to talk to someone about domestic abuse? Contact the Somerset Domestic Abuse Support helpline: 0800 69 49 999 or email the Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service General Enquiries: [email protected] Opening hours: 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday/Sunday. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please always call the Police on 999.

7 Tenant Empowerment - Making a Difference Somerset West and Taunton Council came into being on 1 April 2019, bringing together Taunton Deane Borough Council and Council. The tenants groups which existed under Taunton Deane Borough Council formally ceased on that date, and we have been working to develop tenant decision making structures. A number of members from the previous groups have agreed to work with us to develop terms of reference and ways of working for two new groups, so that we can establish full membership by January 2021. The list of current members is available on our website on the link below. These groups will enable tenants to have their voices heard, make it easy to raise concerns to those in the Council who make the decisions and to influence and shape what the Council does. All members of the Tenants’ Strategic Board are elected and SWT is looking for more tenants to take part from 2021 and will advertise soon. If you are interested in being involved, you can let us know through the general enquiries form on the SWT website. To find out more please refer to the website onhttps://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov. uk/housing/council-and-social-housing/tenant-empowerment/ or call 0300 304 8000.

North Taunton Woolaway Project moves forward The demolition of 22 homes is underway by contractors LA Moore in preparation for the building of 47 new council homes in phase A of the North Taunton Woolaway Project by the Council’s main contractor Engie. The regeneration scheme will build 230 new council homes over four phases and refurbish an additional 27 council properties. Time-lapse cameras have been installed to capture most of the demolition and all of the construction. The Council will also be regularly capturing shots from the air using a drone. The Council is aiming for demolition to be completed by early October and for the main build contractor to commence work in November. As part of the development, there will be improved parking areas, a new community facility, and green spaces. The Council is continuing to work with the residents offering one-to-one conversations and support through a local base at a project office established in the centre of the community. More information on the scheme is available on https://www. somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/housing/north-taunton- woolaway-regeneration/

Zero Carbon Affordable Homes Pilot As a significant contribution to SWT Housing’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, the Council has approved funding to support the development of up to 50 new zero carbon council homes. The developments will influence the future specification used for all new council homes. The properties are expected to be very efficient to heat which means lower costs for the tenants. SWT Housing aims to deliver the homes using modern methods of construction to reduce the on-site build period. As the schemes complete the homes will be opened up as show homes for people to experience the benefits of low carbon living.

8 Laxton Road work resumes following lockdown halt Although the lockdown period meant most development work halted at Laxton Road, the developers managed to pick up the pace as soon as they were able to. The eight apartments are due to be completed near Christmas and will be let via Homefinder Somerset. Also during this time, SWT purchased 7 additional new build homes at Pyrlands Fields from Summerfield Developers. This complemented the ten units that the Council previously purchased in March 2020. The houses have provided new Council homes and allowed 8 families relocating from the North Taunton Woolaway project to be rehomed in advance of further phases of demolition.

Citizens Advice - Taunton We provide free, independent, impartial and confidential advice and support to people living and working in Taunton Deane. We are a charity and our service is delivered mainly by our 80+ volunteers - receptionists, advisers, campaigners, administrators - who are supported by a small paid staff and funded projects.

In 2018/19 our advice teams helped 7,363 clients with over 22,000 advice issues including: housing, debt, benefits, employment, family, consumer and more! We do this by providing the following services: • Face-to-Face Advice Service – face-to-face advice delivered by our team of volunteer advisers. We operate a drop-in direct access service - see our website for opening times. • Somerset Adviceline – a telephone advice service delivered in partnership with all Somerset Citizens Advice offices. The service is staffed by our volunteer advisers - call: 03444 889623 Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm • Email advice - we deliver advice via our website email submission form. The service is staffed by our volunteer advisers and ensure that people who cannot call or visit receive the same quality advice service. • Outreach Services - face-to-face advice delivered by volunteer advisers. These services are delivered in Wellington, Priorswood and Halcon. • Equality and Diversity - We apply core values of dignity, respect, equality and non- discrimination, based on our common humanity. We seek to foster empowerment and participation at all levels, • Research & Campaigns – we collect evidence of the issues facing our clients and we use this evidence to challenge unfairness and influence decision makers at local, regional and national level.

For more information visit: www.citizensadvicetaunton.org.uk

9 Would you like help getting into work or nding a better job?

When: Appointments and Inspired to Achieve are contracted by Drop in available Somerset West and Taunton to deliver employment support to its tenants. Where: Various locations Whether you're employed or across Taunton unemployed you can get help with: and Wellington

Job Interview applications techniques

Volunteering Job opportunities searching

1:1 careers advice IT access

CVs and Upskilling cover letters and training

For more information contact Jane from Inspired to Achieve on: 07734494755 or email [email protected]

10 Westcountry Savings and Loans, your local credit union, is pleased to be working alongside Somerset West and Taunton Council to create financial stability for residents living in the area. Not everyone has heard about us or what credit unions in general can do so here’s a short introduction to our services:

What is a credit union and why choose it? "credit union” is just that… a credit (or “money”) union (a “bringing together” or “unification”. We bring together people who have money to save, with those who need to borrow it. By managing this exchange with prudence and care, we help people in the community we serve to support each other financially. We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and savings with us are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (up to £85k).

Our products We offer a range of savings accounts and loans to suit all purposes: Savings - Our aim is to help all members build up their savings for treats, rainy days and life’s necessities. We make it simple and straightforward to get into the savings habit: Save as and when you can or set up a regular Direct Debit or Banker’s Standing Order (if offered by your employer you can also save through our Payroll Partner Scheme). Savers qualify for annual dividends paid subject to performance Credit Unions are run by their members for their members. You have the right to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting. Loans - Whatever you’re looking for; a new car, a special holiday or a small loan to help with cashflow then we should be your first stop.

Borrowing from our credit union is different: • All applicants and their circumstances are treated individually • We charge daily interest rather than front-load it and there are no early repayment charges • Members who build up a savings pot benefit from a discounted loan interest rate.

The Westcountry Card Our Mastercard debit card comes with all the great features you’d expect like being able to use it worldwide wherever you see the Mastercard logo, contactless technology and the security of Chip and PIN. Plus, for our members it means no more waiting for funds to be ‘topped up’ onto a pre-paid card, approved loans available instantly, and you can shop online or instore using money in your Westcountry account.

Visit: www.westcountry.org.uk/Join for more information.

11 Leasehold Services As we now enter the post-corona recovery phase, SWT would like to inform Leaseholders the following works have resumed: • Section 20 (S20) consultation required by law for pending major works: such as cyclical redecorations, maintenance, replacement rainwater goods/ fascia/soffits. • Progressing with major work programmes whereby S20 was served pre-COVID. • Leaseholders will now be in receipt of their 2019 - 2020 annual service charges. If you are a leaseholder with a query about your service charges or any routine repair undertaken during this period, please do not hesitate to contact the Leasehold Case Manager on 0300 304 8000.

Parking SWT appreciate that parking can be difficult, especially at the moment with more people working from home, but could residents please avoid parking on the grass verges where possible to prevent damage and allow mower access. SWT would remind you to park considerately on the roads. Cars are often legally parked, but in a way that makes it difficult for recycling/rubbish collections trucks to negotiate narrower streets. This has meant recycling crews haven’t been able to pick up their collections. If recycling crews can’t get through, emergency appliances won’t be able to either. Staff working for Somerset Waste Partnership have been putting polite notices from the fire service on the windscreens of any problem parkers.

Help paying for childcare You could be entitled to 15-30 hours free childcare every week. Visit www.childcarechoices.co.uk for more information.

Contact the Case Manager Tenancy Management before Altering Your Home During the coronavirus a lot of us have been thinking about painting and decorating our homes. A lot of tenants forget to contact their Case Manager if they intend to make alterations to the kitchen or bathroom, such as fitting new cabinets and installing the plumbing for a shower, dish washer or moving existing pipe work. Any electrical wiring needs to be signed off by law by a qualified electrician. If you do not have the proper permission and paperwork you may be requested to remove the alterations at your own expense; in addition you could put your home at risk as well as the neighbouring properties. Any household insurance will be invalid and the insurance on the building which SWT holds could also be invalid. You can make improvements to your home, but you must get permission first. You will be responsible for maintaining the improvements you make. You need permission for installing a satellite dish. You’re not allowed to open up old open fires or install a log burner. For the sake of one or two phone calls or a letter ask yourselves is it worth it. For more information contact Customer Services on 0300 304 8000.

12 Tenancy/Estates Management Contacts

The Tenancy Management Team will work actively with residents ensuring support with tenancy and estate management issues and will work with our tenants to help them sustain their tenancies.

If a tenant chooses to end their tenancy, we will work with the household to ensure that the property is left in good condition and the rent account is clear. We manage tenancy successions, assignments, mutual exchanges and work closely with the gas safety team to ensuring compliance is met in our properties. We are responsible for regular estates inspections and block inspections (flats) to ensure that communal areas comply with Fire Safety Regulations.

You can contact your Case Manager to help you with any tenancy issues, for example, low level nuisance and anti-social behaviour, estate tidiness. We have detailed below the patches they cover:

Rachel Pettet, Case Manager Tony Hickling, Tenancy Management Case Manager Tenancy Bishops Hull - Chaffinch Close, Management (temporary) Farrant Close, Haydon Close, Heron - Rectory Road Drive, Linnet Close, Mountway Lane, - Avis Cottages Northfields, Shutemead, Smithy, Wren Bradford on Tone - Tone Green Close, - Farthings Close Bishopswood - Brook Cottages, Ham - Castle Cottages Blagdon Hill - Colleylake Cottages, Holywell Lake - Corams, Lake Cottages - Bouchers Cottages, Miltons, - Swifts Churchinford - Church Road Cottages, Gillards Rockwell Green - Blackdown Road, Mead, Newberrys Patch, Greenway Road, Lower Foxmoor Road, - Horts Cottages, Northside, Oaken Ground, Popes Lane, The - Adcombe View, Well, Weavers Court, Weavers Lodge - Church Road, Hills Cottages - Breach Hill, Gorelegg, Milverton - Ashford Close, Courtfield, Creedwell Weekes Meadow Close, Creedwell Court, Creedwell Orchard, Lower - Appley Cross Fairfield, Newfield, Orchard Cottages Tonedale - Canal Close, Crosslands, - Blackdown View, Burnshill Stoneleigh, Tone Hill Terrace, Court Cottages, Dabinett Close, Hilly Park, Wellington - Alexandra Flats, Alexandra Rectory Road, Station Road, Vilberie Close, Yarlington Road, Baynes Close, Bovet Street, Brendon Close, - Oake Acres, Oake Close Road, Buckwell, Bulford, Church Green, - Littleham Cottages Churchfields, Court Drive, Gay Close, Gay Taunton - Belmont Road, Bruford Close, Churchill Street, George Street, Holyoake Street, Way, Duke Street, Galmington Drive, Galmington Howard Road, Humphreys Road, Kelway Road, Henderson Close, Horts Cottages, Hoveland Road, Laburnum Road, Lillebonne Close, Crescent, Middleway, Musgrove Road, Ramshorn Lodge Close, Longforth Road, Lowmoor Close, Roland Close, St Augustine Street, Wellington Cottage, Olands Road, Parker Close, Road, Willie Gill Court Parklands Road, Priory, Quantock Road, - Brookside Close, Fulwood Cottages, Mill Lane, Rockwell Green, Stedhams Close, Victoria The Green, Wyatts Field Street, Wellesley Park Wiveliscombe - Allenslade Flats, Barn Close, Brook - Budgetts, Crown Hill, Cottages, Langley Cross, Marsh Cottages, Northgate, Frogs Lane, Lodge Close, Sawyers Hill Plain Pond, Smithy, Southgate, Stockers Close, Style Flats, Wyndhams See the rest of the team over the page >

13 Abigail Battersby, Stephen Deakin, Case Manager Case Manager Tenancy Tenancy Management Management (temporary) - Burrow Drove Bathpool - Brittons Ash, - Castle View Bishop Lydeard - Darby Way, Creech Heathfield - Charlton Road Greenway, Mill Lane, Creech St Michael - Cheads Cottages, Road, Pound Lane, Quantock View Creechwood Terrace, Hyde Court, Rocketts Close, - Cheddon Lawns, School Rocketts Cottages, Sycamore Walk, The Myrtles Cottages, Kingston St Mary - Fulford Cottages, - Crimthorne Cottage, Greenway Terrace, Leachs Field, Park Cottages, Huckers Hill, Neoche View, Palmers Green Park Cottages, Parsonage Cottages, Quantock Henlade - Steart Cottage Way - Cridlands, - Barton Way, Cricket Cottages, Crosscroft, Nethercott Way, Lillesdon Terrace, Moor Lane Close, Oxen Lane, Monkton Heathfield - Bungalows Elms Estate, Town Close Elms Estate, Heathfield Drive, Richards Crescent, - Lady Acre School Cottages, School Road, Pen Elm - Stoke St Gregory - Polkes Field, Willey Road, Manleys Cottages Woodhill Terrace Taunton - Addison Grove, Bagborough Road, - Church Close, Pattons Bodmin Road, Cheddon Road, Ruishton - Coronation Close, Dinhams, Ruishton Lane Road, Cyril Street West, Darwin Close, Dorchester Stathe - Stathe Cottages, Road, Dowell Close, Drake Close, Enmore Taunton - Barrow Drive, Beadon Road, Road, Franklin Close, Greenway Crescent, Blenheim Road, Bramley Road, Bridgwater Greenway Road, Road, Hoper Corner Road, Charles Crescent, Crossway, Inner Circle, Lane, Crescent, Ladymead Road, Pyrland Laxton Road, Moorland Close, Moorland Court, Fields, Pyrland Place, Quantock Road, Slapes Moorland House, Moorland Place, Moorland Close, Speke Close, St Albans Place, St Davids Road, Newton Road, Outer Circle, Roman Road, Gardens, St Michaels Crescent, St Patricks Close, Russett Road, Valley Road, York Road. St Patricks Road, Stowey Road, Treborough - Glebe Cottages Close, Triscombe Road, Weacombe Road, Wrantage - Croft Cottages, Wellsprings Road - Titley Cottages Karen Parsons, - Heathfield Close, Parkside, Case Manager Tenancy Vale View Management Taunton - Alder Close, Alfred Street, Bacon Drive, Baldwin Steve Gevaux, Case Manager Road, Brooke Road, Byron Road, Tenancy Management Calvados Road, Charter Walk, Creechbarrow Taunton - Adcombe Road, Barlinch Road, Coleridge Crescent, Cromwell Road, Close, Bircham Road, Blackdown Greenlands, Hamilton Road, Harnell Close, Road, Blackthorn Gardens, Hartley Way, Hawthorn Road, Hazel Close, Holly Bossington Drive, Buckland Road, Close, Holway Road, Juniper Road, Keats Road, Cambridge Terrace, Chantry Close, Cleeve Road, Kershaw Close, Lambrook Close, Lambrook Dare Close, Dover Road, Close, Durham Road, Lambrook Way, Laurel Close, Leycroft Place, Eastwick Road, Fairfield Road, Fletcher Grove, Leycroft Road, Lilac Close, Lime Crescent, Close, Grange Drive, Grange Walk, Lisieux Court, Lisieux Way, Midford Road, Milton Drive, Horner Road, Leigh Road, Ludlow Avenue, Road, Monmouth Road, Normandy Drive, Luxhay Close, Lyngford Crescent, Lyngford Place, Northleigh Road, Rowan Drive, Seabrook Close, Lyngford Square, Maple Close, Oxford Place, Shakespeare Avenue, South Road, Sycamore Pickeridge Close, Priorswood Place, Radlet Close, Close, Tauntfield Close, Trinity Street, Upper Rochester Road, Road, Southampton Holway Road, Wheatley Crescent, Willow Close, Row, St Peters Close, Victory Way, Warwick Road, Wordsworth Drive. Wedlands, Wellesley Street, Wells Close, Winslade Close. 14 Russ Nurcome (not pictured) & Sue Morrisey, Case Managers Anti-Social Behaviour Our Anti-Social Behaviour Officers will deal with high level persistent nuisance to serious violent behaviour.

One Teams SWT are committed to supporting tenants by working with other agencies in the local community. By working together with local schools, health, community centres, PCSOs and other partners we hope to enhance the community where our tenants live. We support others working with individual tenants and focus on community development. The One Teams are based in Halcon, North Taunton and Wellington, Our co-ordinators are (left to right) Richard Shadrick Halcon One Team, Angela Bolitho North Taunton One Team, Peter Joint Wellington One Team.

Keep Safe and Secure in Your Home Tenants will need to contact the Council at certain times about repairs or when upgrades and maintenance jobs are being carried out in the area. SWT will usually contact tenants in writing, to advise of any work scheduled. Unfortunately some doorstep traders are exploiting vulnerable tenants. Cold calling is where individuals or companies call on an address without booking an appointment. These individuals may be ‘touting’ for work or attempting to sell you goods.

Top Tips - when dealing with Cold Callers Lock: Firstly make sure all outer doors are locked. Stop: Then stop and think – are you expecting anybody? Chain: Always put the door chain on and look out of the window or spy hole to see who is calling before opening the door. Check: If a person does not have the correct photo I.D. do not let them in. You should tell them to wait outside while you phone the Council. These checks should also be made on anyone who says that they need to come into your home. All Energy Suppliers and Water Board workers carry the proper I.D, as do all people providing support at home. If a person under 18 years of age is at home alone they should not grant entry to anyone unless it is by prior arrangement with a parent/responsible adult, again the I.D. must be checked.

Police Crime Statistics for Your Area Avon and Somerset Police have recently added the crime statistics for each beat area to their website, so you can find out for yourself what crimes have been recorded in the neighbourhood where you live, and who the local beat officers are. By going towww.avonandsomerset.police.uk and typing your address, you will be taken to the relevant webpage. You can send your local beat team a message by filling out the online form.

15 For more information on how SWT Housing prioritises repairs please refer to your tenant’s handbook or visit https://www. somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/housing/ improvements-and-repairs/housing-repairs/ The safety of SWT tenants and staff is a priority. Vital services will continue to be in place for you including: • Help if you are currently or at risk of being homeless • Help if you are worried about paying rent • Gas and other servicing – we will continue to service your boiler and carry out fire safety checks in communal areas • Looking after our supported housing residents • Continue to call 0300 304 8000 for all these services.

Coronavirus Support Helpline is still available Freephone number: 0300 790 6275 The Somerset Coronavirus Helpline is open seven days a week from 8am-6pm. The helpline will provide help and advice for anyone who can’t find help within their own local networks and volunteers. Help and advice is available for: • Personal care and support including food and delivery of prescriptions; • Support for the homeless; • Emotional support if you’re feeling worried or anxious; • Transport to medical appointments; • Waste collection and disposal; and • Financial support. Callers will be asked to describe the support they need and will be connected with the service that will support them. If you are interested in volunteering, for example, helping people out with shopping or picking up prescriptions please register as a Corona Helper via the website: https://www.corona-helpers.co.uk

Useful Services and Telephone Numbers Important: Smell Gas? Turn off your gas supply on the appliance and at the meter and phone the National Grid on 0800 111 999. SWT Housing including any urgent repairs- 0300 304 8000. Please note that emergency repairs have a standard 24 hour call out period, there must be a person over the age of 18 within the property until the appointment is completed. We cannot guarantee an exact time for attendance. Please continue to log your repairs online, or phone the above number, using option 2, Monday to Thursday 8.30am-4pm and Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm.

For further information please contact Customer Services on: Tel. 0300 304 8000 Web: www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk

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