Providing Quality Homes & Neighbourhoods
Inside this Issue
Cover Story A Change is Coming There will be many changes happening within social housing over the next 12 months. Inside this issue of In Touch we’ll tell you what they are and how they will affect you. A Winter Warmer A1 Housing and E.ON have started work on a scheme that will allow hundreds of tenants to save money on their energy bills. www.a1housing.co.uk Issue 30 Winter 2012 Welcome from David A message from In Touch’s Tenant Editor, David Smith Editor’s ANOTHER new year has begun and if bursting to get out, it’s time to have a you’re anything like me I’m sure you’ll go. be threatening to make a few New Year As a sucker for TV shows like ‘X resolutions. Factor’, it has dawned on me that most So my tip this time is ‘Just Do It’. of the contestants can’t really sing; on If there is an inner singer, dancer, ‘Come Dine with Me’ usually at least sportsman,p , chef or whatever in youy one person is hopeless in the kitchen; ‘‘StrictlyStrictly Come DanDancing’c always includesincludes someonesomeon with two left feet aandnd as I write tthis,h no-one has beatenbeaten ‘The‘Th Cube’. WELCOME to the winter edition of ‘In Touch’ Here’sHere’s ththee thing, sure and I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas enough thereth is always a and a Happy New Year. winnerwinner butbu the reason I enjoyenjoy wwatching them all is becausebeca isn’t it the ones ourselves out of snowdrifts and skating our whowho can’t sing, cook, way down the road. ddancean or beat The Thankfully we haven’t seen any of the snow CubeCu who are simply that hit us all so badly this time last year and moremo entertaining? ThereTh are many any of it again! reasonsrea why we don’t However, should any blizzard conditions do things but by far return, A1 Housing is more than prepared this theth biggest reason this on page 16 There’s also some very important information on the changes the Government will be making to social housing and what it will mean for council tenants like us. New number will Make sure you read the interview with Bernard Coleman, A1 Housing’s top man, to get ‘Midas’ touch 12 months. THERE will be lots of changes taking of a call to us. We have talked to place at A1 Housing over the next 12 lots of A1 Housing tenants about changing our number and you told us lucky readers can get their hands on some tenants the most will be our new that you would like to reduce the cost free cinema tickets when the new Savoy Golden Number. of calling us from a mobile phone. Cinema opens in Worksop later this year. So, we’ll be switching from an 0800 Enter our completion on page 5 and you In simple terms we’ll be changing our number to a low cost 0300 number. could be one of them. telephone number, but there is much, much more to it than that. This means that while it will no longer Finally, you may wonder why I’m wearing a be free to call us from a landline, it Hawaiian Shirt in the middle of winter. Well, By creating a Golden Number it it’s in memory of my dear friend and fellow means that we can deal with any from a mobile phone and you will only A1 Housing tenant Terry Needham who sadly enquiry you have in one phone call, pay the same cost as a local call from passed away at the beginning of January. Our from registering for a home with us to a landline. thoughts are with his family and friends at this paying your rent; or telling us about sad time. any housing issues you may have, to We’ll be telling you more about our reporting a repair. new number in the next issue of In Enjoy our latest offering. David Touch so don’t miss it.
2 Involving you & Community News Welcome from Bernard A message from A1 Housing’s Managing Director, Bernard Coleman
I HOPE you all had a TiP Merry Christmas and I New Year, new start wish you a Happy New $ " % better than me but still in the rubbish Year. try to do whatever you want to do league. As we enter into a new in private until you get better. For In an attempt to boost our example, singing - I know of one A1 on the past year’s Housing tenant who thinks he’s Elvis usually against Alan and Bren who but only at home! successes and failures are annoyingly good, however and make our New Adjusting your goals can also something miraculous happened the Year promise, and this help. If you are a budding football other week and we won! year A1 Housing’s is to manager try playing ‘Dream Team’ Needless to say we danced jigs of continue delivering good or something similar; if you want to joy and enjoyed an evening basking quality services to all " in the smirkland of glory. We had a our tenants. To give you a little inspiration here’s go and we did it. And as a result Les’ This next 12 months is going to be a an example from my own personal experience. Inside me there is a the pub when it was time to leave. Government introduces its Housing Strategy, ‘Hurricane Smith’ of the pool world We’ve lost plenty of times since, the Localism Act and Welfare Reforms, all of bursting to get out. but we’ll always have that victory which have an impact on you the tenant. ' to keep us going and there will be Inside this issue of In Touch you can learn a frankly I’m rubbish but I compensate another day when we’ll get lucky bit more about each of these changes and we for this by mainly playing my buddy again. So, don’t hold back, just go will let you know more about what impact they Les (pictured left) who is a little for it. becomes known. One of the good things that will come out of the changes is the ability of the Council to look at how the Choice Based Lettings system works and strengthen the actions against anti- social tenants. During the next year A1 Housing will be consulting on behalf of the Council on the proposed changes, so I would ask that you please respond when you receive a questionnaire. We also know that times are very hard for everyone at the moment as the impact of the recession and government cuts take hold. It is always a temptation to seek a quick unfortunately all too often it can worsen your " please contact our Money Advisor who will be able to give you some valuable advice and put you in touch with the right places to get " # information go to pages 12 and 13.
Our Call Centre is open from 8am to 5pm - to beat the rush, call after 1pm 3 IssueIssue 29 30 Autumn Winter 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk News and events from your TRA News neck of the woods School children dig deep to give playing field new look CHILDREN from Carr Hill School, the Retford Lions Club and # = >9 ' members of Hallcroft TRA dug deep to add a touch of greenery at Hallcroft Community Centre, Randall Way, with the next / 9 : " meeting taking place on 30th January 2012. They also hold Retford Lions Club had kindly donated a large number of @ $ month from 9.30am. and will add a touch of colour when the spring and summer months arrive. Hallcroft’s charitable streak doesn’t end there as the senior citizens Bingo Club have also donated £500 to the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance.
Santa pops in to Harworth THE Harworth and Bircotes Christmas As well as allowing celebrations got off to an illuminating Santa to use their start that allowed Santa to make an grotto, Harworth early visit. TRA were one of the Father Christmas experienced a few many local traders % who had stalls at the the way to the event but was helped event and Janet Flynn, secretary of Mattersey Thorpe out by Nottinghamshire Police who Harworth TRA said: “It was a fantastic IT’S been an eventful winter in Mattersey gave him a lift to the Town Hall where day and was probably the most Thorpe so far as Santa found time to drop he was greeted by the excited children. popular and best yet.” in to see local children who also enjoyed a party and a small feast afterwards. * Thriller night in New Ordsall special thanks must go to Mrs Elsie Toulson and Miss Ellie Toulson who very generously THERE were some spooky goings on at West Hill Community Centre as New supported both events, as well as Andy Ordsall TRA held their Halloween Bash. and Kat Price who helped to organise the Children and adults dressed for the occasion as the normally peaceful Christmas party. neighbourhood was taken over by vampires, zombies and other ghostly ghouls. In the end it was a real Thriller of a night! Carlton Gateway AN after-school Homework club is being held each Tuesday between 4pm and 5.30pm. This will be supervised by a + provide help and support for the children who attend. Children between the ages of 7-11 are invited to the Kids Club which will be held each Friday between 4pm and 5.30pm.
4 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News WIN tickets for new cinema
WORKSOP is just a few short Oxby, backed the long-awaited months away from welcoming development of a cinema in a brand-new 900 seat cinema Worksop and said: “I am glad that Cinema Competition work is now well underway on the @] ^] $ tickets to give away to readers Z " @ $ > = of In Touch. and it will be a facility the whole blockbusters to be screened at the new Savoy Cinema. The impressive six-screen of Bassetlaw and beyond can use and enjoy. > $ multiplex is currently being built at your choice just answer the question below: the top of Bridge Street and will “It has been a long time coming feature the very latest in 3D and but we need to be thinking of this Q: How many screens will the new Savoy Cinema digital technology. And following as just the beginning. Bassetlaw have? a grand opening in March 2012, is back open for business and this To enter, you must be a tenant of A1 Housing. Please it will be screening the latest Council will be creative in looking complete the form below and send your entries to: for opportunities to further develop Hollywood blockbusters in time for A1 Housing, Customer Services, Carlton Forest House, the area.” the Easter Half-Term Holidays. Hundred Acre Lane, Worksop, Notts, S81 0TS. For all the latest information and The Savoy Cinema Group is The closing date for all entries is 1st March, 2012 and we to sign up to Savoy Cinema’s behind the project and James will announce the winners in our spring issue of In Touch. Collington, Managing Director, said: “Easter is one of the key A1 Housing will pass your details onto the Savoy Cinema Group. periods in the cinematic calendar exclusive offers visit If you do not wish to be contacted by them, please tick this box: www.savoyworksop.co.uk. You of their major releases. We’re can also keep track of the latest Name:...... looking forward to being fully releases, news and competitions operational by the Easter holidays through Twitter @savoy_worksop Address: ...... so residents of Bassetlaw will or on Facebook by searching for no longer have to head out of SavoyWorksop...... Postcode ...... the district to watch the latest You can also see the cinema Phone:...... Answer:...... movies.” taking shape at Leader of the Council Graham www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/cinema
5 IssueIssue 29 30 Autumn Winter 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk Be part of our Tenant Conference
EACH year A1 Housing gives you the chance to shape the way we will be delivering in the coming year, plus changes to your we deliver our services through the annual Tenant Conference. tenancy, the housing waiting list, the Localism Act and the In a change to previous years we will be holding just one Tenant Bassetlaw Games. Conference, where we will be discussing the most up-to-date The issues being discussed and the changes that will be taking issues that affect A1 Housing and you as tenants. place over the next 12 months mean that this could be one of the This includes a review of the last 12 months and what services most important Tenant Conferences to date. As such we would like as many tenants as possible to attend. Places are limited so please return your personal invitation which has been included with this issue of In Touch. We hope to see you there. Where: The Well, Hospital Road, Retford When: Wednesday 14th March, 10am to 2pm (lunch included)
Please note: To ensure we gather the views of all tenants, our 2013 Tenant Conference will be held in Worksop. Bassetlaw embraces Olympic spirit >=] / `{|` } Bassetlaw has already embraced its unique and encompassing spirit. Pierre de Coubertin the founder of the modern Olympic Games said: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering "P Over the coming months Bassetlaw residents will have their chance to do just that and participate in sporting events and activities across the District as we seek to make the most of London 2012. Whether it’s Clay Shooting at Hyton Castle, Fencing at North Notts Arena or Cycling in Clumber Park, the Bassetlaw Games gives everybody the opportunity to enjoy Olympic sports right here in Bassetlaw. There are also educational and cultural events taking place, including the fantastic Bassetlaw Schools Torch Relay. The Bassetlaw Games Torch will begin its journey in Worksop in February, travelling a 90-mile route around Bassetlaw before > = " The Torch will seek to visit every school in the District and will be carried by volunteers, running from school to school. A1 Housing is proud to be a partner of the Bassetlaw Games and will be fully involved in helping Bassetlaw residents to be introduced to and participate in new sporting events and activities. If you would like to get involved and are interested in running a leg of the Schools Torch Relay, please contact Vicky Rawson from Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw on 01909 531504 or Visit the website www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/bassetlawgames email [email protected]. for more information and to see a calendar of events.
6 Warming up a winter chill A1 HOUSING and CESP Manager Jon Kirby, added: “We’re committed to and warmer homes thanks to a £3.8m home improvement boost. Around 900 homes are set to be upgraded with a mixture of communities and companies getting together to help people lower energy saving additions such as double glazing, new gas boilers,bboilers, their bills and reduce our effect on the pplanet. new central heating systems and external wall insulation. “By“By tacklitacklingng whole ccommunitiesoommmunities in susuchchh The project to make improvements to homes in areas whereere ttherehere a wawayy we can reallyreally start to makemakke are low incomes and high energy costs is being funded byy energy a difference and build energyenergy company E.ON and A1 Housing as part of the Government’snt’s Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP). everyday lives.”lives.” This is in addition to the Decent Homes programme whichh AA11 A number of homeshomes Housing is continuing to deliver until 2014. with SSolarolar PPanelsaneels asas “We want to help families to reduce their energy bills and iimprovemprove partpart ooff A1A1 HousingHousingg their day to day living,” said Don Spittlehouse, A1 Housing’sg’s andand BBassetlawassetlaw Director of Technical and Housing Services. “This is an excellentxcellent DistrictDists rict CouncilCouncil’s’ss continualcoontinual plplansans will help them to lower their carbon footprint.” to incorporate Selected homes in Retford, Carlton in Lindrick and Mantonn wilwilll formsforms ofo receive the works and individual assessments will take placeace aatt renewablerenewable each property to determine which energy saving improvementsments energyenergy toto will be made. homeshomes in Portfolio Holder for Housing at Bassetlaw District Council, Bassetlaw.Bassetlaw. Councillor Alan Rhodes said: “It is important that we take WorkWork iiss duedue to advantage of opportunities like this to help tenants reducee theitheirr startstart in ththee nnextext " : fewfew wweekseeks andand help those on a low income it will also improve the quality of ourour individualindividual hhouseholdsouseehoh lds willwill bbee housing stock.” contactedcontacted to sasayy wwhathat worworkk wwillill be Most of the project is being funded by energy company E.ONON taking place. Renewable Energy Lift off at Abbey Grove! WE’RE very proud of the work we do when it comes to renewable BACK in December, if you lived around the * ` " energy and saving tenants money Lowtown area of Worksop you may have And one of the last things to go was the large on their fuel bills, while also being noticed something happening to Abbey Grove chimney from the old boiler house, and as you kind to the environment. Sheltered Scheme. can see from the photos here, it was a big job! At the moment we are in the As part of the big renovations that have taken It all took place just before Christmas and just to place there over the last couple of years, we spread a little Christmas Cheer and generosity, replaced the large old solid fuel heating system heating systems to 60 homes in we also dished out all the leftover solid fuel to East Markham, Dunham-on-Trent that serviced the whole building with a series elderly A1 Housing residents who live close by. Z and Mattersey Thorpe that do not have access to gas mains or Going, going, gone! heating systems. A1 Housing’s Director of Technical and Housing Services, Don Spittlehouse said: “Helping tenants to reduce their fuel bills and become more energy % heating is something we take very seriously, and we hope to continue delivering projects like this across Bassetlaw.”
To report incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour 7 IssueIssue 29 30 Autumn Winter 20112012 www.a1housing.co.uk ‘Times Are a’Changin’
ACK in 1964, Bob Dylan sang ‘The Times to make your decisions, and you as a society should do that. BThey Are a’Changin’, but this could easily It’s about communities challenging councils, if you didn’t like be the soundtrack of 2012 with so many things something before you had to wait until the elections and use your vote. In the future communities will be able to challenge and bid to run certain services and amenities which is a big shift in power. None more so than the introduction of the Localism Act which will see certain powers How is this act going to directly affect our from Central Government handed down to a tenants? local level - in theory giving you a greater say on Possibly the biggest change is The Government’s how your community is run. concept that Social Housing should be used as There are many areas to the Localism Act a stepping stone and only for those people who 2011 that deal with issues such as social need it. housing, planning, building more housing, giving This is called ‘tenure reform’ where councils will " have the right to no-longer give long-term secure One of the biggest changes will see local tenancies; instead new tenants will be given a councils given a ‘Power of Competence’. This minimum tenancy of between 2 to 5-years. means that as long as it is within current laws It allows Councils to have greater control of the and legislation, councils like Bassetlaw will have length of time someone can be a tenant and the more power to make changes and allow more things to happen in their own area, without being told what to do better off, you should be moving into the private sector and that a by Central Government. council house shouldn’t be a home for life. But we thought it was important to focus on what the Localism Act It also covers the type of homes individuals and families live in, 2011 will mean to A1 Housing Tenants directly. for example; if you are a single person living in a three-bedroom To get a better idea we spoke to A1 Housing’s Managing Director property, this could be better used to house a family and the Bernard Coleman who explained what is in store for all of us in single person could move into a more appropriate property. the next 12 months. However, these new rules will only affect new tenants and all existing tenants are protected, especially the elderly. How much of a change is the introduction of the Localism Act 2011 going to make? There are going to be a lot of other changes to the way that housing is delivered. For example; we will be able to have our own rules about the waiting list and the way we allocate homes. that I can remember, and after 30-odd years of doing this, it is the biggest legislation since the 1980 and 85 Housing Acts. The 1980 / called ‘Self-Financing’, how will this work? those rights. It will change the lives of tenants going forward. At the moment the council collects the rent, gives it to the Why has The Government introduced this act? government who take a cut and then give us the rest back to run our services. Currently, the Government take away around When the Coalition Government came into power they came up £4.5million a year from Bassetlaw District Council rents. with ‘The Big Society’, this act will support that concept. This is their way of saying that Central Government doesn’t have a right Under ‘Self-Financing’ every council in the country will get all of
8 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News
the money they collect in rent and decide how it is spent. It means going to offer services above and beyond what the Government that when we make decisions about increasing rents in the future, expects. So it makes that annual discussion all the more tenants will be able to see how much it costs to provide certain important and the tenants involved in those discussions have a services and if they are prepared to put extra money in to provide greater chance of shaping the way we deliver services. extra services. For example; groups like the A1 Hundred Club, Be Heard from The down side to ‘Self-Financing’ is that some authorities have Home, Quality Impact Panel, all the ways we consult with tenants been running at a loss and the debt will have to be shared will be actively involved in helping to shape that process. between all councils. Some councils will have their debt reduced But I think there is always a need for more people to get involved - one council close to us will have £540million wiped off their debt and everyone needs to be represented. Some of our groups are - and some councils will have their debt increased. Bassetlaw is under-represented in younger people and working families and going to have to take on an extra £27.5million of debt from other it’s important that we get their valuable feedback. " I hope that we are an organisation that is willing to accept tenants However, in the long run we will be better off because what we comments and criticisms, you can’t improve unless you know collect in rent is what we can spend and we will have greater where you’ve gone wrong and the only way we know we are control of things. going wrong is by people telling us.