THE QUARTERLY Tenant voices heard loud NEWSLETTER FOR TENANTS and clear in Your Rent, OF Your Say consultation More tenants than ever before have voiced their opinion in the annual rent-setting survey. A total of 1344 tenants cast their vote on their preferred rent option – an increase in votes of 63% compared to last year. Despite not being able to have any face-to- face meetings, a virtual public discussion was held in November. Tenants then received information through the post on the three options to consider with Community Find out how Updated Tenant details about how each option would affect Budgeting - to have your say Participation rent charges. Tenants were asked to share get ready on how our Strategy to build their views by returning their vote in a pre-paid to vote! homes look on success P2 P3 P6 envelope or by voting online, via email or using text messaging. Online voting was far more popular this year with 64.8% of votes cast online compared to 19.3% last year. Peter Barry, Chief Officer of Housing, said: “We are delighted at the continued increase in tenants’ participation in this important consultation.” Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing and Communities, added: “I’m glad to see that so WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL • HOUSING NEWS • SPRING 2021 many more of our tenants were represented in such an important decision. Our tenant partici- pation team work hard to ensure tenants have 450 420 500 250 600 90 80 2000 as many opportunities to have their say as new roof insulated new heating new doors new electric bathroom kitchen smoke/ re possible and I would like to thank everybody coverings render systems & windows showers renewals renewals detector who submitted their thoughts, as they have really shaped the overall decision. 400 new build houses 54.9% 1.5% INCREASE 1.9% INCREASE, PLUS 31.8% 1 WEEK RENT CREDIT 13.3% 2.2% INCREASE

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Don’t struggle alone COUNCIL TO DECIDE ON Tenants who are struggling with rent pay- ments as a result of the Covid-19 pan- demic or for any other reason are being encouraged to get in touch. RECORD LEVELS OF The rent collection team can offer a range of support and advice to assist during this chal- lenging time and beyond. INVESTMENT SUPPORTED They continue to offer to help tenants who have been affected by loss of income, unem- ployment and redundancy by assisting with ap- BY LOWEST RENT plications to the Department for Work and Pensions Universal Credit system and referrals to the Council’s Working4U service for employ- INCREASE POSSIBLE ability and financial support. If any tenant is in financial hardship and in Record levels of investment in council In addition, it is expected that more than 400 new council receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing stock is at the centre of spending homes will be delivered as part of the wider investment with a shortfall between this and the weekly plans to be presented by West Dunbarton- programme over the next 4 years. rent charge, they can apply for assistance via shire Council in early March. Councillor Diane Docherty, Housing and Communities the Discretionary Hardship Payment Fund. If approved at the meeting on March 3rd Convener, said: “We recognise that affordability is an Rthe Housing Capital Investment Programme important issue for many tenants, now more so than ever, 2021/26 will see £170million being invested in maintain- so I’m delighted that we are proposing to proceed with HELP US ing and improving all council homes across the area and their preferred option and introduce the lowest rent increase possible. HELP U continuing to build the best new homes in the country. with... The investment is part of the plans that can be delivered for tenants, after they voted for a rent increase of 1.5% in We are committed to delivering a recent consultation, the lowest of the three available RENT options - and work will begin on a range of improvements the highest possible standards to enhance existing Council properties. in our homes for our communities” This will include within the first year of the investment To apply online, visit: programme: 500 new central heating systems; 450 new “We are committed to delivering the highest possible www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/dhp roof coverings; 250 window/door renewals; 80 kitchen standards in our homes for our communities, giving people and to get further information. renewals; 90 bathroom renewals; 600 electric shower quality homes to live in. This record level of investment To contact the team, please call installations; 2000 smoke/fire detector installations and will ensure we can continue to provide some of the best 420 homes receiving external insulated rendering. homes in Scotland. 01389 737788 P2 COMMUNITY BUDGETING - GET READY TO VOTE! Tenants and residents are being urged to Any tenant wishing to vote for a project will require an Empowering communities get ready to vote in the latest round of the email address in order to sign up to the site. Guides on how in West Dunbartonshire Community Budgeting programme. to create an email address, kindly supplied by Bellsmyre More than 60 projects applied for money from Digital, can be found under the “How to Vote” section of The role of community councils is set the fund, which was set up to empower local the website. A step-by-step guide on how to sign up to the to be reviewed as part of the Council’s T communities to make lasting improvements in site can also be found here. Community Empowerment Strategy. their area. West Dunbartonshire residents will now decide Councillor Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing and The review of the Scheme of Establishment through a voting process which groups, organisations and Communities, said: “The Community Budgeting programme for Community Councils will give local people ideas should receive funding. has helped numerous projects in the past and enabled an opportunity to have their say on how they Voting will take place from March 22 until April 1 using them to deliver vital initiatives that have made a real operate. the online voting platform Consul which can be visited at: difference in communities. We want to encourage as many This key piece of work follows the creation http://wdn.communitychoices.scot. people as possible to vote for their favourite project and of the Community Empowerment Strategy therefore ask that residents help this process by encourag- in late 2019. ing as many of their friends, family and group members to The aim of the strategy is to empower and We want to encourage as many become ‘vote ready’ by signing up to the website.” support local communities to bring about change in their area by working in partner- “ people as possible to vote for their favourite project... Email guides and further support are available ship with them. from the Communities Team. Please contact: The roll out of the strategy was delayed due and ask that residents become [email protected] or to the impact of Covid-19, but work is now well ‘vote ready’ by signing up to the website” 07876 005455 underway to deliver on its ambitions. We hope that we can build “on this to make community empowerment a reality for all local citizens” Councillor Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “The response to the pandemic from local communities who helped themselves and each other through such a challenging year has shown the true essence of what the strategy is aiming to achieve and we hope that we can all build on this moving forward to make community empowerment a reality for all local citizens.” For more information please contact [email protected]

Community Capacity Building Support Do you have an idea for a project that you need support to get off the ground? Are you a member of a community group that needs some help to get organised and achieve your goals? The Communities Team can offer that help. We can provide: • Help with group governance and group development • Committee skills training • Advice and practical help on how to engage and consult with your members and/or your community Covid vaccines are free a vaccination after bank details are received • Help to apply for suitable funding to take payment. • A place to hold virtual meetings Tenants are being warned to be aware of The NHS provides Covid-19 vaccinations free scammers who are targeting vulnerable of charge and will never ask for payment or for If you would like to find out more contact: people about Covid-19 vaccinations. bank details. We have been made aware of text messages [email protected] and social media messages being circulated Report scams anonymously at: or call 07795 540160 which claim to be from the NHS and offer covidfraudhotline.org or call 0800 587 5030 P3

Councillor Docherty Convener of Housing & Communities

A hope for togetherness

Welcome to the Spring edition of Housing News. As the year anniversary of Scotland’s first lockdown approached, I couldn’t help but feel a bit disillusioned, and I’m sure many of you felt the same. It has been a particularly challenging 12 months for most of us, as our lives changed NEW DEVELOPMENT SITES seemingly overnight thanks to this deadly virus. But as spring arrives, and the vaccine roll ARE BACK ON TRACK out gathers pace, I am beginning to feel The Council’s five new home development At Harbour, pictured above, 45 new homes in hopeful. Hopeful for the simple pleasures of sites are all back on track with tenants begin- a range of sizes from 1 bed flats to 4 bed townhouses, will going to a coffee shop with a friend, having ning to move in across the area. also complete in the summer. lunch with my whole extended family, hugging At St Andrew’s in , the Council’s largest The regeneration of Queens Quay, on the site of the former my loved ones and holding them close. site, 33 new families have moved into their homes. John Browns shipyard, will include 146 new flats, 1-3 bed- We may not be out of the woods yet, but T The remaining 93 properties, a mix of 1-3 bed flats rooms in a joint project with Cube and Clydebank Housing we have come so far since last March, and and 4-5 bed townhouses, are due to be handed over by this Association. The development will be ready to welcome new so it’s more important now than ever that summer. tenants in Spring 2022. we keep doing our bit. The development of 22 new homes at Creveul Court in Alexandria is now complete and tenants are delighted with All new homes will all be allocated on housing need and the enhanced kitchen design, colour schemes and lift access. tenants can make an application for housing online But as spring arrives, This development is centred around a community garden, https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/external-links/ and the vaccine roll out installed as part of the contractor’s contractual community online-forms/housing/housing-application-form/ gathers pace, I am beginning benefit clause, which will be looked after by the Leamy For more information please email Morehomes@ to feel hopeful” Foundation and residents. west-dunbarton.gov.uk The former school sites at Aitkenbar and Haldane are more than half way to completion, with handover of all 103 I am pleased that as a Council we have con- houses expected by this summer. tinued to deliver on our ambitions for West Dunbartonshire communities despite the pandemic and I hope some of that progress is visible to you through the articles Council strategy to bring at least Design in this edition. On this page, you’ll see that most of our 100 empty homes back into use group new build sites have now welcomed their An updated Council strat- for first tenants in, while the others are march- egy will bring at least 100 ing quickly towards that point. empty homes across West new And on page four, you’ll hear how Improv- Dunbartonshire back into build ing the Cancer Journey, which launched just use. weeks before the first lockdown, has support- The four-year Empty Homes Strategy 2021-24 will homes ed 300 people with a cancer diagnosis in assist with housing waiting lists, help alleviate homeless- Do you want to have your say on what our new homes West Dunbartonshire – even moving to virtual ness and support town centre regeneration. The Empty look like? consultations to maintain the service. Homes officer works with the owners to help them bring Tenants are being given the opportunity to see initial Elsewhere, the Housing First initiative the privately owned properties back into use. proposals for new builds, as well as make meaningful continues to create more tenancies with It follows a previous successful plan implemented by contributions about future designs and the process is part additional support for homeless house- the Council’s Housing service, which saw the number of a newly established Design Group. holds and the Council has outlined how we of homes being empty for more than six months reduce The first development up for discussion is Clydebank can help tenants who may be struggling. from 439 in 2019, to 352 in 2020. East, which has now been cleared. It reminds me that it’s not all bad news, The Empty Homes Strategy 2021-24 was discussed at Tenants in the Design Group have the chance to meet with and as always it shows how much can be a recent meeting of the Housing and Communities com- architects and housing development staff to discuss how achieved together. mittee, where members approved the target to bring a the approximately 90 new homes will look when complete. That’s how we will beat Covid-19 too - so minimum of 25 empty homes back into use every year. It comes after a new five year strategy to increase the please continue to follow guidance, stay out Councillor Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing and supply of new build housing in the area was introduced. of other peoples’ homes, and stay socially Communities, said: “I am so pleased so see the progress distant. Let’s fight this together. being made to bring these empty properties back into use, and our plans to expand on these for the benefit of If you wish to participate, please email: Diane our communities. The strategy increases the supply of [email protected] usable homes and that helps reduce homelessness and waiting lists, but it will also support the regeneration of tel: 07823 664247 our town centres.” P4

Photo taken in January 2020

Community Group offers free activities A community project is bringing life back to the canal and bandstand area of Three Queens Square in Clydebank. Clydebank Can aims to offer more arts WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE and leisure activities in the area for local people to enjoy, increasing opportunities for participation in events and increasing social and economic activity in the area. ICJ SUPPORTS 300 As part of Clydebank Can, young people and families in the town have already been enjoying free cycle rides with local youth RESIDENTS DIAGNOSED organisation Y Sort It and free music lessons via Awestruck Academy. Further free activities are planned to take WITH CANCER place throughout the spring, with kayaking, A pioneering service for people affected by new steps and new showers. cycling and walking planned for the summer, cancer in West Dunbartonshire has support- Counselling and clinical psychology referrals have also as well as community events where appropriate. ed more than 300 people in its first year. been made, as well as referrals to Live Active Programme Further information can be found on the Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ), for improved physical fitness. Clydebank Can website, which has a directory a partnership between West Dunbartonshire Councillor Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing and of over 200 local clubs, organisations, services A Council and Macmillan Cancer Support, offers Communities, said: “I am so pleased to hear that Improving and activities. all newly-diagnosed adults the opportunity to meet with a the Cancer Journey has helped so many of our residents. Visit www.clydebankcan.com/whats-on dedicated support worker on a one-to-one basis. The aim of this service is to step in and support any person to find out more. Since launching, the team has generated £427,000 in going through this, ensuring they know exactly what help benefit entitlement for service users, by helping them un- they are entitled to, so that coping with the non-medical derstand what they are entitled to. In addition, the team has effects of the illness is slightly easier.” secured practical items including two new central heating The team have adapted to allow them to continue operating systems, three new boilers and 17 new white goods. and providing support during the pandemic, temporarily The service has made numerous referrals to Occupational moving the service to an online and telephone consultation Therapy to request items including grab rails, chair lifts, and referrals.

Volunteers needed for Drumry Community garden A group of tenants are working to bring life into a community gardening space in Bedford Avenue and they need your help! Members of the North & South Drumry TRA are working together with Linnvale and Drumry Housing First in Community Council and the Council’s Your Community Team, to transform the area . Now the TRA are putting a call out for volunteers with a number of different skills who can West Dunbartonshire lend a hand with the project. A homelessness initiative offering housing If anyone wants to get involved in the planning, building and ongoing maintenance of the alongside wraparound support to West area, please contact North and South Drumry TRA on Facebook or email them at: Dunbartonshire’s most vulnerable people [email protected] has helped 17 people so far. Unlike traditional methods of re-housing homeless people, where the complex needs of the tenant must be resolved before housing Tenant’s voice with Frances McGonagle in offered, Housing First ensures that a Stronger together you can get involved and we welcome the support given to home is arranged as quickly as possible. tenants to have a voice. Not everyone has the time or interest Then when the tenant has a secure home, COVID is taking its toll on many of us and if you’re like me the challenge of to get involved and we work hard to be a representative they are offered dedicated support, as organisation so that we can do that on people’s behalf. well as practical assistance and advice to home schooling really pushed me to my limit! We do want more people to get involved though and now help them sustain their tenancy and really might be the right time for you as most things are online so change their lives. Normal life seems far away but many things are carrying on and so it’s still important that tenants have a you can join from the comfort of your home and there is Housing First is part of the Council’s Rapid voice. help to get online too. Rehousing Transition Plan “Home at the Far more tenants voted in the rent setting this year which There are 10 Tenant and Residents Association(TRA)s in Heart”. is good to see and shows how important rent is to people. West Dunbartonshire so if there is a TRA in your area, please Councillor Diane Docherty, Convener of The WDTRO continue to hold the Council to account and we get in touch with them and see what they are doing. You can Housing and Communities, said: “In what work to make sure tenants get the investment and services also contact us if you have an issue that you would like us has been an unpredictable and strange 12 they need. Any rent increase will be difficult for many and to raise. We still need to keep safe so please take care of months, I am delighted that we have been COVID lockdowns have already delayed loads of improve- yourself, your loved ones and neighbours. able to continue rolling out Housing First ment work on tenant homes so we want to make sure that to those in most need in West Dunbarton- all gets caught up as quickly as possible so tenants are To join the group or to raise an issue, email: shire. I hope this initiative can continue in getting their money’s worth. [email protected] or go to: the coming years.” The new Tenant Participation Strategy sets out many ways www.wdtro.org.uk for more information P5 COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES LIVING IN POVERTY West Dunbartonshire Council has out- These programmes are in addition to the ongoing work lined the range of initiatives and sup- against child poverty which includes providing income port it offers tenants and residents as and benefit maximisation advice; supporting residents to it works to help reduce child poverty in complete applications for funding; support with fuel poverty; the area. the creation of more affordable homes and the Leaving W The recent Local Child Poverty Report pro- Care Housing Protocol. vides practical signposts for support so families who need help can access it quickly and easily. This report is a working document In addition, it outlines some of the resources the Council “ for individuals and organisations and partners are investing in to work towards the 2030 seeking to improve the quality national child poverty targets. of life for families in our area” It details how parents, children and carers can access support to either prevent or move out of poverty including Councillor Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing and Com- the Working 4 Parents initiative, introduced in 2019, and munities, said: “This report is more than a list of good in- the Oot Scoot and Aboot programme which supports young tentions, it is a working document for individuals and people in poverty with personal and social development. organisations seeking to improve the quality of life for The Council also operates a social benefit programme families in our area. By providing this as a key reference which ensures any projects undertaken by contractors in document we will raise awareness of available services the area must include a scheme to benefit the local com- and their aims and actions; we will provide contact Fiona McClymont munity. In the past this has included apprenticeships, details and links to further information; and we will encour- Scrutiny panel member donation of supplies for homeless households starter pack age partnership working between these services. Working and employability support. together we can make a real difference.” What three words best describe you? I’m quite optimistic so I’d say the three words would be positive, kind and caring. Tenants urged to avoid West Dunbartonshire How long have you volunteered in a tenant illegal money lenders Council Prevention Service group and why did you Tenants are being urged to be cautious when A new service to ensure tenants who are worried become involved? borrowing money to avoid falling victim to an illegal about rent payments seek help at the earliest I have been a member money lender. opportunity has been launched. of the scrutiny panel for three years. Illegal lenders take advantage of people with financial The Prevention Service offers support to Council I was looking to get involved with something difficulties by providing them with emergency funding tenants, private sector tenants and owners who may be that would get me out the house and meet quickly. experiencing difficulty in paying their rent or mortgage. new people. Jane Mack, Tenant Participation However, loans from illegal lenders can end up costing A dedicated prevention officer will assess the circum- Officer, told me about the scrutiny panel and three times as much as a legal loan and illegal lenders stances and support them with income maximisation, I haven’t looked back since. may resort to intimidation or even violence. benefit entitlement, employability advice, as well as Lenders are only legitimate if they are registered providing users with housing information and advice. What’s your favourite part of being in a ten- with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which can The prevention officer will also signpost residents to ants group? My favourite part is meeting be checked by searching the FCA website. other helpful services to meet your needs. with other tenants and residents, but I also Councillor Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing and Councillor Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing get a sense of satisfaction in learning about Communities, said: “I would urge tenants to think carefully and Communities, said: “The aim of this service is to Housing processes and making suggestions before agreeing to a loan and if a loan is absolutely help people create manageable plans and take action to ensure they improve for tenants, owners necessary, ensure it comes from a reputable source.” to improve their financial situation. If you are having and staff. If any tenant is struggling financially, confidential support difficulty with rent or mortgage payments, we can support is available from Working4U by calling 01389 378296 you, and the sooner you ask for help, the sooner you’ll What’s the funniest moment you’ve had? or texting/WhatsApping 07800 005227 feel better about the situation.” A recent one was when my cat brought a www.padlet.com/working4u/moneyhub live mouse in to the house - myself and my The service can be contacted Mon-Fri 9am - 4.30pm daughter trying to capture it and release it on 01389 776400. Email: back outside wouldn’t have been out of M ney W rries? [email protected] or place on You’ve Been Framed! Thankfully [email protected] Talk to us! We can offer: we eventually captured the mouse, humanely, and released him a safe distance from the house. Advice on budgeting and cutting living costs Help to explore Community Foodshare How do you like to unwind? saving options I enjoy reading, puzzles and Help making sense of wage slips or bank statements Community Foodshare are continuing to deliver quiz shows. During lockdown emergency food parcels while their distribution I have rediscovered my joy of Financial guidance tailored for young people, centre is closed. cross stitch too. including applying for EMA Anyone who is struggling financially or requires Support setting up a support to get food can refer themselves for assistance. If you could make one thing happen to bank account make your area a better place what Debt and benefit advice Contact Community Foodshare on would it be? More children’s play areas. Help looking for work 01389 764 135 Support with reading, What’s the best piece of advice you have writing or basic maths Tuesday to Friday ever been given? Be kind and treat others between 10am and 3pm as you’d like to be treated. Text or WhatsApp us for confidential advice: 07800 005227 P6

Want tenant news on your social media feed? Have you joined the Tenant Participation UPDATED TENANT Facebook page? The page is updated regularly so that tenants can keep up-to-date with the Tenant PARTICIPATION STRATEGY Participation team’s activities and other items which may be of interest, including details of community events and how to TO BUILD ON SUCCESS become more involved. West Dunbartonshire Council is leading the way with initiatives to ensure tenants Tenants can search for are as involved as possible in decision Our tenants are at the “West Dunbartonshire Council making. Tenant Participation” heart“ of everything we do, and A new tenant participation strategy, ‘Involving on Facebook WYou’ has been agreed to ensure that tenant involvement is their input has been invaluable meaningful and continues to develop. in a number of recent decisions” The strategy sets out the range of ways tenants can get involved, how they can be supported, how they will be consult- ed and how they can influence decisions. A recent survey on tenant participation showed that Frances McGonagle, chairperson of the West Dunbarton- 73.9% of tenants believed the culture and practice of in- shire Tenants & Residents Organisation (WDTRO), said: volving tenants had improved. “We have to ensure there is a strong tenant voice in Involving You aims to further improve tenant participation West Dunbartonshire and this Strategy encourages that by enhancing feedback to tenants, encouraging involvement involvement. So whether for yourself or for your neighbour- of under-represented groups and promoting the personal hood you can make a difference and together we can give benefits to tenants of participating in decision-making pro- tenants a stronger voice.” cesses. Councillor Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing and Communities, said: “Our tenants are at the heart of To find out more please contact everything we do, and their input has been invaluable in a Jane Mack on 07983 542993 number of recent decisions. I am grateful to those who give or email: up their own time to be part of that. This updated strategy [email protected] will build on the success we have already seen.” New community centre plans move forward Get involved with your local tenants and residents association A group of tenants and residents have We have 10 tenants and residents associations (TRAs) At the moment, only CATRA, Tullichewan and North and lodged a planning application for a new who operate within local areas in West Dunbartonshire. South Drumry are able to hold virtual meetings, with other community centre in Westbridgend. They usually meet in person to help resolve local housing groups still working in the background during the pandemic. The Westbridgend Community Hall Devel- problems and discuss improvements in the community. Contact details for each TRA are listed below. opment Association plan to run the single storey hall in Bowie Street as a community Central Alexandria TRA (CATRA) North and South Drumry TRA hub which will include a café, after school and evening clubs, as well as activities for Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] all ages. Plans submitted to the Council also detail Central Radnor Park TRA Risk Street TRA lunch clubs, arts and fitness classes and Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] activities for people with disabilities. Included with the application are artists impressions of how the building might look Dalmuir MSFs TRA Tullichewan TRA if approved. Email: [email protected] Email: harry_mccormack.tullichewan@yahoo The former Westbridgend Community Centre was demolished in 2017, with a view that a Community Asset Transfer applica- Littleholm TRA Westbridgend TRA tion with a detailed business plan would Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] be submitted by a community group for future use. Old Whitecrook TRA Willow Park TRA In 2019, the group were successful with their asset transfer application to take on Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] the running of a new centre. P7

JONATHAN McCOLL SALLY PAGE MARTIN ROONEY 1 ELECTED COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COLLEGE STREET COLLEGE STREET COLLEGE STREET MEMBERS DUMBARTON DUMBARTON DUMBARTON G82 1NR G82 1NR G82 1NR T: 01389 737511 T: 01389 737749 T: 01389 737579 2017 - 2022

LOMOND M: 07769 367035 M: 07766 901124 M: 07909 890846 2 JAMES BOLLAN IAN DICKSON CAROLINE McALLISTER JOHN MILLAR

COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES 4 ENDRICK WAY COLLEGE STREET COLLEGE STREET COLLEGE STREET ALEXANDRIA DUMBARTON DUMBARTON DUMBARTON G83 0UR G82 1NR G82 1NR G82 1NR T: 01389 737506 T: 01389 737712 T: 01389 737172 T: 01389 737882

LEVEN M: 07803 668766 M: 07766 511410 M: 07766 512236 M: 07961 713003 3 KAREN CONAGHAN DAVID McBRIDE IAIN McLAREN BRIAN WALKER

COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COLLEGE STREET COLLEGE STREET COLLEGE STREET COLLEGE STREET DUMBARTON DUMBARTON DUMBARTON DUMBARTON G82 1NR G82 1NR G82 1NR G82 1NR T: 01389 737237 T: 01389 737367 T: 01389 737505 T: 01389 737585

DUMBARTON M: 07766 511565 M: 07961 711664 M: 07766 902747 M: 07766 991640

JIM FINN DOUGLAS McALLISTER LAWRENCE O’NEILL 4 know your COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK CLYDEBANK CLYDEBANK councillors G81 1UA G81 1UA G81 1UA O: 01389 738520 T: 01389 738745 O: 01389 738704

KILPATRICK M: 07961 713007 M: 07909 890842 5 DENIS AGNEW JIM BROWN DIANE DOCHERTY JOHN MOONEY

COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK CLYDEBANK CLYDEBANK CLYDEBANK G81 1UA G81 1UA G81 1UA G81 1UA T: 0141 952 8954 T: 01389 738559 M: 07741 296890 T: 01389 738538

CLYDEBANK CENTRAL M: 07961 713010 M: 07538 842583 6 GAIL CASEY WILLIAM HENDRIE DANIEL LENNIE MARIE McNAIR

COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES COUNCIL OFFICES CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL CLYDEBANK CLYDEBANK CLYDEBANK CLYDEBANK G81 1UA G81 1UA G81 1UA G81 1UA T: 01389 738587 T: 01389 738650 T: 01389 738599 T: 01389 738743

CLYDEBANK WATERFRONT M: 07909 891242 M: 07943 813111 M: 07741 296922 M: 07909 891237 P8

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS WORKING TOGETHER TO PROTECT US ALL FROM COVID Housing Repairs text service - West Dunbartonshire Council improving communication Contact Centre can be reached on As part of improving communication 01389 738282 and is open: PLEASE ALL Monday to Thursday, 9am - 4.30pm, with our tenants, the Council’s repairs Friday 9am to 3.30pm. team can now send text updates after repairs are logged. The contact centre can direct your call on any WEAR FACE housing matter. There is a lot of useful Tenants who have provided information on our website which is updated the team with a mobile number regularly. Please visit: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk COVERINGS will receive a text confirming the Your plumbing repair reference and job detail as soon has been scheduled Repairs YOUR MASK as the repair has been logged. for March 3 2021 Call us on Freephone 0800 073 8708 during office hours 8.30am - to 4.30pm Monday to An update will also be sent to Thursday and 8.30am to 4pm on a Friday. PROTECTS OTHERS confirm the appointment has been THEIR MASKS scheduled, along with a reminder as Alternatively, you can email the repairs service on: the appointment approaches and [email protected] PROTECT YOU a message to let tenants know the or visit the website: name of the operative when they are on www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/housing/ their way. maintenance-repairs. Tenants are encouraged to keep their contact details up-to-date and the Outwith these hours or to report an emergency repairs contact centre team will ask for repair call 0800 197 1004. confirmation of a mobile Gas Heating Repairs number during calls. (City Technical) 0844 579 6493 General Council Tax 01389 737444 Special (bulky) uplifts - 01389 738282 How can I top up my prepayment meter if I am self-isolating? Grass cutting 01389 608412 You should tell your energy supplier straight away if • having a preloaded gas or electricity card sent Litter Hotline 01389 772059 you can’t top up your meter. This includes if you are ill to you in the post Environmental Health 01389 738290 with Covid-19 or self-isolating with nobody to help you. Pest Control 01389 738282 Waste Aware 0845 111 0050 Help may include: Suppliers must tell you what customer service support Trading Standards 01389 738519 • someone being sent to top up your prepayment is available, particularly if you are vulnerable. If you are a Caretaking Service 01389 738282 card or token smart meter customer, you should be able to top-up Dog Warden 0141 951 7957 • having funds added to your meter credit remotely, such as by phone, mobile application or online. Home Content Insurance 01389 737867

Anti Social Behaviour (inc. dog fouling) All anti social behaviour incidents can be reported on 01389 772048 8.45am - to 4.15pm WAYS TO PAY YOUR RENT or 101 if outwith these hours. Try our quiz! Through your bank... For your chance to win a £25 shopping voucher, Fraud Investigation 01389 738217 This is our preferred method for you to pay your rent. It’s easy for you email completed entries with your name, address Team Covers tenancy, procurement, Council Tax, to set up a Direct Debit or Standing Order, offering you peace of mind and contact number by ?? ??????? 2021 to: social care, employee and Blue Badge fraud and convenience. You can accessthe forms online to set up these [email protected] WIN! payments with your bank. Alternatively, you can phone or text your SHOPPING£25 Help with Homelessness answers to 07983 542993. VOUCHER Homeless Emergency (24 hour freephone) At any PayPoint outlet... 0800 197 1004 There are 85 PayPoint outlets within West Dunbartonshire. Find out your nearest PayPoint by visiting: 1. How many tenants voted in the recent Homeless & Housing Options Hub www.paypoint.com/en-gb/consumers/store-locator rent setting consultation? Clydebank 01389 776400 Payments can be made by cash and debit card. a) 134 b) 1344 c) 44 Dumbarton 01389 776400 Alexandria 01389 776400 By telephone or internet... Open 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday You can use your debit or credit card to make payment by: 2. Loans from illegal money lenders can often cost how much more than legal loans? Home from Home (furniture re-use centre) = visiting our website www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk and a) Two times more b) Three times more 01389 733733 clicking on the ‘Pay It’ button to go to the payments page c) No difference in cost = using our 24hr automatic telephone payment service on Social Work 0161 622 6948 Adults and older people = calling our Contact Centre on 01389 738282 3. When will the first tenants be welcomed into homes Clydebank 01389 811760 at Haldane and Aitkenbar development sites? Dumbarton 01389 776499 At the Post Office... a) Summer 2022 Children & families (all areas) 0141 562 8800 By swiping your rent card at any Post Office, you can pay by cash b) Christmas 2021 or debit card. c) Summer 2021 Women’s Aid Dumbarton/Alexandria 01389 751036 Clydebank 0141 952 8118 Relationship Scotland 0141 248 5249 Other formats This document can be viewed as a PDF on our website: http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/housing/housing-news/ Working4U It can also be provided in large print, Braille or on audio cassette and can be translated into Benefits and money advice, different community languages. Please contact: Corporate Communications, Council Offices, employability and learning 01389 738282 16 Church Street, Dumbarton, G82 1QL. Tel: 01389 737000 General Numbers for Advice and Assistance MY BUS (bookable bus service Don’t miss the for elderly and disabled) 0141 333 3252 next edition of Housing News Energy advice - LEAP 01389 744693 due out in or email [email protected] summer 2021! Police non emergency 101 In an emergency dial 999 Crimestoppers (freephone) 0800 555 111