English newsletter Spring 2011 - Isle of Anglesey County Council

Transcription

English newsletter Spring 2011 - Isle of Anglesey County Council
If you require this newsletter in CD, Large print or audio format,
we will do our best to get it for you.
Editor’s Letter Editor’s Letter
Hello again, we are now well into 2011 and have many updates to share with you since our
last issue in October. With the help of the Tenant Participation Team we have tried to cram
as much information and feedback into what has been happening in housing and what the
various tenant groups have been doing in the last six months.
As usual there is feedback and information on the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS)
Internal Improvement scheme and the survey results for the WHQS Environmental Standard.
We have a photo competition and get a free entry into our Prize Draw by filling in the coupon
on page 14. It could
be your chance to win a Tesco voucher for £50.00!
new Housing
services
factsheets!
See page 13 for
details
tenant participation
team
Good news, Jodie is
back from maternity
leave and we have been
joined by Katy, who will
be with us on work
placement for 6mths.
The credit crunch is now biting hard and the
government cuts are having a real affect on almost
everyone tenants and residents of Anglesey alike. In
this issue we have tried to include as much practical
advice as possible. We have included an update on
benefit cuts, which may affect some tenants. Please
take time to read the newsletter, we hope you find it
interesting.
tenant publications group
Welcome to the new
Head of Housing Services
Shan Ll Williams
In January this year Shan Ll Williams was
appointed as the new Head of Housing
Services. Customer Service is a top priority
for Shan and she has already been out and
about meeting Council tenants and has
visited several of the different estates
currently
undergoing the Welsh Housing
Thanks to her Graphic
Quality
Standard
Internal Improvement work.
Design Diploma she has
She
hopes
to
set
time aside each month to
been invaluable in putting
continue to meet tenants and get out and
together this issue.
about with officers.
Thanks Katy!
Have your say
If you have any ideas for articles or information you would like
to read about in this newsletter, please let us know. We
especially want to hear any top tips for saving money that may
help other tenants. If you feel strongly about an issue then
write in and tell us your views. We are all volunteer tenants
just trying to help. Write to us at:
tenant publishing group, tenant participation
team, Housing Department, anglesey County
Council, Llangefni offices, Llangefni, anglesey.
LL tW
Page | 2
Competition Winners
Competition Winners
photograph
Competition
1st Prize is a £0.00 food
hamper plus
£.00 each for the top five
photographs chosen!
free prize Draw
Did you take any great
photos of the snow over
the winter months?
Would you like to be entered in our free Summer prize draw?
A free prize draw entry will be awarded to everyone who
returns the coupon on page 14. See the list on the coupon for
ideas on how you may like to become involved and help shape
Housing Services or just tell us what you think of this
newsletter. Anyone who completes and returns one of our
Tenant Satisfaction Surveys either on Welsh Housing Quality
Standard, Anti-Social Behaviour, Homelessness, Repairs &
Maintenance or Lettings will also automatically be entered into
the draw.
Enter our competition
and your photograph
could be used for the
cover of the next Ynys
Môn Tenants Voice
Newsletter! and you
could also win a £30.00
prize food hamper. The
5 runners up will receive
£5.00 and their photos
will appear inside the
newsletter.
The Draw will take place on August 1st 2011. The winner will be
published in the next issue of Môn Tenants Voice.
Send your photographs
to:
Win a £50 Tesco Voucher
good Luck!
Hayley Owen of Llangefni, winner of
the Christmas Prize Draw, being
presented with her Christmas Hamper
by Rob Owen, (Estate Management
Officer) and Kay Exton, (member of
the Tenant Publishing Group).
tenant participation
Housing services Dept
anglesey County Council
Llangefni offices
Llangefni
anglesey
LL tW
Don‟t forget to write your
name, address and
telephone number on the
back of the photograph.
Winners will be chosen by
the publications group and
notified by 1st August 2011.
Hayley won her Christmas Hamper by answering one of our
short New Tenant Satisfaction Surveys when she moved
into her new home. Satisfaction Surveys help us monitor
our service to our tenants and tell us what we are doing well
and where we need to improve. All our competitions are
drawn by our tenants during various group meetings.
Page | 3
WHQSInternal
Internal
improvement
programme
WHQs
Improvement
programme
safonau a)
Customer satisfaction - As previously mentioned in the newsletter, once
you have had work done as part of the WHQs Internal Improvement
programme by G Purchase Construction Ltd or the Business Maintenance
Unit you will be asked to fill out a Customer Satisfaction form. Currently
satisfaction is running at 00%*. We manage to collect approx 97%* of
satisfaction forms from properties who have had the work completed.
Of these, 100% have told us they are satisfied with the overall performance
of the contractor.
We have now completed internal
improvement work in the Cefni,
Alaw, Menai and Aethwy areas.
G Purchase started work in the
Cybi area at the end of 2010 and
will continue in the Holyhead
area for the rest of 2011. The
Building Maintenance Unit
(BMU) will begin works to
smaller estates in the Eilian and
Eleth area.
WHQs Internal Improvement timetable
g purchase Construction Ltd
*Together since October 2008,
the BMU and G Purchase have
carried out Improvement work to
homes,
installing;
– Kitchens
– Bathrooms
and have also carried out
0 Re-wires.
.
BmU
may: Walthew Lane, Bryn Y Mor, Maes Hedd,
may: Maes Bwcle, Llanfechell
June: Maes y Plas, Llanfechell
Maes Y Dref.
June/July: Maes y Haf, Queens Park.Queens Park June/July: Maes Alma, Maes Merddyn, Joint
Close, Queens Park Court, St Seiriols Close, Maes Houses, Carreglefn. Council Houses, Llanbabo.
Y Mor, Llwyn Bryscoe, Waterside. Newry Fields.
Four Crosses, Rhosgoch.
august: George St, Cross St, Water St, London
august: Amlwch Road, Lon Newydd, Rhosybol
sept: Ty‟n Llidiart, Rhosybol
Rd, Llys Watling, Morrison Crescent.
sept: Maes Cyttir, Lon Deg, Ffordd Feurig, Ffordd
oct: Joint Houses, Tanrallt, Penysarn.
nov/Dec: Tanrallt, Berwyn Bungalows, Penysarn.
Jasper, Ffordd Hirnos, Marchog.
oct: Richmond Hill, Maes yr Ysgol, Ffordd Beibio,
Jan 0: Allt Nebo, School Site, Penysarn. Maes
Cil Pebio, Peibio Close.
Herbert, Llaneilian.
nov/Dec: Cybi Close, Beach Close, Morawelon
feb 0: Council Houses, Penrhoslligwy. Maes
Road, Morawelon Close.
Derwyn, Llandyfrydog.
Jan/feb 0: Bryn Glas Close, Nimrod Walk,
march 0: Hebron, Maenaddwyn. Rhodogeidio,
Llanfawr Close, Llanfawr Road.
Llanerchymedd.
mawrth 0:Bryn Glas Road,
please be aware that these are approximate dates of when the
Wian Street.
project is due to come to your area. they can be subject to change.
*Correct to April 2011
Page | 4
WHQSInternal
Internal
improvement
programme
WHQs
Improvement
programme
G Purchase Construction gave an
early Christmas present to the staff
and clients of the TARAN forum
based at Canolfan Byron on Mona
Industrial Estate. G Purchase
donated a new kitchen and local
tradesman Mike Roffe generously
gave his time for free to design and
install it. TARAN Development
Officer, Aled Roberts was delighted
with the result. “This has significantly
transformed our room, we‟re very
pleased with the result and Mike Roffe
and his team were exceptional in
completing the project in less than
half a day!”
TPO Lesley Roberts, Taran Development Officer Aled
Roberts, local tradesman Mike Roffe, G Purchase Project
Manager Mathew Davies and Dave Jones enjoying a
cuppa in Taran‟s new kitchen.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
solar panels have been fitted to homes on
Anglesey in a £.million scheme to improve
energy efficiency and cut heating bills.
Anglesey County Council successfully secured
funding in partnership with Cymdeithas Tai Eryri
to invest in over 300 public sector homes.
Could you do with some help?
g purchase are a community focused
company and are more than happy to help out
on small community projects. Could you do
with some help? If you think G Purchase may
be able to help your group and you have a link
to Anglesey County Council, then please
telephone Lesley – Tenant Participation Officer
on 0 .
Solar PV Panels have been fitted to homes in
Pencraig, Llangefni, to generate electricity with
other properties in several smaller villages
benefiting from solar hot water systems.
Technical Services Manager Dafydd Rowlands said, "The
Arbed funding means we can improve energy ratings in our
housing stock as well as promote the use of renewable energy.
The social benefit of the project also means reducing fuel
poverty by making household energy bills cheaper.”
He added “once again the
Partnership with G Purchase has
proved successful and we would
welcome the opportunity to install
further renewable energy measures
should funding be available”.
100%* Satisfaction
100%* SATISFACTION
Since the last update on the WHQS scheme in our October newsletter last year, a new member
has joined the BMU team. Rhian Madoc Jones has been employed as a tenant Liaison officer
and has been a huge success in ensuring that all the tenants on the BMU sites are kept informed
and happy, keeping customer satisfaction at 100%*. Should you need to contact rhian with any
issues relating to WHQS on the BMU sites, then please telephone her on 00.
Page | 5
WELSH
STANDARD
WelshHOUSING
HousingQUALITY
Quality ENVIRONMENTAL
Environmental standard
Get involved
What is the WHQS
Environmental Standard?
Join the WHQs Environmental programme
tenant panel.
We want to bring together a group of tenants to
help us prioritise and decide on environmental
projects or schemes to undertake and in which
areas.
It is the standard that expects homes to be
„located in attractive and safe environments
to which residents can relate and in which
they can be proud to live‟.
During November last year we sent out an
Environmental Survey to every Isle of
Anglesey County Council property and
lease holders, asking how you felt about
your local area and what are your main
concerns.
Approximately 4000 surveys
were sent with an incentive of £500 in cash
prizes to encourage tenants to return their
forms. 501 surveys were returned.
If you would like to become a Panel member or
would like more information, phone the
tenant participation team on
0 or 0 Tenants and Residents
Association
Have you ever thought about getting together with
a few of your friends and neighbours on your
What next?
estate,
maybe arranging social days out or a coffee
Over the next few months we will be
morning?
organising meetings and Estate Walkabouts
Perhaps,
you
have
some ideas how to improve
to find out more about how we can work
your estate and make it a better place to live?
towards
making
environmental
improvements on our estates. There is a
If so then we’d like to hear from you. We have
limited amount of money available for these recently developed a new Tenants and Residents
improvements, so we need your help to tell Association Booklet to help and explain how to set
us where this money would be best spent.
up a group. To request a copy, please phone or email the tenant participation team. If you‟d like,
Don’t miss out on your chance to have
one
of the team will visit you and your friends for an
your say!
informal chat, please let us know.
Contact the
We are here to help!
tenant participation team
01248 752171 or 01248 752166
on
TENANT@anglesey.gov.uk
0 or 0 WHQs Environmental survey results
Q. are you satisfied with
the apperance of your local
area?
No
23%
Q2. Do you feel proud to live in your
local area?
No
13%
Yes
77%
number of responses
300
250
200
278
150
100
50
91
122
0
Strong
No
16%
Yes
87%
How would you rate community spirit in your
area?
Average
Weak
Do you feel safe in your local
area?
Yes
84%
Questions we asked in the survey.
Q. are you satisfied with the appearance
of your local area?
A1. Yes %
No 23%
Q. Do you feel proud to live in your local
area?
A2. Yes %
No 13%
Q. Do you feel safe in your local area?
A3. Yes %
No 16%
Page | 6
Q 7. Which are of the greatest concern to you and
your family
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
300
250
143
117
73
61
1
78
2
3
4
5
no.1 = weak community spirit to
no.5 = strong community spirit
Number of responses
Number of responses
Q5. How would you rate facilities in your area?
243
200
150
100
0
1. Your
2. Your general
3. A
immediate area environment combination of
the above
Top five issues that our tenants
tell us are of concern to them in
their area.
Issues of concern to Anglesey County Council tenants
Issues of concern to Anglesey County
Graffiti
Council2833tenants
Garages
Abandoned vehicles and tipping rubbish
Lack of parks / green spacesGraffiti
Poor street lighting
Abandoned vehicles
and tipping rubbish
Bin areas
Poor
street lighting
2.Trees
/ landscaping
Other
2.Trees / landscaping
Traffic Calming
Traffic
Calming
1.Untidy communal
areas
SafeSafe
Play areas
Play areas
Boundaries, Fencing, hedges
Concealed
areas
where
youths
Concealed areas
where
youths
gathergather
Poor paving and pathways
Lack of community activities and factilities
fouling
ParkingDog
issues
Dog fouling
57
28
28
67
28
33
33
337657
57
5767
84
67
67
76
8876
76
84
84
9784
88
88
88
97
109
97
97
109
113109
109
113
113
113
119
119
119
119
135
135
135
135
139
139
139
139
151
151
151 187
151
187
187
192
192
187
192
192
111
88
50
1. Dog Fouling.
2. Parking Issues.
3. Lack of community
activities & facilities.
4. Poor Paving & Pathways.
5. Concealed areas where
youths gather.
Do you agree? Why not tell us
268
268
268
268
your views, request a survey
form from the tp team 0
.
WHQs Environmental survey – prize Draw Winners
A big tHanK YoU to everyone who
returned the WHQS Environmental
Survey and congratulations to the
Lucky prize draw winners.
We will update you on how we are
using the results of the survey in the
next issue of Mon Tenants Voice.
st
prize - £0
Mr Joskow
Bryngwran
nd
prize - £0
Mr Jones
Pentraeth
grass Cutting 0
Are you entitled to FREE grass cutting?
If you are over 60 years of age or registered disabled and incapable
of looking after your garden, you may be eligible to have the grass
in your front and back garden cut free of charge.
PLEASE NOTE:
 Tenants living in Sheltered Housing estates and flats do not
need to apply as you are automatically on the list.
 All tenants who were on the list at the end of last year‟s grass
cutting season will automatically be on the list this year.
rd
prize - £00
Mr Fleming
Valley
For more
information or to
request an
application form
please call:
01248 752264
Page | 7
elpwch eich Hun
cwsmeriaid yn cael eu hannog i edrych eto ar eu biliau ynni er mwyn rhoi sylw i‟r cynnydd ym
s ynni a effeithiodd 9 allan o bob 10 aelwyd yng Nghymru'r gaeaf diwethaf. Ers Tachwedd 2010,
cwmnïau ynni wedi codi eu prisiau, rhai gan gymaint â naw y cant.
financial
inclusion
financial
Inclusion
– money- money
matters matters
– tlodi
money
matters
un o bob financial
pedair o aelwydyddInclusion
yng Nghymru mewn
tanwydd ac
yn gwario rhagor na 10 y cant
Yourself
hincwm ar Help
filiau ynni.
Er y gallai miloedd o bobl arbed arian trwy newid cyflenwyr neu‟r ffordd y
Yourself
Consumers
are
being
urged wedi
to lookgwneud
again athynny.
their energy bills to beat the energy price hikes which
nt yn talu Help
am eu hynni,
nid
yw llawer
affected nineare
outbeing
of 10urged
Welshtohouseholds
last
winter.
Since
energy
Consumers
look again at
their
energy
billsNovember
to beat the2010,
energy
price companies
hikes whichhave
da phwy ddylwn
inine
siarad?
increased
their
up to ninelast
per winter.
cent. Since November 2010, energy companies have
affected
outprices,
of 10 some
Welshby
households
ydych chi‟nincreased
poeni
am
dalu
their
prices,
some
by
up
to
nine
per
cent.
One in four Welsh households are in fuel poverty, spending more than 10 per cent of their income on
biliau gwresogi
energy
bills.angen
Although
thousands
could save
money
by changing
suppliers
theincome
way they
One
in neu
four
Welsh
households
areofinpeople
fuel poverty,
spending
more
than 10 per
cent of or
their
on
gor sy‟n hawdd
i‟w
ddeall,
pay for bills.
energy,
many people
haveofnot
donecould save money by changing suppliers or the way they
energy
Although
thousands
people
ylltwch gyda
gymorth
Home
Heat.
so.llinell
pay
for energy,
many
people
have not Mae
done Canolfan J.E. O‟Toole yn rhan o
oes rhaid so.
i chi fod yn talu‟r biliau i gysylltu â
Wasanaethau Tai, Cyngor Si Ynys Môn. Mae eu
Who should I talk to?
. Cewch ffonio
ar
ran perthynas,
cyfaill,
If youshould
are worried
about
Who
I talk
to?
swyddfa yng Nghaergybi ac yn cynnig cyngor,
ent neu rywun
yr ydych
yn malio
your
heating
billsamdanynt.
Ifpaying
you are
worried
about
cefnogaeth ac arweiniad i drigolion Ynys Môn.
or
some
easy to
your
heating
bills
J.E. O‟Toole
Centre
part mwyaf
of the Isle of
byddant paying
ynneed
eich
helpu?
Maent yn The
awyddus
i sicrhau
fod yis bobl
understand
advice
contact
the
Home
Heat
or
need
some
easy
to
Anglesey
County
Council‟s
Housing
The
J.E.
O‟Toole
Centre
is
part
of
theServices
Isle of
ant roi cymorth ar grantiau, inswleiddio‟ch
bregus o fewn cymdeithas yn derbyn y buddHelpline.
You
do
not
have
to
be
the
bill
payer
understand
advice
contact
the
Home
Heat
Department.
Their
office
is in Holyhead
and
offers
County
Council‟s
Housing
Services
ref, tariffau tanwydd is, opsiynau talu.
daliadau yAnglesey
mae ganddynt
yr hawl
iddynt.
Mae pob
to contact
them.
You
on the
behalf
a
Helpline.
You doallan
not can
have
to be
bill of
payer
advice,
support
and
guidance
to
the
residents
of
Department.
Their
office
is
in
Holyhead
and
offers
d modd iddyn
nhw weithio
o‟chcall
ceiniog yn helpu, cysylltwch â hwy i ddarganfod os
relative,
friend,
client
or
someone
you care
to
contact
them.
You
can
call
on
behalf
of
a
Anglesey.
They
are
keen
to
ensure
that
the
most
advice,
support
and
guidance
to
the
residents
of
ylchiadau yr hyn y mae gennych hawl i‟w
y gallent eich cynorthwyo.
about. friend, client or someone you care
relative,
vulnerable They
in society
are receiving
to
Anglesey.
are keen
to ensurethe
thatbenefits
the most
rbyn.
about.
How will they help?
which they inare
entitled.
penny
vulnerable
society
areEvery
receiving
thecounts,
benefitswhy
to
Bu
i’r
Ganolfan
J
E
O’Toole,
llynedd,
h y mae gennyf
hawl
i’w
dderbyn?
They will
can
advise
on
grants, home insulation,
not contact
and seeEvery
if theypenny
help
you! why
How
they
help?
which
they them
are entitled.
counts,
gynorthwyo
trigolion
Ynys môn
ican
hawlio
ydych chi‟nThey
derbyn
budd-daliadau
megis
reduced
tariffs,
options.
They
canfuel
advise
on payment
grants,
home
insulation,
not contact them and see if they can help you!
The J mewn
E O’Toole
Centre helped
Anglesey
ns anabledd
byw,
credyd
will be
able
totariffs,
workpensiwn,
out from your
£1.8 miliwn
budd-daliadau
oedd
reduced
fuel
payment
options. They
The Jresidents
E O’Toole
Centre
helped
Anglesey
d-dal treth
y be
cyngor,
treth
circumstances
whatout
youfrom
are your
entitled to.
will
able tobudd-dal
work
claim
£1.8
million
in
heb eu hawlio!
nt neu lwfans
chwilio
am
waith
yn
circumstances
what
you
are
entitled
to.
residents
claim
£1.8
million
in
What am I entitled to?
unclaimed
last year!
Holyhead
01407benefits
760208
edig ar incwm,
mae‟n bosibl
eich bod yn
If you‟re
benefits
What
amreceiving
I entitled
to? such as the
unclaimed
benefits
last
year!
Holyhead 01407 760208
wys am grantiau
i inswleiddio
living allowance,
pension
Ifdisability
you‟reychwanegol
receiving
benefits
such
as the credit,
Holyhead
01407 760208
cartref a gwella
ynnitax
eich
councileffeithlonrwydd
tax
benefit,
child
benefitcredit,
orOs ydych yn dymuno
disability
living
allowance,
pension
cael cyngor cyfrinachol
ref. Yn ychwanegol
hyn,
mae
cyflenwyr
income-based
jobseeker’s
yourhad ac am ddim ynghylch materion buddcouncil
taxatbenefit,
child
taxallowance,
benefit oryn
wedi neilltuo
arian
i
helpu‟r
rheini
sydd
â
may
be
eligible
for
additional
grants
to
income-based jobseeker’s allowance, daliadau
you
a If
chymorth
gwblhau
ffurflenni
you wouldi like
some free
and confidential
oblemau ariannol
dalu house
euforbiliau.
Os ydych
insulate
your
and improve
your
may
be ieligible
additional
grants
to home‟s
am fudd-dal
neu
rywun
eich
cynrychioli
advice
on benefits,
withconfidential
filling in
If you
would
like some help
free and
n anabl, dros
60, efficiency.
âyour
theulu
ifanc,
neu’nenergy
energy
Inand
addition,
insulate
house
improve
your home‟s
gyda phroblemau
cyfraith
cyflogaeth.
benefit
claim
forms
and
or
assistance
advice
on
benefits,
help
with
filling
inand
n plant i fyny
arefficiency.
eich
pen
eich
hun,
mae
suppliers
have
money
put
aside
to help those
energy
In
addition,
energy
representation
with
employment
law
benefit
claim
forms
and
or
assistance
and
in financial
difficulties
their
If you
are
ntiau arbennig
a gwasanaethau
ar gael
i bills.
suppliers
have
money pay
put
aside
to help
those

01407
760208
neu
problems
please
call:
representation
with
employment
law
disabled,
over
0,
young
or
hau nad ydych
yn dioddef
yn have
ystod
tywydd
in
financial
difficulties
pay atheir
bills.family,
If you are
e-bostiwch
 orcall:

01407 760208
email
problems
please
are
bringing
up
children
on
your
own,
there
disabled, over 0, have a young family, or

cathp@anglesey.gov.uk

01407
760208
or
email
cathp@anglesey.gov.uk
are
special
grants
and
services
available
to
are bringing
upHeat
children
your own, there
Llinell gymorth
Home
yn rifonrhad
Mae
cathp@anglesey.gov.uk
modd
iddynt
ymweld
make
sure you
don‟t
suffer
during
cold to
are
grants
and
services
available
ac ni fydd
ynspecial
costio’r
un
geiniog
i chi.
Home
visits
are available
weather.
â chi yn eich
cartref
sure
you don‟t
suffer during
ydych yn make
ansicr
a ydych
yn gymwys
amcold
by arrangement
for
Home
visits os
are available
weather.
ydych ynby
anabl.
morth ai pheidio,
rhowch
iddynt.
the Home
Heat alwad
Helpline
is a free phone
disabled
or thoseforunable
arrangement
number
won’t
cost you
penny.
If
the
Home
Heat
is aafree
phone
to attendor
thethose
centre
or
if Ffôn: 0800
33and
66
99Helpline
disabled
unable
you are uncertain
to you
whether
you If
number
and won’t as
cost
a penny.
one
of thethe
outreaches.
to
attend
centre or
gyngor diduedd
RHAD
AC
AM
DDIM
ar
ynni a
ac am gyngor ynghylch arbed
arian,
qualify
for
help why
just
give
them
you
areyn
uncertain
as not
to whether
you
one
of thecysylltwch
outreaches.
call.
tel:
000
not
just give them a
ag unrhywqualify
un o‟r
canlynol:
for
help
why
call. tel: 000 For frEE impartial
advice, contact any of the following:
sumer focus
ffôn:advice
0on
0energy
0 0 and money saving
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
For frEE
impartial
advice000
on energy
and money saving
advice, contact any of the following:
ddiriedolaeth
arbed
Ynni
ffôn:
0
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Consumer focus
tel: 0 0 0 0
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
gor Henoed
ffôn:
Energy saving
trust000 tel: 000
00 www.ageuk.org.uk
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Consumer
focus
tel:
0
0 0
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
ell gymorth
0
ageDyledion
Concern
tel:ffôn:
00000
0
000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
www.ageuk.org.uk
Energy
savingCenedlaethol
trust
tel:
000
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
lter Cymru
ffôn:
0
0
00
www.sheltercymru.org.uk
national
Debt
Helpline
tel:
00
0
000
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
age Concern
tel: 000 www.ageuk.org.uk
ney madenational
Clear
ffôn:
000
00
000*
www.
moneymadeclear.org.uk
shelter Cymru
tel: 00
0 0
0 000
00
www.sheltercymru.org.uk
Debt Helpline tel:
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
eth pa dariff
yr ydych
arno,
mae galw rhif
yn00
costio‟r
arferol.
Os ydy‟ch
money
made
Clear
*tel:
000
000
www.
moneymadeclear.org.uk
shelter
Cymru
tel:0300
0
0
00„run fath a rhif ffôn
www.sheltercymru.org.uk
money
made
Clear
*tel:
000
00
000
www.
moneymadeclear.org.uk
adau chi am ddim, yna mae‟r alwad honno am ddim hyd yn oed o ffonau symudol.
* Whatever tariff you‟re on, the cost of an 0300 number is the same as calling a normal phone number.
*IfWhatever
you‟re
on,it‟s
thefree,
costeven
of anfrom
0300mobiles.
number is the same as calling a normalPage
phone
your calls tariff
are free,
then
| 8number.
If your calls are free, then it‟s free, even from mobiles.
Page | 8
Page | 8
Don’t get behind with your Rent
Everyone in the UK is feeling the effects of the current
financial situation. Paying your rent should be one of
your first priorities, please see below for the different
ways to pay:
• By swipe Card at any post office
• By post*
• By Direct Debit
• In person at one of our offices*
• online.
If you do start getting into difficulties, perhaps you‟ve lost
your job or had your hours reduced, please contact your
rent arrears officer for advice. Don‟t wait until you
are in arrears, think ahead and get advice now!
*subject to review
If you are worried about paying your
rent, contact Housing Services
arrears recovery team at the main
council offices in Llangefni.
tel:0 //
If you live in Holyhead, Rhoscolyn or
Four Mile Bridge, contact:
arwel Jones on: 00 0
If you would like to talk to an officer in
person, please telephone and make
an appointment, we may also be able
to arrange a home visit.
Homelessness
Meet the Homelessness Team
The Homlessness Team is a group of four led by the
Senior Homelessness Officer Dylan Rees who stated:
„Our team is here to help anyone who may be in
danger of losing their accommodation, whether they
are tenants or homeowners. If people are getting into
difficulty paying their rent or mortgage they should
contact either ourselves or the Arrears Team straight
away‟.
Dylan rees - Senior Homelessness officer - 0 alwena pawson - Homelessness Officer - 0 ,
Delyth Drake - Accommodation Officer - 0 gwyn thomas - Housing Advice Officer - 0 0
are you worried about losing
your home?
are you worried about becoming homeless?
occasionally our tenants will for one reason
or another face homelessness. If this
happens to you then please contact
Anglesey County Council’s Homelessness
team. It may still be possible to rescue the
situation, early intervention will give the
team the best possible chance of helping
people to stay in their current home.
the Homeless team will also be able to
advise on alternative housing options in
trying to secure a satisfactory solution to
any housing difficulties. referrals can also
be made to a range of other agencies and
organisations who might be able to assist.
Contact the team on 0 0
Left to Right: Dylan Rees, Alwena Pawson, Delyth
Drake and Gwyn Thomas.
You can also chat to a member of the
Homelessness Team at the following
locations:
one stop shop signpost - Holyhead Town Hall
mondays 0am - .00pm
Working with a range of other agencies also in
attendance to offer advice and assistance
J E O’Toole Centre - Holyhead
Wednesday .0am - .00pm
To deal with Homelessness enquiries.
one stop shop Hen Argraffdy,
12 Ffordd yr Efail
Llangefni.
monday & thursday
.00pm - .00pm
Working with
Gorwel Domestic
Abuse Service
tel: 0 0
Page | 9
BENEFIT CHANGES - How will tenenants be affected?
BENEFIT CHANGES - How will tenants be affected?
The Coalition Government at Westminster has announced a wide range of changes to Housing
Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. The Isle of Anglesey County Council is committed to doing all it
can to alerting new and existing benefit claimants, together with landlords, of the effects of the
proposed changes.
When will the changes come into force?
From April 2011
From April 2012
Households, with a
financially
independent person
aged 18 or over will
see a reduction in
their Housing Benefit,
i.e. there will be an
increase in the nondependant deduction,
having been frozen
since 2001-2002.
The age limit on
people who live by
themselves and are
therefore required to
claim the housing
benefit rate equivalent
to either a room in a
shared property or a
single room will
increase from 25 to 34
years of age.
From April 2013
A new £500 per week ceiling
for the total benefits that a
working age person, not on
disability benefits can receive
will be introduced.
The housing benefit payable
for working age people in
council or social housing will
reflect their housing
requirements i.e. size of the
family.
From October 2013 – April 2017.
a Universal Credit for all out of working age income-related benefits and housing costs for
pensioners (from october 0) (except Council tax Benefit) will be introduced.
Mae‟r newidiadau yma yn dibynnu ar gymeradwyaeth seneddol yn San Steffan.
We will start informing people in the next few months and will also be working with advice
agencies and other bodies to ensure they are briefed about the changes.
If you have further questions contact the revenues and Benefits section on 0
/ or by e-mail: benefits@anglesey.gov.uk. We will also over the next few weeks be
developing details on the Council‟s Website.
Have you ever thought of downsizing?
Are you struggling to pay your utility bills? Have the kids
all moved out? Are you in a council house that may be too
large for you and you would like to downsize to a smaller
property.
Housing Services is currently looking at practical ways of
assisting existing tenants who would like to move into a
council flat or bungalow.
If you would be interested in a transfer to a smaller
property, please contact the
Lettings team on 0 /
10
Moving into a smaller property
could have many advantages for
you:Cheaper fuel bills.
pay less rent.
pay less Council tax
Costs less and easier to
maintain.
Any suitable offer would be made
in accordance with our Allocations
Policy and subject to a satisfactory
transfer inspection and other
tenancy related checks.
Page | 10
BEAT THE LOAN SHARKS - BITE BACK!
BEAT THE LOAN SHARKS – BITE BACK
As the government cuts hit harder, money problems are affecting more
and more of us. Who do you turn to when the rent’s overdue, the gas
bill’s higher than you expected, or the washing machine breaks down?
The Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit (IMLU) is warning local residents
not to make the mistake of turning to illegal lenders – male or female.
IMLU was set up by central government at the end of 2007 to search
out and prosecute loan sharks throughout Wales, and operates as part
of Trading Standards. These illegal lenders operate without a consumer
credit licence, and prey on people who are vulnerable – whether
because of poverty or debt, or difficulties in their lives such as addiction
or health problems
Loan sharks will rip off borrowers by charging extortionate interest
(IMLU say that 150,000% APR is not unheard of!) and adding on
penalty payments as and when they want. “Sharks don’t give you
paperwork explaining the terms of the loan, and you have to keep
paying them back until they decide you can stop. They may appear
friendly when they offer the loan, and when you pay - it’s when you can’t
pay that you see the other side of them”, explains Steven Hay, IMLU manager.
If you are a loan shark victim, or think there may be a shark operating nearby, phone ImLU on the hour Hotline: 000 .
Join your local Credit Union.
get saving for that rainy day.
A credit Union is a community owned 'bank'. You can make regular savings no matter how small
AND take out very low cost loans should you ever need to. Members who agree to save
together, create a common fund from which its members can borrow at competitive rates. It is
non-profiting making, any surpluses being used for the benefit of you as one of its members.
Who can join?
Everyone who lives or works within the counties of Gwynedd and Anglesey, and any member of
their family who lives with them, can join by paying a membership fee of £1 and opening a
Standard Share account.
How do I save?
Savings are totally flexible so you do not have to save the same amount each time, but we
encourage you to save regularly, however small the amount. Savings can be made at collection
points or by standing order. Many members now have some or all of their benefits paid directly
into their credit union account.
Can I take out a loan?
Anyone who is a member and is 18 or over may apply for a loan. Loans are granted to members
on the basis of their ability to repay and according to the loans policy of the credit union.
for more information about Y Llechen Credit Union visit www.yllechencu.co.uk or
telephone 0 or drop in to one of the collection points below.
Gwelfor Community Centre,
Ffordd Tudur, Holyhead.
tel no: 00 Opening Times monday: am – .0pm.
Newry Community Centre,
Newry Fields, Holyhead.
tel no: 00 .
Opening Times friday: .0am – .0pm.
Plas Cybi Partnership,
Millbank Senior Citizens Club, Holyhead.
tel no: 00 .
Opening Times –
friday 0am – pm
11
Ynys môn sheltered Housing forum
YNYS
SHELTERED
HOUSING
Ynys
mônMôN
sheltered
Housing
forum FORUM
Bogus Callers.
At our Christmas Sheltered Housing forum in
Bogus
December,Callers.
members were treated to a three
At
our Christmas
forum
course
ChristmasSheltered
dinner as Housing
a thank you
forin
December,
members
were
treated
to
a
three
participating throughout the year.
course Christmas dinner as a thank you for
participating
throughout
theAlison
year. Farrar came
Trading
Standards
Officer,
along to remind everyone of the dangers of
Trading
Standards
Officer,
Farrar
bogus caller‟s
and how
bestAlison
to deal
with came
along
to remind
everyone
unwanted
doorstep
sellers.of the dangers of
bogus caller‟s and how best to deal with
There
weredoorstep
lots of freebee
unwanted
sellers.promotional gifts
available and many went home with early
There
werepresents
lots of freebee
promotional
Christmas
of notebooks,
pens,gifts
door
available
and
many
went
home
with
early
stickers, tea towels, mugs and energy
saving
Christmas
light bulbs!presents of notebooks, pens, door
stickers, tea towels, mugs and energy saving
light bulbs!
Stephen explaining how repair requests are generated.
Sheltered Housing tenants enjoying a Christmas lunch.
repairs
& maintenance.
Sheltered Housing
tenants enjoying a Christmas lunch.
In our most recent meeting in March, the group
repairs
maintenance.
was given a &
presentation
from the Senior
In
our mostOfficer
recentStephen
meetingOwen.
in March,
the group
Technical
Stephen
was
given
a
presentation
from
the
Senior
explained how repairs are reported and how
Technical
Officer
Stephen
Owen.
repair requests
are
generated
and Stephen
the priorities
explained
how
repairs
are
reported
and
how
they are given. Technical Inspectors
Craig
repair
requests
are
generated
and
the
priorities
Stanton and Graham Crawford were also on hand
they
are given.
Technical Inspectors
to discuss
any maintenance
queries. Craig
Stanton and Graham Crawford were also on hand
Later
in theany
morning,
Rhianwen
Jones,
to discuss
maintenance
queries.
Supporting People Development Officer gave an
Later
thethe
morning,
Jones,
updateinon
WardenRhianwen
Service and
current
Supporting
People
Development
Officer
gaveand
an
developments relating to Sheltered
Housing
update
on
the
Warden
Service
and
current
the Telecare System.
developments relating to Sheltered Housing and
After
a delicious
buffet lunch members took part
the Telecare
System.
in a session on „How to prevent falls‟ given by
After
a delicious buffet
members
took part
Physiotherapist,
Louiselunch
Carter
.
in a session on „How to prevent falls‟ given by
Physiotherapist, Louise Carter.
CHangEs to tHE gofaL môn CaLL monItorIng sErvICE
We would like to inform you about changes, from st June 0, at the Gofal Môn Monitoring Centre,
CHangEs
to tHE
môn
monItorIng
sErvICE
the service that responds
to any gofaL
call you make
via theCaLL
Community
Alarm System in older
people‟s
Stephen explaining how repair requests are generated.
We
would like to inform you about changes, from st June 0, at the Gofal Môn Monitoring Centre,
accommodation.
the service that responds to any call you make via the Community Alarm System in older people‟s
Gofal
Môn, has been working with other call centres in North Wales, to merge the services so that we
accommodation.
can provide a better service for all our customers. A new service is being set up, which will have a base
Gofal
Môn, has
working
with other
in North
to merge
the services
that
in
Llangefni.
Webeen
believe
that there
wil becall
verycentres
little change
to Wales,
the service
you receive
– it willsostill
bewe
fully
can
provide
a better
service
for allper
ourday,
customers.
A per
newyear.
service
being
set up,the
which
will by
have
a base
bi-lingual;
and
available
24 hours
365 days
Weiswill
improve
service
making
in
Llangefni.
believe
there
wil bestandards
very little change
the service
youthe
receive
it willnumber
still be of
fully
sure
that we We
comply
withthat
all the
industry
and we to
intend
to expand
range– and
bi-lingual;
and
available
24
hours
per
day,
365
days
per
year.
We
will
improve
the
service
by
making
services provided.
sure that we comply with all the industry standards and we intend to expand the range and number of
Conwy
will manage the service on a day to day basis, on our behalf. However we will remain
servicesCouncil
provided.
involved in the board that manages the services overall. There will be no interruption in service during
Conwy
Council will
manage the service on a day to day basis, on our behalf. However we will remain
this transitional
period.
involved in the board that manages the services overall. There will be no interruption in service during
If
you
require any
further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Gofal Môn
this
transitional
period.
monitoring centre managers, anwen rowlands or Daniel Bostock on 0 0.
If
. you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Gofal Môn
monitoring centre managers, anwen rowlands or Daniel Bostock on 0 0.
.
Date for your Diary
The next Sheltered Housing Forum is being held at:
Date for your Diary
village Hall, aberffraw, June th , 0 – pm
Thelive
nextinSheltered
is being
If you
ShelteredHousing
HousingForum
and would
like held
to joinat:the
th
village
Hall,
aberffraw,
June
,
0
–
pm
sheltered Housing forum, please contact: Jodie
or Lesley
If you live in
Sheltered
Housing
and
would
like
to
on 0 or 0 . join the
sheltered Housing forum, please contact: Jodie or Lesley
on 0 or 0 .
12
Come and join
the gang,
Come
and join
remember
we
the
gang,
can arrange all
remember
we
your
transport
can
arrange
all
needs
to the
yourevents!
transport
needs toPage
the | 12
events!
Page | 12
TENANT
PARTICIPATION
GROUP UPDATE
tenant
participation
group Update
Welsh Housing Quality standard (WHQs)
panel
Above: Betty & Linda members of
the WHQS Panel meet up with
tenants from Cardiff at the TPAS
Annual Conference in Llandridnod
Wells.
The Panel continues to monitor tenant satisfaction of the WHQS
Internal Improvement Programme. Currently both contractors are
achieving 100% satisfaction. Three members of the group also sit
on the WHQS Steering Group which meets every 3 months, here
they get the opportunity to discuss any issues with housing
managers and senior officers. If you have any issues relating to
the WHQS scheme and would like to talk to a member of the
panel, please contact the tenant participation team on 0
/ or e-mail TENANT@anglesey.gov.uk and they
will pass on your details to a panel member.
tenant auditing group
Tenant Auditing is not new to some of our tenants as they have
been auditing the WHQS Internal Improvement Scheme for over a
year. However, it is now time to start auditing and inspecting other
areas within Housing Services. The first meeting of the newly
established Tenant Auditing Group took place in January, 243
invites were sent out to tenants who have previously expressed an
G Purchase Customer Liaison
interest in either, auditing, mystery shopping or tenant inspectors.
Officer Aleta on site in Holyhead
We have approximately 10 tenants who have joined the group but
with Helen from the Tenant Auditing
Group.
we do need more. You may not have the time to come to regular
meetings but may want to be involved
in a one off mystery shop or perhaps
new factsheets available!
you‟d like to be involved in estate
Factsheet 1 Joint tenancies
walkabouts – making visual
Factsheet 2 non –secure tenancies
inspections of your estate with staff.
Factsheet 3 Introduction and secure tenancies
If transport or childcare is a problem,
Factsheet 4 succession to a council tenancy
don‟t worry we can help!
Factsheet 5 transferring your tenancy
Factsheet 6 mutual exchange for secure tenants
If you think you may be interested
Factsheet 7 paying your rent
but would like to know more, then
Factsheet 8 Ending your council tenancy
please telephone Jodie, tenant
Factsheet 9 Homelessness
participation officer on
Factsheet 10 gas safety checks
0 or e-mail
Factsheet 11 goods left behind
Factsheet 12 reducing condensation in your home
tEnant@anglesey.gov.uk
Factsheet 13 Comments, Compliments and
Complaints
Factsheet 14 repairs and maintenance
môn tenants voice group (mtv)
A group made up of tenants and staff from various departments within Housing Services. The
group has been monitoring the Tenant Participation Strategy and trying to improve the way we
consult with tenants. Members recognised that there was a need to develop more written
information to give out to tenants, therefore a „Welcome Pack for New Tenants‟ and factsheets
have been printed. The next project for the group will be to help staff develop a new „Tenant
Handbook‟.
to request any of our Housing services factsheets, please telephone 0 00 or
e-mail HoUsIng@anglesey.gov.uk
Page | 13
13
TENANT PARTICIPATION
tenant participation
Estate Walkabouts – Working together.
Housing Services have started a pilot project of
Estate Walkabouts. With the help of staff and tenant
members of the Môn Tenants Voice Group, estates and
dates have been selected.
If you would like more information on
Estate Walkabouts or have
suggestions for improving your estate,
please pick up a leaflet from the
Housing Services reception, contact a
member of the Tenant Participation
Team on 01248 752171 or fill in and
return the freepost coupon below.
Look, Look, Look,
Estate Walkabouts
Estate Walkabouts will be taking
place throughout the year in the
following areas:
Queens park, st. seriols &
maes y Haf,
Holyhead.
June 20th 2011
1.00pm – 2.30pm
Craig y Don
amlwch
July 11th 2011
1.00pm – 2.30pm
GER Y GRAIG
penygroes
Llanddeusant
Llangefni
Our first Walkabout took place
recently in Ger y Graig, Llangefni.
A number of residents joined us on our walk to have their
voice heard on all different aspects of their environment.
Our next step will be to evaluate all aspects of the
walkabout and tackle some environmental issues voiced
by the residents.
maes gwelfor
rhydwyn
August 15th 2011
1.00pm – 2.30pm
tyddyn mostyn
menai Bridge
September 12th 2011
1.00pm – 2.30pm
In anglesey County Council want all our tenants to live in
affordable, high quality housing, we recognise that the environment
that you live in can have a significant impact on your sense of
wellbeing and quality of life. We are committed to ensuring your
homes are located in attractive and safe environments to which
residents can relate and which you can be proud to live.
Your Home, Your say!
If you would like to get involved in any of the
groups or activities mentioned in this newsletter
and would like us to contact you with more
information, please complete the slip and return
it to:
freepost rrYZ KaHH KCKa
tenant participation team
Housing services
anglesey County Council Council offices
Llangefni
anglesey
LL tW
Did you enjoy reading this newsletter?
Yes
No
Please tick the box if you
do not want us to send you the
newsletter.
14
Name……………………………………………….
Address……………………………………………
……………………...... Postcode………………..
Phone number…………………………………….
E-Mail………………………………………………
Please () the boxes of any groups you would like to be
involved with:
Sheltered housing Forum
Tenant & Resident Groups
Estate Walkabouts
Telephone/Postal Survey
Mon Tenants Voice
Anti-Social Behaviour Group
Publishing Group
Tenant Auditing
send back this slip for your free entry into our summer prize Draw
Page | 14
– see page 3 for details