Home talk Summer 2014
The magazine for Cannock Chase Council tenants
Inside:
Page 6:
downsizing can make life betterPage 3.
neighbour nuisance gets the boot!
Why is Wolves’ star striker Liam McAlinden on our front page? Turn to the Centre Pages and all will be revealed!
2
What ’ s on in New tenancy allocations policy means: the district Chase residents only Want to get crafty?
Why not join us at St Barbara House, John Till Close, Rugeley for coffee and crafts Wednesday mornings 10.30 - 12.30. For further information contact: Donna Crowley, Community Wellbeing Coordinator 01543 500404.
Want to do more exercise? Come and try our fortnightly armchair exercises at St Barbara House, John Till Close Rugeley, with Sue Blower from Age Uk on 01785 788472 for more information.
Caxton Lunch Club 12.30 onwards every Wednesday. Dorne provides home cooked meals, hot meal and sweet for £6.50; her contact number is: 07969 188778.
Everyone ’ s a winner Repairs Questionnaire: February: Mrs V Colley, Cannock March: Mrs N Bishop, Hednesford April: Mr T Baker, Rugeley Alarm Pull Cord: Mr M Mansell Cannock. Estate Walk: Mrs M Jones, Hednesford Gas servicing draw: February: Mr.D.Colquhoun, Hednesford; Mr.T.Cannon, Hednesford. March: Mr.C.Morris, Hednesford; Mr.G.Noble, Rugeley. April: Mr.D.Cockayne, Cannock; Miss J.Willdigg, Rawnsley. May: Mr.T.Poole, West Chadsmoor; M.S.Whitehouse, Rawnsley. Wordsearch: Mrs A Hipkiss, Cannock. Easter Egg Competition: Miss E Graham, Rugeley.
T
he Council’s housing waiting list is to be closed to people who have not lived continuously in the Cannock Chase district for 12 months.
A review of the allocations policy by Housing chiefs introduced the new residency rule as from 14 April this year. It means that accommodation will only be allocated to persons aged 18 years or over who have lived in the District continuously for the last twelve months. Anyone not meeting the residency rule will
not be able to register for housing with the authority and their applications have been deleted. Those applicants should contact local letting agents who can assist with private rentals. They can reapply when they have lived within the district continuously for twelve months. If you require Sheltered Housing please contact Supported Housing on 01543 462621 to discuss individual requirements.
Moss Road Estate update The redevelopment of Cannock’s Moss Road estate took another step forward with the appointment of well-known housebuilders Keepmoat to do the job. The estate’s 170 design-defective Reema flats will be replaced with 141 houses for rent, low cost home ownership or outright sale.
They will include 65 houses for rent by Cannock Chase Council and the remainder will be provided for low cost home ownership and
sale by Keepmoat. Environmental improvements and enhanced play facilities, together with
employment and training opportunities, including the creation of new craft apprenticeships, will also form part of the scheme. Keepmoat has an established track record of partnership working with the Council and successfully completed structural reinstatement work to 107 Council houses last year including 63 on the Moss Road Estate.
10 minutes to win £100 - and steer clear of loan sharks “Take a 10 minute online challenge and win £100 of shopping vouchers!”
Drop-in housing surgeries: Housing ‘surgeries’ with no appointments needed are open to tenants to discuss any housing matters. They are held once a fortnight at: Cannock area office on Wednesdays, 9am1pm. Next dates: 30th July 13th August 27th August 10th September 24th September 8th October 22nd October Rugeley area office, Anson St. Thursdays, 9am-1pm. Next dates: 10th July 24th July 7th August 21st August 4th September 2nd October
The Stop Loan Sharks project run by Trading Standards has launched an online quiz to give one lucky person the chance to win £100 of shopping vouchers. Two runners up will each receive a goody bag. It will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Loan sharks are people who illicitly lend money, frequently charge high rates of interest and can harass, intimidate and in some case have even threatened violence to ensure re-payments. The Stop Loan Sharks project has been working across England for a number of years, raising awareness of the perils of using loan sharks, prosecuting them and supporting their victims. To have a chance of winning the prizes go to
16th October
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/IMLTchallenge
Call 01543 462621 for more information.
Good luck!
www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk
30th October Norton Canes Library, Thursdays, 9am-1pm. Next dates: 31st July 14th August 28th August 11th September 25th September 9th October 23rd October
3 ‘Downsizing’ has become a way to beat the ‘Bedroom Tax, but…
It’s not ALL about money!
D
ozens of Cannock Chase tenants have been swapping their Council houses for smaller flats, bungalows or sheltered scheme places.
It’s called ‘downsizing’ and for some tenants claiming Housing Benefit, the move has been forced on them by the Government’s so-called ‘Bedroom Tax’. However, downsizers don’t all fit in to the same mould - there are a number of reasons for doing it and one of them is health and well-being. Andy Derry and his wife Val, for example left their three bedroom house in Woodland Close for a two-bedroom bungalow in Platt Street, Hednesford last year. “Val and me had been talking about it for 12 months or so before hand,” said Andy. “I’ve suffered spinal problems for years and then I was diagnosed with a chest condition that can’t be cured. “Val works full time, we don’t claim Housing Benefit, so the Bedroom Tax didn’t come in to it as far as we were concerned. The house had a very big garden, high f you maintenance and the stairs think you’ve were getting a got a Bright bigger problem for me. Idea, to benefit the “We could have Housing Service, got handrails contact the Service and other special Improvement Team. adaptations, but we decided it
We’ll pay for Bright Ideas!
I
���
Text message them: 07 814 758558; Phone them on: 01543 462621; E-mail them at:
serviceimprovements@ cannockchasedc.gov.uk
Write to them at: The Civic Centre, The Bungalow Annexe, PO Box 28, Beecroft Road, Cannock WS11 1BG. Or use the suggestion forms available in Local Council offices.
wasn’t worth it in the long run. “We had a walk round the bungalow before we decided to move in. “The move went off well enough, we had a lot of help, however the first few weeks in the bungalow were a bit traumatic. There were boxes of stuff everywhere and after the house, everywhere did seem smaller. “But we soon got ourselves sorted out and I’m glad we made the move, things are a lot better, especially for me. The
I’m glad we made the move, things are a lot better, especially for me, - Andy Derry grandkids still come round to see us, so nothing’s changed there, but my way of life has changed and it’s much easier. “I’m glad we made the move, but everybody’s situation is different. You have to weigh up the pro’s and con’s first. My opinion is, you have to put your health first.”
A
nother downsizer has been Mr C - we shan’t give his real name - - who moved into Grace Moore Court sheltered housing scheme in April 2014 from a bungalow in Chadsmoor.
Andy Derry outside his new home in Hednesford The two-bed bungalow was too big for him and he was finding it difficult to manage, yet he wished to remain in the local area. Mr C’s health and well being were deteriorating and he felt that he needed support to continue to live independently. While he also found that he was becoming increasingly isolated and lonely and felt the need for company, he also likes his own private time, watching television or reading his newspaper. His son lives away from the area and was concerned Mr C was not caring for himself properly. The move from the bungalow was very swift and is ideal for him. He is now very settled, once again enjoying independent living and can choose company or solitude as he wishes. His utility bills are cheaper, general quality of life continues to improve and he has support on hand for any problems or issues. “I just wish I had moved into sheltered accommodation sooner,” is his verdict.
Attention dog walkers: Any bin will do! Dog walkers now have no excuses for leaving their pets’ poo on pavements and in the parks.
Under recently changed waste laws, dog waste can now be disposed of in any litter bin installed on Council estates, in residential areas, streets and parks. The new regulation does away with the need to find a ‘designated dog waste bin’ - pet owners can drop their bagged waste in the nearest litter bin and that includes bins located on Council estates.
New style bins have signs indicating that they accept dog waste, while stickers have been put on existing bins to the same effect. Cannock Chase Council gets lots of complaints about dog fouling and the authority is encouraging people to report any incidents of owners and walkers failing to clear up after their pets. Environmental Enforcement Officers regularly operate patrols in areas prone to dog fouling. Any offence they spot will cost the offender a £75.00 Fixed Penalty Notice. Failure to pay will lead to
www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk
prosecution, where a court fine of up to £1,000 could be imposed. In most cases the £75.00 fixed penalty is paid, rather than taking the risk. To report a dog fouling incident, call the Council on 01543 462621 or email: environmentalhealth@canno ckchasedc.gov.uk
New bathrooms for old
Sheltered Story
There’s always plenty of action at Cannock Chase’s sheltered schemes. Here’s a roundup of what’s been happening recently.
Luxury - sheer luxury! That’s the view of residents at St Barbara House in Rugeley after the Council paid for new bathrooms in all 22 dwellings. OUT went the outdated baths that were made to fit into the small space. IN came swish new walk-in showers, sink unit, toilet and a choice of tiling to provide the finishing touch. One satisfied ‘customer’ was Ron Wilding, a resident at St Barbara for eight years. “It’s a tremendous improvement over the old baths - at our ages they’re not much use. I used to use the communal showers here, but it’s not like having your own private one,” said Ron. “It’s wonderful. What’s more I reckon I’m using only about ten litres of water which wouldn’t fill the bath a couple of inches, so we’re saving water as well. “Lovells [the Council’s contractors] were very good - they did everything I asked them to do.” Lovells carried out the work helping residents pick tile colours and assisting moving items around. The work took three months and at times was very stressful for the residents due to limited space in the flats, disruption to their days and of course the unavoidable mess, but Lovells employed a cleaner for each tenant to clear up after completion. Lovells even treated all the residents to a fish and chip lunch to help cheer them up - their staff came in to serve it up. While happy to get their flats back to normal, in the end the residents were somewhat sad to see the workmen go. Gardening work at Highfields community centre has made a big visual improvement to the amenity. Overgrown bushes blocking the view have been removed and neat, new borders put in their place. Admiring the finished article are residents Jean Preece, Lill Prottey and Rose Adamson.
A Wolf visits Caxton Court: Hometalk Exclusive!
Caxton Court sheltered scheme is enjoying something of a golden age.
The fishpond at the scheme is now home to a collection of goldfish kindly donated by local resident Mr James McAlinden. His grandson, Liam, is a rising star with Wolves football club and wears their famous old gold strip. Liam accompanied his grandfather to Caxton Court to formally hand over the fish collection. Those fish, incidentally, will be looked after by the Council’s head groundsman ‘Goldie’, as part of his duties. Mr McAlinden senior said he had been looking for a good home for his fish, which he’s had for the last 15 years but was finding it increasingly hard work to maintain them and their pond properly. He heard about Caxton Court through a neighbour and was only too delighted to donate his fish to the residents. “I know they will be well looked after here,” he said.
Dementia Friends
The Alzheimer’s Society has launched a huge campaign to raise awareness, to take away any stigma and to help people with dementia. One of their most important campaigns is to recruit thousands of ‘Dementia Friends’, and helping them along the way is Lisa Probert, scheme manager at Longford Court sheltered scheme. She said she saw a press release about Dementia Friends and registered her their interest on their website
www.dementiafriends.org.uk “Details appeared offering a training day to become a Dementia Friends Champion which I attended. After the training I was able to offer Dementia Information Sessions for anyone wishing to become a Dementia Friend,” said Lisa. “Dementia Friends is a government campaign led by the Alzheimer’s Society and being a Dementia Friend means that you have an awareness of what it is like for people living with Dementia and help people with Dementia feel included in society.” Lisa went on to hold a seminar for residents at Longford Court in the hope of recruiting more Dementia Friends. One resident who took up the challenge was Ian Denning, who is now proud to sport his ‘Dementia Friend’ badge. “It’s all about awareness of the condition really. It is no hardship being a Dementia Friend, the key is just knowing when to step back or when to step in and help somebody. The rest of it is just common sense,” said Ian who is pictured below with Lisa. The Society has a target to get ONE MILLION Dementia Friends by the end of 2015.
Pictured with Liam and his grandfather at the fishpond are Caxton Court residents Jim Wilson, Dominic de Rosa, Tony Felton, Gwen Hancox and Emily Raybould.
There’s a fresh, new look to Grace Moore Court sheltered scheme after the refurbishment of the communal lounge. The work entailed a complete redecoration and new furniture, finished off with some original paintings by two local artists. The lounge is the very heart of the scheme at Grace Moore Court and is used for lots of events and functions. But over the years the decor began to look dated and tired. The decorators came in at the beginning of May and the residents took great delight in stripping off some of the old wallpaper! The new-look lounge is now very spacious and airy with the furniture and decor in calming neutrals and greens and all chosen by the tenants themselves. All of them love the way it has turned out and are particularly delighted with the enhancement of original paintings of Cannock Chase by local artist Alan Dale and a beautiful watercolour of the Scottish Highlands by Len Lloyd.
We didn’t make a drama out of a crisis!
Wouldn’t you know it - work on the new St Barbara bathrooms went smoothly until the very last installation, when resident Margaret Brodie opened the door to her flat… “I couldn’t believe my eyes - there was a river running through the living room,” she said. “I could hear water gushing everywhere and at first I thought they had left the taps on.” However, the 81 year old did not panic. She called the Council’s central control for help and, with the help of her son, found the stop tap and turned it off. Contractors Lovells were round pretty sharpish with several workers, who emptied the flat and removed the damaged flooring. Margaret had to spend the next night at her son’s house, but within 12 hours Lovells had arranged for replacement carpets, curtains and redecoration of the flat. The task was completed within the week, which Margaret spent in the guest room at St Barbara’s. “Everyone was so nice, they couldn’t do enough for me. It’s nice to be back in my own home, but I’ll never forget that river of water,” she said. The source of the flood was later found to be, not the taps, but a burst pipe behind the toilet! Relief scheme manager Pam Corbett said one lesson learned from Margaret’s experience was to show all residents the location of their stop-taps and how to turn them off. Margaret is pictured with relief scheme manager Pam Corbett back in the flat.
6
Housing “cheats” face Council crackdown: Every home counts!
C
annock Chase has launched a crackdown on the housing cheats who are depriving people on the Council’s waiting list of a home.
Officers from the Council’s Investigation & Estate Management Teams are stepping up the number of checks they make to tackle Tenancy Fraud, and they are asking for YOUR help to blow the whistle on those who continue to sublet their dwellings and leave council homes unoccupied for long periods of time. These Empty homes are simply a wasted resource, and subletting could make ‘undesirables’ your next door neighbours! Tenancy Fraud Is classed as a crime and it is a clear breach of the Tenancy Agreement and anyone found doing it will certainly be dealt with through the Courts and the property recovered by the Council. The Investigation Team share data with a
wide range of agencies and will work together with Officers from the Estate Management Team to combat tenancy fraud and recover council homes. Councillor Frank Allen who is in favour of the initiative has said: “We will not tolerate our properties being misused and will take appropriate action in all cases. Over the last 12 months, a number of properties have already been ‘recovered’ and new tenancies given to families, couples and individuals in housing need.”
strangers Cannock Chase has only a limited number of Council properties to rent, so each one is valuable especially to those in desperate need of a new home. The Council is asking people to come forward and to report any Council properties they notice lying unused for long periods or have regularly changing occupants or strangers in them.
The Barns Hotel Cocksparrow Lane Huntington
investigations@cannockchasedc.gov.uk Alternatively you can report it to the Estate Management Team direct on 01543 464384 or email
EMTeam@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
Don’t be afraid to “Blow the Whistle!”
A Council tenant who made neighbours’ lives a misery is about to be evicted from their home.
nd
Every 2 & 4th Monday of the Month 9.30am to 11.30am
Looking for your dream job? Come to
Huntington Work Club Cafe We are working with people towards building a brighter future… Supporting individuals to get back into Training, Voluntary Work and Paid Employment
We work with professional organisations to help you to develop essential skills. For example:· How to access job searches · Write a personal profile, personal statement, a comprehensive CV and cover letter to suit the job application · How to deliver a successful interview
Sessions will be delivered to you by our dedicated team, who will be able to discuss with you the different techniques used in recruitment and there will also be practical workshops alongside these presentations. or follow us on
A campaign will be launched later this year to reassure people that is it ok to ‘Blow the Whistle’ on Housing Cheats. If you suspect someone of Tenancy Fraud please call the Investigation Hotline on 01785 619447 giving as much detail as possible or you can speak direct to one of the team on 01785 619443 or you can email
Neighbourhood nuisance shown the door
Taking place at the
Southstaffsworkcafes.co.uk
Any Information given is entirely confidential and will remain anonymous. Even if it turns out to be a genuine mistake, it doesn’t matter, no harm will be done by an officer checking.
An order for repossession of the property in Greenheath Road, Hednesford was granted to the Council by Walsall County Court. The case against him cited ‘continuous antisocial behaviour’ and burglary of a residential property in the area. Action was also taken against another tenant, who was an alleged party to the burglary. In this case, the court granted the Council a suspended possession order, which means one step out of line will see this tenant also getting the order of the boot. Cannock Chase’s Housing Estate Management Team worked closely with
www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk
Staffordshire Police and other community safety partners to tackle this problem and get the right result. Cllr Frank Allen, Housing Portfolio Leader, said: “It is important to state that the majority of our tenants cause no problems whatsoever. This is a warning, however, for a small minority of tenants that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. As this case proves, tenants who continue to cause anti-social behaviour can expect to be evicted by the Council.”
Courts raise the stakes for rent debtors
T
enants taken to court over rent arrears are set to be hit even harder in their pockets.
The courts have increased the costs for their hearings by 150%, with the amount rising from £100 to £250. It means that a tenant taken to court for non-payment of, say, £500 in rent, will now get a bill for £750 instead of £600. In addition, the Housing Department is entitled to claim the costs incurred in preparing the possession application, which remain at £69.50. The
‘£500’ arrears is now £819.50! The final outcome could also be eviction from your Council property. County court action is the very last resort as far as Cannock Chase Council is concerned, but there is sometimes no other option for defaulters who simply won’t pay their rent - or ignore the warning letters! The stress and shame of a court case can quite often be
avoided - if tenants take action before the arrears snowball out of hand Cannock Chase Council’s Housing Rent Section offers a range of services to help tenants deal with difficulties in paying their rent and other debts: Priority Citizens Advice Bureau appointments can be made for ALL debts, not just rent. A named rent officer is appointed so that contact and advice are consistent, help with Housing Benefit calculations and general benefits advice.
“Early contact is essential when dealing with debt and rent arrears,” said Dianne Johnson Team Leader of the Rent Section. “Don’t delay contacting your rent officer to get help, and avoid the need for a court hearing and the associated costs. Don’t put your home at risk.” Other court costs increased as from 22nd April this year include: Application to suspend a warrant: was £40, now £50 Application to vary an order/ judgement: was £40, now £50.
We want YOU!
Got something to say about what it’s like to live or work in the Cannock Chase district?
Want to be part of a team that can help shape the way things get done around here? Cannock Chase Council is looking for people like you - locals with views about their community - to join a residents’ panel. The Council’s ‘Your Community, Your Voice’ panel gives local people the chance to have their say about being a resident or working in Cannock Chase District. Panel members take part in surveys, focus groups and other consultation activities. Sara Green, the Council’s Consultation and Engagement Officer, said: “We want to know what local people think about their communities and the Council’s services. The ‘Your Community, Your Voice’ panel is an important part of our consultation activity and helps to shape the Council’s services and priorities.” To find out more and to join the ‘Your Community, Your Voice’ panel, visit:
www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/ consultation or get in touch with Sara at:
saragreen@cannockchasedc.gov.uk or 01543 464548.
7
Tenants who suspect their electricity meter box may have a fault or is damaged in any way, are urged to report it to the Council as soon as possible - phone 01543 456861. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
CHECK THOSE ALARMS! Tenants & all other clients using the Council’s alarm system are reminded to carry out their monthly check: ONCE A MONTH pull the cord to alert the call centre. This will test the alarm is working and reassure operators that you are all right. DON’T FORGET THE £25 ALARM TEST PRIZE DRAW!
C ontact Centre
Emergency Repairs…
All areas outside office hours: Tel: 01543 456816
Repairs Reporting…
All repairs: Tel: 01543 462621 or Online: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk - ‘Report it’
Housing Enquiries… General enquiries: Tel: 01543 462621
Anti-social behaviour Out of hours service…
Hometalk is available in LARGE DON’T LIVE WITH IT - REPORT IT! Tel: 01543 464657 PRINT and ON TAPE. Contact ONLINE: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk the Service Improvement Team Benefits Enquiries… Housing and Council Tax Benefits enquiries: 01543 464292 on 01543 462621.
A £50 gift voucher
exclusively L E C E E R G I A N for tenants! A U S T R I A T I D
With Hometalk’s
WORDSEARCH Luxembourg Austria Germany Ireland Belgium Greece Finland Cyprus Portugal Italy Malta France Slovakia
Tiebreaker: A favourite Mediterranean destination
_ _ _ _ _ Send entries to: Hometalk Wordsearch The Civic Centre Beecroft Road Cannock
(or hand it in at your local
O N X I U A L A K N T E M E S A P L A A A C U T M S M Y V L Y N I P Y B V S O N L A G U T R O P L I I R L C Y P R U S F R F E D N A L E R I N P B Y N A M R E G Your name ................................................. Your address ............................................ ................................ Post Code ............... Tel. ............................ I am aged over 16
Council Office). NB Closing date is: 22nd August. First correct entry drawn (Employees of the Council and their families not eligible to enter) out wins the prize. Housing Services may wish to contact you concerning housing matters. If you do not wish to be contacted, tick this box Published by: CANNOCK CHASE COUNCIL HOUSING DIVISION
8
Rent Paymen ts…
Pay by Phone: 0845 2340080 Online: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk - ‘Pay it’
Council Online…
Cannock Chase Council website: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk
Opening Hours… The Council’s Housing Office at the Bungalow in Beecroft Road, Cannock, is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The Local Council Office in Anson Street, Rugeley is open the same times, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The One-stop Shop at the Library in Market Street, Hednesford is now open for general inquiries 9am - 5pm (closed 1pm - 2pm). Appointments can also be made.
Writing to us… Cannock Chase Council, Civic Centre, P O Box 28, Beecroft Road, Cannock Staffs. WS11 1BG.
Editorial Consultants: MID STAFFS NEWS AGENCY 01785 823489
Printed by: RENFOR, Watling Street, Tamworth B77 5AE.