Housing
Spring 2013
News and Views
First new council homes get go ahead Plans to build our first new council homes for over twenty years have gathered pace, with the first bricks due to be laid this summer. The nine two-bedroom flats at Galley Hill in Gadebridge, Hemel Hempstead, can claim two firsts: the first wave of our new home building programme, and the first development in Hertfordshire to use an innovative low energy building technique. The Galley Hill homes will only cost around £100 a year to heat, saving tenants money on their energy bills.
Councillor Margaret Griffiths, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “This year we’re investing £14 million in our new-build programme – and this is just the start of our plans to create more homes for our residents in Dacorum. As soon as these homes are built, they will be offered for rent to households on our waiting list.” A further 62 homes will be started this
year, as well as a new homeless hostel. Over the next five years we aim to provide a further 1,000 affordable homes in partnership with housing associations. You can see for yourself how the three development sites are shaping up on our new homes special feature on pages 6 and 7.
Council hunts for the keys to homes Throughout March we’re spreading the message far and wide that our tenants and leaseholders are the key to making the housing service work better for us all.
You can get involved in a variety of different ways, such as: 앫 Giving valuable feedback as a Housing Hero 앫 Checking on services as a Tenant Inspector 앫 Meeting with managers and councillors to influence policy Whether it's ten minutes a year or two hours a month, there's something to suit everyone. It’s all voluntary, but free training and learning new skills really help boost your cv. We think it’s so important to get your input that we’re advertising on Heart
97.6FM, on the jobs pages in the Gazette and Herald Express and online at www.jobstoday.co.uk Although many of you already make an impact on how housing is run and look out for your neighbours, we need more of you to get involved. Tenants and leaseholders who are already on board – such as Adam Weissand (left) – have helped out by starring in a YouTube film and sharing their own stories on our Facebook and Twitter pages (see page 3). Call 01442 228000 and ask for tenant involvement or visit www.dacorum.gov.uk/key
02 | News and views News and Views
www.dacorum.gov.uk
Chips are up for Scrappy
Spring 2013
Contents News
pages 2-3
Help and advice
pages 4-5
New homes special feature
pages 6-7
Your tenancy
page 8
Tenants and Leaseholders Committee
page 9
Repairs and maintenance
page 10
Supported housing
page 11
News in brief
page 12
Micro-chipping your dog can help you to protect it. Make an appointment to have your dog micro-chipped at Hemel Hempstead Civic Centre. The service, available on Tuesday mornings, is free to council tenants. We are also giving out neutering vouchers. Tenant Vivienne Ferrereira brought Scrappy along: “If my dog is stolen and escapes, I know we’ll be reunited,” she said. To make an appointment please call our Dog Warden Sarah Lewis on 01442 228000.
Do you have an idea for a story? Call Luisa Clarke on 01442 228000
New parking spaces We know from the Survey of Tenants and Residents (STAR) that improving parking in Dacorum is a major priority for you.
STAR
survey update
With the help of ward councillors, council staff and the emergency services, we have identified several possible locations for extra parking: 1. Marlins Turn, Hemel Hempstead 2 Ritcroft Street, Hemel Hempstead 3. Cowper Road, Markyate 4. Fennycroft Road, Hemel Hempstead For more information call Gill Barber on 01442 228000 or email gill.barber@dacorum.gov.uk If parking is a problem in your area you
could also consider renting a garage, which costs tenants and residential leaseholders £8.75 each week from 1 April. Visit our website www.dacorum.gov.uk/garages to download an application form or call lettings on 01442 228000.
Large print reminder We are putting large print colour copies of News and Views in the communal lounges of all our supported housing schemes and also recording it onto CD for people to listen to. To receive either version call 01442 228000 and ask for tenant involvement or email tenantinvolvement@dacorum.gov.uk
News and Views aims high Housing News and Views newspaper was a finalist at the Local Public Services Excellence in Communications Awards in February. If you’d like to share your experience of being a tenant or leaseholder please call Luisa Clarke on 01442 228000. Next year we’d like to win!
No ID? No entry! Always remember to ask to see an identity badge before letting someone you don’t know in to your home – including our contractors and council staff. If you have any concerns, call housing on 01442 228000 and ask us to check them out.
01442 228000 tenantinvolvement@dacorum.gov.uk
Look out for cleaning leaflet We’re continuing to improve the standard of cleaning in the communal areas of our blocks of flats – one of the priorities you highlighted last year in the STAR survey.
STAR
survey update
If you live in a flat you will get a booklet about cleaning standards with this newsletter. The new cleaning rota signs are also going up in every block. Please help us by reporting fly-tipping or any cleaning issues. Call 01442 228000 and ask for cleaning department or email housingcleaning@dacorum.gov.uk
Managing complaints locally From 1 April there will be a more local way of getting a complaint resolved. At the moment, if you’re unhappy with the way we’ve investigated your complaint, your only option is to approach the Local Government Ombudsman. Thanks to the Localism Act, tenants and leaseholders will now be able to ask a ‘designated person’ to consider if the Council has acted fairly. You can ask any MP or local councillor to act as a designated person. Alternatively, you can set up a tenants’ panel to consider complaints. If you are interested in finding out more about setting up a tenants’ panel to consider complaints call 01442 228000 and ask for tenant involvement or email tenantinvolvement@dacorum.gov.uk by Friday 5 April.
Getting to know you You are the key to improving the housing service and a change in the team means we can work with you more locally to improve the areas where you live. Team Leader Carolyn Leech says: “We want more tenants and leaseholders to begin working with us; either by joining one of our committees, helping us to tackle litter problems, creating community gardens or activities for local children. Contact your Tenant Involvement Officer to find out more – and if you see us out and about pop and say hello, we can’t wait to meet you all”. Contact tenantinvolvement@dacorum. gov.uk or call 01442 228000 and ask for tenant involvement.
News and views | 03
Leaseholders: your housing service needs you Leasehold services wrote to all our leaseholders recently and we have had a fabulous response from you – thank you! So many of you have told us you want to get involved, representing the views of other leaseholders at regular meetings. This will help us to help you and will improve the service we offer. If you haven’t sent your form back yet, please fill it in and use the pre-paid envelope to return it as soon as possible. Look out for full feedback on the consultation in the next issue. You can call leaseholder officers Alison Chatterjee and Julie Moseley on 01442 228000.
04 | Help and advice
www.dacorum.gov.uk
Changes to benefits We sent you a leaflet with the last issue of News and Views explaining the changes that the Government is making to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit from 1 April.
Council Tax Benefit is changing In April, Council Tax Benefit will stop. Instead, all councils, including Dacorum, will run their own local Council Tax Support scheme. The Government is reducing the amount of money available to fund the scheme, which means that we will have less money to help you pay your council tax. You will not be affected by these changes if you are: 앫 old enough to receive Pension Credit; 앫 of working age and you, your partner, or a child (who lives with you and who you get Child Benefit for) is disabled; 앫 of working age with a child under the age of five; 앫 or of working age and receive a War Disablement Pension or a War Widow’s or War Widower’s Pension. If you’re working age, claiming Council Tax Benefit and you’re not in one of the protected circumstances above, you will only be able to claim Council Tax Support for up to 75% of your council tax charge. If your home is council tax band E or above, you will only be able to claim support for up to 75% of the band D council tax charge.
If you are of working age, under the Council Tax Support scheme there will also be a flat-rate deduction of £5 each week from the amount of support you receive for each non-dependant living with you. (Non-dependants are people living in your household who do not need you to support them, such as children who have left school, parents, other relatives or friends). Your council tax bill will tell you what you need to pay. To find out more about the Council Tax Support scheme go to www.dacorum.gov.uk/counciltaxsupport
Help is on hand More information about all of these changes is available on our website at www.dacorum.gov.uk/benefits If you need help or advice, a team of specialists is on hand. Call them on 01442 228999 between 8.45am and 5.15pm, Monday to Friday, or email benefitchanges@dacorum.gov.uk
Housing Benefit:
Social Sector Size Criteria If you live in a council home and you have one or more extra bedrooms, you may see a reduction in your Housing Benefit – sometimes called the bedroom tax. The new rules set out how many bedrooms you need depending on the age, sex and circumstances of your household. Your benefit will be reduced by 14% of your rent if you have one extra bedroom and by 25% if you have two or more extra bedrooms. If your Housing Benefit is reduced, you will need to pay us, as your landlord, the difference between your Housing Benefit and your rent. To find out more about what is considered to be an extra bedroom, go to www.dacorum.gov.uk/benefits
Clear your arrears
The week beginning 25 March is a ‘rent free’ week, so if your account is up to date you do not need to make a payment. If you have fallen behind, please use this opportunity to reduce or clear your debt. If you owe us money we’ll be calling you in the evenings or at weekends to remind you to pay. If you are having problems paying your rent talk to us as soon as possible. If you’re struggling, we’re here to help. Call 01442 228000 and ask for housing rent.
01442 228000 tenantinvolvement@dacorum.gov.uk
Help and advice | 05
Brave tenant warns of candle danger Earlier this year council tenant Loren GoldenbergKosbab rescued her neighbour from a fire in their block of flats. Loren, pictured here receiving an award for outstanding bravery from the Dacorum Community Safety Partnership, tells the story in her own words.
By Loren Goldenberg-Kosbab
All very dramatic and something you see on TV, but this was a very real situation. That neighbour was me. We have all been there, burnt the toast setting off the smoke alarm, but it usually only takes a few moments to grab a chair and stop the deafening noise. If this happens on a regular basis, we get fed up and disable it. STOP and THINK! Smoke alarms are not just to alert the person in the home, they are there to alert anyone who can hear it. A candle caused the fire, setting alight near by furnishings and the fire spread very quickly, trapping my neighbour. Thankfully, I heard the smoke alarm along with her screams of help, and managed to get her out. It only takes two breaths of toxic fumes to render a person unconscious, a few more and it would have been a different story. The fire brigade arrived quickly and extinguished the fire but the damage was severe. I felt for my neighbour, as her home was nothing more than soot – losing everything she valued. Dacorum Borough Council properties are fitted as standard with smoke alarms. If they keep going off, don’t just disable them, either stop the cause, or if defective get the Council to replace it. Check them regularly too and make sure family and friends also have them. My neighbour could have been insured with Dacorum Borough Council for under a fiver. It wouldn’t bring back all that she lost but it would have helped her rebuild her life. Call Herts Fire and Rescue Service on 0300 123 4060 or 01442 265028 to get a free smoke detector fitted or for a home safety check. You can read the full version of Loren’s article online at www.dacorum.gov.uk/firesafety
© David Satchel
At around 8pm, 24th January 2013, an elderly disabled woman, living alone, was trapped in her blazing flat. Upon being alerted by a smoke alarm, her next-door neighbour with quick realisation and without hesitation kicked her front door in, whilst screaming "Fire!" and got her to safety.
06 | New homes special feature
www.dacorum.gov.uk
Laying the foundations for new hom It’s an exciting time for social housing in Dacorum. We wanted to share with you the plans we’ve put in place to start building 71 new homes for the borough, the council’s first for over twenty years. The new homes are being built over three sites which are all in need of regeneration, so have the added advantage of improving how the whole area looks. We’ve considered the design of each site individually, and have chosen architects for their creativity and commitment to high quality. We’ve also specified that homes need to be built to high eco standards, reducing their environmental impact during construction and lowering energy bills for our tenants.
d
Farm Place, Berkhamste Background:
Types of homes:
Progress update: Design:
Northchurch The 26 new homes at the ng built on bei are ted end of Berkhams supported r me for our of one the site of housing schemes. 8 one-bedroom flats 12 two-bedroom flats 6 three-bedroom houses expect to Tendering for a builder and r yea s thi r start on site late competition to Avanti Architects won a design this site
Our new homes are close to our heart, and unusually for a social landlord, we’ve put our own team in place to manage every step of their development. We’re aiming for them all to be finished by March 2015. Meet Housing Development Manager Jack Burnham, who leads the team, on page 7. He’ll be updating our Facebook site with news and photos.
Galley Hill, Gadebridge Background:
St Peter’s Church in Gadebridge shut several years ago. After a h association scheme fell through bought the site.
Types of homes:
9 two-bedroom flats Tendering for a builder and expe start on site this summer
Progress update: Design:
Architects Chambers Goodwin an Partners are using an innovative energy building technique called Passivhaus. It is one of a handful developments to be built with thi technique around the country. Th will only cost around £100 a year heat.
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tenantinvolvement@dacorum.gov.uk
New homes special feature | 07
London Road, Apsley and space for We are building 36 homes been two shops on a site that has owner, a the derelict for years. When in 2011, we t bus nt we , private developer tion and auc an at site the of t bought par . rch the rest of the site this Ma 12 one-bedroom flats Types of homes: 24 two-bedroom flats ether g planning application tog Progress update: Puttin s year thi r late and expect to be on site n planning department has Design standards: Our ow e up with a helped RG+P Architects com with the in fits t high quality design tha f roo a e lud inc es local area. Featur ps. sho garden and
Background:
Behind the scenes Who are the people who make up Dacorum’s housing service? In this issue we meet Housing Development Manager Jack Burnham. “I joined the council in September 2011, having previously worked for Uttlesford and Broxbourne councils. I also have experience of working with a Canadian Housing Association. I’ve taken on different roles, mainly focusing on developing new affordable homes. “I now manage Dacorum’s development and we’re responsible for building the first new council homes in over 20 years, something we’re all proud to be doing. I work with architects, builders, engineers and other professionals to coordinate the construction. This includes everything from purchasing land and finalising plans, to checking the final homes for quality and finish. “I also work with housing associations to create more new affordable houses to home people waiting on the Housing Register. Together, we’re aiming to build 1,000 new housing association homes in Dacorum over the next five years.” “The best part of my job is knowing that we are not only building energy efficient, sustainable buildings, but providing high quality affordable homes for those that need them. I can’t wait until the first tenants move in.” You can call Jack on 01442 228000 or email jack.burnham@dacorum.gov.uk
08 | Your tenancy
www.dacorum.gov.uk
Tenancy agreement updated John’s in the You should have received a draft copy of our new Tenancy Agreement at the beginning of March. The letter included with it tells you how to express your views on the changes made to the agreement. The deadline to send us your comments is 29 March. We’ll then make any changes needed to the document and send a final version out to you in April. If you have a question, please call housing on 01442 228000.
Thinking of downsizing? When Mr and Mrs Austen moved from a three-bedroom house in Highfield to a two bedroom house in Adeyfield, we helped them move their carpets, furniture and cooker – and gave them a one-off payment of £1,000. If you’re thinking of moving to a smaller home, we can now offer a range of incentives to help. From April, if you do decide to move to a smaller home we will: 앫 Take up and relay your carpets 앫 Arrange and pay for your furniture to be packed and moved 앫 Arrange for your cooker to be disconnected and re-fitted in your new home 앫 Make a one-off payment when the transfer is completed (the amount
depends on the size of the property you are moving from) We have also revised our Allocations Policy to increase the points available to tenants wishing to move to a smaller property, while still allowing you to keep a spare room. Feedback from the Tenant and Leaseholder Conference last September and from tenants who have recently applied to move to a smaller property has been positive. One tenant said: “It makes sense for people wanting to downsize to be given priority as this would free up bigger houses for the people who need more bedrooms.” For more information about moving to a smaller home call housing on 01442 228000.
Moving out? See our new leaflet ‘Leaving your home’ if you are moving out. It reminds you what we need you to do to make sure the house is left in an acceptable condition. It also contains a helpful change of address checklist list and tips on making the move easier. You can download a copy from www.dacorum.gov.uk/ leaflets or call housing on 01442 228000.
money
How would you improve your area if we gave you some money? John Baumann applied to our estate improvement budget to ask for a petrol lawnmower as he cuts the communal gardens in Singlets Lane, Flamstead after his original one broke down. “I saw the article in News and Views and just decided to write in,” he said. “I knew it was something that would benefit all my neighbours. When the weather gets better I can’t wait to try it out. If there’s any one else out there who has an idea, my advice is just to ask. The money’s there and if you don’t ask, you won’t get.” We know everyone will enjoy John’s well cut lawn and would like to thank him for all his efforts. Tenants and leaseholders can apply for a grant from the housing service’s estate improvement budget of up to £1,000. There is no minimum amount. For more information and details of how to apply please call 01442 228000 and ask for estate improvement.
01442 228000
Tenants and Leaseholders Committee | 09
TLC update by Rose Kosmalski, Chair Dear Residents Even though this is the spring issue I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. My Christmas was very quiet, as we had to cancel our meeting on 14 January because of the snow. Like John [below], I’ve been helping out with the ‘you are the key’ campaign to get more of us to have a say in how Dacorum’s housing is run. It got me thinking about how I started. My involvement with the council dates way back to 2002. The first reason was to get the council, in the street where I lived, to replace the old metal windows with new PVC windows. It was not done straight away, however all the windows were eventually replaced. Have you ever watched a television programme or read an article about council tenants? They seem to have this second class stigma attached to them,
and to say that this angers me is an understatement. What makes you and I any different from the person next door who owns their house? Nothing. The council staff view has changed quite a lot over the last few years and I can say that there are now some terrific people working there, but it is not the people that need to change; it’s the perception that needs to be changed. And this is what I want to change, and I want you and I together to make a difference.
You might say that you don’t need any help at all from the council and you are happy with things just ticking along. But the reason for the campaign on the front page is that we do need you to get more involved. You will learn a great deal and as knowledge is power, the more of us who do get involved the greater the voice we have to make a difference. Best wishes Rose, on behalf of the TLC
Meet the TLC: John Howard Hi my name is John Howard. I’m 56 years young and reside in the Chaulden area of Dacorum. I actually live in the same house as I did from the tender age of six weeks old. I have been employed with the same company, now called Safran, for all my working life. I’m a keen musician and have played the guitar in numerous local bands. As a native of this area, I have seen some changes over the decades from the fledgling Commissions for the New Towns to the Dacorum Borough Council. One of these changes, when the council was thinking of transferring housing out, actually got me involved with the issue of affordable social housing. I’m now on the TLC, which isn’t all a bed of roses, but new budding ideas appear in the mix. I helped put the Survey of Tenants and Residents (STAR) together which produced a bountiful windfall of your views and priorities. This gives the
council a foundation to build upon and the TLC ideals to champion for you. The discussion topic of late is that of the housing welfare reforms [see page 4], which will affect the way bedroom under occupation is assessed in relation to housing benefit. My advice is to discuss this issue with the housing officers and not sweep it under carpet. Recently I’ve taken part in the ‘you are the key’ campaign to get more of us involved in Dacorum’s housing. Have a look at our film on You Tube and think how you could help. We’re in this together.
Contacting the TLC Please remember the TLC represents you, the tenants and resident leaseholders from all over Dacorum. To get in touch, email us tlc@dacorum.gov.uk We promise to respond to all emails. You can also write to us, in confidence, c/o Tenant and Leaseholder Committee, Hemel Hempstead Civic Centre, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1HH.
10 | Repairs and maintenance
www.dacorum.gov.uk
Contractor review update We are reviewing our arrangement with housing repairs and maintenance contractors. Our aim is to create a more efficiently run service, better quality workmanship and customer care, and fewer emergency repairs. Tenant representatives have been helping us choose the option that will benefit you all most.
Orion takes over heating repairs The news that we terminated our contract with Carillion for gas boiler servicing and repairs back in December just missed the last issue of News and Views. We were unhappy with the service they were providing and did not want to risk any problems over winter. Local Hemelbased company Orion Building
After reviewing the options we have decided that it is necessary to have a number of different contracts to achieve our aim:
Engineering Services has taken over until we can go through the formal process of procuring a new contractor.
앫 One main contract for all repairs, maintenance and improvement works;
So from now on our engineers will be wearing shirts with the Orion logo and carry Orion identity badges. Please ask to see their identity before letting them in. If you are in any doubt please call Pat Coles at the council on 01442 228000.
앫 One contract for heating;
Repairs drop-in extends to Berkhamsted The handy weekly repairs hot desk has been extended to Berkhamsted Civic Centre. Maria McKenna, Resident Liaison Officer for our repairs and maintenance contractor MITIE, has been a regular presence at Hemel Hempstead Civic Centre on Thursday mornings for some time. She will now spend alternate weeks at the two locations. Call customer services on 01442 228000 to check where she is that week. There’s no need to make an appointment: just drop by to see her, and she will raise your repairs questions directly with the MITIE Housing Repairs Team.
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Requesting a repair To report a fault during normal working hours between 8am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday, contact Dacorum Borough Council: 앫 By phone: use the freephone number 0800 0186050 or call 01442 228000 and ask for repairs 앫 Online: www.dacorum.gov.uk/repairs 앫 In person: visit your nearest Customer Service Centre To ask for an emergency repair between 6.30pm and 8am Monday to Friday, at the weekend or on a Bank Holiday, call the freephone number 0800 0186050. Do not report emergency repairs online. See your Tenants’ Handbook to find out more about what is considered to be an emergency repair.
앫 Several smaller contracts for specialist work such as community alarms, fire alarms and lifts. Most of the new contracts will start next year. To prepare for this we will be asking you for your opinions on how the service can be improved when you contact us to ask for a repair.
H hi an nt dy s# 3
Set your boiler right
Boilers are designed to work more efficiently if they are on the correct setting. It’s false economy to set them too low. Some boilers have their controls behind a panel, which you will need to open to get access. Your boiler needs to be on a high setting to heat your home up properly in the colder months. This will also help to prevent problems with condensation. When it gets warmer, remember to turn it down again.
01442 228000 tenantinvolvement@dacorum.gov.uk
Supported housing | 11
Spring clean keeps you safe We’ll be joining you at supported housing coffee mornings to talk about the importance of keeping corridors and exits clear: not because we’re being bureaucratic, but because as your landlord it’s our responsibility to meet fire, health and safety regulations. We carry out fire risk assessments every year to make sure you are safe. Our recent inspection picked up a number of things which become dangerous when fires start and smoke makes visibility zero, becoming trip hazards, giving off poisonous fumes or blocking escape routes: 앫 Plants, both fresh and plastic, on
communal window sills 앫 Ornaments and pictures in corridors and window sills 앫 Mobility scooters We are organising a spring clean at each of our schemes. We’ll remove all fire hazards and are happy to move any items to the communal lounge. We’re looking at providing more mobility scooter storage areas (see below). Have a look at the BBC One Show clip we’ve put on www.youtube.com/ dacorumBC where comedian Arthur Smith highlights the dangers of objects in hallways when trying to escape during a fire.
Tenants have their say
There are now a new rules about having a mobility scooter which tell you how to safely use, store and charge them. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has said that they must not be stored in corridors. If you have a mobility scooter already, you need to park it in a designated area and provide us every year with proof
by Mr Wiggins from Christopher Court scheme I was asked by my Supported Housing Officer if I would like to attend the Supported Housing Tenants Forum. While I didn’t quite know what to expect I felt it gave me a chance to have my opinions heard. The forum provided an opportunity to meet other tenants who lived in similar accommodation and to discuss ideas between us. I felt it enabled us as tenants to swap notes and collectively suggest changes that affect us on a regular basis that could improve our quality of life. I feel it is positive that Dacorum are communicating with their supported housing tenants. Meeting at different sheltered housing schemes improved our understanding of the layout of other schemes, and the fact transport was provided meant that no one was denied the opportunity to participate. I feel it is going to be a good thing for us. To join the Supported Housing Tenants Forum call supported housing on 01442 228000.
Using scooters
your scooter is serviced and has an electrical safety certificate. You are not allowed to take scooters into lifts because their weight can cause damage and it is also a fire risk. If you are thinking of getting a scooter, it will only be allowed in your scheme if: 앫 A medical assessment says you need one; 앫 There is a designated parking space; 앫 You live on the ground floor. If you live upstairs, we may be able to move you. For more information call supported housing on 01442 228000.
Get set, grow! It’s time to start thinking about the annual supported housing gardening competition. Last year we had an Olympics theme (pictured), but this year you’re free to design your garden the way you want. As usual there are two categories: supported housing schemes and individual tenants who live in flats or bungalows and are eligible to receive support from the supported housing service. There will be prizes for the best three gardens in each category. Ask your supported housing officer for an application form from 27 May or call supported housing on 01442 228000.
12 | News in brief
www.dacorum.gov.uk
Spring Digest out now Have you read the latest Dacorum Digest, our quarterly residents’ newspaper? This issue includes: 앫 Details of our new mortgage scheme to help first time buyers onto the property ladder
Adeyfield unpacks the bunting If you missed last year’s Jubilee festivities, don’t despair. We’re organising a family event from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 2 June in Queens Square, Adeyfield, to commemorate 60 years since the Queen’s Coronation. If you have any photos from the coronation we’d love to hear from you. Look out for more information nearer the time on the community noticeboard or call Sarah Hubbard on 01442 228000.
Have your say in local elections A by-election will be held on Thursday 21 March 2013 for the Adeyfield West Ward of Dacorum Borough Council.
USE
YOUR
VOTE
Polling stations will be at Communal Hall, Old House Road and Adeyfield Community Centre. They will be open from 7am to 10pm on 21 March. Look out for Hertfordshire County Council elections taking place on Thursday 2 May 2013, when all residents across the borough can have their say. For more information on the elections or about registering to vote, go to www.dacorum.gov.uk/elections or call 01442 228000 and ask for electoral services.
앫 How we’re helping a local sports club to boost the economy 앫 A handy guide to what goes where in your recycling 앫 Plus council news, events and what’s on across the borough. If you haven’t received your copy through your door, please let us know by emailing digest@dacorum.gov.uk or call 01442 228694 with your postcode. You can also get a copy of Dacorum Digest online at www.dacorum.gov.uk/digest, at your local library or from our civic centres.
Save the date Don’t forget to put our annual Tenant and Leaseholder Conference on Saturday 28 September on your calendar. If you have any suggestions about what we should include, or want to help organise it, please call Selina Burris on 01442 228000.
Contact us...
Congratulations...
If you would like more information, want to give us some feedback or would like this issue in another format such as large print, CD or in another language, please call 01442 228000 and say the name of the person you want to speak to or simply ask for housing or tenant involvement. You can also email us on tenantinvolvement@dacorum.gov.uk or visit www.dacorum.gov.uk
The draw was open to everybody who responded to an email questionnaire about paying their rent by direct debit. The survey found that most people wanted to be able to sign up on the phone or online rather than filling in a form, so we’re now putting systems in place for this.
Find us on the Council’s main facebook and twitter sites
Congratulations to Mrs Kubik of Tring who won £50 in our recent prize draw.
Paying by direct debit is quick, easy and secure. If you would like more information please call 01442 228000 and ask for housing rent.