October 2011
The magazine for tenants and leaseholders in Hammersmith & Fulham
Laying groundwork for children’s games
A
new play area on a Hammersmith estate was unveiled just in time for the summer holidays. Residents from Queen Caroline estate worked closely with Hammersmith & Fulham Council and charity Groundwork West London, with a series of meetings and even the involvement of children at nearby St Paul’s Primary School. An ageing play area was transformed from a bleak square of concrete to an exciting adventure playground with a big wooden climbing frame, basket swing and toddler swings for younger children. Landscaping with boulders, timber seats, a picnic bench and new planting completed the look. More images The mayor of H&F, ew Councillor Frances from estate’s nch n u Stainton, joined resiplay area la dents and children SEE PAGE 3>> Tarif Bayliss tries out the new climbing frame to celebrate the at Queen Caroline estate in Hammersmith opening. Cllr Andrew Johnson, cabinet member for up with this excellent to life. I hope as many housing, said: “This is a scheme. Groundwork has people as possible will get terrific new play area, but delivered dozens of involved with their local what impresses me most schemes across the borneighbourhoods when is the residents who have ough but it is the residents they see the kind of results worked with the council it can bring.” and Groundwork to come who bring these projects
INSIDE>> l Make sure your
heating is ready for the colder months SEE PAGE 6>>
l Why were these
swans flying high at a Fulham Court community centre? SEE PAGE 7>> l Vision of
Park Royal City and high-speed rail hub unveiled SEE PAGE 8>>
l Boris bikes
wheel their way to Westfield shopping centre before big roll-out across the borough SEE PAGE 14>>
l Spiderman – aka
seven-year-old Georgio Elias – was one of the residents finding out more at a White City neighbourhood event SEE PAGE 17>>
WELCOME to your home magazine>> special message from Hammersmith & Fulham cabinet member for housing, cllr andrew johnson
Helping you to own a home Dear residents, Hammersmith & Fulham is a Borough of Opportunity, and we are here to do all we can to help you achieve what you want in life. For many people, their greatest aim is to own a stake in their own home. That is why I am so pleased to announce that this council is to return to building affordable homes for local residents. House prices in H&F are the fourth highest in the country, meaning that for many people it simply is not possible for them or their children to own their own homes. We are determined to do something about this unacceptable situation that forces
playing their music at ear-splitting volume local people to move away from their around the clock for months on end. families and friends. There is another kind of antisocial The council has set up its own housing behaviour too, the kind of tenant who company and has identified sites for thinks they can get a free ride out of the the first wave of new homes. In the first council and not pay their rent while the year or two we are going to build on vast majority of residents work hard to small sites, progressing over the coming make ends meet. years to bigger sites where we hope to The time when people could get build hundreds of new homes for the away with running up huge rent people who need them most: arrears is over – as we warn on hardworking, local people. pages four and five. I know it It has been an eventful isn’t always easy to manage summer, and it is important o ncil is t to state exactly where the This cou building your money, and if your o circumstances change council stands following return t rdable and you are finding things the dreadful riots across affo l or loca hard I promise you we are London. Any council homes f ents not going to try and force tenant proven guilty of resid you out of your home. The being involved in this mindless most important thing for you to looting and violence will be do is to let us know as soon as you thrown out of their home. It is as simple can before your arrears start to get out of as that. control. We are determined to put an end On a lighter note, I know many of you to the antisocial behaviour that makes have been looking forward to this football the lives of our thousands of decent, season for a very long time. We are the hardworking residents a misery. You can only borough in the whole of England read stories in this magazine to that is home to three Premiership football see the action we take against the crack dealer clubs, and I wish QPR, Fulham and Chelsea the very best of luck for the remainder of bringing dozens of the season. intimidating addicts into an estate or the Cllr Andrew Johnson ignorant neighbour
‘‘
Housing fraud case treated as crime for the first time WHEN Catherine Hennessy tried to get away with a housing fraud she probably didn’t realise it would make legal history. Hammersmith & Fulham Council has become the first local authority in Britain to take criminal action against a tenant for unlawfully subletting their home. Hennessy claimed housing and council tax benefit for a flat in Osram Court, n Anyone trying to obtain social housing by deception, or not occupying their social tenancy as their home, should be reported on the Fraud Hotline 020 8753 1273. Fraud can also be report by email at housing.investigations@lbhf.gov.uk
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Hammersmith, but was subletting the property and had bought a home in Bognor Regis with the father of her children. She admitted four charges of benefit fraud against H&F Council, four charges of benefit fraud against the Department of Work and Pensions and a charge of fraud against the housing association. At Isleworth Crown Court, Hennessy was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years. She was also told to do 150 hours of unpaid work to be completed within two years. Since April anti-fraud officers have ended the tenancies of 13 unlawful subletters, along with turning down applications for housing because the applicants did not meet the criteria.
n Mothers from across the capital have named Ravenscourt Park and Bishop’s Park as two of the best free places to go in London. Both parks came top in a poll by online parenting organisation Netmums which asked mothers to nominate their favourite places to take their children. Ravenscourt Park in Hammersmith is already an award-winning park having been given Green Flag status from the Keep Britain Tidy Group for the last two years.
Queen Caroline estate play area opening... continued from front page>>
Play your way Views from the Hammersmith play area opening, clockwise from above, Owen McGowan and Owen Andrews; Claire Fitt and Chloe Maile; and H&F mayor Frances Stainton opens the play area with Moira Herring of Groundwork Pictures by Leigh Quinnell
Fairness and transparency pledge over service charges H
ammersmith & Fulham Council is set to become the final local authority in London to introduce service charges for its tenants. It heralds a new era of fairness and transparency for tenants, who will only pay for the services they receive. The charge will be introduced for the first time from April next year, but it will not result in any additional increase in how much residents pay. Increases will then be phased in over time to ensure that tenants are not hit with hefty increases. Rises in service charges bills will be capped so that service charges will increase by no more than the rate of inflation plus half a per cent. Council tenants in the borough already pay among the lowest rents of all tenants in London – an average of £85.31 a week according to the latest available figures – in a borough with the fourth-highest house prices in the country.
On average council tenants pay between a quarter and a fifth of the market rent for their home. For example privately renting a two-bedroom flat in Fulham costs on average £505 a week. Councillor Andrew Johnson, cabinet member for housing, said: “Our current system of paying for services isn’t working. For example, at present someone living in a street property in Shepherds Bush pays towards the cost of heating and lifts for a tall block in Fulham. “That simply isn’t right or fair on those who end up contributing to the costs of things they don’t actually benefit from. The proposed changes to our rent bills are to make them as fair and transparent as possible. Under this tenants will only pay for the services they actually receive. “Of course, we know that that we’re living in challenging financial times and everyone is finding it that bit harder to make ends meet. That’s why we’re putting measures in place to make sure that
residents are not going to be hit by steep rises when we bring them in.” The charges will take into account services such as caretaking, CCTV, communal lighting, concierge, door entry, cleaning, grounds maintenance, heating, TV aerials, fire alarms, lift maintenance and window cleaning. Service charges are set to be shown separately from rent from April next year. Average rent bills in H&F are below the London average and lower than boroughs such as Ealing, Croydon, Camden, Hounslow and Tower Hamlets. The model being proposed is fixed service charges, which means that residents will be told in advance what their service charge will be for the year, making it easier to budget. Tenants will also have the opportunity in future to pay for enhanced services if they wish – for example residents of one estate may choose to pay extra in return for more grounds maintenance.
Your Home Magazine | 3
Get involved to make sure £40m spending works
H&F Mind ran an art show at Time of Your Life and Dave Vickers, of Lillie Road, Fulham, showed his picture of The Embankment
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Good times n There was a proper old-fashioned knees-up in Hammersmith Town Hall at the annual Time of Your Life celebration – the borough’s day of fun, information and activities for the over 50s. The unexpected heatwave made the soft drinks table very popular as hundreds of senior citizens enjoyed jazz, a music hall singalong, free massage and reflexology and an art
show. Dozens of stalls filled the main assembly hall, which was also the location for chair aerobics, a pearly king and queen song session, line dancing and a display by a theatre school. All borough residents over 50 were invited to Hammersmith Town Hall for a packed day of fun which also featured a light lunch and transport laid on to ferry people there and back.
ReVIEW has begun looking at how Hammersmith & Fulham Council involves and engages tenants and leaseholders. Meetings have taken place with residents, councillors and MPs to help shape possible future proposals on ways to improve the link between the housing service and customers. The initial review has been conducted by Phil Morgan, one of the country’s leading lights when it comes to looking at ways of improving tenant and leaseholder input into service delivery. Mr Morgan, who was the chief executive of the Tenant Participation Advisory Service, has initiated landmark projects such as an accreditation scheme for landlords and contractors on
resident involvement and scrutiny. Cllr Andrew Johnson, H&F cabinet member for housing, said: “Next year we are looking to spend £40million on essential repairs and maintenance. We want to make sure that all tenants and leaseholders across the borough have the chance to become involved in shaping the delivery of that service.” Mr Morgan has so far met housing staff, residents, councillors and a local MP, along with representatives from HAFFTRA (Hammersmith & Fulham Federation of Tenants and Residents’ Association) and TRAs (Tenant and Resident Associations). The initial views expressed will help inform a wider consultation later in the year.
When you start your tenancy you sign a legal agreement to pay your rent. You can pay by direct debit, standing order, online or in person at our housing offices. However you pay, make sure you pay on time. If you run up large arrears or fail to pay your rent on time we will take legal action against you.
Pay your
RENT Hammersmith & Fulham Council
4 | Your Home Magazine
HAVING PROBLEMS? If you are having problems meeting rent payments we can help, but you must call our Customer Service Centre on
0800 093 3132
n Ringfence that ‘just in case’ cash. Money which could be used for emergencies or something big in the future. Everyone needs a Plan B when the unexpected comes around. n Set yourself saving incentives by establishing short, medium and long-term goals. Visualise your future: what if want to go on holiday, get a motorbike or have to move house? it becomes easier to work towards a goal by laying down financial markers. n These simple tasks, and tools like comparisons sites and budget calculators via the Money Advice Service, can make it easier to recognise why you might feel you’re sometimes struggling to make ends meet.
n Struggling to make ends meet in your household? n Find it difficult to plan ahead to cover costs? n While Christmas may seem a long way off it comes up very quickly and can involve a lot of money – so you need to budget properly, starting NOW n We bring you some tips from charity MyBnk so you can cover costs...
From budgeting to student loans, charity MyBnk, which helps young people aged 11-25 to manage their money efficiently, is helping people to seize control of their financial lives. With Christmas just a few short months away, Declan Wilkes from MyBnk suggests how a bit of planning can make the festive season a breeze. Sit yourself down, put the kettle on and tear off a nice sheet of blank paper. It’s time to get financially fit.
n MyBnk – how can I find out more?
Planning ahead is a massive help when it comes to household costs n Pick your priorities: what can’t you do without? A roof over your head – pay the rent. Food in your belly – groceries. A hot bath – utility bills. Set these in stone! n Examine your spending habits outside of essentials and identify the triggers for debt. What can I get by without for one week? Can I shop down a brand?
Whatever your circumstances or age, you can book a free money advice session to help you make the most of your money. At a housing association or council building near you, on the phone and online, MyBnk is offering independent, sales and jargon-free advice on all matters relating to personal finance with the aim of supporting you to improve your finances. The private and confidential one-to-one sessions last 30-45 minutes and are delivered by fullytrained staff, and backed up by the National Money Advice Service help line on 0300 500 500 and www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk. If you want MyBnk can even call you back at a time of your choosing. You can even book a follow-up meeting.
Refusing to pay your rent? You won’t get a free ride out of H&F...
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enants who refuse to pay their rent have run out of excuses as H&F Council continues its crackdown on arrears. Dozens of residents who ignored repeated attempts by council staff to help them repay their arrears have been evicted in recent months. Councillor Andrew Johnson, cabinet member for housing, underlined that anyone can fall into difficulty paying
their rent and the council will do all it can to support them and come up with a repayment plan. But he warned the days when people could get a free ride out of the council were over. He said: “I know how hard it can be to make ends meet and I know the vast majority of residents make sure they pay their bills on time. “There is always help and support for people who are struggling with their
finances, but it’s absolutely vital you contact your housing officer as soon as you can. “The days when people can take a few months off paying their rent to pocket the cash, or simply refuse to pay any rent, are numbered. “We keep a very close eye on our accounts and if you do not pay your rent you can expect us to contact you to find out why.”
Your Home Magazine | 5
Don’t act in the heat of the moment - plan ahead
Antony Luis is pictured making sure a boiler is safe
With winter on its way residents can make some simple checks to ensure their heating is ready for the colder months These tips come from H&F Council’s gas safety contractor PH Jones: n See if your hot water is working OK with the heating on n While the heating is on, check each radiator in your property to make sure they are working properly. If they are cold at the top and warm at the bottom they may need bleeding n Turn your boiler on and adjust the thermostat, testing the timer, checking both are working to the settings you require
n Remember, as your landlord, H&F Council is legally obliged to carry out annual safety checks to your boilers. Failure to carry out these checks may put you at risk as gas can kill n By carrying out these simple tasks now, it may prevent more serious issues in the colder weather
n Call HFH Customer Services to report your repairs on 0800 093 3132
Repair changes to ensure you get best possible value for money
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very penny of the rent you pay goes on providing essential services, from caretaking to communal lighting, repairs to gas safety inspections. To make sure you are getting the best possible value for money, Hammersmith & Fulham Council is having to tighten the discretion previously used on its repairs policy to make it fairer for everyone. From now on we will only carry out essential repairs that are the council’s responsibility. If it is a minor repair around the home and it’s your responsibility, you will either have to do it yourself or pay for it. The council carries out more than 40,000 repairs every year, and the new repairs policy mean that your rent will
6 | Your Home Magazine
only pay for essential repairs – it won’t pay for someone to unblock a sink, or to replace broken glazing due to accidents or vandalism. This will mean that works you or your neighbours had done in the past by the council may now not be offered. The repairs service only deals with existing situations. If something is defective, attempts will be made to repair
n To find out exactly what repairs are your responsibility call our Customer Service Centre on 0800 093 3132 or visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/ Housing/Council_housing/
it. If a repair cannot be made, a new item can be installed. No guarantee can be provided that a like-for-like replacement will be provided, although we will always try to match styles and colours where possible. Sometimes temporary repairs will be carried out while decisions are taken on large expenditure items. The repair service does not deal with improvements. For example, if you have anti-pigeon netting on a balcony that is damaged, this can be repaired or replaced, but entirely new netting where there was none before will not be ordered. You will soon be getting a new tenants’ handbook explaining exactly what repairs are your responsibility and what is down to the council.
Centre off to a flier with swans showing the way T
he doors have opened at a new children’s and community centre in Fulham. Residents chose the name Tudor Rose for the two-storey centre, which replaces an ageing and unsuitable temporary building at Fulham Court estate. The Tudor Rose combines a ground-floor children’s centre for families with youngsters under five and a firstfloor community centre that will host a wide range of community activities. Local children made their mark on the building by helping local artist Ben Tranchell paint its spectacular mural. People living in Fulham Court and Barclay Close have been involved with the project for more than 18 months. A Residents’ Steering Group has come together to give everyone living nearby a voice during the building’s construction and beyond. Residents can suggest what kind of activities the centre will offer but the focus will be on preparing young children to start school, mother and toddler sessions, healthy-eating classes and job advice. The Tudor Rose Centre uses some of the most advanced environmentallyfriendly technology.
reach for the sky>>
Residents came up with lots of ideas at a series of meetings with artist Ben Tranchell and chose the design for the following reasons: n The swans are a sign the centre is a place of hope for future generations, and there are two of them to show that support and partnership is needed n The rainbow represents everyone living on the estate and residents liked its bright and cheerful colours n The grass because the area has long been renowned for its nurseries and planting
Painting the mural at children’s and community centre Tudor Rose in Fulham Court under the expert eye of artist Ben Tranchell (right) Solar panels on the roof will turn sunlight into electricity to help run the centre. It will also have a green roof planted with low-maintenance shrubs as well as a green plant covered ‘living wall’. The first groups to use the new
facilities at Tudor Rose arrived last week, and were reported to be very enthusiastic about the centre.
Your Home Magazine | 7
right royal welcome vision to transform north of the borough is unveiled
An artist’s impression of the proposed Park Royal City (above), supported by, left, music man Pete Waterman and H&F Cllr Mark Loveday (sixth and seventh from left) and Old Oak residents
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uturistic images of a major new development built around the nation’s first high-speed rail super-hub have been revealed. The artists’ impressions, which have been drawn up by internationally renowned architect Sir Terry Farrell, show vast tracts of derelict or underused industrial land – around Old Oak Common in NW10 – transformed into London’s newest city. The Park Royal City proposal for the north of Hammersmith & Fulham could revitalise one of Britain’s most challenged neighbourhoods, bringing 12,000 new homes, 115,000 extra jobs and a light railway, dubbed the ‘jobs express’, built on an unrivalled convergence of transport routes in north-west London. Images show new homes, businesses and a waterside park along the Grand Union Canal, built around a 21st century transport super-hub catering for the proposed HS2 high-speed rail line from Birmingham to London. Paul Keegan, chairman of the Old Oak Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said local residents were ‘100 per cent behind’ the plan. “We are all for it,” he added. “Anything that brings regeneration and jobs to this area
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why park royal city? H&F Council is arguing that Park Royal City International is vital to the success of HS2 because: n It would take pressure off central London terminals such as Euston which would have to cope with 13,000 extra passengers an hour without the high-speed hub at Old Oak n It would properly link four of the nation’s major airports to the high-speed rail network for the first time. Heathrow would be just 11 minutes away. Three other airports (Luton, Stansted and City Airport) would be within 30 minutes n The site possesses unrivalled road and rail connections e.g. Great Western and West Coast mainlines, Crossrail, West and North London Lines, Bakerloo and Central Underground lines, Heathrow Express, A40 and North Circular Road
will be welcomed. We are just crying out for new businesses and jobs.” About half the workingage adults within 1.2 miles of the new city, including residents in the neighbouring boroughs of Brent, Ealing and Kensington & Chelsea, are unemployed, and some parts of Old Oak are in the bottom one per cent of most deprived areas nationally. Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh, H&F Council leader, said: “HS2 is the fastest way to deliver much need new homes, jobs and opportunities in one of London’s poorest areas as well as adding much need capacity to our creaking rail network. “The Old Oak super-hub is vital to making the overall HS2 plans work properly as it will relieve pressure on central London terminals, such as Euston, that will not be able to cope with the huge number of additional passengers on their own. “In turn HS2 will be the catalyst to create Park Royal City – transforming the capital’s ‘Bermuda Triangle’ of inactivity into a thriving new city.” The images were prepared as part of H&F Council’s submission to the Department for Transport (DfT), backing the Government’s plans for HS2.
Hammersmith & Fulham
gets results! A 1 rePAirs e r A y it r d - Prio RepoRt CaR
every year 1 Target -10 2010-1 9 0 0 2 Hammersmith area Y Performance Y 97% 99% % 5 N 9 g & Fulham Council in Keep Y 5% Appointment 8 % 4 8 pair in 85% Y Completing re monitors its N 98% one visit % 6 9 % 94 pairs Y Household re me performance against N ti % 8 9 completed on % 5 9 94% pairs Communal re me Y a range of areas ti N 98% completed on % 2 9 84% Gas repairs that matter most time completed on Improved? NTRE et E rg C Ta L L A to residents. In this C et rg REPAIRS 2010-11 Ta met? -10 9 0 0 2 area Performance N/A N/A special supplement /A N 4 6 6 ,8 0 1 9 6 Y 95,8 Y 20 Calls received 0 2 we publish our seconds e 24 m s ti d e n eu co u q se e g Avera Stayed seconds Y % 9 8 the same % performance 95 % 5 9 calls Percentage of N Y 80% answered figures across 81% % 5 8 calls f o e g ta en rc Pe hin answered wit key areas of the s d n 20 seco comes out housing and em, repairs th to e st Comment o m atters et the servic g m e t a w h l w ta vi ts n reside absolutely ased we When we ask at’s why it’s h t . in a . We are ple g a ts regeneration e d n rg a ng ta e g m in ti d on top deman how frustrati w ch o su n k t e se w e hy w because rtant right and w ents on time r most impo u tm o f in o o p e p n a o department. f . n fix your turn up kept 99% o when we ca rkers do not
ERVICE REPAIRS S
Target met?
Improved?
ecause en wo ice it can be wh t first time, b akes the serv h m g ri d n s a ir a le p ss re a get e and h d we are targets is to saves you tim % target an 5 it 8 t r si u vi o e n n o o t missed ou problem in prove. We only just t. n e ci actors to im ffi e tr n co r more u o h t’s almost closely wit repairs - tha 0 0 ,0 1 5 working very n a w we th one we kno d pleted more n m a co sk e ta w e r g a ay. It’s a hu In the last ye k or 140 a d e e w a s b jo 1,000 . right for you have to get
RepoRt CaRd - Priority AreA 2 s An MAking our streets And estAte AttrActive PLAce to Live CARETAKING 2009-10 2010-11 Target
Performance area
Target met?
N/A Number of caretaking tasks independently assessed
150,736 150,000 N/A
Percentage of 89.9% tasks passed as satisfactory
91.2%
Comment
91%
Yes
3 RepoRt CaRd - Priority AreA tAtes MAking our streets And es sAfer PLAces to Live
Improved?
N/A
Yes
last year Working closely with residents, the ts has seen us deliver real improvemen s nge cha to your caretaking service. the we made to the service last year are now bedding in, with most work now and being done from Monday to Friday a tes mechanical sweepers giving esta better and more efficient clean. We have put in place estate improvement projects in the edward Woods, William Church and Fulham Court estates, where we have worked with residents’ associations to improve the areas they say matter the most. the concierge service has undergone a radical improvement, with all staff now being security industry trained. Concierges now have the ability to deliver a much wider range of services, such as reporting communal repairs and being more closely involved in tackling antisocial behaviour. s the concierge team have strong link with our in house teams involved in managing aSB, as well as the external agencies such as the Safer Neighbourhood teams. Improved cross team working has contributed to a number of cases being resolved successfully.
d ESTATES MAKING ouR STREETS AN SAfER PLACES To LIVE Performance area
2009 -10
2010 -11
Target Target Improved? met?
95% 93% 90% Y Offer you an interview within five days of making a complaint 70% 89% 90% Y Percentage of to residents kept up date monthly with the progress of their case 83% 95% 85% Y Percentage of cases resolved Y 30 34 27 Notices seeking possession issued (final warning before court action)
Comment
N
Y
Y Y
Hammersmith & the rule of law is absolute within any crime and antisocial Fulham and we will not tolerate ry law-abiding resident behaviour. We believe that eve lives without fear of being has the right to go about their harassed by criminals and yobs. staff work closely with our our housing officers and other rid the borough of the Safer Neighbourhood teams to the police to close crack scourge of drugs. We work with ut them. houses as soon as we know abo been through hell with We know some residents have ssage to you is that we antisocial behaviour and the me have to suffer in silence. are on your side and you do not nts that we can achieve It is only by working with reside e and again that when such success. We have proved tim aviour we will do all we you tell us about antisocial beh can to solve it. residents the council takes a tough line on who refuse to behave - indeed last year one woman was evicted for making her neighbours ‘simply distressed’ by spending months playing tina turner records all night long.
RepoRt CaRd - Priority AreA 4 encourAging new jobs And investMent by suPPorting PhysicAL And econoMic regenerAtion ENCouRAGING NEw jobS ANd INVESTMENT by SuPPoRTING PHySICAL ANd ECoNoMIC REGENERATIoN Performance area
2010-11
Visits or calls from advisers to support local businesses
900
Campaigns and events, such as Shop Local and Christmas shopping, to support local firms
14
Courses offered to adult learners
400
Number of adult learners taking part in courses
6,200
Adult learner satisfaction rate
92%
Comment When H&F Homes returned to the council in early 2011 a new, expanded Housing and Regeneration departmen t was created that includes economic and physical regeneration as well as the adult Learning and Skills service. Hammersmith & Fulham is a Borough of opportunity and one of the council’s key priorities is to encourage investment, support local firms and give residents the training they need so they have the best possible chance when applying for jobs. our economic development team works with local businesses and jobseekers. one of our biggest successes has been the Shepherds Bush Work Zone in Shepherds Bush Library. Working with Westfield, the Work Zone helps retailers recruit locally and helps residents become job-ready by putting them in touch with the right employment and skills training. the adult Learning and Skills Service was the only local authority’s service in the country to be awarded Beacon Status, a national award, in 2010-11. the service was visited by Government inspectors ofsted in June 2010 and it was given an overall rating of Grade 2, the second highest possible, with many areas including ‘capacity to improve’ receiving the highest rating of Grade 1.
Hammersmith & Fulham
gets results!
Rd s RepoRt Ca A 5 decent hoMe Are Priority omes decent H area Performance
oms s and bathro New kitchen systems nd heating a rs e il o b w Ne ws New windo New roofs
on of over durati Completed s programme e Decent Hom
s 9,000 home s 8,000 home s 7,000 home s 5,000 home
1.26% by end of n-decent’ o ‘n s e m imated 0.6% s to 37% o st h (E f o e g ta n pare Perce Dec 11 com ) 1 0 in 20
212 from the £ d te fi e n e b g the ve d at bringin mes sidents ha e re f im o a s e d m n a thous ecent Ho s program ies up to d cent Home e rt e d p n ro o li p il il m unc 17,500 co borough’s vast y, with the s a e s y a standard. lw was not a two years rogramme ing under way until p e g u h e wn a lot th tt ts have sho ork not ge n e w f id o s e ty R ri . f cards 08 majo mme in 20 tion. the hundreds o ra g ro p e into th eived are e disrup rs have rec e during th c to c n a e ti tr a n p o c f o ur of thanks o and letters s. s e to its succ testament
t Commen
RepoRt CaRd - Priority AreA 6 uLts Looking After vuLnerAbLe Ad s Looking after vulnerable adult Performance area
Success rate
Sheltered housing health and safety checks
97% completed three times a year
Sheltered housing inspections
100% completed monthly
Fire point testing
100% completed weekly
Comment
ement service for the new enhanced housing manag in operation since sheltered housing tenants has been october 2010. erly scheme the specialist housing officers, form prehensive training managers, have been receiving com 1 have been working in the new role and since april 201 tenancy management, with tenants on viewings, lettings, ed staff would rents and antisocial behaviour. Shelter tters to the area formerly have had to refer these ma ition to handle these housing office but are now in a pos s offering a more directly on behalf of the tenant thu rounded and comprehensive service. d service for all these changes will result in an improve be able to deal sheltered housing tenants as they will It will also mean directly with more residents’ needs. residents straight officers will be able to get to know from the start of their tenancy. has also been a great the dedicated Handyperson service ober 2010. tenants success since it was introduced in oct ed handyperson now have direct access to a dedicat ir flats. the service who will do small dIY jobs within the 0 and so far has became fully operational in dec 201 n with the been used by 227 tenants. Satisfactio s to extend service is very high and there are plan defined jobs the use of the service to a number of ltered within the communal parts of the she schemes.
Hammersmith & Fulham
gets results!
RepoRt CaRd - Priority AreA 7 Housing options Performance area
Number of low cost home ownership completions
2009-10
2010-11
122
Improved?
121
N
Number of people from low-cost home-ownership register nominated for chosen developments
N/A
419
N/A
Number of new Home Buy applications
1,038
1,043
Y
Number of households in temporary accommodation
877
888
N
Number of households accepted as homeless
156
164
N
Comment the number of home sales is depend ent on the physical completions of properties. Many dev elopments have deferred completion until this year which is why the council is forecasting a higher sales figure of 142 for 2011-2012. the Home Buy service continues to supply key workers with a steady stream of rental proper ties to enable them to work closer to their places of wo rk. applications have risen since last yea r and we expect the number of clients to rise again this year as we advertise new and exciting developments. plea se go to www.lbhf.gov.uk/homebuy for mo re info or call us on 020 8753 6464.
Council sets up housing company to build homes H
ammersmith & Fulham Council is set to return to housebuilding for the first time in more than 30 years. The local authority has set up its own housing company and is seeking to appoint a development agent to support building of the first phase. The move will mean the council is returning to directly providing new affordable homes to buy or rent as part of delivering the Borough of Opportunity. Local people who are priced out of the borough’s housing market will be targeted for the affordable new homes, so people who were born in H&F can stay here. The housing company will give the council the ability to develop and manage homes on its own land, and has the potential to create hundreds of highquality, affordable homes, including larger accommodation for families so they can stay in the borough while owning a stake in their own home. Priority for the new homes will be given to local residents on lower incomes who want to get on the housing ladder. In
affordable housing for low to middle larger-scale developments the council will income owners in the borough who aspire put in place a local allocations policy to to own their own home. make sure local people have first refusal of “Rather than be reliant upon any affordable rent, intermediate or openmarket homes which the council develops. developers and housing associations bringing forward sites for new affordable The housing company will initially be homes, we’ve taken the decision ourselves funded by money the council has saved to use our land assets to provide a range from selling off ‘void’ properties of homes ourselves. The appointment that are too expensive to repair, of a development agent now means but in the longer term we can get cracking on the first six is intended to become sites identified and provide real self-financing. W e are opportunity for low and middleAny profit made in determ income families who aspire to the early years could be to deliv ined er new owning a stake in their used to pay for estate afforda own home.“ improvements, such as ble housing The housing company will allow better open spaces and play the council to build homes on land areas, and more new homes. it owns across the borough, whether Councillor Andrew Johnson, that means large brownfield sites or cabinet member for housing, said: “Our smaller, underused pockets of land such as decision to return to building affordable garages or wasteland. homes heralds the next step in delivering The council is in the process of the Borough of Opportunity. With the identifying several small sites that can be fourth-highest house prices in Britain, used to build small numbers of homes as the council is determined to build on its the housing company develops. achievements so far in delivering new
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feeling on top of the world with pod homes
Prefabricated housing pods are lifted into position on top of existing buildings on a site opposite Hammersmith Hospital
AN INGENIOUS way to provide lowcost homes for key workers has been created simply by placing prefabricated pods on top of an existing building. The site opposite Hammersmith Hospital marks the first time a London housing association has used pods in this way. Cranes lifted them into position on a 1970s low-rise estate owned by Ducane Housing Association, during the second phase of constructing 44 new homes aimed at essential workers such as teachers, nurses and prison officers in west London. Most of the pods will crown the existing three and four-storey blocks but a small number will go into two infill sites, making efficient use of scarce land in inner London. Ducane chairman Peter Redman
said: “The scheme has sparked a lot of interest among other London councils and housing associations and could be repeated across the capital, generating at a modest cost new homes for below market rents.”
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Boris bikes wheel their way west for a roll-out m
ajor west London attractions such as Westfield shopping centre will benfit from ‘Boris bikes’ after the Mayor of London announced that the cycle hire scheme would be rolled out westwards. The Barclays Cycle hire scheme celebrated its first birthday this summer and to mark the occasion the Mayor confirmed that Barclays had agreed to provide another £25million of sponsorship. The extra funding will help the scheme to expand throughout west and south-west London by the summer of 2013. Transport for London (TfL) plans to expand it throughout Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, Wandsworth and Lambeth. Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds lanning Bush is to provide We are pr a huge funding to allow an early to cove of west taster of the western chunk ith our w expansion by extending H&F Cllrs Harry Phibbs and Mark Loveday London ul blue the cycle hire to the (above) and London Mayor Boris Johnson if t u bea mega-mall by spring (right) at the Westfield bike hire launch bikes next year. About 12 new docking stations will connect The news is a major boost for H&F the existing cycle hire zone to Westfield Council’s Get Moving campaign which White City and six docking stations could aims to improve the transport network. be on the grounds of Westfield London. Cllr Harry Phibbs, cabinet member for Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, community engagement, said: “Rolling out said: “It is testament to the huge impact Boris bikes westwards is the best transport of Barclays Cycle Hire and to the rapidly news the borough has enjoyed since the increasing popularity of pedal power that extension of the congestion charge was I can announce we are now planning to scrapped. Pedal power promises to relieve cover a huge chunk of the west of our city some of the pressure on our congested with our beautiful blue bikes.” roads and jam-packed tubes, reduce
westfield bike launch>>
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pollution and give residents another option when choosing how to get around. “
Park footballers hoping to strike it pitch
Eleven new football pitches and a basketball zone could be built at Hammersmith Park
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A multi-million pound football centre, with significant free use for local residents, is set to be built in Shepherds Bush. The council is set to appoint Sport and Leisure Group Ltd to construct 11 astroturf pitches and one basketball zone at Hammersmith Park. The new, £2.1million site will replace the park’s existing all-weather pitch which has fallen into a state of disrepair with the fabric turf falling out and the fences in need of replacement. The facility is the only available community pitch in the Shepherds Bush and White City area and the council is responding to residents who
have asked for improvements to be made. A planning application could be submitted later this year with the new pitches open to the public in mid-2012. The new facility will include eight five-a-side pitches and three seven-aside pitches to ensure a variety of groups can be catered for. In addition to the free basketball area, registered local residents will also be given substantial free use of one five-a-side pitch and one seven-a-side pitch. A pavilion, cafe and car park will also be built which suitably fits into the surroundings of the park.
Fire safety in H&F Council homes
IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE 1. If the fire is in your home a. Get out of your home and make sure the door of the room on fire and your front door are closed, if it is safe to do so.
2. If the fire is not in your home - however, small, call the fire brigade on 999 immediately a. The building is provided with a high degree of compartmentation and therefore there is a low probability of fire spread beyond the dwelling of origin, so that a mass evacuation of the building is unlikely to be necessary in the event of fire. b. Close all doors and windows to your home c. If you decide to leave your dwelling you are advised to use the nearest escape stair. d. The fire service may notify you that the building is to be evacuated and you should follow their instructions as appropriate.
3. If you are trapped in your home by the fire: a. Close all doors and windows to your home b. Call the Fire Service on 999 and tell them that you are trapped in your home c. Seal any cracks around windows or doors with damp towels to reduce the amount of smoke that can enter d. Make sure everyone in your home stays as close to the floor as possible.
4. If the fire is on the estate - however, small, call the fire brigade immediately a. b. c. d.
Go to the nearest telephone and dial 999 Ask for the Fire Service Give the address of where the fire is Tell the Caretaker if during working hours.
1. Front entrance doors a. These come equipped with self closers to ensure they remain closed at all times. This is to ensure that fire which may occur outside your flat does not enter your home and vice versa. If this or the door itself becomes damaged or if it doesn’t close properly, then inform us immediately so we can repair it. It is also not good to wedge doors open as this will defeat the object of having a fire resistant front door.
2. Candles and Incense a. It is advisable not to use candles or Incense within your home but if you have to for whatever reason then ensure that they are placed: i. Always in your sight: ii. In a ventilated room to ensure plenty of fresh air, as candles and incense will produce smoke to fill a room if left burning for long enough. iii. On a stable base in a stable purpose made holder iv. Far away from any flammable items such as curtains, furniture, flammable liquids, clothing, paper of any other item which may catch alight. v. Well Away From the reach of Children
3. Smoking a. Should you be a smoker the best course of action would be the following: i. Stop smoking. This will prolong your life as well as the lives of those around you. ii. Ensure you extinguish your cigarettes completely in a purpose made ashtray and not into refuse bins as a “still-lit� cigarette may burn unseen for a while in your bin, before turning into a fire big enough to be beyond control. iii. Do not smoke in bed. Thousands of people around the world are burned alive in their own beds each year, because they fell asleep in bed with a cigarette in their hand.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council
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Rent is changing Did you know that the rent we charge includes not only the basic rent for your home, but also the cost of all the other services we provide to your home or on your estate? The services include things like caretaking, lifts and grounds maintenance. From April 2012 the council is going to split your rent into two parts – basic rent and service charges. Our aim is to give you the best, most efficient service we can. By breaking your rent down into two parts you can be sure you are getting the quality of service you pay for on key services
What are service charges? The cost of services provided by Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council above and beyond the management and maintenance of your home. Examples include: n The caretaking service n Maintenance of common areas n Grounds maintenance n Communal lifts How will this affect me? n Not everyone will be affected. It will vary according to your home or estate n The services you receive will be eligible for housing benefit n You will still benefit from council a see only will and controlled rent small weekly increase
such as the maintenance and management of your homes, grounds maintenance, caretaking and communal facilities.
Why is the council doing this? n Clearer communication with our customers about where your weekly payment goes n To improve the standard of services that we provide n This is a Government requirement. What is included in the basic rent? n The payment you make to H&F r Council for the management of you home. What happens next? 2 n We will write to you in spring 201 ual ann r you h muc telling you how rent increase, including the service charge, will be. n If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 0800 093 3132.
We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments about our service call our Customer Service Centre on 0800 093 3132.
Research sweeps in to rate the borough as one of the cleanest
T
he streets of Hammersmith & Fulham are cleaner than ever before. Official research shows that an incredible 98 per cent of streets in the borough comply with Keep Britain Tidy cleanliness standards. Researchers from environmental consultancy White Young Green investigated the cleanliness of 300 roads in the borough and were amazed with the lack of litter. The company does similar work for many other London authorities and H&F’s results place the borough among the top five local authorities in the capital for street cleanliness. The figures represent a 10 per cent increase on similar investigations that Keep Britain Tidy carried out last year and are better than any other research ever carried out in the borough. Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this independent research which proves that it is possible to improve the cleanliness of our streets at a time when the council is making huge savings across the board. “Residents tell us time and time again how highly they value clean streets and we work round the clock in order to ensure that they are maintained to the very highest of standards. We would like
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Street cleaning in H&F is keeping up a high standard, according to latest research
to thank residents for doing their bit to keep the streets of H&F litter free. Cleaning litter from our streets is a very expensive process, so by not dropping it in the first place residents are helping the council to save money.” There are several reasons that explain why H&F’s streets are getting cleaner. The council, through its contractor Serco, now has 24-hour street cleansing in some areas, more mobile cleaning hit-squads and daily sweeping outside schools. Changes have also been made to street-sweeping schedules so that it takes place after collection for each street. In addition, the council has a zerotolerance policy towards litterbugs. The council’s Street Scene Enforcement team respond to complaints made by residents and visitors and also carry out daily inspections. The squad has a wide range of powers in their arsenal. One of the most prevalent envirocrimes in the borough is flytipping – the illegal dumping of rubbish. During the last financial year, the team investigated a mammoth 6,727 suspected flytips, which led to 435 fixed penalty notices. A campaign to tackle cigarette butts also cut down on litter. To alert the council to a litter issue call the hotline on 020 8753 1100 or email cleaner.greener@lbhf.gov.uk
(Clockwise from left) Five-year-old Steven Elias; Lewis Dave gets his waist measurement checked by personal health trainer Melissa Thompson-Mensah; Rose Barker (left) gets a health check-up from Hannah Coleman; tenor sax player Drumbago; ‘Miss Trixstar’ makes a hat for eight-year -old Emily Brown; and Harry Audley from White City Residents’ Association (Pictures by Jon Mikol)
Neighbourhood watching THE first neighbourhood forum of its type will help to promote White City, Wormholt and Shepherds Bush, and deal with community issues.. The White City Neighbourhood Forum was launched on Saturday, September 24, at the White City Community Centre. Nominated to the committee were 14 representatives of local organisations. They were joined by seven residents
who were elected unopposed. Harry Audley, chairman of the White City Residents’ Association, said he hoped the new forum would bring together everyone with the area’s best interests at heart. “We expect to share information and resources to obtain maximum benefit, not just for the opportunities that are currently available but also ones that will be available in future,” he said.
We’re simply distressed A
late-night Tina Turner fan who insisted on waking up the neighbours with round-the-clock karaoke sessions at ear-splitting volume has been silenced by Hammersmith & Fulham Council. Complaints started within days of the woman moving in to Riverside Gardens in Hammersmith in August last year. Her round-the-clock singalongs made it impossible for anyone living nearby to sleep and after months of letters and visits from housing officers and neighbourhood wardens the council was forced to show her the door. Inspectors visited the woman’s home after residents complained and warned her to turn down the racket, but to no avail. In November last year environmental health officers witnessed the racket and slapped on a noise abatement notice. Residents were at the end of their tether after enduring months of sleepless nights, sist on and in December If you in life a g in k a m s last year the or other f council was left y r e is m ake all with no option but we will t sary to officially warn neces her that if the noise action continued it would
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Noisy neighbours can be a nightmare, as people living next door to a Tina Turner fan found out apply to court to have her evicted. Even after being given a final warning the late-night partying continued so a housing officer successfully applied to court for possession. The council was finally able to take possession of the flat in June this year, restoring calm to the neighbourhood. Councillor Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “This woman had every opportunity to pipe down and give her neighbours some
peace, but she refused to do so. Evicting someone is the last resort, but be under no illusions that if you insist on making life a misery for others we will take all necessary action.” The woman also hurled racist abuse at people living nearby, residents said. One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “As soon as she went the noise just stopped and now everything is so much better. “We cannot believe how quiet it is.”
Your Home Magazine | 17
American cities sound alert over super sewer O
would not be top of my shopping list. fficials from two major American “I would not be looking at a deep cities are warning Thames Water tunnel to solve all of London’s sewage not to bank on their multi-billionproblems because it certainly did not work pound super sewer to clean up the here in Milwaukee. If I were in London’s Thames. Bosses at the water utility giant want to situation, I would learn from Milwaukee. “I would only look at a deep tunnel build a 20-mile-long concrete storage tank as part of a comprehensive strategy, under the river to prevent sewage spilling but it would be the third leg. The first into the river, but experts from Milwaukee priority would be prevention and and Chicago have warned improvement work to stop that similar ‘deep tunnel’ basement flooding. The second schemes in their cities ran a would be stopping rainwater over time and over budget e b ld u It wo wn goal from entering sewers by and have failed to stop all o disconnecting downspouts, sewage from overflowing into massiveignored e w if and setting up rain gardens local rivers. m o s fr and green roof initiatives. Only Thames Water’s super warningmajor other s then would I be looking at a sewer, which is opposed by H&F citie deep tunnel once I knew the Council, is set to cause massive scale of the remaining problem disruption across dozens of sites with sewage overflows.” in the capital and will cost 14million water Sean Wiedel, from Chicago City bill payers from Swindon to Essex an extra Council, added: “Our storms are becoming £120 per year for life. more frequent and the deep tunnel simply Water bosses in Milwaukee, in the can’t handle them.” eastern state of Wisconsin, admitted that In addition to Milwaukee and Chicago their tunnel had done nothing to solve the other US cities, including Philadelphia and problem of basement flooding after Cleveland, are looking at greener solutions heavy storms. – such as permeable pavements, green Alderman Willie Hines, the president of roofs and infiltration trenches – as part of Milwaukee Common Council, said: “If I had the solution as they stop fresh rainwater billions of dollars to spend, a super sewer
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flooding into sewers in the first place. Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh, H&F Council leader, said: “It would be a massive own goal if we ignored the warnings from other major cities and spent billions of pounds on a single deep tunnel solution. “For too long people have taken Thames Water’s word for it that their massive super sewer plan is the best option to making our river cleaner, but now two major American cities – that have actually built deep tunnels – are warning us not to bank on this working. “Evidence from across the world is increasingly showing that a more modest tunnel combined with green infrastructure solutions, that prevent fresh water from overloading the combined sewer network, is likely to be the way forward.” Five London councils representing a million people are sponsoring an Independent Commission led by Lord Selborne to take a fresh look at Thames Water’s assumptions and examine whether there are sensible and more cost-effective alternatives to cleaning up the river further. n For more information about Thames Water’s plans go to www.lbhf.gov.uk/supersewer
Are you full of fresh ideas? FIFTY extra food-growing spaces is the aim as H&F plays its part in a London-wide scheme. The Capital Growth project will involve the council working with residents to promote the expansion of community food growing. Many tenants and residents’ associations have already expressed an interest in this type of scheme and the borough is keen to play its part. Capital Growth hopes to gain 2,012 new communiy food-growing spaces by the end of 2012. Capital Growth is a partnership between London Food Link, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and the Big Lottery’s Local Food Fund. It offers practical help, grants, training and support to groups wanting to establish community food growing projects as well as advice to landowners. l See www.capitalgrowth.org.
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Can more borough gardeners follow the excellent example of Phoenix High School’s farm? Pupils Mohamed Abdalla and Lyli Sediqee are shown left with some of the veg grown in White City. The Capital Growth project has a target of 2,012 new foodgrowing spaces in London by the end of 2012
Peace of mind at little cost
r it’s Whetheipe or p t s r u b , a problem anothernce could insura r the cove e damag
are Winter is just around the corner, but you prepared? to think Many tenants and leaseholders seem matically auto ncil Cou am Fulh & h that Hammersmit against burst insures their furniture and possessions t. pipes, fire and thef It isn’t true... age Some people only discover after the dam take action. to time the is now so e, don n bee has to break The good news is that it doesn’t have k. ban the tents A low-cost, peace-of-mind home con k, if a wee 80p than less at s start cy poli e ranc insu a special premiums are paid annually, thanks to RSA the with ncil cou the by d nge arra l dea insurance group. r Policies cover everything from computeto ens kitch d fitte es, cycl al equipment to ped rented. flooring, TVs to hi-fis – even if they are insurance s tent con ld seho hou Pick up a free in King Street. booklet from the Town Hall receptionyou work out help to r ulato calc dy It includes a han the level of cover to suit you. expert Alternatively, call 0845 671 8172, and an lain the exp and ce will be able to give you free advi small print.
All change if a new-look London map is adopted THE area you live in could come under a different parliamentary constituency under far-reaching proposals. New-look maps of constituencies across the country, including in and around Hammersmith & Fulham, have been put forward by the Boundary Commission. Residents have until December 5 to make their views known on the suggestions which, if approved, would see H&F covered by three MPs instead of the current two. As part of its 2013 review of parliamentary boundaries the commission is proposing to introduce changes to reduce the number of constituencies in England from 533 to 502 and make sure that each constituency has a similar number of registered electors. London has been allocated 68 constituencies – a reduction of five from the current arrangement. In H&F it would mean:
l The six southernmost Kensington and Chelsea wards, including two (Courtfield and Earl’s Court) from the existing Kensington constituency, and the eight southernmost H&F wards, including two (Fulham Reach and North End) from the existing Hammersmith constituency, would form a new Chelsea and Fulham constituency. l Creating a Hammersmith and Acton constituency that contains seven H&F wards and three Ealing wards (Acton Central, East Acton, and Southfield) from the existing Ealing Central and Acton constituency. l Including one H&F ward (College Park and Old Oak) with much of the current Brent Central constituency (minus Tokyngton ward) in a renamed Willesden constituency. Overall the plans to cut the number of MPs across the country are expected
to save around £12million a year while the Boundary Commission argues that the system will be fairer as a result of constituencies having roughly the same number of electors.
n H&F Council is keen to hear the views of local people before it responds to the Boundary Commission. To have your say on the proposals click on www. citizenspace.com/local/lbhf/ boundarychanges before November 4. You can also email the Boundary Commission direct at london@bcommengland.x.gsi. gov.uk or visit www.consultation. boundarycommissionforengland. independent.gov.uk before December 5
Your Home Magazine | 19
Limited grants left – time running out!
Are you a council tenant? Do you want to buy your own home? Hammersmith & Fulham provide grants of up to £40,000 to help you on your way to home ownership. Call us today on
020 8753 6464 Hammersmith & Fulham Council
TENANTS INCENTIVE SCHEME h&f Home Buy London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham 3rd Floor, 145 King Street, Hammersmith London W6 9XY Tel: 020 8753 6464 Email: h&fhome-buy@lbhf.gov.uk Web: www.lbhf.gov.uk/homebuy