At the Heart Summer 2017

Magazine for tenants and leaseholders Summer 2017

Enjoy

FSuRmEE mer events

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At The Heart Summer 2017

Contact us

Dear residents

For all enquiries please visit

Welcome to the Summer 2017 edition of At the Heart. You will recently have received the Special Regeneration edition of At the Heart, which had its distribution delayed due to the General Election.

You can report, apply and pay for a variety of housing services online. www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Send your comments about At the Heart or ideas for future issues attheheart@havering.gov.uk

Visit our office Chippenham Road Harold Hill RM3 8YQ 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

You can follow us on Twitter @LBHHousing To like our Facebook page, log in and type Get Involved - Havering Council tenants and leaseholders into the search box.

Your Council @

Your Council updates

ONLINE

News and information about Havering Council’s housing

Your sign up to Council email updates @

Sign up for the regular email updates from Havering Council www.havering.gov.uk/ enews

The Housing Regeneration Programme is continuing to proceed on schedule and talks with more than 45 property developers interested in working with us on this £1 billion project to build around 3,500 new homes are continuing. By the end of this year we will have chosen one as the development partner we wish to work with and will then begin setting up the Joint Venture Company with them.

In the last financial year we spent more than £10 million improving existing Council homes to make them more pleasant places for Havering people to live in and we will be continuing with a major investment programme in the current financial year. You can see where we spent your money last year in a special feature on pages four and five.

Family-sized homes are in great demand within Havering and we know there are a lot of single people now living in a two or three-bedroom property after their family has moved on. The Housing Board has launched a new initiative to encourage people in that position to move to a smaller home. Residents can receive up to £2,000 for downsizing plus £500 towards moving costs – full details are on page three.

This year the Community Warden Service is 10 years old. The familiar bright orange polo shirts are often seen across the borough as the wardens are out on patrol and we celebrate their 10th anniversary with a special feature highlighting some of the things they’ve achieved.

And as always there are lots of events and activities taking place across the borough so do check through the listings on pages 28 and 29 so you don’t miss out on the fun.

Councillor Damian White Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing

OTHER FORMATS

Havering Council will consider requests for documents to be translated or converted into other formats.

More info

www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

For details of Councillor White's surgeries please see page 31

Published by Havering Council | Job no. 005096 Summer 2017

www.havering.gov.uk

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Make your voice heard and win £50 Coming soon through your letterbox will be the annual survey to find out what you think about Housing Services and how we work with you.

We listened to your comments on last year’s survey and this year’s survey is half the size as we have focussed the questions on the issues that really matter to you, and we’re not asking you for information we already know about you such as your address.

We have also split the survey so there will be different questions for: •Council tenants including those in sheltered housing •Leaseholders and Shared Ownership residents •People living in Private Sector Leasing (PSL) or in a House of Multiple Occupation Important views In December this year the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) will be inspecting Havering Council’s Housing

Services and the feedback from this tenant’s survey will help them decide which parts of the service will be inspected in depth.

The survey results will also be published later this year so you can see how many people share your views Win £50 voucher Every completed survey returned by the deadline will be entered into a prize draw to win one of 12 vouchers, each worth £50, redeemable at a major store of your choice.

You could use it for your weekly shop at a local supermarket or for some home improvement items from DIY chains or a special treat from an online retailer.

So do please return your survey as soon as you receive it.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/TenantsSurvey

It’s a grand to downsize!

If the family have moved on and you’re living alone in a family sized home the bills soon mount up.

The cost of heating a big home can take a large chunk out of one person’s income and the under-occupation charge (bedroom tax) is another cost you have to pay.

Move from

Just keeping a larger home clean and tidy is time consuming and can be exhausting.

Moving to a smaller property means you can save on the costs of running your home, reduce your workload and help a Havering family move to somewhere that better suits their needs.

Cash incentive To thank you for giving up unused bedrooms, the Council is now offering an improved, and very generous, financial incentive to council tenants who can use the money to pay off any debts that they have or to buy that special item they have been wanting to have. The downsizing incentive will be paid to any tenant who moves into smaller accommodation: • £1,000 for the first bedroom you give up PLUS • £500 for every extra bedroom you give up PLUS • Up to £500 towards the cost of moving home If you do downsize you keep the same type of tenancy as you currently have.

4 beds 4 beds 4 beds 3 beds 3 beds 2 beds to

to

to

to

to

to

3 beds 2 beds 1 bed 2 beds 1 bed 1 bed you get

you get

you get

you get

you get

you get

£1000 £1500 £2000 £1000 £1500 £1000

+

£500

Up to towards moving costs

More info www.havering.gov.uk/Downsizing

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At The Heart Summer 2017

Investing in your During the financial year which ended on 31 March 2017 Havering Council invested £7,278,648 in improvements to existing Council properties across the borough That is part of the Housing Services commitment to keep investing in your homes to make sure they are pleasant places in which to live.

In the current financial year we are planning to spend £14,694,353 on further improvements to keep our properties in good condition.

Here’s the highlights of work we did last year and how much we spent:

£120,585

was spent surveying for asbestos and removing it from 100 individual properties

£162,732

improving electricity supplies to 49 blocks and five individual homes

£486,530

was spent adapting 210 properties to make life easier for people with disabilities to live in their own home

£19,809

£55,312 was spent on major drainage and pipework repairs in 25 locations

was spent connecting new properties to the Careline system and upgrading existing equipment to was spent provide 24 hour support access for vulnerable people improving fire protection and escape routes in 11 blocks

£52,450

£200,286 was

spent making sure that the communal water tanks in blocks across the borough were free from Legionella

£15,542 was spent repairing and replacing boundary fences and walls at 30 individual homes

www.havering.gov.uk

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home £683,301

£59,040 was spent moving

was spent improving bathrooms with 270 properties completed, including converting some to wet rooms with showers for people with disabilities

the Waterloo Estate CCTV control room into the Mercury House CCTV control centre

£148,208

has been spent to stop water penetrating the outside of seven blocks of flats on the DELTA TMO and PETRA TMO estates

£307,200

was spent improving kitchens at 64 properties

£17,028

has been spent installing new windows and doors at 11 properties

£339,692 £33,458

has been spent repairing and replacing roofs

£73,948 was spent £1,424,988

was spent on 193 properties which became empty to make them habitable, including £750,509 on bathroom and kitchen improvements

on a pilot project to create a one bedroom flat out of two bedsits at Beehive Court sheltered housing scheme

has been spent replacing heating systems in 179 properties

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At The Heart Summer 2017

Overwhelming interest in Havering regeneration

In March development companies were asked to express interest in the Housing Regeneration Programme with the Council expecting five or six developers to come forward.

Instead more than 45 major firms contacted the Council so for the last two months a team of specialist officers, led

by Director of Housing and Regeneration, Neil Stubbings, has been meeting senior representatives of each firm to discuss Havering’s regeneration vision and how they would share that vision.

Formal tenders are being sought this summer and a competitive dialogue will take place leading to a report to Cabinet in January 2018 recommending a development partner.

Once Cabinet has agreed on a partner the Joint Venture Company (JVC) will be set up in the first half of 2018.

The JVC will then start preparing site layouts and designs

for consultation before formal planning applications are submitted late in 2018.

Demolition work is likely to start in late 2018 with the Waterloo Estate, Napier House and New Plymouth House and the Serena, Solar and Sunrise sheltered housing schemes likely to be the first three sites.

So far more than 100 households have been matched to empty properties and only three haven’t accepted the first offer made to them proving that the information captured at the one-to-one meetings has helped make good matches.

To make sure we match you to a suitable property please make sure you update your Decant Assessment Form every time any of your circumstances change, no matter how minor that change is.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingRegeneration

Got a question?

We know that some residents in the regeneration areas have got questions so we will be holding some Advice Centres on the different estates on Tuesdays between 10am and 3pm.

Just pop along to the trailer and have a chat with the Community Engagement Officers who will be there and if you have updated your Decant Assessment Form you can bring that along too.

Tuesday 25 July – behind the former CCTV office on the Waterloo Estate Tuesday 01 August – in the car park at Oldchurch Gardens Tuesday 08 August – in the middle car park at Napier House and New Plymouth House Tuesday 15 August – behind the former CCTV office in Waterloo Gardens Tuesday 22 August – in the internal communal gardens at Maygreen Crescent Tuesday 29 August – in the middle car park at Napier House and New Plymouth House

• • • • • •

DELTA TMO Estate Twelve areas have been identified and discussed with residents and the TMO Board.

Work is unlikely to start on this site before 2020.

The next Residents’ Open Meeting is from 7pm until 8pm on Tuesday 5 September at Ardleigh Green Campus Conference and Training Room, Havering College of Further and Higher Education, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, RM11 2LL. More info www.havering.gov.uk/DELTATMO

Languages other than English

If your native language is not English then we can have documents, such as the Local Lettings Plan, translated for you.

So far we have translated documents into Albanian, Mandarin, Romanian and Spanish If you need a translation please email the contact for your estate. If you need an interpreter for a meeting please let us know and we will aim to provide one.

www.havering.gov.uk

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Waterloo Estate The next Residents’ Open Meeting is from 7pm until 8pm on Tuesday 19 September at the Salvation Army, High Street, Romford, RM1 1JJ. The Residents’ Group Chairman, Shane Marshall, has resigned after he has moved home and Vice Chairman, Brian Moore, is the point of contact until a new Chairman is elected. If you want to join the Residents’ Group please contact us via the website link below.

Equipment, such as washing machines and dryers, from Queen Street sheltered housing scheme is being relocated to hostels and other sheltered housing schemes which are remaining open.

Leaseholders are having their properties valued and working with Sales and Marketing Officer, Ian Nolan, are now selling their properties to the Council ready for the regeneration to start late in 2018.

Council tenants, who have completed their one-to-one meetings, are also being matched against empty properties and moved to new homes which meet their needs.

Interim Director of Housing and Regeneration, Neil Stubbings briefs residents on the proposals

Properties which become empty on this estate are being used to provide temporary homes for residents in hostels or emergency accommodation.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/WaterlooEstate

Napier House and New Plymouth House A number of tenants have already moved out of these tower blocks and the decision has been taken not to use them as temporary accommodation but to empty them as soon as possible so the buildings can then be sealed.

Leaseholders are having their properties valued and working with Sales and Marketing Officer, Ian Nolan, are now selling their properties to the Council ready for the regeneration to start late in 2018.

The next Residents’ Open Meeting will be held from 6pm until 7pm on Thursday 28 September at La Salette Church Hall, 1 Rainham Road, Rainham, RM13 8SP. Residents have decided not to form a Residents’ Group for this estate.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/NapierandNewPlymouth

Interim Director of Housing and Regeneration, Neil Stubbings briefs residents on the proposals

Maygreen Crescent and Park Lane Estate A number of residents from this estate have already been moved when properties which match their housing needs become available.

Leaseholders are having their properties valued and working with Sales and Marketing Officer, Ian Nolan, are now selling their properties to the Council ready for the regeneration to start late in 2018.

Properties which become empty on this estate are being used to provide temporary homes for residents in hostels or emergency accommodation.

A Neighbours’ Briefing Meeting has been held to let residents living near the estate know what the proposals are.

The next Residents’ Open Meeting will be held from 6pm until 7pm on Wednesday 13 September at Maygreen Crescent communal lounge, Park Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1EL.

Property Services Manager Kevin Hazlewood briefs residents on the proposals

The Residents’ Group met for the first time in May and future meetings will be held when there is new information to share. If you want to join the Residents’ Group please contact us via the website link below.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/Maygreen

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At The Heart Summer 2017

Oldchurch Gardens Oldchurch Gardens tenants are being matched against empty properties which become available and moves are being arranged where suitable matches are made.

Leaseholders are having their properties valued and working with Sales and Marketing Officer, Ian Nolan, are now selling their properties to the Council ready for the regeneration to start late in 2018.

The next Residents’ Open Meeting will be held from 7pm until 8pm on Tuesday 26 September at Romford YMCA, Rush Green Road, Romford, RM7 0PH. Community Engagement Officers Denise Kelly and Julieann Brewster ready for meetings with residents

Residents have decided not to form a Residents’ Group for this estate.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/OldchurchGardens

Chippenham Road, Farnham Road and Hilldene Avenue Some tenants from Chippenham Road, Farnham Road and Hilldene Avenue are moving out as part of the regeneration programme and further matches are expected over the next few months.

Leaseholders are having their properties valued and working with Sales and Marketing Officer, Ian Nolan, are now selling their properties to the Council ready for the regeneration to start late in 2018.

Details of the refurbishment work, which will take place alongside building the new homes, is being finalised and a decision will then be taken on when this work can take place.

The next Residents’ Open Meeting will be held from 6pm until 7pm on Monday 11 September at St George's Church Hall, Chippenham Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8HX. More info www.havering.gov.uk/Hilldene

It's a match!

When Housing Services are told someone is moving out of a Council property we immediately look to see if it suits anyone being moved as part of the Housing Regeneration Programme.

There is a four week notice period before the property is available for the Council to check the property is safe – electrical, gas and asbestos checks are carried out – and to decide what work needs to be done to make sure it is Decent Homes standard.

Interim Director of Housing and Regeneration, Neil Stubbings briefs residents on the proposals

On the move – how we can help If you’re being moved as part of the regeneration programme we give you a helping hand from the day you view your new property until you’ve moved in to your new home.

One of our team goes with you to the viewing and discusses the decorating that is needed – we will usually supply you with a decorator’s pack so you can choose what you do and when you do it.

We’ll also have samples for you to choose curtains and carpets that meet what you want and we then arrange for the measurements to be taken and them installed.

We also agree a moving date with you and organise a removal firm to help you pack and deliver your belongings to the new address.

Only then can it be viewed and we contact the people who are matched to it so they can look round as one of their two reasonable offers.

We can also arrange for your electrical white goods – such as washing machines, cookers and dishwashers – to be disconnected and reconnected in your new homes. We can do the same for gas cookers.

If the new home is accepted we then start the work to provide carpets, curtains, etc. and arrange the moving date.

We will pay for your post to be redirected and for disconnection and reconnection costs for utilities, including satellite TV.

This process does take some time – perhaps as long as eight weeks - but means that you should be able to move in to a new home where you will enjoy living.

All of these costs are covered by a Disturbance Payment, – remember to get approval before spending any money that you wish to reclaim.

This is additional to the £5,800 Home Loss Payment which is paid when you move into your new home, although we deduct any rent arrears, garage rent arrears and void recharges before this payment is made.

www.havering.gov.uk

Progress report on new homes schemes Havering Council is looking to use former garage sites and other under-utilised land to build new homes for Havering residents.

This “infill programme� will provide an extra 500 new properties as part of the Council’s overall programme, which will see around 3,500 new Council homes built in the borough.

On each site half of the properties available for rent will be through the usual bidding system and half will be allocated to residents living on the 12 Housing Regeneration Programme sites.

Briar Road, Harold Hill

How do I apply for one of these homes?

If you are interested in one of the shared ownership properties on any of these sites you can register your interest at SharedOwnership@havering.gov.uk If you live on one of the Housing Regeneration Programme estates please amend your Decant Assessment Form by emailing HousingRegeneration@havering.gov.uk.

If you live elsewhere please watch the weekly list so you can place your bid when the properties become available.

Dewsbury Road, Harold Hill

Site plan of the Briar Road development The Betty Whiting Centre and the garage block have now been demolished by the contractors, Allenbuild, and asbestos has also been removed from 1 to 7 Briar Road ready for demolition.

Demolition work of 23 to 25 Briar Road has been delayed while Virgin Media, water, gas and electricity supplies are diverted.

Site plan of the Dewsbury Road development Work is continuing to build five three-bedroom houses for affordable rent on this former garage site. The Scout Hut will remain.

The planning approval is to build 36 one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats for rent; 10 two-bedroom and three-bedroom houses for sale through Shared Ownership and up to four shop units.

Work should be completed by spring 2019.

Throughout the work Housing Services Community Engagement Officer, Luke Speller, is the point of contact for residents.

During demolition water is used to damp down dust

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/BriarRoad

Throughout the work Housing Services Community Engagement Officer, Kimberly Miller, is the point of contact for residents.

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/DewsburyRoad

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At The Heart Summer 2017

Kilmartin Way, Hornchurch

White Hart Lane, Collier Row

Site plan of the Kilmartin Way development

Work continues on the 18 new homes being built to create Sopwith Close, off Kilmartin Way, Elm Park on part of the site of the former RAF Hornchurch base.

The £3.9 million scheme includes six three-bedroom homes and seven two-bedroom homes for affordable rent and two three-bedroom houses and three two-bedroom homes for Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO).

There will also be a total of 84 parking spaces on the site, an increase of 39 on existing provision.

While doing ground work on the site a buried concrete tank has been discovered, which stored rainwater as part of the drainage system, and this will need to be removed.

There has also been some delays while waiting for UK Power Networks to divert mains cables that pass through the site.

Site plans of the White Hart Lane development Planning applications for the two sites in White Hart Lane, where the Council is proposing to build 24 new homes on two sites, have been approved.

The two proposed sites are: •the land behind Cumberland House, Devon House, Durham House and Kent House •the garage area behind the shops at 37 – 59 White Hart Lane

A Residents’ Steering Group has been set up and is meeting regularly to provide feedback regarding what is happening on site.

Tenders are now being sought and when a contractor is appointed a meeting will be held with residents to discuss the work programme.

Changes made due to feedback from the group include relocating and replacing dog waste bins as well as improving lighting around the site.

A Residents’ Group will also be set up, if you wish to be a member of that group please email your details to Joanne.Mahony@havering.gov.uk

Throughout the work Housing Services Community Engagement Officer, Kimberly Miller, is the point of contact for residents.

Throughout the work Housing Services Community Engagement Officer, Joanne Mahony, is the point of contact for residents.

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/KilmartinWay

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/WhiteHartLane

www.havering.gov.uk

Lombard Court, Romford

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Coleridge Road and Tennyson Road, Harold Hill Site plan of the Coleridge Road & Tennyson Road development

Site plan of the Lombard Court development Work is well underway for the completion of nine new homes to be available this summer at the site of the former Lombard Court sheltered housing scheme in Poplar Street, Romford.

The finished development will include two two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses for affordable rent and two two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses for Low Cost Home Ownership (LCHO).

Details of how to apply for the scheme will be available soon so watch the website for more information.

Work has started to build a terrace of five three-bedroom houses for shared ownership and a two-bedroom bungalow for rent to Council tenants on the former Diana Princess of Wales Hostel, in Harold Hill.

The hostel was in poor repair and replacing it with six new homes was a better option.

Work on the site is expected to take a maximum of 10 months and details of how to apply for the shared ownership properties will be released soon.

All six homes will be for Havering residents.

Throughout the work Housing Services Community Engagement Officer, Luke Speller, is the point of contact for residents.

Throughout the work Housing Services Community Engagement Officer, Luke Speller, is the point of contact for residents.

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/LombardCourt

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/Coleridge

Lexington Way, Cranham Work is progressing well on building 12 new Council properties which include two two-bedroom flats, three two-bedroom houses and seven three-bedroom houses.

There were some unavoidable delays on building the new parking area for residents to use while construction takes place but this is now nearing completion. The final scheme will include an extra 30 spaces.

The cul-de-sac will be called Clayfield Close as historically Cranham supplied a special type of clay suitable for using as bricks.

The Residents’ Group has been meeting regularly to discuss progress on the scheme.

Throughout the work Housing Services Community Engagement Officer, Denise Kelly, is the point of contact for residents.

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/LexingtonWay

Site plan of the Lexington Way development

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At The Heart Summer 2017

Tenant Management Havering has three TMOs (Tenant Management Organisations) which are set up by tenants to run particular estates in the borough.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/TMOs

BETRA TMO

BETRA TMO was formed in 2004 and looks after 13 houses on the Barnstaple Road estate in Harold Hill: • Accrington House • Alcester House • Ampthill House • Angmering House • Cardigan House • Devizes House • Kirkham House

• Oundle House • Radstock House • Southsea House • Stroud House • Thornbury House • Upton House

More info www.betratmo.org

DELTA TMO

AGM date set

BETRA TMO is holding its Annual General Meeting from 7pm on Thursday 27 JUly 2017 at the BETRA TMO offices.

All members of BETRA TMO are invited to attend and elect their committee for the next year.

Easter Bunny had egg-citing time More than 40 children from the BETRA TMO estate met the Easter Bunny during a special Family Fun Day held in April.

There were plenty or activities for them to enjoy with the Easter card making stand being particularly popular

DELTA TMO manages 276 flats, bungalows and maisonettes in Elvet Avenue and Durham Avenue and four properties in Squirrels Heath Lane in Gidea Park.

More info www.deltatmo.com

PETRA TMO

PETRA TMO took over local housing management services for the three tower blocks on the Parkhill and Sunrise Estate on 1 April 2003. The low-rise blocks, which are sheltered housing, remain under the management of Havering Council.

It looks after: 1 – 48 Overstrand House, 1 – 50 Parkview House, 1 – 48 Uphavering House More info http://petratmo.weebly.com

Branching out Trees in Barnstaple Road are due to be checked in June this year to make sure they are in good health and not encroaching on footpaths or roads. If any pruning is needed this will take place in due course.

Are you ready for an Adventure?

BETRA TMO is planning a trip to Adventure Island on Saturday 15 July – if you are interested in joining the trip contact the office for more details.

Trips proposed at DELTA Members are being sought for a new Events Committee at DELTA TMO to help organise trips and other activities for residents on the estate.

Funding has been approved for two coach trips this year but destinations haven’t been decided so if you want to make suggestions or get involved with the new committee please call in to the DELTA TMO office.

Improved security DELTA TMO Board has paid for a new fence and gate to be installed adjacent to 2 to 24 Elvet Avenue to improve security for residents in that area.

www.havering.gov.uk

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Organisations News Open Evening commemorates Colin A special ceremony on Friday 30 June commemorated the contribution made by resident Colin Roast to the success of PETRA TMO.

Kite Mark PETRA TMO is preparing to be assessed by the National Federation of Tenant Management Organisations (NFTMO) to see if it meets that organisation’s Health Check and Kite Mark standards.

A special plaque on a memorial bench will be unveiled at the ceremony which will then be followed by PETRA’s annual open evening.

Events Committee

The PETRA TMO Events sub-committee is looking for new members to join it and new ideas of events to arrange.

AGM date set

Currently on the committee are Amber Barry, Lauren Gough, Lesley Marsh, Tess Morris and Sheila Slater.

PETRA TMO is holding its Annual General Meeting from 7.30pm on Monday 25 September 2017 at the PETRA TMO offices.

If you have an idea for an event or trip, or if you want to know more about the committee, please talk to one of them or call in to the PETRA Office for a chat.

All members of PETRA TMO are invited to attend and elect their committee for the next year.

A trip to a Christmas Market is planned for December but which one is still being discussed, so keep an eye open for details.

Lift problems The lifts at Parkview House, and to a lesser extent at Overstrand House, on the PETRA TMO estate have been causing problems and have been frequently out of order.

Popular pampering Following the success of a trial Pamper Evening in April PETRA TMO had two sell out successes in May when they gave residents on the estate the chance to enjoy head and shoulder massages, facials and general well-being treatments.

More Pamper Evenings are planned for later this year so if you live on the PETRA TMO estate watch out for the posters giving details of them.

First Aid for residents PETRA TMO has run two Basic First Aid courses for residents on the estate. Seventeen residents have so far successfully completed the courses, which are run by Tutorcare Limited , and there is a waiting list of residents wanting to take part in future courses planned for later this year.

One of the problems is finding replacement parts due to the age of the lifts. Havering Council is looking to see what can be done to make the lift service here more reliable and will be working with the PETRA TMO Board to try and resolve this problem.

What is the question?

PETRA TMO residents should have received their annual satisfaction survey, please take a few minutes complete the survey and return it so any ideas, complaints or suggestions can be taken on board.

to

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At The Heart Summer 2017

Money Matters

Council Tax and you Please remember that paying your Council Tax is your personal responsibility. When you move home you MUST by law notify Havering Council’s Council Tax department of your new address and make sure that you start paying your new Council Tax on time.

If you have Council Tax arrears when you move you run the risk of being taken to Court so the money you owe can be collected.

Paying your Council Tax by Direct Debit can help you avoid getting into arrears.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/DirectDebit

Rent arrears fall

The total amount of rent arrears on 31 March 2017 had reached a record low of just 1.76 per cent of the total amount of rent to be collected during that financial year.

That means there was £1,014,889 owed to the Council from tenants who had not paid their rent on time, down from £1,245,514 (2.14 per cent) on 1 April 2016.

On average Havering Council collects £5 million per month in Council rents which is used to finance a host of services for Council tenants including the Community Wardens, repairs service, Money Advice Team and much more.

Our thanks go to tenants who pay their rent on time and to the Council officers involved in collecting rents for More info www.havering.gov.uk/PayYourRent

achieving this fantastic result.

If you are having difficulty paying your rent you need to contact us as soon as possible so we can advise you of the best options.

Failure to pay your rent means there is less money available to pay for the services provided to all tenants and can also lead to you being evicted from your home.

If you are evicted for not paying your rent you may be found to be intentionally homeless and the Council will have no duty to rehouse you and your family.

The Money Advice Team can be contacted by email at Welfare.Reforms@havering.gov.uk

www.havering.gov.uk

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Community Centre progressing well Work is progressing well with the building of the new Community Centre behind Highfield Towers in Hillrise Road, Collier Row, being on schedule for completion this summer.

The name has been agreed as the Sapphire Jubilee Community Centre to commemorate the Sapphire Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The old community centre has now been demolished and progress is well underway to provide a new building at Highfield Tower in Collier Row.

The new centre is being constructed at Scotts’s factory in Thrapston

at Scotts’ Northamptonshire factory, which makes construction easier in populated areas such as Collier Row.

The timber used is sourced from managed forests, which locks in the carbon making them inherently sustainable and eco-friendly.

Scotts of Thrapston takes great pride in offering a tailored building to each of its customers. Designed with children and communities in mind, the contemporary and carbon efficient timber-framed buildings use different materials to provide texture and interest.

Pile driving is now completed

Under construction by Scotts of Thrapston, the new modern centre meets current building regulations offering plenty of space, light, ventilation and access for people with disabilities.

When finished the building will include a large community hall for events alongside a kitchen, toilets and an office.

A great deal of the building work is manufactured off-site

A great emphasis is also placed on creating a good quality environment to improve wellbeing and foster a greater community spirit.

Already there has been considerable interest in hiring the new facility including from three pre-school groups, a church and a karate club.

If you are interested in hiring this venue please contact Joanne Mahony on the web site below.

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/ SapphireJubileeCommunityCentre

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At The Heart Summer 2017

News Round Up News Round Up News Round Up Beat the scammers

Hostels improvements praised The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) inspected Havering Council’s three hostels in December and published the report in May. The report is full of praise for the improvements made at Abercrombie House, in Harold Hill; Queen Street Villas, in Romford and Will Perrin Court, in South Hornchurch.

Havering Council is working with Havering Police on a co-ordinated campaign to combat scammers operating in the borough.

Abercrombie House

One scam that seems popular during the summer months is when “tree experts” tell you your trees need pruning.

Havering Council Trading Standards is collecting leaflets advertising such scams so if you get one please email it to Trading.Standards@havering.gov.uk If you are getting a lot of bogus call then Havering Council’s Community Safety Team has Truecall equipment available which screens calls and only lets through calls from numbers you have programmed in to the machine. If you are interested in more details please contact Community Engagement Officer, Kimberly Miller.

Watch out too for Operation Eden and Operation Lockdown calling in your street when Trading Standards and Police Officers will call randomly at any property where building work is taking place. They will talk to the residents and to the contractors to make sure the work is being done is legitimate.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/CommunitySafety

Keep the noise down!

If you live in a Council flat it is a breach of your Tenancy Agreement if you install hard floor surfaces as when you walk on these it makes a lot of noise and disturbs the people living below you.

So please be considerate and install carpets or other soft floor coverings throughout your property to stay on the right side of your neighbours and to keep witin your Tenancy Agreement.

Queen Street Villas

Will Perrin Court

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/Hostels

Bed and breakfast At the start of 2017 Havering Council had 96 homeless households in bed and breakfast accommodation.

Such temporary accommodation is not really suitable for homeless families and is also expensive for the Council so we are pleased that there are now no people from Havering placed in bed and breakfast.

Many have either been offered settled accommodation in the private rented sector or are now in short-term accommodation in properties emptied as part of the Housing Regeneration Programme and this has also helped create some vacancies in our three hostels.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/Homeless

www.havering.gov.uk

17

News Round Up News Round Up News Round Up

Weeding out the weed

Smoking or growing cannabis is illegal and that means it is a breach of your tenancy.

this crack down so you could end up in court and with a criminal record too.

This summer Havering Council is cracking down on those who use or grow cannabis following a series of complaints from residents who have smelt neighbours smoking it or have seen it being grown.

The message is simple: stay inside the law and keep away from cannabis.

If you break the law in this way you could be evicted and find you and your family without a roof over your heads as you will have made yourself intentionally homeless.

We will also be working with Havering Police as part of

If you have any information about cannabis being used or grown, or about any other Anti-Social Behaviour, you can report it in confidence using our online form.

You should also report it to the police on 101 or using the CrimeStoppers number of 0800 555 111.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/asb

Void recharges

When you move out of your Council home you must leave it in a reasonable state ready for the new tenant to move in.

New computer system

Work is progressing well on the new computer system which will bring together all the different programmes currently used by Housing Services into one place.

The new system is due to go live in April next year and we’ll keep you informed of further progress in future editions of At the Heart.

Council tenants and leaseholders can continue to get secure access to all their housing information online through www.havering.gov.uk/ SeeMyData

If you have made changes to your home – such as removing internal doors – you must make sure your home is returned to the previous standard or you may be recharged for any work the Council has to do.

We’ve produced a new leaflet which outlines the main things which we will charge you for so please do check out the details if you’re thinking of moving.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/MovingHome

18

At The Heart Summer 2017

Home Ownership News

Busy year in Home Ownership At the end of the financial year on 31 March 2017 there were 2,502 leaseholders and they kept the Home Ownership Team busy.

Among the work the team did were:

Notice of Transfers

260

Resale Enquiries

196

Completion through Right to Buy

127

Loan applications

93

Permissions to install

41

Who can I contact?

The best way to contact us is by email to homeownership@havering.gov.uk and the right officer will then get in touch with you. The team members are:

Name

Role

Email address

Jane Shaw

Home Ownership Manager

Jane.Shaw@havering.gov.uk

Brenda Broad

Home Ownership Officer

Brenda.Broad@havering.gov.uk

Denise Hall

Home Ownership Officer

Denise.Hall@havering.gov.uk

Sharon Boyce

Home Ownership Officer

Sharon.Boyce@havering.gov.uk

Claire Grover

Home Ownership Officer

Claire.Grover@havering.gov.uk

Claire Bailey

Home Ownership Officer

Claire.Bailey@havering.gov.uk

Carole Wall

Right to Buy Officer

Carole.Wall@havering.gov.uk

Ian Nolan

Sales and Marketing Officer

Ian.Nolan@havering.gov.uk

Jane Bhatti

Sales and Marketing Administration Support

Jane.Bhatti@havering.gov.uk

Reporting repairs to Havering Council

Right to Buy discounts If you apply to buy your Council home after Thursday 6 April 2017 the maximum discount is now ÂŁ104,900.00.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/RightToBuy

Keep up to date If you wish to report a repair that you think Housing Services is responsible for, you should report the repair using the online form at www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing.

If Housing Services is responsible for the repair it may be necessary for an inspection to be carried out before any works are raised.

Leaseholders can keep up to date with what is happening by following @LBHHousing on Twitter or by signing up to our monthly email At the Heart online Housing Newsletter.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/housing

www.havering.gov.uk

19

Home Ownership News

Who is responsible?

Havering Council is responsible for carrying out repairs/maintenance to communal parts of your block/estate, which includes roofs, gutters, rainwater pipes, drains, tenant controlled access doors, stairwells, hallways, soil stacks, lifts, door frames, window frames, loft space.

If Council officers need access to the loft space, and the loft hatch is inside your individual property, you will be required to agree a mutually convenient time for access to be provided, as you do not own the loft space.

Havering Council has the right to enter your home to make inspections or carry out repairs that we are responsible for. We will give you at least 48 hours’ notice in writing, unless there is an emergency.

Leaseholder Forum The Leaseholder Forum gives a voice for Home Owners to raise issues of concern.

Elections for the new officers of the forum were underway as At the Heart went to press and the results will be announced in our next edition.

In an emergency, Havering Council has the right, under the terms of your lease, to force entry into your property. For example, when there is a leak coming from your property at a rapid rate and we are unable to make contact with you. Any costs incurred as a result of this action will be recharged to you as the leaseholder.

Meetings takes place between 6.30pm and 8.30pm at Havering Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB. Light refreshments are provided.

In case of less severe leaks, if we receive a report that there is a leak coming from your property which is penetrating other properties, we will serve notice on you to remedy the problem within a certain time limit.

We will also inform you that if the leak has not been remedied within the time stated, you will be required to arrange access for our contractor to enter the premises to fix the leak, and you will be recharged the cost of the works on your service charges.

Tuesday 21 November 2017

You are responsible for carrying out repairs/maintenance to the internal parts of your domestic premises, which includes the window casement (including fittings and doors), as well as shed doors if one is included in your lease.

The next meetings are on: Tuesday 20 March 2018 Tuesday 24 July 2018 If you are a Council leaseholder and want to join the forum please contact Community Engagement Officer Joanne Mahony through the web page below.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/ LeaseholderForum

20

At The Heart Summer 2017

New 2017-18 prospectus out now Time is such an important thing, isn’t it?

Whether you’re a parent, or you’re trying to find a new career, or perhaps you’ve recently retired and suddenly find yourself with more time on your hands than you expected.

Whatever the reason, time is so important to us all. Havering Adult College offers many opportunities.

The college’s courses are planned to fit around, and compliment, your lifestyle.

Perhaps you’re looking for a course to help with your job prospects: counselling, teaching assistants, sugarcraft, floristry, film making, interior design, photography, cooking.

Pick up your free copy of the new prospectus in one of the College’s centres, your local library or download it from the website.

More info: www.haveringadultcollege.co.uk

NHS FIRE HAZARD A3:NHS FIRE HAZARD A3

26/11/07

17:52

Page 1

Fire

Hazard

With Paraffin Based Skin Products On Dressings And Clothing Skin products containing paraffin based products, for example White Soft Paraffin, White Soft Paraffin plus 50% Liquid Paraffin or Emulsifying ointment in contact with dressings and clothing are easily ignited with a naked flame or a cigarette.

Keep away from fire when using these products For further information, go to www.npsa.nhs.uk

Join the clubs for job success In May three local residents found work thanks to the help they received from the Job Clubs run by Havering Citizens Advice Bureau in partnership with Housing Services Community Engagement Team.

Sarah, who attended the Romford Job Club, applied for a job in child care and was nervous about how she would perform in the interview. Some role play interview sessions were held on an individual basis with her and we are pleased to say her confidence shone through at the interview and she got the job.

Jay Ali, who attended the Romford Job Club, got help with his CV and application letter and is now working full time in a warehouse job he applied for.

Completing the hat trick of success is Alexie Kumbenji who is now working for 16 hours a week as a customer assistant at Asda after getting help from Harold Hill Job Club.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/JobClubs

Representing your community More than 100 tenants and leaseholders have volunteered to represent their local community where they live under the old block representative scheme.

But now we are looking for more volunteers so that every part of every housing estate has its own representative.

These Community Representatives will be working with the Council: • By receiving an email or telephone call before an estate inspection so they can let the inspector know any areas which need particular attention • Reporting online any repairs or problems in communal areas • Attending a quarterly meeting to share comments and ideas with us • Suggest community projects and work with us and other residents to deliver these events such as Community Clean Ups and Family Fun Days Community Engagement Officer Luke Speller (E: Luke.Speller@havering.gov.uk) is coordinating the work of Community Representatives so do contact him for more details.

Meeting dates All the meetings are from 6.30pm until 8pm.

Thursday 7 September 2017, Hacton Hall, Haydock Close, Hornchurch, RM12 6EA Tuesday 5 December 2017, Romford Salvation Army, High Street, Romford, RM1 1JJ Tuesday 27 March 2018, Sapphire Jubilee Community Centre, Hillrise Road, Collier Row, RM5 3DQ More info: www.havering.gov.uk/CommunityRepresentatives

www.havering.gov.uk

Participation Panels

At its last meeting, the Participation Panel members were briefed on the current repairs service and plans to improve that service from 2018, Property and Land Services Manager, Kevin Hazlewood, explained the proposed changes which are intended to increase the proportion of repairs fully completed in just one visit.

Comments and suggestions were made and have been taken on board as part of the planning process for the new repairs scheme.

Community Engagement Manager, Keith Brown, then briefed members on the events being held over the summer and invited comments on a range of posters and leaflets to see how they could be improved in the future.

These comments have led to changes being made and improvements implemented.

The four panels are: • Community Support Services • Housing Demands Services • Property and Land Services • Tenancy Sustainment We already have a number of volunteers for each of the panels, who have been given training by TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) so they can get maximum benefit from taking part.

If you are interested in joining one of the panels, please complete the form on the web page for more details.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/ParticipationPanels

21

Help make your area look great

COMMUNITY

GREEN&CLEAN -UP As a Council, we are continually stri ving variety of local env ironmental issues. to prevent litter and support com munities to combat A fantastic way to a help improve you r local area is to A clean-up isn’t jus org ani se a community cle t about litter pickin anup. to help make a dif g; ference and to tak it could also be painting and pla nting. It’s an eas e pride in where All you have to y way you live. do is: •choose what you What we can pro want to do and wh vide: •let us know wh ere •help to find vol at you’re going to unteers to join you do •plan your clean•litter picking equ up ipment •removal of all If you would like waste collected further details, ple ase contact our Com 01708 433 50 8 or email even mu nity Development Tea ts@havering.g m on ov.uk

www.havering.gov.

uk/cleanup

Are you fed up with the way your area looks? Is there somewhere that needs tidying up, painting or where some bulbs or plants would make a big difference?

That’s what we’re aiming to do at a super seven of community clean ups across Havering’s housing estates next year.

Activities to include • • Youth bus • • Sports games • • Bouncy castle • Face painting

10am – 1pm 26 July 2017

Highfield Towers, Hillrise Road Collier Row RM5 3DQ

2 August 2017

Central Park, Gooshays Drive Harold Hill RM3 9LB

9 August 2017

Harrow Lodge Park Upper Rainham Road Hornchurch RM12 4EZ

16 August 2017 New Zealand Way, Rainham RM13 8JP 23 August 2017 Macon Way, Cranham RM14 1NZ

Arts and crafts Games and much more

We started in March at Oldchurch Gardens and will be running one event a month where you can come along and lend a hand to brighten up an area.

We’ve also done planting of flower tubs with the Artesian Close Community Housing Group and installed hanging baskets at Hacton Lane Hall as part of this project.

All the sessions starts at 10am and we’re aiming to be finished by 1pm but you don’t need to be there the whole time, every hour you can spare will be put to good use so if you want to help out please let us know using the form on the website.

When you can help The next events are:

• Thursday 28 September from 10am in Rainham • Friday 27 October from 10am, bulb planting at sheltered housing schemes

30 August 2017 Malan Square, Elm Park RM13 7JA

www.havering.gov.uk/FamilyFunDays

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/HousingVolunteers

22

At The Heart Summer 2017

Community Warden News

Celebrating a decade

The newest member of the Community Warden Team, Nick Sharp, had to guide swans on Main Road, Gidea Park back to safety on his first day of duty

Community Wardens carry out crime prevention days on different estates, giving advice on crime and picking up any issues

Residents on Havering’s housing estates know that the sight of an orange polo shirt means that the Havering Council’s Housing Services Community Wardens are out on patrol and March saw the 10th anniversary of their first patrol.

Community Wardens past and present got together at Hacton Lane Hall in May to reminisce over afternoon tea and a slice of a special anniversary cake before enjoying themselves on a bouncy castle – ideal for relaxing on.

Senior Community Warden, Claire Clayton, said: “The team of 11 Community Wardens and two Senior Community Wardens provide helpful advice and information to residents on a wide range of issues including

The current warden team relax at the anniversary party

community safety and crime prevention.

“Each housing estate across the borough receives regular patrols through the day and early evening where we pay particular attention to areas where Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) has been reported so we can tackle those causing a nuisance to their neighbours.

“The service has extended its remit since it was launched 10 years ago and the equipment we have available is also much improved; we recently received body cams which enable us to record any incidents or conversations we have which protects residents and staff by giving an accurate record of what takes place.”

Deputy Leader of Havering Council and Cabinet Member

www.havering.gov.uk

Community Warden News

of service

Fact File

There have been just 19 people • who have been Community

A security check by a Community Warden while at Highfield Towers in Collier Row

• •

Wardens since 2007 The first CommunityWardens were Kevin Costigan and Dan Ross The four longest serving Community Wardens still in the team are:

Terry Broad (since 10 July 2007)

Nadeem Mohiuddin (since 30 July 2007)

Community Wardens on patrol at Napier House in Rainham

for Housing, Councillor Damian White, said: “During the 10 years they have been on patrol the Community Wardens have enjoyed many successes and seen lots of changes but the one thing that hasn’t changed is the reassurance local residents feels when they see the bright orange polo shirts of our wardens on patrol.

“They have done excellent work during the last decade and I am sure will continue doing very good work in our community well in to the future”

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/CommunityWardens

Jenny Cashman (since 28 August 2007)

Gail Gateson (since 28 August 2007)

• All Community Wardens wear body cams The Community Wardens have three marked • vehicles which are equipped with CCTV • The Community Wardens cover 43 square miles On average a Community Warden is on foot • patrol for four hours every day.

23

24

At The Heart Summer 2017

Do It In A Day Getting repairs done quickly and effectively is important, which is why a new system has been introduced so that all day to day repairs in a specific street will be tackled on one day by the Council’s contractor, the Breyer Group.

Housing Services Responsive Repairs Manager, Elina Rice, said: “The aim is to improve the repairs service to Havering’s tenants and leaseholders. By having a known day, residents can plan ahead and the Council will do more repairs on time and at the first visit, because we will be in one location if a tenant needs something done.”

Tenants should report repairs in the normal way and the Council will programme non-urgent repairs to be carried out during these special days. Also if there is a repair that hasn’t been reported, we may be able to complete it for you on the day.

The dates for the repair days are listed opposite.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/repairdays

www.havering.gov.uk

25

Date

Area

​26 July 2017

Carnforth House, Marsden House, Bracknell House, Brackley House, Bedford House, Arnside House, Heathfield House, Hungerford House, Lodden House, Marsden House

2 August 2017

Morecambe House, Minefield House, Macclesfield House, Lynmouth House, Luton House, Thrapston House, Haslingdon House, Halifax House, Glossop House, Epsom House, Gillingham House, Camelford House, Wilmslow House, Wolverton House, Newmarket House, Portmadoc House, Northampton House, Nelson House

9 August 2017

St Helen's Court

​​16 August 2017

​ apier House, New Plymouth House, Dunedin Road, Gisborne Gardens, Queenstown Gardens, N New Zealand Way, Christchurch Avenue, Auckland Avenue

23 August 2017

​ ueen Street, Waterloo Gardens, St. Andrew’s Road, William Pike Q House, Thomas England House, Queen Street Villas

​30 August 2017

​Highfield Road, Hillrise Road, Highfield Towers, Highfield Link, Hendon Gardens, Harlow Gardens

6 September 2017

Prospect Place

​13 September 2017

​ uffolk House, Norfolk House, Sussex House, Surrey House, Kent House, Durham House, Devon S House, Cumberland House, Rutland House, Mawney Close, Rodney Way, Valiant Close, Victory Way

​20 September 2017

Brunswick Avenue, Macon Way, Lexington Way, Roseberry Gardens, Waycross Avenue, Moultrie Way, Griffin Avenue, Brunswick court (sheltered)

27 September 2017

Maygreen Crescent, Park Lane (sheltered)

​4 October 2017

Rush Green Gardens

​11 October 2017

Ongar Way, Theydon Gardens, Danbury Road, Fyfield Road, Canfield Road, Harlow Road, Writtle Walk

18 October 2017

The Rotunda, Fambridge Court, Cottons Court (sheltered)

​25 October 2017

F​ arnham Road, Hilldene Avenue, Chippenham Road, Kings Lynn Drive, Dartfields, Rothbury House, Crediton House, Wantage House, Ingleton House, Stratford House, Ripon House, Keswick House, Ringwood House, Morpeth House, Matlock House, Lincoln House

​1 November 2017

Malan Square, Bader Way, Wood Lane, Thomas Sims Court

8 November 2017

L​ eyburn Crescent, Leyburn Road, Southall House, Ulverston House, Runcorn House, Talgarth House, Wallingford House, Coleford House, Denbigh House, Chesham House, Havant House, Atherton House, Middlesborough House, Lampeter House, Enfield House, Helmsley House, Langport House, Orton House, Pulborough House

26

At The Heart Summer 2017

Performance against targets At the end of the last financial year the performance results were: Average time to re-let empty properties

Percentage of all repairs completed within target

Outcome 15.8 days

Outcome 90.62%

Target 14 days

Target 96%

Percentage of estates which have been inspected and is achieving an excellent or good standard

Percentage of properties with valid gas certificate (Council dwellings only)

Outcome 95.2%

Outcome 99.78%

Target 95%

Target 100%

Target 100%

Don’t miss out on the news

Every month we email At the Heart Online to more than 10,400 Council tenants and leaseholders providing them with the latest news and information about housing issues.

There are more than 143,000 subscribers who receive one or more of the 43 email updates produced each month by Havering Council.

Make sure you are not missing out and sign up to receive your copy of the email updates that interest you.

Sign up now to make sure you keep up-to-date.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/news

www.havering.gov.uk/housinginbloom

www.havering.gov.uk

27

Housing in Bloom proving popular

41 Poplar Street has been entered for the Best Front Garden category 39 Poplar Street has been entered for the Best Front Garden category

99 Wood Lane has been entered for the Best Front Garden category 37 Poplar Street has been entered for the Best Front Garden category

Already this year we are seeing spectacular growth for the number of entries already received and there’s still two months to go.

The five categories are:

The gardening gloves are off in Poplar Street, Romford where three neighbours are in friendly competition for the Best Front Garden category.

• Tallest sunflower

• Best back garden • Best front garden • Best communal garden • Best hanging basket or planter So have a chat with your friends and neighbours and get started today.

These gardens look lovely but there’s plenty more out there that could grow on the judges so do get your entry in as soon as possible.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/housinginbloom

Entry is free and there are voucher prizes for the top three in each category, with £100 for the winner, £40 for the second place and £10 for third place.

Key dates

This year there are five categories you can enter, with something for everyone to do from planting a small hanging basket or growing a single sunflower to getting a team together to beautify your communal areas.

Thursday 7 September Judging takes place

Thursday 31 August Friday 29 September

Entries close Awards ceremony

28

At The Heart Summer 2017

Event Listings Jobs Clubs

Leaseholder Forum

Mondays, 10am – 1pm Mardyke Community Centre, South Street, Rainham, RM13 8PJ. www.havering.gov.uk/ jobclubs Wednesdays, 10am– 1pm Betty Strathern Centre, 41 Myrtle Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8XS www.havering.gov.uk/ jobclubs Thursdays, 2pm– 5pm Collier Row Library, 45 Collier Row Road, Romford, RM5 3NR www.havering.gov.uk/ jobclubs Fridays, 10am – 1pm Havering Citizens Advice Bureau, 7-9 Victoria Road, Romford, RM1 2JT www.havering.gov.uk/ jobclubs

Family Mosaic runs weekly drop-in sessions at: Tuesdays, 12noon – 2pm Collier Row Early Children’s Centre, Clockhouse Lane, Collier Row​, RM5 3Q​J Wednesdays, 12noon – 2pm Chippenham Road Children's Centre​, 85-89 Chippenham Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8HP

More info www.facebook.com/haveringhousing www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

The following Leasehold forums will be held at Havering Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB on the following dates:

Residents’ Groups

The Highview Residents’ Association meets on the third Thursday of each month, 6pm – 7.30pm.

New members welcome More info www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing Ingrebourne Community Housing Group Coffee Morning Every Tuesday, 10am – 12noon Hitchin Close Hall, Hitchin Close, Harold Hill, RM3 7EG.

FAIRKYTES Buy tickets now for Fairkytes Live Open Mic Nights 2017 for Friday 23 June 2017 and Friday 3 November 2017. A chance to see local performers showcasing their talents. These promise to be fantastic evenings filled with family friendly entertainment.

Tickets can be purchased through Seetickets, or from the Fairkytes Box Office.

Tickets are £5 in advance (plus booking fee), £8 on the door.

If you are interested at performing at our events, please contact fairkyteslive@havering. gov.uk.

Details of other events can be seen online at www. havering.gov.uk/events

Wednesday 22 November 2017, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Wednesday 21 March 2018, 6.30pm – 8.30pm More info www.havering.gov.uk/ LeaseholderForum

Community Clean Ups Friday 14 July, from 10am in partnership with Highfield Community Group, Collier Row. Wednesday 16 August, from 10am in partnership with Petra TMO. Friday 27 October, from 10am bulb planting at Sheltered housing schemes.

Regeneration Consultation Meetings Chippenham, Farnham and Hilldene Avenue Monday 11 September, 6pm St Georges Church Hall, Chippenham Road, Harold Hill, Romford, RM3 8HX Maygreen Crescent Wednesday 13 September, 5.30pm Communal Lounge, Park Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1EL Waterloo estate Tuesday 19 September, 6pm Salvation Army, High Street, Romford, RM1 1JJ Oldchurch Gardens

Tuesday 26 September, 7pm YMCA, Rush Green Road, Romford, RM7 0PH Napier House and New Plymouth House Thursday 28 September, 6pm La Salette Church, 1 Rainham Road, RM13 8SP

Councillor White Surgeries Councillor Damian White, Cabinet Member for Housing holds surgeries once a month from 4pm – 6pm. If you have any housing issues you wish to discuss with Councillor White, please come along, you will be seen on a first come first seen basis.

Friday 28 July 2017 Hitchin Close Council Office, Hitchin Close Harold Hill, RM3 7EQ Friday 25 August 2017 Hacton Hall, Haydock Close, Hornchurch, RM12 6EA Friday 29 September 2017 Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB Friday 27 October 2017 Macon Way Council Office, Macon Way, Cranham, RM14 1NY

Family Fun Days Wednesday 26 July, 12noon – 3pm Highfield Towers, Hillrise Road, Collier Row, RM3 3DQ Wednesday 2 August, 12noon – 3pm Central Park, Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill, RM3 9LB Wednesday 9 August, 12noon – 3pm Harrow Lodge Park, Upper Rainham Road,Hornchurch, RM12 4EZ

www.havering.gov.uk Wednesday 16 August, 12noon – 3pm New Zealand Way, Rainham, RM13 8JP Wednesday 23 August, 12noon – 3pm Macon Way, Cranham, RM14 1NZ Wednesday 30 August, 12noon – 3pm Malan Square, Elm Park RM13 7JA To book please visit: www.havering.gov.uk/ FamilyFunDays

Youth Bus Visits Every Monday Bottom of Highfield Towers, Hillrise Road, Collier Row, RM5 3DQ Every Wednesday Central Park, Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill, RM3 9LB Every Thursday Elm Park – check social media for where we will be this week: Twitter: @LBHHousing Facebook: Havering Council Housing Services

29

Foster Care Information Events Information events for training, rewards and benefits of becoming a foster carer.

Presentations are being held at Havering Town Hall from 6pm to 7pm on the following dates:

Havering Show Will take place on August Bank Holiday Weekend:

Thursday 3 August

Sunday 27 August and Monday 28 August Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, RM11 1JR

Thursday 7 September Thursday 5 October Thursday 2 November

FREE admission for people to attend.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/ Youthbus

Fostering – A growing workforce in our community Havering is proud to celebrate the rewarding role of foster carers.

They are one of the hidden workforces in our community, who open their hearts and homes on a daily basis to look after children in our borough.

One of our experienced foster carers Alison, shared her moving story: “I have been fostering children for the last 12 years, and believe that foster carers not only provide a safe home environment but also act as the voice of the child for the young person living in our care.

“The continual drive to provide new experiences for all the children who have lived with me provides an incredible feeling of pride.

“People should be aware that fostering does however come with heartache, as like many people we take eating a simple meal at home for granted.

“I have cared for children who are not used to living in a household with food readily available, and supporting them through this transition reinforces the importance of fostering.”

Havering is seeking to recruit new foster carers from all backgrounds and ethnicities. If you are aged 25 years or older and have a spare bedroom, apply today to foster a child or young person. Our fostering service offers full training, financial rewards, continued learning and constant support.

This comprehensive approach was echoed by Alison: “I cannot fault the fostering team, I have received 24/7 support from either my Supervising Social Worker, Duty Social Worker or out of hours team.

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“There is also continual support from other Havering foster carers, with monthly support groups, summer activities, group fun days and even foster carer nights out.”

Take the next step and attend an information event, held on the first Thursday of every month at Havering Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB 6pm – 7.30pm.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/fostering

30

At The Heart Summer 2017

It's easy to do it online Sign up to Havering Council’s ‘My Account’ service at www.havering.gov.uk/myhavering and you can then access a wide range of services 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the website.

You can apply to move house, for energy efficiency advice, to rent a garage and much more at www.havering.gov.uk/applyhousing

0000 000

6543 2109 8765 4321

You can also pay your housing or garage rent and Council Tax by Direct Debit by completing and returning the online form, or you can pay online using credit or debit cards through www.havering.gov.uk/payforit

Housing on Facebook Do keep checking the Havering Housing page on Facebook to see what’s happening. You can also find out when the Do It In A Day repair teams are in your area, when the Cabinet Member for Housing is holding a surgery as well as the latest housing news.

You can report to let the council know about community and neighbourhood issues, housing issues and a lot more at www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

SeeMyData

Council tenants and leaseholders can get secure access to all their housing information online through www.havering.gov.uk/SeeMyData

Tenant/Leaseholder Repairs

More info www.facebook.com/haveringhousing

Looking for an article?

Past copies of At the Heart are available on the Council website so you can check an article from an earlier issue anytime.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/AtTheHeart

ICT support at libraries The 10 libraries in Havering all have computers available and offer support for people needing help to set up email accounts or access the internet. This free support is only available at certain times at each library as shown in the table. As these sessions are often run by volunteers. Please contact the library to confirm details and book your place.

Library Collier Row

ICT Session date Dates to be confirmed

Elm Park

Dates to be confirmed

Gidea Park

Wed, 10 – 11am Beginners' course over five weeks Thurs, 5 – 6pm Intermediate course over eight weeks Sat, 10 – 11am Techy Buddy session Mon, 10 – 11am and 5.30 – 6.30pm Tues, 10 – 11am Thurs, 10 – 11am, Fri, 10 – 11am

Harold Hill Harold Wood

Wed, 10.30am – 12.30pm pre-booking essential Thurs, 2.30 – 4.30pm pre-booking essential

Hornchurch

First Tues of month, 2 – 4pm, Techy Teas

Rainham

Last Wed of month, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Techy Teas

Romford Central

Wed, 10am – noon, ICT Support drop-in sessions, Fri, 10am – 12 noon, Beginners' four-week course pre-booking essential.

Sat, 1.30 – 3.30pm

South Hornchurch Upminster

Thur, 10.30am – 12.30pm First Thurs of Month, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Techy Teas.

1-2-1 IT help on dates and times to suit individual needs. Booking essential

Contact CollierRow.library@havering.gov.uk T 434936 ElmPark.library@havering.gov.uk T 434919 GideaPark.library@havering.gov.uk T 434978 HaroldHill.library@havering.gov.uk T 434973 HaroldWood.library@havering.gov.uk T 434975 Hornchurch.library@havering.gov.uk T 434903 Rainham.library@havering.gov.uk T 434970 Central.library@havering.gov.uk T 432389 SouthHornchurch.library@havering.gov.uk T 434921 Upminster.library@havering.gov.uk T 434933

More info www.havering.gov.uk/libraries - all telephone numbers 01708

www.havering.gov.uk

Councillor Damian White said: “I firmly believe that the Council needs to focus on the needs of tenants and listen even more to their views. Most importantly, act on them so that they are reflected not just in housing policies but also in our day to day work that has such a big impact on where people live.

“That is why any tenant or leaseholder can contact me directly to raise any housing-related issue they wish.

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Tell Damian what you think...

YOUR DETAILS Name Address

email phone Your comment

“Whether you contact me by email or post when you send the form back to me I guarantee that it will be seen directly by myself and you will receive a reply from me.

“I look forward to hearing from you."

If you want to get in touch please email.

Damian.White@havering.gov.uk or complete the form on this page and then post it to: Councillor Damian White Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB.

Cabinet Member’s Surgery

Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, is holding regular surgeries across the Borough so Council tenants can call in and discuss housing issues with him. The

surgeries will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and any tenants are welcome to come along. All discussions will be confidential.

The next monthly surgery dates are: Date Fri 28 July 2017

Venue Hitchin Close Council Office

Address Hitchin Close, Harold Hill, RM3 7EQ

Time 4 pm– 6pm

Fri 25 August 2017

Hacton Hall

Haydock Close, Hornchurch, RM12 6EA

4 pm– 6pm

Fri 29 September 2017

Town Hall

Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB

4 pm– 6pm

Fri 27 October 2017

Macon Way Council Office

Macon Way, Upminster, RM14 1NY

4 pm– 6pm

Fri 24 November 2017

Sapphire Jubilee Community Centre

Hillrise Road, Collier Row, RM5 3DQ

4 pm– 6pm

Fri 15 December 2017

Hacton Hall

Haydock Close, Hornchurch, RM12 6EA

4 pm– 6pm

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At The Heart Summer 2017

Havering Vision With a new team and an exciting vision in place, Havering Council is seeking a joint venture with a committed development company to build 3,500 homes, as part of its £1 billion housing plan over the next 15 years.

The partner will require drive and expertise to help deliver Havering’s vision, and a track record in making great places with high quality design.

An ethos of partnership and commitment to place and people will be essential to the success of this long-term relationship.

With excellent travel connections, awardwinning green spaces and great riverside location, Havering is on track to becoming a perfect place to live and work in Greater London.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) declared its London Riverside Opportunity Area as one of London’s best potential places for “massive change” and somewhere “genuinely affordable, where high quality homes can be delivered for Londoners”.

The completion of the Crossrail project and introduction of the new Elizabeth Line will further bolster the borough’s profile by providing highspeed access to central London from three of the borough’s stations, literally putting Havering on the map.

Havering Council is keen to maximise the opportunities for development within the borough and has committed to a series of regeneration projects that will create 30,000 homes, as well as 18,000 jobs, by 2035. The Council’s vision for the borough’s regeneration prioritises communities, places, opportunities and connections.

The Council is committed to increasing the number of new homes and supporting the development of the local economy through a focus on skills and jobs for the community, creating first class business opportunities.

We look forward to working with an active partner to help Havering achieve its vision of making a greater London.

Housing Zones Havering is one of the few London boroughs that has two housing zones.

The Romford Housing Zone will receive £34.9 million from The Mayor of London to support the delivery of around 3,300 new homes, that are split across a number of sites in the town and will help improve access routes to Romford station from the west of the town centre.

The Rainham and Beam Park Housing Zone will seek to transform the area, creating approximately 3,454 new homes, 941 of them affordable, as well as the construction of a new station at Beam Park and new infrastructure, including health and education facilities, and the transformation of the A1306 into a boulevard.

The project is being supported by more than £30.56 million in grant and loan from the GLA, and additional funding sources including £8 million from TfL for the New Beam Park station.