At the Heart Spring 2015

Magazine for tenants and leaseholders

www.havering.gov.uk

Spring 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 170 new homes p6/7 Food hygiene for jobs p10 Kidspace special offer p29

Some of the grounds maintenance staff, community wardens and caretaking staff who helped get the high satisfaction ratings in our recent tenants’ survey. Full story on p19.

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At The Heart Spring 2015

Dear residents Contact us homes&housing By email

For general enquiries: www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing Want to make a difference and get involved? Email our Community Engagement Team: getinvolved@havering.gov.uk For queries about rent: housingrents@havering.gov.uk To report Anti-Social Behaviour: asb@havering.gov.uk To find out about Decent Homes: capitalprojects@havering.gov.uk Send your comments about At the Heart or ideas for future issues: attheheart@havering.gov.uk

By telephone 01708 434000 Freephone 0800 1513444 Out-of-hours 01708 756699 Anti-Social Behaviour out-of-hours line: 01708 726685 Textphone 01708 433399 You can also arrange to meet with a member of staff at various locations throughout the borough by calling 01708 434000 or freephone 0800 1513444.

Visit our office Chippenham Road, Harold Hill RM3 8YQ

Opening hours Customer Contact Centre is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Welcome to the spring edition of At The Heart.

This edition celebrates some good successes that benefit Havering’s tenants and leaseholders.

The high level of satisfaction with our caretaking, grounds maintenance and community warden services shines through from the survey we conducted earlier this year. It is good to know that the hard work of our staff is appreciated by you and this recognition is very much appreciated, but we also know there is always room for further improvement and we will be looking at ways to achieve even better results next time.

Thanks also go to those of you who have come along to the surgeries I have been holding, some interesting issues have been raised for me to follow through. Dates of future surgeries can be found on page eight and I hope you will pop in for a chat if you have a housing issue you wish to raise with me.

This time of year always sees increases in rents and service charges as the Council sets its budget for the next year.

Havering Council’s rents are still the lowest in London, despite the high standard of service we provide. The average rent from Monday 6 April 2015 has gone up to £99.31 per week, which still represents very good value for money.

Service charges for leaseholders and sheltered housing residents will also increase from April and details will be sent explaining the individual charges.

As you know, At the Heart is posted to you every three months so we are proposing to launch At the Heart Online, an email update about Havering’s housing. The aim is to keep you in touch more quickly with changes taking place as well as letting you know about events and activities we are organising.

To make sure you get your copy, go to www.havering.gov.uk/Havering-Updates and add your email address to the At the Heart online link.

I hope you will find At the Heart online informative and interesting as we further improve communication between the Council’s housing service and its customers.

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

Published by Havering Council Job no. 4254 Spring 2015

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

Your sign up to Council email updates @

Sign up for the regular email updates from Havering Council

www.havering.gov.uk/havering-updates

www.havering.gov.uk

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Airwaves link to CCTV control A new link between Havering Council’s housing estate CCTV control room and the local police will allow more than 700 cameras to track incidents that occur in residential areas.

Operators in the control room in central Romford will have an Airwaves radio allowing them to talk to individual police officers, as well as the police control centre, to direct them to exact locations where an offender can be seen on the CCTV cameras.

Havering Police Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Jason Gwillim is shown the housing CCTV system by operator Tony Lane.

Councillor Damian White, Cabinet Member for Housing and Deputy Leader of Havering Council, said: “Our CCTV systems already go some way in preventing criminal activity and boosting safety in our borough.

“But now we can keep our neighbourhoods even safer as we’ll be able to help the police respond even faster to those who might need help or are causing trouble.”

PC Jon Learmouth, who helped to set up the initiative, said: “I recognised there was no direct link between the police and the council’s CCTV control suite in the Waterloo Estate and set in motion the steps to make this happen.

“After a number of meetings with the Digital Policing Team, Havering Council and the Home Office, we obtained the necessary licence to set up the equipment.

“This enhanced ability to access more cameras across the borough will not only assist officers but also help deter criminals and stop them in their tracks.”

The housing CCTV control room cameras are largely focused on residential areas making sure that the borough remains safe.

CCTV not only provides a deterrent for those who plan to commit a crime but footage can also help in other antisocial incidents including fly-tipping and littering.

Some recent incidents where CCTV has helped: • CCTV monitored a violent and threatening person with a metal pipe on the Waterloo Estate.

Police were called and dealt with the situation • Criminal damage to a vehicle on the Cherry Tree Estate. Evidence captured and downloaded for the Police • Fly tipping caught on camera by CCTV officers monitoring the Elvet Estate and Waterloo Estate • A tenant from Waterloo Estate claimed the car park barrier came down and smashed the rear window of his car. On checking the CCTV it showed he reversed his car too quickly and drove into the barrier.

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At The Heart Spring 2015

Rent increase agreed

Performance Targets The performance figures for January 2015 were: Anti-social behaviour case satisfaction Outcome 100%

Target 90.0%

Havering Council has agreed that the average weekly rent for existing tenants will be increased by £7.87, from £91.44 to £99.31 with effect from Monday 6 April 2015.

Even after this rise Havering will still have the lowest council house rents in London.

This is in line with the Government‘s current policy to restructure rents.

Council rents in Havering remain below housing association rents and significantly below private sector rents, which are around £250 a week for a one bedroom home to £340 for a three bedroom property.

The proposed council rent for 2015/16 is still within the housing benefit limits for the borough and so the 71% of tenants on full or partial housing benefit and prospective tenants in most financial hardship will continue to be supported.

Average time to re-let empty properties

Each tenant will receive details of the new rent level for their home based on the following summary:

Rents 2014/15 52 weeks

Rents 2015/16 52 weeks

Increase (£)

Bedsit

£70.55

£79.25

£8.70

1 Bed

£76.61

£86.92

£10.31

2 Bed

£89.60

£96.60

£7.00

3 Bed

£107.66

£115.71

£8.05

4 Bed

£121.77

£134.03

£12.26

5 Bed

£134.13

£148.03

£13.90

Average Rent

£91.44

£99.31

£7.87

Outcome 33.61 days

Percentage of all repairs completed within target Outcome 91%

Target 90%

Percentage of properties with valid gas certificate Outcome 94.05%

If you pay you rent by direct debit you need do nothing as the new rent will automatically be taken. If you don’t pay by direct debit, it’s easy to set up via the web page at www.havering.gov.uk/DirectDebitRent

Head of Housing changes Neil Stubbings (pictured, right), has been appointed as Havering Council’s Interim Head of Housing Services in February, following the retirement of Sue Witherspoon.

Target 25 days

Neil said: “I was looking for an organisation that wanted to maximise the benefits good housing can bring to a Borough and Havering wants to do that.”

Target 100%

7 MAY - GENERAL ELECTION YOU NEED TO BE REGISTERED IN ORDER TO VOTE.

If you are not already registered to vote, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or call 01708 432444

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At The Heart Spring 2015

Local homes for Plans agreed by Havering Council mean 170 new local Council homes for local people will be built across the borough during the next three years.

The new build programme will see investment in the existing council housing stock and the building of new properties over the next three years.

Cabinet member for Housing and Deputy Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Damian White, said: “Given the demand for affordable properties in the borough, fresh thinking was needed and that’s why we’re building more high quality homes. We also know people are desperate to own their own home so we’re stepping up our

The 2014/15 – 2015/16 New Build programme includes the following schemes: Project

Type of housing

Number of units

Affordable Rented

9 bungalows

Shared Ownership for elderly

10 bungalows

Replacement of hard-to-let bedsit bungalows with two bedroom family homes

Affordable Rented

12 houses

New Plymouth and Napier, Rainham – conversion of pram sheds

Affordable Rented

3 flats

Affordable Rented

11 houses

Shared Ownership

8 houses

Briar Road Estate, Harold Hill – redevelopment of the centre of the estate

Affordable Rented

36 flats

Shared Ownership

10 houses

Block Extensions – flats adjacent to existing flatted schemes

Affordable Rented

27 flats

Diana Princess of Wales House, Harold Hill

Affordable Rented

1 wheelchair adapted bungalow

Shared Ownership

5 houses

Affordable Rented

2 flats

Shared Ownership

10 houses

Kilmartin Way, Hornchurch

Affordable Rented

5 houses

Dewsbury Road, Harold Hill

Affordable Rented

5 houses

Taplow House, Rainham

Shared Ownership

16 flats

Phase 1* Albyns Close, Rainham bungalow scheme

Phase 2 New Plymouth and Napier, Rainham – infill on land at base on the towers

Lexington Way, Cranham

* Schemes at Garrick House, Ullswater Way, Ravenscourt Grove and Holsworthy House will complete in 2014/15

www.havering.gov.uk

local people

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work to get more families onto the housing ladder.

Included in the scheme will be: • Replacement of hard-to-let bedsit bungalows with two bedroom family homes • Redevelopment of the centre of the Briar Road estate in Harold Hill to include more homes • Conversion of pram sheds on the New Plymouth and Napier estate in Rainham to much needed flats.

Exciting plans to improve Highfield and Hillrise Havering Council is planning major improvement work for the Highfield and Hillrise Road areas in Collier Row. The final details are being discussed with residents during the next few weeks but proposals include: Works to the blocks • Balcony repairs and screens • Overhaul doors and new door entry • Improved lighting and decorations • Enhanced entrances and roof works • Better signage for both the blocks and the estate

Works to the landscape: • Identify areas of concern • Existing work to continue with pathways outside steps • Improvements to the car parking • Repairs to fencing, handrails and existing boundary walls • New soft landscaping including planting • A new open space for play and sport When completed the improvements should bring big benefits for tenants.

Information Day Tuesday 7 April 12noon to 4pm on the green outside Highfield Towers

More info: getinvolved @havering.gov.uk

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At The Heart Spring 2015

Cabinet Member’s Surgery During 2015 Cabinet Member for Housing Services, Councillor Damian White, will be 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.

If specific concerns are raised Councillor White will take these up with relevant officers and seek to resolve the issue.

The next meeting dates are:

Date

Time

Venue

Friday 27 March

4pm to 6pm

98A Macon Way, Cranham RM14 1NY

Friday 15 May

11am to 1pm

Hacton Hall , Haydock Close, Hornchurch RM12 6EA

Friday 26 June

3pm to 5pm

Highfield – room next to Highfield Towers, Hillrise Road, Collier Row RM5 3DQ

Friday 14 August

4pm to 6pm

Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB

Listening to you on the budget In September last year Havering Council launched a budget consultation, which included proposals to make savings of £17.5 million over the next two years, on top of the £40 million saved during the last four years.

That consultation ended in December. Since then the responses received have been analysed and councillors have been looking at what changes could be made to reflect the views of local people. The revised budget was approved by the Council on Wednesday 25 February and comes into force on Wednesday 1 April.

Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Roger Ramsey, said: “The main priorities of local people remain the cleanliness and safety of the Borough and our budget supports those aims.

“Where residents highlighted other issues, we’ve looked again to see what can be done. We’re facing very large cuts in our funding, so we’re only able to make fairly modest changes to our proposals, but we’ve tried to address some of our residents’ most pressing concerns.”

The revised proposals keep Upminster library – our third busiest – open for longer each week; they will allow for a stronger youth service in the future, keeping young people safe and off the streets; they will ensure that parking in parks is affordable during the week and free at weekends and they will phase the cut in subsidy to the Queen’s Theatre over a longer period to make it easier for the Theatre to adjust.”

www.havering.gov.uk

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Clean, Safe New bins boost recycling and Proud Three words that sum up the vision of Havering’s future which has been adopted by the Council.

The vision has been developed by listening to residents at recent public meetings and Meet the Leader events as well as from comments made during the budget consultation. The main parts of the vision are: • We want Havering to be clean and to look after our environment for future generations.

• We want you to be safe – whether you’re a pensioner walking through the town after dark, or a young child growing up without the security of a loving home.

• And we want you to be proud to live in Havering – where we respect each other, value our traditions and work together to improve our quality of life.

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

Bright new orange bins are appearing in the refuse areas of Havering Council flats and sheltered housing schemes as part of a campaign to encourage tenants to reycle more of their household waste.

Senior Estates Officer, Patrick Dankwa, said: “In the past there has just been one large bin where tenants left all their rubbish, which meant there was no opportunity for them to recycle.

“The bright new orange bins are easy to use and every sack put in them is one less sack going to a landfill site.

“Where the new bins are introduced our caretakers are delivering a Recycle for Havering leaflet to each resident and also chat with the residents they meet to encourage them to recycle.

“We will be introducing the orange bins in more areas during the next year, and hope as many residents as possible will use them as every item recycled helps the environment.”

One of the areas which got the new bins is Aldwych Close, in Hornchurch.

Resident, Tom, regularly uses the new facilities and said: “The recycling bins are very handy. If all residents recycle it will have a positive impact on society.”

Havering Council Senior Caretaker, Andrew, said: Since the recycling bins have been introduced there is a lot less litter and, because The new orange bins for recycling sit the cardboard and alongside the bins for other rubbish. newspapers are securely contained in Resident Tom uses one of the new recycling bins the bins, there at Aldwych Close, Hornchurch. have also been fewer rubbish fires.”

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At The Heart Spring 2015

Food hygiene course opens doors for jobs Havering Council’s food hygiene training courses are proving a tasty treat for tenants wanting to work in the care, catering or hospitality industries.

Course participant Kara Marks, of Romford, said: “The course was very good and taught me a lot of different things I didn’t know about bacteria and how to avoid them causing food poisoning.

“It makes you realise the responsibility you have towards the general public and how serious the consequences can be if you don’t have very high standards of food safety.”

Lulu Montague, of Upminster, added: “The course was very interesting and was taught in a way it is easy to understand and remember.

“If you’re busy in a kitchen you need the food safety information to be at the front of your mind all the time so

Lulu Montague and Kara Marks with tutor Rosemary Clark.

making it easy to remember is really important.”

The day-long course includes an exam which meets the standards set down by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

CIEH Trainer, Rosemary Clark, said: “I have now run five courses for Havering Council tenants and have really enjoyed all of them as the people on the courses are lively and interested to learn.

“Gaining the Food Hygiene Level Two certificate opens a lot of doors for people looking for work in a large number of industries, including the care sector, hospitality, catering and entertainment industries.

“The course covers topics including food safety, health and safety and food hygiene with a multiple choice examination at the end.

“To pass you need to get 75 per cent of the 40 questions correct and I am pleased that everyone on this course were successful.”

More courses are planned for later this year.

More info: getinvolved @havering.gov.uk

Enjoy great shopping, family entertainment and service with a smile St George’s Day Celebrations Sat 25 April • Donkey rides • Free children’s face painting • St George & the Dragon characters • Royal British Legion Band • Hornchurch Drum & Trumpet Corps Band • Town Crier • Circus performers • Inflatable slide/ride • Time 107.5FM broadcasting live.

Sean Wilson Roadshow

Easter holiday entertainment

Sat 4 April

Wed 1 April to Sat 11 April (Market days only)

Donkey rides Easter Egg Hunt Easter Bonnet Parade Children’s Face Painting Come along and meet Sean Wilson, a well-known actor, (most famously, Martin Platt in Coronation Street), presenting his award winning cheeses and a range of preservative free products here in Romford Market.

Romford Market, Market Place, Romford RM1 3ER For full entertainment details, or to book a stall, please visit www.havering.gov.uk/romfordmarket @ LBofHavering

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At The Heart Spring 2015

Insurance scheme is worth every penny Losing your keys can be a nightmare but Sally Clark, of Harold Hill, got quick service from the Council insurance scheme. In less than a week she received the full £136.18 to replace the locks and keys.

Sally said: “I’ve had the Council’s insurance cover ever since I moved in nine years ago and encourage other people to use it too. I pay 90 pence a week and get £10,000 worth of cover which is a very low premium.

“This was the second claim I had on the policy and again found it very good. A man visited very quickly and within a week I’d received the cheque to cover the cost of new lock and keys. It really is a very good service and quite cheap too.”

This is why Havering Council offers all tenants an insurance scheme where the cost starts from less than £1 a week and can be paid with your rent which makes payment even easier.

One in five Just one in five of Havering Council’s tenants has contents insurance for their home which means that if there was a fire, flood or accident they would have no insurance money to buy clothes, furniture or other possessions that have been destroyed.

There are many tenants who have made claims and been very impressed by the services so if you haven’t got contents insurance check out how much it would cost you, you’ve nothing to lose by getting a free quote.

TV fell from wall When the wall brackets holding her 42 inch TV came out of the wall smashing the TV to the floor Debbie Steans of Romford quickly got in touch with her insurance company and made a claim; less than a week after receiving the claim an assessor had visited and settled the claim for the full £500 cost of replacing the TV and repairing the wall.

Debbie said: “I had excellent service, I really couldn’t fault it at all. A lady visited, checked the walls and TV and within three days of her visit the money had been paid direct into my bank account so I didn’t even need to pay in a cheque.”

More info: julie.oakley @havering.gov.uk

Here are some of the key benefits: • Your belongings insured for as little as 90 pence a week (for £10,000 of cover) • Even lower rates are available for elderly people • Convenient payment in with your rent • Quick and friendly service run by Housing staff • Insurance available to ALL tenants regardless of status • No excess – so if you need to make a claim you get the whole amount you need • Rates fixed for three years • “New for Old” cover

Water leaks

Water leaks can cause a lot of damage and are the most common insurance claims in blocks of flats.

Here are some tips to avoid problems: • If you are going away turn off the water at the stopcock in your flat.

• If you have a key holder while you are away, let Havering Council know in case there is an emergency and we need to contact them.

• If you carry out any plumbing work in your property, this should be carried out properly and by a qualified tradesman to minimise the risk of any future leaks.

If you have work done in your flat which then leaks you are responsible for any damage caused, including in flats below or nearby.

If your property is below another flat and water leaks into your property, inform your neighbour as soon as possible, asking them to get the leak rectified.

www.havering.gov.uk

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Renew parking permits online Parking permits are the latest council service that residents can access online.

If you need to apply for, or renew, a resident’s parking permit, or if you need visitor parking permits, you can now place your order online, 24/7.

Once your application is completed parking permits are posted to you within 10 working days, and an email reminder will be sent to alert you when your permit is about to expire.

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

Housing news Like us on Facebook for by email news and information

Keeping tenants and leaseholders up to date with the latest news and information is important which is why Havering Council is launching a new email bulletin specifically on housing issues.

Already more than 2,500 tenants and leaseholders are on the subscriber list and will receive the first edition when it comes out in April.

Make sure you are ready to receive At the Heart online by adding your email address to the subscriber list today.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/ Havering-Updates

Facebook is an ideal way to keep in touch with family and friends, and now it can be used to keep informed about what’s happening with Havering Council housing services.

If you ‘like’ us you will then get alerts when we add news to our page, including details of job opportunities, training courses, events and useful information.

So next time you are on Facebook check out our page and ‘like’ us.

More info: www.facebook.com/ haveringhousing

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At The Heart Spring 2015

Will you be able to vote in the General Election?

On Thursday 7 May Havering residents will be able to vote in the General Election to decide who will form the next government.

To vote in that election you must be: • 18 years old or over • On the electoral register and • A British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen.

Each individual is responsible for making sure they are on the electoral register (the head of household can no longer add other people to the register).

Registration can now be done online.

Being on the electoral register may help your credit rating.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, or if you are a national from another European Union country, you can still be added to the electoral register using the online application but you will not be able to vote in the general election.

Moving house If your address changes everyone who is eligible to vote must complete a new registration online to update their records.

If you change name your need to contact the elections team so that you will still be able to vote.

Voting by post Some people find it easier to vote by post rather than going to the polling station. You can apply for a postal vote online.

Postal votes should arrive no later than Tuesday 28 April and must be received at Havering

Town Hall not later than 10pm on Thursday 7 May. Going away?

If you are unable to vote in person, or will be away from your registered address between Tuesday 21 April and Thursday 7 May, you can apply for someone else to vote on your behalf (a proxy vote). The deadline for proxy vote applications is Tuesday 28 April.

Polling Cards If you do not receive a polling card by Friday 10 April, you need to check that you are on the register. Some polling stations have changed, details are on the polling card.

More info: www.havering.gov.uk/ elections email: elections @havering.gov.uk

Key Dates Monday 20 April, midnight

Deadline for applications to be added to the electoral register.

Tuesday 21 April, 5pm

Deadline to apply for a postal vote or a postal proxy vote.

Tuesday 28 April, 5pm

Deadline to apply for a proxy vote to be used at a polling station.

Thursday 7 May, 10pm Deadline for postal votes to be

returned to Havering Town Hall.

133 polling stations will be open on 7 May More than 180,000 people are on the electoral register

Foster with Havering

Have ring foste Council rc earn up to arers £ Come 428/week to a inform ation n evenin 2 Apr g il • 7 M Town ay Hall, R 6 - 7.3 omford 0pm

Fostering rise to the challenge | reap the rewards

Call today: 01708 434 574 www.havering.gov.uk/fostering email fostering@havering.gov.uk

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At The Heart Spring 2015

New law tackles an A new law makes it quicker and easier to take action against anti-social behaviour (ASB) and nip the problem in the bud before it grows.

No case of ASB should be tolerated, and the Council will make sure that under the new powers it has it will be tackled head on.

Under the new act the victim will be given top priority and given meaningful help and support.

We will work with victims every step of the way to deal with the ASB they are experiencing, and then ask them to give feedback on the service they have received.

The changes to the law mean that the Council and the Police will address anti-social behaviour earlier and use the new range of powers to tackle complaints of nuisance, right the way through to the most serious cases of ASB.

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

Havering is a very safe place to live, and the new powers and changes to the law mean that we will be working to make it even safer for all of its residents.

Warden’s visit sparks gas alert When Community Warden, Liam Knight, called in to see 93-year-old Mr Read, at his home in Queen Street, Romford he noticed a very strong smell of gas from the kitchen.

Liam said: “Mr Read told us he couldn’t smell the gas. We could, so we aired the property and then checked the oven, boiler and fire place to see if we could find where the gas was coming from.

“We had no success so contacted the gas board

emergency number and switched off the gas main.

“We let Mr Read’s son know about the problem and he came to see his dad straight away.”

Three gas engineers came to the flat and confirmed that there was a gas leak coming through the kitchen floor into the property, and they began digging outside the flat to find the source of the leak.

The gas board provided Mr Read with an electric heater and a cooking hob, just in case they could not get the job done overnight.

Liam added: “I spoke to Mr Read and his son before leaving the premises. They both thanked me for all the help, and were very grateful that we visited him at the time we did as it probably saved Mr Read’s life’ “I went back a few days later to make sure all was OK and Mr Read was cooking his dinner and was very happy with the help of the Community Wardens.”

DID YOU KNOW? We have fitted 3,706 new kitchens in council properties since 2010.

www.havering.gov.uk

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nti-social behaviour The main change is the ‘Community Trigger’ which means victims and communities, subjected to prolonged and sustained ASB, can ask for a multi-agency case review.

The trigger can be activated by: • an individual, business or community group, or • someone acting on their behalf such as a councillor, relative or MP.

Three separate incidences of the anti-social behaviour must have been reported to the council or the police in the last six months, with no action considered to have been taken.

The council, police and other organisations such as housing providers will then work together to deal with the problem.

person responsible for ASB, including, in some cases, requiring them to address underlying causes of their behaviour.

There will also be new rules designed to speed up the eviction of tenants responsible for serious ASB by making it easier for landlords to repossess homes.

Other changes mean an injunction can be issued setting out clear standards of behaviour expected of the

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

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At The Heart Spring 2015

Practical help for winter Havering Council’s Community Wardens, with other Housing Services staff, have been calling on the 582 tenants who are over the age of 85 to offer practical help during the winter months.

Community Wardens Manager, Barry Armour, said: “Project 582 was designed to help elderly residents access all our housing services, to ensure that they are keeping well and warm in the winter period and highlight any caring issues.

“All residents visited were given a gift bag which included; a hot

water bottle, a warm blanket, socks, a thermos flask and sachets of soup, together with useful advice from the fire brigade and contact numbers for Community Wardens.

Everybody needs good neighbours Five Havering Council tenants have received Good Neighbour Awards after they were nominated by other tenants.

The five were: • Thomas Driscoll of Havering Road in Romford • Jean Freeman of Cottons Courts in Romford • Lois Mackie, of Taunton Road in Harold Hill • Marion Noble of Cockabourne Court in Harold Wood • Ivan Webb of Writtle Walk in Rainham.

Commenting on why she nominated Thomas Driscoll (pictured), neighbour Mrs Doreen Williams said: “Thomas helps with any issues I have, he also helps me with all my gardening work.”

“On the whole we have been pleased to find that our residents are quite independent in their day to day lives, and where necessary, their family members are providing care when needed.”

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www.havering.gov.uk

High satisfaction with services A survey of Havering Council’s tenants has shown high satisfaction with services provided from more than four out of five respondents.

Community Support Services Manager, Marina Crofts, said: “It is very important that the services we provide are the ones that tenants want and to a high standard.

“More than 4,000 tenants were surveyed with questions about the caretaking, community warden and grounds maintenance services and the results were very pleasing.”

Marina added: “These survey results recognise the hard work our staff put in to keep our estates pleasant places in which to live “But there is still more to be done so we can reach that 100 per cent satisfaction level and we will be working even harder to hit that target.

“Tenants can play their part too by not dropping litter, helping keep their areas looking nice and reporting any graffiti or rubbish that appears so it can be quickly removed.”

DID YOU KNOW? We have replaced 1,716 front doors to make them safer and more attractive, since 2010.

Some of the grounds maintenance staff, community wardens and caretaking staff who helped get the high satisfaction ratings – Gary Hooton, Michael Rack, Russell Old, Lynn Smith, Paul Walker, Liam Knight and Ben.

Community Wardens A total of 92.6 per cent said they felt safe since the community warden service was introduced, with 90.4 per cent saying they thought crime had fallen in their area as a result and 90.3 per cent satisfied with the overall service provided.

Caretaking A total of 86.9 per cent were satisfied with the overall caretaking service provided with 83 per cent satisfied with the response they received when reporting a problem, 82.3 per cent satisfied with the standard of the fortnightly cleaning of communal areas and 83.8 per cent satisfied with the removal of graffiti and fly-tipping in their areas.

Grounds maintenance An impressive 85.2 per cent said they were satisfied with the overall standard of grounds maintenance in their area.

very satisfied satisfied dissatisfied very dissatisfied

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At The Heart Spring 2015

LEASEHOLD

Independent advice for leaseholders Understanding your lease can be difficult and independent advice can be useful, which is where LEASE (The Leasehold Advisory Service) can help.

LEASE is funded by Government to provide free legal advice to leaseholders, landlords, professional advisers, managers and others on the law affecting residential leasehold properties in England and Wales.

It can provide advice by telephone, by letter or email, or in person at the office. It also arranges seminars and group meetings where large numbers of leaseholders can discuss a joint issue. LEASE publish a wide range of free advice notes.

Leasehold advisers are available for telephone advice from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

The LEASE guides provide detailed advice on the core issues that affect leasehold property. They are written, and regularly reviewed, by a team of professional legal advisers.

Among the advice guides available is Understanding your Lease, which explains the most common terms of a flat lease.

If you are buying a flat, this guide should help you understand the lease you are purchasing and help you avoid many of the problems leaseholders ask about.

This leaflet is not meant to describe or give a full interpretation of the law; only the courts can do that. Nor does it cover every case. If you are in any doubt about your rights and duties then seek specific advice.

More info: www.lease-advice.org

Get involved - speak to Sandy Havering Council’s Home Ownership Team, with the help of the Leasehold Focus Group, continuously seeks more efficient ways of working and transfer the savings made to leaseholders.

Sandy is the Chairman of the London Borough of Havering Leaseholder Focus Group and she can help you to bring general leasehold issues to the attention of Home Ownership team.

The group meets four times a year with the aim of improving the service provided by the Home Ownership Team.

If anything about your lease is on your mind, feel free to email Sandy on sandystevenson44@ aol.com or phone on 01708 479764.

Maximum set for service charges Under new laws that came into place last year, the maximum any Havering Council leaseholder will pay in charges is £15,000 over a five year period.

Havering Council is now able to also offer discretionary reductions in service charges when repair, maintenance or improvement work is to take place.

How the discretion is applied depends on individual circumstances.

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

DER FOCUS Service charge update www.havering.gov.uk

21

Paying your service charges by Direct Debit

It’s as easy as … 1 2 3 … to pay your service charges by direct debit.

1. It’s convenient … no more queuing at the post office.

By the end of February, all leaseholders should have received a letter with details of the estimated service charge for April 2015 to March 2016 Paying your share All leaseholders are asked to pay a share of costs in supplying services or carrying out works to their block or estate. This includes cleaning, maintenance, lighting and repairs to communal areas and gardens.

The service charge is worked out by looking at how much it costs the Council to provide the service and dividing it by the number of homes in each block or estate.

The service charge must be paid four times a year on 1 April, 1 July, 1 October and 1 January.

Paying on time If the service charge is not paid within 21 days, you will be in arrears and will be contacted to arrange payment.

If your account is not brought up-to-date, you could end up being taken to court and your credit rating may be affected.

Potentially you could also lose your home.

More info: homeownership@ havering.gov.uk

2. It means you no longer have to remember when your service charges are due.

3. You will receive advance notice if the amount due, the payment date or the frequency of payments changes.

You are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee. This gives customers complete reassurance of being protected by a number of safeguards including an immediate money back guarantee if your account is debited in error.

And of course, you have complete control as you have the right to cancel your direct debit at any time by contacting your bank or building society.

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

22

At The Heart Spring 2015

ASK THE

Getting a ne Carla Ah-Mane from Hornchurch and Romford Jobcentre Plus answers key questions to help you find a job.

Q I’ve been out of work for a long time – where do I start looking for a job?

A Most jobs are advertised

on employer websites or through job sites like Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk/jobsearch).

Jobcentre Plus offices in Main Road, Romford and North Street, Hornchurch have free internet access available for all residents.

There are also a number of work clubs set up across the borough where you can meet other Jobseekers and get help to apply. You can also keep up to date with Work Clubs, recruitment and events in Havering by signing up to Twitter and following all Jobcentres in your local area.

Q I’m worried that if I find a job I’ll lose my benefits and be worse off.

A You can get an estimate of how much Working Tax Credit you will receive using the Working Tax Credit Calculator (www.gov.uk/ working- tax-credit). You can also check if you are

impacted by the Benefit Cap using the Benefit Cap Calculator www.gov.uk/ benefit-cap-calculator

Q What are the best

industries for jobs at the moment?

A There are a variety of

sectors that are growing in the UK at the moment.

This year Havering Jobcentre Plus has run recruitment events across the following sectors: logistics (HGV and PCV Drivers), health care, warehouse operatives and media .

Q I’m nearing retirement

age but would still like to work – any tips?

A The most important part

of looking for work regardless of age or background/experience is developing your confidence with using internet and social media like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to find the right opportunity for you. There are all kinds of opportunities that could use the skills you have to offer, finding these is key.

EXPERT

www.havering.gov.uk

23

ew job Get support and help to get online, including using social media. Citizens Advice Bureau Romford at Victoria Road will launch a Work Club to support the over 50s looking for work and/or training.

More activities are planned to help the over 50s get online this year.

Q I’ve been looking for a job and I’m really struggling to stay motivated. Any advice?

A It is very disheartening if

you are applying for jobs and you don’t hear anything back. Work Clubs can help you stay motivated by meeting like-minded people and sharing your experiences.

It is important to review every application you make after submission, especially if you had no response. In Jobcentres we find that large volumes of applicants submit applications without a valid email address or a working phone number.

Always check your

applications and include keeping yourself motivated in your plans - make sure you are getting out and meeting people. Taking up a short course, volunteering, or joining a work club is a good way to get out there and keep motivated so you’re ready when you get that interview.

Q How can I shine during a telephone interview?

A The best way to impress

an employer is to know as much as you can about their business. Visit their website, check their business values, see if there are any employee case studies to help you and work some of this into your interview. Also always talk about actual things you have done, provide examples, so doing your research will give you an idea of the questions you are likely to be asked.

Q How can I look for a job if I’m not that confident using the internet or word processing?

A There are short courses

available across Havering to support you with developing your IT and digital skills. You can contact Havering Adult College to find out about their courses and how they can help you.

Q How can I join an

apprenticeships scheme?

A Look out for the Havering

Jobs and Skills Events #ChallengRM3 at myplace that are held quarterly and offer both Traineeships and Apprenticeships. You can also apply direct via www. apprenticeships.org.uk

24

At The Heart Spring 2015

Supporting the community

More info: kim.vasa@havering.gov.uk

The Havering Community in Action Portal is a website designed to help individuals or groups who want to develop services for local people in Havering.

It is designed to guide you in starting and running a group or organisation, or finding one that already exists.

The portal has been created by the Havering Association of Voluntary and Community Organisations (HAVCO) and Havering Council, and they are keen for community groups to sign up. The website is free to use for organisations and volunteers.

You can find out more here: www.haveringcommunityinaction.org.uk

Community in action

Need a garage?

Council tenants can receive preferential rent rates for council garages. Weekly charges for council tenants range from £7.41 to £12.64 while costs for non-council tenants start from £9.02 to £15.30 a week.

There is a waiting list for some areas and you will need to ensure you are using the garage for a vehicle and not just for storage.

If you would like to apply to rent a garage you will need a driver’s licence and paper counterpart, More info: log book, MOT certificate and neighbourhoodservices proper insurance. Applicants @havering.gov.uk with rent arrears will not be considered.

www.havering.gov.uk

25

Grant can help tenants buy their own home Up to £33,000 could be available for Havering Council tenants looking to buy their own home.

The Tenant Incentive Scheme (TIS) is available if you have been a Havering Council tenant for five years or more. It is an alternative to buying your home through the Right to Buy scheme.

The one-off grant, to a maximum of £33,000, can help with a deposit for a home anywhere in the country, not just in Havering, but can’t be used to buy your existing Council home.

Priority is given to applicants currently in two-bedroom properties, as these are in highest demand from people on the waiting list, although applications are welcome from any existing tenant.

Money for TIS is limited, so grants will be made on a first come first served basis, so apply now if you are interested in the scheme.

More info: libertyhousing@ havering.gov.uk

To be eligible for the scheme you must: • be a secure Havering Council tenant for five years or more • be able to get a mortgage offer in principle • have at least £3,000 in savings to cover legal and other fees you’ll need to pay when you buy a property • leave your current Council property when you move – family members can’t stay living in your current Council property.

26

At The Heart Spring 2015

Free basic bank account launched When Universal Credit comes into effect, benefit claimants will need to have a bank account.

The nine banks signed up are:

Nine banks have now agreed with the government to launch basic bank accounts, which will be free to use, so people can manage their money without fear of running up an overdraft and charges.

• Barclays

Basic bank account customers will be offered services on the same terms as other personal current accounts that the banks provide, including standard over the counter services and at the Post Office as well as access to the entire ATM network.

• HSBC

• Co-operative • Lloyds Banking group (Halifax and Bank of Scotland)

These basic accounts will have many features that will help people to budget, pay bills and save up.

• National Australia Group (Clydesdale and Yorkshire)

Accounts will be available to anyone who doesn’t already have a bank account or who can’t use their existing account due to financial difficulty.

• Nationwide

The terms of the agreement published will let every customer know what they can expect from their bank in the future the new accounts will be in place, if not before, by end 2015.

• RBS group (NatWest and Ulster Bank) • Santander • TSB

www.havering.gov.uk

27

Council Tax Support changes The Council Tax Support Scheme changes from April 2015 and almost all working age claimants will not receive as much Council Tax Support (CTS) as they did in 2014/15.

From April 2015 if you are of working age: 1. You will have to pay a minimum of 15 per cent towards your council tax bill, even if you or someone in your household receives Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support or Employment and Support Allowance.

2. If you are of working age, and your savings and investments are more than £6,000, you will no longer receive CTS. 3. If you have an adult with a low income in your household, you will no longer receive Second Adult Rebate. This also means that if you do not qualify for CTS in your own right, you will be required to pay your Council Tax in full.

Please think about how the above changes will affect you and how you can prepare for them by considering your income and expenses.

Various organisations are available to help you manage your budget.

The Money Advice Service www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk offers free advice on budgeting and managing money, planning your finances and cutting costs. Free debt advice is also available from The National Debtline on 0808 808 4000.

Make sure you’re getting all your benefits A simple check could mean extra money to top up your income.

It’s very simple and takes a few minutes to fill out a quick form online.

It won’t cost you anything but your time and you may be surprised to learn you can claim for benefits you thought you were not entitled to.

To carry out a check go to: www.stepchange.org www.entitledto.co.uk Once you have completed the online calculator, it will immediately tell you if you are entitled to additional benefits with an estimate of what you could receive.

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

More info: email: welfare.reforms@ havering.gov.uk

28

At The Heart Spring 2015

Council houses survey Walk-in for debt help To help Havering Council plan its future repairs and renewals programme it needs to know the condition of its flats and houses.

Michael Dyson Associates has been appointed to survey a sample of council houses.

If your home is one to be inspected a surveyor will call to check inside and outside, including walls, roofs, kitchens and bathroom heating appliances. The survey should take around 20 minutes.

Every surveyor will carry an ID badge and a letter of authority from Havering Council – you can check if they are genuine by calling 0800 1513444.

When financial trouble hits, it’s easy to feel alone.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP), which has two centres in Havering, is already helping hundreds of people who call up every week, through their free of charge Debt Help service.

It has now launched a walk-in debt advice clinic on the last Friday of each month between 12noon and 2pm at the Salvation Army, High Street, Romford, RM1 1JJ CAP also visits people in their own homes, negotiates with creditors and supports residents right up until they are debt free. It is available to anyone regardless of age, faith, gender or background.

More info: www.capuk.org

29

www.havering.gov.uk

Special offer at Romford Kidspace Adventures is an award winning indoor play centre and party venue, providing entertainment for kids whatever the weather.

Discover their Sky Trail, Go Kart Track, 25ft high climbing wall and Toddler Zone. There are slides galore and much, much more.

Named Havering Business of the Year runner-up in 2014, this year is set to be bigger and better than ever for the play centre, which is at The Romford Brewery and celebrates its 10 year anniversary this year.

Kidspace is constantly evolving to keep it at the forefront of the play industry.

The most recent transition saw its restaurant upgraded and a new menu introduced that is all about nutritious, fast food that is cooked fresh on site each day. New dishes include wraps, salads and hotpots.

For the grown-ups, the centre has free newspapers and magazines, Wi-Fi and plenty of comfortable seating.

Don’t forget to check out their fantastic range of parties, including Laser Tag. Customer June Barry said: “Kids love this place. You can sit and enjoy your stay while the kids play. Good food and amenities.”

Find Kidspace at The Brewery, Waterloo Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 1AU.

More info: www.kidspaceadventures.com

One free adult per family admission (excludes October and February half terms).

All visitors must abide by Kidspace “Rules of Play”.

This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Please bring this voucher with you to redeem the discount.

Voucher expires December 31st 2015.

Find us at: The Brewery, Waterloo Road, Romford, Essex RM1 1AU T: 01708 768 003 E: enquiries@kidspaceadventures.com

10221-freeAdmissionVoucher_67x139mm.indd 1

14/01/2015 14:43

30

At The Heart Spring 2015

Listings JOB CLUBS

More info: www.facebook.com/haveringhousing E: getinvolved@havering.gov.uk

GENERAL

Every Monday 10am until 1pm at the Mardyke Community Centre, South Street, Rainham RM13 8PJ.

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

Every Wednesday 10am until 1pm at the Betty Strathern Centre, 41 Myrtle Road, Harold Hill RM3 8XS. To book a place: E: infomyca@yahoo.co.uk T: 01708 377813 M: 07922 524125

St George’s Day celebration 25 April, 9am – 5pm at Romford Market The celebrations include bands, circus acts, climbing wall and bucking bronco rides.

W: www.havering.gov.uk/ RomfordMarket Havering Mini Open House Day 30 May - all day.

DOGS TRUST MICROCHIPPING AND HEALTH CHECKS Tuesday 7 April, 11am to 4pm Hillrise Road, Romford RM5 3DG

OTHER FORMATS

A chance to visit a selection of Havering’s most historic and intriguing buildings - admission free.

W: www.havering.gov.uk/ OpenHouse

Please call: 01708 434000 or email: homes@havering.gov.uk

Your sign up to Council email updates @

for the latest news and information from Havering Council sign up for our email bulletins go to www.havering.gov.uk/ Havering-Updates and then choose the bulletins you want to receive

Thursday 14 May, 11am to 4pm Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill, RM3 9DR

Helping Hands Local residents and Havering Council staff, along with the Breyer Group of Harold Hill, very generously donated games and toys to the Helping Hands appeal in December. All the gifts were distributed by St Kilda Children’s Centre to children who would appreciate them – thanks go to everyone who made a donation.

 www.havering.gov.uk

31

Tell Damian what you think...

YOUR DETAILS Name: Address:

email: Councillor Damian White said: It was with great pleasure that I accepted the job as Cabinet Member for Housing Services.

I firmly believe that the Council needs to focus on the needs of tenants, listen even more to their views and, most importantly, act on them so 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 housingrelated issue they wish.

Whether you contact me by email or post 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 3BD.

phone:

Your comment:

TENANT INCENTIVE SCHEME

Lingham Place, Harold Hill - architect’s impression

If you have been a Havering Council tenant for five years or more, and would like to buy a home of your own on the open market, the Tenant Incentive Scheme (TIS) could be right for you.

The TIS scheme offers an alternative to buying your home through Right to Buy. We can give you a one-off grant of up to £33,000 to help with a deposit to buy a home.

You can buy a home anywhere, it doesn’t have to be in Havering. You cannot buy your current Council property.

To be eligible for the scheme you must:  be a secure Havering Council tenant for five years or more  be able to get a mortgage offer  have at least £3,000 in savings to cover legal and other fees that you’ll need to pay when you buy a property, plus extra for your deposit  leave your current Council property when you move – family members cannot remain in your home.

Money for TIS is limited, so we’ll make grants on a first come first served basis – don’t delay, contact us today!

 

For more information email us at: libertyhousing@havering.gov.uk or call 01708 431010

