At the Heart Spring 2017

Magazine for tenants and leaseholders Spring 2017

FRAUD? Take the opportunity to let us know before we come knocking see page 3

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At The Heart Spring 2017

Dear residents

Contact us

You can report, apply and pay for a variety of housing services online.

For all enquiries please visit www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Welcome to the spring 2017 edition of At the Heart which is once again packed with news and information about the things that have been happening in Housing Services and what we are planning to do this year.

Visit our office

When I took on this role I promised that I would be accessible to tenants and leaseholders. Each month I hold an Advice Surgery at different places across the borough and, while these evening events are useful, I'm told that some people would prefer to see me during the day.

So, along with my colleague Councillor Jason Frost, we have set aside five dates when we will both be available from 9am until 6pm to meet with you and answer any questions you may have. Details of how to make your appointment are on page 31.

You can follow us on Twitter @LBHHousing

The Housing Regeneration Programme is moving ahead rapidly to provide 3,500 new homes in the next seven years. By the end of March we will have issued the tender to identify a development partner. We will be talking to those who respond throughout the year, so that we can narrow down the list to our preferred partner, whom we hope to appoint in November this year. We expect the first demolition to take place in late 2018.

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

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Residents on the regeneration estates are already being matched and moves are taking place nearly every week as empty properties become available. The information gathered during the one to one meetings means that practically every first offer being made is accepted as being suitable by the tenant concerned, which is a good result as it reduces the stress on individual households, and helps the Council’s regeneration programme.

Another big scheme, which is starting in March, is the building of a new Community Centre next to Highfield Tower in Collier Row. This £1 million project, which includes some funding from Tesco, will see a new Community Centre open this summer with a children’s playground next to it. The next phase will be to make the field alongside more usable as well as demolishing the old community centre to provide extra parking. This is an exciting project which has taken nearly two years to come to fruition and will provide much needed community facilities in the north of our borough.

Each month during the year we are organising a Community Clean Up on a different housing estate and I hope you will get involved in helping us improve your area, as we need you to work with us to make sure that every part of Havering is a pleasant place to live Councillor Damian White Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing

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

Published by Havering Council | Job no. D4929 Spring 2017

www.havering.gov.uk

Fraud clamp down means more homes for genuine tenants More than 26,000 visits have been made by the Tenancy Audit Teams with 367 referrals to the Fraud Team.

This has led to 27 Council properties being returned for letting to people in real need, due to breaches of tenancy agreements, and 36 Right to Buy applications were halted as conditions were not met.

As part of this crack down Council officers will be making unannounced visits on all Council properties.

The specialist officers can call anytime between 7am and 8pm, usually calling outside normal office hours as that is when people are most likely to be in.

A crack down on tenancy fraud has seen 63 homes made available and saved the Council more than £3 million since January last year.

All the officers carry ID badges with a telephone number on, which you can call to check that they are genuine Council officials.

WhistleBlower Reward

Each officer also uses a body camera which records while they are at your property. This means that there is a record of what the officer says to you, and how they explain the reason for their visit, and your response to them so that there can be no question about how a visit has been conducted.

If you provide information about someone who is illegally subletting their property and the Council gets control of the property back, you can receive up to £500 reward.

Property checks In accordance with the tenancy agreement, the officers will ask to enter the property so that they can see whether the people living there match the people registered as Council tenants. They will also take photographs to confirm who is living there, something they are legally entitled to do under the tenancy agreement.

During the visit they will also check that the property is being properly maintained and isn’t being used for unlawful purposes.

Tenancy Fraud hotline

Whistle blower reward If you are aware of someone committing tenancy fraud and provide information leading to the Council retaking control of the property, you can receive a reward of up to £500. Any personal details provided will be treated with the strictest confidence. www.havering.gov.uk

More info www.havering.gov.uk/TenancyFraud

Rents going down again

For the second year running Council tenants will see a one per cent reduction in their rent and this year that will include tenants in sheltered housing.

Service charges, which cover the cost of services provided for you, are increasing as costs go up and the Council aims to recover the cost of those services.

Keep an eye out for your official letter giving details of your new rent and service charges.

If you pay by Direct Debit Mandate you need do nothing more as we will automatically change the amount we collect.

If you’re not on Direct Debit now is the time to sign up so that you pay your rent on time.

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At The Heart Spring 2017

Regeneration: where are we now?

In January a multi-disciplinary team, led by Savills, was appointed to work with Havering Council to identify a suitable development partner for our Regeneration Programme.

Tenders will go out in March seeking such partners and discussions will be had with them throughout 2017.

In December Cabinet will be asked to appoint a development partner and during the first six months of 2018 that partner and the Council will set up a Joint Venture Company.

The remainder of 2018 will be spent preparing plans and designs for consultation with residents before demolition starts on the first estates at the end of 2018.

In the meantime as empty properties become available we are matching them against the housing needs of tenants in the regeneration areas.

In the first month of the matching process 34 general needs households and 28 sheltered housing households were matched to empty properties and only two 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.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingRegeneration

DELTA TMO Estate Residents living on the DELTA TMO estate in Gidea Park have been briefed on plans to build around 300 new homes on underused plots of land around the estate.

Twelve areas have been identified and were discussed with residents at an open meeting on Tuesday 7 March.

The TMO Board has also examined the project and given it broad support subject to the scheme including additional, perhaps multi-level, car parking and a play area for children.

As further information becomes available we will hold more meetings for residents and distributing additional newsletters.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/DELTATMO

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.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/OldchurchGardens

The Savills team visit Napier House as part of a tour of the regeneration areas

www.havering.gov.uk

Waterloo Estate Queen Street sheltered housing scheme is now nearly empty with residents being moved to homes which meet their housing needs.

When the final people are moved out this scheme will be used as an extension to Queen Street Villas hostel to reduce the number of people in bed and breakfast accommodation.

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.

Maygreen Crescent and Park Lane Estate A number of tenants have already moved out of these tower blocks and the empty flats are being used as short term accommodation for people who were in bed and breakfast or hostel accommodation.

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.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/ MaygreenCrescent

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 empty flats are being used as short term accommodation for people who were in bed and breakfast or hostel accommodation.

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.

Cold weather payments have been paid again this year as a contribution towards the extra heating costs involved in keeping these flats warm More info www.havering.gov.uk/ NapierandNewPlymouth

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At The Heart Spring 2017

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.

We will keep residents informed about what is happening through newsletters and meetings.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/Hilldene

On the move – how we 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 fitting.

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.

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.

We will pay for your post to be redirected and for disconnection and reconnection costs for utiliites, including satellite TV. All of these costs are covered by a Disturbance Payment.

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 before this payment is made.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 – see page 14 for more details.

www.havering.gov.uk

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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.

Dewsbury Road, Harold Hill

Briar Road, Harold Hill

Site plan of the Dewsbury Road development Work has started on building five three-bedroom houses on this former garage site.

Site plan of the Briar Road development Residents met at the beginning of March to hear details of the proposals to redevelop of some void properties at 1 to 7 Briar Road, a garage area, The Betty Whiting Centre and the small parade of shops in Briar Road.

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

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

Lexington Way, Cranham

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 started in March and should be completed by spring 2019.

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

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

Bridge Close, Romford A public meeting was held for residents living in the development area in October last year, followed by one to one meetings with individual residents. Meetings have also taken place with businesses and business premises owners within Bridge Close.

The Developer First Base has now purchased a significant land holding within Bridge Close, meaning the Council and First Base can work toward a formal Joint Venture partnership to bring forward plans to deliver around 840 new homes, a mix of workspace and community amenities, and a bridge linking the site to the Romford Crossrail station.

More info www.havering. gov.uk/BridgeClose

Site plan of the Lexington Way development Work is progressing on building 12 new Council properties which include two two-bedroom flats, three two-bedroom houses and seven three-bedroom houses.

A new parking area has been provided for residents to use while construction takes place and the final scheme will include an extra 49 spaces.

Consultation has taken place regarding a name for the new development and after input from the various statutory services it has been decided to call the cul-de-sac Clayfield Close. This name has historic links with the area as Cranham supplied a special type of clay suitable for using as bricks.

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

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

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At The Heart Spring 2017

Kilmartin Way

White Hart Lane, Collier Row

Site plan of the Kilmartin Way development Work is underway building 18 new homes at 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.

A residents’ steering group has been set up and is meeting regularly to provide feedback regarding what is on site.

An archaeological survey of the site has now been completed and work on the foundations should be underway.

The name for the new development is Sopwith Close as a special tribute to the 100th anniversary of World War One as among the aircraft that flew from this airfield were Sopwith Camels, Sopwith Pups and Sopwith 11/2 Strutters.

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

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

Roseberry Gardens, Cranham The financial viability of this project to build three two-bedroom bungalows has been reassessed and it is no longer viable for the Council to proceed with this scheme so it is proposed to sell the land to help finance other house building elsewhere in the borough.

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

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

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 23 new homes across the two sites, were already deposited with the Regulatory Services Committee. Planning permission has been received in principle for the smaller site while we expect decision for the larger site before end of April 2017.

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 If approval is given work is likely to start in early summer this year.

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

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 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.

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

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/Lombard Court

Albyns Close, Rainham

Site plan of the Coleridge Road & Tennyson Road development 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.

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

The new bungalows at Albyns Close Ten of the new bungalows for affordable rent have now been let with the tenants moving in this month, including several from Maygreen Crescent which is one of the sites in the Housing Regeneration Programme.

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

Sales of the nine Shared Ownership bungalows are progressing, including two to residents from sites in the Housing Regeneration Programme.

The sales are continuing as we sort out some minor legal issues. We apologise for any delays this may have caused.

Sales and Marketing Officer Ian Nolan is the person to contact regarding buying the properties through Shared Ownership.

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

Bedroom and kitchen interiors at Albyns Close displaying the high quality of finish.

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At The Heart Spring 2017

Looking After Someone’s Child?

Or is someone else looking after yours? This could be Private Fostering Private fostering is when a child or young person up to 16 years of age (or 18 if the child is disabled) is in the care of someone who:

Private Fostering Is someone else’s child living with you. Has this been for more than 28 days?

»» Is not his or her parent »» Does not have parental responsibility »» Is not a close relative - such as a grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle (whether blood relative or by marriage) or a step-parent »» when a child is looked after for 28 days or more

Is your child living with someone else.

Has this been for more than 28 days?

If your child is being looked after by anyone else who is not a close relative then this is known as a private fostering arrangement.

If you are looking after somebody's child and are not a close relative this is also a private fostering arrangement.

For either arrangement please contact Havering Council’s MASH team. We offer support to both yourself and the child.

Private fostering can happen in a range of different circumstances. The list below gives some examples: »» Children sent from abroad to live with other families, or extended family members, in the UK. »» Children whose parents have paid someone to care for them whilst they are away working or studying. »» Unaccompanied minors who are living with friends or strangers. »» Teenagers living with the family of a

If this is not a close relative this is Private Fostering, we need to know.

Please contact Havering Council immediately, we can offer support and advice.

Havering Council Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): Phone: Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm) 01708 433 222 Out of hours/weekends 01708 433 999 Email: tmash@havering.gov.uk

Refer online www.havering.gov.uk/privatefostering 004479_Private Fostering A4 REPRINT.indd 1

17/03/2016 18:14

boyfriend or girlfriend.

family as a result of parental separation, divorce or arguments at home..

»» Children and young people who have to live away from their own

More info www.havering.gov.uk/privatefostering

Free chance to get your dog checked and chipped The law now requires you to have your dog micro-chipped and you can that done for free on 4 April, 11am to 3pm at Kingsbridge Circus, Harold Hill, RM3 8PB.

While you’re there your dog can have a free health check, and you can get free advice on health and training of your pet

If you want your dog neutering during your visit that can be done for £35.

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

www.havering.gov.uk

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Photograph the past with the technology of the future Havering Adult College offers a range of courses at different campuses, including in Collier Row, Harold Wood and Rainham. Details of courses are in the prospectus available at local libraries or online.

History Courses and Tours Come and discover some fascinating historical facts.

Our expanding history courses cover a wide range of subjects, including public houses of London, Body Art and Piercing, Elizabeth I’s England, Street Art and, the impact of the World Wars, to name but a few.

Whet your appetite with these short courses.

Book four history courses together and get the cheapest free!

Digital and Street Photography

This course consists of a one hour session at the start of the day, followed by travel and a day of learning and photography.

Learners will return and review their learning at the end of the day.

Upcoming trips: Saturday 25 March Brick Lane Saturday 29 April Covent Garden Saturday 10 June Street Art and Graffiti Saturday 1 July Greenwich and The Maritime Museum

Preparation for GCSE (English, Mathematics, Science, Psychology) Preparation courses prior to the full GCSE and introduction course beginning in September 2017. This short course prepares learners for the GCSE programme in terms of its content, specifications and workload, without the pressure of the assignments and exams.

Brush up on your skills and prepare yourself for your studies in the GCSE.

On these one-day courses learners will develop their skills in street photography and, learn new techniques using a variety of settings with their cameras to take pictures of chance encounters and random images within public places in London.

More info: www.haveringadultcollege.co.uk

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At The Heart Spring 2017

Tenant Management

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

Christmas art winners

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 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 warden assisted, 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

Residents’ Association Round-up Highview, Collier Row Monday Club Every Monday from 10am until 1pm residents over the age of 55 can call into the Highview Community Centre, Hillrise Road, Collier Row for a cup of coffee and a chat.

Repairs and maintenance The Residents’ Association has asked Havering Council to repair the door entry system on the main door of Highview Towers and has also asked for repairs to the LED lights installed in the footpaths leading to the main doors on blocks throughout the Hillrise Estate.

The Delta TMO Estate ran a ‘Christmas Art Competition’ for younger residents. Two lucky winners received certificates and gift vouchers from DELTA TMO Board Chair Sandy Stevenson. Jack Marshall won the five years and under category while Ella Nash took the top prize in the six to 10 years category.

Wardens at BETRA The Community Wardens were at the BETRA estate in Harold Hill recently as part of their programme of taking the office out to residents.

Tenants and leaseholders were able to visit the outside unit and discuss tenancy problems, report repairs, and discuss any anti-social behaviour issues that they may be experiencing.

Although it was a very cold day, we were pleased to see a good number of residents and were able to pass out crime prevention advice and complete several repair requests.

The Community Wardens were joined by Dan Sexton from the Estates Services team.

Clean-Ups This year sees a programme of Community Clean-Ups taking place and two of those are going to be in partnership with TMOs. The clean-ups are more than just about clearing rubbish.

The aim is to improve areas by painting or creating murals, or by planting bulbs, plants and shrubs.

www.havering.gov.uk

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Organisations News range of different items including a duvet, baking trays, flooring and fridge shelves. The main reason for blockages is pizza boxes which haven’t been folded over or torn up so they fit down easily.

AGM Round Up New Board elected At the DELTA TMO (Tenant Management Organisation) Annual General Meeting in December, Sandy Stevenson was unanimously re-elected as Chairman and Frances Gerlach as Company Secretary and Treasurer.

Sandy said: “The last year has been a successful one for Delta TMO and the next 12 months looks set to be an even better one, as we expect work to start on our new office in May as well as other improvements to the estate.

“I am pleased the AGM was so well attended and that we have attracted some new members to the Management Board.”

DELTA TMO staff spent more than 39 hours clearing blocked rubbish chutes last year – time they should have been spending helping improve the estate, so please only use the rubbish chutes to get rid of rubbish that will fit down them.

Tax your car or off it goes Havering Council’s Community Wardens patrol the DELTA TMO estate every day and one of the issues they are tackling is untaxed vehicles left on roads and in car parks on the estate.

If your vehicle isn’t taxed it will be taken away and could be scrapped, so make sure your car tax is up to date.

Pounds for play…..

Last year DELTA TMO spent around £30,000 improving play area facilities for the estate’s younger residents. If you have any suggestions for further improvements, please let the office know. ….and for improvements The DELTA TMO Management Board is aiming to spend around £120,000 in the next financial year on improvements on the estate.

Time for play Climbing frames, swings, and much, much more will fill the days for children on the DELTA TMO estate as the final phase for the work on the children’s playground is now complete.

Back row, L to R: Alan Shaw, Graham Marston, Frances Gerlach, Colin McGraw and Paul Barrett

The total cost for all the work was £25,000.00 which was paid for by DELTA.

Front row, L to R: Susan Jidadja, Sandy Stevenson and Natasha Coombe.

This included new equipment to replace obsolete and missing items and reflects the needs of the children who use the playground.

Repairs report DELTA TMO Estate Manager, Laurence Griffiths, told the AGM that there had been 536 repairs completed in the last year with blocked sinks, basins and baths being the top reason for a repair call out.

Blocked rubbish chutes Rubbish chutes in the flats were blocked 196 times during the year as residents tried to use them to get rid of a

The Housing Services Community Engagement team is co-ordinating these events which are on: »» Thursday 22 June from 10am in partnership with Delta TMO »» Thursday 3 August from 10am in partnership with Petra TMO. If you’re able to join us for an hour or two please let us know by completing the online form, or if you have an idea for an

DELTA TMO Board Chair, Sandy Stevenson, said: “We consulted a number of parents before the work commenced to get their views and suggestions on the proposed layout and equipment, which helped to make the play area a success with more children using it especially over the warmer months.”

improvement in your area please let your TMO manager have details of your suggestion.

We know that by working together we can achieve some great improvements.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/HousingVolunteers

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At The Heart Spring 2017

Money Matters

Paying us can cost a lot The way you pay your rent and service charge can cost a lot of money, which means less to spend on providing you with better services.

If you pay using an Allpay Card

If you pay using a credit or debit card

If you pay by Direct Debit

Paying by Direct Debit saves you time and means you don’t get into arrears, as the payment is taken from your account each month – you can choose whether it goes out on the first, seventh, fourteenth or twenty-first of the month to suit your personal finances.

It costs the Council £0.43p

It costs the Council £0.33p

It costs the Council £0.02p

Paying this easy way also means that, when your rent or service charge changes, you need do nothing as we will send you a letter showing the new charge and automatically take the new amount each month.

Paying by Direct Debit also saves the Council money, as it only costs two pence to process, compared to 33p if you pay by credit or debit card and a massive 43p if you pay using an Allpay Card.

Every penny we save on paying such bank charges means more money to put into services for tenants, such as repairs, new facilities and improved cleaning and caretaking.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/DirectDebit

Benefit cap

There is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get. This is called the benefit cap.

Win £100 with a winning way to pay

Paying by Direct Debit means you’re already a winner, as it saves you time as well as effort and now it can win you £100 paid into your account.

The amount of certain benefits that a household can receive in Havering is £442.31 per week for couples, couples with children and lone parents, and £296.35 per week for single people.

If you sign up to pay by Direct Debit before Monday 24 April you could win £100, as your form will go into a prize draw and one lucky winner will be chosen at random on Friday 28 April.

The benefit cap can affect any housing tenure, however there are special rules for specified accommodation e.g. hostels and refuges.

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

If a household is affected by the benefit cap, their housing benefit will be reduced to take the amount of benefits that they receive under the cap figure.

This means that the amount of rent that they have to pay out of their income will increase.

Example: A lone parent on income support with three children living in a property with rent of £258.08 per week who gets income support of £73.10 per week, child benefit of £48.10 per week and child tax credit of £170.95, per week which is a total of £292.15, will only get £150.16 in housing benefit, which means that they would have to pay £107.95 per week in rent out of their benefits of £292.15.

The Welfare Reform Team can help you complete a household assessment to determine your individual needs, so that an action plan can be created to help you back into work.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/BenefitCap

We’ll let you know if you’re a winner so do get that Direct Debit mandate completed and returned today.

www.havering.gov.uk

15

What service charges do tenants pay?

Service charges vary from tenant to tenant depending on what services you receive from the Council. Here are explanations of some of the main charges that appear on your annual Notice of Annual rent Review.

There may be other charges that are specific to your block and if you need clarification please contact askhousing@havering.gov.uk.

Net Rent This is the net rent you need to pay after any deductions have been paid.

Block Cleaning If your block is cleaned by the caretaking team the charge is based on the number of hours spent by the team at the block.

The charge also covers the cost of cleaning materials, appropriate clothing, transport etc.

Bulk Rubbish Collection This charge covers the cost of removing items that are fly-tipped on Housing Services land.

CCTV Monitoring This charge is for a centralised CCTV system which assists in the detection of anti-social behaviour and crime.

Neighbourhood Warden Scheme This charge is for the Community Warden Service which responds to our residents’ concerns about anti-social behaviour, graffiti and fly-tipping. The Wardens regularly patrol the area but are not Police Officers and do not have the same powers, but are able to gather evidence and reduce the fear of crime. Their routes are scheduled to cover all areas managed by Housing Services.

TV Access This charge is for the upkeep of the TV aerial system. If there is a TV terrestrial or satellite point in your property you contribute towards the cost of maintaining and repairing the system, whether you choose to use it or not. Once fitted in your property, the point cannot be removed.

Door Entry System This charge is for standard maintenance to tenant controlled access systems and includes items such as clock changes in October and March each year.

Estate Environmental Services This charge covers maintenance and safety checks play equipment and similar facilities on Housing Services land.

Grounds Maintenance This charge is for the upkeep of any communal grounds on the estate. It is based on the type of maintenance carried out (grass cutting, shrub tending, weed control etc) and the size of the area maintained.

If you are a leaseholder you can see what charges you pay on page 19

Water and Sewerage Charges This covers water and sewerage costs incurred by the Council regarding your property.

16

At The Heart Spring 2017

Let's clear the air in Havering!

Air pollution in London is linked to almost ten thousand premature deaths a year. Although in Havering our air is cleaner than most boroughs, we can still do more to reduce air pollution.

Help Miles the Mole prevent bad air days:

Inside your home • Ensure your home is well ventilated.

• Reduce the amount of cleaning products you use, especially aerosol sprays such as hairspray or furniture polish.

• Keep your home clean using wet dusting or mopping and ensure your vacuum cleaner has a high efficiency particulate filter.

• Don’t smoke indoors, or better still, give up smoking completely.

For help and support see https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree • Install a carbon monoxide monitor and regularly check its batteries.

Outside your home • Switch on to clean air and switch off your engine whenever possible • Travel smarter – when possible walk and cycle instead of driving.

• Get into Greening - try growing flowers, plants and vegetables at home - or how about joining ‘Friends of’ groups for parks and green spaces?

Poor air quality affects everyone, but can be particularly dangerous for young children and older people with pre-existing health problems, like heart conditions or lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

Do your share

let’s clear

1

Switch off your engine whenever possible to reduce pollution

3 Get into greening; plant and grow more trees and flowers

• Enjoy the outdoors and make the most of our award winning parks and green spaces.

Walk and cycle more to improve your health and the environment

4

Enjoy the outdoors in Havering’s beautiful parks and open spaces

5

Sign up for air alerts www.airtext.info/signup

• Sign up for air alerts - download the free Air Text app at www.airtext.info/signup More info www.havering.gov.uk/ClearTheAir

2

air!

For further advice,visit www.havering.gov.uk/airquality

Help Miles the Mole!

www.havering.gov.uk

Flat is now a family home

17

What do employers want

Paula Arkell-Waller, from Breyer Group, ran an interactive event which included interview techniques and advice on how to organise a job search.

Councillor Damian White, Laurence Griffiths, Narlisa Davis, Neil Stubbings and Councillor Melvyn Wallace.

There’s no place like home and for the first time in three years a flat in Mountbatten House, Gidea Park has been brought back into use as a family home.

The flat had been ear-marked as a potential office for the Delta TMO (Tenant Management Organisation), which manages the estate but now planning permission has been given for a purpose built office behind Mountbatten House. This means the flat can now used as a family home.

Narlisa Davis, with her daughter and son, has now moved into the flat and are rapidly turning it in to their family home. They welcomed Havering Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, Ward Councillor Melvyn Wallace, Delta TMO manager Laurence Griffiths and Havering Council’s Interim Director of Housing, Neil Stubbings, for a visit.

Councillor White said: “Two-bedroom homes in Gidea Park are in high demand and it made sense for us to get this flat back into use as a home while at the same time ensuring Delta TMO gets an office which meets their needs as they manage this estate on our behalf.”

Laurence Griffiths added: “We are pleased with this result and welcome Narlisa and her family as the latest tenants to join us at Delta TMO. We are looking forward to the new office being built and work will start in late spring and be completed by the autumn.”

When you’re looking for work it’s hard to know what employers will want to see on your CV, on an application or at interview, but thanks to a new initiative between Havering Council Housing Services and Harold Hill-based Breyer Group, the borough’s job seekers got first-hand knowledge at some special workshop.

At the workshops Paula Arkell-Waller, from Breyer Group, ran an interactive event which included interview techniques and advice on how to organise a job search so you give employers they information they need to decide whether to interview you.

Deputy Leader of Havering Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, said: “We offer a number of ways to help local residents looking for work including four weekly Job clubs in different parts of the borough.

“This workshop with Breyer Group is a new addition to the support available for residents and gave practical help and advice from the perspective of one of Havering’s larger employers so we hope all 15 places will be filled.”

Managing Director of Breyer Group, Tim Breyer, said: “As one of the area’s major employers we are pleased to be working with Havering Council to offer help to residents looking for a job.”

“Our workshops have proved popular and successful in other parts of London and this first one was well received.

We hope the ones we have planned for later in 2017 will have similar results here in Havering.”

Places on future courses, which will take place at The Training Room, Hitchin Close, Harold Hill, are limited to 15 and should be booked at www.havering.gov.uk/JobClubs

18

At The Heart Spring 2017

Home Owner News Working with you Leaseholder Forum The Leaseholder Forum is your opportunity to have your say about how the Council works with leaseholders and the quality of services provided.

We are looking for more leaseholders to join the forum, which meets four time a year and is chaired by Sandy Stevenson, a leaseholder on the DELTA TMO estate in Gidea Park.

If you want to get involved, or want to know more, please check out the website or email joanne.mahony@havering.gov.uk More info: www.havering.gov.uk/LeaseholderForum

Dates for your diary The programme of capital work for the next financial year is currently being prepared

The Leaseholder Forum will be meeting from 6.30pm at 2 Hitchin Close, Harold Hill, RM3 7EQ on: Wednesday 19 July 2017

When details are available they will be shared with you.

Wednesday 22 November 2017

For 2017-2018, following feedback from you, we aim to try a new way of working with you when major capital works are due on your home.

Wednesday 21 March 2018

Before the work begins we will invite you to a meeting to explain what we are proposing to do.

During the work, you will have a named Council officer to contact if you need more information or if a problem arises.

When the work is completed we will invite you to another meeting to discuss how the project went.

We hope you will find this a useful way of keeping in touch with planned work.

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

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

Sandy Stevenson is the Chairman of the Havering Leaseholder Forum and she can help you bring general leasehold issues to the attention of Home Ownership.

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 sandystevenson@gmail.com

Wednesday 25 July 2018

New Contact There’s a new contact for information about the Leaseholder Forum and consultations on capital works which affect leaseholders.

Community Engagement Officer Joanne Mahony will be the person to contact on these issues.

Questions about your lease or connected with your property should still be directed to the Home Ownership Team, email homeownership@havering.gov.uk More info: www.havering.gov.uk/leaseholders

Keep up to date 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

Explaining the charges Leaseholders should have received their Statement of Actual Expenditure for the services they receive.

Here we explain what each of the charges mean. Your statement may not include all the items listed and if you have any questions please contact homeownership@havering.gov.uk Day to Day Repairs In accordance with your lease, you will be charged your share of the cost of any communal repairs that have been carried out to the communal areas of your block and estate. Your share of the cost is calculated by dividing the total block cost by the number of properties in your block.

Communal Heating If your property is connected to a communal heating system, you are required to meet the cost of supplying heating to your property, including a proportion of the costs for the maintenance of the system.

Community Wardens This charge is for the Community Warden Service which responds to our residents’ concerns about anti-social behaviour, graffiti and fly-tipping. The Wardens regularly patrol the area but are not Police Officers and do not have the same powers, but are able to gather evidence and reduce the fear of crime. Their routes are scheduled to cover all areas managed by Housing Services.

Grounds Maintenance This charge is for the upkeep of any communal grounds on the estate. It is based on the type of maintenance carried out (grass cutting, shrub tending, weed control etc) and the size of the area maintained.

Cleaning Services If your block is cleaned by the caretaking team the charge is based on the number of hours spent by the team at the block. The charge also covers the cost of cleaning materials, appropriate clothing, transport etc.

Administration Charge Administration costs are included in all Leaseholders Service Charges. There are two elements to the administration charge, fixed and Communal Electricity variable. The fixed element This is the cost of includes staff salaries and supplying lighting to overheads. The variable the communal parts of element includes services the block where your such as day to day repairs flat is located. The so that leaseholders who do charge is based on the not receive these services bills we have paid to are not required to pay the Utilities Company towards the management during the financial of them. In the case of day year. If your block has a lift or controlled entry to day repairs this charge is detailed on the repairs system, this is powered by electricity and this will sheet as a percentage of the total block cost. also be included.

Door Entry Maintenance This charge is for standard maintenance to tenant controlled access systems and includes items such as clock changes in October and March each year.

Day to Day Repairs This charge applies to you if the Council has undertaken work to your individual property.

Communal/ Satellite TV Aerial This charge is for the upkeep of the TV aerial system. If there is a TV terrestrial or satellite point in your property you contribute towards the cost of maintaining and repairing the system, whether you choose to use it or not. Once fitted in your property, the point cannot be removed.

CCTV This charge is for a centralised CCTV system which assists in the detection of antisocial behaviour and crime.

Insurance This charge is your contribution towards the building insurance and is based on the number of designed bedrooms or bed spaces within each property.

20

At The Heart Spring 2017

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

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

• Attending a quarterly meeting to share comments and ideas with us

Thursday 25 May 2017, New Testament Church of God, Briar Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8AH

• Suggest community projects and work with us and other residents to deliver these events such as Community Clean Ups and Family Fun Days

Thursday 7 September 2017, Hacton Hall, Haydock Close, Hornchurch, RM12 6EA

Community Engagement Officer Luke Speller (email: luke.speller@havering.gov.uk) is coordinating the work of Community Representatives so do contact him for more details.

Job Club successes

The success of the four Job Clubs continues with five attendees finding new jobs in January thanks to the help they received.

Job Club Manager, Rugova Rexha, said: “One of our successful people was Sarah Knight. She really wanted to apply for a nursery nurse position but did not have much experience apart from volunteering. I edited her CV, provided her with a cover letter and assisted her in applying for nursery nurse jobs and she got the job she wanted.

“Another success was a resident who volunteers for Havering Citizen’s Advice. Her name is Tracey and she successfully applied for an administration post for an employment project we are running.

“We are also still signposting service users to training courses so they have a better chance of getting the job they want and we continue to provide ICT training at each Job Club. “

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

Find your nearest club • Mondays 9am - 12noon, Mardyke Community Centre, South Street, Rainham, RM13 8PJ • Wednesdays 10am - 1pm, Betty Strathern Centre, 41 Myrtle Road, Harold Hill, Romford, RM3 8XS • Thursdays 9.30am - 12.30pm, Highfield Community Hall, Collier Row, Romford, RM5 3DQ • Fridays 10am - 1pm, Havering Citizens Advice Bureau, 9 Victoria Road, Romford, RM1 2JT

Tuesday 5 December 2017, Romford Salvation Army, High Street, Romford, RM1 1JJ Tuesday 27 March 2018, Highview Community Centre, Hillrise Road, Collier Row, RM5 3DQ

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

Earn extra money working mornings and afternoons If you are available during the school run hours, this is an ideal opportunity.

DABD is a registered charity looking for sessional staff to travel train young disabled people age 11-25 during school term-time.

You must be available to work both early mornings and afternoons during the school run. Full training will be provided. Hourly Rate: £8.00 For an application form, please contact DABD HR on 020 8592 8603 or email hr@dabd.org.uk Further information is available on our webpage www.dabd.org.uk For an informal chat about the role, please call 020 8215 9630 All applicants will have to undergo an enhanced DBS check These posts are not subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act Registered OfficePembroke Gardens, Dagenham RM10 7YP

www.havering.gov.uk

Participation Panels As part of its drive to improve services Havering Council has set up four Participation Panels, where tenants and leaseholders meet with senior officers from Housing Services three times a year.

Already meetings have been held which has given feedback on three policies – Decants, Trees and Rechargeable Items - as well as on the Council’s website and Housing Services’ two publications – At the Heart and Sheltered Times.

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

Can you lend a helping hand?

Have you an hour or two to spare each month? If so you could help other Havering residents by sharing your skills, get satisfaction from giving a helping hand and, if you are looking for work, boost your CV all at the same time.

Details of the help we need, and a form to register your interest, is available on the website.

Got green fingers?

If you enjoy gardening you could help set up Gardening Clubs at each of the 17 sheltered housing schemes we have across the borough.

Through these clubs residents of each scheme will be encouraged to grow fruit, flowers, vegetables and herbs in the communal gardens depending on what each scheme wishes to do.

Gardening equipment will be provided so all that is needed is your knowledge and inspiration to support residents enjoy making the most of their gardens.

Good with technology?

Increasingly services are now online, from ordering a repeat prescription to reporting a repair to your home as well as the other benefits of the internet such as shopping online or using Skype and social media to keep in touch with family and friends.

Many people need a little confidence to help them make the most of what is available online so if you know your way round a smartphone, a laptop or PC and have a couple of hours a month to spare your expertise is needed.

Please complete the online form and we will be in touch.

21

Help make your area look great

COMMUNITY

GREEN&CLEAN-UP

As a Council, we are continually striving to prevent litter and support communities to combat a variety of local environmental issues.

A fantastic way to help improve your local area is to organise a community clean-up.

A clean-up isn’t just about litter picking; it could also be painting and planting. It’s an easy way to help make a difference and to take pride in where you live.

All you have to do is: What we can provide: •choose what you want to do and where •help to find volunteers to join you •let us know what you’re going to do •litter picking equipment •plan your clean-up •removal of all waste collected If you would like further details, please contact our Community Development Team on 01708 433 508 or email events@havering.gov.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.

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.

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: Wednesday 31 May in Bevan Way and Hacton Lane, Hornchurch; Thursday 22 June from 10am in partnership with Delta TMO; Friday 14 July from 10am in partnership with Highfield Community Group, Collier Row; Thursday 3 August from 10am in partnership with Petra TMO; Thursday 28 September from 10am in Rainham; Friday 10 October from 10am, bulb planting at sheltered housing schemes More info: www.havering.gov.uk/HousingVolunteers

22

At The Heart Spring 2017

Easter eggcitement planned for Highview Children in Collier Row can have an eggciting time on Wednesday 5 April when the Highview Residents’ Association holds an afternoon of Easter fun.

From 2pm until 4pm there’ll be lots to do at Highview Community Centre in Hillrise Road and it’s real value for money.

Easter design and you can also colour in your own Easter mask with a choice of chick, lamb or rabbit designs.

More activities are planned so keep an eye on the website for more details.

All proceeds from this event, which is open to families on the Hillrise Estate, will go to the Highview Residents’ Association to finance further activities.

The first two children in any family pay £1 each for their ticket, it’s just 50p per ticket for any further children from the same family, and that gets them a free drink and a cake to decorate for Easter, as well as an Easter egg.

Drinks available

There are also lots of free activities to help pass the time.

Bottled Water 30p each

Alongside the cake decorating you can have your face painted with a special

Every child will get one cup of squash free with their admission ticket. Further drinks will be available: Squash

20p per cup

Coffee or tea 50p per cup on request

More info: www.HighviewResidents

Easter Crafts If you’re young

hop on the bus

“There’s never anything for young people to do,” is something we often hear, so Housing Services is spending £100,000 with Havering Youth Service this year to run some special events in our main housing areas.

The Youth Service will be getting crafty this Easter when they run three themed craft sessions for young people.

The sessions are free so come along between 3pm and 5pm on: Wednesday 5 April outside Abercrombie House, Hilldene Avenue, Harold Hill Wednesday 12 April outside Will Perrin Court, Guysfield Drive, Rainham

Three times a week the Youth Bus rolls into a different area for three hours so that young people from eight to eighteen can get on board to use the computers and other equipment, have a chat with friends or youth workers, or just call in to pick up an advice leaflet.

You can hop on the bus between 5pm and 8pm on: Mondays at Hillrise Road, Collier Row Wednesdays at Central Park, Harold Hill Thursdays at Elm Park Town Centre

Thursday 13 April in Queen Street, Romford

There are also a lot of youth clubs around the borough that you can call in and enjoy.

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

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

Help launch a new youth club

If you have a couple of hours to spare each week and want to help provide something for young people to do, volunteer to help launch a new youth club in Collier Row this summer.

The new Community Centre being built near Highfield Towers in Hillrise Road (see page 32 for full story) is an ideal venue for a new weekly youth club.

Volunteers wanting to get involved will receive training from Havering Youth Services to give the skills and expertise they need to run a successful youth club.

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

www.havering.gov.uk

23

Community Warden News

Smile you’re on camera The community warden team has now received new slim line body cameras.

Following training by Reveal Media UK Sales and Business Development Manager, Gary Brown, the team are now using the cameras whenever on patrol.

The aim is record what is seen and heard during the patrols so both the public and the wardens have a recording they can access if questions arise.

Senior Community Warden, Barry Armour, said: “The camera is an upgrade of our existing camera stock, and is proving to be easier to use, and gives improved picture image quality and better audio capability.

“This will prove invaluable for providing evidence for difficult tenancy cases which are due to be presented at court, and will assist us to help with any identity or fraud issues.”

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

New warden was swanning around We welcome new starter Nick Sharp to the Community Warden team.

Nick was told at his interview that our warden teams get involved in just about any housing issue; little did he know what to expect!

On his first day Nick ended up herding a lost and wayward swan, which was blocking Main Road, Romford causing traffic tail back.

He, with the assistance of his colleague Lynn Croxson was able to usher the swan back to safety on the lake inside nearby Raphael Park.

24

At The Heart Spring 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

Date

Area

​22 March 2017

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

29 March 2017

Leyburn 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

​5 April 2017

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

​​12 April 2017

​ orecambe House, Minefield House, Macclesfield House, Lynmouth House, Luton House, M 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

19 April 2017

​St Helen's Court

​26 April 2017

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

3 May 2017

Queen Street, Waterloo Gardens, St. Andrew’s Road, William Pike

25

House, Thomas England House, Queen Street Villas ​10 May 2017

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

​17 May 2017

Prospect Place

24 May 2017

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

​31 May 2017

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

​7 June 2017

Maygreen Crescent, Park Lane (sheltered)

14 June 2017

​Rush Green Gardens

​21 June 2017

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

​28 June 2017

The Rotunda, Fambridge Court, Cottons Court (sheltered)

5 July 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

12 July 2017

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

19 July 2017

Leyburn 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 July 2017

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

26

At The Heart Spring 2017

Performance against Targets The performance figures for October 2016 - December 2016 were: Average time to re-let empty properties

Percentage of all repairs completed within target

Outcome 11.3 days

Outcome 88.9%

Target 14 days

Target 96%

Percentage of estates which have been inspected and is achieving an excellent & good standar

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

Outcome 94.6%

Outcome 99.73%

Target 95%

Target 100%

Target 100%

Don’t miss out on the news

Increase in service charges

The Financial Inclusion and Welfare Benefits Team can assist tenants by completing benefit checks and financial assessments in order to maximise income and minimise expenditure. They can also assist with budgeting and money management.

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

Every month we email At the Heart Online to more than 8,450 Council tenants and leaseholders providing them with the latest news and information about housing issues.

There are more than 118,000 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.

New claims for child tax credit limited to two children

From Thursday 6 April 2017, most people will only get the child element of Child Tax Credit for up to two children. You will still be able to claim it for more than two children if they were born before Thursday 6 April 2017. This will only affect new claims; nothing will change for those who have more than two children and who are already in receipt of child tax credit.

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

There are exemptions if the second pregnancy results in multiple births, or where third or subsequent children were conceived as a result of non-consensual sex, where a claimant requests the exception and engages with a recognised professional third party.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/news

More information: www.gov.uk/child-tax-credit

www.havering.gov.uk

Housing in Bloom competition launched Last year the Housing in Bloom competition attracted lots of entries as tenants and leaseholders worked hard to make their little patch of Havering look blooming beautiful.

Every flower will make the judges think our housing estates looks beautiful.

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.

The five categories are: • Best back garden

Entry details

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

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

It is a rule of entry that: 1. Each digital photo entered is saved with your first and last name and the category it is entering.

31 Thursday

AUGUST 2017

2. Each printed photograph entered has your first and last name, your address and the category it is entering written on the reverse.

If these conditions are not followed the entry may be rejected.

You can enter in three ways: 1. Online: Complete the online form at the Housing in Bloom webpage at www.havering.gov.uk/housinginbloom 2. By email: getinvovled@havering.gov.uk 3. By post: Housing in Bloom 2017 Housing Community Engagement Team, Havering Council Housing Services, Chippenham Road, Harold Hill Romford RM3 8YQ

Key dates Monday 1 May

Entries open

Thursday 31 August

Entries close

Thursday 7 September Judging takes place Friday 29 September

Awards ceremony

Don’t forget to include your name, address, contact details and which category you are entering.

Closing date for entries is midnight on Thursday 31 August 2017.

27

28

At The Heart Spring 2017

Listings Jobs Clubs

Mondays, 10am – 1pm Mardyke Community Centre, South Street, Rainham, RM13 8PJ. To book a place: E infomyca@yahoo.co.uk Wednesdays, 10am– 1pm Betty Strathern Centre, 41 Myrtle Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8XS www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing Wednesdays, 10am– 2pm St Georges Church Centre, Chippenham Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8AX Thursdays, 9.30am – 12.30pm Highfield Towers Community Hall, Hillrise Road, Collier Row, RM5 3DQ www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing

Ingrebourne Community Housing Group Coffee Morning Every Tuesday, 10am – noon Hitchin Close Hall, Hitchin Close, Harold Hill, RM3 7EG.

Dogs Trust Community Event

From April 2016 the law changed, you must have your dog microchipped.

Dogs Trust is offering Free Microchipping, Free Basic Health Check, Free Health and Training Advise on: Tuesday 4 April 11am – 3pm Kingsbridge Circus, Harold Hill, RM3 8PB Thursday 27 April 11am – 3pm, Dunningford Close, Hornchurch, RM12 5JJ Friday 12 May 11am – 3pm Rush Green Gardens, Romford, RM7 0NR Tuesday 13 June 11am – 3pm, White Hart Lane, Romford, RM7 8JU

Family Mosaic runs monthly drop-in sessions at: Collier Row Early Children’s Centre, Clockhouse Lane, Collier Row​, RM5 3Q​J Chippenham Road Children's Centre​, 85-89 Chippenham Road, Harold Hill, RM3 8HP

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

Easter Event

Highfield Tower Community Hall , Wednesday 5 April 2 – 4pm There will be face painting, craft tables and children will receive an Easter Egg.

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

FAIRKYTES Last Band Standing - 2017 It’s time to turn on, tune up and rock out. Last Band Standing, Fairkytes Live’s 2017 ‘battle of the bands’ competition, returns this spring. The search is on for emerging local talent and this year we’ve introduced a second event to allow older bands to take part.

The format is friendly and simple. Just complete the application form online, following the link www.havering.gov.uk/ EventsLast, then join us on Friday 24 March for the younger groups or Friday 12 May for the older bands.

The competition is open to any musical group with at least one member who lives, works or studies in Havering.

Tickets are available for both events from the Fairkytes Box Office www. havering.gov.uk/Fairkytes priced £5 in advance (or £8 on the door).

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

Regeneration Consultations

The following consultation and update meetings for the Regeneration sites are as follows: Thursday 4 May 5-9pm Napier and New Plymouth, , La Salette Hall, 1 Rainham Road, Rainham, RM13 8SP We are also holding consultation meetings for local residents living around each complex

to find out about the regeneration plans: Wednesday 19 April 6pm Dell Court, Dell Court, Ravenscourt Grove, Hornchurch, RM12 6JH Tuesday 25 April 6pm Brunswick Court, Brunswick Avenue, Cranham, RM14 1ND Tuesday 2 May 6pm Maygreen Crescent, Park Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1EL Tuesday 9 May 6pm Royal Jubilee Court, Main Road, Romford, RM2 5AN Wednesday 10 May 6pm Delderfield House at Cottons and Fambridge Lounge, Marks Road,Romford,RM7 7AW Tuesday 16 May 6pm Solar, Serena, Sunrise Lodge, Sunrise Avenue, Hornchurch, RM12 4YT Tuesday 23 May 6pm Queen Street Villas, Romford, RM7 9AX

Leasehold Forum The following Leasehold forums will be held on the following dates: 19 July 2017 22 November 2017 21 March 2018 The Venue is Hitchin Close Council Offices, Hitchin Close, Harold Hill 6.30 – 8.30pm Havering Council will consider requests for documents to be translated or converted into other formats.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/ askhousing

www.havering.gov.uk

Youth Diversionary Project

Outreach projects are running various events until March 2017, relevant to young residents on Housing estates. These events will be run every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Monday Hill Rise Road, Collier Row, Romford, RM5 3DQ - Youth Bus 6-8pm Wednesday Central Park, Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill, RM3 9LB Skate Boarding / Football / Basket Ball (under floodlights) 5 – 7pm (Supported by our Outreach Workers in partnership with Parks service)

Wednesday Youth Club at the Robert Beard Centre, 233 High Street, Hornchurch, RM11 3XU 7-9pm Wednesday Music and Arts Project – at my place centre Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill RM3 9LB 7-9pm Wednesday Music Project at the Robert Beard Centre, 233 High Street, Hornchurch RM11 3XU 6.30-8.30pm Thursday Elm Park – At the moment its Rosewood Avenue Roundabout Hornchurch, RM12 5LD 6-8pm

Community Clean ups

Friday 17 March from 10am in Oldchurch Gardens Romford Wednesday 31 May in Bevan Way and Hacton Lane Hornchurch Thursday 22 June 10am in partnership with Delta TMO Friday 7 July from 10am in partnership with Highview Residents Group Collier Row Thursday 3 August from 10am in partnership with Petra TMO

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

More info www.havering. gov.uk/HousingVolunteers

COMMUNITY

GREEN&CLEAN-UP

As a Council, we are continually striving to prevent litter and support communities to combat a variety of local environmental issues.

A fantastic way to help improve your local area is to organise a community clean-up.

A clean-up isn’t just about litter picking; it could also be painting and planting. It’s an easy way to help make a difference and to take pride in where you live.

All you have to do is: What we can provide: •choose what you want to do and where •help to find volunteers to join you •let us know what you’re going to do •litter picking equipment •plan your clean-up •removal of all waste collected If you would like further details, please contact our Community Development Team on 01708 433 508 or email events@havering.gov.uk

www.havering.gov.uk/cleanup

Wednesday Youth Club at the my place centre Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill RM3 9LB Harold Hill 7-9pm

Go down a size If your home is bigger than you need you’re wasting money through extra heating costs and the extra tax you pay for bedrooms you don’t need.

It also means that a family looking for a bigger home can’t move from their existing over crowded accommodation.

So moving to a smaller home makes sense for everyone and for every bedroom you give up Havering Council will give you £250 and you’ll get £500 to help cover your moving costs too.

“Bedroom Tax” extended From April next year all tenants who are under occupying a property will have to pay the “Bedroom Tax” that the Government brought in from April 2013.

In the past this under-occupancy penalty has only affected residents below pensionable age but from April 2018 it will apply to everyone.

Under the Act, Housing Benefit criteria take into consideration the number of rooms and number of people occupying a property and restrict payments to allow for one bedroom per person or per couple; all children under 10 years of age are expected to share a room; children under 16 of the same gender are expected to share.

If it is decided there are too many rooms in a rented dwelling for the number of occupants, an "under-occupancy penalty" is applied to the housing benefit payment, reducing it by 14% for one extra room, and by 25% for two or more extra bedrooms.

Move now To avoid having to pay this now is the time to do the move to save you money so get in touch for more details.

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At The Heart Spring 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 housingrelated 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 3BD.

Cabinet Member’s Surgery

Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, is holding regular surgeries across the Borough so that 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 24 March 2017

Venue Highfield Community Hall

Address Hillrise Road, Collier Row RM5 3DQ

Time 4 – 6pm

Fri 28 April 2017

Hacton Hall

Haydock Close, Hornchurch RM12 6EA

4 – 6pm

Fri 26 May 2017

Town Hall

Main Road, Romford RM1 3BB

4 – 6pm

Fri 23 June 2017

Macon Way Council Office

Macon Way, Upminster RM14 1NY

4 – 6pm

Fri 28 July 2017

Highfield Community Hall

Hillrise Road, Collier Row RM5 3DQ

4 – 6pm

Fri 25 August 2017

Hacton Hall

Haydock Close, Hornchurch RM12 6EA

4 – 6pm

Fri 29 September 2017 Town Hall

Main Road, Romford RM1 3BB

4 – 6pm

Fri 27 October 2017

Macon Way, Upminster RM14 1NY

4 – 6pm

Fri 24 November 2017 Highfield Community Hall

Hillrise Road, Collier Row RM5 3DQ

4 – 6pm

Fri 15 December 2017

Haydock Close, Hornchurch, RM12 6EA

4 – 6pm

Macon Way Council Office Hacton Hall

And there’s more Councillor White is holding five additional surgery days in addition to his monthly evening surgeries. You will be able to book a 10 minute appointment to see him or Councillor Jason Frost.

The dates are as follows: Wednesday 8 March, Wednesday 22 March, Wednesday 7 June, Wednesday 14 June, Thursday 22 June.

The surgeries will be from 9am to 6pm, at The Salvation Army, 50 High Street, Romford Town Centre, RM1 1JJ. Pre-booking is essential – please log on to www.havering.gov.uk/HousingSurgeries and follow the link to book your appointment on a date and at a time of your choice. If your preferred date and time has already been taken you will be asked to choose an alternative, and when your booking is completed, you will be sent an email confirmation for your appointment.

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At The Heart Spring 2017

Work starts on new Community Centre Artist’s impression of the new facility

Work is due to start in March to provide a new Community Centre at Highfield Tower in Collier Row. The £1 million project has taken nearly two years to bring together and has included consultation with residents.

The good news that the scheme is going ahead was shared with members of Hillrise Residents’ Association at its February meeting.

The new hall and children’s’ play area will be built where the existing drying area and play area are located.

To gain access to the site the existing hall will be demolished in March and when the new building is completed that area will be used to provide additional parking space.

As well as money from Havering Council’s housing capital projects a grant of £10,000 has been given by Tesco through the money collected from the sale of plastic carrier bags.

The building work is due for completion in mid-summer 2017 and the new Community Centre should be available for use from August this year.

At this stage work on the neighbouring park will be mainly scrub clearance with work to make that area more available for residents to use taking place later in the year once the bird breeding season is completed.

More info www.havering.gov.uk/ HighviewCommunityCentre

A site plan for the project