LGR Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

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Local Government Reorganisation Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any queries, you can contact our Customer Services Team on 0800 585 360 or via email at customer.services@homesinsedgemoor.org.

How can I get involved as a tenant of the council?

A joint steering group of tenants, who have been involved with their landlord to improve services and represent the tenants’ views, has been created. The role of the group is to ensure that tenants’ needs for information and consultation are met during the creation of one unitary council. If you would like to find out more about the work of the group, please forward your contact details to our Customer Services Team via email at customer.services@homesinsedgemoor.org or call 0800 585 360 and we can put you in touch.

Who is my landlord?

Your landlord from April 1, 2023, will be Somerset Council. You will not notice much change – the logo on the top of the letter will change for some letters but the service continues to be provided by the same staff.

Will my landlord change to a Housing Association or ALMO?

Your landlord will still be the council. The services you are receiving from Homes in Sedgemoor will continue in the same way. Options for the future may be suggested but these will have to be researched and you will be consulted if there are any major changes.

What do the unitary council changes mean for me?

You should not notice any difference. The services you are receiving will continue in the same way, the ways you can communicate with us will also remain the same.

What happens to my tenancy?

It continues – you remain a tenant of the council. Your home remains secure so long as you comply with the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement. You will not be given a new tenancy agreement.

Who do I pay my rent to?

You pay your rent to the council. The name of the council will change to Somerset Council. You can pay your rent in the same way as you currently do. If you pay by direct debit, it will continue and you do not need to make a change. If you would like to change the way you pay please contact Customer Services on 0800 585 360.

Which number do I ring to report a repair?

Please continue to contact 0800 585 360 as you do now or report your repair online via our website www.homesinsedgemoor.org or by messaging us via Facebook messenger service.

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How do I make a complaint or record a compliment?

You can make a complaint or record a compliment by phone on 0800 585 360, by email at customer.services@homesinsedgemoor.org, or in person.

How do I report antisocial behaviour?

The Housing Officers you liaise with will remain the same. Please report issues by contacting our Customer Services Team on 0800 585 360. Advice and guidance can also be found on our website www.homesinsedgemoor.org.

Will my Housing Officer be the same person?

The Housing Officers you liaise with will remain the same. Please report issues via our telephone number on 0800 585 360.

Can I still register for mutual exchange?

Yes. You can swap with other Homes in Sedgemoor tenants or a tenant from another housing association or local authority You’ll need our permission and consent from the other landlord before you exchange. You can swap if you meet the legal conditions. You can find more information on our website www.homesinsedgemoor.org under mutual exchange where you can complete an online mutual exchange application form. You can use the Homeswapper website to look for an exchange.

Will my rent increase under the new council?

A rent increase is to be applied from Monday, April 3, 2023, and you should have received confirmation of this in a previous letter If you didn’t, please contact our Customer Services Team on 0800 585 360.

What will happen to my bin collection, grounds maintenance service, etc?

This will remain the same and be delivered in the same way. Somerset Waste Partnership who currently collect your bins will continue but will also be called Somerset Council.

What will happen to Sedgemoor District Council?

Somerset Council will replace Sedgemoor District Council, your current landlord. Somerset Council brings together Somerset County Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Mendip District Council and South Somerset District Council into one organisation. Homes in Sedgemoor is the housing management organisation of Sedgemoor District Council and will remain a separate legal entity.

Where can I find out more about LGR?

A website has been created called www.newsomersetcouncil.org.uk Residents will also receive information from Somerset Council. Please visit our website for further information or for more information about Somerset Council you can visit their website www.somerset.gov.uk.