ISSUE 18 | AUGUST 2012
Welfare benefits help available Dog day events Board members wanted
Home News about your Council home
Investing in our community! Over 1000 properties receive Major Works Do it online! Our online services The Tenancy team is here to help
General Enquiries North 020 8314 7997 | South 020 8314 7991
2
OUR MISSION To deliver great housing services for thriving neighbourhoods.
Inside Home 6 OF THE BEST!
04
Fun, sun and community safety
05
We announce the Resident Scrutiny Committee members
08
Investing in our community
ent Resid
tion satisfac
%
10
Do it online!
60 seconds with...
Board Member Sarah Smith
What do you consider the top priorities for Lewisham Homes’ success? We need to complete all Major Works, tackle antisocial behaviour issues as well as fraud and illegal occupancy and provide new housing for residents in Lewisham. www.lewishamhomes.org.uk
12
Apply to become a board member!
And the biggest challenges? Determining our future as an ALMO and putting in place new funding to support our future investment needs. What are your hopes for our residents? That they have a home to live in that exceeds the statutory requirements of the Decent Homes standard and that they receive excellent customer service. New housing should be available to those in need. I hope residents continue to receive support to get back into employment.
13
Repairs on the up!
Home
Editor Louisa Fala Deputy Editor Rosie Groves Designer Maria Halouva
WEBSITE
Web Editor Pam O’Connor www.lewishamhomes.org.uk 0800 028 2 028 communications@ lewishamhomes.org.uk
OUR TENANTS HANDBOOK is full of useful information about your home and the services Lewisham Homes provides. Download it on our website or contact us to request a hard copy. 020 8613 7650
In the spotlight
Over 1000 properties complete! Our contractors, Breyer and Mitie, have hit the ‘1000 properties’ complete milestone in our Major Works programme.
“
Lewisham Mayor Sir Steve Bullock, Cllr Susan Wise and Lewisham Homes I’m so pleased with my new Board Chair Julia Cotton, met with Hillcrest resident Margaret Martin on 7 kitchen and bathroom. It’s June to mark the occasion and inspect made a massive difference the work first hand. Cllr Wise commented “Like many of our residents, Mrs Martin takes pride in her home, and is a great supporter for improvements to housing in Lewisham. She has worked with Lewisham Homes to achieve quality improvements through Major Works, and it was great to visit her and see the final results.”
to my home and I could not fault the service that I received from Breyer.
”
- Resident Margaret Martin
Over the course of the first year we have completed over 350 Occupational Therapy assessments to ensure we are addressing the needs of vulnerable residents as well as those with mobility needs. Our contractors, Breyer and Mitie, have £24 million to spend in 201213 delivering our Major Works programme. New areas benefitting from this investment include Forest Hill, Lee, Honor Oak and Deptford. Work will be continuing on Pepys and Evelyn Estates. 0800 028 2 028 ask for Major Works
Hygrometer
Top: Resident Liaison Officer, Renee Robinson helps a resident choose swatches. Above: Resident Margaret Martin enjoys a cup of tea with Lewisham Mayor Sir Steve Bullock as they admire her new kitchen.
General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000
In the spotlight
3
WANT HELP WITH YOUR CV OR INTERVIEW TIPS? Check out page 12 for details of our Work Clubs, or contact Community Involvement! 020 8613 7660
4
BRIEFS ARE YOUR WINDOWS SAFE? Please check that your window restrictors are in good working order - people can fall out of unsecure windows. Remember to move things children can climb on away from windows and balconies. For window repairs and advice please contact us. 0800 028 2 028 press 1
Fun, sun and community safety Residents enjoyed a day of fun activities and useful advice at our Community Safety Days, held at Pepys and Hillcrest.
HIGH PRICE OF COPPER THEFTS Gas leaks caused by the theft of copper pipes can cause dangerous explosions, endanger lives and cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. Please report anything suspicious to the Police. 0800 555 111 (Crime Stoppers) BEWARE OF BOGUS CALLERS! ASK TO SEE ID All Lewisham Homes employees and Major Works contractors carry an identity (ID) card when they are working on-site, on estates or in residents’ homes. If you are unsure if someone works for us, please ask to see their ID. DO YOU HAVE MOBILITY EQUIPMENT INSTALLED IN YOUR HOME? We need access to inspect and service this equipment and to ensure it remains in good working order. We will contact you by letter to arrange an appointment. If you cannot make this appointment, please contact the Mechanical and Electrical team. 020 8613 4280
www.lewishamhomes.org.uk
Residents met with Lewisham Homes staff and our partners for the latest community and safety advice.
The Community Safety Days hosted a wide range of partners to advise residents on safety issues in and around their homes. Attendees included Safer Neighbourhoods Team, Age UK, Lewisham Plus Credit Union, RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and our Major Works contractors, Breyer and MITIE. The London Fire Brigade were also onsite to offer advice on fire safety and fit smoke alarms to residents’ flats. At Pepys, Millwall Community Scheme occupied local children with a sports workshop, while children at both estates enjoyed face-painting and popcorn!
If you missed the chance to come along, you can still benefit from the advice of the London Fire Brigade. They offer information on how to make your home safe and can also fit smoke alarms. 020 8555 1200 www.london-fire.gov.uk
“
It was a great day and good for the community, I got useful advice about managing damp in my home and also spoke to the fire brigade about alarms.
”
- Resident Ebeneezer Oyedeji
DID YOU KNOW? We provide various training courses from learning how to use Microsoft Word to budgeting training? See our events page on the website www.lewishamhomes.org
news * over to you
you decide Scrutiny goes live It’s been a busy nine months working with residents to decide how to audit our services, who should be involved and what residents want to focus on. We are excited that a Resident Scrutiny Committee has now been selected. What will they do? The members have a big task ahead of them. They will look in depth at particular service areas as referred to them by the Area Panel. For each area they will: ✔✔look at the performance of the service against service standards; ✔✔use information from complaints and surveys to understand the issues in more detail; ✔✔ask other residents for their feedback; ✔✔look at other housing providers for innovative ways to improve; and ✔✔work with Lewisham Homes staff to shape ideas. As a result they will make recommendations for improvement which will be presented back to Area Panel and Lewisham Homes Board. The approved suggestions will then be delivered by Lewisham Homes. What will they look at? The Area Panel voted on caretaking as the first topic for the Resident Scrutiny Committee to look at. In particular the standard of service being delivered and how residents are communicated with when caretakers are on leave and when things go wrong. Want to get involved? We will be recruiting for this exciting opportunity again in November. Full training and support will be provided. Contact us to express your interest.
5
“I am looking forward to learning about Lewisham Homes policies and ensuring they provide value for money for residents.”
- Taiwo Godo, Resident Scrutiny Committee Member
Who is in the driving seat? Residents! Your Resident Scrutiny Committee are: Joy Chambers
Ifenayi Chukwu Muam Juliet Eriata Taiwo Godo
Audrey Heron Janet Kitchen Raphael Mergui Grace Padonu Addy Helena Russell
Lorna Russell Simon Smith Adetokunbo Uchenna Adeyanju Ken Wakeman
020 8613 7660 getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000
DID YOU KNOW... you can like us on Facebook and keep updated with our news and events? www.facebook.com/lewishamhomespage
6
Resident’s income increased by 80%! Kriss Graham our Welfare Benefit Advisor has increased the weekly income of a Lewisham Homes tenant by a staggering 80%. Kriss works with over 75 residents every week offering financial advice, money management tips, free budgeting training and one-toone sessions.
“
Kriss has helped me so much. I am very grateful. Without him I wouldn’t have known that I could claim a State Pension. - Resident
”
A resident of pensionable age was unaware he was eligible for a State Retirement Pension or other benefits such as Pension Credit. Kriss assessed his situation and identified that he was entitled to these benefits. Kriss helped him complete the application forms. He is now receiving all the financial support he is entitled to.
If you are a pensioner on a low income you may be eligible for Pension Credit as well. Our Welfare Benefit Advisor can help you get a Pension Credit estimate and make sure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to. 0800 028 2 028 to book an appointment www.lewishamhomes.org.uk
For State Pension advice please contact our Welfare Benefit Advisor 0800 028 2 028 to book an appointment
GARAGES AVAILABLE We have garages available to rent within the following postcodes: SE4, SE15, SE23, SE26 To apply for a garage: 1. Type ‘Garage Application Form’ in the search box on our website. 2. Complete and submit the form. 3. You will be added to the waiting list and we will contact you when one becomes available. Or you can phone our Income team, who can provide you with a form. 0800 028 2 028 press 2 rent@lewishamhomes.org.uk www.lewishamhomes.org.uk *Correction An article in our last edition “Benefits changes: April 6” incorrectly stated that you may lose Disability Living Allowance if you have a working partner or savings over £16,000. We apologise if this has caused you any inconvenience. If you have any questions regarding welfare benefit reforms, please contact our Welfare Benefit Advisor Kriss Graham.
DID YOU KNOW... We provide DIY training for our residents? Learn new skills and carry out simple DIY repairs. Register your interest with the Community Involvement team. 0800 028 2 028 or 020 8613 7660 and ask for Community Involvement
The benefits system is changing, which could mean the amount of money you receive may change. Areas affected by changes from 21 May include: Working Tax Credit - couples with children must now work 24 hours between them to qualify. Backdating Tax Credits payments can now only be backdated by one month. 50-plus element - has been removed from Working Tax Credit. If you are claiming Income Support as a lone parent and your youngest child is aged five or over you will need to move from Income Support to Jobseeker’s Allowance. This leaflet (enclosed with Home magazine) has more information.
Loan shark alert! If you are thinking of getting a loan to help with your finances beware of doorstep lenders or from money shops on the high street offering ‘payday loans’ and ‘instant money’. The interest rates on these loans can be more than 2000%. Lewisham Plus Credit Union can help residents open a current account and access loans in some cases. 020 8778 4738 www.lewishampluscu.co.uk
ASB ROUNDUP
Got a top dog?
Click here to watch! Owning a dog can be both fun and rewarding but it’s also a big commitment. Our Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) team along with the Dogs Trust and Borough Action for Responsible K9s (BARK) are on a mission to support responsible dog ownership. Over the last few months we’ve held three Dog Day events at Heathside and Lethbridge, Somerville and Honor Oak estates. By becoming responsible dog owners, residents commit to caring for their dogs as well as cleaning up after them! To make sure your dog is getting the best treatment, come along to our Dog Day events and receive: free microchipping; agility classes; advice about caring for your dog and avoiding attack; neutering vouchers; and a free dog goodie bag with training treats, toys, collars and poop scoop bags.
“
A big thank you to all involved in the Dog Day. I learnt a lot and so did the residents. They are still talking about how good the day was. Thanks for your time.
”
- Phil McCarthy, Deputy Chair of Heathside and Lethbridge TRA
COM E ALONG TO THE NEX T EVE NTS Tuesday 14 August 11am-3pm Winslade Estate Tuesday 11 September 11am-3pm Crossfield Estate Tuesday 25 September 11am-3pm Winchfield Estate Contact the ASB team for more information on responsible dog ownership 0800 028 2 028 press 4
General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000
Dog Days * Welfare Benefits Advisor
Benefit changes
7
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Request a copy of our Residents’ Compact and find out how! 020 8613 7660
8
Investing in our community Our Major Works contractors, Breyer and MITIE, have made a commitment to invest not only in residents’ homes but in the whole community. In recognition of the positive impact this programme is making, we were a finalist at the National Federation of ALMOs Awards for ‘Most Effective Partnership’! Residents have identified three key areas for the programme to focus on: back to work initiatives, environmental and community improvements and youth activities. Back to work initiatives - we are providing a range of support options to help residents back into work, including apprenticeships, work experience, developing employability skills and monthly work clubs. Environmental and community improvements - our contractors are surveying community facilities that could benefit from improvement works. We are also empowering residents to make improvements to their own homes through DIY training days. Youth activities - we’re running a programme of youth activities over the school holidays. Details of all upcoming Community Investment activities are available on our calendar on page 12. Look for this logo:
Community Investment Programme Finalist for Most Shortlisted Effective Partnership NFA Awards 2012
Free summer holiday activities! Sydenham Kickz football Sydenham High School MONDAYs: 6pm-9pm TUESDAYs: 6pm-7.30pm Girls only! FRIDAYs: 6pm-9pm 020 7740 0503 to register. ‘It Kickz’ Music Project Forest Hill School FRIDAYS: 5.30pm-7pm 020 8613 8423 to register.
:
Since the Community Investment programme started last year Community Investment Programme Shortlisted for Most Effective Partnership NFA Awards 2012
11 local young people have been taken on as apprentices in carpentry, plumbing and decoration.
www.lewishamhomes.org.uk
Community Investment Programme Shortlisted for Most Effective Partnership NFA Awards 2012
6 DIY training days have been held, teaching residents basic home maintenance and decoration skills.
Community Investment Programme Shortlisted for Most Effective Partnership NFA Awards 2012
Community Investment Programme Shortlisted for Most Effective Partnership NFA Awards 2012
Over 110 residents have attended work clubs. Our contractors have provided over 240 days of work experience.
A home, job and a future for Philip Philip’s future is looking bright after taking part in our Back-to-Work initiative. Lewisham Homes’ resident Philip Ray had been unemployed for two years when he saw an advert in Home Magazine for work experience placements with MITIE. He applied for a role as a Driver’s Mate, and after three weeks on the job he was offered a full time position as a general labourer. Philip feels that his new role is opening up more opportunities for him in the future.
“
Three weeks after I started they offered me a full time position. I like the freedom of my job and being able to work independently.
”
“Doing the placement has enabled me to move forward. Before I moved into my flat I was homeless; now I have the security of a home and job. The future is looking positive.”
- Resident Philip Ray
I’ve got the skills! Resident Crauston Coleman, a trainee plumber, was looking to enhance his general construction skills. He attended a DIY session where he learnt to unblock sinks, tile walls and hang wall paper - gaining skills that can help him at home and professionally. Our DIY training days are open to all Lewisham Homes’ residents. Experts from MITIE and Breyer are on hand to answer questions and take residents through the processes step-by-step. Check our calendar on page 12 for session details.
“I have gained more knowledge and it’s boosted my confidence. The staff gave clear, straight-forward advice and were supportive. I’ve recommended the next DIY day to a colleague.”
- Resident Mr Coleman
General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000
9
Investing in our community * Case studies
DID YOU KNOW… You can pay your rent by text. Lewisham Council has a sms text payment service. To use the service you will need to register first. www.lewisham.gov.uk
10
DO IT ONLINE, ANYTIME! Did you know you can view your rent statement online or on your mobile? Register now for online services www.lewishamhomes.org
Do it online!
Sign up today at www.lewishamhomes.org and you can get access to your rent and services charges online as well as lots of other services! Our online service lets you pay your rent, update your details or access numerous other services at a time that suits you. Sign up today and you can save time spent on the telephone or queuing in a Post Office or bank.
Text us your rent and service charges!
We are always adding more features to our online services. You can even pay your rent by mobile phone using the SMS plus system.
Lewisham Council have introduced a new service allowing residents to pay their rent by text.
1.
Click on ‘Pay It’ on the council’s home page.
Benefits of sign up Using online services you can view your rent account or leasehold service charge statement and check your balance.
on the link 2. Click to the SMS Plus system. You can access our online services 24/7 at a time that suits you.
Register to Get Involved in community activities and influence your housing services.
Once registered for the SMS service text ‘rent’ with the amount you want to pay. It’s that simple.
www.lewishamhomes.org.uk
3.
Click on ‘Register your account’.
all personal details. 4. Complete www.lewisham.gov.uk
DID YOU KNOW‌ The Leasehold team can support you with Major Works payments? Contact the Leasehold team. 0800 028 2 028 or 020 8613 4000 and press 5.
Our Repairs team have been saving money and the environment by swapping traditional skips for Hippobags, an environmentally-friendly and cheaper alternative to a skip. 93% of waste (112 tonnes) collected has been recycled instead of being sent to landfill since introducing the bags in October last year.
You wanted gardens to be maintained properly across our properties.
Who does what? Lewisham Homes was set up as an Arms Length Management Organisation on 22 January 2007. It is responsible for managing Council housing services for your home on behalf of Lewisham Council. The Council is still your landlord.
We are looking to provide extra help for vulnerable residents who are struggling to manage their gardens and are consulting with residents to determine the criteria for assistance.
What Lewisham Homes does:
What Lewisham Council does:
Right To Buy applications Dealing with antisocial behaviour Collecting rent and service charges Tenancy issues Cleaning and maintaining estates Leaseholder issues Letting and management of garages Major works Resident involvement and consultation Gas servicing and repairs to tenants’ homes and communal areas Dealing with empty properties and unauthorised occupation Complaints about Lewisham Homes service
Monitoring Lewisham Homes Abandoned vehicles Homelessness Housing benefit New housing developments Allocation of properties Setting the rent Sheltered housing support Street cleaning Roads and lighting Green space maintenance Pest control Graffiti (not in communal areas) Bulky household waste removal
General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000
Do it online! * you said, we did
You wanted us to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable as an organisation.
11
DID YOU KNOW... you can order a non-urgent repair on our website? www.lewishamhomes.org.uk
12
We’re looking for Board Members...
Do you want to be part of an exciting future for housing in Lewisham? Our dynamic Board are recruiting residents now! As a Board member, you will take part in the organisation’s formal decision-making process, and have a real say on our future.
“Residents have always been at the heart of Lewisham Homes’ aims, and with five residents represented on the Board we have a real say in the future of housing.”
- Julia Cotton, Resident and Board Chair
calendar
AUGUST
Dog Day event Tuesday 14 August, 11am-3pm Winslade Estate, Scotney Hall, 15 Sharret St SE15 1NR Breyer work club Thursday 16 August, 10am-1pm Catford Library SE6 4RU Resident Board Member Application Closing Date Friday 31 August
SEPTEMBER
MITIE work club Thursday 6 September, 10am-1pm 2000 Action Community Centre, Deptford SE8 3PG Dog Day event Tuesday 11 September, 11am-3pm Crossfield Estate, Farrer House, Deptford Church St, Deptford SE26 5SF www.lewishamhomes.org.uk
To help the Board reach the best decisions you will have to: ✔✔attend an average of one board or committee meeting a month; ✔✔attend training sessions and an away day; and ✔✔read papers and supplied information. Residents elected to the Board will be supported with coaching and training - increasing your knowledge and skills. Application forms are now available on our website.
Beginners Excel Tuesday 11 September, 10am-4pm Budgeting training Wednesday 12 September, 2pm-4pm Beginners PowerPoint Friday 14 September, 10am-4pm DIY repairs training Thursday 13 September DIY repairs training Saturday 15 September
Key dates XXApplications close 31 August XXInterviews held 16 September XXCandidates appointed 25 September
Get on Board with us! To find out more, please contact our Governance Manager, Nicola Clarke. 020 8613 7542 nicola.clarke@ lewishamhomes.org.uk LONDON OLYMPICS
London is hosting the Olympic games from 27 July-12 August, and the Paralympic games from 29 August9 September. Travel may take longer than usual during these times which could impact our services. Dog Day event Tuesday 25 September, 11am-3pm Winchfield Estate, Byron Close Sydenham Rd, Sydenham SE26 5SF
OCTOBER
Speed Writing training Wednesday 19 October, 10am-4pm
MITIE work club Thursday 4 October, 10am-1pm 2000 Action Community Centre, Deptford SE8 3PG
Breyer work club Thursday 20 September, 10am-1pm Catford Library SE6 4RU
Breyer work club Thursday 18 October, 10am-1pm Catford Library SE6 4RU
Lewisham Homes Board meeting Thursday 25 September. Our Board meetings are open to the public. Holbeach Housing Office, Catford SE6 4TW
DIY repairs training Tuesday 30 October Register for any of these events 020 8613 7660 getinvolved@ lewishamhomes.org.uk
13
Repairs on the up! Residents consistently rank repairs as their top priority. Over the last five years we have increased resident satisfaction from 75% in 2008/09 up to 93% in 2011/12, reflecting the improvements we have made since taking on the service in November 2008. Every year we have made savings in our repairs service which we have invested back into technology, staff training and other initiatives, including: ✔✔a single number to report repairs; ✔✔‘opti-time’ a scheduling system that ensures more jobs are completed first time; ✔✔training our operatives in different trades so more jobs can be finished on first visit; ✔✔a free resident repairs guide with DIY hints and tips; and ✔✔an information campaign and free hygrometers to help residents tackle moisture and condensation in their home.
Residents wanted flexibility when booking repairs appointments and clear information about when operatives would arrive. In 2010 we introduced evening and weekend appointments and in 2011 we launched our text service which confirms your appointment time and lets you know when operatives are on their way.
Help us improve! We are always looking to improve our service. This year we are striving to meet a 95% satisfaction rate! If you’re not happy with a repair, please let us know. Your feedback plays a valuable role in helping us improve! 0800 028 2 028 press 1 for more information
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN NUMBERS:
49,351
repairs were completed within target in 2011/12
23,447 repairs appointments we kept last year
85,286
calls to our Repairs Service in 2011/12 and...
88%
of calls were answered within 15 seconds!
Satisfaction with repairs services 100 89% 87% Appointments made and kept 98% 99% 100 95% 97%
80
93%
75%
60
80
40
60 40
20
20 0
2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12
0
2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12
Our satisfaction surveys are based on residents who have had repairs. General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000
Board members * Repairs
?
GOT A QUESTION? You might find the answer on our Frequently Asked Questions page online at www.lewishamhomes.org.uk/faq – if it’s not there enquiries@lewishamhomes.org.uk
Visit www.lewishamhomes.org.uk to see our full performance report!
14
How are we doing? PERFORMANCE INDICATOR
How we did last year (11/12)
How we’re doing now (12/13)
2012/13 Target
% repairs calls answered within 15 seconds % resident complaints closed/resolved within target time
97%
98%
96%
88%
89%
90%
Satisfaction with repairs service
93%
95%
95%
93%
92%
92%
100% 100% 100% 98%
100% 100% 99% 97%
99% 99% 99% 95%
99%
98%
99%
84
16
Not set
23 days
18 days
23 days
*
*
Are we on target?
Are we improving compared to last year?
N/A
N/A
CUSTOMER CARE
ESTATE SERVICES % estates meeting required inspection standard
REPAIRS % emergency repairs completed on time % urgent repairs completed on time % routine repairs completed on time % repairs completed on first visit
COLLECTING RENT % rent collected (excluding arrears)
TENANCY MANAGEMENT Total number of evictions Average time to re-let empty properties
between April 2011 to March 2012 Performance based on year-to-date from April 2012 to June 2012 * Performance * * Results have been rounded to the nearest whole number
The Tenancy team is here to help!
Our Tenancy team are here to help you manage your rights and responsibilities as part of your tenancy agreement - a legal document you signed when you moved in to your home. Managing your responsibilities Our Tenancy team can help if you need to make changes to your tenancy. Contact them if you need to: Change names on your tenancy agreement. Move out of your home. Leave your home for more than 28 days. www.lewishamhomes.org.uk
Keeping your rights The Tenancy team can help manage problems with low level antisocial behaviour, such as: noise nuisance; and local environmental issues (litter, graffiti, vandalism, fly tipping, abandoned vehicles, unauthorised vehicle repairs, inconsiderate parking and unkempt gardens).
You can also contact the Tenancy team if you have concerns about a neighbour’s wellbeing they will investigate and refer the tenant to help if necessary. 0800 028 2 028 press 6
DID YOU KNOW... You can view your rent statement online? Visit www.lewishamhomes.org.uk and click on ‘Account log in’ and sign up to get your pin number.
working day diary with the Tenancy Audit team The Tenancy Audit team works to make sure that the right people are living in Lewisham Homes’ properties. Their work frees up illegally occupied properties so that we can provide housing for those who need it most. We spoke to team leader Ann-Marie Rose about her work. How do you know if a property is being illegally sub-let? We carry out regular occupancy checks, follow up on leads from other residents and work with other agencies such as the National Fraud Initiative which helps us gather intelligence and identify potentially fraudulent activity. What can happen to residents who sub-let their house? Lewisham Homes has a zero tolerance policy on sub-letting which is not permitted under our Tenancy Agreement. We will take legal action against offenders to recover properties that are being used for private financial gain because they are preventing people in genuine need from being housed.
How do you help the victims of sub-letting? One woman that we helped had been living in the property for 20 years. She had wrongly been told by the tenant she would be able to take over the tenancy and was obviously distressed when we had to inform her otherwise. However, after starting proceedings to take the property back we kept in close contact with her and helped with her housing options. She’s now been re-housed in a suitable over 55s scheme. ”Many victims of sub-letting are vulnerable people who have unknowingly rented a property. They are being exploited by those renting their homes illegally.” - Ann-Marie Rose, Tenancy Audit team leader
Ann-Marie Rose Tenancy Audit team leader If you are aware that a council property is being illegally occupied please contact your local housing office. Any information that you provide will be treated confidentially. 0800 028 2 028 press 6
WHO’S WHO? TENANCY TEAM
General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000
performance report * diary
15
One call does it all...
0800 028 2 028
Calling 020 8613 4000 may be cheaper from a mobile Repairs | Gas | Rent | Antisocial behaviour Caretaking | Leasehold Services | Tenancy www.lewishamhomes.org.uk
Lewisham Homes Contacts Open 9am-5pm weekdays except Wednesdays 10am-5pm Holbeach Housing Office Pepys Housing Office 9 Holbeach Road, 1a Eddystone Tower, Catford, London Oxestalls Road, Deptford, SE6 4TW London SE8 3QU
Open 9am-4.30pm weekdays except Wednesdays 10am-1pm
HOME 18
Honor Oak Housing Office Spalding House, Turnham Road, London SE4 2HT
Home Park Housing Office 129 Winchfield Road, Sydenham, London SE26 5TH