Home magazine, issue 19

ISSUE 19 | NOVEMBER 2012

Communal repairs online Be safe: Get gas checked Do it online

Home

DoCommunity the Housing MattersProgramme survey Investment Shortlisted and gofor intoMost the Effective Partnership draw to win one NFA Awards 2012 of 3 prizes of ÂŁ50

News about your Council home

ÂŁ30k for your projects Be prepared for the Welfare Reforms Housing Matters: Your home, your view Back to work opportunities

General Enquiries North 020 8314 7997 | South 020 8314 7991

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OUR MISSION To deliver great housing services for thriving neighbourhoods.

Inside Home 6 OF THE BEST!

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Christmas opening hours and dates for your diary

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We are removing satellites in communal blocks

60 seconds with...

Resident Board Member Peter Batten

What do you consider the top priorities for Lewisham Homes’ success?

Lewisham Homes must continue to engage with its residents to understand their wider needs.

Understanding and meeting these needs is a top priority. www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

On the

Cover

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Our residents improved their local community thanks to funding

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Getting back to work can change your life

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Do the Housing Matters survey and go into the draw to win one of 3 prizes of £50

Hate crime and dogs. An Antisocial behaviour officer’s typical day

And the biggest challenges?

The two main challenges are continuing to improve the services it offers to residents, whilst also completing the Major Works Programme. This is a big challenge, especially when budgets are tight.

Home

What are your hopes for our residents?

I want them to be able to say that they are proud of their homes, that they feel safe in their neighbourhoods, and to tell their friends and families that Lewisham is a good place to live.

WEBSITE

Editor Louisa Fala Deputy Editor Rosie Groves Designer Maria Halouva

Web Editor Pam O’Connor www.lewishamhomes.org.uk 0800 028 2 028 communications@ lewishamhomes.org.uk

STICK ME ON YOUR FRIDGE… Our Takeaway Top Tips leaflet enclosed with Home offers helpful advice to make your cash go further.

In the spotlight

Welfare Ref rm:

It’s c ming ready r n t The Government is making huge changes to the benefits system. These changes can affect how much Housing Benefit you receive and how you receive it.

UNDER OCCUPATION How many bedrooms do you have?

If you are of working age and receive Housing Benefit, from April 2013 your Housing Benefit payments could be reduced by up to 25% if you are deemed as having more bedrooms than you need.

UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Do you need a bank account?

Phased in from October 2013 Housing Benefit will no longer be paid direct to Lewisham Homes.

Instead you will receive monthly payments called Universal Credit (this will include an allowance for Housing Benefit) directly into your bank account. You will have to budget your rent, bills and spending.

Call us to pay your rent by direct debit and take the hassle out of the process. Lewisham Plus Credit Union can help you set up a bank account.

HOUSING BENEFIT CAP

Do you receive more than £500 a week in benefits?

If your household is unemployed, from April 2013 the amount of benefit you receive will be capped at the average earnings of a working household - on average £500 per week for couples and £350 per week for single adults with no children.

Helping residents out of debt Lewisham Homes’ resident, *Rosie from Forest Hill, suddenly found her finances spiralling out of control when she lost her job. The mum-oftwo started to fall behind with her rent and her arrears soon mounted up to over £1,300.

Instead of going to a loan shark Rosie* called her Income Officer, Ade Fetuga, for help. Ade arranged a loan through the ‘Homesavers’ scheme run

by Lewisham Plus Credit Union and referred her instantly.

“

The Credit Union and Lewisham Homes helped me with my rent arrears, which really worried me. Getting a loan through them really took the pressure off.

”

- *Rosie from Forest Hill *Real name withheld

Lewisham Plus Credit Union 020 8778 4738 admin@pluscu.co.uk Over the next few months, we will be contacting all residents likely to be affected by the reforms. Contact your Income Officer. 0800 028 2 028 press 2 General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000

In the spotlight

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DID YOU KNOW? We’re still looking for members for the Residents’ Scrutiny Committee 020 8613 7660 getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk

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BRIEFS CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS Our offices will be closed from 5pm on 24 December 2012, reopening 10am 2 January 2013.

We will be operating a phone service during office hours (9am-5pm). Only emergency repairs will be made during this time.

0800 028 2 028 press 1 or 020 8613 4000 AFFORDABLE INSURANCE Insure your belongings against theft, fire, vandalism and burst pipes with an inexpensive scheme run by Lewisham Council. You could get insurance for as little as 92p per week.

0800 028 2 028 hold the line for Customer Services FIGHTING THE FLY TIPPERS Fly tipping is a criminal offence.

Offenders can receive an on-thespot fine of £75 or prosecution (with a maximum prison sentence of five years) and a fine of up to £50,000.

We work with Lewisham Council to prosecute anyone caught fly tipping.

020 8314 7171 to report fly tipping TO OWN, OR NOT TO OWN? We have set up a dedicated Right to Buy team to provide information on the practicalities, costs and responsibilities of home ownership as well as supporting you through the actual purchase of your home.

Contact the Right to Buy team.

0800 028 2 028 press 5

A closer look at caretaking - by leaseholder Helena Russell, Resident Scrutiny Committee member

Why does the Caretaking Service attract the most complaints among residents? What could be done to improve this situation? Are standards too low, or expectations too high?

I am one of a small group of tenants and leaseholders that recently started an investigation into the negative perception of Lewisham Homes’ Caretaking Service. The Area Panel made the decision to focus on the Caretaking Service as this is one of the areas that residents are most dissatisfied with. The Scrutiny Committee will be looking at meeting minutes and scrutinising how the caretaking team trains its staff as well as how it communicates with its customers.

A new framework introduced this year means that social housing is regulated differently. Instead of a government body being responsible for ensuring landlords like Lewisham Homes provide acceptable standards of service, it is now down to residents to scrutinise and regulate service delivery.

The first step is to put in a request for

www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

“

The Scrutiny Committee will be looking at meeting minutes and scrutinising how the Caretaking team trains its staff.

”

information from the Caretaking team, which can be anything from training manuals to email responses.

Once we’ve reviewed this information, we’ll carry out additional testing to see if it matches the reality experienced by residents. This could involve commissioning resident mystery shoppers, shadowing caretakers or their managers, carrying out our own inspections, or interviewing staff or residents about their experiences.

We will present our report to the board of Lewisham Homes.

If you would like to be involved, contact us to register your interest.

020 8613 7660 getinvolved@ lewishamhomes.org.uk

DID YOU KNOW… If you are a LewIsham based professional, artist or tradesperson you can swap your skills www.localskillsswap.com

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news * over to you

you decide £30,000 to fund community projects The Community Improvement Competitive Fund (CICF) was set-up in 2010 as part of the Residents’ Business Plan.

Young resident at the Honor Oak Mini Olympics

The fund gives residents the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to £5,000 to improve their local area.In June a panel of residents approved 11 projects totalling £30,000. So far the following projects have been delivered: ✔✔Somerville and Kender Estates School’s Out for Summer programme ✔✔Honor Oak - Mini-Olympics event ✔✔Hazel Grove - Carnival in partnership with the local ward assemblies ✔✔Somerville Community Garden new plants and pots MINI-OLYMPIC FUN ON HONOR OAK Over 400 residents turned out to watch the first Honor Oak Mini-Olympics on 15 September. The event received £3,500 from the CICF and aimed to bring the community together through sport and fitness activities. Events included the 100m road race, football, basketball, Zumba dancing, assault courses and zorbing.

“The Honor Oak Mini Olympics was a great success, bringing our community together and really showing the best of our estate.

Everyone enjoyed the event and we can’t wait to hold more events next year!”

- Tanika Lothian, Chair of Honor Oak TRA

SOMERVILLE IN BLOOM Keen gardeners on the Somerville Estate introduced new plants to their community garden thanks to £500 of funding from the CICF. The garden, developed as part of the Resident Led Programme in 2009, has been tended by a dedicated team of volunteers from Somerville TRA. The funding covered the purchase of new larger plants which completed the original garden design.

020 8613 7660 getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk

Honor Oak residents got into the London 2012 spirit with a Zumba dance off at the Mini Olympics.

General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000

DID YOU KNOW? If you’re worried about being able to pay your rent your Income Officer can help you 0800 028 2 028 press 2 to book an appointment.

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Repairs roundup We know that repairs is our residents’ number one priority and have made a number of improvements recently based on residents’ feedback.

Are you satisfied?

Press 1 if you ARE happy Press 3 if you are NOT happy You’ll be automatically connected to the repairs contact centre. They will discuss the problem with you and agree how we can resolve it as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We want all residents to be satisfied with the repair they receive. We’re rolling out a new telephone automated system during November that will contact you straight after your repair is complete.

0800 028 2 028 press 1

Track communal repairs online Following a recent survey, residents spoke to us about wanting to be able to track the progress of communal repairs to their blocks. We have now introduced an online communal repairs webpage, where you can view: Technical and general building repairs.

The description and progress of the communal repair and, the cost of the completed work.

Register www.lewishamhomes.org

Reduce moisture, reduce condensation Condensation is a common problem in most households and is caused by too much moisture in the atmosphere and a lack of ventilation. If left unchecked, condensation can lead to dampness and mould growth in your home. You are responsible for repairing, removing and preventing condensation.

Activity

Water moisture

A bath or shower

2 pints (1.14 litres)

Washing dishes in the sink

2 pints (1.14 litres)

Two people at home for 16 hours Cooking and using a kettle Drying clothes indoors www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

3 pints (1.7 litres)

Hygrometers measure condensation and alert residents to when they need to increase ventilation.

We’ve produced a FREE advice guide to control condensation and remove mould growth in your home.

Click to watch our shor t condensation video!

6 pints (3.4 litres)

0800 028 2 028 press 1

9 pints (5.13 litres)

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER… Download our Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet for over 60s www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

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TIPS

Top tips for staying gas safe Faulty gas appliances can give off poisonous carbon monoxide.

It can’t be seen or smelt, but it can kill.

1.

Gas checks We have a legal duty to make sure that all our appliances are checked every year by properly qualified gas engineers. Tenants also have a duty under their ‘Conditions of Tenancy’ to allow our staff into their homes to carry out the checks.

not receiving any 3. I’m gas, what should I do?

carries out 2. Who the servicing?

We employ two contractors, T-Brown (south) and Quality Heating Services (north) to carry out gas servicing in our properties. They’ll write to you to arrange an appointment. a leaseholder, 4. I’m what am I responsible for?

Check that your meter hasn’t been switched off and that you’ve money on your gas meter. If your gas supply is faulty then you may have to contact your gas supplier.

The Health and Safety Executive have recently prosecuted private landlords in Lewisham who failed to maintain gas appliances in their properties properly.

As a landlord you must: � Repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in safe condition. � Ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue. � Keep a record of each safety check.

If you suspect a gas leak: Call National Grid’s Gas Emergency. 0800 111 999 Open all the doors and windows.

Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve.

If you’re a leaseholder and need gas servicing: Our gas contractors, T-Brown and Quality Heating, offer gas servicing to resident leaseholders and landlords who are subletting their property.

T-Brown (South of Borough) 020 8786 1200 www.tbrownheating.co.uk QHS (North of Borough) 01494 795000 www.quality-heating.co.uk

WHO’S WHO? GAS TEAM

MATTHEW QUEEN Gas Engineer Quality Heating Services

MALCOLM TOWNSEND Gas Manager Lewisham Homes

DAVID JARMYN Gas Quality Inspector Gas Advisory Service

ANDY WRIGHT Gas Engineer T-Brown

General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000

Gas tips * Reduce condensation

TOP

your home, your view In October the Council sent a newsletter (pictured right) on Housing Matters to all residents to explain what this programme is about and how it could affect you. In a nutshell, we don’t have enough money to do everything we want to do.

What are the Council’s priorities for improving housing?

Missed out on the newsletter? Contact us.

To continue to improve all tenants’ homes to the Lewisham Homes 020 8613 7650 communications@ Standard in the next four years. lewishamhomes.org.uk To improve estates and areas around your homes with better security, play areas, landscaping etc.

To increase the supply of affordable housing - progress the thousands of new homes already in the planning pipeline, seek to build at least 250 new homes over the next five years.

To provide better housing for older people - make sure all our sheltered schemes meet tenants’ needs and provide a new extra care housing scheme.

Have a look at our table for a breakdown of how each option will affect residents Option one

Option two

How much can we invest in homes and environments?

Under these options Lewisham Council will be able to access funding up to £44 million which is the most the Government will allow the Council to borrow.

What about resident control?

Lewisham Homes already has tenants on its management board, but they are not in the majority.

Will my tenancy rights change?

Under these options, Lewisham Council remains the landlord and tenants retain all their existing tenancy rights.

WilI I still have the Right to Buy my home?

Under these options, you would continue to have the Right to Buy.

What happens to my rent?

Under these options, Lewisham Council remains the landlord and rents would be set as they currently are now - according to central government’s rent formula.

I am a leaseholder.

How will the options affect me?

You would continue to be a leaseholder of Lewisham Council.

Tenants would not be involved in direct decision making and the Council would need to decide on a new approach to engaging with tenants.

How do the numbers stack up?

The Government limits how much the Council can borrow against its housing. The most it will let the Council borrow is £44 million. That’s a lot of money. But it is a long way short of what the Council estimates is needed to provide good quality affordable homes in pleasant environments for all that need them. That would cost around £129 million - a gap of £85 million.

The Council has choices to make about how to spend the money it is allowed to borrow, and whether to consider other options that would bring in more money to spend on Lewisham’s housing. That is why the Council is talking to residents now. It wants your views before it makes these important choices.

What are the options and why are they being considered?

Option one Option two The Council could continue to be your The Council could continue to be your landlord and Lewisham Homes could landlord and would manage your home continue to manage your home. directly, instead of Lewisham Homes.

Under these options Lewisham Council will be able to access funding up to £44 million which is the most the Government will allow the Council to borrow.

Option three Option four The Council could transfer ownership to The Council could transfer ownership to a new ‘resident-led’ organisation that an existing housing association that will would own and manage your home. If own and manage your home. this were to happen, then it could mean that residents would have greater say than at present.

Options three and four will enable access to at least £129 million which is the amount of money the Council estimates is needed to provide good quality affordable homes in pleasant environments for all that need them.

Option three

Option four

Options three and four will enable access to at least £129 million which is the amount of money the Council estimates is needed to provide good quality affordable homes in pleasant environments for all that need them.

Tenants would have a greater say than at present, which could include voting rights on key decisions.

Would depend on the existing housing association’s tenant participation structures, but tenants could have a number of places on the management board.

Under these options, Lewisham Council would no longer be the landlord as the ownership of your homes would be transferred to a new landlord. Existing tenants would have key rights protected, either in law or through transfer negotiation.

Under these options, Lewisham Council would no longer be the landlord as the ownership of your homes would be transferred to a new landlord. Existing tenants transferring would have this right protected including the discount level and it would be called a ‘Preserved Right to Buy’.

Rent levels would be protected for five years. After five years, for existing tenants, rents would usually stay in accordance with central government’s rent formula.

Residents could influence the level of rents as they have would have more control.

Rent levels would be protected for five years. After five years, for existing tenants, rents would stay in accordance with central government’s the rent formula.

There will be no changes to the contents of your lease but you would have a new landlord.

Do the survey and win!

Your view is important, complete the survey (enclosed with this magazine) and you can win one of three prizes of £50.

020 8314 3603 housing.matters@ lewisham.gov.uk www.lewisham.gov. uk/housingmatters

The Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) has been appointed

by Lewisham Homes tenant representatives to provide accurate and unbiased information and advice to all tenants and leaseholders about Lewisham Council’s proposals for the future of your homes.

Contact TPAS for more information.

0800 731 1619 info@tpas.org.uk

DID YOU KNOW? You can like our facebook page www.facebook.com/lewishamhomes

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Doing it online anytime Since our online campaign launched in July 119 residents have signed up to access their rent and service charge accounts via the website.

Why not join them?

Registering for this service is quick and simple. You will receive a pin number allowing you to view your accounts and update your personal details. Sign up now www.lewishamhomes.org

Yes to Major Works funding In September the Government confirmed £95million for our Major Works Programme.

Keeping you in the picture Do you live in a large block?

Your satellite dishes are being removed and replaced with IRS (see below).

Having an external satellite dish or aerial is a breach of your tenancy and can pose health and safety risks. We are now removing them from blocks but don’t worry, you’ll still be able to watch all your favourite shows.

How will I get TV without an outside aerial or dish?

Your home has an Integrated Reception System (IRS). Through this you’ll be able to receive digital terrestrial (Freeview) and satellite (Sky) reception.

I have more than one set top box and subscription.

If you have Sky+, Sky multi-room or Freesat we’ll install new cabling to provide the same services that you have currently.

This means more of our residents will benefit from improvements to their homes and local environment, with the programme continuing to 2016.

New areas for 2012/2013 benefitting from improvements include Honor Oak, Forest Hill, Blackheath and New Cross; and all properties will be subject to a survey to see what works (if any) will be carried out. www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

Whilst the funding is good news, it does fall short of our original funding bid of £126 million. We will continue to work with our residents, the council and other stakeholders to identify future sources of funding, to ensure all our residents live in good quality homes.

What do I need to do next?

We’ll be writing to all residents that are part of this programme. You’ll receive a questionnaire asking you how you’d like to continue watching TV and a handy information leaflet.

Satellite dishes and aerial installation to blocks is a breach of the tenancy agreement and lease.

0800 028 2 028 or 020 8613 4000 ask for the Mechanical and Electrical team.

Through the Residents’ Business Plan you wanted dog nuisance addressed and responsible dog ownership promoted.

Our Antisocial Behaviour team organised multiple Dog Day events throughout the year with the help of the Dogs Trust.

Residents received free microchipping, advice, dog goodie bags and were able to run their dog on an agility course.

Being a responsible dog owner

You said you wanted to be able to view communal repairs online.

We now give details of technical and general building repairs happening to your block on line. You can also view a description of the communal repair; the progress of the repair; and the cost of the completed work.

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.

What Lewisham Homes does: 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 Right to Buy applications Complaints about Lewisham Homes service

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Do it online * you said, we did

Do you know a resident who has gone above and beyond to help the community?

Then nominate them for a TPAS award. Send their details to us by 21 December getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk

What Lewisham Council does: 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

DID YOU KNOW... You can pay your rent by text. www.lewisham.gov.uk for more information.

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New year, new plans An update on the Residents’ Business Plan 2013-14.

The Residents’ Business Plan (RBP) for 2013-14 is well underway. Our initial survey asked residents to tell us what’s going well and how we could improve our services.

Your responses have now been sorted into themes and presented back to our three service improvement groups in October. Residents decided which ones to prioritise for the 2013-14 Residents’ Business Plan.

020 8613 7660 www.lewishamhomes.org.uk/rbp

calendar NOVEMBER

Street Dance: Girls 10-16years Every Thursday until 20 December 4.45pm-6.15pm.

Activities Studio, Deptford Green School SE14 6LU Lewisham Homes Board meeting Tuesday 27 November.

Our Board meetings are open to the public. Holbeach Housing Office, Catford SE6 4TW

DECEMBER

DIY repairs training Tuesday 4 December MITIE work club Thursday 6 December, 10am-1pm 2000 Action Community Centre, Deptford SE8 3PG Area Panel meeting Tuesday 11 December, 6.30pm-9pm Civic Suite, 1 Catford Rd SE6 4RU DIY repairs training Thursday 13 December

www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

Breyer work club Thursday 20 December, 10am-1pm Catford Library SE6 4RU

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

MITIE work club Thursday 7 February, 10am-1pm 2000 Action Community Centre, Deptford SE8 3PG

Football training: 8-15years 2, 3 and 4 January, 10am-3pm Sydenham Wells Park, Well Park Rd, SE26 4RD MITIE work club Thursday 3 January, 10am-1pm 2000 Action Community Centre, Deptford SE8 3PG High-5: Meet the trainer Tuesday 14 January, 11am-12.30noon Breyer work club Thursday 17 January, 10am-1pm Catford Library SE6 4RU High-5 Employability Course Tuesdays and Thursday, 11am-3pm 22 January-28 February Lewisham Homes Board meeting Tuesday 29 January.

Our Board meetings are open to the public. Holbeach Housing Office, Catford SE6 4TW

DIY repairs training Thursday 5 February

Breyer work club Thursday 21 February, 10am-1pm Catford Library SE6 4RU Register for any of these events 020 8613 7660 getinvolved@ lewishamhomes.org.uk

GET ON BOARD WITH US! We’re looking for resident Board members. To find out more please contact our Governance Manager, Nicola Clarke.

020 8613 7542 nicola.clarke@ lewishamhomes.org.uk

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Investing in our community Find out more about initiatives that support and encourage residents back to work, and opportunities for young people.

87% NUMBER GAME

Back to work initiatives Pascale White previously worked in retail, but with no other professional work experience was finding it difficult to make any definite career plans for her future.

After attending a work club, she secured a work experience placement with MITIE as an adminstrative assistant, which provided her with the chance to develop new officebased skills.

“It’s a completely different lifestyle to when you are not working and looking for a job, which becomes a full-time job in itself. This has changed everything for me.”

residents have attended our monthly work clubs this year.

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young people from Lewisham have been taken on as apprentices in plastering, painting and business administration.

24

residents have graduated from the High-5 employability skills course so far.

- Pascale White, Resident

From High-5 to high flying You may remember Renee Robinson from a previous edition of Home magazine.

Since completing the High-5 intensive employment course a year ago she has gone on to complete work experience at Lewisham Homes, a Resident Liaison Officer Apprenticeship with Breyer and now has a permanent housing role.

Well done Renee! Check out our calendar for High-5 session details.

020 8613 7660 getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk “High-5 gives you the tools to find a job. The people there are genuine and accessible. They help you move your life on.”

- Renee Robinson, Resident

109

12

residents have returned to employment or training since graduating from the High-5 course.

305

days of work experience for local residents have been delivered by both contractors.

3

residents have secured full time jobs with Breyer and MITIE. For year 2012/13

General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000

Calendar * investing in our community

?

DID YOU KNOW? We’ve had such an outstanding group of apprentices from last year that some are staying on with us!

Visit www.lewishamhomes.org.uk to see our full performance report!

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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%

90%

96%

88%

65%

90%

Satisfaction with repairs service

93%

93%

95%

93%

86%

92%

100% 100% 100% 98%

100% 100% 100% 98%

99% 99% 99% 95%

99%

98%

99%

84 23 days

39 17 days

Not set 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 September 2012 * Performance * * Results have been rounded to the nearest whole number

Antisocial Behaviour team score silver The Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) team has been awarded the Community Animal Welfare Footprint - Silver Award by the RSPCA for their work in the Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO) campaign.

The ASB team have held seven Dog Day events throughout the year.

The team were trained on how to implant micro-chips in pets - a service provided to residents for free at the Dog Day events. They drew up the www.lewishamhomes.org.uk

RDO Agreement for owners with a history of nuisance dogs.

The award has shown the impact the RDO campaign has had on animal welfare this past year as well as improving owner’s responsibility for their dogs.

The team is very proud of their achievement and look forward to continuing their good work around RDO with an eye on getting the Gold Award next year.

“

A huge thank you for holding this event and for the opportunity to have my dog chipped and neutered.

As a pensioner I cannot afford to pay for that so I am truly grateful.

”

- Julia Donovan, Chair of Evelyn TRA

FIND OUT ABOUT JOB OPPORTUNITIES… Follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/lewishamhomes

working day diary with Ronald Albert The Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) team works to help residents feel safe and secure in and around their homes. This can mean dealing with incidents where there is evidence of violence or criminal activity in properties.

We went on the road with Ronald Albert, ASB Officer. His daily work could include dealing with instances of domestic abuse, harassment, issues around dangerous dogs or drugs.

9am My first stop is a block of flats where there was a disturbance at the weekend. I distribute a letter to the all the neighbours appealing for witnesses. We rely on residents to report antisocial behaviour so we can take appropriate action and offer support.

11am I get a call from a resident who’s got an issue with dogs fouling on her estate. My team deal with all dog related nuisances so I make an appointment to meet her. I speak to the dog owner too and warn them that they’re breaching their tenancy agreement by not cleaning up after their dog. If the problem continues I’ll be forced to take legal action such as seeking an injunction to remove the dog permanently.

1pm A colleague from the Tenancy team wants to speak about a noise nuisance case. Since April, the Tenancy team deals with noise nuisance, but ASB officers are available to assist if the case is complex or legal action is required.

3.30pm I speak to a few residents to update

Ronald Albert and Christopher Richardson from the ASB team advise a resident about being a Responsible Dog Owner. Below, dogs on the agility course at Crossfields Estate. them on the progress of their cases - for severe cases we’ll do this every two weeks. There’s a case I’m going to close so I go to visit the complainant to talk about the actions I’ve taken and make sure they aren’t experiencing any more nuisance.

5.30pm Sometimes we stay late to meet with residents after they finish work.

Tonight I’m meeting someone who is complaining of harassment from his neighbours. We support those who have been affected and work with other agencies to make sure they get the help they need.

One of these agencies is Lewisham Action for Mediation Project (LAMP), who we use to arrange mediation between neighbours who are not getting on. I head there next for my last meeting of the day.

0800 028 2 028 press 4

General Enquiries 0800 028 2 028 | 020 8613 4000

performance report * diary

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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 Honor Oak Housing Office Spalding House, Turnham Road, London SE4 2HT

HOME 19

Open 10am-1pm Wednesdays only Home Park Housing Office 129 Winchfield Road, Sydenham, London SE26 5TH