Housing News Winter 2015

WINTER

2015

housing news The newsletter for Link tenants

Inside: • Launching the e-Newsletter • Tenant Gathering 2015 • Rent consultation 2016/2017 • Winter money saving tips

www.linkhousing.org.uk

Hello from the editor

Launching Link’s eNewsletter in 2016 We want to make it easy for you to get the information you need about Link and its services. That’s why we would like to start sending out our newsletters by email to tenants who have provided us with an email address.

Welcome to the December edition of Housing News.

Thank you to the tenants and staff who attended the Tenant Gathering in Edinburgh. It was a great day to share ideas, learn and encourage tenants to get involved with Link. We also launched the rent increase consultation for 2016/2017 at the event and include an update in the newsletter.

Well done to Linkscape for winning a best practice award at the TPAS national conference in November.

We know that many of you already receive communication from other organisations by email so we want to start delivering the tenant newsletter in this way. This is a faster, cheaper and more environmentally friendly way to do business.

We would like you to complete this short survey www.surveymonkey.com/r/M25C2DL which asks for your views on the tenant newsletter, what you would like to see in future editions and whether you would like to receive the newsletter by email or by post.

If you call the Customer Service Centre you will be asked if you would like to receive the newsletter by email. If you decide to opt out, we will send you a hard copy by post as before.

For help with getting an email address, support and access to a computer please contact the advice service on 01324 417174.

Best wishes for the Festive Season.

Leah Webb Tenant Liaison Officer

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03451 400 100 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

SMART METER NATIONAL ROLLOUT The project to install smart meters in every home in England, Wales and Scotland is under way and will be in full swing by 2016. There are already almost two million early generation smart meters up and running in homes.

What are smart meters?

There are plenty of gadgets that can help control energy use, but smart meters have two unique features. They show exactly how much energy you’re using and the cost. They send accurate meter readings to your energy supplier, so you get an accurate bill.

See what you’re spending All smart meters come with a display screen which shows you: l how much gas and electricity you’ve used l exactly what it costs in the last day, month or year l see how much energy it takes to make a cup of tea or do the laundry l how to use the traffic light system to see if you’re using more energy than you expect

Get accurate bills Your smart meter also communicates with your energy suppliers. It: l sends meter readings to your gas and electricity companies l automatically updates if you change suppliers or tariffs The Government expects smart meter installation will: l accelerate in 2016, when common standards come into force l include around 20 million meters fitted between 2016 and 2018 l peak in 2019 and finish in 2020 Certain factors mean that different housing types and locations will be fitted at different times.

Installation will begin with houses in urban and semi-urban areas. Flats will come later, and highrise flats will come last, starting in 2018.

Rollout to prepay customers should start at the same time as the full-scale rollout programme. Link does not install smart meters. This will be done by your energy provider.

If you’re on a prepayment meter, your display screen will also show how much credit you have.

www.linkhousing.org.uk

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Nifty (but thrifty) winter The festive period can be a time of joy and happiness, but it can also be stressful if you are worrying about saving money to pay for bills or presents.

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Save money on presents There are many ways you can buy presents for low or no cost: l Local charity shops or online websites, such as eBay, often have brand new items for sale for a fraction of high street prices. l Local recycling centres often have toys and bikes you can take home for free. l Amazon and Gumtree both sell high quality second hand goods. l Local community craft fairs often have homemade decorations and gifts for sale. l You can also make your own decorations or gifts www.craftideas.info l Do a ‘Secret Santa’ with a group of family members or friends. This is where you put names in a hat and you buy a present (at a limit set by the group) for the person whose name you pick.

03451 400 100 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

Save and make money If you need some extra cash over the festive period please try to avoid doorstep or payday lenders.

It will only bring more stress to the start of the year and will cost you much more in the long run.

If you need a loan please speak to your local credit union as they may be able to help you. For more information on joining your local credit union, visit www.abcul.org You can earn money for presents by doing a clear out and selling old toys or clothes on Gumtree – or try a car boot sale.

Money off your energy bills Winter Fuel Payment You could get between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills if you were born on or before 5 January 1953. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. Most payments are made automatically during November and December. You should get your money by Christmas.

You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).

Warm home discount You could get £140 off your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, a oneoff discount on your electricity bill which won’t affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment. Check with your supplier to see if they run the scheme.

www.linkhousing.org.uk

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BOARD MEMBER PROFILE We caught up with the new Chair of Link Housing Association Board, John Flaherty How did you get into housing?

I studied Social Policy at University (many years ago!) and housing was the subject which I found most interesting. My first job was as a Housing Visitor with Edinburgh District Council and I am now an Area Manager with Fife Council.

What does your role as Link Housing Association Chair involve?

The job of the Board is to lead and direct Link to achieve the best possible outcomes for its tenants and other customers. My role is to make sure the Board receives sound information from Senior Managers and also to enable all members of the Board to contribute to a constructive debate and examination of the issues. We are very lucky that our Board members possess a wide range of valuable experience and knowledge.

If you were prime minister for the day what law would you pass?

I would pass a law to remove the right to buy council houses in England (and reverse the plan to give the right to buy to Housing Association tenants) to bring England into line with Scotland, where the value of social housing is recognised as an important part of a range of housing options. Link provides an excellent example of how a range of approaches (renting at both social and market rent levels, as well as help into shared equity and full home ownership) offers real choice to people from a variety of backgrounds.

What do you think the best thing about working in housing is?

I make a point of spending time with my front-line staff as they visit our tenants. I frequently see first-hand how hugely important housing is to the lives of people in our communities and also how conscientious staff are in going the extra mile to make sure tenants and other customers are able to access the services they need – often going well beyond their job remit. It’s clear to me (from reports I receive), that the staff at Link have the same ethos and it’s great to be part of an organisation where customer service is valued so highly.

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03451 400 100 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

Link Chief Executive Craig Sanderson with apprentices Jordan and James.

Link tenants successful in gaining apprenticeships Link continues to play its part in tackling the skills shortage in the construction industry by ensuring we invest in skills training and the creation of employment opportunities.

Since becoming a National Skills Academy in February 2013 (and the first Scottish Registered Social Landlord to do so) Link has continued to increase the number of community benefits achieved through its development and maintenance programmes.

The contract for painting Link’s properties was recently awarded to Bell Group UK. As part of this

Get the clothes, get the confidence, get the job Smart Works helps women who have a confirmed job interview by providing a complete interview outfit and advice on how to get the job.

contract, Bell committed to starting two new apprentice painters during each of the three years of the contract.

The first two apprentice opportunities were offered to Link tenants and their families and we were delighted to get 20 applications. Jordan Berry from Cumbernauld and James Panton from Hamilton were successful in getting the apprenticeships and started their three year Painting and Decorating apprenticeships in September.

The next two apprenticeship opportunities will be advertised in May/June 2016. For more information contact Grant Alexander, Employability Officer on 03451 400 100.

Smart Works offers a two-hour appointment with its expert, experienced and welcoming team who work with you to give you the best possible chance of getting the job. The high-quality clothes come from retail partners such as Next and donations from other working women.

Smart Works has a long track record of success. Over the last five years it has dressed, trained and helped about 6000 women back into work across the UK. Smart Works is based

www.linkhousing.org.uk

in Edinburgh – but you do not need to live in Edinburgh to get an appointment.

Ask your advisor (at Jobcentre Plus) to call and book an appointment on 0131 516 7787 or contact Grant Alexander, Link’s Employability Officer on 03451 400 100 for more information. Visit the website at www.smartworks.org.uk/ Edinburgh

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Tenant Gathering Link, Horizon and Dunedin Canmore Housing Associations held a Tenant Gathering on Saturday 10 October in Edinburgh.

Tenants took part in a variety of workshops including how to use computers, decorating, employability, health and well being, customer scrutiny and community gardening. They also had the opportunity to find out more about this year’s rent consultation.

Highlights at the event included relaxation massage sessions, a smoothie bike and a magician doing tricks at lunchtime.

Staff from Link Property, the Advice team and LinkLiving – as well as Dunedin Canmore and Horizon Housing Associations – were on hand to help throughout the day.

Thanks also to Changeworks, Envirovent, TPAS, Bell Group, Edinburgh RSL Network and Edinburgh Community Food Initiative who all helped with the event.

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Feedback from the event: l 100% rated the event as excellent (68%) or good (32%) l 84% rated the information sent in advance as excellent (56%) or good (28%) l 92% rated the Link rent consultation workshop as excellent (71%) or good (21%) l 96% rated the venue as excellent (70%) or good (26%) l 84% rated the information and advice stalls as excellent (64%) or good (20%) Feedback included: l ‘everything was great’ l ‘The stalls were very good’ l ‘I would have liked to be able to do more workshops’ l ‘Be more family friendly’ l ‘I really enjoyed it’ l ‘I want more regular events’

03451 400 100 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

The event proved there is a willingness and interest from tenants to work with Link and challenges assumptions or views that tenant participation is something tenants are not interested in. By working, listening and respecting your views we can focus our decisions and activities on what matters most to our customers.

Next year the Tenant Scrutiny Panel is taking part in a Value for Money training programme delivered by Housemark. Tenants have the best opportunity they have ever had to engage with and influence Link. Rents pay for services and we need to ensure tenants are getting the best value possible. Tenants should be part of making big decisions especially in challenging times where public subsidies are at risk of being cut and welfare reform hits tenants’ incomes and their ability to pay rent.

www.linkhousing.org.uk

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Update on Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 We are running a series of articles focusing on parts of the Act and how it will affect Link tenants. In January 2016, the Scottish Government will publish guidance to inform landlords what changes are required as a result of the new legislation. This month we focus on the changes to the allocation of social housing.

Landlords have to consider ‘reasonable preference’ to people with particular needs.

This is the weight given to applications within certain categories of people and their related needs. The Act amends this and now social landlords have to give reasonable preference to: l People who are homeless or are threatened with homelessness and who have an unmet housing need. l People who live in unsatisfactory housing conditions and who have an unmet housing need. l Social housing tenants who are considered to be underoccupying their home.

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Unmet housing need is where the landlord considers their needs cannot be met by any other housing options.

Ownership of property can now be taken into consideration in an applicant’s priority. This means that if someone owns a property that meets their needs, they can be given less priority than someone who does not own a property. Previously, ownership could not be taken into consideration when making decisions on allocations.

Landlords can now set a minimum suspension period before an applicant is eligible for the allocation of housing.

Suspension could result if the applicant has previously engaged in anti-social behaviour; has a conviction for using their home for illegal activity; has rent arrears, or has refused housing in the past. This part of the Act gives the landlord more power to suspend applicants for a set period of time.

Landlords must consult tenants and applicants if they propose to change the allocations policy and publish a report to show the outcome of consultation.

TIS and TPAS (Tenant Information Service and Tenant Participation Advisory Service) have published a guide for tenants (funded by Scottish Government) to explain the changes as a result of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014.

Link is planning a review in 2016 to respond to the changes and will consult with tenants groups, promote online surveys and organise focus group meetings.

If you would like a copy of the guide or to get involved, contact Leah or Eleanor on 03451 400 100 or email getinvolved@linkhaltd.co.uk.

In the next edition of the newsletter we will explain the changes to your tenancy and new powers to deal with antisocial behaviour.

03451 400 100 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

Lintel Trust: grants for your group?

Lintel Trust (Link group’s latest subsidiary) is a small Scottish charity which awards grants of up to £2,000 to housing and community projects across Scotland. You don’t have to be a registered charity, but have to demonstrate your charitable aims and objectives.

Please take a look at Lintel’s website to get an idea of the types of projects it supports and times to submit application for grant. If you’re not sure, why not give them a call – it is based in Glasgow but covers the whole of Scotland.

You can call 0141 567 6235 or email pauline.barbour@linkhaltd.co.uk or visit the website www.linteltrust.org.uk

Rent increase proposed for 2016/2017 In January each year, the Link Group Board meets to discuss and agree the rent increase for the following year. Based on the information we have at present, we propose to increase your rent by 1.5% from April 2016. On average (excluding service charges) this will mean an increase of £1.15 per week.

We want you to be able to afford our rents and we also want to be able to invest in our properties and provide you with quality housing management, repairs and advice services. At the end of October you were sent a leaflet “Understanding the Link Group Rent Consultation”(also available on Link’s website).

The leaflet explains what your rents pay for and how our rents compare with other social landlords.

We wanted your views on the proposed rent increase so we employed a company called Research Resource to carry out a survey, which all tenants were invited to participate in either online or by telephone. More than 400 tenants responded and we will shortly receive the survey results. The results will be reported to the Link Group Board at its meeting in January.

www.linkhousing.org.uk

In addition to the consultation on the rent increase, we will also be reviewing how we set our rents.

We currently set our rents on a “points” system, where points are given for different amenities in the property, for example having a garden, and then an amount for each point is charged. We will review how points are charged in our rent setting policy. If you are interested in getting involved in the discussion please contact us on 03451 400 100 or getinvolved@linkhaltd.co.uk

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Tenant Report Card We have produced a Charter Report Card for tenants which shows our performance since the Scottish Social Housing Charter “the Charter” was introduced.

This Charter Report Card is based on our 2014/15 Annual Return on the Charter (ARC) to the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) and shows how we are performing against the outcomes in the Charter that are relevant to Link Group. Outcomes are the results we should be achieving for you, our customers, and are measured by a range of indicators which have been developed by the SHR.

We haven’t included details on all the Charter outcomes and indicators but you can find these on the SHR’s website www.scottishhousingregulator.gov.uk If you would like a hard copy of the report please call the Customer Service Centre on 03451 400 100.

Link’s Charter Report to Tenants can be viewed at http://linkhousing.org.uk/media/140144/ tenant-report-card-2015.pdf

What we have reported on In our second Charter Report Card we have focused on: l l l l

How well we keep you informed Housing quality and maintenance Anti-social behaviour Rents and service charges

We have also included: l How we compare to other landlords l The actions we are taking to improve l Comparison with our 2013/14 performance

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03451 400 100 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

In the time the project has been running it has demonstrated a number of positive outcomes.

The level of tenant engagement with Link has increased and work to improve the areas has included litter picks, planting days, building raised flower beds, replanting uncared for areas and cleaning up stone seating areas.

Tenants Shona Gorman, Elsie Boyce and Rose Dorman with TPAS Awards host Sean Batty.

Linkscape wins award Linkscape won the ‘Best Practice in Developing Communities’ award at the recent Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) Scotland awards ceremony.

Linkscape was set up in April 2015 to encourage tenants, owners and staff to work together to make, and sustain, environmental improvements in

two Link neighbourhoods in Falkirk. Since then the project has expanded and is now working at sites in Clydebank and Edinburgh too.

Linkscape provides practical support to tenants to encourage them to take ownership of their communal areas and will ensure tenants’ ideas on how to improve their environment are delivered.

Tenant Rose Dorman said: “We had a great time at the awards ceremony and were delighted to pick up this award for Linkscape.

The TPAS conference was really educational, welcoming and inspiring. For me Linkscape is a good thing because it gives direct and practical help to tenants interested in improving their environment. It is still early days but word is getting around that Linkscape is a brilliant project. My thanks to Fraser, Connor and Joe from Link for all their help and advice so far with our community gardening project in Dalmuir.”

TENANT SCRUTINY PANEL UPDATE The Tenant Scrutiny Panel has selected its next topic for inspection. It will be looking at the performance of Link’s third party contractors, with a focus on gas servicing.

The Panel is interested in looking at the cost and reasons for break-ins (Stage 4’s) when a tenant does not give access. The Panel will evaluate communications with tenants throughout this process.

The Panel selected this performance area as gas servicing is a legal requirement and a unique customer interaction because it is something all tenants experience once a year.

The Panel will also be taking part in a Housemark training programme to develop its skills and agree how Link can assess value for money.

The Panel will analyse and test tenant satisfaction data and complaints to see what the information tells Link about customers’ experiences and if any improvements can be made.

www.linkhousing.org.uk

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REGIONAL ROUND-UP

Members of the Edinburgh RSL Residents Network.

Edinburgh RSL Residents Network (ERN) ERN aims to offer advice, information and support to individual tenants, residents and groups to raise awareness and improve tenant participation.

ERN’s vision is to provide an independent service to housing association, sharing owners and cooperative tenants and residents.

ERN is a member of TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) and TIS (Tenant Information Service). It is now a Link Registered Tenants’ Organisation and hopes to encourage more Link tenants to get involved in influencing decisions about the services they receive. ERN members recently took part in the Link Tenant Gathering event and advised Dunedin Canmore on its approach to rent consultation.

ERN holds open meetings on the first Thursday of each month, usually in the afternoon. If you would like to be part of ERN or need advice, information or support please email info@edinburghresidents.net or telephone 07476043635.

Edinburgh computer course for beginners We will be running our popular City & Guilds Basics Online computer course in the Edinburgh

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area for the first time in the new year. This is an excellent opportunity to learn everything from switching on a computer to sending emails and using the internet. At the end of the course you will get a chance to sit a City & Guilds exam providing you with a recognised computer qualification. As a Link tenant you are also eligible to take part in our Laptop Loan Scheme where you can borrow and take home the laptop that you are training on.

This course is open to all tenants of all abilities and runs for two morning or afternoon sessions a week for four weeks. The venue and dates will be confirmed closer to the start of the course and all public transport costs will be reimbursed.

If you are interested in taking part in the City & Guilds course please call Suzi on 0330 3030106.

Grangemouth We held a Tenants’ Festive Gathering in November at the Grangemouth Stadium.

Falkirk – Linkscape project Tenants and staff meet monthly to discuss the action plans to deliver environmental improvements in Wallace Street and Glynwed Court. This includes planting improvements, clean-ups and helping tenants to recycle and reduce fly-tipping.

03451 400 100 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk

Jen Comyns, Housing Officer, at the Coldstream garden.

New development complete at Hillfield Brae, Newton Mearns

Glasgow – Affordable Warmth Dividend The Affordable Warmth Dividend is a £100 payment made by Glasgow City Council to residents who are 80 years of age and older on or before 31st March 2016.

If you will be 80 years of age before 31st March 2016 you can make the application now.

Applications will be accepted until 31st March 2016.

Application forms are available on the Council’s website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/ affordablewarmth or from your local Revenues and Benefits Centre or by phoning 0141 287 7961.

New tenant Ashley and her daughter.

These recently completed properties are part of a larger development situated on the northern edge of Newton Mearns.

There are 24 terraced and semi-detached homes all for social rent, including one bungalow suitable for wheelchair use. New tenant Ashley Gibson says: ‘I am really happy with my new home for me and my family. The location is great, the room sizes are impressive and the play park fun for my daughter.’

Coldstream – Scottish Borders Tenants and staff helped tidy up the Coldstream Community Garden and get it ready for spring planting.

Oatlands – Glasgow Tenants organised a halloween party for the kids.

It was well attended and everyone had lots of spooky fun.

Oatlands Halloween party.

www.linkhousing.org.uk

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WAYS TO PAY YOUR RENT There are various options available to make it easier for you to pay your rent: Debit or Standing Order: If you wish to set up a  Direct Standing Order or Direct Debit, please contact Link’s Rent Enquiry Team on 0330 303 0801 for advice.

and Postal Orders: Cheques and Postal Orders  Cheques should be made payable to “Link Housing Association”. To

WINTER HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS Our offices are closed 25 and 28 December and 1 and 4 January. Customer services will be available on 29, 30 and 31 December. All emergency contacts for outof-hours emergencies are recorded on 03451 400 100 and your call will be redirected to the out-of-hours service.

identify your payment please write your name and property address on the reverse of the cheque/ postal order.

You can use your allpay card to make payments ℡ Telephone: using a credit or debit card. Please telephone Link Housing on 0330 303 0801, option 1 during office hours, or call the allpay 24 hour automated service on 0844 557 8321.

Text: Debit or credit card payments can be made using your own mobile phone – register online first at www.allpayments.net/textpay/login.aspx.

You can pay using your allpay card and credit/debit  Online: card at www.allpayments.net.

To download the allpay app for your mobile phone please refer to the www.allpay.net/app.

Emergency contact numbers for when the office is closed Gas Boiler and Heating Repairs

• Call 03451 400 100 Other emergency repairs

• Call 0800 783 7937 (out-of-hours service provided by Bield 24) • Call Lochaber HA on 01397 702 530 if you live in Fort William or Skye & Lochalsh HA on 01478 612035 if you live in the Kyle of Lochalsh Link Housing Association Limited is a company registered in Scotland under the Companies Acts, Company Number: SC216300, Registered Office: Link House, 2c New Mart Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RL. It is registered as a Property Factor Id: PF000355 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Interim Permissions Reference Number: 643282. Part of the © Link Group 2015.

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03451 400 100 or csc@linkhaltd.co.uk