Streets Ahead - Winter 2015

Streets Ahead is published

by Rosebery Housing Association

StreetsAHEAD Providing a better service for you Also featuring....

Win tickets to see Shrek the Musical Free energy advice this winter

Winter 2015

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Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

Contents

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Providing a better service for you!

Dear resident

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Universal Credit – a final reminder...

£442

Supporting you to pay your rent

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Open

Opportunity Xxx Store

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Our award nominated Panel

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Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

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Residents making a difference

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Pay to stay

London

£385 Rest of UK

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Christmas Opening Times

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Christmas Competition Time!

Contents Our award nominated Panel 14 Residents making a difference / 4 Providing a better service for you! 11 Pay to stay 12 Food for thought / Free courses 6 Supporting you to pay your rent for you 15 One click to read Streets Ahead 8 Universal Credit – a final reminder / Working together to tackle ASB 13 Help and support in the 10 Get free energy advice this winter months 16 Christmas Competition Time! / winter / Start saving for 2016 Christmas Opening Times

Editorial team

Welcome to the Winter 2015 edition of Streets Ahead!

Some of you may remember that I was expecting the patter of tiny feet earlier this year. After enjoying my maternity leave with my new baby, I’m now back at Rosebery to take up the reins again as Editor.

With the festive season upon us, we are featuring a crossword puzzle (see page 16) to get you in the Christmas spirit. Gather your family together to work out the answers and you could win tickets to see a performance of Shrek The Musical at Wimbledon Theatre in January.

If you’ve got presents to buy and Christmas dinner to pay for, then your finances may be more stretched than usual – so it could prove useful to save money elsewhere, such as your energy bills. My Home Energy Switch provides free advice on how you can switch tariff and supplier to ensure you get the best deal (page 10).

We recognise that not everybody celebrates Christmas and hope you all have a lovely time over the next few weeks, however you choose to spend the holidays.

Please note that our office will be closed from 4pm on Thursday 24 December, Christmas Eve and reopen again on Monday 4 January 2016 (see page 16 for further details).

Our repairs service will be available for emergency repairs during this time.

From all of us at Rosebery, we’d like to wish our residents a merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Caroline Martin Communications Officer 01372 814 032 caroline.martin@rosebery.org.uk

Editor Caroline Martin 01372 814 032 caroline.martin@rosebery.org.uk Editorial Panel Members Kris Bungaroo Pat Dyer Edmund O’Leary

Photography Paul Plews Additional photography by Jenna Beales and Debbie Ransome, photographic students at Nescot College Art direction Caroline Martin Peter Gibbons Design ey communications 01256 356249 www.eysite.com

If you would like to contribute or have a say about what goes into Streets Ahead you can send us your views

through the suggestion box on our website at: www.rosebery.org.uk or contact Caroline Martin on 01372 814 032, email: caroline.martin@rosebery.org.uk Or text Rosebery on: 07736 592 260

Or write to us at: Rosebery Housing Association, Third Floor, Newplan House, 41 East Street, Epsom, Surrey KT17 1BL For more information on Rosebery or how to get involved visit our website at www.rosebery.org.uk or call the Customer Experience Team on 01372 814 000 / 0800 068 7664 Rosebery Housing Association Limited, Third Floor, Newplan House, 41 East Street, Epsom, Surrey KT17 1BL Rosebery is a charitable registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 Registered No. 27671R. Registered Provider LH4026.

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www.rosebery.org.uk

Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

www.rosebery.org.uk

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Income Team

Providing a better service for you!

We understand that in the current economic climate it’s becoming much tougher for many of our residents. With an ever growing focus on money, we know that it’s a very challenging time.

To help support our residents through this, we have created a more focused approach to how we deliver our services. We now have three dedicated teams who specialise in providing you with the best possible service.

We have introduced an Income Team (see page 5) which will specialise in supporting our residents to maintain their tenancies and encourage them to take a more proactive approach when it comes to making rent payments. This specialist team has been trained to provide you with the advice and support you need.

They bring a great knowledge of benefits; provide support for those trying to get back into work; and help ensure you don’t fall behind with your payments.

Our Neighbourhood Team has a real focus on the local community and provides a more visual presence in your neighbourhoods. This team has a very different set of skills and they work hard to ensure our neighbourhoods are well maintained, safe and secure places to live.

Separating these services has allowed us to streamline our Customer Service. As a result, we have been able to create a new Customer Experience Team which can really concentrate on delivering a service that centres on you – the customer.

Here’s an update from each of our new teams:

The Income Team is on hand to offer you financial support and advice. They will provide you with choice and flexibility on how you can pay. The team offers residents a range of activities to help improve their financial situation, such as money management courses and free debt advice.

We understand that some people can find it challenging to pay their rent, but it’s important to recognise that we are a business that relies on its income to improve our communities and build new homes for residents. We support you to manage your rent but ultimately it is your responsibility to pay.

Michael Balls Tenancy Sustainment Officer Started in November 2015

Clockwise from the centre: Serginho, Hayley, Michael, Elaine and Natasha

The team uses mobile working to be out and about as often as possible and bring the tenancy support to your doorstep.

They will check your area at least once a month for cleaning maintenance and garden inspections. You can also book a home visit or approach members of the team to discuss any queries you may have.

Meet the team Ben Stevens Neighbourhood Team Leader Started in August 2006 Susan Ellis Neighbourhood Officer (Leasehold, Shared Ownership, Market Rent) Started in May 1996 Rossi Raffa Neighbourhood Officer (Temporary Accommodation) Started in June 2000

Meet the team Hayley Moore Customer Experience Team Leader Started in September 2015

Income Officer – role to be recruited

Natasha Stanley Tenancy Sustainment Officer Started in April 2013

The Neighbourhood Team provides a front line service across all the different types of homes that Rosebery owns. They manage all lettings, empty properties, supported housing schemes, garages, estate services, anti-social behaviour, new tenancy sign-ups, sales, legal enquiries and much more.

The team is committed to providing a service where you can be confident that your questions will be answered. The team will look for opportunities to listen and act upon your feedback.

We encourage you to really influence our services.

Elaine Gregory Tenancy Sustainment Officer Started in September 2015

Hayley Wilson Income Assistant Started in September 2015

Neighbourhood Team

Customer Experience Team The new Customer Experience Team is here to deliver a ‘first class’ experience to our customers. As your first point of contact, they will take ownership and responsibility for all front line customer enquiries to make sure they are able to resolve them promptly.

Meet the team Serginho Samuel Income Team Leader Started in September 2015

Vicki Ostinelli Neighbourhood Officer Started in March 2013 Stephen Marsh Neighbourhood Officer Started in September 2014 Samuel Hetherington Estate Services Officer Started in August 2006

Clockwise from the centre: Ben, Vicki, Rossi, Stephen, Samuel and Susan

Cristina Davidi Customer Experience Officer Started in June 2015

Get in touch with us!

If you have a question or something you would like to discuss with us, there are a number of different ways that you can contact us:

Rhiannon Mills Customer Experience Officer Started in June 2015 Wendy Conway Customer Experience Officer September 2015

Online Our website has lots of useful information that’s available at the click of a button.

Just visit www.rosebery.org.uk If you don’t have access to a computer at home why not use one of ours? Our Customer Experience Team would be happy to arrange a time where you can visit and make use of one of the computers in our reception area.

Leanne Morris Customer Experience Officer Started in October 2015

Clockwise from the centre: Hayley, Leanne, Rhiannon, Wendy and Cristina

By email Send your questions by email to customerservices@rosebery.org.uk

By Text Send us a text message to 07736 592 260 By telephone The Customer Experience Team will take ownership of your enquiry over the telephone and make sure you receive the information you need. You can call them on Freephone 0800 068 7668 or 01372 814 000 By letter You can write to us at Rosebery Housing Association, Newplan House, 41 East Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 1BL

Prefer face to face?

We understand that sometimes you might prefer to speak with someone face to face. Our office provides a dedicated room where you can discuss your questions or concerns with us in person.

If you would like to speak with someone, we can arrange an appointment for you to meet with them here at our office. This means we can ensure a room is free, that the right person is available and that they can dedicate the time you need to get something resolved.

If you can’t make it to the office, or would rather speak to us in the comfort of your own home we’d be happy to arrange this too.

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www.rosebery.org.uk/support-for-me

Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

Supporting you to pay your rent When the Government introduced changes to benefits, housing associations had to respond to the new challenges that were created as a result. To help us adapt, we created a dedicated Income Team, which focuses on assisting residents to keep their houses.

Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

www.rosebery.org.uk/support-for-me

Our Tenancy Sustainment service As well as engaging with our Income Officers, you can also get support from our Tenancy Sustainment Officers. They can help you with: • Managing your money and budgeting to make sure rent and other essential bills are paid; • Maximising income and ensuring that residents are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to; • Understanding your Tenancy Agreement and how to keep to it; • Making referrals to specialist services, including the CAB and Parashoot, to help you with managing money; • Finding low cost furniture through local schemes.

For those people living in temporary accommodation, we can advise you on how to increase your chances of qualifying for permanent housing.

If you want to get in touch please contact us on 01372 814 000

The Income Team…what we do While we understand that people will face difficulties from time to time, rent is one of the most important bills that you have to pay. We want you to enjoy the festive period with your family and friends, but it’s just as important that you keep making your rent payments during this time. This ensures that you keep your home and avoid us taking further action, such as taking you to court to get the property back.

Natasha Stanley our Tenancy Sustainment Officer

If you are having financial problems, we are here to support you and answer any questions that you may have about your rent.

We work closely with partner agencies such as Parashoot and

the Citizens Advice Bureau Epsom & Ewell, so we can refer you if you need advice. The CAB provides free, face-to-face, independent and confidential advice on all matters relating For help with paying to personal finance such your rent or service as personal budgeting, charges, please contact savings, credit and borrowing, benefits our Income Team on and taxes.

01372 814 000.

Your responsibilities

How much should you pay?

When you signed your tenancy or lease with us, you agreed to pay your rent and service charge regularly and on time. When a household needs to tighten their belt, sometimes paying rent or leasehold service charges can be a low priority. But this can potentially lead to you and your family losing your home.

When you move into a Rosebery home, your tenancy agreement or lease will explain how much rent you have to pay. If you’re unsure please contact us on 01372 814 000.

If your circumstances change, it’s up to you to contact the Housing Benefits Department – as it may affect how much Benefit you receive. For example, you must tell the department if your partner moves into your home.

All debt advice agencies, including the CAB, will always advise you that the most important bills to pay first are your rent, service charges or mortgage. In other words, keeping a roof over your head should be your first priority.

We send out rent statements every three months, so you should have received one in October. You can check your rent by using our online service My Rosebery, which can be found by visiting our website and clicking the My Rosebery tab on the homepage. If you don’t have a personal login please call or email our Customer Experience Team on 01372 814 000 or customerservices@rosebery.org.uk for details.

Case study – helping residents with rent arrears A young woman living in temporary accommodation (TA) desperately wanted to move into permanent housing but, since the benefit cap, she was regularly in debt for missing rent payments. Natasha, our TSO, arranged access to a charitable fund and maximised her benefits through discretionary housing payments (DHPs), with help from the CAB. This cleared the resident’s arrears and she has since been nominated for a general needs property, which means she will pay lower rent and will also have a better chance of keeping her home. She had been in TA for three years and the benefit cap had dented her hopes of finding a permanent home. But Natasha’s support helped to turn her life around and she is now looking forward to living in a new home.

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www.rosebery.org.uk/support-for-me

Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

Universal Credit – a final reminder…

In the last edition of Streets Ahead, we explained how Universal Credit could affect you. As the deadline of February 2016 draws closer, it’s more important than ever to make sure that you are prepared. Your claim will be transferred over to Universal Credit if you are claiming any of these ‘means tested’ benefits:

Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

www.rosebery.org.uk/support-for-me

The aim…

The aim of Universal Credit and the new benefit cap is to ‘make work pay’, so that you are better off financially in work than on benefits. If you’re currently out of work then you may want to

start searching for employment or preparing yourself for the workplace by looking into courses, training or volunteer work.

Other Welfare Reform changes Housing Benefit:

• Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Child Tax Credits

• Income Based Employment and Support Allowance

• Working Tax Credits

This will be frozen for four years from April 2016, along with both Child and Working Tax Credits and a number of other working age benefits, including Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support and Child Benefit.

• Income Support

• Housing Benefit

Tax Credits:

If you are aged between 18 and the qualifying age for pension credit and you’re unemployed or on a low income, you will receive Universal Credit. This money will be paid directly to you, monthly in arrears. We think it’s a good idea that you start saving or over-paying to build up credits on your accounts, as this will help you to avoid going in to debt when your claim is transferred across.

For more information about Universal Credit and how else you can prepare for the changes, visit the Money Advice Service website at www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

From April 2016 the income threshold for Tax Credits will be reduced from £123.46 per week to £74.04. In addition, the taper rate (the rate at which tax credits are then withdrawn)

will be increased from 41% to 48%. This means that for every extra pound a claimant earns over £74.04, their tax credits will be reduced by 48p.

Employment and Support Allowance: From April 2017 new claimants in the ESA work-related activity group (those who receive the lower rate of ESA) will only be paid the equivalent of JSA. This is a reduction of £29 per week, although they will keep receiving additional support to help them find work.

A helping hand into work ETHOS is part of Surrey Lifelong Partnership and is an organisation which can help you get back into work or develop new skills.

Nanette, an ETHOS Employment Advisor, offers one-to-one appointments and a weekly Job Hub.

Project

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Capping your Benefits At the moment, a household can receive up to £26,000 a year in benefits (£500 per week). But this will soon be reduced to £20,000 (£385 a week). A single person can receive up to £18,200 a year in benefits (£350 a week), however this will

also be reduced to £13,416 (£258 a week). This reduction in benefits is most likely to start from April 2016. On average, households affected will lose £70 a week from their current benefit income.

New weekly benefit cap Two parent family

Single parent family

Single person

£442

£442

£296

£385

£385

£258

London

Rest of UK

Proposed changes from April 2016

London

Rest of UK

London

Rest of UK

• Weekly Job Hub

• From 11.30am to 1.30pm

• Runs every Wednesday

• No need for an appointment, you can just drop in.

• At the Epsom Methodist Church, Church Hall, Ashley Road, Epsom KT18 5AQ

If you’d prefer a one-to-one appointment, please contact Nanette by phoning 07904 908 871 or emailing nchandler@surreyllp.org.uk

Case Study Nejib*, one of our residents, had been out of work for three years and was claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance. Although we often referred him to ETHOS, he was not keen on using the service. After several months of declining, Nejib finally started engaging and getting the help he needed.

Due to health issues Nejib had some limitations on the kind of work he was able to do.

ETHOS Employment Advisor Nanette put an action plan together, which included redrafting his CV and uploading it to Universal Job Match. Nejib found the weekly Job Hub particularly useful as it provided him with regular access to the internet (which he did not have at home), handson IT support and help finding vacancies and writing job applications. With this support he was able to apply for more job roles than he had done before and started to secure interviews. Nejib was soon offered a permanent job, working locally, 26 hours per week. * Name has been changed to protect identity

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www.rosebery.org.uk/opportunity-store

Streets Ahead | Winter 2014

Streets Ahead | Winter 2014

www.rosebery.org.uk/our-resident-panel

Check out the latest involvement opportunities at

www.rosebery.org.uk/opportunity-store

o nli ne

Open Chief Executive Hotline 0800 068 7664 BOOK NOW! Call or email

Monday 25 January 2016 4pm - 7pm

This is your chance to talk directly to Deborah Pike, our Chief Executive. Booking a place on our CEO hotline gives you the chance to talk about the things that really matter to you.

You might want to tell us about a service you are receiving or make a suggestion for how we could do something differently.

The next CEO hotline will be on Monday 25 January from 4pm-7pm. If you would like to book your place, and receive a call from Deborah, please contact our Customer Experience Team:

Our award nominated Panel Our Residents’ Panel was recently shortlisted for two Customer Scrutiny Inspection (CSI) awards. These were in the categories of: • Most Inspiring Scrutiny Panel • Excellence in Tenant Inspection and Mystery Shopping The awards ceremony took place on 22 October this year and was attended by two of the Panel members, Tarren Harding and Riley King.

Freephone 0800 068 7664 Phone 01372 814 000 Email opportunitystore@rosebery.org.uk

Could you pay less for your energy?

Start saving for 2016

With winter upon us, the need to use our heating increases and, as a result, our energy bills start rising. If you find you are struggling to pay for your energy, My Home Energy Switch might be able to help. It’s a free, independent service which calculates whether you’re on the right tariff for your gas and electricity usage. It shows you all tariffs from all suppliers so you can select the best deal for you. Once you’ve made the decision to change tariff or supplier, the friendly team at My Home Energy Switch are then on hand to complete the switch. All you need to do then is sit back and wait for the supplier to contact you to confirm the start date of your new service.

It’s never too early to start putting some money away, whether it’s in preparation for changes to your benefits or just for a rainy day. If you’re able to put some savings behind you, then you’re more likely to keep on top of your bills. Paying essential bills such as your rent is so important as it keeps a roof over your head.

The service can be used online at www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk or, if you’d rather speak to an advisor for free on the phone, you can call 0800 0014 706. You don’t need to worry about any paperwork, so it’s free, fast and simple to switch. As energy prices and tariffs change frequently, My Home Energy Switch recommends checking your prices every six to nine months.

Visit their website or give them a call to find out if you can save.

Surrey Save Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial co-operative, which offers savings accounts. It also supports customers with debt problems.

For further information please contact Surrey Save on 01932 339 290 or visit their website: www.surreysave.co.uk

We were thrilled that the Residents’ Panel was shortlisted for the CSI Awards, as this is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone on the Panel.

As Panel members, we were really pleased to be shortlisted for two CSI Awards,” said Tarren.“ Going to the awards ceremony was a great experience and we were able to see the hard work of residents’ scrutiny panels from across the country. Residents are working together with their landlords to help tackle the current challenges we’re facing and helping to make a real difference.

Tarren Harding and Riley King

Join us Would you like to join the Residents’ Panel on their journey to making difference?

If you have strong views about the service we offer our customers, then joining our Residents’ Panel would give you the forum to really have your say.

You’ll be able to influence our services and ensure the views of our residents are always considered. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn new skills, receive training and meet new people.

If you’re interested in joining the Residents’ Panel or would like to find out more about what this involves you can contact the panel by emailing residentpanel@rosebery.org.uk.

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Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

www.rosebery.org.uk

Food for thought

Help and support in the winter months

Since the colder nights have been drawing in, we inevitably spend more on heating our homes. This means we have less money available for other necessities, such as food. So our local Epsom and Ewell Foodbank is providing an important service for those in need of food supplies.

With Christmas fast approaching, winter can be a difficult time of the year for many people.

If there is something troubling you, there are lots of people and organisations out there to help and listen. Please find some useful numbers listed below:

Since the start of the Foodbank three years ago, people have donated more than 90 tonnes of food – and the charity has distributed just under 70 tonnes to 6,697 people. Now Epsom and Ewell Foodbank is tackling a new challenge with its Furniture Bank, where they can take more quality furniture and pass it on (either for free or a nominal amount) to people who need it. They will accept donations of good quality furniture, linens and non-electrical household goods.

Please contact them if you’d like to donate or are interested in accessing this useful service.

As the festive season approaches, we have decided to send out an electronic Christmas card to all of our contacts and colleagues. As financial savings on printing and postage will be made, we are pleased to donate this money to Epsom and Ewell Foodbank.

Love Me Love My Mind – provides support to those suffering from mental health issues. They run lots of activities over the winter months to support the community of Epsom and offer weekly drop in sessions.

Tel 01372 721 518

National contact number 03444 111 444

Email info@lovemelovemymind.org.uk

Epsom contact number 01372 237 000

Website www.lovemelovemymind.org.uk

Website www.citizensadvice.org.uk (web chat available)

Address St. Barnabas Church, Temple Road, Epsom, KT19 8HA

Volunteers are essential for the Foodbank, so if you’d like to help out at a food donation event or join as a regular volunteer, please call 0208 786 8221 or email foodbank@generation.org.uk

Catalyst – provides support to people suffering distress through the use of drugs and alcohol, or who are suffering mental health problems.

Free courses for you

Tel 01483 590 150 Text 07909 631623 Email info@catalystsupport.org.uk Website www.catalystsupport.org.uk

Learning new skills is a great way to explore your potential. We have two free courses coming up in the new year that are open to all residents over the age of 19: Postion hands at the centre of the chest

First Aid Course – run by the Surrey Care Trust • Attendees will learn things such as basic life saving skills, emergency first aid and childhood illnesses

Call for help

Push down 30 times

Email contact@sada.org.uk

Write to S ADA, PO Box 332, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 1EP

Address T own Hall, The Parade, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5BY

Your Sanctuary – 24 hour confidential service for victims of domestic abuse. It offers listening support through an emergency helpline, information and access to services including emotional and practical support.

Tel 01483 776 822 Email info@yoursanctuary.co.uk Website www.yoursanctuary.org.uk

Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care – offers support to anyone suffering from the effects of drugs or alcohol. It provides a 24/7 confidential helpline, for 365 days a year and is free for both landlines and mobiles.

Tel 0808 802 5000 Email info@surreydrugcare.org.uk Website www.surreydrugcare.org.uk

IT Skills for Work Course – run by the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA)

Samaritans – if there’s something troubling you, get in touch.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

• Attendees will be introduced to Microsoft Word and Excel, and learn about good file management, using email and making the best of the Internet

Freephone 116 123 Email jo@samaritans.org

• The course will run over four sessions from 10am to 12 noon on Thursday 25 February and 3, 10, 17 March Both courses are free to attend and take place at our office in Epsom. To book your place please call our Customer Experience Team on 01372 814 000 or email customerservices@rosebery.org.uk

SADA – offers support and information to sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Winter Blues.

Website www.sada.org.uk

• The course will run over two sessions, from 10am to 2pm on Thursday 4 and 11 February

Citizens Advice Bureau Epsom & Ewell – offers free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone, focusing on their rights and responsibilities across various areas, including debt and utility support.

Website www.samaritans.org Security position Give two breaths continue 30 pumps/2 breaths

Tilt head, lift chin, check breathing

Write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, Stirling FK8 2SA

Age UK – provides help and advice on anything from health to housing.

Tel 0800 169 2081 (open 365 days a year, from 8am to 7pm) Website www.ageuk.org.uk/winterprep Write to T avis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9NA

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Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

www.rosebery.org.uk

Residents making a difference

One click to read Streets Ahead

We know that many of our residents are out there doing good work for their community and we are keen to promote the difference they are making. A group of residents that have helped to raise money for Macmillan Cancer are those from John Gale Court, Carpenter Close and Elmwood Close in Ewell. In September they held a MacMillan Coffee Morning in the communal lounge at John Gale Court and raised an incredible £1,022 for the charity.

There are so many ways in which we can communicate important information to you. The written word, phone, email, text message, our website – the list seems endless. Being able to access this information at the click of a button or mouse makes it so easy to keep you informed, so we are pleased to offer all residents the chance to receive your copy of Streets Ahead electronically. If that’s something you would prefer, then we can send a pdf version of the magazine to your email address.

The event was also attended by the residents’ friends and family – and there was much more than just coffee and cake to enjoy. Music was playing throughout the day and entertainment included a tombola stall, a lucky dip, a raffle, and a stall selling second hand items.

Donations were made from local people and businesses, such as a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, free manicures and a bottle of wine.

We would like to congratulate all of the residents at John Gale Court, Carpenter Close and Elmwood Close for raising such an impressive amount for a worthwhile cause.

Celia Etherington, a resident from John Gale Court said: The day went really well, everyone enjoyed it and we were amazed at how much money was raised.

Wendy Lewis of Elmwood Close said: I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone that helped out and donated to the cause and to those who attended. It was a fantastic day.

Residents Miss Burridge and Miss Stilling

It’s important that you’re aware of any changes the Government plans to bring in, which may affect the rent you pay. The Government believes that it’s unfair for families earning high incomes to be paying low social housing rent, when they could afford to pay more or their home could be used by someone in greater need.

The Government is considering whether social landlords should be given the option to charge a ‘fair rent’ to high earning residents. The idea is for the additional income to be used for new affordable housing – to increase the overall housing supply.

They are now consulting on proposals for all council and housing association residents to be subject to increased rents, if their income rises above: • A joint household* income of £40,000 or above in London • A joint household* income of £30,000 or above elsewhere

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour together It’s your right to enjoy your neighbourhood without experiencing incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB).

If you have made a difference to your community, whether it be through raising money for charity or volunteering, please get in touch so we can let others know about your good work.

Pay to stay

Please get in touch with us and send us your email address if you would like an electronic copy of Streets Ahead. Contact Caroline Martin on 01372 814 032 or email caroline.martin@rosebery.org.uk

We will keep you updated on these proposals and whether you will be affected. *Household income is spouses’ or partners’ joint income.

We work closely with other organisations to tackle ASB, as we have stronger impact together. We recently met with Surrey Police and Epsom & Ewell Borough Council to discuss how ASB has increased on the Longmead Estate. Residents of the local community have reported several incidents of vandalism and some criminal activity – both of which we will not tolerate. If you witness a crime or someone is at risk of getting hurt, you can call the police on 999.

To report ASB issues that are not an emergency, please call Surrey Police on 101 or email epsom@surrey.police.uk You can also contact Epsom & Ewell Borough Council on 01372 732 000 or us on 0800 0687 664.

REMEMBER – reporting incidents is so important. If we have the information we can act early to tackle problems or gather evidence for further action.

Organisation

What ASB they deal with

Surrey Police

• • • •

Anti-social use of vehicles Nuisance behaviour in the street Street drinking/anti-social drinking Begging

• • • •

Local Council

• • • •

Abandoned vehicles Discarded drugs Drugs paraphernalia Graffiti

• Rubbish/litter, fly-tipping, fly-posting • Street trading • Street drinking/anti-social drinking (relating to licenced premises)

Local Environmental Health Dept

• Noise nuisance/loud music • Noisy neighbours

• Noisy businesses

Surrey County Council

• Hedges and flora

• Highways/pavements/roads

Rosebery Housing Association

• Noise nuisance carried out by our residents • Fly-tipping on land belonging to us

• Residents causing ASB

Criminal damage/vandalism Drug dealing Misuse of airguns/weapons Misuse of fireworks

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Streets Ahead | Winter 2015

www.rosebery.org.uk

Christmas Competition Time!

Shrek the Musical is the larger than life stage show based on the award-winning animation film. Unlikely hero Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from a fire-breathing, love-sick dragon!

Wimbledon Theatre is running performances of this all-singing all-dancing extravaganza in January and we’re giving a family of four (two children and two adults) the chance to see it on Sunday 24 January 2016. So gather your family together to Across

complete the answers to our Christmas crossword, tear it out and send it to Christmas Competition, Rosebery Housing Association, Third Floor, Newplan House, 41 East Street, Epsom, KT17 1BL.

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1. Hang it up on Christmas Eve

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5. They’re covered in fur and pull the sleigh 6. Pull with a bang to get the hat and toy inside 8. It’s green and spiky with red berries

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9. Little helpers

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10. Open this calendar one day at a time!

Down 2. If you eat too much you’ll be stuffed like the bird 9

3. Christmas cookie made into houses or men?

4. Put these on the tree after the lights 6. When Santa comes down this watch out for the soot!

7. Silent Night and the Holly and the Ivy

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Christmas Opening Times Our office in Epsom will be closed from Friday 25 December and it will reopen again on Monday 4 January.

Our repairs/gas service will be open for repairs and gas emergencies during dates when our office is closed. If you have an emergency please call Morrison (repairs) on 0800 0960 395 or 0333 7001 025 (from a mobile) or T Brown (gas) on 0800 0939 447 or 0208 786 1241 (from a mobile).

Our Christmas opening times are: Thursday 24 December Christmas Eve – open from 9am to 4pm Friday 25 December Christmas Day – closed Repairs Hotline open for emergency repairs only

Monday 28 December Bank Holiday – closed Repairs Hotline open for emergency repairs only

Friday 1 January Bank Holiday – closed Repairs Hotline open for emergency repairs only

Tuesday 29 – Thursday 31 December Office closed Repairs open 9am to 5pm

Monday 4 January Open from 9am to 5pm (normal opening hours resume)

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