Pillar A newsletter for Severnside residents
Making your rent go further Severnside is a not-for-profit landlord. That means that the rent you pay is invested back into local communities through improved homes and neighbourhoods, life-changing support for people and families and the relief of homelessness. Social housing rents are set by the government. In 2015 it was announced that rents would fall by 1% per year for the next four years, reducing our income significantly. The cut to our income directly affects the work that we do and means that it is even more important to spend carefully and fairly. This year in Shropshire we are committed to delivering: ll 112 new homes ll 170 kitchens ll 300 boilers ll 340 bathrooms and wet rooms ll 1,200 home MOTs
What do I need to do? 1. Always keep appointments for repairs and safety checks or let us know if you need to change a scheduled visit. Missed appointments cost us more than ÂŁ60,500 per year. 2. Switch to paying your rent by direct debit and look out for some great news about the option to pay your rent online, coming soon. 3. Next time you call our customer services team, check that we have your current contact details to receive information from us by email or text.
Universal credit update
What do I need to do?
The Universal Credit full digital service has now been rolled out for new claims in all postcode areas.
1. If you make a new claim for Universal Credit, make sure that you also apply for housing costs as part of that claim.
If you are currently on benefits or tax credits and your situation stays the same, you won’t yet move to Universal Credit. You should be aware, though, that the government plans to transfer people from existing benefits onto Universal Credit by December 2023.
2. If you are on Universal Credit, check your online journal daily for To Do tasks left by your work coach. You will need to complete these to maintain payments.
If your circumstances change – for example if you find employment and then reapply for benefit later, your new claim will be for Universal Credit.
NEW: Manage your tenancy online Be the first to register for our new digital services. Pay your rent online, check your balance, download past statements and update your details. You asked us to deliver more digital services, and this is just the beginning.
Coming April 2019 You’ll need your tenancy reference number (included on your rent letter) and an email address to register. Visit www.severnsidehousing.co.uk/my-account to find out more. Don’t worry, you will still be able to make payments by telephone, cheque, PayPoint, by standing order or direct debit.
Get involved There are plenty of opportunities for you to have a real say in the services you receive from us. Our board has made a commitment to listen and be influenced by the views of customers over and above the regulatory requirements. Regular surveys help us to learn from your experiences and improve the way that we work. Customers look in detail at different parts of the services that matter most to you and report on their findings to our board and executive team.
Customers can also take part in a ‘virtual panel’, which is a great way to contribute your views if it is difficult for you to attend regular meetings.
What do I need to do?
st Let’ alk Your voice, your home, your future
It’s easy to get involved. Email letstalk@housingplusgroup. co.uk, call our customer voice team on 0300 300 0059 or register online at www. severnsidehousing.co.uk/ register-get-involved
Do you want help to reach your full potential? Packed full of a diverse range of great training opportunities our Learning Programme can help you boost your skills in key areas including IT, self-confidence, CV writing, money management and work experience. One-toone support is also available to empower you to reach your full potential. If you are looking to get online our community Digital Dens in Meole Brace and Castlefields offer cyber-style café facilities and a weekly programme of events,
including job clubs, drop-ins and digital training sessions. So whether you are looking for work and learning opportunities, need help to get online or would like benefit advice, there really is something for everyone!
What do I need to do?
Courses 1-2-1 support Grant funding Job clubs & drop-ins Work experience & placements
Learning Programme
To find out more go to www.severnsidehousing/ learning-programme or visit our Digital Dens in Shrewsbury.
Problem with your heating or hot water? If there is a problem with your heating or hot water, you’ll want to get it fixed as soon as possible. Always make sure that you request a repair direct with us. We know that some customers
have been getting in touch with our contractors, Phoenix Gas Services which causes some delay in getting those repair requests onto our systems.
What do I need to do? To report a fault with your heating or hot water, call us on 0300 300 0059. If you need to rearrange an appoint for your annual gas servicing and safety check, call Phoenix on 01782 564448.
New year, new job? Right now, Care Plus has got some great opportunities for new or experienced carers who want to make a difference to the lives of people in Shropshire and Staffordshire. You could become part of a fantastic care team recognised as one of the best in the country, delivering care and support that helps people live independently, in their own homes. It’s super-easy for you to get info about Care Plus vacancies. Just email enquiries@ care-plus.org.uk, call 01785 312102 or complete the form on our website www.careplus-org.co.uk/jobs and we’ll call you. 0300 300 0059
www.severnsidehousing.co.uk
Brassey Road, Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury SY3 7FA
enquiries @severnsidehousing.co.uk