Southwark Life Housing News Autumn 2013

southwark Life

Housing News Autumn issue

what’s in this issue?

15 Ask Sally

Our new columnist queries answers your money

10 A day in the lifstear – to TV From housing officer her story Sharon Kennedy tells

hwark t u o S y 18 M

g-time Jeff Barnett, lon pion for resident and cham and ants Southwark’s ten ares his leaseholders, sh in Southwark favourite places

The magazine for Southwark Council tenants and leaseholders

southwark.gov.uk/slhn

The new Walworth My Southwark Customer Service Point is now open.

Located at 376 Walworth Road, London SE17 2NG. The new Service Point is open from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday.

Make an appointment to get specialist advice from our team or simply pop in to use the self service machines.

To make an appointment at a Service Point call 020 7525 5565.

For further information on the new My Southwark Customer Service Point, please visit: www.southwark.gov.uk/servicepoints www.southwark.gov.uk/servicepoints

n i s ’ t a h w ? e u s s i s i th

06

Need a rep a

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We let you know what to exp ect

issue of the Welcome to this using News. o H LIFE k r a w h t Sou

e all over service that is activ I’m proud to lead a 26 million £3 arm, Dry and Safe the borough. Our W forward many ramme is bringing refurbishment prog service has seen of time. Our repairs d ea ah es m ho e or m to 83 per cent. crease substantially in els lev n io ct fa satis th over illegal sub-letting wi on wn do g kin ac cr We are rnment changes vered. Due to gove 300 properties reco e Citizens’ Advice are working with th we els lev fit ne be in es. But it is the through tough tim all u yo lp he to au Bure edy, day in, ers, like Sharon Kenn fic of r ou of t en commitm the quality a real difference to day out that makes rk. d I applaud their wo of residents’ lives an ll on our know, but we are we u yo as , do to e or There is m d accountable open, accessible an way to providing an part. u can play your full service in which yo ield Cllr Ian Wingf l and cabinet of the counci er ad Deputy Le ent using managem member For ho

Contact us

uthwark Life hing to say about So Do you have somet uthwark Life rite to: Letters, So Housing News? W uthwark Council, mmunications, So Co s, ew N g in us Ho 1 2QH or nd floor, Hub 5, SE co Se , et re St ey ol 160 To hwark.gov.uk email SLHN@sout

The Southwarkteam HOUSING NEWS and Maria Valdivia cGrath Editors – Miriam M berly Bowers, Contributors – Kim ce Simmonds, Fariah Nanhoo, Jani Wells Liz Bolton, Richard rra McGachy, Photography – Ba Jamie Simonds Design – Cubiquity

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u are too, We’re online so if yo s a great way come and say hi. It’ the latest to stay updated on d info. an local events, news

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12

S WORK e’re OR J A w M er how using Discov ng in our ho i invest

14

IN THE DOCK

What happened when a tenant tried to swindle the council

04 NEWS IN BRIE F D

iscover those ne ed-to-know st ories making waves in the borough, in cl uding how to get a free bl ood pressure ch eck, special deals on insura nce and a call for people to help find a hom e for Southwar k’s children.

16 GET INVOLVE D

Share your skill s and ideas to help make your local commun ity an even nice r place to live

20 Competition TIME Not just one but tw o chances to w £50 in vouche in rs.

A EATE R C FAMILY Southwark currently has 40 children needing adoption; you could have a family in six months.

We are looking for people from all walks of life who can provide a loving, stable home for our children. Above all, we need kind and caring people who want to experience the joy and challenge our children will bring.

Get the facts on adoption Call 0800 952 0707 Email adoption@southwark.gov.uk Visit southwark.gov.uk/adoption

k r a w h t u So

RING M THE ALAR If you don’t have a working fire alarm, you’re four times more likely to die in a fire in the home.

A working smoke alarm can buy you and your family the valuable time you need to get out, stay out and call 999. When changing your clocks on 27 October, please take a few seconds to test your smoke alarm. By simply pushing the ‘test’ button, you could save the lives of your loved ones.

For more information on fire safety Visit southwark.gov.uk/firesafety

04

r b In RGET O F T ’ N O D THE RENT

Make paying your rent your first priority.

If you are struggling to pay your rent, let us know and we can help you to access support or offer and agree a rent payment plan that will help you to pay. If you just don’t pay, we will take action to recover any debts and you could even be evicted from your council home – but if you let us know you’re having trouble, you can get help. For debt and benefit advice, call 020 7525 2600 or speak to your housing or income officer in confidence.

NE WS

For more information on managing your rent Visit southwark.gov.uk/rent Call 020 7525 1495

red? u s n i u Are yo If your possessions were lost or damaged what would you do?

Some tenants think that they would be covered by the council’s insurance but they’re not. The council’s insurance only covers structural damage to buildings, not contents. So for your own peace of mind, you should insure your contents. You can get a quote from the council’s preferred insurance provider Crystal Insurance Scheme, which offers special rates for Southwark residents.

For a reduced rate on your insurance Call 0845 601 7007 Visit crystalinsurance.co.uk

Black Month History Black History Month is exploring the heritage and history of Southwark’s African, Caribbean and Diaspora communities, bringing together people from different backgrounds that share similar stories, histories, cultures and customs.

There will be a range of events and activities for you to enjoy including author events at Southwark libraries with Malorie Blackman, Children’s Laureate and Catherine Johnson and Dorothy Koomson.

f e ri RT O P E R L ANNUA NTS TO TENA Every year this report looks at how the housing services team is doing and whether we’re achieving everything we promised to you, as well as setting out future plans for Southwark tenants.

This year, there has been some very exciting major works projects, with work being done on carbon reduction - meaning lower fuel bills in improved properties – as well as plans to build 10,000 council homes to meet local need in the future.

ur Know yos number We’re asking Southwark residents whether they know their numbers – their blood pressure numbers.

One in three adults in the UK (16 million) has high blood pressure and it’s a leading cause of stroke, heart attacks and heart disease. If you’re aged between 40 to 75 and have no previous diagnosis of heart disease, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, kidney disease or stroke, you can get your blood pressure tested as part of a free NHS Health Check.

For further information on where to get checked Call 020 7525 1792 Visit southwark.gov.uk/healthcheck

05 NE WS

Read the report online Visit southwark.gov.uk/ housingannualreport

Find out about all the exciting events Visit southwark.gov.uk/ blackhistorymonth

c ont rac tors E ve ry ye ar our nds of c arry out t housa t to make repairs. We wan e no t just sure t hat t he y’r repairs but t n lle e c x e g n oi d ing brilliant t hat you’re ge t t e too. c ustome r se rvic

Great . . . s n o i t a t c e p x e rs service i a p e r r u o for

he council has two main repairs and maintenance contractors that do repairs work in the borough. Southwark Building Services is responsible for repairs in the north and Mears is responsible for the south. By using contractors we can negotiate the best possible deal for you and get access to highly skilled and experienced tradespeople.

Our contractors go through a thorough selection process and if they are given a contract, their performance is closely monitored. The previous contractor for the south was replaced by Mears last year because we were not happy with their performance.

REPAIRS

“

Cllr Wingfield continued “Since the start of the Mears’ interim contract in October 2012, resident satisfaction, which is such an important measure of success, has increased by five per cent to 83 per cent, and the number of jobs completed right first time has gone up three per cent to 79 per cent, demonstrating that Mears was the right choice.”

The call centre staff were so helpful when I called with my query.

The customer service adviser was very understanding. He even went out of his way to call me back later that afternoon to make sure someone had contacted me. Kathy

“

06

Cllr Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for housing, said “We are committed to delivering a first class repairs service and improving residents’ satisfaction. We continue to make good progress. We awarded the repairs and maintenance contract for the south of the borough to Mears because they demonstrated that they share our ambitions and have delivered the best full set of results in housing repairs that we’ve ever seen.”

ir Reporting your repa

or by email to v.uk/reportarepair line at southwark.go on air or 020 7525 2600. rep 44 a 44 ort 2 rep 95 You can call us on 0800 o als n ca u Yo k v.u .go repairs@southwark

When you call to report a repair you will be asked lots of questions about your repair. This may seem annoying at the time but we need you to provide as much detail as possible. We use this information to assess your job.

If we are clear about what needs to be done, we can arrange to send the right contractor with the correct tools to complete the job on the first visit.

Our call centre staff will always give you a job reference number and book an appointment for the contractor visit.

When the contractor visits We need you to make sure that the contractor can get into your home to do the repair work. This is very important. It’s a waste of time and resources if staff cannot gain access to your home. It also means that the appointment is wasted and someone else has missed out on that opportunity to have their job completed earlier.

When the contractor arrives they will show you their official identification. Do not let them in without it.

Visit the website southwark.gov.uk/repairscontractors for examples of official ID for the contractors we use.

We promise...

• Our contractors will be polite and courteous at all times.

• They will make sure that you can get in and out of your home safely while they are working.

• If possible they will work on one room at a time so that they don’t get in your way.

• They will make sure your services are reconnected at the end of the day.

If you can’t keep your appointment please let us know.

Email repairs@southwark.gov.uk or call us on 0800 952 4444 or 020 7525 2600

Before starting work Before starting work in your home the contractor will explain what they are going to do. You should make sure that this is what you were expecting them to do. They will explain how long the work will take and which rooms they will be working in. They will ask you if it’s okay to leave materials and tools in a particular place, so that there is as little inconvenience to you as possible.

While doing the work When the contractor is doing the work they will let you know if they have to leave. They will also let you know when they get back. This includes leaving to collect materials or to get further instructions.

If they have to leave without finishing the job they’ll explain why and let you know when they expect to come back to complete the work.

When the work is done Once our contractors have completed the work and are happy that a good job has been done, they will tell you they have finished. They will leave the work area clean and tidy, taking away any rubbish, equipment and materials that they did not use.

If they install new equipment they will show you how to use and maintain it before leaving. If they have operating manuals they will leave them with you.

If something needs to be left for a while before using, the contractor will explain this to you. They might also use something to protect it or leave a notice as a reminder, like ‘Do not walk on the newly laid paving slabs for two or three hours’.

“

Seeing the tenants smile once I have completed the repair brings me the most enjoyment. Receiving the positive feedback from the tenants makes it all worth while Charanjeet Virdi Mears contractor

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o expect Here’s what t got a when you’ve t needs problem tha r home fixing in you

Can we do better?

If the service you receive isn’t up to scratch, please let us know.

Call 0800 952 4444 or 020 7525 2600 Email repairs@southwark.gov.uk

07 REPAIRS

want it fixed ou y , e om h t a n e s brok When some t hing’ r day. Find out ou y o t k c a b t e ng quickly so you c a t he home, in e on d s ir a p e r to ge t what we’re doing lac e ment s. p e r or f d n u ro a iting so you’re no t wa

EW N AS D AS GOO One of our Fairer Future promises is to make every council home warm, dry and safe so we have planned a £326m major repair programme. This is now the third year of the five year programme that includes fitting new windows and lighting, replacing some kitchens and bathrooms and rewiring homes across the borough. If your repair is due to be replaced as part of the warm, dry and safe (WDS) programme, rather than replacing it immediately, we will repair it so that it is safe to use until the scheduled works can be done.

In the past, unfortunately a small number of irresponsible tenants have deliberately damaged items hoping that they will be replaced by the council.

Councillor Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for housing management said “The council’s bill for 2012/13 for day to day repairs was £34m, and the council wants to ensure that every penny is spent on genuine repair needs, not those caused by damage or misuse by the tenant.”

He continued: “We will continue to undertake any valid repair or improvement, but if we undertake a repair caused by deliberate damage, we will carry out the work but you will have to pay for it. Private homeowners or renters don’t expect the council to pay for their mistakes, and tenants shouldn’t be any different.”

Promise 3 Warm, dry, safe homes

08 REPAIRS

For more information about the Fairer Future promises Visit southwark.gov.uk/fairerfuture

“

If the council is able to undertake more of your repairs like replacing windows - in a planned way it means that we get better value for money. Ultimately this will mean that the repair budget will go further and allow us to undertake more improvements to your environment.

“

Warm, dry and safe

Christian O’Mahoney, Repairs and maintenance manager

OUR WORK K R O W R U O Y D AN

Warm , South dry and safe wark C ouncil ’s

s report repairs t n a n e t , lly a n io s Occ a s responsibility. il’ c n ou c e h t ot n which are the se rvice on in ra t s l a n io it This puts add s in c arrying out y la e d s e us a c d an e re’s a guide H . s ir a p e r e t a legitim sible for. on p s e r is il c n ou c to what the

Repairs we are responsible for

Heads up

In general, the council is responsible for maintaining the structure and outside of your home as well as installations for water, electricity, gas and drainage inside your home.

We often get requests to do these repairs, but we can’t do this work. Here’s a useful list of what we can’t help with.

These include

• Repair or replacing internal doors.

• Roof, foundations, outside walls and doors, drains, gutters and outside pipes.

• Decorative (minor) cracking, flaking paint.

• Windows and entrance doors.

• Chimney stacks and chimneys (although you are responsible for keeping chimneys swept).

• Brickwork, major plastering repairs, floors and ceilings.

• Installations for water, electricity and gas include electric wiring, sockets and light fittings, internal plumbing and water pipes.

Repairs you are responsible for

major re progra pair mme

• Replacing kitchen units.

• Installing extra electricity points.

• Replacing light bulbs, smoke alarm batteries, lost/stolen keys.

• Plumbing in washing machines.

Help us to make the repairs service as efficient as possible. Before you report your repair visit the website at southwark.gov.uk/repairresponsibilities to see whether it is covered by the council.

You are responsible for the general upkeep of your home and for most minor repairs to your home.

These include • Electric plugs, fuses and light bulbs (including fluorescent tubes and starters), batteries to smoke alarms.

• Inside doors, cupboard handles, catches and locks.

• Garden gates and fences.

• Toilet seats, broken glass inside your home, small cracks in plaster and floor tiles.

when our ste of resources ot It’s a terrible wa a repair but cann up to carry out or ct ra nt contractors turn co ne O one’s at home. get in because no around at it costs them th es alone estimat ed time, st wa e th of ar. Think £150,000 per ye e th fact that d fuel costs and effort, vehicle an at appointment. missed out on th s ha e els ne eo som ake sure that tment, please m in po ap an ve ha If you let us know. u can’t keep it, yo If e. m ho at e you ar or call us on uthwark.gov.uk Email repairs@so or 020 7525 2600 0800 952 4444

09 REPAIRS

• You are also responsible for your garden, including any trees and window boxes.

You must keep all garden space, balconies and yards tidy and free from rubbish.

asted visits Help us stop w

Sharon Kennedy Aylesbury Estate housing officer Having become something of a local celebrity following her appearance on TV show Undercover Boss, Southwark Life Housing News asked Sharon to tell us about her typical day. spend a lot of time on my feet,” says Sharon.

“My day always starts the same way: in the office, checking my emails and diary, but then for the rest of the day I’m out and about on the estate, talking to tenants.

“It’s my role to keep an eye on my part of the Aylesbury estate, look out for any problems or anything that needs fixing. But most importantly, I’m here to look out for our tenants.”

With 345 homes and more than a thousand tenants in her care, it’s no small task. But having done the job for six years, Sharon says she knows 90 per cent of residents personally and has a good rapport with most of them.

“Most people are pleased to see me. Yes, sometimes they could be having a bad morning or are in a rush. But at the end of the day, they know I’m there to help.”

10

As well as the regular contact that is part of daily life on the estate, Sharon carries out roughly 30 tenancy checks every month, or at least one visit every morning.

They are an opportunity not only to ensure that the lawful tenant is occupying the property but also to find how tenants are and whether they’re having any problems with the flat.

One issue which she comes across regularly is the problem of fire hazards. “You never know what you’ll find. I’ve seen people with camping stoves on their balconies or unauthorised security grills obstructing the doors. Earlier this year, a dumped mattress caught fire in the middle of a walkway.

Thankfully we’d installed fire doors at regular intervals along the route which stopped the fire from spreading.”

90% Sharon says she knows

of residents personally and has a good rapport with most of them

Afternoons are generally given over to the administration associated with the morning’s checks.

This might mean following up on a repair or arranging help for a vulnerable resident. Sharon regularly works with estate-based charity Creation Trust, which represents and supports everyone who lives on the Aylesbury.

Anyone who spends even a bit of time with Sharon can easily see how much satisfaction she gets from her job.

She smiles as she puts on her jacket.

“It’s all about the people. I love working with them. While it was nice to get recognition from the Chief Executive on ‘Undercover Boss’ it will never beat the everyday satisfaction I get from working with the people of the Aylesbury.”

And with that, she rushes off to her next appointment, her thoughts turned to what else she can do to support the residents on the estate.

A DAY.. .

Need to speak to the officer on your estate?

Call 020 7525 2600

Sharon’s top fire safety tips

1

2

3

4 5 6

Install a smoke alarm and test it regularly.

Make sure nothing obstructs your access to fire exits.

Don’t overload electrical sockets.

Don’t barbecue or cook on balconies.

Be tidy, don’t allow too much clutter to build up in your home.

Know where fire exits and escapes are.

Southwark children need foster carers who live within South London Southwark Council is recruiting foster carers to work with vulnerable children from the Southwark area who cannot live with their parents.

We need people with space in their home and family to offer children the support and security they need.

To start your new career in fostering you will be required to have patience, understanding, listening skills and a good sense of humour. In return Southwark Council will supply you with • Allowances of up to £50k dependent on age and number of children placed • Full support 24/7 • Initial and ongoing training throughout your career We are particularly keen to recruit single carers as well as couples to become foster carers for babies, teenagers and sibling groups of two to three children.

There is almost no barrier to fostering. You can apply to be a foster carer irrespective of your age, race, culture or religion and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Please come to one of our free information sessions held at Sunshine House, Camberwell. Call today to reserve your place and to find out more about your new career.

2013 10 October 17 October 21 November 29 November

10am to 12pm 5pm to 7pm 5pm to 7pm 10am to 12pm

2014 22 January 19 February 26 February 18 March 27 March 24 April 8 May 20 May 18 June

10am to 12pm 10am to 12pm 5pm to 7pm 10am to 12pm 5pm to 7pm 10am to 12pm 5pm to 7pm 10am to 12pm 10am to 12pm

Contact us today and you could be a foster carer in 12 weeks

Tel: 0800 233 5022 email: info@southwarkfostering.co.uk

www.southwark.gov.uk/fostering www.southwark.gov.uk/fostering

Promise 3 Warm, dry, safe homes

Major ng i ork w r e h t e tog

e e ve ry c ouncil k a m o t n la p r a e We have a five y ld benefi t ou c ou y d n a e f and sa home warm, dry ss t he borough. ro c a g in n e p p a h from what ’s

We’ve got a programme where we’ll be investing for five years to make around 32,000 council homes warm, dry and safe.

It’s one of the biggest investment programmes of its kind in the country – £326m is going to go towards making Southwark’s council homes better places to live. There are lots of big projects happening, known as major works.

The kind of work being done includes investment in: • Roofs and windows.

• Internal rewiring.

• Bathrooms, ensuring that baths, toilets and wash hand basins are in good condition.

• Any structural works to walls and balconies required to your home.

• Any works required to mains electrical supplies to your block or house.

As you can imagine, with 32,000 homes to be repaired, it wasn’t easy to decide which properties should be completed first. We spoke to tenants and looked at information we had about the condition of properties, then sat down to make sure that the homes most in need of repair would be given higher priority.

Councillor Wingfield, cabinet member for housing said “The council is fully committed to making every property warm, dry and safe and we are putting our money where our mouths are.

Housing contributes so much to the wellbeing and lives of Southwark’s residents. Despite the tough financial climate, we are proud to deliver them warm, dry and safe homes.

We have made good progress and we know there is more work to be done. In the next two years thousands more homes will be improved which will transform the lives of Southwark residents.”

Although warm, dry and safe does not cover individual heating systems, communal heating and lifts, don’t worry; we have other programmes that look after these areas.

Y WARM, DR

“

The council is fully committed to making every property warm, dry and safe and we are putting our money where our mouths are.

Councillor Wingfield

& SAFE

“

12

Is my home going to be repaired?

If your home is going to be repaired as part of the warm, dry and safe programme, you’ll get a letter from us telling you what wo rk will be done and when it will start. We’ll let you know which con tractor will be working with you to get the job done. You can also che ck with your residents and tenants association or your resident officer .

Changes AT COSSALL

“

I didn’t have any experience doing building work when I started in November but now I’m working as a resident liaison officer. I really like it. I spend a lot of time talking to residents. Every day is different.

Jerel, successful candidate

“

Over t he n we wi ext five yea ll be re pairing rs

32,00 0 counc across il homes South wark

the estate While A&E Elkins was working at life, holding te they really got involved in esta local the ort supp events and activities to community. g people When a group of residents and youn nts tena the te cora rede to ted said they wan ided prov s Elkin A&E hall, ents resid and the paint, assistance and funding. They gave s to get the erial mat r othe brushes and various job done. the seasonal At Christmas A&E Elkins added to all the for e raffl a ing hold by celebrations y winners luck e Thre te. esta the of ents resid received a luxury hamper. teenagers on In a move to support unemployed rtunity oppo an ided prov the estate, A&E Elkins . team s Elkin A&E the join to for one of them for ing work is Jerel idate cand l essfu Now succ Southwark the A&E Elkins team and assisting ess. proc s work r residents during the majo s funded At the end of the project A&E Elkin and s drink ded inclu a BBQ party, which estate. the on ents resid all for t entertainmen ity mun com It was a great event, bringing the extra an together and giving residents they think opportunity to let us know what bration of cele real a was It ct. about the proje residents how the council, our contractor and . worked together as a team te, Apart from the work at Cossall Esta Court, tal Crys at we’ve also completed work t stree of ber num a and e Marchwood Clos now are We ell. berw Cam in s propertie edy working on Consort Estate, John Kenn te, Esta ber Com House, Sceaux Gardens, ted Road.

Four Squares (New Place) and Crox

13 & SAFE

When we carried out repairs on the Cossall Road estate last year we worked closely with A&E Elkins, a family run refurbishment contractor based in south east London and the local tenants and residents association. The project included replacing windows, asphalting private balconies and replacing or repairing residents’ front doors, as well as fire prevention works, repairs and electrical works.

Not just a contractor

WARM, DR Y

With these types of major repairs projects we always try to work closely with the contractors and tenants and residents associations. We find that things run more smoothly when we work together, so we can get the best results for you.

In the dock

g il home, pocke tin c n ou c is h t le b u lly s A man who ille ga e vic t ed and n e e b s a h , s a e ing ove rs t he c ash while liv nt arre ars. e r is h y a p o t d orde re

r Akiola Akiwumi of Draper House, Walworth Road, has been evicted from his two bedroom flat. Since November 2011, he had been subletting it to an unsuspecting family who believed they had entered into a legitimate rental agreement.

The family living in the property had been duped into handing over a £1,600 deposit and monthly rent of £800, far exceeding the £490 Mr Akiwumi paid to the council. He was in fact living and working as an accountant in the US. We were alerted to the problem when the police visited the flat after the family reported that Mr Akiwumi was harassing them, prompting an investigation by the council.

Following the granting of a possession order, the family occupying the property were served 28 days notice to vacate. They have since been accepted as a homeless priority and placed into temporary accommodation.

Mr Akiwumi was ordered to pay £577.41 in rent arrears as well as £302.75 court costs and was evicted.

We have now been able to rehouse an existing council tenant with two children in the property.

This investigation formed part of a broader initiative to crack down on illegal subletting across the borough, with 122 properties already recovered since April 2013.

Cllr Ian Wingfield, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: “Council housing in Southwark is under pressure and it is important that we allocate property where it is most needed. This case clearly shows that we will not tolerate those tenants who believe they can get away with earning a fast buck by renting out much needed homes. We welcome the introduction of a new law that will come into effect later this year which will allow us to enforce tougher penalties on those who illegal sublet including larger fines and prosecution.”

Illegal subletting and the law A bill to criminalise the sub letting of social housing in Englan d and Wales was passed by the House of Lords in January. The Pre vention of Social Housing Fraud Bill is due to become law in the Ho use of Commons imminently, and will see those who continue to illegally sublet their council proper ties face harsher penalties including fines or prosecution.

REPORT IT If you know of anyone illegally subletting or taking possession of a property fraudulently, report it by calling 020 7525 4686 or emailing specialinvestigationsteam@southwark.gov.uk

“

IN THE D OCK

“

14

...we will not tolerate those tenants who believe they can get away with earning a fast buck by renting out much needed homes.

Cllr Ian Wingfield

Ask Sally

OUR ANSWERING Y NS...

O MONEY QUESTI

Whether you’re having money worries, need some advice about loans or have a question about benefits, Sally Causer of Southwark Citizens Advice Bureau has got straightforward, no-nonsense advice you can really use.

A few years ago I had a county court judge ment against me. Now I’ve been contacted by a Credit Repair Company offering to clear my debt records – what should I do?

SALLY SAYS...

All records in the register over six years old are destroyed whether the records are for paid or unpaid debt. However, if you don’t want to wait this long you might be able, under certain circumstances, to apply to have the entry in the register either removed or changed.

Credit repair companies charge a fee and it can be high. There may be other, cheaper methods you can use to improve your credit rating.

You can find out more about this on adviceguide.org.uk or contact your local CAB.

The government got rid of Council Tax Benefit in April this year. Each local council had to come up with it’s own scheme to help local people on low incomes with their council tax, but they have less money to help people.

Southwark Council has introduced a Council Tax Reduction Scheme. The maximum help everyone who is under pension age can now get is 85% of their council tax. This means that most people will now be liable to pay a proportion of their council tax, which can be as little as £2.30 per week. This applies even if your only income is benefits.

You should contact the council as soon as possible to discuss a payment arrangement. The council has support in place for people who are struggling but they can’t help you unless you get in touch. If you don’t they may have to take court action which will mean you have more costs to pay.

tell the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, who can pass details of the case on to Trading Standards.

Remember, never give financial information or details of your identity, bank accounts or credit card to people who contact you out of the blue. For more information on scams visit moneysavvysouthwark.org.uk

Sally works for Southwark Citizens Advice Bureaux Service (CAB) which is an independent local charity.

Southwark Council does not take any responsibility for the information provided.

or you can also contact the Citizens Advice Bureau at southwarkcabservice.org.uk

Got a question for Sally?

Email councilnews@southwark.gov.uk.

Sally can’t answer all letters personally but if you need help with money issues contact Southwark Citizens Advice Bureau on 08444 994 13 For full details of opening times and more useful information about the advice agencies in Southwark please visit southwarkadvice.org.uk

15 ASK SALLY

If you think something may be a scam, phone 08454 04 05 06 and

SALLY SAYS...

You shouldn’t ignore the letters from the council.

You need to act now.

You can call the council on 020 7525 1850

g me I’ve won a prize.

I’ve had a letter tellin it a scam?

It sounds great, but is SALLY SAYS...

If you find you have unexpectedly won an exciting prize you’re right to be suspicious. It’s like they always say: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use prize draws or lotteries to con people.

I have been getting letters saying I owe money for coun cil tax. I haven’t done anything abou t it because I’m on Job Seekers Allow ance and last year I got full Council Ta x Benefit.

SHARE YOUR VIEWS Have your say on...

GET D VE L O V IN ys you c an a w of s t lo e r a e The r nd ide as to he lp a s ill k s r ou y e r sha it y an e ven n u m om c l a c lo r make you e. nic e r plac e to liv

Volunteering Do you bring local people together?

If so, then you could get funding to support your events. The community council fund supports community groups to hold events such as fun days, festivals, outings or a series of activities which bring local people together.

Applications can be requested until 4 November 2013, so you have a good idea and are not part of a formally constituted group, please do get in touch as soon as possible.

Completed applications should be submitted online at southwark.gov.uk/communitycouncilfund by 12 noon on Friday 13 December.

Get involved in your local TRA Tenant and resident associations (TRAs) hold social events and represent their members’ interests at regular meetings with us. TRAs always welcome newcomers. If there isn’t a TRA in your area, why not get together with your neighbours to set one up?

Contact us as at residentinvolvement@southwark.gov.uk

Your voice, your health, your care Healthwatch Southwark is the new independent champion of local voices, working with local people to improve health and social care services.

We want to hear your views and get you working with us, whether you want to tell us what you think about local services or even volunteer

To find out more about how you can get involved call 020 7358 7005, email info@healthwatchsouthwark.co.uk or visit healthwatchsouthwark.co.uk

16 V ED GET IN VOL

THERE’S LOTS

YOU CAN DO

Whether you have just five minutes or a whole day to spare, there are a variety of ways for you to get involved with your local community. Call the resident involvement team on 020 7525 53326 or email residentinvolvement@southwark.gov.uk

How the council spends you r money by taking part in the Southwark spending cha llenge 2014/5. As a result of further cuts in local government funding, the council faces a £23m fund ing gap in 2014/15.

With difficult decisions ahead we are keen to hear your views. Help us decide whi ch services should be reduced, increased, or prot ected.

You can contribute online at budgetsimulator.com/sou thwark

Valuing Southwark’s carers

Carers in Southwark do incredib le work, giving their time and strength to look after their loved ones and neighbours.

The council and the NHS Care Commissioning Group want to see how we can supp ort carers better, not only in their caring responsibilities but also to live independent, fulfilled lives.

For your say on what we sho uld be doing visit southwark.gov.uk/carerss trategy or call 020 7525 3513

Keep Southwark clean, green and

saf

e We welcome ideas from loca l people to make changes to Southwark which makes life better for everyone, from initiatives to make our streets safer to how we get more people recycling. If you have an idea to make your local area cleaner, greener and safer, submit your application online by Frid ay 8 November 2013 at southwark.gov.uk /cleane rgreenersafer For more information email cgs@southwark.gov.uk or call 020 7525 1607

s

Community council Community councils are part of the council’s decision making process and are a focal point for discussion on local matters and take decisions relating to key areas such as traffic management, community safety, environmen tal improvements and much more. Community council meetings are also a forum for consultation with local people and provide an opportunity to influ ence how council services are delivered.

southwark.gov.uk/ communitycouncil

Is your child starting primary or secondary school in September 2014?

Apply for a school place online before the deadline.

It’s quick, easy to do and available 24 hours a day.

For more information and to apply for your child’s school place visit www.southwark.gov.uk/schooladmissions or call 020 7525 5337.

Primary school applications close

15 January 2014

Secondary school applications close

31 October 2013

www.southwark.gov.uk/schooladmissions

K R WA H MY SOUT

sident and e r rk a w h t ou S ng-time Jeff Barne t t, lo nd Resident a t n a n e T ’s e t a t Es chair of Brandon us about... lls e t , n io t ia oc s s A

18 WARK MY SOUTH

WORK ON THE BRANDON ESTATE ake it like local residents to m I want to work with ildings are iconic but when e bu a garden suburb. Th ication. t, it cuts off commun ey fla ur you go into yo , th t up trying to survive and People can get so he rs we each other, but flo stop looking out for purpose. With this project, le ells. shrubs can give peop th plants, colours, sm wi : ive at . we can be cre ity to the local commun the e I want to bring that ak m see that they can Perhaps people will gether. and it will bring us to r environment bette

His connection to the borough

Where he’d take someone special for dinner

I moved to the Brandon Estate in the early eighties. I was in London all through the Blitz and there’s been such a transformation; it’s so eclectic with so many different communities. I got involved in community development projects and now I’m the chair of four different committees and vice-chair of the Homeowner Council and the Leaseholder’s Association, amongst other things.

Well, I love fish, especially shellfish: lobster, oysters and so on.

There’s a place across from Borough market, I think it’s actually called Fish – I’d like to try there, it looks like it’s got a great atmosphere.

Best park in the borough It’s got to be Burgess. It’s a place where there’s lots of activity and it really feeds people’s appetite for leisure. It’s a nice place to get outdoors. Living things, beauty, simple stuff – you don’t need books and buildings. I find so much in the green spaces in Southwark.

What he’d do if he were Leader of the council for a day I’d say a day where the roads were closed, so there were just cyclists and buses and all deliveries had to happen at night. Public transport in Southwark is excellent, I love my freedom pass. What a wonderful permit; it really lets the older generation live life with more vigour.

A place someone new to the borough should go The walk from Westminster Bridge through to London Bridge, along the Embankment. You can even stop off at Doggetts, one of the most historic pubs in London, for a pint. There’s so much along the route that stands out.

Best shop in the area Our local grocers, Consumers Food and Wine, does a lot for the community. When people can’t get out, perhaps they’re frail or elderly, he delivers to them. Rick’s the guvnor and they’ve got a good range so you don’t have to trek to Walworth. He does a lot, gives that extra special service to those who need it locally.

His favourite place to unwind I like to get out of London sometimes, get a round of golf in. I’m a big golf player, though I don’t get to play as often as I’d like. Still, I can hold a game together. You can get a great shot and then you might botch it up, but you just need to get on with it. It’s a good reminder that life’s a journey into the unknown, and sometimes you just need to pick yourself up, forget the mistakes and throw yourself back into the game.

Want to share your Southwark with Southwark Life Housing News? Email SLHN@southwark.gov.uk and let us know what makes the borough special to you.

19 MY SOUTH WARK

What he loves about Southwark My favourite part is the route from Borough Market through to the Tate Modern and the wobbly bridge. You go past beautiful Southwark Cathedral and then the path takes you via the Globe. It’s got magic, that touch of what once was. You can see St Paul’s across the Thames; I love the flow of the river, it’s such a live creature.

What he likes most about where he lives I love the Henry Moore statue on my estate and now we have the wildflower meadow, it’s made things more... well, sociable, for want of a better word. People talk about selling the statue but it was a gift to the estate and we love it.

USEFUL HOUSING CONTACTS

H C R A E S WORD

OU OW AND Y ORDS BE L W OUCHE RS V E H G T IN R P O F SHOP O SEARCH F H T R O IN £50 W COULD W

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Mr Ayi Conteh from Camberwell was the lucky winner last issue!

Tell us what you would like to see in the next issue of Southwark Life Housing News.

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adopt alarm Consultation Fraud

insurance Mears Rent Repair

safety Service Sharon Sublet VISIT

Housing services for council tenants Tel: 020 7525 2600 Monday to Friday – 8am to 6pm

1 2

Tel: Address:

Age:

Comments:

Rent Pay by Direct Debit: 020 7525 2600 Pay by debit/credit card: 0845 6000 611 (24hrs) Pay online: southwark.gov.uk/payforit To pay in person: Peckham cash office: 19-23 Bournemouth Road, SE15 Walworth cash office: 177-179 Walworth Road, SE17 Opening hours: Mon to Fri – 8.30am to 4pm To pay by post: London Borough of Southwark Income Collection Business Unit PO BOX 11767 153-159 Abbeyfield Road London SE16 3ZF Repairs

Send your completed competition entries to Southwark Council, Southwark Life Housing News, Communications team PO BOX 64529 by 31 October 2013.

Winners will be notified by letter announced in the next edition of Southwark Life Housing News.

The information you provide will be used fairly and lawfully. Southwark Council will not knowingly do anything which may lead to the breach of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Tel: 0800 952 4444 (24hrs Online: southwark.gov.uk/repairs Utilities (emergencies) Electricity: 0800 096 9000 Gas: 0800 111 999 Water: 0845 200 800

SPOT THENCE DIFFERE

Leaseholders/ freeholders

E seven slightthe There AR between differences . CAN YOU SPOT two picturesUR CHANCE TO R YO T H E M FO voucher shopping 0 5 £ A WIN

Home ownership unit Mon to Fri – 9am to 5pm Tel: 020 7525 1400 Email: hsg.homeownership@ southwark.gov.uk Southwark antisocial behaviour unit Tel: 020 7525 5777 (24 hours) Email: sasbu@southwark.gov.uk Web: southwark.gov.uk/sasbu Southwark Homesearch Bidding hotline: 0845 270 0655 Bidding text line: 07781 486 526 Advice line: 020 7525 4140 Web: southwarkhomesearch.org.uk

Spot the seven differences in the two pictures of the opening of the new BMX track in Burgess Park.

Name: Tel: Address:

You can find out more about the new professional track and classes available at southwark.gov.uk/burgesspark

Write to Southwark Life Housing News The Editor Southwark Life Housing News Communications team PO BOX 64529 London SE1P 5LX or email SLHN@southwark.gov.uk