NewsResidents 54 | SUMMER 2022 A day Reconnectto P7
diaryforDatesyour Our Contact Centre will be closed over the upcoming holidays. If you need to contact us, please call the Emergency Repairs line on 0800 542 8904 during these times. The dates to make a note of are: 2 ! 29 Aug Summer Bank Holiday 23 - 03 JanDec Christmas shut down We will update our social media with these dates closer to the time, so you can keep up to date on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Facebook.com/hellofairhive @hellofairhive All our email addresses now end in @fairhive.co.uk and not @vaht.co.uk www.fairhive.co.ukEventsUpcoming 04 - 08 October National Customer Service Week, Look out for messaging on social media during this week. 13 October Scam Awareness Session Wantage10.30am-11.30am,Crescent, Wing 24 - 25 November Accredited Paediatric First Aid Ofsted Approved Aylesbury Vale Multicultural Centre Christmas Workshops:Craft Birch Court: Wednesday 23rd November, 1-3pm Landon Court: Tuesday 29th November, 1-3pm Thistle Court: Thursday 8th December, 10.30am-12.30pm If you are interested in attending any of the following sessions, please contact hello@fairhive.co.uk or text/call 07970 171954. Don’t forget these are open to all residents!
Dear Resident
Matthew Applegate Chief Executive
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On a more serious note, although we love to celebrate the summer with fun events, we are also very conscious of the current climate and rise in the cost of living that may be causing you or your family concern. We’re here to support residents through our welfare services, such as the Community Hub and food bank, and our team can offer help and share information on local resources and support. To find out more about how we can help, read our short article on page 5. Our teams continue to reach out further in the community as we extend our impact as a housing provider, but some of our employees have gone further and like many people across the UK, have opened their doors to help Ukrainian families who have been impacted by the Russian invasion of their country. I hope we can all work together to help those who have been forced from their homes in such horrific circumstances and provide them with a safe refuge and on-going support in their time of need. In this issue, you’ll also find our Tenant Standard Report for 2021-2022 on pages 8 and 9. As part of our customer service commitment we aim to be transparent and share a full picture of our business and performance with you. That being said, I am extremely proud of what we have been able to achieve in the past year even with the numerous challenges. There is still more work to be done and I hope you agree that we are moving in the right direction to achieving our goals over the next few years.
We’re well over half way through 2022 and it feels like the country is still going through an enormous amount of change. We have recently had the hottest day on record and by the time you read this we may have a new Prime Minister! We also saw lovely weather for our big resident event ‘Reconnect’ on 28th July! It was great to see so many of you together again after the lockdown restrictions of previous years. As well as being a fun day for all of the family, it was a really good opportunity to ‘reconnect’ with you and for our teams who attended in person to offer support in these challenging times. We had some fantastic photos taken of the day, so take a look at our event snapshot on pages 6 and 7 to see if you can spot yourself! We’ve also been able to bring back our Summer Fun programme for our younger residents. As I write this we have lots of children getting involved with activities including craft-and-play, horse riding and skate-and-scoot. We’re looking forward to putting on more resident events now we can get together safely, so keep an eye out on social media and IMPACT if you’ve missed this summer’s activities.
We’ve been engaging more and more with our employees and relevant organisations to promote Equality, Inclusion and Diversity (EDI) across Fairhive both for the people who work with us and those who live in our homes and community. John Wallbank, Head of People at Fairhive added, “EDI is so important to us at Fairhive. We are also a Disability Confident Employer. We want to make a key difference to support people with disabilities by increasing their employability skills to find work. Therefore, we were so pleased to be able to support this first ever careers show specifically for students with special educational needs and disabilities.” We would like to thank everybody who got involved and made the event possible. Our team Iva, Georgia, Francine, John, and Sharon (pictured) found such inspiration in working with the students to discuss what they would love to do in the future and their career opportunities with us. If you would like more information about our job boards and careers please visit the work for us page on our website: www.fairhive.co.uk/work-for-us
• Springboard Grants - up to £300 to support our residents with opportunities for wellbeing, education, training or employment.
• Project Grants - for community or voluntary groups of up to £10,000 for larger initiatives such as the purchase of more substantial equipment or on-going running costs. Your health, wellbeing, and development is important to us and so we encourage grant applications from those who need a helping hand. If you think you could benefit from the Thriving Community Fund or you want to find out more then please visit or email our Grants Officer on tcfgrant@fairhive.co.uk Our community can thrive with Fairhive!
The event hosted lots of local businesses and organisations who were exhibiting with their interactive stands and chatting to the students about their goals and career aspirations. Our stand proved very popular with a LEGO activity for attendees to build services or facilities that they felt was missing in their local community. We had some brilliant new ideas like dedicated parks for older teenagers, a reservoir, and even a regular graffiti cleaning team!
We really showed-up for Bucks’ first SEND careers event!
With the cost of living rising and challenges lingering from the pandemic, we want to support those groups and individuals who have been hit the hardest and are still pushing to achieve their goals or community projects.
• Micro Grants - for community or voluntary groups of up to £3,000 for small projects such as the purchase of equipment or venue hire.
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Read more about one of our grant donations here on page 11
We’re passionate about helping our residents to make positive changes for themselves and their community. That’s why we set-up the Thriving Community Fund. We give funds up to £250,000 per year to benefit communities and enrich the lives of people living in Aylesbury and beyond. We offer three types of grants which are:
In June, we attended the first careers skills show for children with special educational needs and disabilities organised by Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF UK). After the success of the first Bucks Skills Show back in March, we were keen to meet the attendees and share our passion for careers in Housing at this new show.
Cost of Living Payment
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Those who are on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year. This will be made automatically in two instalments, one in summer and another in the autumn. Pensioners Cost of Living Payments will be a one-off payment of £300. Visit the Government website below for more information and details on what support you’re eligible for
Cheaper phone and broadband If you need a little help to pay for your broadband or phone services then you may be eligible to move onto a social tariff. Visit internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-
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Disabilityliving-paymentwww.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-CostofLivingPayment
There’s help available to tackle the cost of living crisis
billing/social-tariffs to find out more. You could be eligible for a free Pay As You Go SIM that includes 20GB of data PLUS Unlimited UK calls and texts for 6 months. To apply, please contact the Welfare Team on 01296 732600 or email welfare@fairhive.
With the cost of living continually increasing, we’ve included a few money saving tips and places to find out more information. You can find more useful links and details on our website, including support to fill the gap over the summer holidays for any children who normally get free schools meals. We have included links to the below resources on our website which can be found at www.fairhive.
Energy Bills Support Scheme
Strugglingconnectivitywith and financial hardship?
Those on disability benefits will receive a oneoff £150 payment in September which is in addition to the £650 Cost of Living Payment for those who also receive means tested benefits.
From October, the government will be taking £400 off your energy bill. This will happen automatically and it will appear as a credit on your account and does not need to be paid back.
Discount In the autumn, low-income households will be eligible for a £150 rebate on their winter electricity bill. You can still receive this discount if you are on a prepayment or pay-as-you go meter but not all utility companies are offering this. Please check online where more information can be found at warm-home-discountwww.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/guides/
co.uk/welfare-benefits
Cold weather Those receiving certain benefits will be entitled to £25 extra per week from DWP between November 1st and March 31st, when the temperature is zero or below for more than seven days. Older residents claiming their pension will be able to get £100£300 to help pay their heating bills.
Reconnecting with you at RailwayBuckinghamshireCentre We had a brilliant day talking with residents at our Reconnect Resident Fun Day in July. It was a dry clear day and all the children were playing in the courtyard with nerf guns and balloon trophies as well as getting mucky at the ‘Grow With Us’ planting stand! 6
Residents entered Buckinghamshire Railway Centre under a beautiful balloon arch, courtesy of Ballooning Wonderful, and they were greeted by our team in the main hall. The venue was a great spot for a day out with steam trains running throughout the day. We also worked with the volunteers of The Vale of Aylesbury Model Engineering Society (VAMES) who ran miniature railway rides for visitors. Loraso Ice Cream was handing out delicious free treats to everyone, complimentary as part of the event, and DJ Dan Blaze went down very well with families, keeping the kids entertained for hours. An extra special thank you goes to our caretakers and team members from across Fairhive who helped on the day with interactive stalls. Our colleagues attended to provide information to residents about our welfare support and sustainability options as well as raising repairs and to share more about our involved resident groups and grants Theopportunities.‘GrowWith Us’ stand was run by two of our fantastic caretakers, Roger and Ed, who helped residents to plant their own seeds in various sizes of pots to take home and build a bug hotel or bird house. These garden structures were built by the caretakers ahead of the Fun Day and prepared as flat pack kits – a great way for attendees to get plantedspaces.ortheirwildlifenurturehelpDIYwithinvolvedsomeandingardenscommunalIfyouapotor took a wildlife house away from this event then please keep us posted with updates. You can send us photos to hello@fairhive.co.uk or share your snaps on social media and tag us @hellofairhive with the hashtag #GrowWithUs. We’re looking forward to running more events with our Summer Fun days and regular ‘Grow With Us’ sessions and day events so keep an eye out on our Facebook and Twitter for details.
9% £12m ON ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
REPAIRSTenants Standards Report 2021-22 Each year
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1,914 GARAGES 75,651 BY
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6,355 SOCIAL RENT 253 SHARED-OWNERSHIP 717
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REPAIRS WERE 6,994
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REPAIRS 23,606 REPAIRS CARRIED OUT 6,994 WERE EM ER GENCY REPAIRS DOWN 9% £12m ON ROUTINE MAINTENANCE £5.5m ON MAJOR REPAIRS UP 7% DOWN 36% NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES DEALT CONTACTWITHBYCENTRE WE OWN AND MANAGE A WIDE RANGE OF HOMES REPAIRS …
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6,355 SOCIAL RENT 253 SHARED-OWNERSHIP 717 AFFORDABLE RENT 652 LEASEHOLD 593 INDEPENDENT LIVING 1,914 GARAGES Tenants Standards Report 2021-22
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6,355 SOCIAL RENT 253 SHARED-OWNERSHIP 717 AFFORDABLE RENT 652 LEASEHOLD 593 INDEPENDENT LIVING 1,914 GARAGES 75,651 BY PHONE 12,099 BY EMAIL 82% SATISFAC T ION IN REPAIRS 23,606 REPAIRS CARRIED OUT UP 11% 6,994 WERE EM ER GENCY REPAIRS DOWN 9% £12m ON ROUTINEUPMAINTENANCE33% £5.5m ON MAJOR REPAIRS DOWN 1.9% UP 7% DOWN 36% NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES DEALT CONTACTWITHBYCENTRE WE OWN AND MANAGE A WIDE RANGE OF HOMES REPAIRS …
Each year we publish a standards report for our residents along with our financial statements so that you can see how we’ve performed.
75,651 BY
Like our residents we were still feeling the effects of the Covid19 pandemic during 2021-22. You can view the full report at fairhivereport2022.co.uk
Each year we publish a standards report for our residents along with our financial statements so that you can see how we’ve performed.
NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES DEALT WITH BY CONTACT CENTRE WE OWN AND MANAGE A WIDE RANGE OF HOMES REPAIRS75,651 BYUPPHONE7% 12,099 BY
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WE OWN AND MANAGE A WIDE RANGE OF HOMES 6,355 SOCIAL RENT SHARED-O 253 WNERSHIP AFFORD 717 ABLE RENT 652 LEASEHOLD INDEPENDENT 593 LIVING 1,914 GARAGES 82% SATISFAC T ION IN REPAIRS 23,606 REPAIRS CARRIED OUT UP 11% 6,994 WERE EM ER GENCY REPAIRS DOWN 9% £12m ON ROUTINEUPMAINTENANCE33% £5.5m ON MAJOR REPAIRS
Like our residents we were still feeling the effects of the Covid19 pandemic during 2021-22. You can view the full report at fairhivereport2022.co.uk DOWN 1.9% DOWNEMAIL36% … they explained everything they were doing, made sure I had a cup of tea before they turned the electric off and ensured I was okay with everything once they had completed. PHONE EMAIL SATISFAC T ION IN REPAIRS 23,606 REPAIRS CARRIED OUT EM ER GENCY REPAIRS DOWN £5.5m MAJOR REPAIRS … they explained everything they were doing, made sure I had a cup of tea before they turned the electric off and ensured I was okay with everything once they had completed. residents along with our financial statements so that you can see how we’ve performed. Like our residents we were still feeling the effects of the Covid19 pandemic during 2021-22. You can view the full report at fairhivereport2022.co.uk AFFORDABLE RENT INDEPENDENT LIVING PHONE BY EMAIL 82% SATISFAC T ION IN they explained everything they were doing, made sure I had a cup of tea before they turned the electric off and ensured I was okay with everything once they had completed. AFFORDABLE we publish a standards report for our with so that you can see how we’ve performed. we were still feeling the effects of the Covid19 pandemic during 2021-22. You can view the full report at fairhivereport2022.co.uk RENT 717 AFFORDABLE RENT 652 LEASEHOLD 593 INDEPENDENT LIVING 1,914 GARAGES PHONE EMAIL EM ER GENCY REPAIRS DOWN 9% O N ROUTINEUPMAINTENANCE33% SATISF 82% AC T ION IN REPAIRS £5.5m ON MAJOR REPAIRS DOWN 1.9% 23,606 REPAIRS CARRIED OUT UP 11% UP 7% DOWN 36% … they explained everything they were doing, made sure I had a cup of tea before they turned the electric off and ensured I was okay with everything once they had completed. Standards Report 2021-22 year we publish a standards report for our residents along with our financial statements so that you can see how we’ve performed. Like our residents we were still feeling the effects of the Covid19 pandemic during 2021-22. You can view the full report at fairhivereport2022.co.uk they explained everything they were doing, made sure I had a cup of tea before they turned the electric off and ensured I was okay with everything once they had completed.
NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES DEALT CONTACTWITHBYCENTRE WE OWN AND MANAGE A WIDE RANGE OF HOMES
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AWARDED FROM OUR THRIVING COMMUNITIES GRANT TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND VOLUNTARY OR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WITHIN OUR OPERATING AREA. INCLUDING £90K SUPPORT GRANTS AWARDED TO LOCAL FOODBANKS AND CHARITIES ACROSS BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WITH THE VIEW TO HELP THOSE FACING HARDSHIPS DUE TO THE HIKE IN ENERGY BILLS, FUEL AND FOOD. 56 NEW IMPACT REGISTRATIONS, TAKING THE TOTAL TO 380 ON OUR RESIDENT VOLUNTEER HUB. DUE TO THE ONGOING PANDEMIC, WE TOOK THE HARD DECISION TO WITHDRAW THE 2021 SUMMER FUN PROGRAMME.
COMPANY’S UPUP220%220% 9 181 NEWWEREPROPERTIESBUILTUP43% 431 PEOP LE USE ADDITIONAL MANAGEMENTHOUSINGSERVICE 2,094 HOUSEHOL DS USED OUR WELFARESERVICEUP126% 38 VULNERABLE RESIDENTS REFERRED THROUGH STEP UP STEP IN £3.3m TOTAL BENEFITS THROUGHOURWELFARESECUREDTEAM £4,808 SOCIAL HOUSING COST PER UNIT 37 DAYS AVERAGE TIME TO RE LE T A PROPER TY 100% HOMES WITH VALIDGAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE £32.8 MILLION BUILDING/ACQUIRINGSPENTAFFORDABLEHOMESUP20% DUE TO THEONGOINGPANDEMIC,WE TOOK THEHARDDECISION TO WITHDRAWTHE2021 SUMMER FUN PROGRAMME. 56 NEWIMPACTREGISTRATIONS,TAKINGTHE TOTAL TO380 ON OUR RESIDENTVOLUNTEER HUB. £225k AWARDED FROM OURTHRIVING COMMUNITIES GRANTTO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR OUR RESIDENTS ANDVOLUNTARY OR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WITHIN OUR OPERATING AREA. INCLUDING£90K SUPPORT GRANTS AWARDEDTO LOCAL FOODBANKS AND CHARITIES ACROSS BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIREWITHTHEVIEWTO HELPTHOSE FACING HARDSHIPS DUE TOTHE HIKE IN ENERGY BILLS, FUEL AND FOOD. YOUR HOME Purchased a shared ownership property through Fairhive, the customer service has been amazing from start to finish. 21% 3%14% 11%21% 10% 20% RoutinegardeningServicesmaintenanceandMajormaintenancerepairsplannede.g.cleaning,etc Depreciation Management Interest and financing costs Transfer to reserves 181 NEWWEREPROPERTIESBUILTUP43% 431 PEOPLE USE ADDITIONAL MANAGEMENTHOUSINGSERVICE 2,094 HOUSEHOLDS USED OUR WELFARESERVICEUP126% 38 VULNERABLE RESIDENTS REFERRED THROUGH STEP UP STEP IN £3.3m TOTAL BENEFITS THROUGHOURWELFARESECUREDTEAM £4,808 SOCIAL HOUSING COST PER UNIT 37 DAYS AVERAGE TIME TO RE LET A PROPERTY 100% HOMES WITH VALIDGAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE £32.8 MILLION BUILDING/ACQUIRINGSPENTAFFORDABLEHOMESUP20% 268 COMPLAINTSUP72% 91% OF YOUSAID WERESATISFIEDWITHYOU THE COMPANY’S OVERALL SERVICE YOUR HOME UP 220% I have always found their staff friendly and efficient. When my health issues started a year ago and I was classed as vulnerable the welfare team were really helpful. Purchased a shared ownership property through Fairhive, the customer service has been amazing from start to finish. 21% 3%14% 11%21% 10% 20% RoutinegardeningServicesmaintenanceandMajormaintenancerepairsplannede.g.cleaning,etc Depreciation Management Interest and financing costs Transfer to reserves 181 NEWWEREPROPERTIESBUILTUP43% YOUR HOME NE 181 W DAYSWEREPROPERTIESBUILTUP43% 37 AVERAGE TIME TO RE LE T A PROPER TY 100% HOMES WITH VALID GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE £32.8 MILLION BUILDING/ACQUIRINGSPENTAFFORDABLEHOMESUP20% Purchased a shared ownership property through Fairhive, the customer service has been amazing from start to finish. 431 PEOP LE USE ADDITIONAL MANAGEMENTHOUSINGSERVICE21% 3%14% 11%21% 10% 20% RoutinegardeningServicesmaintenanceandMajormaintenancerepairsplannede.g.cleaning,etc Depreciation Management Interest and financing costs Transfer to reserves 2,094 HOUSEHOL DS USED OUR WELFARE SERVICE UP 126% £4,808 SOCIAL HOUSING COST PER UNIT VULNER 38 ABLE RESIDENTS REFERRED THROUGH STEP UP STEP IN £3.3m TOTAL BENEFITS SECURED THROUGH OUR WELFARE TEAM 37 DAYS AVERAGE TIME TO RE LE T A PROPER TY 100% HOMES WITH VALIDGAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE £32.8 MILLION BUILDING/ACQUIRINGSPENTAFFORDABLEHOMESUP20% 268 COMPLAINTSUP72% 91% OF YOUSAID WERESATISFIEDWITHYOU THE COMPANY’S OVERALL SERVICE DUE TO THEONGOINGPANDEMIC,WE TOOK THEHARDDECISION TO WITHDRAWTHE2021 SUMMER FUN PROGRAMME. 56 NEWIMPACTREGISTRATIONS,TAKINGTHE TOTAL TO380 ON OUR RESIDENTVOLUNTEER HUB. £225k AWARDED FROM OURTHRIVING COMMUNITIES GRANTTO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR OUR RESIDENTS ANDVOLUNTARY OR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WITHIN OUR OPERATING AREA. INCLUDING£90K SUPPORT GRANTS AWARDEDTO LOCAL FOODBANKS AND CHARITIES ACROSS BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIREWITHTHEVIEWTO HELPTHOSE FACING HARDSHIPS DUE TOTHE HIKE IN ENERGY BILLS, FUEL AND FOOD. YOUR HOME UP 220% I have always found their staff friendly and efficient. When my health issues started a year ago and I was classed as vulnerable the welfare team were really helpful. Purchased a shared ownership property through Fairhive, the customer service has been amazing from start to finish. 181 NEWWEREPROPERTIESBUILTUP43% 431 PEOP LE USE ADDITIONAL MANAGEMENTHOUSINGSERVICE 2,094 HOUSEHOL DS USED OUR WELFARESERVICEUP126% 38 VULNERABLE RESIDENTS REFERRED THROUGH STEP UP STEP IN £3.3m TOTAL BENEFITS THROUGHOURWELFARESECUREDTEAM £4,808 SOCIAL HOUSING COST PER UNIT 37 DAYS AVERAGE TIME TO RE LE T A PROPER TY 100% HOMES WITH VALIDGAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE £32.8 MILLION BUILDING/ACQUIRINGSPENTAFFORDABLEHOMESUP20% 268 COMPLAINTSUP72% 91% OF YOUSAID WERESATISFIEDWITHYOU THE COMPANY’S OVERALL SERVICE DUE TO THEONGOINGPANDEMIC,WE TOOK THEHARDDECISION TO WITHDRAWTHE2021 SUMMER FUN PROGRAMME. 56 NEWIMPACTREGISTRATIONS,TAKINGTHE TOTAL TO380 ON OUR RESIDENTVOLUNTEER HUB. £225k AWARDED FROM OURTHRIVING COMMUNITIES GRANTTO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR OUR RESIDENTS ANDVOLUNTARY OR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WITHIN OUR OPERATING AREA. INCLUDING£90K SUPPORT GRANTS AWARDEDTO LOCAL FOODBANKS AND CHARITIES ACROSS BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIREWITHTHEVIEWTO HELPTHOSE FACING HARDSHIPS DUE TOTHE HIKE IN ENERGY BILLS, FUEL AND FOOD. YOUR HOME UP 220% I have always found their staff friendly and efficient. When my health issues started a year ago and I was classed as vulnerable the welfare team were really helpful. Purchased a shared ownership property through Fairhive, the customer service has been amazing from start to finish. 21% 3%14% 11%21% 10% 20% RoutinegardeningServicesmaintenanceandMajormaintenancerepairsplannede.g.cleaning,etc Depreciation Management Interest and financing costs Transfer to reserves 431 PEOP LE USE ADDITIONAL MANAGEMENTHOUSINGSERVICE 2,094 HOUSEHOL DS USED OUR WELFARESERVICEUP126% 38 VULNERABLE RESIDENTS REFERRED THROUGH STEP UP STEP IN £3.3m TOTAL BENEFITS THROUGHOURWELFARESECUREDTEAM £4,808 SOCIAL HOUSING COST PER UNIT 268 COMPLAINTSUP72% 91% OF YOUSAID WERESATISFIEDWITHYOU THE COMPANY’S OVERALL SERVICE DUE TO THEONGOINGPANDEMIC,WE TOOK THEHARDDECISION TO WITHDRAWTHE2021 SUMMER FUN PROGRAMME. 56 NEWIMPACTREGISTRATIONS,TAKINGTHE TOTAL TO380 ON OUR RESIDENTVOLUNTEER HUB. £225k AWARDED FROM OURTHRIVING COMMUNITIES GRANTTO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR OUR RESIDENTS ANDVOLUNTARY OR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WITHIN OUR OPERATING AREA. INCLUDING£90K SUPPORT GRANTS AWARDEDTO LOCAL FOODBANKS AND CHARITIES ACROSS BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIREWITHTHEVIEWTO HELPTHOSE FACING HARDSHIPS DUE TOTHE HIKE IN ENERGY BILLS, FUEL AND FOOD. UP 220% I have always found their staff friendly and efficient. When my health issues started a year ago and I was classed as vulnerable the welfare team were really helpful. 21% 3%14% 11%21% 10% 20% RoutinegardeningServicesmaintenanceandMajormaintenancerepairsplannede.g.cleaning,etc Depreciation Management Interest and financing costs Transfer to reservesI have always found their staff friendly and efficient. When my health issues started a year ago and I was classed as vulnerable the welfare team were really helpful. UP 220% 268 COMPLAINTSUP72% 91% OF YOU SAID YOU WERE SATISFIED WITH THE COMPANY’S OVERALL SERVICE £225k
Equality, atandDiversityInclusionFairhive
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For instance, we recently established ‘Inclusion Networks’ at Fairhive where our employees have a safe space to talk about any Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) topics that are important to them. So far, we have discussed autism, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Our next Inclusion Network will be discussing the menopause as sadly, 900,000 women have left their jobs across the UK due to menopause. We have recently signed-up for the Menopause Workplace Pledge. Over the coming year, we will be aiming to achieve Disability Confident Leader status and we will also be producing our first ethnic pay gap report. We have made good progress on EDI already as we are in a minority of businesses that have a reverse gender pay gap (women earn more than men on average at Fairhive) – we are now looking forward to sustaining our momentum with this important strategic priority.
Our Head of People Engagement, John Wallbank, recently spoke on a sector-wide webinar about the importance of inclusion and diversity in Housing.
John told attendees: “I have Type 1 diabetes myself and I’m very keen to make a difference for people with disabilities in both our community and our county.” We partner with the local charity, Talkback, support people with autism who are looking for employment opportunities. The Talkback programme is tailored to each individual to find a good fit, incorporate their interests, and find placements to help them build experience to get the role they are looking for. We have recently supported a colleague with autism on a year placement in our IT team – his confidence and skills grew significantly through his time with us and he is now ready to start a new job. We are a Disability Confident Employer and we developed good practices in attracting, recruiting and retaining people with disabilities.
This year, with households facing a steep hike in energy bills, daily increases in fuel and food prices, more families are in need of a little extra help to get the essentials for the whole Throughfamily.ourThriving Communities Fund, we have contributed nearly £90,000 to local foodbanks and charities across Buckinghamshire and South Northamptonshire, providing much needed Kateresources.Ayala, Fairhive Homes Communications and Communities Manager, said: “We have a responsibility to provide homes for those most in need and we’re equally committed about helping communities in e will be sharing neighbourhoodsmorour re infesidentormation about Ts live. wT on edia pages and on our website
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It is important that you help us to book anyouneighboursofsafetyforinspectionsthesein,yourownandthatyourfamilyandtoo!Ifareunabletokeepappointment,oryou
W our Social (underM the Residents Area section). You can also read into the national initiative on the National Housing Federation’s website here: our-work/together-with-tenantshousing.org.uk/ With regular Gas and Electric Servicing we can help reduce risks and accidents
Gas and electric safety is something we take really seriously and we hope you do to. Our teams run routine safety checks and inspections on our properties and we’ll always get in touch with you to arrange an appointment if we need access to your home for these checks. These visits are part of our legal health and safety responsibility as your landlord, but sometimes we are unable to complete full checks because we can’t access a resident’s property.
“We felt it was important to support those struggling during this difficult time, and donating to local foodbanks and charities seemed a good way to achieve that.” Our fund has £250,000 per year for our residents as well as voluntary and community organisations which operate within the areas where residents live. The fund supports a wide variety of cultural, sporting and social activities, for those most in need. To apply for a Thriving Communities grant visit www.fairhive.co.uk/thrive for more information or you can reach the Grants Officer at grants@fairhive.co.uk
are going away for a long period of time, please get in touch and let us know so we can plan in a suitable time to complete the safety checks for your home. Donations that make a difference – supporting our local foodbanks
• Remember you can stop the call or communication at any time and hangup the phone
• Call the police if you feel scared or threatened.
• Block unknown numbers you’re not familiar with.
DisrepairHousing Claims – don’t get caught out!
Help us to stop by:culture‘claim’this Reporting your repair via the My HomeHub app or calling us on 01296 732600.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for identification.
• Talk to us before signing anything
If you’re not completely happy, you can make a complaint by completing the online complaints form on our website: www.fairhive.co.uk/ complaints By working with us, you’ll be helping to make sure your rent money goes into investing in repairs and improvements for your home rather than into the pockets of unscrupulous legal firms. If you are contacted:
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We are seeing an increasing number of housing disrepair claims being made against us with claim companies targeting our residents. Don’t be fooled by the patter, many of these cases cause a huge loss of money for social landlords and also residents who may end up having to pay the hidden fees. You may be contacted by these companies across a variety of methods including telephone, WhatsApp, social media or even by them knocking on your front door. They may encourage you to report repairs and at the same time make a compensation claim whilst telling you that they’re working with us. They are not. Their sole purpose is to make money out of you and out of us. Don’t be misled or bullied into reporting or signing anything, as you could be liable to pay fees if you change your mind. We are proud that over 90% of our residents who complete the questionnaire following repairs being undertaken, are happy with the repair that they receive. This is reflected in the disrepair claims that we have received in which we have only settled approximately 10% of the claims made but incur thousands of pounds of our own legal fees defending our position. These companies, allegedly acting on your behalf, will keep the majority of any compensation paid.
If you’re thinking about downsizing, we can help you get the ball rolling.
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• You will be able to benefit from our experience of helping other tenants and families move to suitable accommodation.
• We can offer assistance with packing and moving.
• You’ll receive individual support from our Housing Options Officer who will ensure the whole process is as seamless as possible. If you would like more information, or to discuss what options are available to you, please contact us to arrange a convenient appointment. Call us on 01296 732600 Or email contact@fairhive.co.uk and ask to speak to our Housing Options Officer. £
• We’re able to support you through the housing application process.
When the kids move out and the family home is getting tricky to look after, it can be daunting to start thinking about new homes. Our designated team are here to help you at each step of the way and discuss your options to find a home that suits your household. We understand downsizing can be stressful that’s why we are here to help:
• We can offer financial incentives, these are dependent on your current property size.
Living in electric dreams with our new addition to van fleet! 14
Peter Gerity, Fairhive Fleet Manager, said: “With the demands on our van fleet, it’s important for any vehicle joining it to be reliable, cost-effective and efficient for the needs of our residents. “We will fully examine how beneficial running the electric van is over the next few months,” he Theadded.e-Expert has a range of 200 miles and can reach 80% charge in 30 minutes. The adoption of electric vehicles is just one part of our commitment to reducing environmental impact and improving sustainability. To find out more about what else we are doing, take a look at our green strategy on our website www.fairhive.co.uk/environment c/o
The Peugeot e-Expert becomes the first fully-electric van to be used by us! The 100-kW (136hp) e-Expert joined the fleet of 84 vans in late June and will remain under assessment for the next few months. The aim of this initative alongside our four all electric Zoe vehicles, is to reduce our impact on our environment. The demands on the vehicle fleet are high – Fairhive’s vans are on the road all day every day in and around Buckinghamshire and beyond, and carry all the equipment that could potentially be needed for a repair to a property.
SPOT DIFFERENCETHE For this edition we have a new game for the whole family to get involved! Can you spot the five differences between these images of our new electric Fairhive van? Return it with your name and address to Spot the Difference,
The Communications Team, Fairfax House, 69 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2NJ. The closing date for the entry draw is 1st October 2022 and the winner will receive a fantastic craft bundle and have their name published in the next edition of Residents News!
15 WIN! PRIZE £50 VOUCHER Time for this season’s puzzle! Can you find the list of words hidden in the grid? Return it with your name and address to Puzzle Time, c/o The Communications Team, Fairfax House, 69 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2NJ. The closing date for the entry draw is 1st October 2022 and the winner will win £50 in shopping vouchers and have their name published in the next edition of Residents News! meenoeaaslrogrcadhasgieianvuequalitylocalntdocatriasrzuenrenesdiversityuicvelceazcmmseszlwpriermlacsrrwynegczcesagaiwllugnitcennoceridouturndocn Electric Gas Reconnecting Downsizing Railway Thrive Disrepair Careers Diversity Equality Local Community We are pleased to announce the winner of our Residents’ News Spring Issue puzzle was Katie Withers. Congratulations on the £50 shopping voucher! ContactFirst service‘Lifeline’home For more details please call 01296 732600 Rent a garage with us as a low cost storage solution! inincrNocostease Our garages are safe and secure, located Buckinghamshireacross and affordable. A Fairhive garage is ideal for: • additional storage space • somewhere to keep your car • a convenient parking space near your home, work or train station • a place to carry out your hobby (certain criteria apply). For more information, visit our website fairhive.co.uk/rent-a-garage or contact our Garage Team directly on garages@fairhive.co.uk or 01296 732600
16 Our ServicesEstate Enhancing green spaces – communal gardens at Independent Living Schemes and flatted blocks. Our caretakers have been working hard over the last year to revive, restore and upkeep community areas for our residents to enjoy. A lot of these projects focus has been to enhance green spaces with our Environmental Improvements Project Fund which is specifically used for enhancing our existing community and communal areas and delivering general environmental improvements. A few members of the team went out to have a look at some of the communal gardens at our Independent Living Schemes and were really impressed with what residents were doing in terms of planting, growing and maintaining Our residents undertakingweregardeningintheirowntimeandusingtheirownresources.Wewantedtosupportthembyprovidingsomefundingforplantsandmaterialsastheyhaddoneawonderfuljobofbrighteningupthegardens! at our estates, and we’re starting to see the positive outcomes from the planting as we move into Summer! Tree Planting - Avon Place and Abbotts Ridge, Long Crendon. We sourced 105 free saplings back in December from the Woodland Trust for planting to support our commitment to delivering ourimprovements,environmentalenhancinggreenspacesandhelping to encourage biodiversity. We have had our application for another 105 saplings approved, which we will receive and plant in November of this year. Got ResidentsfeedbackanyaboutthisissueofNews? Please email hello@fairhive.co.uk or call us on 01296 732600 and ask for Communications. Fairhive is able to produce this document in other languages and formats. If you need these services, or those of an interpreter, please contact us. Fairhive Homes Ltd Fairfax House, 69 Buckingham St, Aylesbury HP20 2NJ | Tel 01296 732600 fairhive.co.uk Facebook.com/hellofairhive@hellofairhive
