Housing NewsSummer 2017

New council homes opened See page 5

Housing News2

Housing News

Welcome 3

Allpay 4

New developments 5

Allocation changes 6

Repairs and maintenance 7

Multi-Agency trailer 8 - 9

Tenant Forum 10 - 11

Photography competition 12 - 13

Tenants Regulatory Panel 14

Garden Competition 2017 15 - 16

What’s Inside

Summer has well and truly arrived andwith it the desire to get outside.Whether you have a huge garden, tubsor a hanging basket, why not share yourblooms by entering the garden competition. There are prizes to be wonand classes to suit everybody (see pages15 and 16).

Meanwhile, the multi-agency trailerroadshow has already made its first visits of the year, and there are plentymore dates in the pipeline. I hope to seeyou at one our stops (pages 6 and 7).

Remember that photos of our eventsand activities can now be viewed on a

Welcome to the another edition of Housing News

dedicated Housing Services Facebookpage. You can also find out other useful information on a variety of housing-related topics. Why not visitthe page www.facebook.com/udchousingservices and give us a ‘like’.

I hope you enjoy this edition. As always, your feedback is welcome - if you do have any questions or ideasabout how we can improve this magazine, please get in touch via theFacebook page, email tenants@uttlesford.gov.uk or call 01799 510571.

Best wishesNicole

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Do you, or anybody you know, use the Allpay card to pay your rent or council tax?

If so, it is important that you make thechange because from September 2017 this payment method will no longer be in use. Instead you will need to set up a direct debt or standing order with yourbank.

If that doesn’t suit you, it’s possible tocall the council and pay over the phone

It’s time to make the change

with a credit or debit card.

Alternatively, you will need to visit Uttlesford District Council’s offices inSaffron Walden or Dunmow where you can pay cash over the counter orin person with your credit or debitcard.

If you feel you or a friend will struggleto make the change, talk to the councilon 01799 510510.

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Two council developments built for localpeople have been unveiled in recentmonths.

Six homes at Catons Lane, SaffronWalden were officially opened in December.

The four 2-bed and two 1-bed homes,which were built by Court Homes to high energy efficiency standards, are managed by Uttlesford District Counciland are let to people with a local connection to the area.

The council’s flagship housing development at Mead Court, Stanstedwas then opened in February.

The 29 affordable rented properties consist of a mix of 12 flats, 8 familyhomes and 9 bungalows, as well as 4temporary accommodation units.

The new homes replaced severely

outdated, cramped bedsits and nine underused garages previously on the site.

The homes feature efficient heating andhot water systems designed to minimisefuel consumption and are therefore goodfor the environment as well as saving thetenants money on fuel.

Elsewhere, construction is taking placeon 41 new sheltered housing dwellingsat Reynolds Court, Newport and thecouncil is looking at further developmentopportunities across the district.

New council developments officially openedThe official opening of Mead Court in February

The development at Catons Lane

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Important news for social housing tenants

Contact us today at Uttlesford District Council

Tel: 01799 510510 and ask for Housing Options

We can explain what you need to do to make your dreams come true!

Do you live in a two bedroom local authority or Housing

Association flat and have done for two years or more?

Have you got a clear rent account and a well

managed tenancy?

Well we have some fantastic news for you!

You can get priority on the housing register for a two bedroom house

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Over 650 Uttlesford District Council properties are earmarked for improvements in 2017-18 as part of our ongoing repairs and external painting and decorating programme.

Our contractor, Mitie Property Services, will contact you to arrange access. They can be contacted on 01603 416444.

The programme will see 46 flats, 20 sheltered properties, 189 bungalows and 307 houses, as well as 97 garages,given a spruce up. If Ivy or similar plants have been allowed to grow up the walls or on the external timber,please cut back near to ground level, let it die back and remove, otherwise we will not be able to paint the affectedareas.

A number of properties across the district are also scheduled for plannedlarger-scale repairs and replacementsworks, roofs, paths and driveways.

We have received a notice from the manufacturers Whirlpool urging residents with Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan or Proline tumble dryers to check if their make and model needs a modification to ensure that there is no fire risk.

If you have one of these models of tumble dryer, and it is manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015, please call the helpline number - 0800 1510905.

Repairs and maintenance programme

In addition, 135 old boilers will be replaced as part of our plan to ensure tenancies are energy efficient and safe. It is essential you allow access to your boiler so that it can be serviced and to ensure it is working correctly. When you receive an appointment letter,please act swiftly and call if you are not going to be at home on that day. Remember - it is for your safety.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Tumble dryers - manufacturer warning

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The roadshow carries lots of informationon council housing services as well as advice from partner agencies such as

*The trailer stays at each location for up to three hours, though on days when it is visiting twoplaces it may be much shorter.

Kevin, Nicole and Jay ready to start work in Farnham. Alan NHW co-ordinator setting off on hisrounds

We have people on hand to talk aboutfire safety, security and support for you in your home.

The trailer has lots of leaflets from various other support and advice agencies that work in Uttlesford, so come along and join us for a cup of tea, a biscuit and a chat.

Visit www.uttlesford.gov.uk/mait formore information.

The timetable* for the information 2017 roadshow can be found in the table below:

Dates for 2017 Arrival time Where

Thursday 20 July 1.30pm Newton Green, Dunmow CM6 1DU

Tuesday 5 September 1.30pm Barnfield, Hatfield Broad Oak CM22 7JR

Thursday 28 September 10.30am Barkers Mead, Little Hallingbury CM22 7SM

Tuesday 19 October10.30am - 12 noon (approx.)

Coney Acre, Rickling Green CB11 3QY

Tuesday 19 October 12noon (approx.) Gawlers, Berden CM23 1AL

The multi-agency trailer is back on the road again this year and coming to a community near you

Essex Fire and Rescue, Essex Police,Neighbourhood Watch, Family Mosaic and UttlesfordSave.

Lyn (family Mosaic), a Elmdon resident and Jane (Uttlesford District Council housing team)

Animal warden Sue talking to two happy residents

PSCO James , Sam (family Mosaic), and Jane (Uttlesford District Council housing team)

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Join the Tenant Forum The Tenant Forum has a strong committeeof dedicated volunteers whose time isspent trying to help tenants to improveand sustain Uttlesford District CouncilHousing Services.

We are excited to welcome thenewly electedforum chair,Simon Trimnellwho said:“I am very pleasedto be elected chairman of the forum by fellow members working with membersand officers of the District Council we aimtoo improve council housing for everybodyin our communities.”

Investigations We investigate issues that come to our attention; but we have to know what isgoing on in your area to ensure this goesto the right officer to deal with it. Weneed your input.

LiaiseWe act as a link between you, as a tenant, and the council.

Housing policies We read housing strategies and policies,can influence UDC decisions and attendthe Housing Board on your behalf.

The Forum will be working this year to try and reach out to as many tenants as possible by attending the multi-agencytrailer roadshow and visiting sheltered housing accommodation.

This will ensure as many tenants as possiblehave the opportunity to get involved withimprovement of the housing services.

If you have a few hours to spare andwould like to be part of the team, fill inthe form on page 11 or contact the Tenant Participation Officer, Nicole Shephard-Lewis via tenants@uttlesford.gov.uk for more information.

Application form

Name: ...................................................................................................................

Address: ................................................................................................................

.............................................................. Postcode: ...............................................

Phone: ...................................................................................................................

Email: ....................................................................................................................

Please return this form toNicole Shephard-LewisTenant Participation OfficerUttlesford District CouncilLondon RoadSaffron WaldenCB11 4ER

or email the details to tenants@uttlesford.gov.uk

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The Tenant Forum - “Help us to help you!

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Priors Wood Court resident Soozie Kuan-Munslow’s keen eye for detail saw her entry win in our photographycompetition.

The keen snapper’s image of a stunningsunrise, taken from the back of her flat,was enough to impress the competitionjudge, Mike Perry of Lipson Photographyin Dunmow High Street.

Mike said: “The colour and compositionsof the photograph is what makes it standout. It is a moment in time - 10 minutesearlier or later and that shot may nothave been there. You have to be in the

Image of stunning skyline wins photography competition

The winning photograph

right place at the right time, and thenhave the skill to capture it.” The photography competition was open to allUDC housing tenants and leaseholders.

Soozie was delighted her picture waspicked above the other entries. “It wassuch a beautiful sky and I had to take aphotograph of it,” she said. “I was just inthe right place at the right time.”

A framed copy of the winning photographwas donated by Soozie to the CouncilChairman’s Charity appeals, which this yearraises money for Support 4 Sight and theEssex Wildlife Trust.

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Soozie Kuan-Munslow and Mike Perry

And here’s a selection of highly commended entries....

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We have now come to the end of ourfourth year as a Tenants RegulatoryPanel - and what another interestingyear it has been.

I am pleased to report we have successfully completed our secondreview, this time on Uttlesford DistrictCouncil’s Service Standards for ShelteredHousing.

We visited 12 sheltered housing sitesacross Uttlesford, and interviewed 101tenants. We would like to thank all who gave their time to complete ourquestionnaires on the services they receive. Their valued insight enabled us to make several recommendations, including improvements to the style ofhow some of the standards are writtenfor clearer understanding.

A copy of our report is available on notice boards at each of the shelteredhousing sites, along with updated copies of the council’s responses to our recommendations and our replies.Copies are also available on request(email and postal address below).

As previously advised in Housing News,the Tenants Regulatory Panel is an independent panel that works with thecouncil to help improve housing serviceswherever possible. We are all counciltenants and we know there are manymore of you who do have an interest,

time and commitment to become amember of the Panel - so please let ushear from you.

If you would like further informationabout our next project, or if you haveany views you would like to share,please drop us an email udctrp@outlook.com. Although we cannot deal with individual cases, your ideasand comments help us to direct our investigations which will ultimately helpthe council provide a better service to itstenants.

Tenants Regulatory PanelC/O Uttlesford District Council Council OfficesLondon Road Saffron Walden CB11 4ER Please mark as Private & Confidential

Louise ByrneChairperson

Tenants Regulatory Panel

Tenant Regulatory Panel

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Every entrant will be visited as part ofthe judging process and prizes totalling£250 will be given out to the winners.

Steve Dighton, Business DevelopmentManager at Breheny Civil Engineering,this year’s sponsors, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Uttlesfordgardening competition. As provider ofcivil engineering services for the councilwe work across the district on a variety of projects to improve facilities for tenants and residents.

“We hope the gardening completion continues ‘to grow’ with the support of Breheny and that the competition entrants enjoy taking part.”

You have nothing to lose, so get in your entry! Simply fill in the form overleaf and return it to us.

Good luck!

Do you have a garden that makes people smile?If the answer is yes, why not enter thisyear’s garden competition? And if youpass a neighbour’s or friend’s front garden and think it looks amazing, you can enter them into the competition too!

Whether you have a beautifully maintained lawn or borders, or confineyour gardening to tubs and baskets,there is a class you can enter. The competition is open to all UDC tenants and leaseholders.

There are four classes:

• CLASS 1 - Best garden - £50 voucher and a plant

• CLASS 2 - Best hanging basket or tub £50 voucher and a plant

• CLASS 3 - Tallest sunflower £50 voucher

• CLASS 4 - Best communal garden £100 voucher and a plant

Garden competition entry form

"

How do I enter?

Complete the entry form below and return it to the postal address or by email.Don’t forget you can also nominate a friend or neighbour!

How will judging take place?

Our judges will visit all the entries. You will be contacted by the Tenant Participation Officer, Nicole Shephard-Lewis, who will arrange the visit.Announcement of the winners will bemade soon after.

Return of entry forms

Please ensure that completed entry formsare returned by no later than 4pm on 17 July 2017.

Sunflower entries

For the tallest sunflower competition, youneed to let us know you are entering, butyou have until 4pm on Monday 28 Augustto measure your sunflower and send usthe height. We will then come out andmeasure the highest three sunflowers todecide the winner.

Please return this form if you wish to enter

Name: ….................................................................................. Age (if under 16): ...….......…

Class entries: 1 2 3 4 (tick as appropriate)

Address: .............……........................................................................................................…

.........................................................................................................................................…

Telephone No: ....................................................................................................................

Email: .................................................................................................................................

Completed entry forms should be sent to: Gardening Competition, Nicole Shephard-Lewis, Uttlesford District Council, London Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4ER or email your entry details: tenants@uttlesford.gov.uk

Entries must arrive no later than 4pm on 17 July 2017

By entering the competition you agree to take part in any subsequent publicity that may be arranged

There are four categories with prizes for the winner of each. Every entrant will receive a certificate.

Categories are as follows:

Class 1 - Best garden Class 2 - Best hanging basket, tub or pot Class 3 - Tallest sunflower Class 4 - Best communal garden