WINTER 2020

Housing News Great Homes for Local Communities

Introduction from Cllr Francesca Smith (Housing Portfolio Holder) Welcome to our December issue of the Somerset West and Taunton Housing Newsletter. Going forward we intend to produce a newsletter for you to read every quarter. The next one will be due in spring and you can also find this newsletter online at www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk.

We have all been through so much this year, especially with lockdowns during the year. Just as we were gaining momentum after the first lockdown, we had to lock down again. We will of course continue to support our residents during

the global pandemic and reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

Despite, the difficulties this year, the Housing Directorate has continued to deliver against their objectives of delivering more new homes, providing great customer services and improving our existing homes and neighbourhoods. I hope you enjoy reading about the great things that have been achieved in this edition.

The future of Local Government still remains subject to change and I wrote to you in November to make you aware of those changes. You may wish to look through the “Stronger Somerset” (www. strongersomerset.co.uk) and “One Council” (www.onesomerset.org.uk) information to familiarise yourself with the current situation.

Lastly but certainly not least “I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

Annual Report 2019/2020 Highlights

83% of our Deane Helpline Our Debt & Benefit Advisor customers rated the service

they received as excellent helped 444 tenants

We spent 7.9 million repairing, maintaining and We completed 41 majorimproving your homes and disability adaptations andcommunal areas. 182 minor adaptions

To view the full report please refer to our website: www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk

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How to have a Happy and Safe Christmas This year has been a strange old year and Christmas is not going to be the same as previously, however most of you will still be celebrating in some form.

At this time of year you are likely to bring out equipment that you have not used since last year, for example: Christmas tree and lights, electric heaters and electric blankets, for those of you with students coming home from college and university, their return will not be complete without their various electrical appliances.

Before you set up for Christmas please consider the following:-• Check your electrical appliances to ensure that the wires are

not damaged, that the plug is not bent or damaged in any way. • Think about where any Christmas lights are going to be

installed, can you keep all wires in locations where they won’t cause trip hazards.

• Don’t forget our zero tolerance to items in communal areas, so please don’t decorate the outside of your door or put any decorations in the communal areas.

• Remember not to overload electrical sockets or using multiplug adapters, these are likely to cause electrical fires. Never use a kettle or high power usage appliance on a multiplug or extension cable.

• Remember that candles produce a lot of heat and can burn the surface they are standing on, always ensure that they are extinguished before leaving them.

• Finally think about how you would get everyone out of the property should there be a fire in each of your rooms. Make sure that you don’t block exits.

Our Christmas Opening Times Deane House Customer Hub (appointment only, depending on current lockdown guidance):

Mon 21st Dec 9am-5pm Tue 22nd Dec 9am-5pm Wed 23rd Dec 9am-5pm Thu 24th Dec 9am -1pm

Fri 25th Dec Closed

Closed until 9am Monday 4th Jan 2021 (appointment only). All visitors and staff will be required to wear a mask unless exempt and to follow social distancing guidelines.

Customer Contact Centre - Tel: 0300 304 8000 Our lines will be open:

Mon 21st Dec 8am-6pm Tue 22nd Dec 8am-6pm Wed 23rd Dec 8am-6pm Thu 24th Dec 8am -1pm

Fri 25th Dec Closed

Lines will be closed until 8am Monday 4th Jan 2021.

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More waste over the Christmas period? Do your bit and remember to recycle Somerset is being urged to keep up the good work after recycling an extra 3,500 tonnes of key materials during the COVID lockdown.

Weekly kerbside collections of recycling continued in Somerset throughout the lockdown period. April, May and June 2020 saw a big jump in the amount of cardboard, plastic bottles, glass bottles, food waste and aluminium cans collected in the weekly kerbside collections, compared to 2019 figures.

• Aluminium cans: up 69%, an extra 92 tonnes • Glass bottles: up 37%, an extra 1,360 tonnes • Food waste: up 27%, an extra 1,182 tonnes • Cardboard: up 24%, an extra 650 tonnes • Plastic bottles up 23%, an extra 172 tonnes

During the Christmas period we usually have more waste than usual, Somerset Waste partnership thank residents for their commitment and ask you to continue re-cycling, helping build on the county’s already impressive recycling reputation.

Recycling sites are now on winter hours until Wednesday 31 March, operating weekdays 9am-5pm and weekends 9am-4pm. Recycling site visitors must take responsibility to keep themselves and others safe. Restrictions remain, including: • Social distance, gloves, mask discretionary; • Max two people - same household - in vehicle, no one with COVID-19 symptoms or those

asked to shield; • Site staff cannot offer manual assistance; • Van and trailer permits continue.

To keep up to date with recycling sites, sign up for the SWP e-newsletter at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk and follow @Somersetwaste on Facebook or Twitter.

Libraries offer digital help for job seekers Somerset Libraries are kicking off National Libraries Week with an innovative new scheme. From Monday 5 October iPads have been made available to job seekers looking for an extra bit of help in their quest for employment.

The free iPad Loan Scheme from SCC is designed to help people looking for a new job or career but who may not have the IT skills or equipment they need. Members of Somerset Libraries can borrow a device for up to six weeks free of charge from Bridgwater, Chard, Minehead, Shepton Mallet or Taunton libraries. The tablets are pre-loaded with links, information and support for anyone in Somerset currently looking for employment, or who think they may need to be looking soon. The iPads are data-enabled, meaning people do not need to have internet access at home to use them.

There’s a simple step-by-step ‘How to Use’ video on using the iPad and information including how to develop an effective CV, tips for successful interviews, how to search for local jobs and some useful health and well-being information and links. Additional free one-to-one support is available from the Positive People Programme, including a 24/7 helpline, digital support, virtual job clubs and workshops.

To find out more about the scheme please visit the website: www.somersetnewsroom.com

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At this time of year watch out for loan sharks!

An update from Denise Bradley -Your Debt and Benefit Case Manager Since the UK went into National lockdown on 23rd March 2020 as a response to the Covid-19 crisis, the benefit system has been put under huge pressures, but I have continued to work to help those tenants most in need. In the last 6 months I have advised and supported over 400 households in Somerset West and Taunton districts to claim the benefits needed, delivered food parcels and issued fuel vouchers.

The DWP reported an unprecedented increase in claimants to Universal Credit. In the first week of April 2020 the number of claims received was more like a months’ worth of claims made in March 2020. In the month of April, I dealt with 101 referrals, 52 of those related to Universal Credit queries.

If you have been affected by a loss of income/hours, have been furloughed or even made redundant and need help to pay your Rent and Council Tax, I am here to offer support.

Although my drop in sessions have been temporarily suspended I can be contacted at The Deane House Hub. To make an appointment please contact me via email d.bradley@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk or telephone 0300 304 8000.

In April 2020 The Government increased the standard Universal Credit amounts, you can get Universal Credit even if you are self-employed and/or employed, please refer to the benefit calculators at www.gov.uk for more information and details of how to claim.

Also if you were entitled to Council Tax Support on 1st April 2020 - you would have received a further reduction of £150 from your 2020/21 Council Tax Bill. If you think you may be entitled to claim Council tax support you can apply via our website, www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-support/ or contact me.

There is always additional financial support from the Agencies below:

Stepchange - www.stepchange.org. Telephone 0800 138 1111

West Country Savings and Loans - www.westcountry.org.uk.

Turn2us - www.turn2us.org.uk.

Samaritans - Tel:116 123

Help us put a stop to illegal loan shark activity The Stop Loan Sharks app includes a contact form and phone number to report loan sharks, as well as information to help victims of illegal money lending to get support.

This application is FREE and can be downloaded on the Apple Store or Google Play.

Citizens Advice - www.citizensadvicetaunton.org.uk. Tel: 03444 889623 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

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Bridging the gap in the community MIND are a support and advocacy project for tenants of SWT Housing who have mental well-being issues. MIND’s particular areas of focus are Halcon, North Taunton and Wellington, although they will take referrals from any SWT Housing tenant who needs their help. MIND are part of the One Team; a scheme set up by the police, which also involves other agencies.

MIND will listen and offer emotional support where needed. They can also accompany people to meetings or appointments, and represent clients in situations where they don’t feel able to represent themselves. MIND can offer support with domestic abuse, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and mental health issues. They can provide information and signpost to appropriate services.

MIND is a confidential service. If you think MIND may be able to help you please contact them at www.mindinsomerset.org. uk or ask a Case Manager Tenancy Management to make a referral. This is a confidential service and any support accessed would not be shared outside of the project.

Citizens Advice - Taunton We provide free, independent, impartial and confidential advice and support to people living and working in Taunton Deane. We are a charity and our service is delivered mainly by our 80+ volunteers - receptionists, advisers, campaigners, administrators - who are supported by a small paid staff and funded projects.

In 2019/20 our advice teams helped 7,932 clients with over 23,000 advice issues including: housing, debt, benefits, employment, family, consumer and more!

We do this by providing the following services: Face-to-Face Advice Service – face-to-face advice delivered by our team of volunteer advisers. We operate a drop-in direct access service - see our website for opening times.

Somerset Adviceline – a telephone advice service delivered in partnership with all Somerset Citizens Advice offices. The service is staffed by our volunteer advisers - call: 03444 889623 Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm

Email advice - we deliver advice via our website email submission form. The service is staffed by our volunteer advisers and ensure that people who cannot call or visit receive the same quality advice service.

Outreach Services - face-to-face advice delivered by volunteer advisers. These services are delivered in Wellington, Priorswood and Halcon.

Equality and Diversity - We apply core values of dignity, respect, equality and non-discrimination, based on our common humanity. We seek to foster empowerment and participation at all levels,

Research & Campaigns – we collect evidence of the issues facing our clients and we use this evidence to challenge unfairness and influence decision makers at local, regional and national level.

For more information visit: www.citizensadvicetaunton.org.uk

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Introducing your Arrears Case Managers

The Rent Arrears team work to collect rent for all of SWT tenants. We are here to help you manage your rent account and payments. We can offer support and guidance in claiming appropriate Benefits and any support grants you may be entitled to.

We can help you manage and understand your Universal Credit and other benefit payments and we can refer you to agencies that can help you with any debt or budgeting issues.

Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay your rent. If you would like to pay your rent in this way please contact your Arrears Case Manager, they can arrange for the Direct Debit to be set up for any day of the month, we also offer weekly and fortnightly options.

If you have difficulties making your rent payments, please contact you Arrears Case Manager straight away.

Lucy Hawkins Lucy covers the following areas: Taunton - Alder Close, Alfred Street, Bacon Drive, Baldwin Road, Beadon Road, Brooke Road, Byron Road, Calvados Road, Calway Road, Charter Walk, Coleridge Crescent, Creechbarrow Road, Cromwell Road, Duke Street, Greenlands, Hamilton Road, Harnell Close, Hartley Way, Hawthorn Road, Hazel Close,

Holly Close, Holway Road, Juniper Road, Keats Road, Kershaw Close, Lambrook Close, Lambrook Road, Lambrook Way, Laurel Close, Leycroft Grove, Leycroft Road, Lilac Close, Lime Crescent, Lisieux Court, Lisieux Way, Midford Road, Milton Close, Milton Road, Monmouth Road, Normandy Drive, Northleigh Road, Rowan Drive, Seabrook Close, Seabrook House, Shakespeare Avenue, South Road, St Augustine Street, Sycamore Close, Tauntfield Close, Trinity Road, Trinity Street, Upper Holway Road, Valley Road, Wheatley Crescent, Willow Close, Wordsworth Drive.

Contact Lucy on: Email: l.hawkins@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk. Tel: 01823 785033.

Hayley Kinnear Hayley covers the following areas: Bishop Lydeard - Darby Way, Greenway, Mill Lane, Minehead Road, Pound Lane, Quantock View, Bishops Hull - Chaffinch Close, Farrant Close, Haydon Close, Heron Drive, Linnet Close, Mountway Lane, Northfields, Robin Close, Shutemead, Smithy, Wren Close, Kingston St Mary - Fulford Cottages, Greenway Terrace, Leachs Field, Park Cottages,

Parsonage Cottages, Quantock Way, Lydeard St Lawrence - Cridlands, Crosscroft, Nethercott Way, Norton Fitzwarren - Blackdown View, Burnshill Terrace, Court Cottages, Dabinett Close, Hilly Park, Rectory Road, Station Road, Vilberie Close, Yarlington Close, Taunton - Addison Grove, Bagborough Road, Broomfield House, Cheddon Road, Crowcombe Road, Cyril Street West, Darwin Close, Dorchester Road, Dowell Close, Drake Close, Enmore Road, Franklin Close, Greenway Crescent, Greenway Road, Holford Road, Hope Corner Lane, Kilve Crescent, Ladymead Road, Manleys Cottages, Pyrland Fields, Pyrland Place, Quantock Road, Slapes Close, Speke Close, St Albans Place, St Davids Gardens, St Michaels Crescent, St Patricks Close, St Patricks Road, Stowey Road, Triscombe Road, Weacombe Road, Wellsprings Road, Willie Gill Court, West Bagborough - Heathfield, Heathfield Close, Parkside, Vale View

Contact Hayley on: Email: h.kinnear@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk. Tel 01823 219720.

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Alex Williams Alex covers the following areas: Bathpool - Brittons Ash, Cheddon Fitzpaine - Cheddon Lawns, School Cottages, Monkton Heathfield - Bungalows Elms

Estate, Elms Estate, Heathfield Drive, Richards Crescent, School Road, Taunton - Adcombe Road, Barlinch Close, Bircham Road, Blackdown Road, Blackmoor Road, Blackthorn Gardens, Bossington Drive, Buckland Road, Cambridge Terrace, Chantry Close, Cleeve Road, Dare Close, Dover Road, Dunster Close, Durham Place, Eastwick Road, Fairfield Road, Fletcher Close, Grange Drive, Grange Walk, Hereford Drive, Horner Road, Kilkenny Court, Leigh Road, Ludlow Avenue, Luxhay Close, Lyngford Crescent, Lyngford Place, Lyngford Square, Lyngford Road, Maple Close, Oxford Place, Pickeridge Close, Priorswood Place, Radlet Close, Rochester Road, Selworthy Road, Southampton Row, St Peters Close, Treborough Close Victory Way, Warwick Road, Wedlands, Wellesley Street, Winslade Close. West Monkton - Titley Cottages

Contact Alex on: Email: a.williams@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk. Tel 01823 219588.

Nicole Bonsall Nicole covers the following areas: Bishopswood - Brook Cottages, Blagdon Hill - Colleylake Cottages Burrowbridge - Burrow Drove, Churchinford - Church Road Cottages, Gillards Mead, Newberrys Patch, Creech Heathfield - Charlton Road

Creech St Michael - Cheads Cottages, Creechwood Terrace, Hyde Court, Rocketts Close, Rocketts Cottages, Sycamore Walk, The Myrtles, Comeytrowe - Horts Cottages, Corfe - Adcombe View, Curland - Castle View, Hatch Beauchamp - Crimthorne Cottage, Huckers Hill, Neroche View, Palmers Green, Henlade - Steart Cottage, North Curry - Barton Way, Cricket Cottages, Lillesdon Terrace, Moor Lane Close, Oxen Lane, Town Close, Windmill Hill, Pitminster - Littleham Cottages, Ruishton - Coronation Close, Dinhams, Ruishton Lane, Staple Fitzpaine - Lady Acre, Stathe - Stathe Cottages, Stoke St Gregory - Polkes Field, Willey Road, Woodhill Terrace, Stoke St Mary - Church Close, Pattons, Taunton - Barrow Drive Belmont Road, Blenheim Road, Bramley Road, Bridgwater Road, Bruford Close, Chapman Court, Charles Crescent, Crossway, Churchill Way, Galmington Drive, Galmington Road, Henderson Close, Hoveland Crescent, Inner Circle, Laxton Road, Manor Drive, Middleway, Moorland Close, Moorland Court, Moorland House, Moorland Place, Moorland Road, Musgrove Road, Newton Road, Outer Circle, Ramshorn Close, Roman Road, Roland Close, Russett Road, Wellington Road, York Road. Thornfalcon - Glebe Cottages, Trull - Brookside Close, Fulwood Cottages, Mill Lane, The Green, Wyatts Field, Wrantage - Croft Cottages,

Contact Nicole on: Email: n.bonsall@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk. Tel 01823 219608.

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Please put paying your rent at the top of your Christmas list

James Adams James covers the following areas: Ashbrittle - Rectory Road, Bathealton - Avis Cottages, Bradford on Tone - Tone Green, Chipstable - Bouchers Cottages, Miltons, Fitzhead - Church Road, Hills Cottages, Ham - Castle Cottages, Holywell Lake - Corams, Lake Cottages, Langford Budville - Swifts,

Milverton - Ashford Close, Courtfield, Creedwell Close, Creedwell Court, Creedwell Orchard, Lower Fairfield, Newfield, Orchard Cottages, Nynehead - Farthings Close, Oake - Oake Acres, Oake Close, Rockwell Green - Blackdown Road, Greenway Road, Lower Foxmoor Road, Northside, Oaken Ground, Popes Lane, The Well, Weavers Court, Weavers Lodge, Sampford Arundel - Breach Hill, Gorelegg, Weekes Meadow, Stawley - Appley Cross, Tonedale - Canal Close, Crosslands, Stoneleigh, Tone Hill, Wellington - Alexandra Flats, Alexandra Road, Baynes Close, Bovet Street, Brendon Road, Buckwell, Bulford, Church Green, Churchfields, Court Drive, Gay Close, Gay Street, George Street, Holyoake Street, Howard Road, Humphreys Road, Kelway Road, Laburnum Road, Lillebonne Close, Lodge Close, Longforth Road, Lowmoor Cottage, Olands Road, Parker Close, Parklands Road, Priory, Quantock Road, Rockwell Green, Squirrel Court, Stedhams Close, Victoria Street, Wellesley Park, West Buckland - Budgetts, Crown Hill, Frogs Lane, Sawyers Hill, Wiveliscombe - Allenslade Flats, Barn Close, Langley Cross, Marsh Cottages, Northgate, Plain Pond, Southgate, Stockers Close, Style Flats, Wyndhams.

Contact James on: Email: j.adams@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk. Tel 01823 219505.

Please put paying your rent at the top of your Christmas list

Direct Debit: Please contact your Arrears Case Manager if you want to start paying by Direct Debit. We offer a wide range of collection dates.

On our webite: Visit www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk. You will need your 14 digit rent reference number or 19 digit barcode number, as well as your postcode and a valid payment card (we cannot accept Electron cards).

Standing Order or Internet Banking: Visit your bank with the following information or log into to your internet banking to make a payment to us using the following payment details: Account No: 00000000 Sort Code: 62-25-87 Please quote your 14 digit rent reference number.

Telephone: Call our 24/7 Payment Line on 0300 304 8000. Follow the links to pay rent for council tenants. You will need your 19 digit bar code number, your postcode and a valid payment card (we cannot accept Electron cards).

At Paypoint Outlet: You can pay at a Paypoint outlet using your 9 digit barcode number. Go to www.allpay.net/outlets to find your nearest outlet.

Allpay App on your mobile device: The Allpay App lets you pay from your smartphone. Download the Allpay app on Apple App store, Android Play Store or Windows Phone Store or go to www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/allpay for more details.

Post Office: You can pay at any Post Office free of charge using a bar code, please contact us on 0300 304 8000 if you wish to use this method of payment. Always keep your receipt as proof of payment.

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Domestic Abuse Are you worried that a friend, colleague or family member might be suffering domestic abuse? Somerset County Council is encouraging people to seek confidential help and advice on how they can help. With domestic abuse affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime, the chances are we all know someone who is suffering behind closed doors.

As part of their #NoClosedDoors2020 campaign they are encouraging everyone to be vigilant and look out for the warning signs in the behaviour of the people around them. Some signs of abuse will appear to be obvious; such as unexplained injuries or someone being publicly, sometimes aggressively, criticised by a partner or family member. There are some more subtle, hidden signs of abuse though; for example, someone receiving constant text messages from a partner or being told who they can see or what they can wear.

Your first reaction may be to jump in and protect that person, but, dealing with it on your own could be dangerous and could even expose them to further abuse. That said, you really can make a difference, and you truly may be their only path to a life free from their abuser.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, worried about someone you know, or are concerned about the impact of your behaviour towards others, then help is available: www.somersetsurvivors.org.uk or by telephoning 0800 49 69 999.

In an emergency you should always dial 999, if you are worried that an abuser may overhear your call you can remain silent and dial 55 for help.

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Lyngford Place Improvements Kevin Hellier a tenant at Lyngford Place,Taunton is also an active member of the Tenants’ Strategic Group whose members formally meet with senior officers within the council’s housing directorate. This group provides the means for tenants to have their voices heard, making it easy to raise concerns to those in the Council who make the decisions and to influence and shape what the Council does.

Kevin wanted to improve the street view at Lyngford Place, Taunton. He spoke with many of his neighbours who supported a proposal to tidy up the front communal area of the flats and lay new turf. Kevin approached the housing team at the council who, on this occasion, arranged to have the work carried out. Kevin recently said, “It looks like a new road now, thank you for carrying

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out the work”.

If you are a tenant and are interested in becoming a member of either the Tenants Action Group or Tenant’s Strategic Group, please call 0300 304 8000 and ask for Sharon Yarde or Amy Maggs. There will be a Tenants Strategic Group Election coming up next year, so look out for the information and application form coming through your letterbox, we look forward to receiving your completed application forms!

Carbon Neutrality by 2030 - How does this affect you? Somerset West and Taunton Council have made a commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. In order for us to achieve our goal by this date we have begun work on identifying properties that require an updated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

By carrying out EPC’s on our housing stock we will be able to determine key areas that we can improve on and increase the energy efficiency of our homes. By doing this we hope to reduce our area carbon footprint and subsequently reduce your household utility bills.

We aim to visit each of the identified homes between December 2020 and the end of March 2021. In order to help us achieve this goal Somerset West and Taunton have employed the following two companies to work with us on behalf of Somerset West and Taunton Council: • Complete Certification Ltd • PropCert (Eco Approach Ltd)

The assessors will follow current COVID-19 restrictions and comply with the latest Government guidelines. They will also carry appropriate identification whilst carrying out their inspections.

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Stay safe and warm this winter -and save some money!

call on 0800 082 2234. We can support you to make a claim, and we may also be able to find other

to pay for their energy. It's an £140 rebate applied to your electricity bill which could help you between September and March. If you're using a prepay meter, it would be redeemed via a top-up voucher.

If you're unsure if you can claim your Warm Home Discount, or how to do so you can give CSE a

who claim specified means tested benefits or have low income,

The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) provides a local

discount. The Warm Home Discount scheme can help people who are entitled to receive it don't realise they can claim their make sure you claim your Warm Home Discount. Many people free service called Safe and Warm Somerset. We want to

ways for you to keep your home warm, maximise your income and/or save you money. We can also support you if you are in fuel debt.

There are two ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount, with a different process for each: 1. If you get pension credit, it may come automatically. If as of 5 July 2020, you received the

'guarantee credit' element of your pension credit benefit, and your name (or your partner's) is on the bill, you're in what's known as the 'core group'. Provided your energy supplier is part of the scheme, you should receive a letter (usually sent between October and December) confirming when the £140 will be deducted from your electricity bill. THE WHD helpline 0800 731 0214, can be used if you need assistance, or if you've not received your letter. The number is for the Core Group only but you can also call CSE on 0800 082 2234.

2. You can also apply for WHD if you are receiving certain income related benefits or are on low income (it varies between supplier). Check your utility company's website, give them a call or CSE and we will help you. Not all suppliers are part of the scheme and some smaller ones do not have it - remember this if you switch suppliers. Apply NOW if you can as firms have a cap on the number of applications and cut-off dates.

Your local CSE Fuel Poverty Advisor is Lucy Betts. She provides telephone advice and where essential she can complete Home Visits subject to COVID-19 restrictions. To self-refer you can call CSE or with their consent you can refer somebody else.

For more info tel: 0800 082 2234 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) Email: home.energy@cse.org.uk Submit the form on CSE website: www.sce.org.uk/contact-us Refer somebody for support using the online form at www.cse.org.uk/referral. For more information about the Centre for Sustainable Energy and it's work visit www.cse.org.uk.

Local residents in the area of Laxton Road We would like to thank you for the understanding and patience you have shown us whilst we have been trying to deliver the new accommodation in Laxton Road.

We have all had to deal with a lot of hurdles over the last 6 months relating to the Covid-19 Pandemic, your patience and understanding has helped us a long way in getting this project to the stage it is currently at.

We are aiming to have this project over the winning line in the coming weeks, and would like to take this opportunity to thank you and wish you all a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

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New Laxton Road properties ready for occupation Update by Project Manager - Michelle Hall If you are local to the Laxton Road area of Taunton, you may have noticed two brand new buildings are now in place of what was previously a garage site.

Planning permission was granted for 8 x one bed flats to replace the garage site. They are split across two blocks, with 5 flats in one block and 3 in the other, along with parking and communal garden spaces for the residents.

Work started on the site in November 2019 and our main contractor Classic Builders have been working really hard, despite the challenges 2020 has brought. Covid-19 has proved challenging for the construction industry in particular and like many organisations, Classic Builders had to review their working practices to ensure they were in line with current guidance. Building supplies are in extremely high demand and at times this has proved tricky.

However, we’re really pleased to say, that despite all of the challenges, we’re aiming towards having these new homes ready this side of Christmas 2020 and our lettings teams are busy preparing to advertise them for tenants and begin the shortlisting process.

One bedroom flats in particular are in such high demand in the Somerset West & Taunton area, it’s fantastic that we’ll soon have 8 x brand new homes for our residents to enjoy.

The flats themselves are spacious, light & modern, comprising hallway, fitted kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom and are perfect for a single person or a couple. Some of the first and second floor flats in particular have beautiful views to look out on. We are really excited to complete this build and to get people living in them as soon as possible.

Cllr Fran Smith, Housing Portfolio Holder says; “Our Council aims to provide more social housing to suit the requirements of different members of the community. This scheme represents our commitment to start providing quality social rented housing across the area. The units at Laxton Road will visually improve the area and make a real difference to the quality of life for some of our eligible residents. Schemes like this are really important and we will be looking to bring more of them forward in the next few years.”

Here’s a photograph of the garage site as it was alongside a picture of the new flats in progress. I’m sure you will agree this is a much improved and much better use of the space for the community and the residents of Somerset West & Taunton.

Meeting Halls and Guest Rooms Update Meeting Halls and Guest Rooms have been closed to help keep the community safe by reducing the risk of transmission of Covid in communal areas. Due to the ongoing restrictions and risks associated with communal areas, they will remain closed for all purposes (meetings and use of Kiosks). We are aware of how important these spaces are socially for the community however, at this time it is still too unsafe to allow the communal areas to be used. This decision is constantly under review taking into account local and national information regarding Covid restrictions. To keep up to date with the most current advice please give us a call or visit our website: www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-and-information.

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Local government in Somerset is changing. Here’s what you need to know

What is happening now? The Government announced in October that they would be changing the structure of local government in Somerset. This means that the County Council and District Councils, including Somerset West and Taunton, will go and will be replaced by a new, Unitary, authority.

A Unitary authority is a merged version of the District and County Council functions. We at Somerset West and Taunton Council (a district council) are your current landlord and we feel it’s important that you know this change is on the way.

We know that with the ongoing challenge of the coronavirus pandemic it may seem strange that the council is also spending time on reforming how it delivers services. We are focused, as ever, on ensuring that we protect and help all those who need it during this very challenging time for so many. However, the Government has made it clear that they will be reforming local government in Somerset and expect us to design and deliver our plans for how the future may look. This will be done in December and there will be a decision by the summer of 2021.

Do I have to do anything? No, you don’t need to do anything now. The decision about what will replace the current structure will only happen around the middle of 2021. New councils won’t come into existence until 2023. Information is available for you to understand more about the two options and we have set this out below.

How might it affect my home? Both the proposals have committed to improving the service they provide to all residents. They disagree about how best to achieve this but agree that they want to make lives better and improve quality of life in our county.

What may happen? There are two options being presented to Government: The four District Councils in Somerset have formed “Stronger Somerset” which is a plan for two new authorities in the east and west of Somerset to replace the District Councils and the County Council. Somerset County Council have produced “One Somerset” which is one new Unitary authority for the whole current County Council area.

You can find out more here: www.strongersomerset.co.uk www.onesomerset.org.uk Leave your comments on both these websites and there are also social media accounts for Stronger Somerset and One Somerset.

Please do take the opportunity to have your say.

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More support for Carers in Somerset Caring for others is very rewarding, but can be challenging, overwhelming and lonely at times. Caring for another person could range from providing a lift to the hospital, cooking hot dinners or giving a helping hand round the house on a regular basis, to the more complex of being that person’s sole means of physical support moving around the home, aiding a person to be fed, bathed and administering medication – as well many levels in between. Many people might not recognise that they are a Carer to another person, as they provide care out of kindness. In Somerset alone it is estimated there are over 60,000 unpaid Carers.

Somerset Carers (provided by the Community Council for Somerset - CCS) is a free service with a dedicated team of seven Carers Agents, designed to support those people caring for their partners, children, parents, family or friends. The Carers Agents remit is to support the unpaid Carer with anything from emotional care, to finding the right support group or financial benefits and much more.

As well as Carers Agents, CCS has a team of 55 Village Agents. CCS Village Agents have been working in communities across Somerset since 2012. They help to bridge the gap between isolated, excluded, vulnerable and lonely individuals and statutory and/or voluntary organisations which offer specific solutions to identified needs, helping often where others won’t, don’t or can’t.

People can contact their local CCS Village Agent by calling 0800 31 68 600 / 01823 331222 or visiting https://somersetcarers.org/find-an-agent/

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Self-Isolation payments Somerset West and Taunton Council and Sedgemoor District Council are working together to ensure that people are not out of pocket if they are told to self-isolate and cannot work from home. We have collaborated on a system to administer the Government’s Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme where eligible residents can claim self-isolation payments of £500.

The legal duty to self-isolate came into force on 28 September for people who test positive for COVID-19 or are contacted by NHS Test & Trace app and are required to self-isolate. The payment scheme opened from 12 October and is due to run until Friday 31 January 2021. Applications must be made within 14 days of the end of your self-isolation period.

Payments will be made where the qualifying conditions are met:-• You must have been asked by NHS Test & Trace to self-isolate on or after 28 September. • You must be employed or self-employed. • You must not be able to carry out your work from home during the period of self-isolation,

resulting in a loss of income. • You must be in receipt of one of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit,

Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit.

Councils may make a discretionary award where an applicant is not in receipt of one these benefits. Applications can be made on the Councils websites -www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk, www.sedgemoor.gov.uk or by calling 0300 304 8000 and ask for Revenues and Benefits.

Touch of a Button - Come Rain or Shine! By Shaun Rolls, Emergency Response Officer

Our Deane Helpline is a service made up of three individual teams all working out of the hub at Kilkenny Court.

The Control Centre taking those important calls, the Lifeline Officers installing and maintaining the equipment, and the Emergency Response Team assisting clients when that important button is pressed. The service has been looking after people in what was Taunton Deane for over 30 years, and now the wider community of Somerset West & Taunton receive the vital benefits of the service.

Since the COVID-19 lockdown started, it’s been very much business as usual for all 3 teams. During these challenging times in my role as one of the visiting officers from the Emergency

Response Team, it became necessary for us all to work very differently. The effective use of PPE and some changes to our operational procedures have been very important and instrumental in keeping us all safe and well while continuing to provide and maintain this important service.

Despite the emotional, physical and mental pressures encountered we have all managed to remain safe and well, and I am proud of our achievements.

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Estate and Block Inspection Timetable Estate inspections started in October and Block inspections started in December, both are due to carry on throughout the year. Due to lockdown guidelines and covid restrictions, tenants have not been invited to join these estate inspections this year. However, we do hope that from February 2021 you will be able to join in and meet your Tenancy Case Officer at the meeting point.

All meetings will take place at 10am unless otherwise stated and details can also be found on our website. Dates given below are up to April 2020. If your area is not listed below please be assured estate walkabout and/or block inspections are scheduled from May onwards.

Coming to an area near you: Holway area: Lisieux Way, Liseux Court, Bacon Drive, Brooke Road, Byron Road, Normandy Drive, Harnell Close, Milton Road, Shakespeare Avenue, Wordsworth Drive, Coleridge Crescent, Calvados Road, Hartley Way, Keats Road, Midford Road, Northleigh Road, Tauntfield Close, Trinity Street.

9th February 2021 with Open Spaces and Karen Parsons, meeting point YMCA

Block Inspections for Calvados Road, Bacon Drive, Lisieux Court, Normandy Drive and Harnell Close - 12th January 2021 Block Inspections for Tauntfield Close and Trinity Street - 27th April 2021.

Upper Holway area: Rowan Drive, Alder Close, Willow Close, Hawthorne Road, Upper Holway Road, Juniper Road, Lime Crescent, Laurel Close, Sycamore Close, Hazel Close, Holway Road, Lilac Close.

9th March 2021 with Open Spaces and Karen Parsons, meeting point Warwick House Health Centre

Lambrook area: Alfred Street, Wheatley Crescent, Charter Walk, Monmouth Road, Baldwin Road, Cromwell Road, Leycroft Road, Leycroft Grove, Hamilton Road, Creechbarrow Road, Kershaw Close, Seabrook Close.

30th March 2021 with Open Spaces and Karen Parsons, Meeting point Moorland House

Block Inspections for Wheatley Crescent, Charter Walk and Hamilton Road - 13th April 2021.

North Taunton A area: Quantock Road, Holford Road, Stowey Road, Triscombe Road, Greenway Crescent, Enmore Road, Wellsprings Road, Crowcombe Road; Weacombe Road; Bagborough Road, Kilve Crescent.

2nd February 2021 with Asset Surveyors and Stephen Deakin, meeting point Hope Corner Lane

Block Inspections for Quantock Road, Holford Road, Triscombe Road and Enmore Road -5th January 2021.

North Taunton B area: Pyrlands Fields, Cheddon Road, Ladymead Road, St Patricks Road, St Albans Road, St Davids Gardens, Pyrlands Place, St Michaels Crescent, Dorchester Road, Slapes Close, Bodmin Road.

4th February 2021 with Open Spaces and Stephen Deakin, meeting point Pyrlands Fields

Block Inspections for Cheddon Road, St Patricks Road, St Davids Gardens and Slapes Close -5th January 2021.

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North Taunton C area: Cyril Street. Addison Grove, Speke Close, Darwin Close, Dowell Close, Drake Close, Franklin Close.

9th February 2021 with Asset Surveyors and Stephen Deakin, meeting point Cyril Street

North Taunton D area: Lydeard St Lawrence - Crosscroft, Cridlands, Nethercroft Way, Pen Elm - Manleys Cottages Bishops Lydeard - Greenway, Mill Lane, Minehead Road, Pound Lane, Quantock View, Darby Way, West Bagborough - Heathfield Close, Heathfield, Parkside, Vale View.

11th February 2021 with Open Spaces and Stephen Deakin, meeting point Crosscroft, Lydeard St Lawrence

North Taunton E area: Monkton Heathfield - Elms Estate, Bungalows, Elm Estate, Richards Crescent, School Road, West Monkton - Titley Cottages, Bathpool - Brittons Ash, Cheddon Fitzpaine - Cheddon Lawns, School Cottages, Kingston St Mary - Quantock Way, Parsonage Cottages, Park Cottages, Fulford Cottages, Greenway Terrace.

18th February 2021 with Open Spaces and Stephen Deakin, meeting point Quantock Road, Kingston St Mary

Halcon Estate area: Beadon Road, Valley Road, Moorland Road, Moorland House, Moorland Close, Moorland Court, Roman Road, Crossway, Moorland Place, Inner Circle, Outer Circle, York Road.

5th April 2021 with Open Spaces and Abigail Battersby, meeting point Outer Circle

Lane Estate area: Bramley Road, Charles Crescent, Laxton Road, Blenheim Road, Newton Road, Russett Road, Bridgwater Road, Barrow Drive.

19th April 2021 with Open Spaces and Abigail Battersby, meeting point Blenheim Road

Block Inspections for Bramley Road, Laxton Road, Moorland House, Newton Road and Russett Road - 28th January 2021.

Wellington B area: Longforth Road, Alexandra Road, Alexandra Flats, Victoria Streetlands Road, Brendon Road.

4th February 2021 with Asset Surveyors and Tony Hickling, meeting point Asda Carpark

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Wellington D area: Priory, Kelway Road, Humphreys Road, Lillebonne Close, Gay Street, Gay Close, Parker Close.

Block Inspections for Kelway Road, Lillebonne Close, Humphreys Road, Gay Close, Gay Street, Victoria Street - 5th January 2021

Wellington E area: Tonedale - Canal Close, Stoneleigh, Crosslands, Tone Hill, West Buckland - Crown Hill, Frogs Lane, Budgetts, Sawyers Hill.

16th February 2021 with Open Spaces and Tony Hickling, meeting point Canal Close

Wellington F area: Appley Cross, Appley Breach Hill, Sampford Arundell, Gorelett, Sampford Arundell, Weeks Meadow, Sampford Arundell, Buckwell, Castle Cottages, Ham, Corams, Holywell Lake Cottages, Holywell Lake,Court Drive, Lodge Close, Lowmoor Cottages, Wellesley Park, Laburnum Road, Farthings, Nynehead, Rectory Road, Asbrittle, Swifts, Langford Budville, Tone Green, Bradford on Tone.

6th April 2021 with Asset Surveyors and Tony Hickling, meeting point Appley Cross

Priorswood A area: Eastwick Road, Cleeve Road, Fletcher Close, Bossington Drive, Buckland, Blackmoor Road, Blackdown Road, Adcombe Road, Radlet Close, Treborough Close.

18th March 2021 with Open Spaces and Steven Gevaux, meeting point Eastwick Road Flats (by block 235a)

Block Inspection for Eastwick Road - 7th January 2021

Priorswood B area: Grange Drive, Grange Walk, Wedlands, Lyngford Road, Lyngford Square, Lyngford Place, Lyngford Crescent, Victory Road

25th March 2021 with Open Spaces and Steven Gevaux, meeting point 1 Grange Drive

Block Inspections for Grange Drive, Lyngford Place, Selworthy Road and Maple Close - 7th January 2021

North Taunton Woolaway Project Area: Monthly inspections, 1st Tuesday of every month with Steve Gevaux, meeting point Site Office

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Wiveliscombe Area: Allenslade,Barn Close, Langley Cross, Marsh Cotts, Northgate, plain Pond, Southgate, Stockers Close, Style Flats, Wyndhams.

14th April 2021 with Open Spaces and Rachel Pettet, meeting point Stockers Close

Block Inspections for Allenslade, Style Flats and Wyndhams - 12th January 2021

Milverton: Ashford Close, Courtfield, Creedwell Close/Court/Orchard, Lower Fairfield, Newfield, Orchard Cottages.

14th April 2021 with Open Spaces and Rachel Pettet , meeting point Creedwell Orchard Carpark

Block Inspections for Creedwell Orchard and Creedwell Court - 12th January 2021

Bishops Hull Area: Chaffinch Close, Linnet Close, Heron Drive, Wren Close, Haydon Close, Smithy, Northfields, Mountway Lane, Farrant Close, Shute Mead.

19th January 2021 with Asset Surveyors and Rachel Pettet, meeting point Robin Close Meeting Hall. 20th April 2021 with Open Spaces and Rachel Pettet, meeting point at Robin Close Meeting Hall.

Galmington Area: Belmont Road, Bruford Close, Churchill Way, Middleway, Roland Close, Galmington Road/Drive, Hoveland Crescent, Musgrove Road, Ramshorn Close, Wellington Road.

19th January 2021 with Asset Surveyors and Rachel Pettet, meeting point Bruford Close 20th April 2021 with Open Spaces and Rachel Pettet, meeting point point Bruford Close

Norton Fitzwarren Area: Hilly Park, Blackdown View, Dabinett Close, Vilberie Close, Yarlington Close, Rectory Road, Station Road, Burnshill Terrace, Court Cottages.

28th April 2021 with Open Spaces and Rachel Pettet, meeting point Blackdown View top car park

Block Inspections for Vilberie Close, Dabinett Close and Yarlington Close - 12th January 2021

Taunton Area: Duke Street, St Augustine Street, Willie Gill Court

28th April 2021 with Open Spaces and Rachel Pettet, meeting point Duke Street car park

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Useful Services and Telephone Numbers Important: Smell Gas? Turn off your gas supply on the appliance and at the meter and phone the National Grid on 0800 111 999.

SWT Housing including any urgent repairs -Tel: 0300 304 8000. Please note that emergency repairs have a standard 24 hour call out period, there must be a person over the age of 18 within the property until the appointment is completed. We cannot guarantee an exact time for attendance.

Please continue to log your repairs online, or phone the above number, using option 2, Monday to Thursday 8.30am-4pm and Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm. Freephone number: 0300 790 6275

Want to report a service need? As the clocks have now changed and its getting dark earlier, we are getting queries about overgrown trees, verges or hedges, blocked drains and street lights that don’t work. To report these concerns please contact Somerset County Council on 0300 1232224 or log online at www. somerset.gov.uk

The Somerset Coronavirus Helpline is open seven days a week from 8am-6pm. Tel: 0300 790 6275. The helpline will provide help and advice for anyone who can’t find help within their own local networks and volunteers. Help and advice is available for: • Personal care and support including food and delivery of prescriptions • Support for the homeless • Emotional support if you’re feeling worried or anxious • Transport to medical appointments • Waste collection and disposal • Financial support

Callers will be asked to describe the support they need and will be connected with the service that will support them.

If you are interested in volunteering, for example, helping people out with shopping or picking up prescriptions please register as a Corona Helper via the website: https://www.corona-helpers.co.uk

The Coronavirus Helpline now includes the option to access food support for families during the holidays any family in need should contact the Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275.

You can also get help with urgent food supplies on these websites: https://helpoutwhenschoolsout.co.uk/ https://www.kidsmealsmap.co.uk/

For further information please contact Customer Services on: Tel. 0300 304 8000 Web: www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk