ISSUE 51 January 2008 Swan Housing Association is pleased to sponsor Brentwood Housing News Swan Housing Association Ltd, Pilgrim House, High Street, Billericay, Essex CM12 9XY Telephone (01277) 844700 www.swan.org.uk Capital Programme 2007/2008 The Council s Housing Capital Programme of major works to Council-owned homes is progressing well, and includes: Rewiring 445,000 Re-roofing 813,000 Structural works 53,000 Adaptations for the disabled 122,000 Central heating and boiler replacement 478,000 Community areas/safety/security 250,000 Kitchens, bathrooms and doors 264,000 New Balconies at Pompadour Close Environmental and locally determined works 56,000 The programme is a major contribution to achieving the Decent Homes target for 2010. This document is available in alternative languages, audiotape format, Braille or large print. Please contact the Housing Services Department, Brentwood Borough Council, Town Hall, Ingrave Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8AY or telephone 01277 312749.
Groundbreaking Partnership On August 20th Brentwood Borough Council and Essex County Council announced for a groundbreaking partnership agreement in the delivery of local public services. The move, which is the first of its kind in the UK involving a district and a county council, means both councils now share one Chief Executive and will work together to deliver better services more efficiently and effectively. The aim is for a more united approach to service delivery across both authorities with one single point of contact for residents. Potential benefits of the partnership for Brentwood include: Better value for money for Council Tax payers A seamless, quicker and more efficient rubbish and waste collection and disposal service A joined-up approach to tackling anti-social behaviour, drugs and alcohol misuse Proposed High Street improvements will run more smoothly Improved leisure activities for children and young people More local say in the running of Weald and Thorndon Country Parks Holistic approach to family support with one stop shop for child, young person and family issues Streamlined approach to housing for vulnerable young people, people with learning difficulties and the elderly Faster grant service for disabled facilities Cost savings from joint procurement activities One of the first savings is the sharing of one chief executive between the two authorities. Joanna Killian has become joint Chief Executive of both authorities. Andy Stroulger has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive of Brentwood Borough Council. Councillor Brandon Lewis, Leader of Brentwood Borough Council said "This is about making a real difference. This approach heralds a cultural change in how we deliver quality public services to the people of Brentwood. We will be able to deliver a much more joined up and responsive level of service that will bring real improvements to services. The savings that will result from this partnership will be ploughed back into front line services. Lord Hanningfield, Leader of Essex County Council, said "I am delighted to have entered into this truly radical and historic partnership. Bringing our authorities and combined expertise together in this way will bring real benefits and savings to the people of Brentwood.
Update on The Retreat Work is progressing well on the 24 homes being built by Circle Anglia. The 18 affordable rented (12 three bedroom houses and 6 one bedroom flats) and 6 shared ownership (2 one bedroom flats and 4 two bedroom flats) are nearing completion. Nominations to the affordable rented homes will be by the Council through the Choice Based Lettings Scheme from the Housing Register and Transfer Waiting Lists, in accordance with the Council s Allocations Policy. The shared ownership homes will be advertised and sold by Circle Anglia in accordance with criteria agreed with the Council. Brentwood in Bloom Many congratulations to the residents of Rowan Green East who were awarded the title of Best Kept Council Owned Sheltered Accommodation in 2007 s Brentwood in Bloom competition. Quennell Way came second and Harewood Road took third place. The category for Best First Time Entry Garden was won by 27 Brookfield Close. Well done to all those who have taken the time to improve their local environment and ensure that Brentwood bloomed once again this summer. Our House Social Event After last year s successful social event for sheltered housing residents, a further event has been organised for 14th February 2008, at Keys Hall. Details and tickets can be obtained from your scheme manager. Lancaster Close A scheme to provide two 2 bedroom affordable rented homes (chalet bungalows) on the former Council-owned scout hut site has been approved. Swan Housing Association is the Council s partner on the scheme and works on site are due to start shortly. Nomination rights will be to the Council through the approved Allocations Policy. Britannia Road A scheme to provide 14 new homes on a site in Britannia Road has just received planning approval. The scheme is a partnership between the Council and Circle Anglia, a registered housing association, on land where there have been structural problems for the existing properties, and an adjacent garage site. 6 houses & 8 flats are to be built, with some of the flats for shared ownership. More details will appear later on as the scheme progresses. The same nomination and sale agreements will apply as for the The Retreat scheme above.
Telecare Would you like support and security to remain independently at home for longer? Then our Telecare Service may be for you. We can provide, for a small weekly charge, assisted technology in your home, linked through an alarm unit connected to your telephone line. What is Telecare? Telecare is a step forward from the Council s existing Lifeline service. It offers a wider range of triggers that can be connected to your alarm. They are used to support you to remain independent and at home longer. Should you suffer from epilepsy, falls, mild dementia, heart problems, restricted mobility and so on, then this may be for you. Should you have a problem with turning off taps, resulting in flooding, taking medication, bogus callers, Telecare triggers can again help. How does it work? The control centre operates a 24 hour service. Trained staff at the centre are dedicated to providing support for vulnerable people. By triggering your Telecare sensor, you send an immediate signal to the control centre. Your details will automatically be displayed on a computer screen in the control centre, who will then contact the services or people who can help you. So, whether you live in a town or a village, the alarm service can provide on-call emergency communication and response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you would like to know more please contact Sharon Nunn on 01277 312572/01277 848975 or sharon.nunn@brentwood.gov.uk. YOUR NEW HOUSING HANDBOOK IS ENCLOSED... Choice Based Lettings Brentwood Borough Council s tenants and home seekers now have a chance to express an interest in a property through a new scheme called Choice Based Lettings. In the past, the Council or housing association would offer accommodation once your turn had been reached in your area of choice. Now you will have a chance to express an interest in a property suitable for your needs when it is advertised. Brentwood Borough Council now publishes a fortnightly Home Option freesheet advertising available Council and housing association properties. Each fortnight, eligible tenants and homeseekers can express an interest in up to three properties in a number of ways; online, by telephone, by text or by completing a coupon. The points assessment scheme is then be used to decide who the properties will be offered to out of those who have expressed an interest. The Home Option freesheet is available from a number of distribution points in Brentwood, including: Town Hall, Brentwood Library, Connexions, Citizens Advice Bureau, Mind, Community Mental Health Team, Social Services, Brentwood Community Clinic, Coram Green Clinic, The Foyer, The Brentwood Centre, Information Centre and Blackmore, Doddinghurst, West Horndon, Ingatestone and Herongate Post Offices. For more information, please call 01277 312570 or 01277 312569 or, visit www.homeoption.org.
Mutual Exchanges another route to transfer These properties are currently listed on the mutual exchange register. If you are interested in any of them, please contact the tenants direct. Please note that you must obtain permission from the Council before you can exchange tenancies. Three Arch Bridge Estate Our House: 1 bedroom ground floor flat on Three Arch Bridge Estate. Central heating and garden. Close to shops and schools. Wanted: 1-2 bedroom house, flat or maisonette (above ground level). Any area within the Borough considered. Contact: Gillian 07800 607235 Mountnessing Our House: 2 bedroom ground floor flat in Mountnessing. Fully decorated and fitted carpets throughout. Gas central heating. Close to shops and school. Wanted: 2-3 bedroom house or bungalow in Ingatestone, Mountnessing or Margaretting. Close to school. May consider Brentwood, Kelvedon Hatch, Doddinghurst or Blackmore. Contact: Mrs Oliver (01277) 356165 or 07903 563074 Brentwood Station Area Our House: 3 bedroom house. Large corner plot with conservatory, utility room, downstairs cloakroom, off road parking. Gas central heating. Close to Brentwood Station, shops, school and bus route. Wanted: Smaller 3 bedroom house, parking for 2 cars required. Must have gas central heating. Hutton, Pilgrims Hatch areas preferred but any considered. Contact: Beverley 07967 239387 New Faces Bill Wiggett and Bob Berry are the new Housing Officers in Estate Management. Bob joins us from the Metropolitan Police and replaces Janet Howe who retired recently. Bill previously worked as a caretaker with Housing Services. Steve Chapman joins us from the Housing Depot and replaces Alan Dack in dealing with the aids for disabled people and voids. Bob Berry Steve Chapman Lynnette Spencer Lynnette Spencer joins us from Camden Council and replaces Dawn Shepherd in the Housing Needs Section. Housing matters are now discussed at the Health & Housing Panel Next meeting is 4th February 2008, in the Town Hall at 7pm. The meeting is open to members of the public.
Receiving Housing/Council Tax Benefit Don t Forget! You must tell us in writing of any changes in your circumstances that could affect your entitlement. For example, you must tell us about: 1. 1 Changes in your/your partner s income. 2. 2 Anyone living with you who reaches 18 years of age and is not receiving full time education. 3. 3 A change in the number of people living in your household. 4. 4 Any person living in your household who starts to receive or stops receiving Income Support. 5. Any child who ceases to be in full time education. 6. If a child takes up full time work. 7. 7 If you change your address. 8. 8 If you and/or your partner go into hospital. 9. If your rent changes. 10 1 If the income of any nondependant changes. The above list is not intended to be a complete list of changes that must be notified - if you are not sure whether a change should be reported, report it anyway! Alternatively, contact Revenues Customer Services on 01277 312831 for advice. Late night opening for phone enquiries As from 2nd January 2008, the Council Tax and Housing Benefit service phone lines will be open from 5pm until 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Staff will be available during these times to answer any queries on Council Tax and Housing/Council Tax Benefit. This will be a trial for 4 months until 30th April 2008, after which the need for the extended service will be reviewed. Tel: 01277 312831 Are your house contents insured? Is your household insurance up to date and adequate, should something happen? The Council insures its buildings but it is up to individual tenants & leaseholders to insure the contents. A burglary, or damage caused by fire or water, could leave you in a serious financial position if you do not have adequate insurance. There are two forms of cover available: indemnity or replacement as new. An indemnity policy basically pays the actual value of the article at the time of loss. The replacement as new policy pays what it would cost you to replace the article with a new one. The latter policy obviously costs you more. For advice call the Association of British Insurers on 0207 600 3333 or visit www.abi.org.uk Local Services Information Brentwood Borough Council, Town Hall, Ingrave Road, Brentwood, CM15 8AY Tel: 01277 312500 Open: Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 5pm Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm Benefits Agency Tel. 01268 363000 Citizens Advice Bureau Tel. 08444 775991 Registrar of Births and Deaths Tel. (01277) 211076 Registrar of Marriage Tel. (01277) 233565 Police Tel. (01277) 262212 Emergency Property Repairs (including blocked drains) out of hours service. Tel. (01277) 261112 Normal office hours Tel. (01277) 312562 Electricity EDF Energy plc. Emergencies: Tel. 0800 7838 838 Gas British Gas (TransCo). Emergencies only i.e. gas leaks: Tel. 0800 111999. (Gas central heating and water boiler repairs should be reported direct to the Council) Water Emergencies Essex & Suffolk Water Company Tel. 0845 782 0999 Three Valleys Water (Harlow) Tel. 0845 782 3333 Council for Voluntary Services Tel. (01277) 222299 Emergencies, Fire/Rescue Police or Ambulance dial 999