Link Housing Tenants Newsletter Summer 2011

1Link Housing – 08451 400 100

JUNE 2011

newsThe newsletter for Link tenants

INSIDE

Cafe de la tour

Clydebank Blitz

Future New Homes

housingLink leading theway in preventinghomelessness

What is tenancysustainment? Tenancysustainment is givingtenants (either at the startor during their tenancy)the help and support theymay need to allow them tostay in their homes. It canalso help prevent tenantsbecoming homelessthrough eviction orabandonment.

Our Housing Officers are able tofind out through Annual TenancyVisits or from other contact withtenants, whether tenants arestruggling with their tenancies,and who may be in need of someextra help. Those tenants whomay need help have access to arange of support, including helpwith furniture requirements,money/debt advice to preventand reduce arrears, support foryounger tenants and homeenergy advice.

Support is accessed throughreferrals to our own in-housewelfare rights and energyadvice team, or to externalagencies who offer specialistsupport.

2 www.linkhousing.org.uk

A Link tenant said: ‘They (LinkWelfare Rights Officers) werebrilliant, if it wasn’t for thehelp I got I wouldn’t be here, Ididn’t have anything and theyhelped me deal with thehousing benefits office. Ifound it hard to talk toHousing Benefits, as the callscosts so much on my mobile,and I didn’t seem to getanywhere with them. Linkhelped me sort this out, and itmeans so much to be able tostay in my flat and give meand my daughter a safe placeto stay. I felt so much stressand worry before, now I feelmuch better and it’s mucheasier to go to work and notbe worried all the time. Iwould recommend anyone totalk to their housing officer,they really can help.’

The primary objective ofLink’s tenancy sustainmentstrategy, written in consultationwith tenants, is to preventhomelessness. So far thisobjective has been extremelysuccessful and has had adramatic and positive impact onLink’s performance and mostimportantly on the lives of

tenants. In some cases, we havestopped the cycle of tenancyfailure. This means we haveprevented families from havingto stay in temporaryaccommodation, which in turnhelps them to avoid theassociated long term negativeeffect that being homeless canhave. We have stabilised ourcommunities by reducing thenumber of high turnover andempty properties.

Over the past two years:● Abandonments have

reduced by 53% from83 to 39

● Evictions have reducedby 49% from 43 to 22

For more information – contactyour local Housing Officer orthe Welfare Rights Team on08451 400 100.

WHAT’S NEXT?One of the key issues of thetenancy sustainment strategywas establishing a goodrelationship with new tenantsfrom the start. We only haveone opportunity to do this andit is important that we get thisright. We carry out pretenancy visits, to establish ifthere is any help or supportrequired and we haveimproved the information weprovide at the start of thetenancy, to ensure tenantsunderstand everything theyneed to do.

We recently produced anew DVD which will be issuedto all tenants at the start oftheir tenancies. This outlinesour responsibilities to tenantsand, just as importantly, whatresponsibilities a tenant has toLink, their neighbours and thecommunity.

The DVD is available withsubtitles and with a Polish andRussian translation. The DVDis available to view at:http://tinyurl.com/linkhousing-welcome

TENANT SATISFACTION SURVEY Since 2001, Link has commissioned four separate tenant satisfaction surveys.

This year we have commissioned two more surveys. The first was of 850 tenants and 250 ownersand sharing owners. Tenants were asked about their views on Link’s property management andadvice services.

The second survey included those who have registered with our choice based lettings system,Homehunt. A postal survey was used which generated 1,200 responses. We asked for feedback onthe process of registering on Homehunt and applying for advertised vacancies. In addition, we askedfor information about the type and location of property which would best meet individuals’ needs. Thefeedback will allow us to target scarce development resources to best effect. We will publish theresults in the next edition of the newsletter.

3Link Housing – 08451 400 100

Thank you to thetenants and staffof Link that I havemet for giving mesuch a warmwelcome. I amimpressed by the

great reputation that Link has forworking with tenants and this iswhat attracted me to work here. Ihave worked for 6 years incommunity regeneration andparticipation across theGlasgow, Stirling and Midlothianareas. I think that tenantparticipation is an essential partof delivering quality services and

building great communities – itneeds your involvement to be asuccess. I am committed toensuring that your views will belistened to, and will influenceLink in all aspects of its work.Link has developed lots ofexciting, meaningful and funways to get involved, like tenantled inspections, mysteryshopping, tenant events andconferences. Tenants are adiverse group of people fromlots of different ages, interestsand backgrounds and I want tomake sure that everyone has theopportunity and support to get

Hello from the newTenant Liaison Officer

involved. I met a tenants grouprecently, and when I asked themwhy they were interested intenant participation, they said;“It’s a great way to meet yourneighbours and helps you to feelsafe, and that people are lookingout for one another. It’s aboutmaking sure we get a greatservice, that’s what we alldeserve.” The amount ofcommitment and passion peoplehave for their community alwaysinspires me, and that is why Ienjoy my job. I want to build onall the good work that has beenstarted and look forward toworking with you in the future. Ifyou would like to contact me callthe Customer Service Centre on08451 400 100. Leah Webb,Tenant Liaison Officer

Link Housing, in partnership withParagon Housing Association,Ochilview Housing Association,Clackmannanshire Council andFalkirk Council hosted a jointtenants conference in April.Link tenants participated in arange of discussions andworkshops. William Fleming fromthe Scottish Government led adiscussion on the proposedoutcomes of the new ScottishSocial Housing Charter. TheCharter will set out the outcomesand standards that tenants canexpect from their landlords. It willbe used, from next year, toregulate social landlords by thenewly established independentScottish Housing Regulator. Theoutcomes are based onconsultation and research withtenants on their priorities. All

views expressed on the day weresubmitted as part of theGovernment’s consultationprocess. The Charter willempower tenants to have anincreased role in monitoringservices. Outcomes will focus onresults from a tenant perspectiveand Link will work with tenants toplan how they propose to deliverthe outcomes set out in theCharter later this year.

During the conference, therewas a dramatic and thoughtprovoking play by Naomi Breezeon the topics of anti-socialbehaviour (ASB) and estatemanagement. Link took theopportunity to discuss withtenants their experiences of ASBand possible preventionmeasures. A Link tenant fromFalkirk said; ‘I really enjoyed theplay, it made me think about theissues from both perspectives ofvictim and perpetrator of ASB,and I think that is really importantin helping to resolve issues.’

Check out the official website tokeep updated. http://housingcharter.scotland.gov.uk/Link plans to host its owntenant conference in October– more details will issuednearer the time.

Link tenants influence the proposals for the newScottish Social Housing Charter.

Due to the fantastic successof previous summer outingsto Blair Drummond SafariPark, we are doing it againthis year. There will be aBBQ, children’s games andof course don’t forget all thewildlife! The outing will allowLink tenants and staff to getto know each other.

Places will be allocated bydrawing names “out of the hat”.If you want to attend with yourneighbours, make sure you putall your names on the sameapplication form. Transport willbe provided with a coachleaving from both the East andWest regions (pick up pointsand times to be confirmed).Transport, entrance to the parkand the BBQ are free – all youhave to do is cross your fingersand hope the sun shines!

A wild day out for all the familySummer Outing – Wednesday 27th July 2011


Please note that this trip is for Link tenants only.

To be in with a chance of attending this great day out, please completethe application form below and return it before 8 July 2011 to:

Leah Webb, Tenant Liaison Officer, Link Housing Association,Watling House, Callendar Business Park, Falkirk, FK1 1XR oremail your details to [email protected]

Name Address Age Contact telephone number

✁

5Link Housing – 08451 400 100

Falkirk tenants get arty on their Cafe de la tour

JUNE

• Committee skills training• Tenant satisfaction survey

action planning

JULY

• Fun day trip safari park• Allocations strategy

consultation• Repairs tenant panel

AUGUST

• Training• Conference planning group• Scottish Social Housing

Charter consultation

SEPTEMBER

• Newsletter planning group• Tenant-led inspection

OCTOBER

• Tenant participation nationalconference

• Link tenant conference

NOVEMBER

• Training• Mystery shopping

Tenants at WallaceStreet, Falkirk aremaking sure that theirlocal environment is agreat place to live.The local residentsgroup, called Cafe dela tour is planning todecorate a wall areawith a beautiful natureinspired mural whichwill be painted by theresidents of WallaceStreet. A consultationday is being held to agree whatthe mural will be like and toensure everyone can play theirpart in creating the artwork. Cafede la tour holds various activities,afternoon teas, trips for children

and organise clean ups of thearea. They have regular meetingswith Link Housing staff to makesure that any issues are dealtwith quickly and take a real pridein their area. Look out for photosof the mural in the next edition.

DID YOU KNOW?Link has 18 RegisteredTenants Organisations(RTOs) which we work withon a regular basis to ensurethat the collective voice oftenants is heard and actedupon. RTOs are a way forresidents to have a say inwhat happens in their area,and they can be involved inlots of different consultations,and activities. New groupshave recently been formed inGlasgow and Falkirk. If youare interested in setting up alocal group or activity contactLeah Webb on 08451 400100.

Tenant Participation calendar of activities June – November

Tenant led inspection update – Link tenants involved in the pilot tenant-led inspection last yearon the voids and re-lets process have heard how their work has influenced Link Housingpractices. The inspection assessed how Link Housing managed its empty houses to deliver anacceptable standard of let. Tenants participated in a feedback and learning workshop anddiscussed how they think tenant-led inspection can be used in future evaluations andimprovements of Link services. If you are interested in becoming a tenant inspector, contact LeahWebb on 08451 400 100.

TENANT PARTICIPATION UPDATE


Did you know that flytippingis the illegal dumping ofwaste? This includesanything from a bin bag ofrubbish to large quantitiesdumped from lorries.

Households are the main sourceof flytipping, either because theydump the waste themselves orbecause they haven't checkedthat someone removing it ontheir behalf (such as carpetfitters, plumbers and joiners) hasdisposed of it properly.

Householders can dispose oftheir own waste legally, and at nocost, at local authority run CivicAmenity Sites / RecyclingCentres. Visit www.sort-it.org.ukto find out where your nearestone is and what the openinghours are.

Large bulky items can also bepicked up from your home byyour local authority – somecharge a small fee but often thisservice is free. Please rememberif you are caught dumping

illegally you could face a £50spot fine, or up to a £40,000 fineor even a prison sentence if itgoes to court.

The Scottish FlytippingForum’s campaign for reportingand dealing with flytipping iscalled Dumb Dumpers. You canreport flytipping incidents as theyhappen or if you discoverdumped waste, by calling the 24hour, seven day a week, hotlineon 08452 30 40 90, or by usingthe online report form availableat www.dumbdumpers.org.

Dumping isn’t fair and ittakes its toll on individualsand communities. Play yourpart and help stop the DumbDumpers now!

Tenant involvement registerAre you interested in influencing Link services?We have developed a range of interactive ways to get involvedhere at Link depending on the amount of time you have tocommit. These range from armchair consultations, mysteryshopping, tenant led inspections, surveys and lots more. You canbe involved to suit your needs and interests and can be involvedon a one-off or ongoing basis. Contact Leah Webb [email protected] or 08451 400 100 to register, orspeak to your local housing officer for more information.

Oatlands winslottery funding bid

The OatlandsDevelopment Trust(ODT) has now beenregistered as a companylimited by guarantee andhas gained charitablestatus. The ODT intendto employ someone inthe coming months tofocus on supporting thecommunities ofOatlands.

The ODT have alsobeen working with theGlasgow BuildingPreservation Trust todevelop St Margaret’s’Church into a communityowned and run socialenterprise. They receivednews recently that theHeritage Lottery fund willbe supporting thedevelopment with a grantof £814,000.

Link, Bett Homes andGlasgow City Council haveprovided funding to thecommunity to run a trialbus service to the Asdasupermarket at Toryglen.This will help thecommunity until a localshop is opened.

We are also pleased toreport that the Linksponsored Oatlands’Football team is doing welland we look forward tohearing about more of theirsuccesses next season.

Don’t be a dumb dumper –help us combat flytipping!

7Link Housing – 08451 400 100

Link was honoured to takepart in a recent documentaryby the BBC and featuredlocal artist Tom McKendrickon the Clydebank Blitz. Overthe nights of 13th and 14thMarch 1941, Clydebank waslargely destroyed duringGerman air raids.

The town suffered the worstdestruction and civilian loss of life inall of Scotland. 528 people died, 617people were seriously injured, andhundreds more were injured by blastdebris. Out of approximately 12,000houses, only seven remainedundamaged with 4,000 completelydestroyed and 4,500 severelydamaged. Over 35,000 people weremade homeless.

The Blitz on Clydebank is one ofthe least talked about bombings inScotland despite the numbers killed.

Many of the properties in Dalmuirand Clydebank, now owned by Link,were destroyed by the blitz with theexception of one close at 60 JellicoeStreet, pictured above. Despite

CLYDEBANK BLITZ DOCUMENTARYheavy bombings the closeremained in one piece with onlyminor damage to the interior andexterior of the building. In thedocumentary Mr Brendan Kelly,whose family lived in JellicoeStreet at the time, gave aninsight into what it was like as ayoung boy during the blitz. MrKelly often tells the story of thenights of the blitz to his familyrecalling the devastation broughtupon Clydebank and the loss offamily and friends dear to him.Mr Kelly’s daughter Amandawrote a very touching poemabout her father as a boy duringthe blitz and his thoughts todayon the bombings. The poemsums up the devastation and theeffect it clearly has on peopleeven now.

the street is silent as i walk alongno human sound nor yet birdsongand my feelings stir as never beforeand i remember things from days of yorei meet my friends all long deadthey nod and pass on no word need be saidi smell the scents i used to knowmy mum and dad our hearth and its glowthe memories sometime is hard to relatefor no one can share my fear or my fatethose days as i struggled to be just a boywho had frieght as a friend and bombs for a toy

now as a man i still come to seethe street that echoes so much of methere are images here i just can’t forgethearing voices that whisper shedding tears of regretmy hands touch the walls of the house i called homeand my eyes see the ghosts i imagine still roamthere was happiness here amid the sadness and painso many were born yet too many slainlittle ones like me have grown to recallforever the sound of that dread siren calli now have a family most are full grownand i thank god every day only peace they have knownbut i’ve taken each one by the hand down to meet the ghosts and memories of jellicoe street


Welfare reform bill

The UK Government isproposing significantchanges to benefits andtax credits that will affectthe poorest and mostvulnerable in our society.

The proposals are currentlymaking their way throughParliament so they are not law yet.Some of the proposed changesare:

Housing BenefitHousing Benefit nondependent Deductions. A non dependent is someonewho lives with a person whoclaims Housing Benefit suchas an adult son, daughter,relative or friend. ● The levels of deductions werefrozen in 2001. From April 2011they will be increased over 4years until they reach the levelthey would have been if notfrozen. By the end of the four

years they are expected to beabout 50% higher than they arenow.

Property size restrictions forHousing Association &Council tenants claimingHousing Benefit● From April 2013 HousingBenefit for working age tenantswill be restricted so that itcovers the size of property thehousehold is judged to need. Itwill be the government whomakes the judgement aboutsize of property the householdrequires.

Child Benefit andLone ParentChild Benefit● To be frozen for 3 years fromApril 2011.

Lone Parents● From October 2011 loneparents whose youngest child isaged 5 or over will have to claimJobseekers Allowance ratherthan Income Support. LoneParents already on IncomeSupport who have a child aged5 or above will be transferredover to Jobseekers Allowancefrom April 2012.

Pensions/DisabilityLiving AllowanceAnnual benefit increases● From April 2011 benefits willbe uprated in line with the

If you have any questions about any of the proposed changes please call the CSC on08451 400 100 and ask to speak to one of the welfare rights officers.

Consumer Prices Index (CPI)instead of the more generousRetail Price Index (RPI), thoughthis won’t apply to the stateretirement pension or PensionCredit Guarantee Credit. This iseffectively cut of around 1.5%for next year.

State retirement pension &Pension Credit● From April 2011 the basicstate pension will be increasedin line with either earnings,prices or 2.5%, whichever is thehighest.

Disability Living Allowance(DLA)● From April 2013 DLA willprobably change to a newbenefit called PersonalIndependence Payments.These are likely to be harder toqualify for and will rely onmedical examinations.

TSA/Tax CreditsContributions-BasedEmployment & SupportAllowance (ESA)● From April 2012 entitlement toContributions-Based ESA will belimited to 12 months. This doesNOT apply to Income-RelatedESA and some claimants will beable to transfer onto Income-Related ESA when theirContributions-Based claimends.

Tax CreditsVarious complicated changesare planned for April 2011 andApril 2012. Most changes willreduce the amount of tax creditpaid and it is estimated that ½

9Link Housing – 08451 400 100

In response to customer feedback Link has piloteda new telephone service. The service is aimed atanyone who may have difficulty calling theCustomer Service Centre telephone number –08451 400 100 – using a mobile phone.

The new call back service is accessed via text and is very easy touse. Just text your name and a short description of your issue i.e.repairs or housing matter to 07557 183 553. It is that simple! Amember of staff will then call you back within 24 hours.

Please note that the service will not be effective for emergencyrepairs as we can only guarantee to call back within 24hrs. So, if youhave an emergency, please call the 08451 400 100 number.

Customer ServiceCentre Text service

TSA/Tax Credits cont.million families will be £1,000per year worse off. Changesinclude:● removing the ‘Baby Element’(which used to be paid until anew child reached one year old)from April 2011.● reducing the amount ofminimum ‘Family Element’ of taxcredit paid to households withan income over £40,000, fromApril 2011 (the previousthreshold was £50,000).● From April 2011, the level of inyear rises in income which areignored in Tax Credit entitlementwill decrease from £25,000 to£10,000 (and from 2013 it willreduce to £5,000).● From April 2012 falls inincome of up to £2,500 will beignored so tax credits will not beincreased for the first £2,500 ofany drop in income.● From April 2012 Tax Creditclaims can only be backdatedfor 1 month rather than 3months.● From April 2012 the ‘50 PlusElement’ will be withdrawn.● From April 2012 most peoplewho currently receive only theminimum ‘Family Element’ willlose it altogether.

Universal Credit● This new benefit for ‘WorkingAge’ claimants will replaceIncome Support, Income-Related ESA, Income-BasedJSA, Housing Benefit and TaxCredits and roll them all up intothis new benefit. To apply to allnew claims from October 2013with existing claimants beingmoved over in stages until 2017.This is a significant undertakingrequiring a sophisticated new ITsystem and the Government’stimescale may prove optimistic.

Credit UnionsEver thought about joining your local credit union?Credit unions are run by their members and are not for profitorganisations which offer a range of services, savings accountsand loans. You do not need to have a bank account or credithistory to join. You can make significant savings in borrowingmoney compared to other high cost lenders.Contact the Welfare Rights Team on 08451 400 100 or askyour local housing officer for more information. To find yourlocal credit union office visit www.abcul.org. Credit Unionsare regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Just text yourname and a short

description of yourissue i.e. repairs orhousing matter to07557 183 553.


Over the next five years, Link isinvesting significantly indeveloping new homes acrossthe central belt of Scotland. Thehomes we develop will beavailable for affordable rent,shared ownership, shared equityand outright sale. In 2011/12 wewill be investing over £25 millionto develop more than 300homes, to meet a broad rangeof housing need.

NewHomes

Location No. ofunits

Completion date

Greenloaning, Perthshire 3 March 2011

Mayfield Drive, Longcroft, Falkirk 16 February 2011

Divernia Way, Barrhead 6 February 2011

Beardmore Place, Dalmuir,West Dunbartonshire

4048

January 2011

John Street/Henry Street, Barrhead 41 November 2010


Estimatedcompletion date

Former Hospital site off BellsdykeRoad, Larbert

28 October 2011

Cherrybank, Hunter Drive,Newton Mearns

15 October 2011

Wauchope Sq, Edinburgh 311512

August 2012

Sikeside Place, Coatbridge 18 April 2011

Cotton Street, Paisley 30 April 2011.

Allander Park, Bearsden 31 July 2011


Estimatedcompletion date

Taig Road, Kirkintilloch 16 March 2012

Gibb Street, Chapelhall 36 July 2012

Auchinairn Road, Bishopbriggs 38 August 2012

The projects below are currently being built.

The projects below have been approved and will deliveradditional units in 2012.

If you are interested in any of the properties please call theCSC on 08451 400 100.

Equality & DiversityquestionnaireIn the winter 2010 newsletter,Angela Currie, Chairpersonof Link Housing asked you tocomplete and return aquestionnaire on Equality &Diversity. We wereoverwhelmed with theresponse rate – over 1550questionnaires werereceived in total! Thank youto everyone who contributed.

Completed properties

11Link Housing – 08451 400 100

Become a member of Link!Link encourages peoplewho live in the communitieswe serve and others whoare interested in helping usachieve our objectives tobecome members.

Who can join?Membership applications arewelcomed from:● Tenants● Service users and other

customers● Other residents in areas within

which we operate● People who can make a

positive contribution based ontheir business, professional orsocial experience skills.

Membership is also open to“unincorporated bodies” withwhich Link operates (such astenants’, residents’ andproprietors’ associations) and totheir representatives.

Why should you join?Membership entitles you toparticipate in the development ofquality services for a range ofcustomers and allows you tomake a personal contribution tothe growth of a successfulbusiness.

Every member is invited to theAnnual General Meeting (AGM)where you can meet and networkwith others from all over Scotland– and you enjoy a hearty lunch!

Reasonable expenses forattendance are reimbursed.Should you wish to become moreinvolved in Link’s work, you maystand for election to the Board ofManagement at the AGM.

This year Link’s AnnualGeneral meeting (AGM) willbe held on 30th August at theGrand Central Hotel,Glasgow. There will also be anopportunity to visit and have atour of the newly openedRiverside Museum.

If you would like to become amember of Link and attend theAGM please call CorporateServices on 08451 559 559 whowill post a membershipapplication form to you. Themembership fee is only £1 andnew members will receive ashare certificate and a copy ofthe Association Rules. Memberswill also receive a copy of Link’sAnnual Report and newslettersthroughout the year. The Boardwill consider all applications formembership based on the termsof the membership policy andLink's rules.

Invitations to the AGM will besent out at the beginning ofAugust.

WAYS TO PAYDirect Debit you can set up adirect debit over the telephoneor arrange to have a mandatesent to you, please contact uson 08451 400 100.Telephone by using acredit/debit card on Allpay’sautomated service on 0844557 8321. This line is open 24hours, 365 days a year.Alternatively, you can call LinkHousing on 08451 400 100 tomake a payment using a credit/debit card.Internet by using your Allpaycard along with your credit/debit card, just log onto https://www.allpayments.netand follow the onlineinstructions.Making Payment Locallyat any Post Office, Payzone orPayPoint outlet using yourAllpay card paying by cash,credit/debit card.Standing Order a mandatecan be sent to you to completeand forward to your bank.

LINK IS A GREATPLACE TO WORK!

Link was named one ofthe Top 50 “Best Workplacesin UK 2011” by the GreatPlaces to Work Institute.Earlier this year, Link had thehonour of being named oneof the Top 25 “BestWorkplaces in Scotland2011”. Link was placed in31st place in the UK rankingsand was placed 12th inScotland.


Link will produce this information on request in Braille, Audio Tape, Large Print andCommunity Languages. To find out more, please telephone the Customer Service

Centre on 08451 400 100. Link Housing Association Limited is a companyregistered in Scotland. Company registration number SC216300. Registered Office:

Link House, 2C New Mart Road, Edinburgh EH14 1RL. Part of the Link group.

Repairs UpdateWe are committed toensuring that wecontinually assess ourperformance, and improveour repairs service.

As we reported in the lastedition of the newsletter, 2010was a challenging time for therepairs service. We now havetwo new contractors in place -Mitie for the East, and Morrisonfor the West region (note forFort William and Kyle ofLochalsh there is no change tocontractors). Both contractors’performance is regularlyreported to the Link Housingand Link Group Boards, andboth contractors have recentlycommitted additional tradesstaff to improve performance.Response times are based onhow repairs are categorised -emergency (contractor willattend within 3 hours), urgent(contractor will attend within 2days) and routine (contractorwill attend within 5 workingdays). Link is working withtenants later this year toconsult on plans for the repairsservice in future. This willinclude developing anappointments system, servicestandards and increasing pre-and post-inspections to ensurea good quality of work. Allrepairs enquiries should bereported to the CustomerService Centre 08451 400 100.

Emergency contactnumbers

For repairs to all newboiler or central heatingsystems that are LESS than12 months old callBritish Gas 0800 107 7009.

For repairs to any new kitcheninstallations that are LESSthan 12 months old callEAGA 01506 417111.

For any gas central heatingrepairs call Saltireon 08451 400 100pressing Option 1.

For other emergency repairsin the East call MITIE 0845 600 8624.For other emergency repairsin the West call Morrisons01698 403 146.

If you experience anyproblems, contact theCustomer Service Centreon 08451 400 100.

Make your homean Eco house –Save money andenergy

Help the environment,and your pockets, bybeing more efficient inyour use of electricity, gasand water. Even a smallchange will save youmoney on your fuel bills.Here are a few tips!

● If you can, take a showerinstead of a bath.● Install an energy display meterwhich will show you where andwhen energy is being used inyour home. ● When renewing your kitchenappliances buy A rated ones● Using low energy lightbulbscan save you up to £50 per year.

● Turn your thermostat down by1 degree could help save £40per year.● Having adequate loft and wallinsulation can save you up to£200 per year on heating costs. ● For more tips watch the videosat http://tinyurl.com/linkhousing-ecohouse

All energy suppliers must provide‘Social Tariffs’ to help vulnerablecustomers meet their energy bills.

If you feel you are strugglingwith your bills, contact yoursupplier to discuss ways ofreducing your costs or to see ifyou can take advantage of itsSocial Tariff.

Link Housing Tenants Newsletter Summer 2011

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Transcript of Link Housing Tenants Newsletter Summer 2011