Levi Court Security CamerasPage 4

Fairfields WednesdayPage 3

Handy Person SchemePage 3

Spring into life!

Tel: 0300 303 1190 Email: enquiries@mmha.org.uk Web: www.shropshirehousing.org.uk

Meres NewsFor all the local news about your community | Issue 20 – Spring 2012

Contents2 Estate Walkabouts/Complaints/Our Services to You

3 Handy Person Scheme/Fairfield Wednesdays

4 Levi Court

5 Group Pages

9 County Training/Community Careers

10 Tarca Update

11 Asbestos Update/Are You Being Served?

12 Competitions

How to ContaCt usIf you require this document in audio, braille, large print, or if English is not your first language, then please contact us.

Si vous avez besoin de ce document en audio, braille, gros caractères, ou si l’anglais n’est pas votre langue première veuillez nous contacter. French

Jeśli wymagasz tego dokumentu w audio, Braille’a, duże wydruku, lub jeśli angielski jest nie pierwszy język prosimy kontakt. Polish

Если вам требуется этот документ в аудио, Брайля, крупных печатных, или если английский является не ваш первый язык напишите нам. Russian

Os oes angen y dogfen hon mewn ffurf wahannol, er enghraifft Braille, llythrennau mawr, tâp audio neu iaith wahanol, gadewch i ni wybod os gwelwch yn dda. Welsh

Se ha bisogno di questo documento in audio, Braille, grande stampa, o se inglese è la prima lingua contattaci. Italian

ouR seRVICes to YouOur regulator, The Tenants Services Authority, has asked all social landlords to produce local offers through six standards that cover the services we provide. Our current offers are set out in the Tenants Report 2011, available on our website.

All updates on the local offers will be marked with the appropriate sticker (see below) for the standard it applies to.

ComplaInts We value your input and would like to hear what we can do to improve our service to you.

Community Housing Officers are based in the community and rarely return to the office. This led to delays in answering enquiries made by the tenants they meet.

We re-arranged the teams and we now have Tenancy Management Officers for each of the areas covered by the Community Housing Officers, who are office-based and are able to answer day-to-day enquiries much more quickly.

Tenant Involvement and Empowerment

standard

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213 45 6

2Neighbourhoods

and Communities standard

13 4

5 6

2

Value for Money standard

13 45 6

2Tenancy standard

13 4

5 6

2

Governance and Financial Viability

standard

13 45 6

2Home standard

estate walkabouts 2012A new schedule for estate walkabouts has been agreed for this year. The schedule is available on our website or from customer services.

The areas covered are: Hodnet, Manor Place, Ellesmere, Dudleston Heath, Wem, Cockshutt, Burlton, English Frankton, Myddle, Baschurch, Whitchurch, Woore, Norton In Hales, Adderley, Whixhall, Stanton, Shawbury, Prees, Calvehall, Ash, Moreton Say, Darliston, Childs Ercall, Hinstock, Cheswardine, Market Drayton.

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2 | Meres News Spring 2012 | Tel: 0300 303 1109

• Areyoulookingforanewdirection?

• Wanttotrysomethingdifferentbutdon’tknowwheretostart?

• Unemployedandneedingsomefreeadvice?

Drop in at Charter Court on a Wednesday to meet the Fairfields team: Paul, Di and Louise.

There will be refreshments, a friendly face and time to chat.

The team will be at Charter Court every Wednesday, between 9.00 am and 3.00pm.

For further information contact: 01691 661722

Fairfield WednesdaysA New Year! A New You!

• Decorating• Replacingtapwashers• Gardening• Rubbishclearance(uptoan

equivalent of 5 standard rubbish sacks/bags)

• GeneralDIYworks

This service is available to anyone at reasonable rates.

Our handyman will call at a convenient time to carry out those tasks that just don’t seem to get done.

To book this service, contact us on 0300 303 1190 (option 3) to make an appointment that is convenient to you.

Our Rates£15.00* per hour (inclusive of travelling time)*This does not include costs of any materials used. Materials used will be charged in addition to the hourly rate.

THE HANDYPERSON SERVICE IS NOW AVAILABLE fROm TRL! Aspartofourcommitmenttodeliveringasuperior,qualityservice,we have now introduced a handyperson service that can be booked to carry out those simple, small jobs. TO BOOK THIS SERVICE CONTACT US NOW!

0300 303 1190

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www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Meres News Spring 2012 | 3

TheLeviCourtResidentsgroupraisedseveral hundred pounds to purchase and install CCTV at their sheltered scheme in Ellesmere.

The group raised the cash by holding coffee mornings and social events in the community room. It was a lengthy process but they persevered and the CCTV is now up and running.

It has reduced the fear of crime and they feel that if a crime is committed they will have the evidence they need to follow it up.

also at levi Court...Levi Court residents also held an official opening of their Community Room office which will house a computer and storage for personal information of residents.

Residents, Shropshire Housing Group staff and other local service providers attended the event for a ribbon cutting and handover of a cheque for new carpets by Steve Davenport from the Local Joint Committee.

Susan Jardine represented the residents in applying for the funding by attending a meeting of the Committee to put forward their application. Steve Davenport said she had done an amazing job.

4 | Meres News Spring 2012 | Tel: 0300 303 1109

From 2013 the Government will be making major changes to housing benefit. Along with Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Disability Living Allowance these benefits will be paid to you in one lump sum, monthly in arrears. It will be called Universal Credit.

The Universal Credit will include any housing benefit you are entitled to. At the moment in most cases the Council pays it directly to us.

Universal credit will only be paid into a bank account.

How to make paying your rent easier• ADirectDebitwillensureyour

rentispaid,andmakesureyoudon’tgetbehindwithyourrent.

• Ifyoudon’thaveabankaccount,getaheadofthegameandgointoyourlocalbankortalktoJustCreditUnion.ABASIC BANK ACCOUNTallowsyoutosetupDirectDebits.

• Wewillbekeepingyouuptodateoverthecomingmonthsonhowthechangeswillaffectyou.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Terry Tombs on 01588 676213.

B e n e f i t s

If your benefits are stopped,

and you are moved to hardship

payments, this does not

mean that your housing benefit

will stop.

Ifthishappenstoyou,

pleasecallShropshireCouncil’s

benefitsteamimmediatelyto

makesureyourhousingbenefit

isnotstopped.

Shropshire Council Benefits

Team tel: 0345 678 9001.

BENEFIT CHANGES

Get AheAd of the GAme!

www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Group News Spring 2012

Gas servicinG

The Boards of Shropshire Housing Group have decided that rents will be increased on 2nd April 2012 by a maximum of 6.1% plus £2 a week. Government guidance allows us to increase rents annually to a maximum of inflation + 0.5% + £2 per week. The inflation rate is taken from last year’s September figure which was 5.5%.

This is the target rent formula set by the Government to bring all landlords rents in one area into line. This formula reflects:• The location of the property and the number of bedrooms

• The value of housing in the area• The average earnings in the area compared with the national average

Rents are used to cover the costs of repairs and maintenance of the properties, the management of tenancies and loan repayments of the original costs of the buildings.We cannot take personal or financial circumstances of individual tenants into account when setting rents.

If you are having difficulties paying your rent or arrears, contact us as soon as possible. We can help with a personal

payment plan and advice. You can also seek independent advice and help with managing debt from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.You may be entitled to housing benefit. If you want advice on applying for benefit, contact us.

If you are on housing benefit we will let your housing benefit office know that your rent has increased.For any other questions you have, please contact us.

Rent IncReaseexplaIned

Group News Spring 2012 | Tel: 0300 303 1109

SSHA

99.8%ofhomeshaveavalidgassafetycertificate.

95.8%oftenantsallowedaccessfortheserviceatthefirstvisit.

MMHA

99.6%ofhomeshaveavalidgassafetyceritificate.

88.1%oftenantsallowedaccessfortheserviceatthefirstvisit.

UNdEr THE GAS SAFETy ( INSTAllATIoN ANd USE) rEGUlATIoNS 1998Wehavetocarryoutanannualgassafetychecktotheappliancesinstalledinyourhome.Safetychecksarecarried

outbyourcontractors,TotalResponseLtdatnocosttoyou.Whenyoursafetycheckisdue,youwillreceivealetter

fromustellingyouwhentheoperativeswillbeinthearea.Ourcontractorsareonhandtobookanappointmentthat

isconvenienttoyou.

PErForMANCE INForMATIoN GAS SErvICING (APrIl-dEC 2011)

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There are going to be

significant changes in the way

support is provided for older

people living in sheltered

housing in Shropshire from

April 1st 2012.

These changes are:

• Shelteredhousingtenants

will no longer receive services

automatically.

• Supportfundingwillonlybe

available to assist those who

are eligible and those who need

help to become independent.

This means that support services

to older people living in sheltered

schemes will no longer be provided

by their landlord.

The new Sustain Consortium

includes sixteen support providers

from across Shropshire. They will be

responsible for sheltered housing

support services throughout

Shropshire, and will be coordinated:

• IntheSouthbyShropshire

Housing Group.

• IntheCentrebySevernside,

in association with Drapers.

• IntheNorthbyShropshire

Council Landlord Services Team

in association with Shropshire

Rural, Guinness and Equity.

The Sustain Consortium have

listened to feedback from tenants

who told us that they want more

flexibility in sheltered housing, so

they can opt in or out of services as

their needs change.

The Sustain Consortium are also

developing a landlord service for

sheltered tenants which will ensure

that they stay Safe And Secure.

Community rooms and common

services will be maintained as

promised when tenants first moved

into sheltered housing.

From April 2012, sheltered

tenants living in our homes will:

• Continuetopaytheirrent.

• SeetheirSupportingPeople

service charges disappear

completely from their rent

accounts. Self-funders will see

their weekly costs fall quite

significantly.

• Continuetopayservice

charges for scheme upkeep

and services. Included within

this will be the Safe and Secure

service charge. This will be

eligible to be paid for by

Housing Benefit.

• Opttobuyadditionalservices

to help them in their day-to-

day lives. We will be offering

a choice of these services, and

will also ensure our tenants are

aware of other service providers.

We look forward to working with

tenants to develop our sheltered

housing offer even further over the

coming years.

Sheltered housing is changing

www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Group News Summer 2011www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Group News Spring 2012

Resident Auditors

and Inspectors

Are we meeting the standard?

Tenant Scrutiny

Scratching beneath the surface

and holding us to account

Resident

Involvement at

Shropshire

Housing Group

Sounding Boards

and Reading Group

Are our services sensible and good for

tenants?

Are our documents clear?

Tenant Associations

Representing your area

and supporting projects in local

communities

Local Tenant

Groups

For each sheltered scheme

or community

Ways to get involved...The table shows the different ways to get involved and have your say. For more information please contact the resident involvement team.

We have recently launched our new website

at www.shropshirehousing.org.ukThe new site is easier to navigate, provides more succinct information and conforms with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

This means that it is readable and understandable by people regardless of language, background, social circumstances or disability – whether it is sight impairment, learning difficulties, dyslexia or mobility impairment.

We would really appreciate your feedback on the website so please visit, look around and fill in the online feedback form.

COmING SOON –Look at your rent account and report repairs online.

www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Group News Spring 2012

Sheila Standley, Resident Involvement Officer (MMHA) Tel: 01939 238851

Michael Cotton, Resident Involvement Officer (SSHA) Tel: 01588 676264

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Our workforce has grown significantly over the past few years as the Group extended the range of work we do, providing more job opportunities, including apprenticeships, across the County.

Shropshire Housing Group continually trains its staff to extend their knowledge and experience. We also support staff in studying for additional

qualifications by providing 'on the job' practical experience and help with coursework.

To view all the benefits, opportunities and vacancies available in the whole of the Shropshire Housing Group visit www.shropshirehousing.org.uk.

Would you like a career

that benefits your local

community?

Shropshire Housing Group is an excellent employer in North and South Shropshire. We can offer opportunities across a variety of levels in housing management, housing development, sheltered housing, asset management, customer service, housing support, finance,IT,HRandvarioustrades(electrician/plumber/builder/carpenter/gas engineer).

www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Meres News Spring 2012 | 9

Here are some of the residents from MillingtonClose,Baschurch,withTARCAmembers John Higginson and Graham Stockton, They are some of the first tenants receiving their waterbutts from TARCAandMMHA.

The water butts are being paid for by money recommended by TARCA and approved by the board of MMHA.

IfyouareaMMHAtenantandwould like a waterbutt for your garden please contact Graham Stockton on 0753 000 2771 or email tarcashropshire@yahoo.com

www.tarca.org.uk tel: 01630 652953 mobile: 07530 002771 email: tarcashropshire@yahoo.com

TARCA UpdATe

CALLING ALL GARdeNeRS✃

GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW fOR THE 2012 TARCA GARDEN COmPETITION SPONSORED BY mmHA. THERE ARE PRIzES fOR 1ST, 2ND AND 3RD IN EACH CATEGORY

Closing date for all competitions: mONDAY 30TH jUNE

Send all entries to:

VICKI COLEmAN, COmmUNICATIONS OffICER, THE GATEWAY, THE AUCTION YARD, CRAVEN ARmS SY7 9BW.

Name

Address

Postcode

Telephone No

CATEGORIES

front garden back garden

senior citizens garden vegetable garden

wall planter best pot

best basket

Acounty-widesurveyofLesbian,GayandBisexualpeople(LGB)calledAreYouBeingServed?hasbeen launched.

The survey is being conducted by Rights and Fairness Telford (RAFT) for a number of agencies across Shropshire to gain a better understanding of the experiences of the LGB community

in this area. It also aims to look at attitudes and perceptions of the LGB community and how these affect Public Bodies and Charities in providing the best possible services to all people living and working in Shropshire.

The survey includes funding from Shropshire Housing Group, Severnside Housing, Shropshire Council’s

Landlord Services, Wrekin Housing Trust, Terence Higgins Trust, West Mercia Police, Shropshire PCT, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils, Victim Support, the CAB, the prison service, and the Fire Service.

To take part in the survey, go to www.staw-lgbt.co.uk

S U R V E Y

A R E Y O U B E I N G S E R V E D ?

TARCA UpdATeWhat is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally found material which is mined in a similar way to coal or other natural building materials. It was used extensively in the construction industry between 1900 and 1999 for its fireproofing capabilities.

Where Would i find asbestos?

Asbestos can be found in many different building components – for example loft insulation, rainwater gutters, soffits, roofing sheets, cavity closers, flues and decorative finishes.

What are the dangers?

If asbestos-containing products get damaged or broken they release fibres

into the air and if these fibres are inhaled they can cause health problems. This is why we undertake surveys before any refurbishment works are carried out.

By letting us survey your home you are helping us to protect the health and well-being of our contractors, employees and most importantly, our tenants. If material is damaged or needs to be removed for refurbishment work to take place we will remove it. However, if the material is in good condition and there is no risk of the material becoming damaged we will leave the material in place and monitor its condition on a regular basis. These surveys enable us to record where the material is and helps our contractors undertaking future repairs to your home.

asbestos aWareness

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www.shropshirehousing.org.uk | Meres News Spring 2012 | 11

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