inside - cannock chase district · 2015-09-02 · home. out of hours, cannock chase’s emergency...

Hometalk

Cut out and keep rent card - Page 8

Inside: Rent

Freeze for Chase

tenants- Page 2.

The magazine for Cannock Chase Council tenants

£50 in our Wordsearch

- Page 8

Spring 2015

This is no ordinary fence: the Council’s fencing operative Dave Roberts (right) and Tom Timmins, boss of Cannock company Arkrite, got

together to solve a tricky problem. Turn to Page 2 to find out how.

www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

��If you

think you’ve

got a Bright

Idea, to benefit the

Housing Service,

contact the Service

Improvement Team.

Text message them:

07 814 758558;

Phone them on:01543 462621;

E-mail them at:

serviceimprovements@

cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Write to them at:The Civic Centre,The Bungalow Annexe,PO Box 28,Beecroft Road,Cannock WS11 1BG.

Or use the suggestion forms available in Local Council offices.

We’ll pay for Bright Ideas!

It’s all Good News!2 3

Everyone ’ sa winner

R ents for Cannock Chase Council tenants are to be frozen at current levels for the coming 12

months.And, in a double dose of good news, Council

members have also voted to peg the district’s Council Tax levy for 2015-16, the second year in succession..

However, it is the first time that both rents and Council Tax have been frozen in the same year - a reflection of good housekeeping by the Housing Department and all the other sections of Cannock Chase Council.

A spokesman for the Council said: “We are aware of the impact of rent increases on hard working families and for many years tenants have had above inflation rent determined by the National Government.

“We now have the increased freedom to determine rent increases ourselves and have decided that a proposed rent freeze will give them a well earned break.”

The freezing of Council Tax comes despite a 16% reduction in support from central Government, in real money, a cut of £905,000.

The Council has seen unprecedented cuts in Government support over the last few years, which has placed tremendous strain on this Council. Government grant support has nearly halved since 2013-14.

The economy measures Cannock Chase has taken to fix Council Tax and rents include streamlining senior management, sharing accommodation and negotiating a fairer share of business rates from the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Business Rates pool.

These, together with other cost-cutting measures, means the Council is able to set a balanced budget for the next two years without cutting services.

T enants in Cannock Chase are set to reap the benefits of an

investment of more than £35 million in their homes which has been agreed by the Council.

The money will be spent over the next three years on modernising, improving and upgrading the Council’s 6,000-plus properties

- and building 129 brand new homes for rent.

The programme, which also includes new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating and electrical upgrades (see below for more details) was given the green light by Council members in February.

Another important feature of the capital programme is that by Autumn 2017 EVERY Council dwelling will have the benefit of DOUBLE GLAZING!

The proposed programme will provide a range of home improvements for the benefit of existing tenants, whilst providing 129 additional Council properties in which new tenants can make a home.

In total, some £35,280,000 will be spent on tenants’ homes and will encompass:

210 Kitchen

replacements

825 Bathroom

replacements

915 Central Heating

system improvements

1,680 Electrical up-grades

In addition, external and environmental works will be

undertaken to 2,270 dwellings, whilst double glazing will be provided to 2,890 properties.

The double glazing programme was previously programmed for completion in March, 2018 but will now be completed six months earlier in order that all Council tenants have the benefit of double glazing before the 2017-18 winter.

Equally exciting is the Council’s new build programme, the first in a quarter of a century. Additional Council dwellings will be provided at the Moss Road Estate, Chadsmoor, (65 houses), Green Lane, Rugeley (14 flats and 7 houses) and at a number of former garage sites throughout the District (35 houses, 8 bungalows), bringing the total to 129.

HOMETALK will keep you in touch with progress.

Rent freeze for Chase tenants��

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Mi££ions for home improvements in Council’s housing plans

What do you do when the holes you dig for fence posts keep filling up with water!

You have to think outside of the box and this is what our fencing operative Dave Roberts had to do when he was faced with this problem at a Council property that backs onto Chasewater.

Whilst on his travels Dave had seen fencing with metal posts and this seemed to be the answer as clearly the normal wooden fencing posts would rot quite quickly in these conditions. Concrete whilst more substantial is very heavy to manoeuvre even under normal circumstances. Unfortunately Dave had to contend with challenging

issues as the land at the property was particularly muddy and uneven. Galvanised metal seemed to be the way to go. The next challenge was to try and source these posts, easier said than done as we found that this product whilst available in the United States of America, it is not that common in the United Kingdom.

Not to be thwarted Dave found local supplier, Arkrite Fencing Manufacturers Ltd based in Bridgtown, Cannock who were only to happy to work with us to resolve the problem. The result was fully galvanised metal posts which were quick and easy to install and will last for many a year.

… from Front Page:

Cannock firm delivers on posts!

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Taking the pain out of paying!Wordsearch Winner

Mrs P Slade - Cannock

Repairs Satisfaction Card:

Aug - Mr G Hawley - Rugeley

Sept - Miss J Bishop - Hednesford

Oct - Mr E Izon - Cannock

Nov - Miss K Minnis - Cannock

Dec - Mr N Harris - Rugeley

Pull Cord:

Mr D Hurst - Hednesford

Estate Walks:

Maureen Bridgart - St Bernards Close.

Plans for more new Council homes - this time in Rugeley - have

been given the green light.The former Hill Springs Clinic

in Green Lane, Rugeley will be demolished to form part of a site to develop a new scheme of Council properties comprising 14 one bed flats and 7 two bed houses.

The scheme will be undertaken in partnership with local developers Jessup Brothers Limited, who are

providing a ‘land and build’ package to the Council. Jessup Brothers currently own the site of the former clinic and the Council will utilise the adjoining strip of land parallel to Glenhaven.

To part fund this £2 million scheme the Council successfully bid for additional borrowing

capacity of £1,015,000 through the Housing Revenue Account from the Department for Communities and Local Government. The remaining costs are being met from Housing Revenue Account capital resources and Affordable Housing Capital receipts.

The Green Lane scheme has recently received planning permission and it is expected that demolition of the clinic and site preparation will commence in May, with the scheme being completed by March 2016.

More new Council homes for the Chase

Help and advice on a wide ranger of housing matters is available to Chase tenants at the weekly ‘Drop-In’ sessions at The Housing Bungalow in Beecroft Road, Cannock.

They are held every Thursday by a team from Bromford Housing Association.

No appointments are necessary - just turn up between 9am and 1pm (but don’t leave it too late!).

Among the things you can ask about are

- applying for a Mutual Exchange;

- downsizing- or any housing matter when you feel you need completely independent advice.

Next sessions are on April 2nd; 9th; 16th, 23rd and 30th..

There is also a Drop-In advice service dealing specifically with housing applications on the first Wednesday of each month, also at The Bungalow between 9am and 1pm, arranged by Lorraine Thistleton.

Just Drop-In…

Don’t forget your cut out and keep Rent Check card on the Back Page.

Rumer HillStreet Signs replaced at Lincoln Drive Completed January

2015

Hawkesville Estate

Old benches removed from Wessex DriveOvergrown trees removed and replanted withnew trees- An attractive Flower bed has beenintroduced and a new seating area.

To be completedCompleted April2015

St Johns Road‘No Fly Tipping’ Sign erected at St JohnsGarage site

Completed: January2015

Hawkesville Estate

Internal Notice Boards and cigarette dispensersfitted in Communal flat blocks at Wessex DriveBarnard Way and Hannaford Way. Wheelie binsreplaced with Eurobins.

To be completed byMarch 2015

Rumer Hill

Drying area wall removed in the Devon Roaddrying area- replaced with palisade fencing andsecurity gates-tarmac area removed andreplaced with grass.

CompletionNovember 14

Pine ViewShaftesbury Drive Garage site- Removal oftrees and new closed board fencing erected toprovide additional security

Completed January2015

Spectrum 2 Additional Trip rail fitted in Cleveland DriveCompleted October2015

Spectrum 2Hand Rail fitted to steps leading to BrooklandsRoad

Completed October2014

Spectrum 2 Hand Rail fitted to steps outside Glencoe DriveTo be completed byMarch 2015

Pine ViewShaftesbury Drive ‘ Neighbourhood Watch’ signerected

CompletedFebruary 2014

Hightown

Secret Garden at Smalley Close- removal oftarmac area replaced with grass and slabs toform a pathway

Completed: October2014

Springfields 1 ‘Parking for Residents Only’ sign fitted in JohnBall Close


Springfields 2Communal Notice Board erected on grassedarea in Winstanley Place


Springfields 2‘Parking for Residents Only’ sign fitted InLovett Court

Completed May2015

Heath Hayes 2Addition of ‘No Dog Fouling Sign’ to grassed

area in Dorset RoadTo be Completed byMarch 2015

Red Lion EstateMarking of Parking Bays in Brownhills RoadNorton Canes

To be completed byMarch 2015

These wishes came true

Neighbourhood O

neN

eighbourhood Three

Neighbourhood Tw

o

Area Details of the work CompletedThe Council’s “Make a Wish” estate improvement scheme really has come true for a number of tenant-inspired projects.

During 2014, more than 15 minor works suggestions were received from tenants and the Minor Works Panel have spent wisely to improve council estates.

See below the list of the work carried out or scheduled for completion. Opposite is a cut out “Make a Wish” Minor Works application form. If you would like something done to benefit your estate - not just for yourself - send it in for consideration. The conditions are listed over the page.

Tenants in the Cannock Chase district who claim

state benefits have been put on alert that the switch to Universal Credit is coming in December.

The Government has given the date and the first to be affected will be single people making a new claim for benefit.

Under Universal Credit, any housing cost allowance previously paid directly to the Council as Housing Benefit, will be paid to the claimant and included in their total package.

TENANTS THEMSELVES MUST MAKE SURE THEY PAY THEIR RENT TO THE COUNCIL FROM THEIR UNIVERSAL CREDIT ALLOWANCE.

Any tenant making a Universal Credit application should tell their rent officer immediately to discuss and make arrangements to pay their rent.

The Department of Works and Pensions prefers Universal Credit to be paid directly in to a bank account.

Claimants should make sure they have a bank account to receive payments and, ideally, to pay rent by direct debit.

Another thing to remember: while your rent is due weekly in advance, Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears. That’s one good reason to discuss with your rent officer how to make the adjustment!

Benefit changes to reach Cannock Chase soon

Hometalk finds some inexpensive ways of dealing with minor household problems.

No. 1: Clearing a Blocked Sink.

Most blockages are caused by fatty deposits in the U-bend.

Before you buy a branded drain clearer try this:

Scoop out as much water as you can. If you have a rubber cup plunger, use that to suck out more water, it may clear the blockage on its own. (Don’t forget to cover the overflow outlet as you pump).

If you don’t have a plunger or it doesn’t do the trick, mix a cupful of vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, tip it down the plughole and leave it for a while. It just might work!

Top tips…

…Handy hints

6 7

www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Taking a trip down Memory Lane

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Continue with your description or make a sketch of the proposal here:

The programme of Estate Walks for the coming year is now available on the Council’s website.

Why not join in for a friendly stroll around the estate to pick up on anything that needs doing?

You can tweet @cannockchasedc to join in on the walk and discuss any problems you may have on your estate. There is also an opportunity to bid for money to “make a wish” to improve your estate. All walkers names also go into the hat for the prize draw!

Tree trouble?

Leaf it to the Pros’

Digging through the archives we came across some old photos of social housing in Cannock during the 1930s.

Pictured right are the toilet facilities behind homes in Huntington Terrace Road. Below, a young lad gazes out from his home in Old Penkridge Road.

Thankfully, these and many more were cleared to make way for more modern housing.

Do you recognise anyone in the photos? Let us know.

Tenants know they can call on the Council when something drastically goes wrong in their home.

Out of hours, Cannock Chase’s Emergency repairs hotline - 01543 456616 - will handle the situation.

But to get to those who really need help, tenants should not call up with non-urgent problems.

An emergency repair is one that involves a risk to your health or safety. Here are some examples:

- loss of electricity- total loss of water supply- loss of heating- water leaks- roof leak- blocked toilet (if you only have one)- insecure or damaged glazing- insecure outer doors.The Repairs Control Centre will send workpeople out

to fix it, or make things safe until a full repair can be done.

PLEASE, don’t call the emergency number for things like:

- dripping taps- kitchen

cupboard repair- loose wall tile- internal door problem.

Report non-urgent repairs the usual way: by phone: 01543 462621; by email - housing [email protected]

or on the internet using InterFinder.

Recently, a Cannock Chase resident had to pay £900 costs after illegally removing trees from Council land.

With police assistance the resident who ordered the works was also questioned and eventually confessed to organising the works after being told that trees did not need pruning. The Council agreed costs of £900 with the resident to plant two new semi mature trees.

It’s a timely reminder for tenants and residents about the consequences of felling or pruning trees in their gardens or near their homes.

While tenants have a responsibility to ensure that trees in their garden are not liable to cause injury or damage to people or property, there is one simple rule:

You should not carry out any work on a tree in your garden or on communal Housing land without written permission from the Council.

Tree inspections by the Council WON’T be carried out for things like: blocking light, TV interference, leaf litter or because someone thinks the tree is “too big”.

If tenants are worried about a tree near their home you can call 01543 462621 or email [email protected] and explain the concerns.

If permission for tree work is given, think carefully about a Do-it-Yourself job

- tree ‘surgery’ is dangerous work, it’s better to leave it to the professionals.

Where permission is refused, it would still be illegal to pay someone, even a professional tree surgeon, to go ahead.

Is it really an emergency?

Estate walks schedule

ContactCentre

Cannock Chase Council website:www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Opening Hours…The Council’s Housing Office at the Bungalow in Beecroft Road, Cannock, is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The Local Council Office in Anson Street, Rugeley is open the same times,9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.The One-stop Shop at the Library in Market Street, Hednesford is now open for general inquiries 9am - 5pm (closed 1pm - 2pm).

•Appointments can also be made.

Writing to us…Cannock Chase Council,Civic Centre,P O Box 28, Beecroft Road,Cannock, Staffs. WS11 1BG.

Housing Enquiries…General enquiries: Tel: 01543 462621

Emergency Repairs…

Repairs Reporting…All repairs: Tel: 01543 462621 or

All areas outside office hours:Tel: 01543 456816

Anti-social behaviourOut of hours service…DON’T LIVE WITH IT - REPORT IT! Tel: 01543 464657ONLINE: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Housing and Council Tax Benefitsenquiries: 01543 464292

Benefits Enquiries…

Pay by Phone: 0845 2340080

Rent Payments…

Council Online…Online: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk - ‘Pay it’

Online: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk - ‘Report it’

Your name .................................................

Your address ............................................

................................ Post Code ...............

Tel. ............................ I am aged over 16

NB Closing date is: Friday 8th May.(Employees of the Council and their families not eligible to enter)

Housing Services may wish to contact you concerning housing matters. If you do not wish to be contacted, tick this box

A £50 gift voucher N E K A C A E T E GE I P A R K I N R SI G T D W L O E I AN E S A U T B M S RW N X R T N N U C IO O Q E E E D T O ER A N T L Y T E N DB A T O R T E R E AP A V L O V A X A MB A R A B R I T H T

exclusively for tenants!

Send entries to:Hometalk WordsearchThe Civic CentreBeecroft RoadCannock(or hand it in at your local Council Office).First correct entry drawn out wins the prize.

Battenberg TorteParkin PavlovaMadeira BaraBrithTeacake TarteTatinScone DundeeBrownie Simnel

Panettone.

Tiebreaker: This cake will

give you a Taste of Italy:

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With Hometalk’s delicious

WORDSEARCH

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Tenants who suspect their electricity meter box may have a fault or is damaged in any way, are urged to report it to the Council as soon as

possible - phone 01543 456861.

Your Cut Out & Keep Rent Calendar

Published by: CANNOCK CHASE COUNCIL HOUSING DIVISION

Editorial Consultants: MID STAFFS NEWS AGENCY 01785 823489

inside - cannock chase district · 2015-09-02 · home. out of hours, cannock chase’s emergency...

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