tenants times winter 2014

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tenants’ times Twitter @IpswichGov facebook/IpswichGov www.ipswich.gov.uk Council builds new homes for Christmas SEE PAGE 12 FOR DETAILS News for tenants of Ipswich Borough Council - Winter 2014

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Page 1: Tenants Times winter 2014

tenants’ timesTwitter @IpswichGov facebook/IpswichGov www.ipswich.gov.uk

Council builds new homes forChristmasSEE PAGE 12 FOR DETAILS

News for tenants of Ipswich Borough Council - Winter 2014

Page 2: Tenants Times winter 2014

Front cover shows John Richardson, Clare Lovell, Cllr Mowles, The Mayor,

Cllr Bill Quinton, Cllr Ellesmere and Chris Throrgood (builder)

housing mattersHealth and Wellbeing - There is much talk atpresent of the challenges faced by the NHS inmeeting increased demands on the service.Some of the discussion surrounds benefits thatcould be achieved through more integratedworking between the NHS and Social Care. This,clearly, makes a lot of sense. Housing, too, is partof the picture.

It has long been acknowledged that housingconditions are a major factor affecting publichealth and the physical and mental health ofindividuals. Taking steps to help people remain intheir own homes can often free up a hospital bed:making very good sense.

This is why I welcome a Housing and HealthCharter being pioneered in Suffolk. It is early daysbut we are keen to ensure Housing is fullyinvolved in efforts to achieve a more joined-upand effective service.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all ourtenants. Those with a special reason to have agood Christmas are those moving into their new

homes as the first Bader Close housesare completed.

Councillor John MowlesHousing Portfolio Holder

Page 2

Housing matters 2

Tenant Scrutiny Panel 3

Tenant Conference 3

Holiday Bin Collections 4

Celebrating with tenants 5

At your service over Christmas 6

Big Local Trust/Quids In 7

Fitness First 8

Peoples Community Garden 9

Eat healthily 10

Caring about your health 11

Tenants’ Questions and Answers 12

Play bus Maggi 13

Drug-related Litter 14

Don’t Let Thieves Spoil Christmas 15

Community Speedwatch 16

Empty Homes policy 17

HEARS 18

Chantry Fundraisers 19

Measuring up 20

Useful Contacts 20

Tenants’ editorial panelAngela Griffiths, Pamela Pamment,

Brian Laffling and Derek Rusher

Page 3: Tenants Times winter 2014

www.ipswich.gov.uk Page 3

TENANT scrutiny PAN E LUpdates

Dear Tenants

My name is John Wragg, a Tenant Scrutiny Panelmember since it formed. Recently I was voted Vice-Chairperson, a position I accepted with trepidationas I didn’t know what would be expected of me!

The panel has been working extremely hardmaking sure your interests are being looked after.

Over the past three years we have attended manytraining events and meetings with Council officersand scrutiny panels countrywide to exchangeideas. We have completed two scrutiny projects(kitchens/bathrooms and community caretakers)and revisited one (kitchens/bathrooms) to checkon progress.

We are now scrutinising Customer Services toassess their service delivery. If you receive aquestionnaire asking for your opinion on theservice you receive, please take time to fill it in tohelp us get an understanding of how you feelabout this service area. If you would like to knowmore or share your experiences with CustomerService please contact us [email protected]

Have a great Christmas.

John WraggTenant Scrutiny Panel Vice-Chairperson

Tenant conferenceTenant representatives of Ipswich BoroughCouncil and social landlords across theregion came together on 21stNovember for a day of learning andsharing.

Delegates listened to thePortfolio-Holder for Housing, CouncillorJohn Mowles and Head of Housing, IanBlofield, talk on the future of socialhousing. Delegates also learnt about“tackling anti-social behaviour” and“making effective complaints” and hadthe chance to meet Chief Executive ofthe Council, Russell Williams.

The event was held at the Council offices atGrafton House and was well attended.

If you would like to get involved in supportingthe places you live and improving the services we

deliver you can express your views through theTenant Participation Programme. There are lots ofdifferent ways to get involved so please ring01473 433313 or [email protected]. Facebook page: IpswichBoroughCouncilTenants

Page 4: Tenants Times winter 2014

Remember to recycle old clothesand textilesUse the council textile bags, tie it up toprotect the contents and place in the top ofyour blue bin. Need a bag? Ring 0345 603 9412email: [email protected] or collect fromcouncil offices and libraries

Recycle your real treechopped up in the brown bin, or placedbeside the brown bin if too big to go inside

www.suffolkrecycling.org.ukfor lots of Christmas recycling andcomposting information

www.lovefoodhatewaste.comfor tips and recipes to reduce food waste and use up leftovers

Find your local glass recycling bankswww.recyclenow.com or www.ipswich.gov.uk

@IpswichGov www.ipswich.gov.uk

Happy Christmas

Bin collection dates forChristmas and the New Year 2014/15

Normal collection date Christmas collection date

Tuesday 23 December Monday 22 December

Wednesday 24 December Tuesday 23 December

Thursday 25 December Wednesday 24 December

Friday 26 December Saturday 27 December

Tuesday 30 December no change

Wednesday 31 December no change

Thursday 1 January Friday 2 January

Friday 2 January Saturday 3 January

Collections return to normal Tuesday 6 January 2015

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Remember to put binsout by 6am please

Page 4

Page 5: Tenants Times winter 2014

www.ipswich.gov.uk Page 5

Celebrating with tenants

Your rent payments over Christmas

Some of our long-term tenants had a specialcelebration when they visited the Mayor'sParlour. A lively discussion over tea and cakeswere on the menu as the tenants chatted toMayor, Councillor Bill Quinton and Housingportfolio-holder, Councillor John Mowles. Theyshared fascinating stories about their family livesand the community in which they live and evenbrought in their original tenancy agreements andrent books. One tenant produced a 7s 6d receiptfor their deposit and asked if the Council wouldbe repaying this in full when the tenancy ends!Town Sergeant Andrew Beal talked about thehistory of Ipswich and its Mayors. The Mayorpresented tenants with a commemoration plateand thanked them for their loyalty andcommitment to Ipswich Borough Council. Wechatted with the guests afterwards and got somefascinating insights ...

What are some of the changes since you firstsigned your tenancy?Everyone has grown old! When we were youngwith children the area was vibrant and active, nowthe children have their own families and have

moved away leaving just the old ones behind. Having lived on a road for many years you alwaysbump into someone you know.Outside toilets were removed years ago to makeway for bigger kitchens. That was a welcomechange - now a quick trip outside would bepreferable to climbing the stairs!People don’t rush to collect the horse manurewhen the coal merchant visits. Horses would beno good today because they don’t understandtraffic lights!

What advice do you have for young people insocial housing?Pay the rent and look after your property!

Pictured: Mr & Mrs Oxford, Mrs Barrell and MrsReed with the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Bill and Margaret Quinton and Cllr John Mowles

If your rent account is paid up-to-date there are two weeks annually where no payment is due. These rent-free weeks are: 22ND DECEMBER AND 29TH DECEMBER 2014

If you are in rent arrears you must continue to pay these two weeks. This is particularly important if youare subject to a County Court Order. If you pay monthly these weeks are included in your calculationsand your payments stay the same. If you have fallen behind or are struggling to keep up with yourpayments please contact Tenancy Services for advice on 01473 433370.

For money saving tips/advice on managing your money visit the Money Advice Service atwww.moneyadviceservice.org.uk. The following organisations offer free, impartial support and advice toanyone in debt, worried about debt or facing bankruptcy.

Citizens Advice Bureau 01473 219777StepChange Debt Charity 0800 1381111National Debt line 0808 8084000

Debt Advice Foundation 0800 0434050Payplan 0800 2802816

Page 6: Tenants Times winter 2014

Victorian Christmas at the MansionOn Sunday 14th December

you can explore the Christchurch Mansionin all its Christmas glory duringa full day of free family fun.

Meet Victorian characterslearn traditional dances and

make simple crafts to take home.

Drop-in sessions:10 to 4pmFree entry.

Meet Santa and receive a gift: £3.50

To book your place please visitwww.ipswich.gov.uk/museums

At your service for ChristmasThe Customer Services and the Contact Centre at the Town Hall will be open on the followingdays and times for any tenant enquiries:

Day Customer Contact Centre& Main Switchboard Customer Services Centre

Monday 22nd December 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5.30pm

Tuesday 23rd December 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5.30pm

Wednesday 24th December 8.30am-3pm 8.30am-3pm

Thursday 25th December Closed Closed

Friday 26th December Closed Closed

Saturday 27th December Closed Closed

Sunday 28th December Closed Closed

Monday 29th December 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm

Tuesday 30th December 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm

Wednesday 31st December 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5pm

Thursday 1st January Closed Closed

Friday 2nd January 8.30am-5pm 8.30am-5.30pm

You can contact us on 01473 433444 for emergencies only outside these opening hours.

Page 6

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Page 7: Tenants Times winter 2014

www.ipswich.gov.uk Page 7

Big Local Trust

The North WestIpswich Big Local Trustis three years old andthe past year has beena busy one.

The Trust allocatesgrants to localorganisations and ithas increased uptakefor the CommunityChest which awardsup to £500 to localgroups and events andGrant Award, whichgives up to £10,000.

Groups supported so far include: • Avenues East • 24th Ipswich Scout Group• Suffolk Positive Futures • Ipswich Cycle Speedway Club and • Suffolk Young People's Health Project.

The year started with the Big Local Event in Whitehouse Park which wasattended by more than 1500 people. A large part of the credit for the event’ssuccess went to Leah Douglas, the officer at that time. Leah was instrumentalin getting the Big Local Trust started but has since returned to her roots inBasildon.

Faye Smith has since taken over the post and she is pleased to announce thelaunch of the Inspiration Awards. To find out more visit www.nwipswichblt.co.uk or call Faye on 07976 565329.

Ipswich Borough Council and its partners have gottogether to provide cheaper parking for residentsand visitors in the run-up to Christmas.TheCouncil's car parks continue with the Quids In £1after 3pm Mondays to Fridays offer - ideal forafternoon shopping or a night out or both! Thenormal tariff is good value too: £1 an hour - andjust 70p at Fore Street and Athena Hall (on theWaterfront off Duke Street). So make Crown,William Street (Crown Pools), Regent (WoodbridgeRoad), Portman Road, West End Road and UpperBarclay Street car parks your destination.

Ipswich Buses and some First Group services are

also offering £1 fares for inward journeys after3pm during the week. The Borough Council andCounty Council are helping out with Park & Ride,too. There will be free services on Sundays untilChristmas.

Ipswich Borough Council Leader David Ellesmeresaid: "It is important we make Ipswich as attractiveas we can for Christmas shoppers. These boldmoves will help visitors and businesses at thisimportant time of year and help to ensure thatIpswich, with its fantastic entertainment andevents package, offers the best festive offer topeople from across the region."

Mon-Fri

Page 8: Tenants Times winter 2014

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Ipswich 18 skills programme

recruiting now

The Eastern Enterprise Hub is currentlyrecruiting for another four-month free coursedelivered in partnership with Ipswich BoroughCouncil. The course will support 18 students todevelop new entrepreneurial skills andself-confidence. The programme encouragesand inspires people aged 18+ living or workingwithin IP1-IP4 areas of Ipswich, to developentrepreneurial skills from local, establishedbusiness professionals. The course is designed to run alongside day-to-day tasks of setting up a business. Fran Sibthorpe, founder of Fran Joy and previous Ipswich 18 Programme student said: “While on theprogramme I learnt the importance of leadership; engaging with people while pitching and marketingmy business. The programme also provided a clear indication of what my business was lacking andwhere it needed to be developed further. The EEHub facilitators and external speakers were veryhelpful, and it was great to have the opportunity to use the in-house resources as well as the 1-to-1support.” To apply for the programme, please contact Chanel Olding, Learning Manager on 01473 527100 or [email protected]

We all find staying active and ke

eping a

well-balanced diet harder in w

inter.

Why not try these motivation t

ips

whether you exercise

at home or at

a sports centre?

Put your fitness firstWorkout with a friend, shared goals are more funand great for motivation.Choose enjoyable activities - exercise should be fun.Join a class. Sport centre classes are instructed byenthusiasts and can be social too.Short on time? Ten minute workouts across the dayare as efficient as a thirty minute session.Ask the experts. Gym instructors will happily talkyou through a programme to help you reach yourgoals.An exercise and diet log will keep you on track -seeing your progress is rewarding. Being active can boost your energy levels; takestairs instead of the lift, walk instead of drive to theshops, a walk at lunch all help.Reward yourself. After setting goals buy new gymequipment or some new trainers.To find out about exercise classes at your localProfile gym visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport or call0800 0371 371See page 13 for details of our new Waterfront gym.

Page 9: Tenants Times winter 2014

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Maidenhall allotments

Page 9

Hello from Jo Whittle“In August, I started as the new Project Co-ordinator for the CommunityResource Education & Skills Space (CRESS) at the People’s Community Garden.While finding my gardening feet (and green fingers) I have been workingtowards developing the CRESS project, funded by Ipswich Borough Council,East of England Co-operative and Esmee Fairbairn Trust. I have met lots ofcommunity members and groups who really want to be involved.

I have been working with our volunteers to prepare our Greenfingers Gardenas an educational resource for local schools and school groups visited inOctober. Teachers also used the Community Hub for training. We will also beworking in partnership with the East of England Co-op on through theirHealthy Living Campaign. Finally, I would like to thank all the volunteers whohave helped me to settle in.”

Community HubAfter signing a lease in June, the ActivLives team istransforming the bowls pavilion on Maidenhall Roadinto a community hub. Cookery courses, a regularproduce market and café, neighbourhood meetings andbowls are just some of the proposed uses.

Volunteers have been preparing for a new kitchen to befitted. The kitchen will allow local residents to cookfruit and vegetables harvested from the neighbouringallotment gardens. Together with the market shouldgive the community access to fresh locally grown food.

There’s still a lot to do so volunteers are needed for allaspects of the project. Nomatter what skills youhave, if you areinterested in being partof a healthiercommunity, ActivLiveswant to hear from you.

To find out more [email protected] or ring07760583950

brings community together

Page 10: Tenants Times winter 2014

www.ipswich.gov.uk

Eat healthily on a budget

Page 10

this winterLiveWell Suffolk offers advice to families on eatinghealthy this winter. Despite reports that healthyfood costs more than junk food, Karen Davies, aLiveWell Suffolk registered dietician, reassuresresidents eating healthily on a budget is possible.

“During cold weather, nourishing stews andcasseroles are a good meal choice for families. Notonly filling and healthy, they are quite cheap toprepare,” she says. Karen advises buying cheapercuts of lean meat, avoiding processed foods andremoving the skin from meats such as chicken. Sheadds: “Make sure you bulk stews and casserolesup with lots of vegetables - it’s really importanteveryone aims to eat five portions of fruit and vega day and doing so doesn’t have to be expensive.Buying produce that is in season will help to keepthe cost down, and you can also pick up fresh fruitand veg cheaply from the local market.”

Although fresh produce is the best option frozen,tinned and dried fruit and vegetables also countas one of your five-a-day. Make sure you buy themcanned in water, rather than salted water orsyrup. Karen also recommends choosingwholemeal varieties of starchy carbohydrates (egbread, rice and pasta), which will help fill you forlonger and stop you feeling hungry betweenmeals.

LiveWell Suffolk is the county’s free healthylifestyle service and has published a series ofhealthy and affordable meal suggestions andrecipes for families on its website. LiveWellSuffolk runs ‘Lose Weight with LiveWell Suffolk’ -a programme to help both adults and children tomanage their weight by eating healthier andbeing more active. For more information, call LiveWell Suffolk on01473 229292 or visit www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk.

The way we register to vote is changingIER means there are now quick, easier and moresecure ways to register. If you haven’t received a letter confirming you areon the Electoral Register you may not beregistered to vote. If you don’t think you areregistered go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote orcall our Helpline on 01473 432533 - you will needyour National Insurance number to register somake sure you have it to hand. Your vote matters make sure you’re in!

The transitional canvass to Individual ElectoralRegistration (IER) is nearly at an end, but thisdoesn’t mean it’s too late to register.

Page 11: Tenants Times winter 2014

Page 11

www.ipswich.gov.uk

How important isgood health to you?

Do you worry aboutwhether to discussyour symptoms withyour GP or should youmanage and get onwith it?

Never ignore acuteproblems that comeon suddenly for noknown reason and donot improve.

What about nigglyproblems that don’tnecessarily keep youoff work?

Here is a generalguide that might helpyou to make the rightdecision.

Emotional overeating support groupsDo you binge eat? Do you compulsively overeat? Are you struggling with your weight? Do you feel it would help to talk about emotional eating issues?

Open, confidential and non-judgmental peer support groups facilitated bytrained volunteers. An opportunity to meet others in similar situations toshare problems, thoughts, successes and experiences.

Peer support groups (18yrs +) meet on the fourth Wednesday of everymonth at 7pm

The Library Quaker Meeting House, 39 Fonnereau Road, Ipswich IP1 3JHFor more information email: [email protected] or ring 0300 123 3355

As a charity we care about

your healthAfter seven days, if you notice an abnormal symptom occurring more daysthan not, make a diary note.

The next week tweak your lifestyle to see if you can reduce or get rid of thesymptoms, change or eliminate a certain food or drink, choose an exercise ortry to avoid a stressful situation.

If the symptom persists; the next week don’t change anything; keep a moredetailed diary of when and how the problem occurs, score on a scale of 1-5how the pain or problem is each time.

At the end of the third week, if there is no change and the problems persistsmore days than not, make an appointment to see your GP. REMEMBER totake the diary so your GP can see exactly what has been going on. Your GPwill find your notes really helpful in enabling them to treat or investigate theproblem.

Sometimes, potentially serious diseases can be detected in the early stages,just by being aware of your body, making clear notes and seeking help at theright time. This often means any treatment can be far less invasive and lessprolonged. The long-term effects on your body will be much improved.Ignoring the problem and hoping it goes away could possibly have seriouseffects on your long-term health. To attend one of our informative cancer awareness talks,please contact the charity’s cancer specialist educator on01473 211884 email: educator @cancercampaigninginsuffolk.

Look after your body; it is the only one you get. For more information visit www.CCiSuffolk.org

Page 12: Tenants Times winter 2014

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Council builds new homes

TENANT Q+A

If you have a question for Tenancy Services, contact us on [email protected] andwe will publish your questions and answers so other tenants might benefit from your enquiry. Pleasedon’t make your question about private issues as we cannot print private information.

How can I minimise condensation in my home this winter? Paul FowlerThere are some simple steps you can follow to reduce condensation in your house. • use extractor fans where supplied in kitchens and bathrooms • avoid drying clothes indoors. If this isn’t practical then the door of the room in which the clothes aredrying should be kept closed and the room well ventilated

• open windows to let air circulate• keep wardrobes, cupboards clear of walls to allow air to circulate

Who supplies my gas as a Council tenant? Julia BirdTenants choose their own gas supplier. In England and Scotland, if you do not know who supplies gasto your home you can contact the Meter Point Administration Services on 08706 081524. They can alsogive your Meter Point Reference Number which will help your suppliers set up your account with themmore quickly. You can visit www.consumercouncil.org.uk

If I had my gadgets stolen from my property would the landlord replace them? Dan LeeWhen a Council property is rented it is sometimes wrongly assumed the landlord’s insurance policy willcover loss or damage to personal property. The Council is responsible for insuring the building, as thetenant you have responsibility for insuring the contents (your belongings) against theft or damage.

To have your housing questions answered here or join our Facebook group then please email:[email protected] or ring on 01473 433313

Ipswich Borough Council is building more homes - and thefirst of 108 at Bader Close in South-East Ipswich will soon beready.

Most of the development will be completed next year andmark the first large-scale building of Council homes in Ipswichfor a generation. Housing portfolio-holder Councillor JohnMowles said Bader Close underlined the Council’s commitmentto providing homes for local people.

More homes will be built across the town in the next few years.

for Christmas

Page 13: Tenants Times winter 2014

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www.ipswich.gov.uk

Page 14: Tenants Times winter 2014

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Reporting drug-related

activity and drug litter

Page 14

There are a wide range of materials that may be associated with drug use,the highest concern being discarded hypodermic needles (also known assharps). Drug litter also includes the equipment used for taking drugs whichis known as drug paraphernalia. This can include:• Needles or syringes • Silver foil • Spoons • Bottles which are used to make ‘bongs’ • Gas canisters

Ipswich Borough Council is responsible for the collection and safe disposalof drug-related litter irresponsibly disposed of on public land. If you seeany of the above, please ring the Cleaner Ipswich Hotline immediately on01473 433000 with details of the litter you are reporting and the locationitems are to be removed from. You may also refer to www.ipswich.gov.uk/cleaneripswichhotline for further assistance. (A nominal charge may bemade for removing needles found on private land, although we would askany ‘find’ is still reported via Cleaner Ipswich Hotline for further advice).Please do not attempt to dispose of needles or drug paraphernalia yourselfas it could be potentially dangerous. Ipswich Borough Council works inpartnership with Suffolk Constabulary in order to address drug-relatedissues. Please help us by reporting any drug-related activity (including druglitter finds) which will allow us to direct resources more effectively.

Call 999 if you require an immediate Police response (i.e. a crime is inprogress or about to happen). You don’t have to provide your details if youdon’t want to.

You can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.Should you or someone you know receive a needle stick injury please visitwww.nhs.uk for medical advice. For further information about drug related litter please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/drl

Dave Bevan Louise Siu

Are you experiencing one or more of the following?

Loud noise/music drug activities neighbour nuisance damage to property by known individual(s)intimidation and harassment foul/abusive language constant dog barkingdomestic violence prostitution from property graffiti (homophobic/racial)

fly tipping unsuitable/dangerous pets

If you are a victim of Anti-Social Behaviour please report it to the Tenancy Support and Enforcement Team on 01473 433325 or

email: Housing [email protected]

Page 15: Tenants Times winter 2014

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Don’t let thieves spoil

your Christmas

Scoop the poopThere is no excuse to leave your pets poopbehind and you could be fined if you do!

Please always - bag it, tie it and bin it, you canplace bagged dog poo in a litter bin if a dog binis not nearby, or take it home and place in yourblack wheelie bin.

Don’t leave it for a little child to step in.

Report incidents to the Cleaner Ipswich Hotline: 01473 433000.

e: [email protected]

As the holiday approaches any property can be vulnerable to theft.These tips may help keep your property safe over the festive period.Keep blinds and curtains closed at night, keep any valuable items andpresents out of sight. When out in the evening use timers to switchon lights and make it look like you are at home.Dispose of gift packaging carefully (break up large boxes so not toadvertise your new gifts to thieves), during Christmas refusecollection may be at different times. Make sure your rubbish is outjust before the collection.When decorating your home do not feed extension cables throughwindows, opt for solar or battery operated lights or install outdoorelectrical outlets.Be careful not to advertise your empty home on social media - this isa common tool used for scouting targets. Uploading expensiveChristmas presents can also be a problem at it allows burglars to goshopping in your house just by viewing your Facebook or Twitteraccount.

Don’t make it easy for a burglar to spoil your family’s Christmas. In an emergency call 999 when: • there is a danger to life or risk of injury being caused.• a crime is in progress such as robbery, burglary, criminal damage or theft.

The immediate attendance of police is necessary if someone is acting suspiciously or about to commit acrime.

SANTA

Page 16: Tenants Times winter 2014

Community speed watch

www.ipswich.gov.uk Page 16

Do you …

Have any spare time?

Want to reduce the speed of vehicles in your

community?

Have pets that may wander around your

neighbourhood?

Community Speed Watch makes a valuablecontribution to Ipswich road safety and we needadditional volunteers.The Police provides the right level of reassuranceand enforcement but cannot always carry outspeed enforcement checks on a regular basis inevery location that wants them.

If you can spare an hour weekly, why not gettogether with like-minded members of the

community and use speed detection equipment tomonitor traffic speeds in your area? This helpsraise awareness to the dangers of speeding andhelps improve the safety of where you live.

If you are interested please contact your localSafer Neighbourhood Team. Details can be found at www.suffolk.police.uk orring 101 and ask to be put through to Anna Stout,Community Safety - Suffolk Constabulary.

Helping victims of anti-social behaviourThe new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 has brought sweeping changes to theway agencies deal with anti-social behaviour.

The law introduces a "community trigger" which gives victims the right to ask local agencies toreview how they responded to previous anti-social behaviour complaints and consider what furtheraction might be taken where the behaviour persists. The aim is to offer a safety net for vulnerablevictims and to help avoid individuals being passed between agencies without their complaint beingresolved. There will also be a review and appeal stages.

There also exists a “community remedy” document prepared by the Police and Crime Commissionerwhich details the actions they feel appropriate to be carried out by the person who engaged inanti-social behaviour or who has committed an offence. This document deals with punishment andrehabilitation.

For more information please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/communitytrigger or email: [email protected]

Page 17: Tenants Times winter 2014

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Empty homes policy

The Council's Private Sector Housing team isbringing empty homes back into use and offersadvice and support to owners. Grants areavailable for first-time buyers or owners willing torenovate a property for letting at affordable rent,allowing the Council to nominate tenants. As alast resort, enforcement action can be takenthrough compulsory purchase of the property.

Since April 2012, 110 properties have beenreturned to use. Housing portfolio-holderCouncillor John Mowles said “While there arepeople in the town without a decent home weshould do all we can to meet that need. That is

why we arebuilding newhouses and that iswhy we take actionto bring empty homes back into use.”Six owners also benefitted from an OrwellHousing Association grant and lease schemewhere the Association manages the property onthe owner’s behalf by letting the property andproviding advice and renovation help. Peopleinterested in grant schemes should contact PrivateSector Housing for further details on 01473433003. Anyone concerned about an emptyproperty can report it online.

Page 17

The future’s hereThe Maintenance andContracts servicesoffers the opportunityof tradeapprenticeships thatallows employees tolearn a trade whichincludes on-site andacademic training atcollege.

Planned maintenanceIn our continuing efforts to improve our service to you, we would like to hear your comments on howwe are performing with our Planned Maintenance Refurbishment Programme.

Please complete and return (postage is already paid) the feedback forms which are left with you aftercompletion of the various works carried out on your property. This will help our team to record allcomments and where possible take actions to improve our services for future Planned Maintenanceyears.

You can return this via email to [email protected] or by returning the feedback form by post.

a success

Apprentices work across the whole building and refurbishment spectrum. Asenior council tradesperson oversees each apprentice. The Council’s trainingprogramme allows apprentices to learn in a safe working environment andensures they can learn all aspects of their trade. These apprentices are finishing their first year:Ben Prime, Carpenter: Ben attends day release at Suffolk New College andenjoys the formal course training. Co-workers say he looks more like acarpenter every day. Nathan Williams, Plumber: ‘Natty’ enjoys nothing betterthan helping customers. Working with multi-skilled trades people haswidened his building knowledge. Jordan Godbold, Electrician: Jordan alsoattends college on day release. His electrical training has expanded his areasof work thereby broadening his knowledge and experience.

Page 18: Tenants Times winter 2014

Page 18

Hears to a happy Christmas

www.ipswich.gov.uk

YOU CAN NOW RECYCLE EVEN MORE

Watch the video and find out more at www.suffolkrecycle.today

Just £2.50 a week can buy you or your family peaceof mind with the Ipswich HEARS personal alarmservice. Now that’s a really useful Christmas present!

Ipswich Borough Council has run the HEARS service for more than 20 years and offers help to peoplewho want to feel more confident living in their own homes. HEARS provides two user options - a fullresponse and monitoring service for £5 a week or monitoring only for £2.50 a week. The service isavailable 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provides benefits for older or disabled people; individualswho are discharged from hospital and require additional support; and people of any age living alone.

How does HEARS work? You are supplied with a mobile button, which you canwear as a pendant or wriststrap. An alarm unit is supplied andconnected through your home telephone socket to theIpswich-based control team. What happens when I press the button? The alarm unit willautomatically alert the HEARS control team. An operator will speakto you through the powerful loud speaker on the alarm unit. If theycannot hear you, they will try making contact on your hometelephone. In addition, a falls detector and specialist smoke detectorcan make you even safer in your own home.Call us: 01473 433236 Email us: [email protected] Visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/hears

You can nowput all these

in yourrecycling bin

The majority of

customers have had

the HEARS alarm

more than 4 year

s.

Page 19: Tenants Times winter 2014

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Chantry fundraisers

Chantry residents have been raising money forcharity this autumn.

Volunteers and locals took part in both theMacMillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning wherethey raised £105 and also the Breast CancerCampaign ‘Wear it Pink Fridays’ where they raised£90. Volunteers baked cakes and donated goods andall the shop takings for both days were donated tothe respective charities. Residents Association Chair,Charles Moore, said: “It’s all about the volunteers’hard work. They are the ones who give their timeand care for good causes and all of the support we

give to the community through the shop”. Tickets are on sale from the shop for the Christmas RafflePrize Draw on 19th December.

Lavender Hill Community Shop is open for donations, shopping and refreshments:Monday to Friday: 10am-2.30pm and Saturday: 10am-1pm. Call 01473 683680 for more information.

Maureen Nolan, Lee Latchford-Evans (from Steps) andCBBC’s own Gabrielle Green are coming together intrue panto style to serve up a festive treat in"Cinderella" at the Regent Theatre ...

Add in glamour, a mixture of Ugly Sisters and a bigdollop of jokes and you have the perfect recipe for apantomime for all ages. Cinderella is on stage from20-30 December and is being produced by EnchantedEntertainment.

Tickets are on sale now, so visitwww.ipswichregent.com or call the Box Office 01473 433100.

Make time to goto the ball

A night withDJ John Potter

On 27th September Maidenhall Residents Association enjoyed a socialevening, which was a great success. Some £300 was raised to supportcharity work. Well done to everyone who helped make the night a success.

Page 20: Tenants Times winter 2014

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

You can contact us on 01473 433370

To report a repair or if you have a repair enquiry 01473 432100

(including out of hours emergency repairs)

To order a gas repair or gas service 0800 533 5630 or

01473 835145

Environmental Health 01473 433015

RENTS At the end of October £793,767 in rent payment was outstanding which is2.21% of the total due for the year. Target <2.66%

COMPLAINTS 4 complaints about Tenancy Services. All received a full response withindeadline of 20 working days. 1 was upheld and 3 were not upheld.

COMMUNITY CARETAKERS 912 pledge visits/1026 minor repairs in communal areas completed.

GAS SERVICING At each month end all our properties should have an up-to-date gas safetycertificate, at the end of October 2014 no services were overdue.

TENANCY Due to make 249 visits to introductory tenants, we completed 252.

ALLOCATIONS On average 8.7 working days taken to process a housing application. Target <20

REPAIRS 4793 repairs raised an average 98% were completed on target each month.Target >98.5%

TENANCY Averaged 18.1 days between tenancy ending and the next starting. Target <15 days

CUSTOMER SERVICE Of 19,540 calls made to Housing and Repairs 82.2% were answered.Target >90%

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR 61 open anti-social behaviour cases at the end of October

Update on housing performance - Period covering August-October 2014

REUSABLE RECYCLING BAGSort it, Store it, Recycle it! Do you live in a flat or share a communal recycling bin?The handy reusable blue bag may make it easier to sort, store and carry yourrecycling out to the bin store. Make sure your recycling is clean, dry and loose (only textiles need to be bagged) Please contact the recycling team to request a handy bag. e: [email protected] t: 01473 432099

Measuring up