Meet your new Neighbourhood Teams and much more

heartof the matter

www.taicalon.orgfacebook.com/taicalon @taicalon

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Christmas 2012 / Issue 8

There are so many different ways in which you can get in touch with us and keep up-to-date with what is going on.

By Phone: Ring us on 0300 303 1717 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. In an emergency our “out of hours service” is available on 0300 303 1717.

By Email: info@taicalon.org

By fax: 01495 290 501.

Visit or write to us at: Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Industrial Estate, Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, NP13 3JW

Website: www.taicalon.org has lots of useful information about us and you can read all our latest news.

facebook: join our page by “liking” us at facebook.com/taicalon

Twitter: follow us @taicalon

If you have a story to tell us, or want us to include something in the next edition of our newsletter, contact:

Hefina Rendle, Communications and PR Manager, at Solis One, or by email hefinar@taicalon.org

Contentsz Keep in Touch 2

z Changes are Happening 3

z Bought Solis One 3

z New Neighbourhood Managers 4

z BRfm ... Tai Calon on the Radio 6

z Sheltered Shout 1

z It’s Good To Talk 2

z Down Memory Lane 2

z Armchair Aerobics 2

z Ten top tips for avoiding a Christmas hangover 7

z Environmental Scheme 8

z Gardening Competition 9

z New board/AGM 10

z Calendar 11

z New tenant handbook 11

z Smartwater 12

z Fuel advisors 13

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS

Solis One will shut for Christmas at 5pm on Friday, 21 December.

It will open again on Monday, 31 December, from 9am until 5pm.

It will be closed for New Years Day and re-open at 9am on Wednesday, 2 January.

In an emergency ring our out of hours number 0300 303 1717.

Please remember that we are likely to experience a large number of calls following the holiday.

Keep in Touch

We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

2

Tai Calon Community Housing celebrated its second birthday in July with the news that it has bought its office and headquarters in Blaina. The organisation had moved into Solis One the day it was formed on 26 July, 2010.

The 56,004 square feet building had been owned by the Welsh Government. Chief Executive, Jen Barfoot, said, “It made sense to buy it now, and not to have to pay rent for many years to come, and so our Board agreed to the purchase.”

Tai Calon originally took a 10 year lease with an option to purchase the building which was built in 2003.

Chair, Philip Crozier, said, “There were strong financial reasons for purchasing Solis One. It enables us to make substantial savings in future years, and by owning the building and associated land, we can better use it to support services to tenants.”

Tai Calon was represented by Jeremy Symons, Director with Cooke & Arkwright’s Industrial Agency.

Our Home is Now Ours!

3

We are making a number of changes about how we can support and do things better for you.

Our new Neighbourhood Managers and their teams will be responsible for what happens in your area. We have more details overleaf.

Jeremy Symons, Cooke & Arkwright,

David Lloyd, Company Secretary, Jen

Barfoot and Philip Crozier

Changes are Happening ... Are You Ready?

There is a lot going on in 2013 as well.

The UK Government is changing the benefit system. If you claim any benefit, if you are in or out of work, it could affect you. Be prepared, find out now. There is information in this newsletter and on our website www.taicalon.org.

We also have leaflets and a longer booklet explaining the changes. Look out for them in your community or ask a member of staff for details.

We would like to thank the Waundeg Warriors for their help with our campaign.

4

Meet members of our new Neighbourhood TeamsTai Calon Community Housing is getting up, close and personal with tenants. It is creating 10 new jobs as we set up local neighbourhood teams to look after your homes.

This is on top of the 50 jobs and training opportunities it’s contractors have offered JUST to young people in the past two and a half years.

Tai Calon is recruiting a Head of Communities and nine others as it re-structures the day to day operation of the business.

“Tenants are at the heart of everything we do,” said Chief Executive, Jen Barfoot. “We want our organisation to be even more focused on the needs of tenants and their communities. To do that, we are creating neighbourhood teams, one for each of the three valleys of Blaenau Gwent.”

Each team will be headed by a Valley Manager. There will also be 12 Neighbourhood Managers who will each look after around 500 homes.

Andrew Myatt, Director of Communities and Housing, said, “Our Neighbourhood Managers will be our eyes and ears in the community. They will allocate new tenancies, support tenants and look after their area. For tenants, our neighbourhood teams will

become well known faces on hand when they need them.”

Some of the team are already in post and Tai Calon is also appointing a Head of Communities, Customer Services Team Manager, Business Support Unit Manager, Valley Manager, three Neighbourhood Managers and three Property Managers.

Bill Pearch, Director of Assets and Property Services, said,

“By bringing together different parts of the business we will be able to improve the way we work and improve our service to tenants. It’s all about being timely, professional and efficient.”

“This is a really exciting time for us,” said Jen Barfoot. “We are determined to make our services as local as possible for tenants. Our new neighbourhood teams will enable us to do just that. Tai Calon is determined to become the best it can.”

Tai Calon currently employs just over 280 members of staff. It aims to recruit as locally as possible and use the money it brings in to promote local businesses and the economy of Blaenau Gwent.

It is also determined to offer as many jobs and training opportunities as possible for young people. In fact, Tai Calon and its contractors have between them provided 50 apprenticeships, jobs and work placements. Some of the placements have also lead to full-time employment.

“What we have managed to do in such a short period of time is very impressive,” says Hayley Selway, Assistant Director of Housing. “It is just brilliant to see what can be achieved when we and our partners join forces.”

One of those who secured a job is tenant, Lee Poulson who attended a plastering course arranged by Tai Calon. He was so determined to get a job that he plastered his own home to prove to contractor, R and M Williams, that it should take him on and it did.

Meanwhile, another firm, Keepmoat, has created 5 apprenticeships plus two placements and is also promising to offer another five training opportunities this year.

Eight young people on grounds maintenance placements with Green Earth @ Tai Calon have since gone onto other work and

5

one has a permanent job with Tai Calon.

Kyle Hemmings has been given a 12 month contract by Tai Calon after joining for eight weeks on work experience organised by Jobcentre Plus. Kyle had been working temporarily in Customer Services when he successfully applied for the role as an Energy Advisor. Read more about Kyle’s new job later in the newsletter.

“I had been laid off due to the decline in the manufacturing sector, so I am really pleased to be back in employment after six months out of work. I am really looking forward to

my new job. I have enjoyed working in Customer Services and helping the tenants who ring in every day with their queries,” said Kyle.

“It is marvellous to think we are helping so many young people get into work,” said Jen Barfoot.

“I would like to say a big thank you to our partners and to our staff who are supporting and encouraging them as they learn new skills.”

Tai Calon also organises training opportunities and courses at its office in Blaina. One of them is an awarding winning eight week scheme which leads to a qualification in Customer Care.

The New Neighbourhood Team

Stop Press!Diane Bennett of the Waundeg Warriors won Community Leader of the year award at the Welsh Housing Awards in Cardiff, organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru. Tai Calon Community Housing was also shortlisted for the Empowering and Involving Communities award with its scheme to train tenants to carry out satisfaction surveys.

6

In July, we broadcast our first show on Brfm, 97.3 fm. “Tai Calon on the Radio” goes out every Wednesday at 10am and is an hour of music and chat.

The hosts of our first programme were Paul Winterson, Head of Asset Management, and Eve Woolhouse, Land and Legal Executive. Since then our guests have included, Tai Calon’s Chair, Philip Crozier, John Sexton, Director of Coleg Gwent’s new Learning Zone at Ebbw Vale, as well as staff from Blaenau Gwent Council and Gwent Police.

Christine Morgan and Diane Bennett of the Waundeg Warriors have also appeared on the show, along with Philip Harrison from the Newtown Residents Action Team.

The Citizens Advice Bureau now has its own monthly slot after appearing on the show to talk about money advice and changes to the benefit system.

The idea behind the programme is to let tenants know what is happening within Tai Calon and their community. We also give listeners regular up-dates on the benefit changes and how they may be affected. Kelsey,

Chloe and Natasha from our Community Involvement and Investment team are also regular guests to give details of events and training opportunities taking place across the county.

The idea for the programme came about after we learnt that BRfm was £3,000 short of the funding it needed to install a new aerial, which would guarantee coverage across the whole of Blaenau Gwent. We donated the money after tenants agreed to pay half from the Environmental Improvement Fund.

Do get in touch if you would like to appear on Tai Calon on the Radio” or have an idea for a future show. We would also be glad to advertise your community events or to play a request. You can email press@taicalon.org or ring Damian and Hefina on 0300 303 1717.

Tune into “Tai Calon on the Radio” on BRfm 97.3 fm every Wednesday between 10am and 11am. You can also hear the show online and by going to the “Listen Again” page on www.brfm.co.uk.

BRfm; Tai Calon on the Radio

7

Christmas 2012 / Issue 5

www.taicalon.orgfacebook.com/taicalon @taicalon

It’s Good To Talk

Down Memory Lane

Armchair Aerobics

ShoutSheltered

8

Down Memory Lane Tai Calon Community Housing is producing a short film this Christmas about life in Blaenau Gwent in by-gone days.

The team will be recording interviews with tenants which will aired on our YouTube channel as well as in a special programme on “Tai Calon on the Radio.”

Life in a sheltered housing complex was the theme of “Tai Calon on the Radio” on Halloween.

Residents, Audrey Barnes and Elaine Singleton, came onto the programme to talk about their experiences.

Audrey Barnes, who lives in Davey Evans Court in Abertillery, said “I thought at first I may have volunteered to take part without giving enough consideration, however it was a fantastic experience. I hadn’t been

on a radio programme before and it was fascinating to see how the programme was put together.”

Elaine Singleton, from Riverside Flats in Blaina, said, “It was an enjoyable experience with a very welcoming atmosphere. It was interesting to hear about other schemes and I would love to repeat the experience.”

Both women spoke about why they decided to move into sheltered housing and

how much they enjoy their “independent living”. They also talked about the many activities that take place in their complexes every month.

Audrey Barnes added, “I am glad that it came out ok as I had nothing prepared and I was really made to feel at ease by the staff of Tai Calon.”

Sheltered Shout 2

This is a good way to keep fit and meet new friends. Once a month Davey Evans Court hosts a session of Armchair Aerobics. It’s open to anyone to try out and in November, 15 people joined in the exercise class. Afterwards there was a session on healthy eating with the chance to try out some nutritious dishes.

Scheme Manager, Lynne Brown, said, “We have been running the class for about a year

and it is very popular. Armchair aerobics provides all the benefits of regular exercise, raising the heart rate above resting levels, but without the impact or risk of falling. Afterwards we usually have a talk on a wide range of different subjects.”

The next class is in January. For more details contact Lynne Brown on 01495 294761.

Armchair Aerobics

It’s good to talk!

7

Christmas is a time of giving, but you don’t want to give yourself a headache in the New Year with bills and debts you can’t afford. It’s all too easy to overspend – there are tempting offers and pressures to buy, but you must decide how much you can afford before you start spending.

1 Plan early for Christmas Be realistic and budget accordingly. Work out how much you are going to spend on each person – and stick to it. Manage expectations as to what you or Santa can give.

2 Don’t forget the everyday billsRemember that the rent, utility bills, food bills and other existing debts still have to be paid – and the consequences can be severe if they’re not. Even though it’s Christmas, get your priorities right.

3 Don’t bank on an overdraftIf you do need more money, don’t just run up an overdraft without talking to your bank first – it will work out much more expensive.

4 Keep things simpleIf you can afford to pay for your goods outright by cash or debit card, don’t be persuaded to take out extended credit agreements unless they really do work out cheaper.

5 Shop aroundTry as many places as possible to find the best price. Buy what you want and not what other people say you need. Be wary of extended warranties; the costs of a repair could be less that the cost of the warranty.

6 Buy safe to be safeWhatever the deal, whatever the temptation, don’t buy from unauthorised traders and don’t borrow from unauthorised lenders. The initial savings and convenience may prove to be a false economy.

7 Read the small printCheck for hidden extras in any credit agreement. Work out the total amount payable. Ensure that the monthly instalments are within your budget before signing. Interest free credit can seem attractive, but if you don’t pay on time, or miss a payment, you could have to pay a lot more.

8 Do your own credit checksIf you are going to use a credit card, shop around and compare terms. Some cards charge high interest rates, but provide interest free periods or discounts. Budget for all these costs and put the payment dates in your diary.

9 Be organisedThere’s a lot to remember at Christmas. If you’ve borrowed money don’t forget that it won’t be long before you have

to make a payment. Make sure you pay on time, even if it’s only the minimum, or you will be faced with additional charges.

10 Start planning and saving for next Christmas Once Christmas is over, it’s worth looking at what you did well and what you didn’t. Learn from your mistakes and start planning how you will do things differently next year. This might also be a good time to start saving for next Christmas.

If however you’re worried about how you’re going to make ends meet this Christmas, or are struggling with debt and would like to talk to someone in confidence, please contact your local CAB. Telephone: 01443 878 058 Text: 07 53 50 500 53 Email: Stacey.thomas@caerphillycab.org.uk

If you are concerned about the cost of the call, don’t worry we will arrange for someone to ring you back.

You can also hear the CAB during it’s regular, slot on “Tai Calon on the Radio”.

Ten top tips to avoid a Christmas debt hangoverfrom the Citizens Advice Bureau

8

Tai Calon Community Housing is spending £111 million by 2015 bringing all your homes up to Welsh Housing Quality Standard. The work is on target and on budget.

Part of it involves a commitment from us to improve the environment in your community. The scheme is called the Environmental Improvement Programme which will cost more than £10 million.

It means we are committed to providing tenants with homes located:

“... in attractive and safe environments” and

“... in an environment to which residents can relate to” and

“... in an environment which they can be proud to live.”

and where people should be able to:

“... enjoy the environment they live in”

“... want to take responsibility for it.”

Project manager, Andy MacDougall, said, “Research and experience shows that environmental improvements should not be imposed on communities and that they are likely to be far more successful when they have helped to design and implement schemes in their own neighbourhoods.”

Discussions on what will be done, and where, will start early in 2013. Tenants may decide that improving pedestrian access is a key priority in their neighbourhoods or it could be providing better quality car parking. Other potential improvement schemes include:

• Upgrading pathways.

• Creating informal recreation and play space.

• Creating growing space for allotments and community gardens.

• Improving boundary walls, railings and fencing.

• Increasing safety through improved lighting and design.

Working with partner organisations, Tai Calon aims to regenerate and transform neighbourhoods through well-designed, community-led environmental improvements to improve the quality of life for tenants and residents in terms of:

• Physical health and wellbeing

• Greater community spirit and ownership

• Reduced crime and ASB

• Improved child development and educational achievement.

As far as possible Tai Calon will aim to use local contractors and suppliers, creating job and training opportunities in the county.

If you would like any further information regarding Tai Calon’s forthcoming Environmental Improvement Programme, please contact Andy MacDougall, Project Manager on 0300 303 1717.

IMPROVING YOUR ENVIRONMENT

9

Best Garden1st – Phillip Williams, Tredegar.Mr Williams won with his outstanding garden. The plot resembles a secret garden with archways, lighting and a beautiful decked area. There is also a wall of fame displaying his families’ unwanted shoes.

2nd – Graham Williams, Tredegar. This was the first time that Mr Williams has entered a gardening competition. However, at the age of 72 he still enjoys maintaining his beautiful garden, which does look outstanding. He is helped by his wife, Marlene, who is also 72.

3rd – Stanley Burnett, Brynithel, Abertillery. Mr Burnett was given permission to turn a piece of waste land next to his home into a delightful garden.

Best Beginner Garden (tenancies under 3 years)1st – Stuart Watson and Marlene Watson, Brynmawr.This mother and son have worked very hard in designing their gorgeous garden in under 20 months.

2nd – Madonna Reynolds, Rassau Mrs Reynolds also started work on her lovely garden when she started her tenancy in January 2011

Best Community Garden1st – Peacehaven Court Tenants and Residents AssociationThis project has involved so many people it has created a real sense of pride. The association set about transforming its communal patio and garden area after successfully securing nearly £3,000 from Tai Calon’s Environmental Improvement Fund. The group also grows and sells its own vegetables to help fund the association.

Best pots/containers and hanging baskets1st – Madonna Reynolds, RassauAnother prize for her in this year’s competition.

2nd – Peacehaven Court Tenants and Residents Association A second win for the association.

Blooming MarvellousThis summer we held our first gardening competition. We had some fantastic entries and saw some amazing floral displays. Well done to everyone.

On Monday 24th September 2012, about 30 members came to Solis One for our second Annual General Meeting. The meeting had been open to all of our members. The purpose of the AGM is share our achievements over the last twelve months and give an indication of our plans for this forthcoming year. After receiving a presentation from members of the Executive Team, members were asked to vote on the appointment of Board members.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council had nominated five new members which the meeting noted:

• Graham Bartlett• Keren Bender• Keith Chaplin• Jim McIlwee• Bernard Willis Two independent members were reappointed to the Board:

• Andrew Bateson• Philip Crozier

The results of the tenant election were reported to the meeting. 21.4% of the total tenant population participated in the vote. The results of the ballot were:

1.Shirley Ford received 1,115 (25.79%) of the votes - elected

2.Philip White received 1,114 (25.78%) of the votes - elected

3.Margaret Retallick received 1,067 (24.69%) of the votes - elected

4.Julia Gregg received 1,027 (23.76%) of the votes

The next part of the meeting related to Tai Calon’s financial affairs. Tania Cregg from our external auditors presented the financial statements for the meeting’s approval which were duly received. The final piece of business was the reappointment of Haines Watts as Tai Calon’s external auditors for a further year.

Tai Calon’s Second Annual General Meeting

10

2013 is nearly here and to help you keep track of what is going on next year we will be sending you the Tai Calon Calendar. The photographs were taken by tenants and if you would like to see your picture featured in 2014, watch out for details about our competition.

The calendar includes the date of our 3rd Tenant Funday and Annual General Meeting. They will be taking place on Saturday, 20 July. This year’s funday was such a success that we ran out of tickets. So book early to

avoid disappointment. The calendar also has the closing dates for our 2013 Gardening competition and Made a Difference Awards.

You will also be receiving your copy of the new Tenant Handbook. Keep it safe, if contains lots of useful information about your tenancy. We will be sending you further pages to add to it over the coming months.

Whats Up!

The Board expressed its appreciation for the hard work and dedication that the departing Board members, in particular Julia Gregg, Godfrey Thomas and John Williams had given to Tai Calon.

The New Board

Philip Crozier Chair

Fred Davies Vice Chair and Chair of the Asset Management Committee

Elaine Townsend Chair of the Performance,

Audit and Risk Committee

Graham Bartlett

Andrew Bateson

Keren Bender

Keith Chaplin

Shirley Ford

Roy Jones

Jim McIlwee

Nigel Perring

Steve Porter

Margaret Retallick

Philip White

Bernard Willis

Debbie Green has been co-opted to the Board.

11

at the heart of your community

Tenant Handbook

www.taicalon.orgfacebook.com/taicalon @taicalon

Visit our offices or write to us at:Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Industrial Estate, Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, NP13 3JW.

Telephone us on: 0300 303 1717

Text taicalon to 60030, followed by your message.

Fax: 01495 290 501

Email us at: info@taicalon.org

www.taicalon.orgfacebook.com/taicalon @taicalon

at the heart of your community

Tenant Handbook

www.taicalon.orgfacebook.com/taicalon @taicalon

Visit our offices or write to us at:Tai Calon Community Housing, Solis One, Rising Sun Industrial Estate, Blaina, Blaenau Gwent, NP13 3JW.

Telephone us on: 0300 303 1717

Text taicalon to 60030, followed by your message.

Fax: 01495 290 501

Email us at: info@taicalon.org

www.taicalon.orgfacebook.com/taicalon @taicalon

Metal thieves beware ... Tai Calon Community Housing and Gwent Police are marking central heating boilers, radiators and pipe work with a special substance that shows up under ultra violet light.

The special initiative sees the organisations teaming up with Smartwater to make sure our equipment and piping can be easily detected if stolen.

The scheme is also being offered to tenants to keep their property safe as well.

Andrew Myatt, Director of Communities and Housing, said, “Every time we have to replace a stolen central heating boiler it means we have less money to spend on our services to tenants. They are paying their rent to us to improve their homes and not to line the pocket of a thief.”

Tenant Rees Edwards from Brynmawr agrees. “I think it is a marvellous idea and I was really pleased to have the metals in my home marked.”

Scrap yards and dealers across Gwent have signed up to a new code of conduct which means anyone trying to sell metals has to provide photographic proof of identity.

There are also special procedures for transporting and disposing of anything which has been marked with Smartwater.

In a 16 month crackdown Gwent Police has made nearly 900 arrests and seized more than 1,500 vehicles.

Chief Inspector Marc Budden from Gwent Police said, “We take metal thefts very seriously and contrary to what some people might think it’s not a victimless crime. People have lost their lives stealing metal and it is also costing businesses and householders across the county tens of thousands of pounds every year to replace what has been stolen. As a Force we are determined to do everything possible to catch metal thieves and to stop the misery they cause.”

Tenants can buy a Smartwater kit from us at a discounted price of £18.

Very Smart Water!

12

Rising energy prices mean it is difficult to keep our homes warm.

However, Tai Calon Community Housing, with support from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, has launched a free energy advice service.

Our Energy Advisers, Kyle Hemmings, Sarah Herbert and Tom Blackshaw (pictured)

can visit you at home to give you lots of helpful tips and information on:

Heating and Hot Water Systems

• Efficient use of system

• Using a programmer

• Using the thermostats

Reducing household energy consumption and your bills

• Energy saving measures in the home

Dealing with Fuel Debt

• Information on organisations which can help you deal with gas, electricity and water arrears

• Understanding your utility bills

• How to read your meters

Reducing the cost of your fuel

• How to switch supplier

• Understanding energy tariffs

• Changing payment options

• The Warm Home Discount

• Priority Services Register

If you would like a home visit about any energy related matter, please contact us on 0300 303 1717.

We have a legal duty to carry out an annual safety check on all our gas appliances, flues and fittings in your home. This work is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer under the 1998 Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations.

The engineer will also service our boilers and appliances so they continue to work effectively, efficiently and safely.

They will also test smoke alarms and make a visual check of your appliances such as gas fires and cookers.

When installing your own cooker and other gas appliances please make sure you employ a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.

The gas safety check is carried out once a year and we will try to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you.

Please make sure that someone is at home to allow us to carry out the inspection. If the appointment is inconvenient, please ring us on 0300 303 1717 to arrange a new date.

If you fail to allow us access we can take legal action and you could be evicted from your home. We can also charge you for our costs in taking the case to court.

PLEASE REMEMBER THE ANNUAL GAS SAFETY CHECK IS FOR THE SAFETY OF YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.

Be Gas Safe

Keeping Warm And Saving Money

13

Benefit ChangesThe UK Government is making a number of changes to the benefits system. It is replacing a number of in-work and out-of-work benefits with a new, single benefit, called Universal Credit. From October, 2013, onwards there will be just one benefit and one monthly payment. Existing claimants will be gradually moved onto Universal Credit.

Do you know how you will be affected?

You will be expected to budget your money and pay your bills, including your rent. If you want help with budgeting, please contact us on 0300 303 1717.

The so-called “Bedroom Tax”

This will affect all households under retirement age from April, 2013.

The UK Government has decided that families of working age who under-occupy their home will have their housing benefit cut by 14% for one spare bedroom and 25% for two or more rooms.

The rules are:

• One bedroom for the tenant and their partner

• One bedroom for anyone aged 16 or over (such as a grown up child) or a couple over 16)

• Two sisters or two brothers under 16 are expected to share a bedroom

• A girl or boy is expected to share a bedroom with a brother or sister if they are both under 10

• Foster children do not count as part of the household for benefit purposes

• Where there is shared custody of a child, where the child lives will be based on whoever receives the child benefit.

It will be your responsibility to pay the difference between what you receive in housing benefit and your rent.

We have a benefit calculator which will show how the changes will affect you on our website, www.taicalon.org.

Council Tax Benefit

This will affect anyone will receives council tax benefit. From April, 2013, the UK Government expects everyone to make a contribution towards their council tax, even if they currently do not pay anything. Each local authority will decide whether it wishes to give

council tax benefit and how much. Please contact Blaenau Gwent council by ringing 01495 311556 to find out details of its scheme.

It will be your responsibility to make up the difference between what you receive in benefit and your council tax.

Housing Benefit

The UK Government wants to encourage everyone to manage their own money. So, from October, 2013, tenants who receive Universal Credit will no longer be allowed to have their housing costs paid directly to us, your landlord. Instead it will be paid to you and you will be responsible for making sure your rent is paid in full, on time, every time. The easiest way is by setting up a Direct Debit.

Please remember your home will be at risk if you fall into arrears.

Want more information about how we can help you? Ring us today on 0300 303 1717.

a

www.taicalon.orgfacebook.com/taicalon @taicalon