HometalkSpring 2012

www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

-see P12

a £50 gift

voucher

The magazine for Cannock Chase Council tenants

The first phase of new homes on the Elizabeth Road estate are almost

ready. Housing Portfolio Leader Frank Allen (left), Cllr Dennis Dixon and Cllr Gordon Alcott (right) made

a site visit to check on the development.Turn to Page 3 for more about these new homes,

which are being built in partnership with the Council.

Bumper 12 page

issue!

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www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

2012 2013

Your guide to the performance of the Council’s Housing Service

�������HEALTHCHECK

Although the target was not met, the figure includes the first week’s rent increase due in the 2012/13 financial year.

RENTS

Still well within our target despite a slight increase

We are getting better and will strive to continue the improvement.

COMPLIMENTS, COMMENTS & (FORMAL) COMPLAINTS

Contacts with the Housing Department are logged according to type. This information is now being provided to tenants.

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Contacts by tenants September 2011 to March 2012

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March 2012

Target

March 2011

Av. time to complete Non-urgent repairs

15

11.29

13.4

Number of days

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March 2012

Target

March 2011

% of repairs done as emergency jobs

15%

24%

22%

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March 2012

Target

March 2011

% of customers satisfied with theCouncil's allocations service

98% 96% 99%

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March 2012

Target

March 2011

£205,373

£211,724

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Rent money owed to the Council

£210,864

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March 2012

Target

March 2011

% of responsive repairs appointmentsmade & kept

95%98% 96%

REPAIRS APPOINTMENTS

Not quite there yet, however an improvement on last year as work continues to reach the target.

NB: shorter bars = Better performance

NB: Shorter bars = Better performance

NB: Longer bars = Better performance

NB: Shorter bars = Better performance

Longer bars = Better performance

= Target met

= Target missed

In the next edition we will be featuring here YOUR views on the Housing Service, on Hometalk magazine and any other matter of interest to tenants.Have your say by: text 07814 758558 ;call: 01543 464757;or e-mail: serviceimprovements@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

0 5 10

Total complaints

Unjustified complaints

Justified complaints

BREAKDOWN OF COMPLAINTS

0

5

5

ALLOCATIONS

Satisfaction with the service rose to 99 per cent! We tailor our service to meet customer needs, aiming to achieve 100% satisfaction

Cannock Chase Leaseholders’ response to a satisfaction survey organised by the Council produced a couple of surprising results.

Having purchased their flat or maisonette from the Council, one of the questions asked was whether they felt better off now as an owner - or back when they were a tenant.

The result showed something of a split with 57% saying they were better off, but that was a 6.5% drop from the previous survey.

However, leaseholders’ satisfaction with the service they get from Council continued to rise: 73.6% stated that they were satisfied/very satisfied with the Council as their leasehold manager, a rise of 1.5% on last year.

There were many more questions in the survey and the results will help the Council improve its service to leaseholders. For further information, details are available on the website or telephone the Councils Housing Property Services Section on 01543 462621.

The survey included a prize draw for those who responded and the winner was: Mrs P Carroll of Cannock

Leasers give their views

Stop PressA prestigious Bronze Considerate Constructors’ Award was recently won by Lovell for their work on the kitchen refurbishments carried out in Cannock Chase Council homes.

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www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

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We’ll pay for Bright Ideas!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 464757;

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!

Killer gas detector for everyCouncil home

Double Diamond celebration for new Cannock Chase housing…

T he first new homes on the Cannock housing estate named to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 will

be completed in time for her diamond jubilee in June.

The Elizabeth Road estate is undergoing a £17 million transformation by Waterloo Housing Association, in partnership with Cannock Chase Council and housebuilder Lovell, to create 150 high-quality new homes for rent and sale.

The new homes are replacing the estate’s old defective concrete properties and the first phase of houses to buy through shared ownership and for rent to local people, will be ready to move into during early summer. A selection of houses for outright sale

will quickly follow, with the whole development due to be finished by spring next year.

Officers and members of the Council visited the estate to see the progress on the new homes for themselves. They were joined by representatives from Waterloo and Lovell.

Cllr Frank Allen, the Council’s Housing Leader, said: “It h a s been a long but very worthwhile

journey to get the Elizabeth Road estate to this brink

of a very bright and promising new

era. I’m very impressed with the quality and

design of the new housing,

and look forward to the coming months

as residents move in. I’m sure they will be very proud to make the development their new home.”

Carbon monoxide detectors are

set to be installed in every Cannock Chase Council property with gas or solid fuel central heating.

This effective device, which will be wired in to the main electricity supply of each home currently without a detector, is a potential life-saver.

In addition, bungalows will have a low level switch installed for testing the detector.

A number of people die each year from this odourless but deadly gas.

upgradeThe fitting of the

detectors was given the go ahead by the Council as part of improvements to the Electrical Upgrade programme.

Tenants in properties earmarked for a detector will be notified in writing when the work is to be done which will be programmed over a 7 year period in conjunction with electrical upgrade works.

Double-glazing is to be provided to EVERY Cannock

Chase tenants’ home in the Improvement programme set down in the Council’s Housing Business Plan.

Over the next seven years, over 5000 properties owned by the Council will have these energy-saving units installed.

Only a few tenants already enjoy the benefits of double-glazing, including lower heating bills and less condensation. Now work is under way to bring these benefits to all.

A long-term benefit to the Council is that the massive investment could be partially offset in future years in terms of reducing repairs to properties due to condensation.

Consultations with Chase tenants showed that double glazing was high on

their list of home improvements.The majority of Council homes

currently have single glazed pvcu windows, which will now wherever possible be professionally cleaned and refurbished with double glazed sealed units being fitted into the existing frames.

The windows will also benefit from new locking handles with all seals and

other components being replaced wherever necessary.

Where existing frames are not suitable for

refurbishment, new double glazed windows will be installed.

Councillor Frank Allen said “Double glazing is one of the most needed of home improvements and

the Council is committed to giving all tenants the comfort and security it brings.”

Work is due to start in April 2013.

Flashback to last Autumn and an artist’s impression of how the new Elizabeth Road estate might look. As our front page picture shows, the new homes are now a reality

…and Double Glazing delight for Chase tenants!

The Government has introduced increased discounts to the Right to Buy scheme. To find out more, call the Council’s Right to Buy Team on 01543 462621 or check on the Council’s website.

Go to P9 for more about the Council’s Housing Business Plan

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Tenants looking either to save or borrow money in a secure and customer-friendly

way should take a look at the services offered by a Credit Union just setting up in the District with the backing of the Council.

Credit Unions are not-for-profit financial co-operatives that pool members’ savings to make low-cost loans to other members and one of them

- Fusion Credit - is now coming to Cannock Chase following approval from the Financial Services Authority.

Fusion Credit Union has been

operating in Lichfield since 2005 and, thanks to funding from Cannock Chase Council, will soon be offering its services to tenants and residents living and working in the District.

Fusion is operated entirely by volunteers and an appeal has

been made to people in the District to make sure it is a huge success in Cannock Chase.

The first service and contact

point is likely to be in the reception area at the Council’s Civic Centre in Beecroft Road, Cannock, but further points will be opened at different locations across the District, once volunteers have been recruited and trained by Fusion Credit Union.

It will cost just £2 to become a member of Fusion Credit Union - but

contrast that with the charges levied by unlicensed loan sharks, or even payday loan companies!

Cllr Gordon Alcott, Cannock Chase Council’s Economic Development and Planning Leader, said: “Credit Unions play a vital role in making sure that people can have access to affordable credit

and don’t fall prey to loan sharks and other undesirables. I urge anyone who would like to volunteer and make the credit union a huge success in the District to get in touch.”

People interested in becoming a Fusion Credit Union volunteer can email info@fusioncreditunion.co.uk or call 01543 415032 or 07972 656182.

Log on to www.fusioncreditunion.co.uk/ for more information.

money matters… money matters… money maCredit Union gets backing of Cannock Chase Council

Tightening your belts? Here’s a few money saving tips from the Council’s Finance

Department:1. Keep a ‘Spending Diary’ to find out

exactly where your money’s going: log the price of everything you buy and make a Budget Plan.

2. Pay for everything by the cheapest method: Direct Debits sometimes earn a discount from suppliers. Credit cards can carry a surcharge!

3. Compare the market for your phone, gas, electricity, broadband, insurance or whatever. Shop around on the internet, but don’t assume

comparison websites offer the best deals for you.

4. Switch off non-essential electric appliances at the wall socket when you go to bed and fit low energy lightbulbs.

5. Turn the heating down a notch, but when it’s really cold, leave it on continuously to maintain a room temperature of 21-24C (70-75F).

Penny-wise and Pound-sensible

D-I-Y could be very costlyA warning has gone out to tenants of the dangers of Do-it-Yourself electrical fittings and repairs.

It follows the discovery of a potentially lethal installation at a house during a recent inspection by the Council’s electrical contractor.

The fitment - which has since been made safe - posed a high risk of electric shock and fire. It had been done without permission and by a person without appropriate qualifications.

Cannock Chase tenants wishing to make ANY alterations must get written permission from the Council BEFORE any work is done. The work must be carried out by properly qualified people. Certification to that effect must be produced if requested by the Housing Department.

This is not ‘red tape’ - it could be a matter of life or death.

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Feed

Housing staff always aim to provide the best service for our tenants.

We listen to what you have to say.

Small changes make a big difference; the following

were implemented from your suggestions:

Another problem sorted

out by Housing staff involved the access to the free

Repairs Telephone at The Housing Bungalow: some tenants visiting on housing business pointed out the phone was far too close to the entrance door. Solution? The telephone has been moved to a more convenient spot

away from the entrance, making it easier to give information

clearly to the Repairs team.

A number of new tenants pointed out how much information is given

to them when they are signing up for their new Cannock Chase Council property and wished they had brought a bag with them for the booklets and paperwork they need to take away and read. The Housing Allocations team came up with the idea of giving each new tenant an environmentally friendly canvas bag to take all the information home (and, if needed, to store it in the bag for

handy reference).

Some disabled people used to find it somewhat difficult to access the Housing Bungalow, since the main doors are heavy to push open when in a wheelchair. Not any more: a bell has been installed at the entrance for anyone having difficulty getting access to ring for assistance. back

Nearly 40 homes in Norton Canes have had solar panels fitted as part of a trial scheme involving the Council.

39 bungalows will benefit from the panels which convert the suns energy cells to electricity, using photovoltaic (PV) cells. Tenants could save up to £100 on their annual energy bills.

The pilot scheme will allow the Council to take advantage of Government grants, with all installation and maintenance costs being met by specialist contractors Strategic Energy.

The properties are located in High Street, Yew Tree Close, Jerome Road and Jerome Drive. HOMETALK will keep you posted on the progress and results of the test.

Solar power on trial in Cannock Chase homes

Above: Work is under

way installing the

solar panels.

Right: A pair of the

bungalows ready to

soak up sun power.

Winners…Gas Servicing Draw:December: Mr E Berry, Hednesford; Mrs J Winfindale, Chadsmoor.

January: Ms Z Allport, Rawnsley; Mrs C Lewis, Hightown.

February: Mr T Cartlidge, Cannock; Mrs P Ryan, Rugeley.

Transfer Incentive questionnaire (£25 voucher): Mrs B Wilton, Norton Canes.

Estate Walk: Mrs P Fellows, Bridgetown.

Repairs Satisfaction:December: Mrs M Robinson, Rugeley.

January: Mrs W Smallman, Cannock.

February: Mr S Warren, Hednesford.

Wordsearch Winner: Mrs C Mears, Cannock.

Housing Assistant Lorraine Thiselton loads up information in one of the new bags provided free to new tenants.

David Lumsden is the Alarms Visiting Officer for Cannock Chase Council’s Housing Services. His job is to call on

tenants to help them use the facility, carry out checks and sort out problems.When can you expect to see David?

• New tenants with a Community Alarm get a visit in the first month.

• If your alarm is faulty or if there is a fault in the area.• As part of the Councils improvement and testing programme.• When he is carrying out a Tenancy Audit Visit. • If you have any problems with your Alarm System.

What will David look for?• That the cords have not been cut or tied up.• That the equipment is working• That you understand how the Alarm works

and the procedures.• That your Client information is up to date

and correct.

What kinds of Alarms are there?

There are two types: the hard wired system with cords in the bungalows and ground floor flats; and the other is the pendant system which plugs into your phone socket.

In case of an emergency, pull the cord or press the pendant button to alert Central Control.

What’s an Emergency?• Contacting the Emergency Services

(Police, Fire, Ambulance or Doctor)• Out of hours Emergency Repairs• Bogus callers at the door• Utility workers (gas, water, electricity

etc) turning up at your door unannounced - for you to confirm they are genuine!• When you go away for a few nights leaving your property unoccupied • Test Calls• Any time YOU need to speak to control urgently about anything or anyone

bothering you.

What happens after I set off the Alarm?• If you are able to respond to Central Control’s questions they

will contact the relevant emergency services or authorities for you. • If you are unable to respond, they will try to contact you or

someone from your Client information form sent to you annually. (You should keep this form up to date.)

What happens next?• Central Control will monitor the situation until it is resolved.Why should I test the Alarm monthly?• So you and Central Control know the equipment is working.• The Pendant Button is radio controlled and by testing it, it

allows us to know when the battery needs changing.• Testing also lets us know if there is a problem on our shared

telephone lines so we can keep them serviceable for use in an Emergency.

Why should the cords not be tied up or removed?

• In the event of a fall, you might not be able to reach the cord from the floor.

What if my grandchild pulls the cord?• The Operator will be only too happy to speak to them and

explain what the Cords are for. Please, don’t chastise children for accidentally pulling the cord - in an emergency they must not be frightened to use it.If any of your cords are missing or too short please contact the Alarm Visiting Officer, David on 01543 464758 who will happily sort them out for you.

A ‘guardian angel’ in your homeOver 2,000 customers are connected to the Council’s Emergency Alarm Call

Service, including many elderly and vulnerable tenants in Cannock Chase District itself. HOMETALK went to report on how it works.

David called in on tenant Tom Davies to check and test his pendant alarm, worn around the neck and able to summon help from anywhere in the property.

Checking the alarm pull

cords is one of David’s most

important tasks.

The support and reassurance offered by the Council’s

Emergency Alarm Service is being stepped up.

Customers linked in to the system will be getting a friendly call over their intercom from control centre, just to make sure everything is all right.

There’s no set time for the call, so don’t be worried. All you need to do is answer and say that you are OK.

These checks will also reassure control that your alarm is working properly. It is however, still vitally important that customers continue to check their alarm themselves as well.

As an incentive to do it, there’s £25 gift voucher to be won each quarter. Customers who test their

alarms will automatically go in to the

hat for the prize draw.

It’s recommended to test a

different alarm feature each time

you do it: Use one of the pull cords

or, if you are wearing a pendant or

wristband alarm, just ‘press to test’.

Rest assured, control staff will

NOT be inconvenienced by your test

calls. “You are definitely not being

a nuisance - we want to hear from

you, to make sure you’re ok and your

alarms are working properly,” said

Nigel Haywood, Tenancy Services

Manager.

• If you have any questions about testing or about the alarms themselves, you can always phone direct on 01543 574480.

A ‘guardian angel’ in your homeOver 2,000 customers are connected to the Council’s Emergency Alarm Call

Service, including many elderly and vulnerable tenants in Cannock Chase District itself. HOMETALK went to report on how it works.

Many thanks to Mrs Harvey, her daughter Lisa and Mr Davies for letting us illustrate the Alarm Call system. They and all the other clients are reassured to know that in a REAL incident, help is just a push of a button away.

1. Something was worrying Council tenant Elsie Harvey, so she pressed the button on her wall-mounted alarm

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2. Elsie was instantly in contact with an operator at the Alarm Call Centre situated at a location in Cannock Chase District and staffed round the clock, every day. The operator listened to Elsie’s problem and decided to call the client’s daughter, Lisa.

3. Although not an emergency, Lisa popped round right away to check out the situation

and reassure her mother.

4. Problem sorted - time for a nice cup of tea and a chat!

8

The Council is continuing to fund small-scale estate improvement projects suggested by tenants.

The Minor Works scheme has been running successfully and a budget has been set aside for this financial year.

Each of Cannock Chase’s three neighbourhood areas (Cannock, Rugeley & Hednesford) is allocated a portion of the budget.

All ideas for estate-based improvements are welcomed by the Housing Department and are discussed and assessed fairly by the Minor Works panel which is attended by tenant representatives.

To get the go-ahead, the job must be beneficial and, worthwhile, cost no more than £5,000 and improve the environment. All households that could be affected will be consulted and must also agree to the work being done.

Suggestions could include: security measures, signage, landscaping and installing community notice boards.

To submit YOUR suggestion, please call the Estates Management Team on 01543 462621 or email emteam@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

• Parking bays & signage at Broadhurst Green were a Minor Works project.

T he programme of Estate Walks for the coming year is enclosed with this issue of Hometalk and tenants are being urged to make a date in their diary for their area.

The walks are an ideal opportunity for tenants and residents to join estate management officers for a walk round their estate to see what, if anything needs doing.

It’s a totally informal atmosphere, with some laughs and banter along the way, good exercise and an opportunity to meet new people who live just ‘round the corner’.

But the Estate Walks are also your chance for direct action to GET SOMETHING DONE if you see a problem or a need for improvement. Issues might include graffiti, litter, highway maintenance and grounds maintenance or improvements on the estate such as signs, safety or fencing.

Kay Devey a Rumer Hill ‘estate walker’ said: “I’m able to point out the issues that affect me and my estate and get something done about them. I would encourage every tenant to get involved and attend an estate walk in their area.”

The Programme of Walks’ ‘fixture list’ will tell you where and when to meet. You can book a place in advance through your Estate Management officer - or just turn up on the day. Everyone is welcome!

Walk this way to improve your neighbourhood

Minor Works are the key

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Your Cut Out & KeepRent Calendar

RENT FREE WEEKS

2012/2013• December 24th• December 31stKeep your rent account up

to date to take advantage

of the free weeks.

H ousing chiefs in Cannock Chase are thinking ahead - with a Business Plan to provide

services and home improvements for tenants over the next THIRTY years.

The plan shows the Council’s commitment to being the major provider of social housing in the district long-term.

It sets out all the major modernisations tenants can look forward to in the near future and the coming years, the continuing improvements in the level of service provided by the Housing Department - and most importantly, how it’s going to be paid for.

The money aspect was launched in April this year when a system of self-financing replaced the Housing Revenue Account subsidy system. In short, it means the Council can keep all of its rent income and no longer pay ‘negative subsidy’ to the Government, but in exchange the Council has had to agree to a long term financial commitment and a cap on how much it can borrow to finance home improvements and services.

What does this mean for Cannock Chase Council Tenants?

Tenants will still be able to receive all of the important services that are currently available

- and more!While the plan looks far ahead in to

the future, many new features for the modernisation of the housing stock are just around the corner, including fitting double glazing to all dwellings, bathroom

replacements and the building of new Council houses.

Levels of service in respect of rent collection, the allocation and letting of vacant dwellings, tenant participation and estate management including estate walks and

action regarding anti-social behaviour and neighbour complaints are all being maintained.

Also in the plan are the Vulnerable Tenants Grass Cutting and Internal Decoration service; the Benion Road area CCTV system; an annual minor works budget (now £75,000), for improvements suggested by tenants and the sheltered housing and communal alarm monitoring service.

The Council will continue to: Service all gas and solid fuel heating

appliances

Provide a responsive repairs service

Work on empty properties to bring them up to lettable standard, such as putting a second door in any bungalows with only one door.

In dealing with problem properties, there will be structural reinstatement of the 63 Reema houses on the Moss Estate, Chadsmoor followed by the 44 Cornish houses in the Rowley Close Area.

But it is in the sphere of home and neighbourhood improvements that

tenants can look forward to the most exciting developments.

The kitchen replacement programme to dwellings which fail to meet the decent homes standard will benefit from enhanced features, such as wall and floor tiling.

A bathroom replacement programme at an enhanced standard is being reintroduced, with extractor fans and a shower-only option for tenants.

NEW projects include: upgrades to the communal areas of flat

blocks An external curtilage works programme

to paths, boundary walls and fencing. DOUBLE GLAZING!

See Page Three for the full story on this! A £1 million programme of environmental

improvements to shared car parking areas and communal open space.Existing improvement schemes continuing apace include:

New central heating systems for dwellings which fail to meet the decent homes standard or have solid fuel.

Electrical upgrades and the external envelope works programme.

NEW HOMES!It’s been quite some time since it was

allowed, but Cannock Chase is going to build 50 NEW COUNCIL HOUSES as part of the redevelopment of the Reema flats on the Moss Road Estate, Chadsmoor.

Members of the Council ratified the Housing Business Plan in February.

business plan… business plan… business pla

BACK TO THE FUTURE: the Council’s plan for tenants to 2042

The plan shows the Council’s commitment to

being the major provider of social housing in the

district long-term.

10 Getting to know you

There are new opportunities for Cannock Chase people to get out and meet new friends in a

social setting with the “Get Together” programme organised by Chase CVS.

The scheme was launched in February/March and takes place at our Highfields Centre on Tuesdays and Longford Court Sheltered Scheme on Thursdays.

The weekly ‘get togethers’ are a cheaper alternative to existing day-care services and offer a varied range of activities, as well as a hot lunch.

Chase CVS are supported by a team of volunteers to run the sessions.

If you are interested in joining one of the Get Togethers and would like more Information Including the cost, or to volunteer to help, call Caroline Bradford on 01543 500404.

A new campaign to stamp out domestic violence in Cannock Chase is being

backed by local soccer stars, rugby players, boxers - and the Council’s Housing chiefs.

In 2010 and 2011, almost ONE THIRD of violent crime in Cannock Chase District was domestic related and was one of the four main causes of homelessness.

So Staffordshire Women’s Aid is asking the simple question: Are you a Real Man?

They say: “A Real Man doesn’t hit, abuse, control or hurt the ones he loves.”

Violence against women and children is an issue for everyone and the charity’s campaign asks both men and women to support the work they do and to act now to end domestic and sexual violence.

The campaign was launched on Valentine’s Day this year and so far over 500 people have signed the pledge, including Cannock Chase Council’s Housing Policy Development Committee, Hednesford Town Football Club, Rugeley Rugby Club and The Right Stuff Boxing Project.

If you want to support the campaign, sign the Women’s Aid pledge at:www.realmancampaign.com

Looking after your garden in dry conditions: Top Tips from Estate Caretaker Brian Gold.

Despite those April downpours, we’re still officially in a drought, so use water wisely.

• Add a small amount of washing-up liquid to your watering can and sprinkle on to lawns. This acts as a cheap wetting agent.

• If your grass goes brown, it doesn’t mean it has died: it will recover when it rains.

• Get a water butt to store what rainfall you can and use a watering can instead of a hose.

• Water your garden in the cool of the early morning or evening. This will reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.

• Don’t water plants too often - their roots will remain shallow, weakening the plant.

• Regularly weed your garden, so watering helps your plants and not the weeds.

• Plant flowers and shrubs that thrive in hot and dry conditions such as thyme, evening primrose, rock rose, Californian poppy, pinks, lavender, buddleia and hebes.

Are you a REAL MAN?

A gentle keep-fit session in progress at Longford Court - one of the activities on offer in the “Get Together” programme.

Better cover and cheaper premiums for Home Contents Insurance is now on offer for Cannock Chase tenants after the Council compared the market for the best deal.

The Council decided to switch companies in April and Jardine Lloyd Thompson Risks is now providing cover for tenants’ own personal property.

It will mean premium savings, greatly improved policy cover and a host of new cover options for all tenants.

Never forget - the Council insures the bricks and mortar of your home, but your personal goods, TV’s, washing machines, jewellery etc. are your responsibility.

The Council’s home contents insurance can be paid along with your rent at a small weekly extra charge.

“We feel that the new arrangement offers substantially better value for our tenants and is part of the Council’s commitment to ensuring that our tenants have access to affordable home contents insurance,” said Ian Tennant, Head Of Housing Services.

If you are not in the scheme and don’t have contents insurance cover, think carefully about the risk you are taking with your possessions in the event of a fire, flood, break in etc.

For more about the scheme, call the Council’s insurance department 01543 464679 or 464258.

The Government’s shake –up of the country’s welfare benefits system is under way – and

some Cannock Chase tenants will be affected. Housing benefit is being included in the review and the first changes will begin in April 2013. Hometalk will report developments and announcements of changes as they occur.DO YOU RECEIVE HOUSING BENEFIT?DO YOU HAVE A SPARE ROOM?

From April 2013, the Government is proposing to reduce the amount of housing benefit paid to working age tenants who have spare bedrooms in their homes. This will not apply to tenants of pensionable age.

The current suggested rates of reduction are 14% for one spare bedroom and 25% for two spare bedrooms.

Here are some examples of families who may be affected by these changes.

A single person or a couple living in a 2, 3 or 4 bedroom property.

A single person or a couple with one child, living in a 3 or 4 bedroom property.

A single person or a couple with two children of the same sex under the age of 16, living in a 3 or 4 bedroom property.

A single person or couple with 2 children under 10 of different sexes living in a 3 or 4 bedroom house.

A couple who have weekend access to a child in a 2 or 3 bedroom property.

ExampleIf a single person who is

receiving income support and is living in a two bedroom property with a rent of £65.00 per week; the amount of housing benefit payable would be £55.90 which would leave the tenant to pay £9.10 towards the rent.

The regulations aim to encourage families to occupy properties that are suitable for their family size and make available family accommodation for those on the waiting list.

If you currently under occupy your home you may want to consider the following options:

• Apply to join the waiting list to start looking for a smaller home. Transfers are subject to availability.

• Explore the possibility of a mutual exchange. Cannock Chase Council currently works with Homeswapper mutual exchange matching service. More details can be found on homeswapper.co.uk

The Housing benefit department will contact all

tenants who will be affected by the new legislation nearer to April 2013.

If you have any questions regarding moving home then telephone 01543 464768.

If your query is regarding rent call 01543 464572 or 01543 464377.

11New Housing Benefit rules imminent

Published by: CANNOCK CHASE COUNCIL HOUSING DIVISION Editorial Consultants: MID STAFFS NEWS AGENCY 01785 823489 Printed by: GEORGE ST. PRESS LTD. STAFFORD. 01785 258226

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.

Hometalk is available in LARGE PRINT and ON TAPE. Contact

the Service Improvement Team on 01543 462621.

12

CHECK THOSE ALARMS!Tenants & all other clients using Cannock Chase Council’s alarm system are reminded to carry

out their monthly check: ONCE A MONTH pull the cord to alert the call centre. This will test the alarm is working and

reassure operators that you are all right.

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

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

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

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

NB Closing date is: Friday 15th June.(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 E N A L P O R E A FU K E S C O O T E RT N I A R T L L S FX A F B A A C P E RT O X N R Y O R B ER R D I C O R T T NA E M I R Y T A C IM F B A E D O O L LE O C S U B I N M OS S U B M A R I N E

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.

Find these items in the

WORDSEARCH grid:

TRAIN AEROPLANE

CAR TRAM

BICYCLE BOAT

SCOOTER TANDEM

OMNIBUS FERRY

MOTORBIKE TAXI

SUBMARINE

Tiebreaker: Cruise around

for this mode of transport:

_ _ _ _ _

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 EXCEPT Wednesdays, when it is 9am to 1pm.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.

Diary Dates…

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

Anti Social Behaviour Focus Group: 14th June, 2pmMinor Works Focus Group: 12th July, 2pm

- call Estate Management on 01543 462621 for details of both Focus Group meetings.Closing date for Minor Works applications is: 8 June 2012.

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

Nuisance Hotline…NUISANCE HOTLINE 01543 462621now operator answered 24/7

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’