open house - autumn 2014

IN THIS ISSUE...

RESIDENTS’ NEWSLETTER ISSUE 42 – AUTUMN 2014

OPEN HOUSEwww.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Page 9 Fire door investment

0 999 day success

Page 18 Charitycream tea

Page 3 New boss for Eastbourne Homes

More Information?Contact: Ian FitzpatrickManaging DirectorT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

WelcomeWelcome Beat the burglars 2

New boss for Eastbourne HomesArea Panel supports school gardeners 3

Everybody needs good neighbours 4

Sue and Peter bow outArtwork competition 5

Rent arrears advice Eastbourne Homes bucks national trend 6

Spotlight on staff 7

Tick, Tock, Test 8

Fire door investment Free fire alarm testers 9

999 day success 10

Hydneye given cash injection 11

Responsive repairs 12-13

New contract brings big savings Right to Buy changes 14

Cleaning up Willingdon Trees Upwyke House refurb 15

Leasehold news New Panel recruited 16

Street Learning 17

Panel news 18-19

CONTENTS

02 www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Autumn 2014

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

OPEN HOUSE

Beat the burglars

...to my first column in Open House.

I’m excited to be joining Eastbourne Homes at a time of change for the housing sector, and I’m fortunate to have an experienced and dedicated team working with me to help meet these challenges.

As I hope you’re all aware, we’ve carried out a consultation on the future of Eastbourne Homes. We’re now in the process of negotiating a new contract with Eastbourne Borough Council which should result in big savings and it’s been recommended that councillors approve

a new contract for Eastbourne Homes to manage council-owned homes for up to 20 years.

I’m very impressed with the work of the Area Panels, which have funds to help community projects. Make sure you get in touch with yours if you have a suggestion and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Ian Fitzpatrick, Managing Director

Residents are being urged to join the battle against burglars by logging their valuables on a free national website.

Immobilise is the world’s largest property register and allows police and the public to work together to make stolen items too hot to handle and signing up improves the chances of people being reunited with their stolen or lost property.

The website is free to use and any property can be registered using photos and descriptions.

Registering property is simple and only takes a few minutes. Visit www.immobilise.com for more information.Front cover

Neighbourhood Officer Doug Beney at Lindfield school

More Information?Contact: Ian FitzpatrickManaging DirectorT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

03www.eastbournehomes.org.uk www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Ian Fitzpatrick (pictured left) has a wealth of experience in the social housing sector, having worked for Eastbourne Borough Council, Worthing Borough Council and Brighton & Hove City Council.

He has been with Eastbourne Borough Council for nearly nine years, most recently as Senior Head of Community Services, delivering high-quality housing and environmental health services, community safety, local and county partnership activity and looking after the council’s revenues and benefits service.

Councillor Margaret Bannister, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “This is a terrific appointment for Eastbourne Homes. I’d like to thank Tim Harris for all the work he’s done in the interim and I look forward to continuing to work with Ian as he moves to his new position.”

Ian said: “I’m delighted to be joining Eastbourne Homes. The housing sector is changing all the time, but my previous roles have set me up well for the challenges ahead.”

Eastbourne Homes’ Neighbourhood Officer Doug Beney (right) with Julie Marks (pink top) and pupils

Eastbourne Homes has appointed a new Managing Director.

Area Panel supports budding school gardeners

The school, which has around 80 pupils, runs a BTEC qualification in horticulture for some of the older pupils. The garden was set up last year and pupils learn about planting and growing and have produced a range of fruit and vegetables including peas, lettuce, strawberries and rhubarb.

The children needed somewhere to store their gardening equipment and wanted to grow plants in the 20ft long polytunnel, so applied to the Area Panel.

Julie Marks, who is in charge of gardening at Lindfield, said: “Because this is a special school, courses which are more practical are better for many of the students. The children have been learning about planting and compost bins and we now have a wormery.

“We’re very grateful to the Area Panel for funding the shed and polytunnel. With a bit of help, the children dug the foundations and put the hoops up for it.”

Budding gardeners from Lindfield School in Hampden Park have a new shed and polytunnel, thanks to a £1,100 donation from Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees Area Panel.

New boss for Eastbourne Homes

Amy McCaw, 90, and Sheila Smith, 87, have been friends since meeting at the Eastbourne Homes-managed Langney Court, which has since been demolished. They were neighbours for 12 years there, then moved to Roxburgh Court where they spent a further 15 years living alongside each other.

Their last move was three years ago when they went into the newly refurbished Cumbria Court in Milfoil Drive. Sadly, the pair will now be separated as Amy is relocating to Worcester to be near her son.

Residents and staff at Cumbria Court had a special coffee morning to say goodbye to Amy and the pair were both presented with a framed photo of them together.

Both ladies have one son and Sheila has four grandchildren. Amy has lived mainly in Eastbourne for the past 40 years, although she was born in Norfolk, and Sheila has lived locally all her life.

The ladies have enjoyed weekly shopping trips over the years, shared many cups of coffee and Sheila even taught Amy to swim. Their friendship was strengthened further when they supported each other through the loss of their husbands.

Amy said: “The people who live here are all very nice and I shall miss everyone, especially Sheila. Until now, my son has come to Eastbourne for regular visits and I’ve been going to Worcester twice a year for holidays too, so I do know one or two people up there.”

Sheila hopes their friendship will last, despite the distance between them, and said: “It won’t be the same without Amy.”

Debbie Buckley, Eastbourne Homes’ on-site coordinator for Cumbria Court, said: “It’s unusual for neighbours to move around with each other. I know Amy and Sheila have spent many happy times together over the years and we’re all sorry to see Amy moving on. She’s been an important part of our community and we shall all miss her.”

Everybody needs good neighboursTwo neighbours are celebrating their close friendship after living next door to each other for more than 30 years – despite moving twice.

Cumbria Court resident Gerald Shepherd presents Amy (left) and Sheila with their photo

Amy (left) and Sheila show off their photo


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Compete with other artists to create a unique image to help us celebrate Christmas in style this year. Artists can create their work using any two-dimensional medium (painting, drawing, computer generated, photographs, etc).

Entries will be judged by the Customer Communications & Editorial Panel and the new Managing Director, Ian Fitzpatrick. All artwork submitted will be on display in our offices during late December and January.

The winning pieces will be used as follows:

1st place – The winner will have their artwork used on the cover of Open House, which goes to all Eastbourne Homes residents.

2nd place – The 2nd prize winner’s entry will be used as this year’s corporate e-Christmas card to send to all our contacts and suppliers.

The artist’s name, if they wish, will be credited under each piece of artwork. The winning artists will be reaching a very large audience.

All entries should be sent to: Jane McCarthy-Penman, Eastbourne Homes Ltd, Ivy House, Ivy Terrace, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4TQ no later than 3rd November 2014.

Good luck and happy creating… we look forward to seeing all of your entries!

Artwork competitionCalling all budding artists! We are looking for two amazing pieces of artwork with a Christmas or winter theme to be used by Eastbourne Homes.

Sue and Peter Parsons bid their final farewell to the Central and Archery Panel at this year’s AGM. Always shy of stealing the limelight, with understated emotion they thanked everyone and calmly wished the Panel well. Panel members and Eastbourne Homes staff showed their warm appreciation, which Sue and Peter accepted with their usual gracious modesty.

Over the last decade, Sue and Peter have been the backbone of the Panel, taking on the formal roles of Chair and Treasurer, and always being there to help and support Panel members.

They have left their mark on the local community, from the outdoor gym at the Archery, to their lesser-known contributions over the years to so many community events and projects, especially for the younger generation.

Peter’s cheerful determination to make a difference will remain with the Panel and few will forget his dashing charm when he welcomed people to the Getting to Know You event dressed handsomely in his black tie.

Keeping the books in excellent order, Sue has been a tireless servant of the Panel and has a record of representing resident views in so many forums that may never be surpassed. Members of the Panel know they are irreplaceable but the welcoming, caring spirit they brought to us isn’t going anywhere.

Although Sue has stepped down from the Area Panel, she’ll still sit on the Eastbourne Homes Board.

Sue and Peter bow out in style

Sue and Peter

If so, contact John Nelson, the Financial & Social Inclusion Officer here at Eastbourne Homes. Part of John’s role is to provide advice and assistance to residents to help maximise their incomes by checking that they are receiving the correct entitlements.

All too often if you are working, your tax code may be wrong, meaning that too much Income Tax is being deducted. There may be expenses that can be claimed to offset your Income Tax. Benefit entitlement can be checked to ensure you are receiving the correct amount, or identify benefits you are entitled to, but are not claiming.

If you cannot afford to repay all your debts, John can show you how to reschedule your debts so that you ensure your priorities are covered and only pay to the others what you can afford. This means you can concentrate on paying your rent and any rent arrears to ensure you stay in your home.

John can be contacted on the details above.

Bedroom tax/discretionary housing paymentsThe discretionary housing payment that some of you have been receiving to help pay the rent and make up for the bedroom tax charged will have already stopped or end shortly, as the award is made for a limited time.

If you are under-occupying bedrooms you will have to find the money to pay the bedroom tax or look at

your other options. You could look to downsize to a smaller property that would have the correct number of bedrooms for your family size and not be charged the bedroom tax. Or you could look to mutually exchange your property with a family who need a larger property and the number of bedrooms they have is the ideal size for you. Two problems are solved by the one move and Eastbourne Homes has an incentive scheme that can help you with some of the costs involved.

All under-occupying households are eligible and the scheme covers items such as clearing rent arrears and any costs of making good the property which would be charged to you. Amounts are decided on a case-by-case basis by what is required and up to £1,000 can be awarded (note it is not a flat £1,000 in each case).

Finally, you can of course apply for another discretionary housing payment and application forms can be obtained from the council or Eastbourne Homes. However, be aware funds are limited, so apply now. You have to show why you need help by explaining your circumstances and showing why you cannot afford the payments yourself by setting out your income and expenditure on the application form.

If you need help/advice regarding a discretionary housing payment, please contact John Nelson, your Neighbourhood Officer or your on-site co-ordinator.

More Information?Contact: John NelsonFinancial & Social Inclusion OfficerT: 01323 436474E: [email protected]

Are you in rent arrears? Struggling with bills? Need help to budget the money you have coming in?


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While other social housing providers are struggling to manage following welfare reforms, Eastbourne Homes is bucking the trend. Over the last 18 months, the social housing provider’s officers have worked hard to reduce the amount of rent arrears by £100,000, which is a reduction of 28%.

Tim Harris, Eastbourne Homes’ former Interim Chief Executive, said: “April 2013 saw the introduction of welfare reforms that affected the income of more than 300 local households. We’ve helped tenants to adjust to these changes, ensuring tenancies were sustained and that the arrears did not rise as a consequence.

“Collecting the rent is the key source of revenue for providing housing services. The more Eastbourne Homes helps a tenant to manage any debt, the more secure that tenant is. I would urge any of our residents who have concerns to contact us if they need advice and support.”

Eastbourne Homes bucks national trend

More Information?Contact: John NelsonFinancial & Social Inclusion OfficerT: 01323 436474E: [email protected]


Spotlight on staff

22-year-old Michael (pictured) joined EHL in January last year and his placement came to an end in July.

He undertook a two-week course in office skills which provided him with a basic knowledge of the business and admin field and while he was studying he applied for the vacancy at EHL.

At the same time as he started at EHL, Michael began an NVQ in Business & Administration with Sussex Downs College. He also learned on the job and provided admin support to all departments and a college assessor visited him regularly to set assignments which were relevant to his job.

Michael, who lives in Eastbourne, said: “This is my first proper job and I’ve learnt a lot. This role is a world away from studying in college and it meant getting out of the student mode and into work mode. Working and studying together helped make everything clearer.

“The people at EHL have been great – they’re all really kind, caring and helpful. It’s a nice environment to work in and I’ll be sad to leave.”

Sam Hardy, HR Manager, said: “Michael has been a great help to many colleagues during his time with us. He has

worked hard to achieve his apprenticeship and we all wish him well for the future.

“Michael was our first apprentice and we are pleased that we have been able to help somebody like Michael starting out in his career. It has been an objective for EHL for some time to take on apprentices as part of our wider Tackling Worklessness Strategy.”

Michael is now looking for another admin role that applies the skills and abilities that he’s learnt at EHL.

Outside of work, he’s involved with amateur dramatics, having appeared in Sweeney Todd, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Taming of the Shrew, as well as a film called Marching to Music. Michael is also hoping to star in the Polegate pantomime this Christmas.

Apprentice Administrator Michael Eccles has completed his 18-month stint at Eastbourne Homes Ltd (EHL).

Mears has welcomed a new Customer Care Officer.

Matt Attrell (pictured left) has a strong background in finance but was keen to move into a more community-based role. He is originally from Brighton but now lives in Eastbourne.

Matt said: “I’ve always been in customer relations but I wanted to work at the heart of the community, helping residents and dealing with any problems.

“I am the liaison point between Eastbourne Homes and their residents when repairs are carried out and I make sure work is of the highest standard. I’m really enjoying the job – it’s a challenge, but a good one.”

Matt is also responsible for community projects and any fundraising events.

He has replaced Chloe Hutton, who is now a Regional Support Officer for Mears.

New Customer Care Officer for Mears

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is again encouraging people to test their smoke alarms when they change their clocks this coming autumn.

The snappy tagline ‘TICK, TOCK, TEST’ should help remind us all of the need to test our smoke alarms at this time of year.

Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work. With 211 people dying in fires in the home last year, and over 70% not being alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm, it is essential that people test their smoke alarms regularly.

A working smoke alarm can buy you and your family the valuable time you need to get out, stay out and call 999. You’re four times more likely to survive a fire if you have a working smoke alarm.

Fire Kills campaign’s memorable phrase – Tick, Tock, Test – provides a reminder that will stay in people’s minds and hopefully prompt them into action when they go around their home changing their clocks.

As part of the Fire Kills campaign, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is determined to prevent as many deaths as possible and make sure people test their alarms.

Dave Sheppard, Borough Commander for Eastbourne, said:

“Tick, Tock, Test is straight talking, easy to remember and intrinsically links clock change weekend to testing your smoke alarm.

“Everyone soon notices when a clock stops ticking, but it’s not so easy to be sure that your smoke alarm is still in working order. Whether the battery is flat, has been used for a child’s toy or the connection is loose, everyone should take the time to test. And, as over half the people who died in home fires

last year were 65 years old or above, this is also a perfect opportunity to test alarms for older relatives who might find it hard to reach their alarms but are at greater risk.

“By pushing the ‘test’ button on every smoke alarm, you could save the lives of your nearest and dearest – children, parents and friends alike.”

So when clock change weekend arrives, remember – Tick, Tock, Test.

Free home safety visits are available to anyone who is over 65, single parents, disabled or reduced mobility, hearing or sight impaired, smokers or living in rented or social housing.


Autumn 2014


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TICK, TOCK, TEST your smoke alarm before it’s too late.

Free home safety advice is available to everyone in the community and can be obtained by contacting East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service on 0800 177 7069 or by visiting www.esfrs.org.


Eastbourne Homes carries out major fire door investment Eastbourne Homes has invested more than £130,000 to ensure the safety of its residents in the event of a fire.

New fire doors have been installed at 220 properties throughout the town, including Northumberland Court in Hampden Park.

The doors will ensure that if a fire starts, it is contained within the area and doesn’t compromise the means of escape for the other residents. They will also keep any residents who become trapped in their rooms protected from the fire for long enough for fire crews to arrive.

Tim Harris, former Interim Chief Executive at Eastbourne Homes, said: “Standards are going up all the time in the social housing sector and it’s important that we carry out the necessary improvements to keep our residents as safe as we can.”

Dave Sheppard, Eastbourne Borough Commander, said: “East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is delighted that Eastbourne Homes is continuing to invest in its residents’ safety by installing improved fire doors.”

Resident Sabrina Bektasevic moved into Northumberland Court with her son in June and said: “It’s definitely more secure with the new doors and I like having a fob for this reason. It means no one can just walk in. Everything’s good here.”

Councillor Margaret Bannister, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “It’s great to see so many front doors and fire doors being replaced by Eastbourne Homes. This investment shows the organisation’s commitment to continue to update and raise the standard of its properties. This follows on from the investment it made to bring housing stock up to the Decent Home standards.”

Left to right: Tim Harris, resident Sabrina Bektasevic and Dave Sheppard

If you are aged over 65 and struggle to reach your fire alarm, Mears may have the answer.

It has taken delivery of some plastic hands on sticks which are designed for checking that ceiling-mounted alarms are working.

The sticks are just over 2ft long and mean that older people or those with mobility problems can safely check their alarms without having to climb on a ladder or chair.

There is a limited supply, which will be handed out on a first come, first served basis. Please contact Matt Attrell on 01323 436431 for more information.

Plastic hands help test fire alarms


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Attendees were treated to displays from Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, RNLI, Coastguards, plus there was a funfair and stands from many other services and charities.

The event provided an ideal chance to introduce EHL’s services and staff were on hand with a range of information, leaflets and stickers. Neighbourhood Officers were also available to talk about the work of Area Panels and how they help across the community.

Doug Beney from EHL said: “We had a great time at the 999 event and it gave us an ideal opportunity to chat to residents in a relaxed environment regarding various issues including arranging repairs, setting up a rent agreement and discussing anti-social behaviour.”

The weekend was opened by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, who said: “I was honoured to open the 999 event, which was led this year by Sussex Police. This event is in its 28th year, which I have seen grow year on year, so I was really delighted to be there to show my support for the emergency services and the

amazing work these men and women do on our behalf throughout the year to keep us safe.”

Sussex Police Chief Constable, Giles York, said: “This is the first time in my six years with Sussex Police that I have visited the Eastbourne 999 weekend. I was extremely impressed by the scale and organisation of the event. It is incredibly important that emergency services demonstrate to those we serve just what we do on a daily basis and how all services work together to keep Sussex safe.

“These types of events are also so important to talk with members of the public about crime prevention, victim support, domestic abuse awareness and many other important subjects and are great for encouraging people to become involved in their local community through schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch and Speed Watch. I look forward to attending next year.”

Town’s annual 999 day a successAn estimated 25,000 people attended Eastbourne’s 999 emergency services display in the summer and Eastbourne Homes Ltd (EHL) had a stand there for the first time ever.

Doug Beney and Danielle Hoad from Eastbourne Homes with 999 visitors


Hydneye given cash injection

Significant improvements have been made to the areas around Fife Court and Ross Court in Hampden Park, which are managed by Eastbourne Homes.

Car parks have been extended, community grass areas have been replanted and security fencing installed in an attempt to reduce fly tipping and other anti-social behaviour.

Eastbourne Homes and Eastbourne Borough Council staff got together with residents, councillors and Police Community Support Officers to celebrate the improvements.

Hampden Park Councillor, Pat Hearn, said: “This is an example of the achievements that can be made when the community works together. Along with the Area Panel

donation, Eastbourne Homes has contributed greatly to the changes, as have residents, councillors and the East Hampden Park Action Group. Hopefully we’re bringing the feel-good factor back into Hampden Park.”

Eastbourne Homes’ Interim Head of Housing, Tracy Evans, said: “The area is being transformed and the cash injection and time commitment from the Area Panel has significantly helped with this. Residents are pleased with the improvements, particularly as anti-social behaviour has been reduced.”

Sergeant Gareth Evans, from Sussex Police, said: “This is a good example of how working in partnership has been successful in reducing anti-social behaviour and improving the area for the local community.”

Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees Area Panel has given a £15,000 boost to The Hydneye.

RESPONSIVE REPAIRSYour Call, Your Home, Your Service

More Information?Contact: Clive StonemanRepairs Services ManagerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

Your CallPlease remember to use the following numbers (24hrs) to report a new repair or enquire about an existing repair.

For general repairs please call: – 01323 436436For gas repairs and servicing please call: – 0800 142 2761 – 020 8763 5333

You can also contact the service by using one of the following methods to report non-urgent repairs or to enquire about an existing repair:

Internet – www.eastbournehomes.org.uk just follow the link to report a repair onlineEmail – [email protected]


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The winner of the quarterly prize draw for returning his completed repair service satisfaction questionnaire was Mr Banks from Langney, who will receive a £50 Argos voucher.

Your Home

Rechargeable repairsThe Repairs team has recently dealt with a high number of calls where repairs have been reported that are either a tenant’s responsibility or could have been avoided by tenants taking action before they became an issue. In some instances the tenants were recharged for the repairs that were then carried out. Please remember the following repair responsibilities that are covered by your tenancy agreement:

• To report all defects which are the council’s responsibility as soon as possible.

• To complete those repairs that are highlighted as a tenant’s responsibility. For example, internal door repairs and unblocking of sinks.

• To allow access to carry out inspections, repairs, servicing (gas and electrical), improvements or any other work considered necessary. You could be recharged for not allowing access.

• To repay Eastbourne Homes the full cost of any items which may have been lost, broken or damaged by the tenant, members of their household, visitors or pets.

• To take reasonable care to keep drains, gullies, waste and soil pipes clean and clear.

• To keep the property and gardens in a clean and tidy condition. You could be recharged if Eastbourne Homes has to carry out works to the property or garden if you do not comply with this condition of your tenancy agreement.

• To keep the interior of the premises in good decorative order. This includes cleaning walls where condensation has formed to avoid large areas of mould appearing and potentially requiring treatment.

Your responsibilities regarding repairs to your home and our own responsibilities to you are outlined within the following documents:

• Tenancy Agreement

• Tenant Handbook

• Reporting your Repairs Handbook

• Repair Services Policy

• Repairs Recharge Policy

These documents (apart from your own tenancy agreement) are available to view on our website. Alternatively, you can request a copy by contacting the Repairs team on 01323 436436.

More Information?Contact: Clive StonemanRepairs Services ManagerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]


Your Service Approximately 15,000 responsive repairs were completed by the Eastbourne Homes repair service during 2013/14, which is around 2,000 more than the previous year. The increase in demand for repairs was largely due to the severe storms experienced during the winter months, where we received a dramatic increase in requests for fencing and roofing repairs.

Despite the increase, the repair service team was able to improve performance in a number of key areas including those highlighted within the table below.

Approximately 4,000 satisfaction questionnaires were returned last year, which accounted for 26% of the responsive repairs completed. We would, however, like to increase this return rate and are working with our call centre teams to undertake telephone satisfaction surveys for repairs. In the meantime, please continue to return your paper questionnaires.

The repair service received 407 compliments during the year and just 30 complaints, which is a great achievement considering the high level of repairs completed.

Performance Area Target 2012/13 2013/14 % Performance Performance Improvement

% appointments made and kept 99% 98.6% 99.3% 0.7%

% repairs completed right first time 92.5% 88.5% 90.5% 2%

% tenants satisfied with their responsive repair 95% 97.5% 98.6% 1.1%

BEKO IS STILL SEEKING SOME OLDER MODELS OF BEKO, FLAVEL AND LEISURE GAS COOKERS THAT CAN PRODUCE POTENTIALLY FATAL LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE, IF USED INCORRECTLY WITH THE GRILL DOOR CLOSED.

IF YOU HAVE A GAS COOKER IN YOUR HOME THEN MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT AT RISK BY ASKING YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. Is it a Beko, Flavel or Leisure?2. Does it have a separate oven and grill?3. Does the serial number begin 03,04,05,06,07,08? (this can be found on the cooker, as shown in the diagram shown left)

If the answer is yes to all 3 questions then urgently call us on 0800 917 2018 or go to www.beko.co.uk for further information.

Note: this safety information is part of Beko’s ongoing corrective action of old models, and does not affect any current appliance range.

Serial Number

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING FOR RESIDENTS

Autumn 2014OPEN HOUSE

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OPEN HOUSE

Eastbourne Borough Council is set to make savings of up to £1.5million a year through a closer working relationship with Eastbourne Homes.

The organisation was set up as a not-for-profit company in 2005 to provide management services for council homes, unlocking funding to deliver the government’s Decent Homes programme.

As the Eastbourne Homes contract is due to expire in March 2015, a town-wide Housing Futures consultation was launched earlier this year to get people’s views on how housing management services should be provided in future.

The consultation ran between April and June and questionnaires were sent to all Eastbourne Homes residents. In addition, 34 public events were held to seek people’s views.

Nearly 550 responses were submitted by Eastbourne Homes residents, which represents a total return of 13.4%.

The results showed overwhelming support for the council and Eastbourne Homes to work together more closely, with

80% of respondents backing this option. Just 20% preferred management by the council.

A copy of the consultation report can be found at the following website address: http://www.eastbourne.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations/your-home-your-say/

As a result of the consultation, at July’s Cabinet meeting the recommendation was for councillors to approve a new contract for Eastbourne Homes to manage council-owned homes for up to 20 years with a review every five years.

The agreement includes cost-saving measures of up to £1.5million a year such as sharing some senior level managers, moving Eastbourne Homes to council offices at 1 Grove Road, integrating support services and introducing a single customer contact centre.

Roger Eastwood, Chair of Eastbourne Homes, said: “I am pleased the partnership between the council and Eastbourne Homes will not only continue, but become even stronger. We have achieved a great deal together in the past 10 years, such as Decent Homes, and I am looking forward to building on this excellent track record.”

New contract brings big savings

From 21st July 2014, the maximum cash discount amount available to eligible tenants was increased in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and will continue to increase on an annual basis from April 2015. For 2014/15, the maximum cash discount amount outside of London has risen from £75,000 to £77,000.

Also from 21st July 2014, the maximum percentage discount available to eligible tenants living in houses was increased from 60% to 70%. This brings the figure in line with the maximum percentage discount available for flats.

You could be eligible to purchase your home under the Right to Buy scheme if:

• You are a secure council tenant

• You have been a public sector tenant for at least five years

• The property is your only, or principal, home

• You do not have any legal problems with debt

• You do not have any possession orders

• Your home is not due to be demolished

• You do not live in sheltered or other housing suitable for elderly or disabled people

Your eligibility would need to be confirmed by your landlord as part of the Right to Buy process. For more information on the implications of purchasing your home, please refer to the information available on: www.eastbournehomes.org.uk/my-home/right-to-buy/ or email the Rents & Right to Buy Officer: [email protected]

Right to Buy scheme changes

Willingdon Trees Neighbourhood Management Panel partners, Eastbourne Borough Council, Places for People and Eastbourne Homes came together to hold a community clean up in Willingdon Trees in the summer.

With the help of other partners, Milhams and The Payback Team, the team worked across the area identifying and removing fly tipping, clearing overgrown alleyways, clearing weeds from car parks and litter picking the streets and pathways.

A big thank you to all involved who gave up their time.

Cleaning up Willingdon Trees

15www.eastbournehomes.org.ukwww.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Upwyke House residents pleased with refurbishment

Some of the residents and builders at Upwyke House

Upwyke House in Old Town has undergone a complete refurbishment.

The 16-week project, costing £475,000, has seen huge improvements to the sheltered housing accommodation, benefiting the 42 residents.

Eastbourne Homes manages the council’s housing stock, overseeing all major works. The extensive work at Upwyke House, which was carried out around the residents, has seen new kitchens and bathrooms fitted where they were needed, as well as new flat entrance doors, electrical upgrades and a full refurbishment of all corridors and stairways.

Additionally, the residents are now able to take advantage of a new scooter room and communal kitchen, plus an extra flat was created in a disused area.

Tony Sayers, Major Works Manager at Eastbourne Homes, said: “We are delighted with how the upgrading works have been carried out, causing minimal disruption. The finished result looks fantastic and we hope that the residents will be very happy with the improvements.”

John Farrington & Co, the building contractors involved in the refurbishment, enjoyed working with Eastbourne Homes and alongside the residents. Dave Farrington, Managing Director, said: “It has been a pleasure working at Upwyke House from start to finish. The residents have been great and it has been a real team effort.”

Contact usEastbourne Homes’ Customer Contact Centre is able to help with general leasehold enquiries, payments and balance enquiries. Please call 01323 436436.

Don’t forgetYou can now view your account online via the self-service portal. To register, please go to www.eastbournehomes.org.uk/ssp

As reported in our last issue, the review of leasehold services carried out by the Housing Quality Network (HQN) has seen staff members at Eastbourne Homes working hard to address the recommendations made to improve the service we deliver to you as leaseholders.

After consultation with the Leasehold Panel, a Service Improvement Plan was put together incorporating these recommendations and is available to view on our website, or as a hard copy if required. Several recommendations have already been achieved, while others have been allocated a timescale for completion.

Significant improvements have also been made to the leasehold content of our website. Now, all the information regarding leasehold properties is concentrated in one section. Go to ‘My home’ and then ‘leaseholders’ on the left-hand side of the page and a wide variety of topics that you can click on for further information will appear. We are also working on a revised, streamlined leaseholder handbook which will cover similar important topics.

Since our last leasehold news, the Leasehold Panel met again in the summer when, among other items on the agenda, they were given updates on the progress we have been making with the implementation of the Service Improvement Plan. The Panel has been key in ascertaining the sort of changes to our services that leaseholders are looking for.

On a more practical note, the reconciliation accounts went out at the end of September. If you have not received this paperwork, or have any questions, please contact me on the number above.

Leasehold newsMore Information?Contact: Karen TrumperLeasehold AdministratorT: 01323 436436 E: [email protected]

16 www.eastbournehomes.org.uk www.eastbournehomes.org.uk


We are pleased to confirm that we have now recruited our new Panel who will take our scrutiny into the next stage of its life. This followed a day of exercises and tests to find the right people. It was a fun day and we are extremely grateful to all applicants. The new Panel will work with an independent Chair for the next year.

Roger Eastwood, Chair of the Eastbourne Homes Board, said: “I was an observer for the day and was very pleased to see the enthusiasm and passion from all residents who took part.

“We have recruited a great team and the Board and I look forward to working with them.”

New Resident Scrutiny Panel recruited

18www.eastbournehomes.org.uk



More Information?Contact: James Leathers Neighbourhood ManagerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

Congratulations to M Blackwell from Central area, who was last quarter’s Handyperson winner.

AGM updateAll Panel AGMs have now been completed. There have been some changes to the Officers this year, as detailed below:

• Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees Area Panel – Chair: Andy Evans, Vice Chair: Shirley McCall, Treasurer: Jeanne Taylor, Secretary: Robert Cooper

• Langney Area Panel – Chair: Candy Vaughan, Vice Chair: Reny Pulling, Treasurer: Sandra Jermaine, Secretary: Cathy Ransley

• Old Town Area Panel – Chair: Cecile Slater, Vice Chair: Hubert Benjamin, Treasurer: Alison Adlam, Secretary: Kate Daly

• Central & Archery Panel – the Panel did not have enough members to cast a vote

Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees (HPWT)Panel meetings take place on the first Friday of the month between 10am and 12 noon at Hampden Park Community Centre. All residents from the area are welcome to attend. The Panel can be contacted on [email protected]

Hampden Park &Willingdon Trees

AREA PANEL

HPWT Area Panel’s Vice-Chair Shirley McCall helped to raise over £500 for The Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SASBAH) in memory of her friend.

Jean Arnold (pictured), who had Spina Bifida, died earlier this year and Shirley decided to organise a cream tea party in her garden, as the pair used to hold garden parties together.

HPWT is funding a mural at Willingdon Trees Community Centre. Local artist Clare Hackney-Ring will oversee the project, which will be a collection of popular children’s characters. Clare is well known for her work, which has included sprucing up a number of empty shops, and she created the musical legends mural on the corner of Langney Road.

The Panel also paid for a dividing garden wall to be taken down at Sutherland Court in order to open up and redevelop the gardens.

Old Town Area Panel (OTAP)The Panel meets at Old Town Community Centre on the last Tuesday of the month between 6.15pm and 8.15pm. We are always happy to meet new members. Please come along to one of our meetings, or contact us by sending an email to [email protected]

OTAP members are happy to welcome new recruit Carla Lobina to the Panel. The Panel is looking at some exciting new projects for the next year, including installing new heating at the volunteer-run Old Town library.

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk19www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

More Information?Contact: James Leathers Neighbourhood ManagerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

Tai Chi

Master Leon Chui (left) taught Qi Dong, Tai Chi, acupressure and massage to an enthusiastic group of street learners, who all said how much their health had benefited from the classes.

Langney Area Panel (LAP)

Langney Area Panel

The Panel meets on the last Thursday of the month between 6pm and 8pm at the Resource Centre in Etchingham Road. If you would like to have a coffee and chat beforehand, we are there from 5pm. All Langney residents are welcome to attend.

The Hub coming back to life

LAP has been involved in bringing a piece of land back to life for the use of the whole community. The area is known as The Hub in Lavender Close, Langney.

A celebratory get-together was organised in the summer and everyone was invited to go along and share their pride for where they live.

Central & ArcheryArea Panel

Central & Archery Area Panel needs YOUCome and join your Area Panel to help make a difference and improvements to your community. Training and support is available for the committee members.

CAAP is extending the Big Local Devonshire project and plans include improving the area around Renfrew Court. All local residents are invited to come along to our next meeting and get involved in their community.

The Panel meets between 10am and 12 noon on the second Wednesday of the month at Gwent Court in St James Road. All local residents are welcome. The Panel can be contacted at [email protected]

(Registered Company Number: 5340097) England and WalesRegistered Office: Ivy House, 3 Ivy Terrace, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4QU

Eastbourne Homes Ltd is a company wholly owned by Eastbourne Borough Council

Did you enjoy this issue of Open House? We hope you did, but if you have any comments or ideas on how we can improve

your newsletter then please let us know by telephoning 01323 436436 or emailing [email protected]

(Please recycle when you have read this issue)

Newsletter Production

This newsletter is produced with the help, contributions and support of the Customer Communcations & Editorial Panel (CCEP).

Printed using vegetable-based inks on paper from well-managed forests.

We’re here to help! You can contact Eastbourne Homes on 01323 436436 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, apart from

Wednesday when the phone line opens at 9.30am.

open house - autumn 2014

Documents

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future of eastbourne

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new boss

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leasehold news new panel