Homelife March 2016 - Wandsworth Borough Council · explained This is one of the most popular ways...
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Wandsworth Council’s housing newsletter Issue 70 February 2016 www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housingnews Home life Shared ownership special page 4 & 5 Rent reduction Page 3 New tenants very happy page 14 Housing community champions welcomed See page 12
Transcript of Homelife March 2016 - Wandsworth Borough Council · explained This is one of the most popular ways...
Wandsworth Council’s housing newsletter Issue 70 February 2016
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housingnews
Home lifeShared ownership
specialpage 4 & 5
Rentreduction
Page 3
New tenants very happy
page 14
Housing communitychampions welcomedSee page 12
securing jobs
for local
people
Wo
rk M
atc
h
This month the council’s Work Match team is offeringtraining opportunities in construction, retail, hospitalityand catering.
The bespoke training courses are linked to the many jobsbeing created across the borough as rapid regenerationcontinues.
Several new high street retailers have moved intoWandsworth recently, and Work Match is currentlyrecruiting for Debenhams, Decathlon, Sky, RUSH, Pandoraand more.
Work Match is a dedicated council team matching localpeople with job opportunities, apprenticeships andtraining. So far it has helped more than 300 people out ofunemployment and into new careers.
Wandsworth businesses can also use the free service torecruit a locally-based workforce. Getting help is easy – allyou have to do is visit the website, send an email or givethem a call, and a member of the team will talk youthrough the process.
[email protected](020) 8871 5191
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e.
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GettingWandsworthpeople into work
These local people got jobs through Work Match
I’m delighted to announce a further fiveHousing Community Champions havebeen approved. They were congratulatedby the Mayor for their community-spiritedness earlier this year (see page 12).Good news for tenants, rent is beingreduced by an average of £5 per month.On top of this, heating and hot water billsfor those with communal systems are tobe reduced by a minimum of 5 per cent,with some blocks benefiting from a 10 percent saving.Housing remains a top priority; supportingthe delivery of new homes, ensuring localresidents benefit from the strong growthin housing in the borough and investing incouncil properties.For example, our affordable homesprogramme is forging ahead with 400homes completed in the last year, 450 duebefore April and a further 750 over thenext two years. These are a vital additiongiving local people real opportunities tobecome homeowners.Furthermore, we’re continuing tonegotiate successfully with developers toensure homes are affordable for localpeople, such as our new deal at BatterseaPower Station that will see discounts of upto 70 per cent of market rates (see page 6).We continue to invest in your homes toensure better homes andneighbourhoods, for example more than athird of million pounds has beenannounced to improve Ackroydon Eastestate and St James Close, Tooting (page 20).
Cllr Paul EllisCabinet member for housing
email: homelife@wandsworth. gov.uk
Welcome to the springedition of Homelife.
Mayor welcomes new residentsThe Mayor of Wandsworth Cllr Nicola Nardelli has officiallywelcomed new residents to Osiers Place.More than 150 new homes have been built at the Wandle Delta, in Wandsworth,including almost 40 affordable homes to buy or rent for people on lower incomes.
Mayor Nardelli unveiled a plaque to mark the opening and was joined by MsAeiofe Smith, a new home owner and leader of the council Cllr Ravi Govindia,“I’m delighted to officially welcome the residents of Osiers Place to their newhomes here in Wandsworth. This fantastic partnership project with ParagonHousing and Taylor Wimpey has delivered a wonderful new development forresidents like Mrs Smith and her family and our growing community.
“It’s hard to believe the Wandle Delta was an inaccessible industrial area just a fewyears ago. It has now been dramatically transformed into a vibrant communitywith housing, restaurants, cafes, businesses.”
The Mayor unveils more affordable homes in Wandsworth
Rent reduction announcedGood news for tenants as rent bills are reduced from Aprilthis year.The average council rent decrease of 1 per cent means that tenants will bealmost £70 better off each year. This equates to an average saving on rent billsof around £5 per month for households.
The reduction forms part of a wider, four-year council plan to cut rent bills yearon year ahead of the government’s Welfare Reform and Work Bill, which is dueto be become law later this year.
The rent changes will take effect from Monday 4 April 2016.
(020) 8871 6016Email: [email protected]
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/homeownership
Home Ownership TeamIf you want more information about the council’shome purchase schemes, an information pack orapplication form, please contact:
Right to buy makesdreams come true A young couple have just bought theirtwo-bedroom flat thanks to the council’sright to buy scheme.
Shared ownershipexplainedThis is one of the most popular ways to buy a home for thosehoping to buy their own place. It’s a financially easier optionwhere you can buy and rent a home at a rate you can afford.
What is Shared Ownership?Shared ownership gives the opportunity to purchase a share in anew or existing home from a housing provider (HP). You purchase
the maximum share in the property that you can afford with aminimum requirement of 25% and pay rent on the remaining
share (often referred to as part buy part rent).
Eligibility to join Wandsworth’s registerYou must either live or work within Wandsworth.
Gross Income must not exceed £71,000 (to purchase a one or two bedroom home) or £85,000 (to purchase a three or morebedroom home). You cannot already own a home or if you do you must have your home currently on the open market before
you apply.
RegistrationComplete a combined sales scheme application form and return tothe home ownership team (HOT). Once registered, applicants are
placed on our registration database.
Nomination ProcessWhen marketing a development the HP will request a nomination
list from HOT. Marketing details will be sent to all eligibleapplicants who match the set HP’s minimum income and savings
criteria from our register.
Viewing/ Financial Appraisal After the viewing has been carried out a list of interested
applicants are placed in priority order by HOT. If you are successfula £500 reservation fee is paid to the HP, who will carry out a
financial appraisal to confirm what percentage of the property youcan afford to buy.
The PurchaseTypically, a buyer gets a mortgage to fund the share they have
bought and pays rent on the remaining share to the HP. As theyonly need a mortgage for the share they are buying, they need to
raise a smaller deposit than if they were purchasing a homeoutright.
Completion
Mrs Wells, from Southfields, explained how the right tobuy scheme has helped them fulfil their dream of buying ahome before they got married, “Like many couples wewanted to buy a house, investing in a property was apriority for us. We were not married at that time and it wassomething to check off the list before we wed!
“We’d heard of the scheme and decided buying our councilhouse was the best way to get on the property ladder. Itwas all very quick. We sent our Right to Buy form in March,that process took around two months including asurveyor’s visit. We then applied for our mortgage andcompletion took place in September 2015.
“The discount itself was the most appealing element of theRight to Buy scheme. We were fortunate enough to beeligible for the maximum discount available. It’s made ahuge difference, we couldn’t have afforded to buy ourproperty without this assistance and are extremelygrateful for the scheme.
“We’re also really grateful to the council and for thesmooth and efficient way our Right to Buy case washandled. For example, we had a terrible time with ourconveyancers and the team at Wandsworth were alwaysvery helpful during that stressful time.
“Right to Buy was the right decision for us. It’s the bestdecision we’ve made and wouldn’t hesitate to recommendit others.”
The council offers up to £103,900 discount to tenants whowant to buy their council property. The beauty of thescheme is that you are buying the property you know andalready live in, no gazumping by other buyers and you arenot part of a chain so there’s less worry and uncertainty.
Home Ownership Teamhas moved!We’ve moved to a new location.
You can find us at 90 Putney Bridge Road,Wandsworth SW18 1HA
Shared ownership is about makinghousing affordable.• Register with the home ownership team• Reserve a home – receive details of properties to view and reserve a home you
like• The offer – receive an offer from the housing association on the property • Mortgage advice - go through your finances with an independent specialist
adviser to work out what percentage to buy and secure the mortgage• Appoint a solicitor – to oversee conveyancing of the property• Memorandum of sale and exchange date – summary of the house purchase,
exchange date and deposit paid• Completion day – Money is exchanged to the housing association through your
solicitor (the mortgaged amount) and you receive the keys.
The buying stages take on average three months to complete.
Homes for saleApply today for a chance to be a home owner
Osiers Place, Paragon Housing– SW1819 modern apartments ideally locatedclose to the River Thames. One, twoand three bedroom contemporaryhomes. Call quickly as over half havealready been sold or reserved.01932 [email protected]
Oakhill Road, Metropolitan -SW158 one-bedroom shared ownershipapartments in East Putney. Ideallylocated within walking distance ofPutney town centre. 020 3535 2555 Email: [email protected]
Putney Plaza, Octavia – SW1534 stylish one, two and family-sizedapartments have been launched atPutney Plaza. 020 8354 5500Email: [email protected]
Tileman House, Viridian, SW15A contemporary collection ofapartments on Upper Richmond Road,Putney. Tileman House offers outdoorspace or balconies and is located closeto Putney town centre. 0800 012 1442 Email:[email protected]
Butler Court, Thames Valley –SW1111 modern, one-bedroom apartmentsin a vibrant area of Battersea due forsale.020 8607 0550Email: [email protected]
Westfield House, Thames ValleyHousing, SW18A selection of 33 contemporary one,two and three bedroom apartmentslocated just minutes from Earlsfieldstation. Last few remaining 020 8607 0550Email: [email protected].
Battersea Reach, WandsworthSW1830 modern apartments at BatterseaReach in close proximity to the RiverThames and Wandsworth Townstation. To purchase a sharedownership home at Battersea Reachyou must register with theWandsworth’s home ownership team.
Riverside Quarter, ViridianSW18A selection of modern apartments atRiverside Quarter in Wandsworth. These brand new homes are ideallylocated near the River Thames andare convenient for commuters.
To register your interest please email:[email protected] or0800 012 1442
Lower cost apartmentsprove popularEarlsfield has proved as popular as ever with homebuyers bagging abargain through our shared ownership scheme.
Cllr Paul Ellis, cabinet member for housing, visited Westfield House in Earlsfield to seefor himself how it is helping local people get a foot on the property ladder. Thirty-three of the apartments, which forms part of the council’s affordable housingprogramme, have been delivered by Thames Valley Housing for shared ownershipwith a further six flats set aside for rent at reduced rates.
He said, “Local people have wasted no time in securing these new properties, whichwere offered to suit residents with different levels of income. It’s been incrediblypopular since its launch in September, leaving only two three-bedroom apartmentsstill on sale.
“Thames Valley Housing will soon be welcoming the first residents into this very highquality housing, which is located in a fantastic setting overlooking the Wandle and Iwant to congratulate Thames Valley on a job well done.”
Up to 70%discounts fornew BatterseahomesThe council has struck a dealthat means hundreds ofhomes will be up to 70 percent cheaper to rent or buy atBattersea Power Station.
The legal agreement between thecouncil and Battersea PowerStation Development Companywill see 374 homes offered tolocal residents to rent or buy atwell below market prices.
More than 250 will be available torent at discounts between 20 and70 per cent below the marketrate, with the average being justover 40 per cent. It’s hoped thismakes them affordable for thosewith a combined income of£25,000 and above. Theremainder of properties will be tobuy at a reduced price.
Council leader Ravi Govindia said,“This deal is unique and willdeliver hundreds of new homes atprices that low and middle incomehouseholds can genuinely afford.
“It will help local workersstruggling with high market rents,people on the waiting lists and thesons and daughters of localresidents who can’t otherwiseafford to fly the nest.”
The first properties for saleshould be ready by 2019, so getsaving for your deposit now!
Heating and hot bills to fallResidents with communal heating and hot water are to benefitfrom lower costs this coming year.Charges are being reduced by 5 per cent this year for those with communal heatingand hot water systems. And some blocks will benefit from as much as an average of10 per cent saving.
The decrease is thanks the council’s keen negotiating on future gas prices to securethe best deal for our residents. In addition to a mix of continued maintenance work,wall insulation and double glazing programmes across estates coupled with a milderwinter which has meant lower usage.
This combination has resulted in lower costs and savings which are being passed onto our customers.
Sales director Kush Rawal and cabinet member for housing Cllr Paul Ellis visit Westfield House.
Nine Elms coming to life Thousands of affordable homes will be built as part of theregeneration of Nine Elms North Battersea over the coming years.
The regeneration of Nine Elms spans both Wandsworth and Lambeth. Currently,there are 16 mixed-use developments with planning permission in the Wandsworth’sside of Nine Elms development area, all of which include homes set aside for localresidents to buy at below market prices.
The first 98 shared ownership have already been snapped up by Wandsworthresidents. Their average household or joint income was around £45,000 a year.Overall, the developers on Wandsworth’s side will provide over 2,400 affordablehomes and we’ll spend a further £60m on other affordable housing schemes.
For more information see: www.nineelmslondon.com
We’ve started the process of finding ajoint venture partner to help deliver theregeneration project for Winstanley andYork Road estates in Battersea.
The launch of the procurement processto find a partner comes after threeyears of close consultation with thoseresidents affected. The preferred jointventure partner will be selectedthrough competitive dialogue.
Our ambitious regeneration projectaims to dramatically improve the localneighbourhood and quality of life forlocal people.
Hundreds of out-dated council homeswill be replaced with 2,000 high qualityhomes, we’ll create a well-designed
area and renew its environment, localservices and facilities through a mix ofnew retail, leisure, community andoffice spaces.
Council tenants and owner-occupierswill be offered new homes in thedevelopment so they can share in thearea’s revival.
There’ll also be a range of employment,skills training and health initiatives tohelp the community prosper and takefull advantage of the new opportunitiesthis regeneration scheme offers.
We want to find a partner that will putour residents’ interests and needs atthe heart of their approach.
Winstanley and York Roadregeneration update:Next step for Battersea housing estates revival underway.
New dog microchipping lawFrom April, a new law meansthat all dogs over 8 weeks oldmust be micro chipped.The keeper of the dog who fails to haveit microchipped can be prosecuted witha maximum fine of £500. To help dogowners the council is offering a free dogmicro chipping service to tenants andleaseholders for a limited period.
Where a dog has a micro chip it can bereturned to its owners more quickly,which helps reduce stress to dogs andowners avoid any kennelling costs.
Wandsworth Council has lead the wayin the introduction of the nationalpolicy. In 2009, we introduced dogmicro chipping for those living in councilproperties to reduce lost, stray and anti-social behaviour involving dogs. To datewe have micro chipped 1,518 andregistered a further 1,527.
If you live in a council property and havehad your dog micro chipped elsewhere,please make sure you contact us toregister your dog. Tenants andleaseholders are responsible for makingsure that keepers of dogs living in theirproperty adhere to the council’s tenancyor lease agreements regardless ofwhether they are the owners of the dogor not.
To book free micro chipping or for moreinformation contact the animal welfareservice 020 8871 7606 Email: [email protected]
Leaseholders urgedto seek adviceResidents are being urged toseek independent, professional advice beforebuying their freehold orextending their lease.Each year, residents apply to buy thefreehold (as a group) of their block orextend the lease to their own home.Before embarking on this process, we areadvising you to get professional advice toavoid any pitfalls.
Whether you are buying your freehold orextending your lease we strongly adviseyou to obtain a valuation (if required) froma qualified surveyor and seek independentlegal advice and/or representation from aqualified person before formally applyingand throughout the process. From time totime intermediaries offer a range ofservices. You are advised to seek assistancefrom qualified professionals to make sureyou get the right advice and save time ormoney.
Buying your freehold By law we must accept leaseholders’applications to buy the freehold to theirblock where more than two thirds of theflats in the block are owned on long leases
(21 years plus) and where at least half ofthe block are applying.
Extending your leaseIf you want to extend your lease you mustmake a statutory application. You canformally apply for one where you haveowned your lease for at least two years.We will only grant a lease extension inaccordance with the law.
The cost varies as it is based on a numberof factors and we cannot give valuationadvice. Please make sure you seek yourown advice first.
Finding out moreAs a starting point try the LeaseholdAdvisory Service website where there’s arange of free advice: www.lease-advice.org.
Alternatively, refer to governmentguidance at: www.gov.uk (search for ‘longleaseholders guide’).
ApplyingTo buy your freehold:You can apply through the homeownership team (see page 4) Email: [email protected]
To extend your lease:Please contact Richard Goodman email: [email protected]
MBE The former cabinetmember for housing CllrMartin Johnson has beennamed in the Queen’sBirthday Honours List.
Cllr Johnson has been acouncillor for around 50years, serving as the leadon housing for almost ten years and as Mayor ofWandsworth twice.
Alton estate regeneration update:Securing a development partner
The council’s search for a development partner to deliverthe regeneration of Alton estate is now underway. The selection process started in February and a partner is expected to beappointed in 2017. The chosen partner will need to demonstrate their experienceand capability to deliver a project of this kind. This includes understanding whatthe project is aiming to achieve, delivering high quality residential housing andworking with the community. They will also be expected to show they understandthe unique setting of the estate and how proposals will enhance the local area.
The council will select its partner from the Greater London Authority’s (GLA)London Development Panel. This is a panel of 25 leading housing developmentorganisations, which have been carefully vetted by the Mayor of London and GLAto ensure they have the skill, experience and capacity to deliver major projects.This will be a more streamlined process than other procurement routes and more cost efficient.
For more information please contactthe regeneration team 020 8871 6207 or email:[email protected]
LandlordsLooking for trouble-free letting?
We are looking for properties in the borough of Wandsworth and surrounding areas.For further information on this scheme and other letting opportunities, call us on (020) 8871 7333 or email [email protected]
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• Guaranteed rent for the duration of the lease
• Rent paid direct to your bank account
• No management fees or commission
• Free professional management service
• Property leased for 31/2 years
Leaseholders risk losing their home
Each year, leaseholders receive their service charge and majorworks bill, which is for the running costs of their block andany major works carried out.
If you fail to pay or fall into arrears the council may take courtaction which could ultimately result in a court order to forfeityour lease. This means your lease is brought to an end andthe ownership of your property reverts back to the council.
The property becomes ours and you will need to move out.We can resell the property but you will not receive any of themoney from its resale. You will still remain liable to the bankfor paying the remainder of the mortgage you took out onthe property. Forfeiture also means your details will be on the
county court register and your credit rating may be affected.
We will take court action where you have built up arrears,been given a reasonable amount of time to make paymentbut have failed to act or pay off the debt.
You can make payments online, by direct debit, phone orpost. For more details see www.wandsworth.gov.uk
Contact the leasehold and mortgages team to discusspayment of arrears, your service charges or major works bill:
020 8871 6299 (payment) or 0800 021 7763.Email: l&[email protected]
People who own a council property are being warned that they could lose theirhome if the fall behind on their service charge payments.
Repairs onlineTo report a non-urgent repair to your property.
Tenants can report repairs to their homes, blockor estate. And leaseholders can reportcommunal repairs to their block or estate.
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housingrepairs
Major works in your area onlineYou can find out if any major works are plannedin your area online by entering your postcode oraddress. www.wandsworth.gov.uk
Housing advice and options onlineSimply fill out a form for a chance to find outinstantly a range a housing options based onyour current circumstances.
No need to phone the council or wait for anappointment. Whatever your circumstances thehousing options form will make it easier for youto know your next step.
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housingoptions
The form is not intended for those who are:• currently homeless• at immediate risk of harm or • aged under 18 without children (contact children’s services for further advice).
If you have a housing emergency such as being homeless or fleeing abuse todayplease contact the housing options team.
Online housing servicesat your fingertipsWe’ve made it even easier to apply for services using yourlaptop or while you’re on the go using a tablet or mobile atany time of the day or night.
Are you registeredto vote at theMayor andLondon Assemblyelections?
Mayor and London Assemblyelections are taking place on5 May 2016. Only residentswho are on the electoralregister will be able to vote atthese elections.
If you have moved in the last fewmonths or don’t believe you areregistered yet, you will need to visitwww.gov.uk/register-to-vote to addyour details to the register.
16 and 17 year olds should alsovisit this website to register, to ensure they can vote as soon as theyturn 18.
Wandsworth Electoral Serviceswrote to every household inFebruary 2016, to confirm thenames registered at each address. Ifthis information is incorrect youshould take action straight away tocorrect it, as information can takeseveral weeks to change.
Why should I register?You need to register in order to beable to vote. If you aren’t registeredto vote, you won’t have the chanceto have a say on who representsyou.
Being registered is also important ifyou are applying for credit. This isbecause credit reference agenciesuse the register to confirm wheresomeone lives when they apply forcredit in order to prevent fraud.
For further information aboutvoting, please visitwww.wandsworth.gov.uk/vote.For information about the Mayorand London Assembly elections visitwww.londonelects.org.uk
£500 rewardschemeYou could be rewarded up to £500 if yourhome is clean, tidy, in good condition and youhave an up to date rent account when youvacate it.
Ask about the End of Tenancy Rewardscheme when you tell us you’re moving.
* Subject to eligibility, terms and conditions.
Money worries needn’tcost your homeThe council’s financial service steps in to help a pensioner at risk of losing her home.
Tenancy Support Team
Our service provides free one-to-onesupport to vulnerable council tenants at risk of losing their home.To refer yourself or someone else call: (020) 8871 6617 Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Email: [email protected]
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WATCHLifeline Alarm Service
FREE four week trialTo find out more about
our push button response services contact:
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Sheila, 75, was referred to the council’s money advice serviceafter falling into serious debt.
She’d been struggling financially, but it was only when thebailiff was set to take control of her possessions that sheaccepted she could no longer cope and was referred for help.Sheila had run up thousands of pound in debt, including £500in rent arrears and had stopped paying her council taxaltogether. And, although her adult son was living with her, hewas unwell and out of work, so couldn’t help with bills.
The council’s financial inclusion team set to work on the mostpressing matters. Helen, the team manager explained, “First,we liaised with the bailiffs to make sure this vulnerablehousehold were secure until we had time to come up with afinancial plan. Next, we looked at how to manage the debt andmaximise their income.
“As we worked together, it emerged that they weren’tclaiming all the benefits they could. We were able to increase
their annual incomeby £11,000, whichhas made a realdifference to them.This includedclaiming benefits forher son who cannow contributetowards all the bills.
“We’ve set in placea financial plan to pay off her arrears and reduce her bills byswitching to cheaper providers. Sheila has nearly paid off herrent arrears and is paying off her council tax. We’ve nowreferred her to the tenancy support team who will continue towork with her to make sure she’s able to cope financially infuture.”
You can contact the financial inclusion team on 020 8871 8780.
Helen offers advice and support
Community news
Communitychampions announcedFive new housingcommunitychampions havebeen appointed aspart of the council’sinitiative to recogniseresidents’ voluntarywork.Each of the five housingchampions have been involved in arange of community activities andvolunteering. They representdifferent parts of the borough andwill, like our existing housingcommunity champions, receivesupport and funding for projectsthat will benefit their estates andneighbourhood throughout the year.
The council’s scheme wasestablished to recognise andsupport our residents’commitment and involvement intheir communities. In February,they received volunteer pins fromthe Mayor of Wandsworth CllrNicola Nardelli, “It’s a greatpleasure to meet such dedicated,community-minded people whosimply seek to enrich the lives ofothers through volunteering.
“This is a wonderful initiative thatrecognises and supports thecontribution that these residentsmake to improve theircommunities. We welcome andcongratulate them as housingcommunity champions and wishthem well in their future projects.”
Donna Burham: activities andimproved community facilities
Donna has worked to improve a localclubroom in Battersea, including seekingvolunteers and funding. She arranges socialactivities for people in the neighbourhood,helps with the communal garden and alsoworks with the support of the council tomake improvements to the area.
Martin Cobley: Wendelsworthcommunity garden
Martin has been instrumental in theestablishment and design of a communitygarden in Wandsworth. He has overseen£15,000 worth of improvements andhelped it become a hub of the community.Martin has extended his volunteering tohelp residents in five otherneighbourhoods establish gardens.
Alison Delsol and Ann Ziegler:community activities
Alison and Ann have been involved inarranging activities and annual fun-days onAlders estate. They take a keen interest inlocal issues in their community, such astheir push to reduce fly tipping. Over theyears, both have been members of theirlocal residents’ association.
Sheila and Helena Kelly: Campen Closecommunity garden
Sheila, 80 and Helena, 27, are a gran andgranddaughter duo who have created abeautiful garden area in their communityfor others to enjoy. Each year they plantbulbs to celebrate the emerging spring.And it’s widely known that Campen Closewill be in full bloom with the traditionalpurples, whites and greens of Wimbledonto mark the beginning of the worldfamous tennis tournament.
Meet your community champions
(l-r) Sheila Kelly, Helena Kelly, Martin Cobley, the Mayor of Wandsworth Cllr Nicola Nardelli, AlisonDelsol, Ann Ziegler and Donna Burham.
Communitypartnership successResidentsand localofficials worktogether toimprove theirarea. Local residentsapproached theirresidents’ associationto ask for a newbench to be installedon a popular route,where locals shopand meet friends.
With support andadvice from thecouncil, the RAsecured funding fromRoehampton Trustand permission from the university, whoowns that stretch of land, to install thenew bench. Everyone could see thebenefit this would bring to thecommunity. David Lunt, the RAchairperson said, “We are really thrilled
with the new bench. It really helps localpeople, especially older residents whoappreciate having a place to rest on theirway back from shopping. We’ve hadmany comments from people who arehappy that it’s there.”
Mysteryshopperswanted!Are you interested inbecoming a mysteryshopper?Mystery shoppers makeunannounced telephone calls tothe council’s housing andcommunity services departmentand report back on the servicethey received by completing aquestionnaire.
Volunteers may include tenants,leaseholders or adults in theirhousehold* and must completea one-day training event.
Mystery shoppers help us tocheck how well we deal withcustomers and this helps usimprove our service.
Mystery shoppers will be offeredshopping vouchers for theirtime.
If you are interested or wouldlike more information pleasecontact Beverley Paul
020 8871 6801 email [email protected]
Older residents take the weight off their feet with the latest improvement
Accreditationtime!Calling all RAs! If you haven’talready done so, you mustregister for accreditation by 31 March 2016 for the upcoming year.
For more information or if youare interested in becoming aregistered residents’ associationplease contact your arearesident participation officer.
Award winninggarden on local estateWendelsworth estate has beenrecognised by the Mayor for theiroutstanding community garden.Wendelsworth RA picked up the winningaward under the category 'Old andYoung' in the Mayor’s GrowWandsworth competition. The judgeswere impressed with how the gardenbrings together people from differentgenerations to encourage growing,cooking and eating together.
Community news
New tenants highly satisfied New tenants complete a survey to helpshape and improve our services.New council tenants, who started their tenancy between 1August 2014 and 31 July 2015, were invited to take part in ashort telephone survey carried out by independent surveyors.
They answered questions about their contact with the Housingand Community Services Department, the initial stages of therehousing process, satisfaction with their home, and what theirfuture housing aspirations were.
The results show that overall satisfaction levels were high andthat our service standards continue to be maintained. Newtenants also spoke positively about their re-housingexperience. Some key results from the survey are shown below.
We would like to thank all those who took part in thesurvey. Your time is much appreciated and it continuesto help us improve our services.
For more information and a detailed report of thesurvey results visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housing
u 83% satisfied with the services provided by thecouncil as their landlord
u 80% are happy with the way Wandsworth Councilruns their local area
u 77% understood what housing options wereavailable after their first contact with the council
u 78% found the staff helpful and polite throughoutthe application process
u 70% were satisfied with the property offered tothem and that they currently live in
u 91% said it gave them a full understanding of whatthey can expect from their landlord
u 94% said it gave a full understanding of whattheir landlord expects from them as a tenant
u 49% new tenants expect to own their home in3-5 years time
u 94% expect to remain in the Wandsworthborough in 3-5 years time
Doddington gets fit in 2016Residents of Doddington estate arekeeping healthy with new sports facilities. Doddington estate residents can now enjoy their new andimproved football pitch. The surface was refurbished andnew floodlights were installed as part of improvements bythe council. The works were suggested by Doddington Westresidents’ association and local charity S.T.O.R.M whichworks with young people in the area. The estate has also had a further piece of fitness equipmentinstalled on their outdoor fitness trail. The parallel bars wereadded at the request of residents and ward councillorsfollowing an estate inspection. The improved facilities will benefit residents of over 700properties on Doddington West estate, as well as those living
in the widercommunity. Graham Harris,chairman ofDoddington Westresidents’ associationsaid, “Residents takean interest in theirhealth and fitness andwelcome the improvedfacilities. Adults and children alike can get fit and have fun.”The council’s positive lifestyles programme will beorganising football sessions for local kids on the new pitch.For further information please contact: 07979 917932 Email: [email protected]
NEWS: Nine Elms and thesurrounding area
Battersea Power StationBattersea Power Station jobopportunities for local people acrossthe site including labourers,carpenters, administrators andvarious other roles. Please contact 020 8871 5191 or [email protected]
Northern Line Extension works are continuing on theNorthern line at Nine Elms. For moreinformation contact 0343 222 2424 or [email protected]
Construction jobs Jobs and apprenticeships are up forgrabs in Nine Elms includinglabourers, scaffolders, assistantquantity surveyor and painting andapprentices.Contact:[email protected]
If you would like to know more aboutdevelopment in the area contact 020 8872 8698 [email protected]
Chelsea kicks offChelsea premier league football programme has kicked offon an estate in Putney.After having their newly improved pitch installed at Putney Vale estate, a groupof local children were inspired to do more. They took the initiative andsuccessfully bid for funding from the council’s youth opportunity fund.
And now thanks to the Chelsea Kicks programme, football sessions run byprofessional coaches, are being run on a weekly basis. These include a mix offootball techniques, activities, games and a social educational programme.
The sessions started in January and have been a great success. The children haveset up a local football team, called the Putney Vale Panthers. One of the playersJaiden, 13 said, “I’ve really enjoy the sessions and it’s great to bring ourcommunity together. I’ve made friends with kids that I didn’t even know lived onmy estate!”
Sessions are held every Saturday from 2 - 4 pm for boys and girls aged 11 – 19years old.
For more information contact Bernie Brennan 020 8871 5505.Or contact [email protected]
Foday Kamara southern team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Jo Baxter central team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Sandra Evangelista eastern team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Bernard Brennan western team (020) 8871 [email protected]
Your resident participation team
Care goesdigitalA new device is being piloted to putvulnerable people in touch with careproviders through their telly.The new technology, Speakset, is similar to Skypeor Facetime and connects residents through theirtelevision to the telecare team, family, carers,nurses, health workers, social services or anyoneelse they decide.
This way vulnerable people, such as those who useour telecare or WATCH response services can makeand receive video calls through their television andsee who they are talking to. It can be programmedto ‘call’ a laptop, pc, tablet or mobile phone. Andyou simply need broadband to use it.
Speaking to each other face-to-face can bereassuring for residents and others. But it’s also achance to reduce isolation and give residents improved access to their health or social careprofessionals such as, district nurses and carers.
The technology is currently on trial. If it issuccessful it may be rolled out to other telecarecustomers in the borough.
sheltered housingnewww.wandsworth.gov.uk/shelteredhousing
Battersea areaAbysinnia Close • Tuesdays 2-4pm, Crafts
Putney and Roehampton area
Lennox Clubroom • Wednesday 2-3.30pm, DanceNursery Close • Friday mornings, Exercise and boxing classes
Balham and Tooting area
Cowick • Fridays at noon, Fish and chip lunch
in schemesActivities
Activities in sheltered schemes that oldermembers of the public are welcome to attend.
Ednacelebratedin style withfriendsEdna fromHomleigh Court hada fabulous birthdaywith friends.Edna Pelluet was born during WWI in Stockwell and has lived inBattersea and Clapham her whole life. She started work at just 14,working for a wealthy American family as a nanny. But when thesecond world war broke out the family returned the USA. Edna thenfound a local job in a butchers giving out rations.
During the war she married a soldier. Bert had managed to get justenough time off to marry his sweetheart before retuning to the front.They were happily married for more than sixty years, moving intosheltered housing together before Bert died in 2007.
Edna had a great birthday party with friends and neighbours. Thehighlight of her day was receiving a birthday card from Her Majestythe Queen (see above).
Two centenarianscelebrate
Edna Pelluet celebrated her 100th birthdayparty with friends at Holmleigh Courtsheltered scheme.
Mrs Mabel Cox celebrated her 100th birthday with her nearest and dearest
last month. She has lived in Yew Tree sheltered scheme, Tooting Bec, for
the last year.
ws
Council sheltered schemes offersupport and independence
[email protected] 020 8871 8198
TeleCARE
Phone: (020) 8871 7707
Email: [email protected]
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/telecare
Independencefor service users
24-hour reassurancefor carers
AD.917 (5.15)
Are you interested in applying for
sheltered housing?
AD.917 (5.15)
We offer independent living in purpose-built apartments at schemes throughout Wandsworth.
If you are aged 55 or over and would like to find out more 020 8871 6840
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/shelteredhousing
Golden ticket good newsfor sheltered schemeA local sheltered scheme were in for a great surprisewhen they were handed a cheque of more than £600courtesy of the golden ticket winner.Anna Easton, of Souhthfields, was the lucky winner of the secondGolden Ticket recycling prize draw, which rewards local people forrecycling correctly. “My partner and I have always recycled so werereally excited to win the Golden Ticket recycling competition. It was agreat surprise.”
The winner can nominate registered community groups for a shareof the £2,500 community prize. So, it came as a complete surprise toone lucky Battersea sheltered scheme when they heard they were toreceive a share of the £2,500 community prize fund.
Mrs Irene Baxter chairperson of Doris Emmerton residents’association was delighted, “This is such a generous and welcomesurprise. We’d registered with the Golden Ticket draw but thought
nothing more of it until we heard the good news. Themoney will make a big difference to our little scheme,thank you so much.”
There’s still time to win. The next draw will be in March,so get recycling and register your charity.
Find out more at www.wrwa.gov.uk/GoldenTicket.
Golden Ticket is a winner for local charities
What’s onguideSpring in Wandsworth
Art exhibition at thePump House Gallery24 February - 3 AprilArtists Pil and Galia return tothe gallery to showcase theirsecond exhibition – “ProgressReport from the StrategicSanctuary for the Destruction ofFree Will”. The installationwhich will serve as a set for afilm that the artists will makeduring the gallery’sclosing hours. Pump House Gallery, Battersea Parkwww.pumphousegallery.org.uk
Wandsworth ArtsFestival and Fringe6 - 22 MayVibtant, annual showcase ofcreative activity across theborough.Keep up with the newsat www.wandsworthfringe.com
If you want to stop smokingjoin the council’s free stopsmoking service.If you want to quit smoking contactWandsworth’s Stop Smoking team
0800 389 7921.www.stopsmokingwandsworth.co.uk
There are also drop in sessions atnearby hospitals (open 10am-3pm)• Queen Mary’s hospital Tuesdays• St George’s hospital Wed/Fri
Be proud to be a quitterNational No Smoking Day 9 March 2016
New homes for rent unveiledA woman and her three childrenare absolutely delighted to moveinto a newly built property in theheart of Wandsworth.
Freiwot Tsega, is one of the latest tenantsto move into Carters Yard, a new high-quality development in Wandsworth. Sheexplained why she’s so overjoyed, “Ipreviously lived in Roehampton in a lovelyflat. But after having my family, I had toapply for a transfer because we outgrewour flat.
“I’ve had to wait a long time for a transfer,but it’s completely worth it. I’ve movedfrom one beautiful flat to another. I feelvery lucky to have a new flat in such aconvenient location.
“These days, there are so many people inLondon and Wandsworth wanting a house
or waiting to be transferred, so I can’t tellyou enough how grateful we are for ourlovely new home. “
Carters Yard has a range of one, two andthree-bedroom quality homes for lowercost rent and sale or for private sale. It wasdeveloped by Peabody HousingAssociation, part-funded by the GLA withthe support of the council.
Dale Meredith, executive director ofdevelopment and sales at Peabody said,“Carters Yard is one of four of ourdevelopments in Wandsworth. Workingclosely with the council, we are proud toplay a part in the regeneration of theborough by delivering high quality newhomes for local people to rent and buy,jobs and amenities for residents and thewider community.”
Doing it onlineFind out your housing options www.wandsworth.gov.uk/hcs/housingoptions
Pay rent, view statements, request and track a repair. Report a communal repair (leaseholders)www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housingonline
Pay your council tax www.wandsworth.gov.uk/counciltax
Council website www.wandsworth.gov.uk
Gas contractors:Battersea Clapham and Central Wandsworth areasSmith and Byford Ltd 0800 028 0824
Breakdown, leaks and servicing of individualheating/hot water systems.Or throughout the borough where your domesticheating is supplied by a central communal boiler-house.
Putney, Roehampton and Tooting areasT.Brown Group Ltd 0800 977 8472
Breakdown, leaks and servicing of heating/hot water ofindividual systems.
To find out your gas contractor contact: 020 8871 7040
Talk to us online
www.facebook.com/wandsworth.council
24WANDSWORTH
seven
weekly e-newsletterwww.wandsworth.gov.uk/24seven
www.twitter.com/wandbc
@winstanleyyork
www.youtube.com/WandsworthBC
Talk to us online
Housing and community servicescustomer service centre90 Putney Bridge RoadLondon SW18 1HR
Western area housing officeHolybourne Avenue, Roehampton SW15
Housing area teams:Central area team . . . . .(020) 8871 5333Eastern area team . . . . .(020) 8871 7439Southern area team . . . .(020) 8871 7482Western area team . . . .(020) 8871 5530
If you do not know your area team contact(020) 8871 8327 or 6864.email: [email protected]
Homelife (write to the address above)or email: [email protected]
Benefits service . . . . . . .(020) 8871 [email protected]
Garages (to rent) . . . . . .(020) 8871 [email protected]
Graffiti removal . . . . . . . .(020) 8871 [email protected]
Applying for housing/transfersHousing options and advice . . . . . . . . . . .(020) 8871 [email protected] subletting . . . . . . .(020) 8871 6556Leasholder service charges . . . . . . .(020) 8871 6299Rent collection . . . . . . . .(020) 8871 [email protected] emergencies . . .(020) 8871 7741WEC (council emergencies, noise) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(020) 8871 7490
Telephone payments 0845 835 0129 view online (charges may vary dependingon your service provider)
Please note: American Express andDiners cards are not accepted. You willneed your council reference for theindividual service and your paymentdetails ready.
Option 1 Council tax
Option 2 Parking penalty charge notice
Option 3 Council rents, garages, storeshed or heating and hot watercharges
Option 4 Income collection, servicecharges, major works
Option 5 Housing benefit overpayments
Option 6 Business rates
Cleaning contractors:
Putney and Battersea areasLewis and GravesPhone: 020 8877 1917Freephone: 0800 111 4613
Roehampton and Tooting areasISS Facility Services LtdPhone: 020 8788 4703
Gardening
Ian Harrison:Horticultural Services
Phone: 020 8871 7900email: iharrison
@wandsworth.gov.uk
Some blocks and estates are managed by Resident Management Organisations (RMOs), which means that a residentgroup provides services to the estate or block. Residents who live in these properties are advised to contact their RMOoffice in the first instance.
Large print versionCopies of this issue of Homelife are available in large print format contact(020) 8871 6800 or email: [email protected]
Please recycle. H.1623 (2.16)
More cashinvested inhousing estatesResidents are to benefit from an investment of £360,000 toimprove their estates.People living on Ackroydon East estate, inSouthfields, are having the communalareas to their blocks redecorated in aninvestment project costing £240,000.
Whilst, residents from St James’s Close, inTooting, will see their blocks improved andsmartened up as part of a £120,000project.
Each year, the council spend around £50mon repairs and improvements to itshousing estates.
The cabinet member for housing, Cllr PaulEllis said: “The council has a long andcontinuous record of investment in localhousing estates to ensure that tenantsand leaseholders live in good qualityaccommodation. Each year, we spendaround £50m on improving andmaintaining our estates.
“It is this sustained level of investment,coupled with our high qualitymanagement services means tenants ofWandsworth Council have an 82 per centsatisfaction rating - one of the highestapproval ratings in the country.”
Downsizing scheme helpsmother and daughterCarol Smith has received a cash incentive andsuccessfully downsized to a two-bedroom house andher daughter has moved to a one-bedroom property aspart of the same move.Carol says, “This is the best thing I could have done. I previously lived in a four-bedroom house with my grown up daughter. My house was far too big andexpensive to run and I’d been affected by the housing benefit changes to sparebedrooms.
“I wanted to downsize but was worried about where my daughter would live andmoving had always seemed daunting. Then I heard about the Moves and Mobilityscheme through a friend who was in a similar situation.
“The process was very quick and straightforward. The team found a nice, lovelyhouse for me and under the scheme’s split-let policy found a separate one formy daughter nearby. The team were on hand at every stage and even helpedwith my removal arrangements and costs.
“I am so happy in my new home, it’s just what I wanted and where I wanted. Mybills are lower, it’s easier to look after and my daughter is enjoying beingindependent in her new place.
“I was eligible for a cash incentive which has really helped. I would recommendthe scheme to anyone who has more bedrooms than they need. It’s the bestthing I ever did.”
The moves and mobility scheme offers tailored support and practical help forpeople who have more bedrooms than they need. You could also get between£2,000 - £5,000 cash for moving to a smaller property.*
To find out more call the team 020 8871 7666 or seewww.wandsworth.gov.uk/movesandmobility
* Eligibility, terms and conditions apply.
HousingMovesandMobilityScheme
