Dovertenant newsImportant housing information Issue 7 August - Oct 2014

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Important housing information Issue 7 August - Oct 2014Important housing information Issue 7 August - Oct 2014

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Summer Events

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Your Housing Team:• Call03000619997(ournewnumber!)• Emaildover@eastkenthousing.org.ukTo report a repair:• Forhouseholdrepairscall08000234320or01843282186• Forheatingorgasrepairscall08007311886or01795410181

To pay your rent: • Calltheautomatedpaymentlineon 03000619997• Visitourwebsiteforfullpaymentoptionswww.eastkenthousing.org.ukFor Leaseholder services and Right to Buy• Emailleasehold@eastkenthousing.org.ukorcall01304872273

Our Neighbourhood Managers in Dover

Flora EvansNorthandmiddleendofDeal

Geoff RobinsonCapel,DoverTown&Aycliffe

Kelly Flannery & Elaine FordAylesham,Coldred,Elvington,Eythorne,Goodnestone,Nonnington,Shepherdswell&Tilmanstone

Karen AristocleousAsh,CanadianEstate,Eastry,Preston,Sandwich,Shatterling,Staple,Stourmouth,Wingham,Woodnesborough&Worth

Katharine ManserGreenLane,BucklandEstate,MelbourneAvenue&Whitfield

Theresa SpelziniAshley,UpperDeal,EastLangdon,EastStuddall,Guston,Hacklinge,Kingsdown,Martin,Northbourne,Ringwold,Ripple,Sholden,StMargarets&Walmer

Denise KnightTowerHamlets,StRadigunds,Capel,ChurchHougham,Alkham,TempleEwell&SouthAfricanEstate

Welcome to Tenant NewsThis editi on is packed with lots of useful housing news and updates – don’t forget to check out our website or Facebook for the latest housing news too!

P4-5.....FREEZooTicketsP6-7...ShelteredHousingNewsP8-9...MeetyourtenantrepsP10-11....CanyouClickIT?P12-13....StarDogWinnersP14-15.MoneyMattersadviceP16-17...OurPerformanceP18....TenantStarAwardsP19...FREEtrainingforYOUP20..DDCnewsP21...HousingnewsbitesP22-23...Summerevents

What’s in Tenant News:

New Tenancy Agreement InNovember2013alltenantsweresentaPreliminaryNoticeofVariationwhichhighlightedthechangesDoverDistrictCouncilproposedtomaketoyourTenancyAgreement.TheresponsesreceivedhavebeenconsideredandtheNewTenancyAgreementwasapprovedinMarch2014.

ThenewTenancyAgreementandascheduleofvariationwhichexplainsthenatureandeffectofthechangestoyourTenancyAgreementhavebeensentouttotenantsinJuneandtheVariationofthenewtenancyagreementwilltakeeffectfromMonday11August2014.

Ifyouneedtodiscussthechangestoyouragreementpleaseringuson03000619997andselectthespecialhelplinefromtherangeofoptions.

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WehopethesunisshiningasyoureadthispackedsummereditionofTenantNewswhichcelebratesthegreatworkofourtenantsinyourlocalcommunity.FromthetenantstakingthetimetotellustheirviewsinourshelteredhousingconsultationonP6-7tothetenantrepresentativescommittedtoimprovinglocalandhousingmattersonP8-9.

We’reveryexcitedtobeplanningourTenantSafarieventinOctoberandyoucouldreceiveFREEticketstoPortLympneWildlifeParktoseetheamazinganimals-seeP4-5fordetailsabouthowyoucouldgo!

WearealsogettingreadyforoursecondTenantStarAwardsandweneedyourhelptofindthestarsonourestates-checkoutP18andtheenclosedawardform.

Lastly,ifyouarekeentolearnsomenewskillsthisyear–whynotcheckouttheFREEtrainingonofferonP19.

Haveasafeandfuntime!

The tenants and staff from Tenant NewsLook for ‘Dover east kent housing’ on Facebook or fi nd us on Twitt er

Changing your tenancy conditionsA guide for existing secure tenants

S103 Housing Act 1985 Preliminary Notice that your tenancy agreement is changing.

Thankstoeveryonewhogavecommentsinourconsultation.

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Get YOUR paws on one of 100 FREE

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Fancy a totally wild day out at Port Lympne Wildlife Park as part of our Tenant Safari event on Wednesday 29 October 2014?AllyouhavetodoisregisteryourinterestinoureventbyFriday19Septembertobeinwithachanceofwinningthefreetickets,limitedtotwoperhousehold.

What is the Tenant Safari about?Everyyearweworkwithtenantvolunteerstoimprovethehousingservicesweprovideforover17,000councilhomes.Butweneedmoretenantstohelpus!OurTenantSafarieventisachanceforYOUtofindouthowyoucanhelpand,ifyou’reinterested,signuptojoinourarmyoftenantvolunteers.

What’s planned for the Tenant Safari? • Youwillwatchapresentationand

speakwithothertenantsaboutbeinginvolvedwithEastKentHousing

• Enjoyacupofteaandabiscuitwhileyougiveyourviewsontheservicesweprovideandhelpusmakeplansforthefuture

• GoonsafaritoseealltheamazinganimalsaroundPortLympne

How to apply for the free tickets:• Sendusadirectmessageon

ourFacebookpagesearch‘eastkenthousing’

• Call01303853729andleaveamessagewithyournameandcontactdetails

• UsingtheTenantSafariregistrationformandfreepostenvelopeenclosedwiththisnewsletter.

• Applyingonlinevisitwww.eastkenthousing.org.uk

Don’t forget to tell us your name and contact details when registering.*Termsandconditionsapply–seewebsitefordetailsorrequestacopytobeposted.

Overthesummerweranatenantandstaffconsultationonourplanstomodernisetheshelteredhousingserviceweprovidetonearly1,500olderpeopleacrossCanterbury,DoverandShepway.

Weweredelightedtoseesomanypeopleattendingourconsultationeventsandevenmoreimpressedthatnearly60%oftenantstookpartintheconsultation.

WewouldliketosayareallybigthankyoutoallthemembersofthethreeShelteredHousingForumandtoourShelteredChampionswhohelpedbeforeandthroughouttheconsultation.Wereallyaregratefulforallthehelpfulcommentsandfeedbackreceived–whichwillallbeusedtoshapetheshelteredhousingserviceswewilldeliverinthefuture.Nearly94%oftenantswhotookpartintheconsultationsaidtheylikedtheserviceimprovementsweplantobringinsoournextstepistoreportthisbacktothecouncilsinSeptember.Iftheyagreewithourplanswewillstarttointroducetheimprovementslaterthisyear.

What’s important to tenants?Duringourconsultationeventsweranworkshopstofindoutwhatwasmostimportanttotenantsandtheirviewsonapossiblenewnamefortheservice.

Mostpeoplethatexpressedaviewsaidtheylikedtheideaofrebrandingtheserviceas‘IndependentLivingforOlderPeople’althoughwewillbedoingsomemoreworkwithourshelteredforummembersbeforeafinaldecisionismadeonthis.

Thetopthreemostimportantservicequalitiesidentifiedbytenantswere:• Providingasafe&securehome-61%• Treatingpeopleasindividuals-41%• Helpingpeopletolivetheirlives

independently-34%

Wealsoaskedtenantsfortheirviewsaboutthecommunalon-sitelaundryfacilitieswheretheyhavethese.Manytoldustheywerehappywiththecurrentarrangementsbutothersfeltthatchangeswereneededandmorethan80saidtheywouldliketobeinvolvedinlookingatwhatimprovementscouldbemadeinthisarea.

ThanksforgettinginvolvedA fresh approach to Sheltered Housing

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What is happening next? OncethecouncilshavemetandmadeadecisiononourplansinSeptember,wewillbewritingtoshelteredtenantstoletthemknowaboutourplans.YoucankeepupdatedonShelteredHousingbyvisiting–www.eastkenthousing.org.ukandchoosing‘Housingforolderpeople’.

JanHatcherfromtheShelteredteamtalksataconsultationevent.

Localresidentstakingpartinthebrandingworkshop.

Ever thought about Sheltered Housing?HomesandsupporttohelpYOUstayindependentforlonger....

Shelteredhousingispurpose-builtaccommodationfortheover60sanditisdesignedtomakeyourhomeandlifeeasiertomanage.

Allhomeshavetheirownfrontdoor,livingarea,bedroom,bathroomandkitchen.Thereisarangeofshelteredhousingschemestochoosefromsomeclosetothe

sea,ortownorinruralsettings.Thegreatthingaboutshelteredhousingisithelpsyoutocontinuetoliveasindependentlyaspossibleinyourhomewithsomeaddedsupportifyouneedit.

Why not get in touch with your Neighbourhood Manager to find out more and even arrange a visit?

Want to get involved?YoucouldbecomeamemberofyourshelteredhousingForum-giveusacalltofindoutmore,ourcontactdetailsareonpage2.

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Our Neighbourhood Managers:

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YOURTenantRepresentativesMeet

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Want to fi nd out more about getti ng involved?Seepage4-5tofindoutaboutourTenantSafari.

DeniseandAnthonyonanEstateInspection-despitetheweather!

SandraMurray,Chair

Dover District Tenants Group

SarahKidney,ViceChair JuneBailey,Secretary

Date: Where: Time:9September2014 BraveRoom 11am–1pm21October2014(AGM) BraveRoom 11am–1pm2December2014 BraveRoom 11am–1pm

MembersoftheDoverDistrictTenantsGroupalsoinclude:RoyBarlow,LesleyHammond,BrendaLyons,JohnWilliams,DennisHaywood,DaveQuarrinton,JohnBattles,AnthonyOvenden,MichaelFelicien,TessaGeorge,WalterKokuciak,SamMorris,BabsHuttonandVeePhilpott(leaseholderrepresentative).

Come along and talk to your local tenant representati ves about any local matt ers at the following meeti ngs, which are held at the Dover District Council offi ces in Whitf ield:

Dover Area BoardTherearefourlocalAreaBoardsforEastKentHousingandmembersincludetenantandleaseholderrepresentatives,twolocalcouncillorsandthelocaltenantrepresentativefromthemainEastKentHousingBoard.

RoyBarlowisChair

Date: Where: Time:21August2014 BraveRoom 6pm–8pm6November2014 BraveRoom 11am–1pm

MembersoftheDoverAreaBoardinclude:RoyBarlow,JuneBailey(ViceChair),SandraMurray,SarahKidney,BrendaLyons,JohnWilliams,DennisHaywood,DaveQuarrinton,JohnBattles,AnthonyOvenden,MichaelFelicien,TessaGeorge,WalterKokuciak,SamMorris,VeePhilpott(leaseholderrepresentative),CllrSueChandler,CllrPipRussellandChrisHanagan(tenantboardmember).

Get in touch with your Area BoardIfyouhaveanideaabouthowtoimproveyourneighbourhood,housingserviceorwanttoraiseanissuethataffectswhereyoulive,pleasecontacttheAreaBoard.

How to contact your Area Board:• CallJaneton:01304872213,emaildoverAB@eastkenthousing.org.ukor

writeto:DoverAreaBoard,FREEPOSTEKHOUSING(D)-nostamprequired• ComealongtoaDoverAreaBoardMeetingheldattheDoverDistrictCouncil

offices,Whitfield-pleasecallJanetifyouplantocomeonthenumberabove:

ImprovingplayareasDoverDistrictCouncilhasbeenseekingviewsonwhatequipmentpeoplewouldlikeinlocalplayareasatColtonCrescent,DoverandTheButtsinSandwich.TheyhavealsoaskedforviewsaboutwheretheplayareashouldgoinAycliffe.CouncilandEastKentHousingstaffvisitedlocaleventsandlocationsacrossthedistricttogetpeoplesviewsthroughasurvey.

DoverDistrictCouncilwillbeconsultingontheplayareadesignproposalslaterthisyear.Youcankeepupdatedontheconsultationbyvisitingwww.dover.gov.uk

TheplayequipmentatTheButts,Sandwich

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Agroupoftenants,includingsomewhohadnevertouchedacomputerbefore,arenowonlineandusingcomputersaftertakingpartinourcompletebeginner’sITcourse.

It’sallpartofourCanyouClickITcampaignwhichaimstoprovidesupportivetrainingandrealhelptoincreasethenumberoftenantsonline.

Did you know? Whenweaskednearly300tenantsiftheywereusingtheinternet,42%saidtheyweren’tonline.

Thetenantsonthebeginner’scourseweresupportedbytenantandstaffdigitalchampionswhoprovidedonetoonehelpthroughoutthefourweekcourse.

SandraMurray,atenantwhoattendedthecourse,said:“IwasquitenervousaboutattendingthecourseatfirstbutI’msogladthatIdid–aseveryweekIreallylookedforwardtoattending.

Itoldthemmyfearsaboutusingthecomputerandtheyexplainedthatyoucan’treallydoanythingwrongorbreakanything–andtheywereright!”

SamMorris,TenantDigitalChampion,said:“It’smyjobtogentlyguidepeopleonhowtousecomputersandIcan’twaittohelpevenmorepeoplegetonlineinthecomingmonths.Thecourseisreallyfriendly,informalandwemakesurenobodyfeelsunsureofwhattheyneedtodo.”

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YEStheycan!

Come along for FREE internet and computer access at our ‘Pop up’ Internet Hub at the Buckland Community Centre, Dover on:• Tues2September:2pm-7pm• Tues9September:2pm-7pmDon’t forget:YoucanalsopopintotheDoverGatewayinCastleStreet,andthelibrariesinDoverandDealtousetheinternetandcomputersforfree.

Could you help others improve their computer and internet skills?We’relookingformoretenantstobecomeDigitalChampionsandhelpothertenantstoimprovetheirITskills-fulltrainingwillbeprovided.

Interested? Tell us your name and email address:• SendamessageonFacebooksearch‘eastkenthousing’• Tweet@EastKentHousingwith#canyouclickit• Emailjames.dartnall@eastkenthousing.org.uk

Can YOUClickIT?Babs,RoyandSandracompletedthebeginner’sITcourse

OurDigitalChampionsprovidehelpandsupport

ThefirstgrouptocompleteourCanyouClickITCourse–Lefttoright–DavefromSilverTraining,JohnShilling,SamMorris,RoyBarlow,GeorgeCole,RozBradley,SandraMurray,GeoffBradley,DianaAlgerandBabsHutton.

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• Tues16September:2pm-7pm• Tues23September:2pm-7pm

Thankyoutoeveryonewhoenteredtheirbestfriendintoour‘StarDogs’competitionandweweredelightedtoreceivenearly100doggyentries!

Ourjudges,whichincludedpeoplefromourTenantsCommunicationsGroupandtheChairsoftheAreaBoards,hadthereallytoughdecisiontochoosethewinners–asthereweresomanycutiestochoosefrom!

WearepleasedtorevealthesixwinningdogschosentobeourStarDogs,whowillappearinasetofpostersandourgooddogownershipguideaspartofourcampaignto

helptenantslookaftertheirdogs.

An-An,aShetlandsheepDogfromDoverwithownerJimGoh-Piper

Jessie,anEnglishSpringerSpanielfromShepwaywith

ownersAmyandKeira

Roxy,LabradorfromShepwaywithownersMattandTheresa

Buster,aPekingesecrossfromRamsgatewithownerAnneMorris

Panda,aSiberianHuskyfromDoverwithowner

JuliaCampbell

Billy,Staf-labfromDoverwithownerAngelPollard

Thankyoutoeveryonewhoenteredtheirbestfriendintoour‘StarDogs’competitionandweweredelightedtoreceivenearly100doggyentries!

Ourjudges,whichincludedpeoplefromourTenantsCommunicationsGroupandtheChairsoftheAreaBoards,hadthereallytoughdecisiontochoosethewinners–asthereweresomanycutiestochoosefrom!

WearepleasedtorevealthesixwinningdogschosentobeourStarDogs,whowill

StarDogs

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How you can get involved with Star Dogs?Youcansupportourcampaignbydisplayingposterswhereyoulive–pleasemessageuswithyouraddressonFacebook,#stardogsonTwitterorcallJameson01303853730.

Tell us your doggie tips on Social Media - Giveusyourtipsforachanceto winadoggiegoodiebag-simplypostitonourFacebookpageorTwitterusing#stardogs.Youcansubmityourtipaseithertextorbyashortvideoclip.Not online?PleasegiveJamesacallonthenumberabove.Youcanalsovisitwww.eastkenthousing.org.uksearchfor‘stardogs’ 13

Keeping pets – important informationIfyourhomehasagarden–youcankeepapetthatneedsoutdoorexerciseaslongasitdoesnotcauseanuisancetoyourneighbours.

Ifwhereyoulivedoesn’thaveagardenyoumustgetpermissionfromus–sowecanmakesurethatapetissuitableforyourproperty.

Thereareslightlydifferentregulationswhichapplytocertainpropertiessuchasshelteredhousingandwewilldiscussthesewithyouwhenyouapplyforthistypeofproperty.

Know the rules about pet ownershipYou,yourfriendsandrelatives,andanyotherpersonlivinginorvisitingtheproperty(includingchildren)mustnot:• Keepanyanimalwhichhasbeen

classifiedasdangerousundertheDangerousWildAnimalAct1976:

• Keepfarmanimalsattheproperty–insomeruralareas,thismaybeallowedifpermissionisgranted

• Allowyourpetstocauseanuisance,forexample,foulingsharedareassuchaslifts,stairsandlandings,ormakingtoomuchnoisesuchasbarking

• Allowanyanimalyoukeepatthepropertytocauseanuisancetoanyoneinthelocalarea,includingourstaff

How to make sure you dog isn’t causing a nuisance to othersNoteveryoneisadogloverandyourbestfriendmaycauseirritationtoothers,whichcouldbeavoidedifyou:• Pickupafteryourdog–bagitandbin

ittokeepeveryonehappy!• Avoidexercisingyourpetinshared

areas–takethemtoanearbyparkordowntheroad.

• Ifyouhaveadogthatcanescapefromyourgarden,putfencinguptokeepthemsafelyin.Butrememberyouwillberesponsibleformaintainingthefencing

• Helpyourdogtobelessnoisy-youcouldtrytakingthemformorewalksornotleavingthemtoolongontheirowntoreducetheirbarking.

AngelkeepsBillyhappywithlotsofwalksandshebagsandbinsittoo!

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AcrosstheUKaround11%ofhouseholdsstilldon’thaveabankaccountandthosepeoplearegenerallyfromthemostpoorestofhouseholds.

Thismeansthepeoplewiththelowestincomesmaybelosingoutonreceivingessentialservicesorevenpayingahigherpriceforthingsbecausetheydon’thaveany‘plastic’topaywith.

Oftenthethingsstoppingpeoplefromhavingabankaccountisfear–fromhavingapoorcreditratingbecauseofunpaiddebtsinthepast,notknowingiftheywillbeallowedanaccount,toworryaboutthebanktakingtheirmoneywithoutpermission.

Whateverthereason,it’sworthknowinghowanyonecansetupabankaccountandwhatthebenefitsare...

The FACTS about Basic Bank Accounts...Theseaccountsareidealforthosewhohavelowincomeorapoorcreditrating.Mosthighstreetbanks,includingHalifax,BarclaysandtheRoyalBankofScotlandofferbasicbankaccountsbutyoucanberefusedanaccountifyouhaveanoutstandingcourtjudgmentagainstyouorknowndebtsofover£500.

Did you know?Youdon'thavetohaveanymoneytoputinabasicaccounttoopenitandyoudon’thavetopayforanaccount.

With a basic bank account you can:• Haveyourwages,salary,benefitsand

taxcreditspaidin• Payinanychequesorcash• Takecashoutfromacashmachine• Payforthingsusingyourdebitcard• UseDirectDebitstopayforthings

You can’t:XGetcashifit’snotinyouraccountXHaveachequebookorgooverdrawn

How to open a bank account:• Youcanusuallyapplyforabasic

accountinperson,bypost,overthephoneoronline.

• Checkwiththebankwhatproofofidentityandaddressyouneedtoshowthemwhenyouopenyouraccount.Ifyoudon’thavethedocuments,askwhattheywillacceptinstead.

Need more help?CheckouttheMoneyAdviceService’swebsite:www.moneyadviceservice.org.ukorcall03005005000.

AskforourFREEMontytheMoneyDogpack,packedwithmoneyadviceandabudgetplanner.Callusorvisit-www.eastkenthousing.org.uk.

Do you still use one of these to save your money in?

Money advice from Monty the Money Dog

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People need to move home for all sorts of reasons – they may be finding it hard to manage the costs, they might need to be closer to work or family. Whatever the reason – it’s good to know the important facts before you make the big move.

Doyouneedtomovehome?

Visit our website - www.eastkenthousing.org.uk more more details or contact your local housing team, all the contact details are listed on page 2. 15

Move to a smaller homeAreyoulivinginathreeorfourbedroomhousewithbedroomsyounolongerneedasyourkidshavelefthome?

HasarelationshipendedorareyoustrugglingtopaybillsbecauseoftherecentchangestoBenefits.Thenyoumaybeconsideringamovetoasmallerhome.

Did you know?Somecouncilsaremakingiteasierfortenantswishingtomovetoasmallerhome–thismayrangefromputtingpeopleintoahigherprioritybandiftheycurrentlyliveinalargehomeandwanttodownsizeorofferingincentiveswhichwillmakeiteasiertomove.

So if you have a large home, it’s worth contacting the council to see what help may be offered to you.

Don’t forget!Ifyoureceivebenefitsandmovetoahomewithasparebedroomyouwillhavetopaytheextrafromyourownpocket.

Want to move into a privately rented home? Youwillneedtoprovidefourweeks’noticeinwritingeitherbyemailorletterandsignandreturnaTenancyTerminationNotice.

Swapping your home Lastyearwehelpednearly200tenantstoswaphomesthrough‘MutualExchange’.

How to get started with mutual exchange:• Visitthe‘yourtenancy’sectiononour

websiteorpickupaMutualExchangeleaflettofindouteverythingyouneedtoknowaboutswappingyourhome

• Contactyourlocalhousingteamtogetpermissionandrequestanapplicationformtogettheprocessstarted

• TellyourNeighbourhoodManageryouwanttomoveastheymaybeabletomatchyouupwithotherlocaltenants

• SignupforExchangeLocata–afreeonlineservicethatletsyouadvertiseyourhometootherslookingtoswap

• Pickupandfillouta‘propertyswap’cardfromalocaloffice-thiscanthenbeadvertisedforotherstosee

Did you know?Localtenantshavehelpedusmakeafilmexplaininghowyoucanuse‘ExchangeLocata’toadvertiseyourhometoothertenantslookingtomove.Youcanwatchitonlineinour‘wanttomove’section.

Our Performance

2013/14

Ranlotsofprojectstomakethingsbetterfortenantsandtheirneighbourhoods.Theseincluded:• ProvidingaprogrammeofFREEtenanttrainingandqualifications• Spendingover£200,000ontenantledenvironmentalimprovementsonlocalestates• ProvidingsixyoungunemployedpeoplesecurejobsatEastKentHousing• CelebratingtenantinvolvementatourfirstTenantStarAwards• LaunchingtheMontytheMoneyDogcampaigntohelpwithBenefitchanges• StartingourCanyouClickITcampaigntohelpmoretenantsgetonline• SettingupanewwebsiteandlocalFacebookpagestoconnectwithmoretenants

£ Rent Arrears 2012/13 2013/14 Target Met?Canterbury £296,639 £240,163 Dover £278,956 £242,232 Shepway £158,699 £134,168 Thanet £246,129 £211,478 EKH £980,423 £828,041

Lessrentarrearsmeansthere’smoremoneyforthingslikenewkitchens,bathrooms,roofs,doorsandwindowswhichwespentnearly£12milliononlastyear.

It’snowbeenmorethanthreeyearssinceEastKentHousingwassetuptoprovide

yourcouncilhousingservices.

Wecontinuetoperformwellinmostareasandsetoutbelowishowwedidlastyearinrentcollection,re-lettingemptyhomes

andrepairs.

Collecting RentEvenwithlastyear’smajorBenefitchangeswemanagedtoworkwithtenantstogetrentarrearsdownbymorethan£150,000.That’sthethirdyearinarowarrearshavebeendownandadropofmorethan£1/4millionsinceApril2011.

Last year we also……..

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Re-letting empty homesWelet1,123propertieswhichwas20morethanin2012/13.Therewerealso128moremutualexchanges,manyofwhichhelpedpeopleaffectedbythenewbedroomrulestodownsize.Webeatourtargetsfortheaveragenumberofdaystore-letemptyhomesthatdidn’tneedmajorrepairseverywhereexceptShepway*.Thiswasmainlyduetolongtermemptypropertiescomingbackintomanagement.

Re-letting Area 2012/13 (days) 2013/14(days) Target Met?Canterbury 26.83 20.62 Dover 16.43 17.36 Shepway 22.67 33.24* Thanet 15.03 13.9Wealsomissedourtargetforre-lettimeswheremajorworkwasneededinDover(whereanumberoflongtermemptypropertieswerere-letduringtheyear)andinThanetwherethereweremoreemptypropertiesduetodownsizingtransfersandmovestonewhousingassociationdevelopments.

*Iftheseareexcludedtheaverageisabout20daysasitwasforCanterbury.

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RepairsThechangefromMorrisontoMearscontinuedtoaffectrepairsperformanceintheShepwayareaalthoughthingsimprovedduringtheyearwhichnodoubthelpedtobeatour97%customersatisfactiontargetacrossallareas.Morethan98%ofthe35,520repairsappointmentsmadewerekept,andthiswasdespitethehugeimpactoftheChristmasstormswhenourstaffandcontractorsworkedtirelesslytodealwithmajoremergencyrepairslikemissingroofingandfallenchimneys.

Emergency Repairs Completed on Time

2012/13 (%) 2013/14(%) Target Met?

Canterbury 99.91% 99.91% Dover 95.44% 100% Shepway 95.99% 97.09% Thanet 99.88% 100%

Althoughthismajoreffortmeantwestillmetouremergencyrepairtargetssomelessurgentworkinevitablytooklongeraswehadalmost3timesasmanyrepairsasnormal.Wewouldliketothankallourtenantswhomayhavehadtowaitlongerthanusualforrepairsduringthistimefortheirpatienceandunderstanding.

Want to know more? Youcanviewourfullperformancereportonlineorpickupacopyfromalocaloffice.

TenantStarAwards

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We need your help to find the Tenant Stars in our communities – all you need to do is nominate the

person or group for our Tenant Star Awards!

• SendusadirectmessageonourFacebookpagesearch‘eastkenthousing’

• UsingtheTenantStarnominationformenclosed

What to include in your nomination:Tellusthenameandcontactdetailsoftheperson(s)youwouldliketonominateandthereasonwhytheyshouldwintheaward.

The closing date for all nominations is Friday 3 October 2014 and the Tenant Stars Awards Ceremony is on Wednesday 29 October 2014

The Award Categories are:

How to nominate a Tenant Star:

The Good Neighbour AwardThisawardrecognisesatenantwhogoesoutoftheirwaytohelptheirneighbourslivinginanEastKentHousingmanagedestate.

Thekindofhelpcouldincludedoingregularshopping,helpingwithgardening,childcareandhouseholdtasksfortheirneighbourorforbeingkindduringacrisis.

Making a Difference Award ThisawardisatributetoMaureenThoroughgood,atenantrepresentative,fromThanetwhodedicatedherlifetohelpingothers.

TheawardaimstocelebratethedifferenceatenantorgroupofpeoplemaketotheirEastKentHousingcommunity.

Here’s the winners from last year’s Tenants Star Awards!From top - Lynda Evans on behalf of Maureen Thoroughgood, Sarah Kidney,

Roy Barlow, Tyson Road Residents’ Association and Gus Blackman.

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FREEtraining

InpartnershipwiththeKentEngagementGroup(KEG)weareofferingfreetrainingforourresidentsonarangeofusefulcoursesincluding:

Absolute beginners IT Thiscourseprovidesanintroductiontocomputersforthosewhohaveneverusedonebeforeorwhomayhavesomebasicskills.Dates:Wed17thSeptorTues4thNov2014

Budgeting and money saving Thecourseprovideshelpwithbankaccounts,paymentmethods,doingabudget,dealingwithdebts,gettingthebestdealforyouandmoneysavingtips.Dates: Thurs20Nov2014orTues10Feb2015

Emergency First aid at work Onedaycourseincludesbasiclifesavingfirstaidandworkplacehealthandsafetyregulations.Dates:Fri12thSept,Thurs9thOct,Wed19thNov2014orWed11thFeb2015

Food Hygiene Level 2Doyourunalunchcluborareyouinvolvedinpreparingfoodforothersinyourcommunity?Thenthisisthecourseforyou.Dates:Thurs25thSeptember2014

Next Level IT with Social Media ThiscourseisdesignedtoimproveyourgeneralITskillsfocusingonWindowsbasics,safeinternetuseandsearching,introductiontosocialnetworking,blogging,GoogleMapsandusingforms.Dates:Wed22ndOct,Tues2ndDec2014orWed18thFeb&10thMar2015

Paed First Aid Level 2 ThisaccreditedqualificationprovidespracticaltraininginFirstAidtechniquesforinfantsaged0to1,andchildrenagedfrom1yearoldtopuberty.Twodaycourseandvalidforthreeyears.Dates: Thurs11th&Fri12thSept2014Wed4th&Thurs5thFeb2015

Presentation skills and Assertiveness Gainskillstohelpyoutalkwithmoreconfidence,andlistenactively.Youwillhaveabetterunderstandingandconfidenceinbeingassertive.Dates: Wed8thOctober2014

Kent Engagement Group

Kent Engagement Group

Book your place:Pleaseregisteryourinterestbyemailingrebecca.mcguinness@eastkenthousing.org.ukorcalling01303853782.Placesareofferedonfirstcome,firstservedbasis.

Want to know more?Visitwww.eastkenthousing.org.ukandlookunder‘getinvolved’forcoursedetails.

YOU!for

Following the launch of the Armed Forces Community Covenant at Dover Castle last year (pictured above), community groups in the district were invited to apply for grants from £100 to £250,000 from the Community Covenant Grant Scheme. Funding is from the MOD and is administered and promoted by DDC.

There are three Community Covenant Grant Scheme Regional Panels each year and these are held in February, June and October. In the first round of funding, groups in Dover District successfully applied for grants of more than £22,000. The second round for June has now closed and the applications will be considered by the Regional Panel during June.

Applications are now invited for projects for the next round of funding, which will be considered by the Regional Panel during October. Funding is to support projects that strengthen the ties or understanding between members of the armed forces community and the wider community in which they live.

To be considered by the Regional Panel in October, applications will have to be submitted to DDC by 15 September 2014.

For more details or an application form, see www.dover.gov.uk/communitycovenant or contact Community Engagement Officer Una Mills on 01304 872274 or email: communitycovenant@dover.gov.uk

COMMUNITY COVENANT FUNDING FOR LOCAL PROJECTS

ELVINGTONNEW COUNCIL HOUSING SET TO BE BUILT IN ELVINGTON Three new homes are set to be built for Dover District Council on land at Adelaide Road in Elvington. A meeting of DDC’s Cabinet in April considered tenders for the work and selected a winning tender from Jenner Contractors Ltd. Contractors are now on site.

These new homes will be financed from developer contributions for affordable houses, Right to Buy receipts and Housing Revenue Account balances. The houses are a pilot scheme for DDC’s wider plans to develop social and affordable housing.

For more details, please see www.dover.gov.uk/news

Following the launch of the Armed ForcesCommunity Covenant at Dover Castle lastyear (pictured above), community groups in the district were invited to apply for grants from £100 to £250,000 from the Community Covenant Grant Scheme. Funding is from the MOD and is adminis-tered and promoted by DDC.

TherearethreeCommunityCovenantGrantSchemeRegionalPanelseachyearandtheseareheldinFebruary,JuneandOctober.

Following the launch of the Armed Forces Community Covenant at Dover Castle last year (pictured above), community groups in the district were invited to apply for grants from £100 to £250,000 from the Community Covenant Grant Scheme. Funding is from the MOD and is administered and promoted by DDC.

There are three Community Covenant Grant Scheme Regional Panels each year and these are held in February, June and October. In the first round of funding, groups in Dover District successfully applied for grants of more than £22,000. The second round for June has now closed and the applications will be considered by the Regional Panel during June.

Applications are now invited for projects for the next round of funding, which will be considered by the Regional Panel during October. Funding is to support projects that strengthen the ties or understanding between members of the armed forces community and the wider community in which they live.

To be considered by the Regional Panel in October, applications will have to be submitted to DDC by 15 September 2014.

For more details or an application form, see www.dover.gov.uk/communitycovenant or contact Community Engagement Officer Una Mills on 01304 872274 or email: communitycovenant@dover.gov.uk

COMMUNITY COVENANT FUNDING FOR LOCAL PROJECTS

ELVINGTONNEW COUNCIL HOUSING SET TO BE BUILT IN ELVINGTON Three new homes are set to be built for Dover District Council on land at Adelaide Road in Elvington. A meeting of DDC’s Cabinet in April considered tenders for the work and selected a winning tender from Jenner Contractors Ltd. Contractors are now on site.

These new homes will be financed from developer contributions for affordable houses, Right to Buy receipts and Housing Revenue Account balances. The houses are a pilot scheme for DDC’s wider plans to develop social and affordable housing.

For more details, please see www.dover.gov.uk/news

New Council homes for Elvington!

ThreenewhomesaresettobebuiltforDoverDistrictCouncilonlandatAdelaideRoadinElvington.AmeetingofDDC’sCabinetinAprilconsideredtendersfortheworkandselectedawinningtenderfromJennerContractorsLtd,whoarenowonsite.

Thesenewhomeswillbefinancedfromdevelopercontributionsforaffordablehouses,RighttoBuyreceiptsandHousingRevenueAccountbalances.ThehousesareapilotschemeforDDC’swiderplanstodevelopsocialandaffordablehousing.

Formoredetails,visitwww.dover.gov.uk

Inthefirstroundoffunding,groupsinDoverDistrictsuccessfullyappliedforgrantsofmorethan£22,000.ThesecondroundforJunehasnowclosedandtheapplicationswillbeconsideredbytheRegionalPanelduringJune.

Applicationsarenowinvitedforprojectsforthenextroundoffunding,whichwillbecon-sideredbytheRegionalPanelduringOctober.Fundingistosupportprojectsthatstrength-enthetiesorunderstandingbetweenmembersofthearmedforcescommunityandthewidercommunityinwhichtheylive.

TobeconsideredbytheRegionalPanelinOctober,applicationswillhavetobesubmittedtoDDCby15September2014.Formoredetailsoranapplicationform,seewww.dover.gov.uk/communitycovenantorcontactCommunityEngagementOfficerUnaMillson01304872274oremail:communitycovenant@dover.gov.uk

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Dover District Council News www.dover.gov.uk

Leasehold CornerThis is our leasehold news section where we provide useful information to homeowners.

Leasehold Service ReviewTheleaseholdserviceiscurrentlybeingreviewedbyEastKentHousingworkingalongsideCityHomesWest(anALMOsince2002).LookoutforupdatesinfutureeditionsofTenantNews.

Service Charges - The‘actual’servicechargebillsfor2013/14aredueoutinSeptember.

Did you know?Youcanseewhat‘majorworks’aredueonyourblockbyvisitingourwebsiteandsearching‘plannedimprovementprogramme’.

Independent advice for LeaseholdersLEASE(TheLeaseholdAdvisoryService)providefreelegaladvicetoleaseholdersonarangeofleaseholdmatters.Thiscanbebytelephone,byletteroremail,orinpersonattheiroffices.Call02078322500orvisit-www.lease-advice.org

Don’t forget: Visitwww.eastkenthousing.org.uk/i-am-a-leaseholder/formorelocalleaseholderinformationTheteam’scontactdetailsarealsolistedonpage2.

Don’t be cold this winter check your heating system now!Youprobablydon’twanttothinkaboutyourheatingsystemrightnowbutactuallythisisaverygoodtimeforyoutoswitchyourheatingonbrieflyjusttomakesurethateverythingisworkinginpreparationforthecomingwinter.

Itisfarbettertohaveanyrepairscarriedoutnowwhileitisstillwarmthantowaitandfindoutifthere’saproblemduringthewintermonths.

Gutters blocked? ...call Mears!Ifyou’vegotblockedgutterscallMearsandthey’llsendsomeonetoclearthemforyou.

Who do you call to report a repair?Checkouttheusefulcontactsectiononpage2orvisitourwebsite-www.eastkenthousing.org.ukforlotsofusefulrepairsinformation.

Repairsreminders...Useful Housing News Bites....

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Summer Funin Dover District

DOVER DISTRICT IS LOOKING FORWARD TO A PACKED SUMMER OF FUN - and event organisers across the area are already planning a whole host of activities for all the family. For all the latest information on events taking place in Dover District in 2014, please see the White Cliffs Country website at: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

A NEW EVENTS PACKAGE TO HELP ORGANISERS OF EVENTS BEING HELD IN DOVER DISTRICT was launched in January. For more details, please see the Events page on the DDC website at: www.dover.gov.uk/Community/Community-PortalFor more information about organising events in the Dover district, please contact: Kirsty Ash on 01304 872421 or Kirsty.ash@dover.gov.uk

KEY EVENTS THIS AUGUST & SEPTEMBER:16-17 AUGUSTFIRST WORLD WAR WEEKEND AT THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVERMarking the centenary of the First World War with a weekend of themed events for all the family to enjoy.

21-25 AUGUSTSANDWICH FESTIVALThe Sandwich Festival brings the August Bank Holiday Weekend to life in beautiful historic Sandwich Town.

25 AUGUSTKENT MINERS’ FESTIVALThe annual Kent Miners’ Festival.

11-14 SEPTEMBERHERITAGE OPEN DAYSHeritage Open Days celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year! Experience local history, architecture and culture in White Cliffs Country. www.heritageopendays.org.uk 20-21 SEPTEMBERWAR AND THE HORSE AT DOVER CASTLEfrom 10am to 5pm. Witness the confidence of the Cavalry of 1914 as they prepare to dominate the battlefields. See full details www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover-castle

21 SEPTEMBER DEAL BRADERIEDeal High Street market for antiques, collectables, bric-a-brac, plants, jewellery, new and used goods.

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Summer Funin Dover District

DOVER DISTRICT IS LOOKING FORWARD TO A PACKED SUMMER OF FUN - and event organisers across the area are already planning a whole host of activities for all the family. For all the latest information on events taking place in Dover District in 2014, please see the White Cliffs Country website at: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

A NEW EVENTS PACKAGE TO HELP ORGANISERS OF EVENTS BEING HELD IN DOVER DISTRICT was launched in January. For more details, please see the Events page on the DDC website at: www.dover.gov.uk/Community/Community-PortalFor more information about organising events in the Dover district, please contact: Kirsty Ash on 01304 872421 or Kirsty.ash@dover.gov.uk

KEY EVENTS THIS AUGUST & SEPTEMBER:16-17 AUGUSTFIRST WORLD WAR WEEKEND AT THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVERMarking the centenary of the First World War with a weekend of themed events for all the family to enjoy.

21-25 AUGUSTSANDWICH FESTIVALThe Sandwich Festival brings the August Bank Holiday Weekend to life in beautiful historic Sandwich Town.

25 AUGUSTKENT MINERS’ FESTIVALThe annual Kent Miners’ Festival.

11-14 SEPTEMBERHERITAGE OPEN DAYSHeritage Open Days celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year! Experience local history, architecture and culture in White Cliffs Country. www.heritageopendays.org.uk 20-21 SEPTEMBERWAR AND THE HORSE AT DOVER CASTLEfrom 10am to 5pm. Witness the confidence of the Cavalry of 1914 as they prepare to dominate the battlefields. See full details www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover-castle

21 SEPTEMBER DEAL BRADERIEDeal High Street market for antiques, collectables, bric-a-brac, plants, jewellery, new and used goods.

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How to

Recycle RightYour recycling collections explained

Fortnightly Dry Recycling How to use your recycling blue lidded bin or blue box

1. Please empty and rinse all recycling

2. Place in your blue lidded bin or blue box

3. Put out on the boundary of your property by 7am on your recycling collection day.

Please remember:

• Place recycling loose

• Empty and rinse

• Contaminated bins WILL NOT be emptied

• Plastics - only bottles, food pots, tubs and trays can be recycled