homes & people march april 2013

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3 star excellent services March/April 2013 Bringing you all the news that matters to you homes people & MAX SPECIAL YO U R MONEY Set up a budget See page 4 Prepare for the benefit changes see page 8 Improve your job prospects See page 10 Spring into action! Save money on your energy bills See page 6

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Page 1: Homes & People March April 2013

3 star excellent services

March/April 2013Bringing you all the news that matters to you

homes people&MAX

SPECIAL

YO U RMONEYSet up a budget

See page 4

Prepare for the benefi t changes

see page 8

Improve your job prospects See page 10

Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action! Spring into action!

Save money on your energy bills

See page 6

Page 2: Homes & People March April 2013

Your Homes Newcastle Limited. Registered in England and Wales. Registration number 5076256.Registered offi ce: Newcastle Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8PR.A company controlled by Newcastle City Council.

Designed by: barkingdog design and layout. Printed by: Mosaic Print Management Plc

page 2

Community Housing Offi ces

Other numbers

Benwell and Scotswood

Blakelaw

Byker

Cruddas Park

Gosforth

Newbiggin Hall

North Kenton

Shieldfi eld

St Anthony’s

Walker

Westgate

West Denton

Adaptations 0800 091 1255

Community Care Alarm Service 0191 278 8699

Envirocall 0191 274 4000

HASBET (Housing Anti-SocialBehaviour Enforcement Team) 0191 278 8740

Housing Advice Centre 0191 277 1711

Customer Involvement 0191 278 8720

Leasehold 0191 278 7725

Newcastle Furniture Service (NFS) 0191 278 1888

Repairs Centre and Gas Servicing 0191 277 8888

Your Choice Homes 0191 277 2020

Young People’s Service 0191 277 1190

0191 277 1484

0191 277 1000

0191 278 1555

0191 277 1066

0191 277 1166

0191 277 4360

0191 277 4360

0191 278 1566

0191 278 1600

0191 278 8455

0191 277 1300

0191 277 7940

Rent 这是有关您的租金账户的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本,请致电 0191 278 8633 索取。

Repairs 这是有关要求维修您的住房的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本,请致电 0191 278 8633 索取。

Right to Buy 这是有关租客有权购买他们的市政房屋的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本,请致

电 0191 278 8633 索取。 Tenancy 这是有关您作为纽卡斯尔市政租客所需要承担的责任的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语

言版本,请致电 0191 278 8633 索取。 YCH 这是有关我们的出租服务的信息。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其它语言版本,请致电 0191 278

8633 索取。 YHN general / Homes + People

这是有关代表纽卡斯尔市政府(Newcastle City Council)负责管理市政房屋的 Your Homes Newcastle(您的纽卡斯尔住房)组织的信息,内容解释了我们是如何运作。如果您需要此信息的普通话版本或其

它语言版本,请致电 0191 278 8633 索取。

Rent 這是關於您的租金賬戶的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本,請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。

Repairs 這是關於如何要求維修您住房的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本,請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。

Right to Buy 這是關於租客有權購買他們的市政房屋的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本,請致

電 0191 278 8633 索取。 Tenancy 這是關於您作為紐卡素市政府租客所需要承擔的責任的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語

言版本,請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。 YCH 這是關於我們的出租服務的信息。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它語言版本,請致電 0191 278

8633 索取。 YHN general / Homes + People

這是關於 Your Homes Newcastle(您的紐卡素住房)機構的信息,內容解釋了我們代表紐卡素市政府

(Newcastle City Council)負責管理市政房屋以及如何運作。如果您需要此信息的廣東話版本或其它

語言版本,請致電 0191 278 8633 索取。

0191 278 8633 †dvb K‡i Avcwb GKwU wjwLZ Abyev‡`i Rb¨ ej‡Z cv‡ib| Newcastle Furniture service

GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvg wbDK¨vmj- KvDw݇ji dvwb©Pvi mvwf©m mg‡Ü hviv †Ubv›U‡`i Ni evox mvRv‡Z mvnv‡h¨i Rb¨ dvwb©Pvi mieivn K‡i| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤̂v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633

Rent GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi †i›U GKvD›U (fvovi wnmve wbKvm) m¤̂‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633

Repairs GB Z_¨ nj Avcbvi Ni evox †givgZ Ki‡Z PvIqv m¤^‡Ü|GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633

Right to Buy GB Z_¨ nj †Ubv›U‡`i KvDw݇ji Ni evox †Kbvi AwaKvi m¤̂‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633

Tenancy GB Z_¨ nj wbDKvm¨vj KvDw݇ji †Ubv›U wnmv‡e Avcbvi `vq `vwqZ¡ m¤̂‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633

YCH GB Z_¨ nj Avgv‡`i †jwUs mvwf©m( fvov welqK) m¤̂‡Ü| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633

YHN general/Homes + People

GB Z_¨ nj BDi †nvgm wbDK¨vmj mg‡Ü| Ges Avgiv wKfv‡e `vwqZ¡ cvjb KiwQ †m mg‡Ü| BDi †nvgm wbDK¨vmj, wbDK¨vmj wmwU KvDw݇ji c‡¶ KvDw݇ji Ni evox e¨e¯’vcbvi `vwqZ¡cÖvß| GB Z_¨ hw` <evsjvq> A_ev Ab¨ †Kvb fvlvq cÖ‡qvRb nq Zvn‡j GB bv¤^v‡i †dvb Ki“b- 0191 278 8633

YHN general / Homes + People

اسل ، نيوك شهردارى از سوى اين سازمان. عملكرد آن است و » شما در نیوکاسل هاى خانه«درباره سازمان اين اطالعات مسئوليت اداره خانه هاى دولتى را به عهده دارد. در صورت نياز به اين اطالعات به زبان فارسى يا زبان هاى ديگر با شماره تلفن

٠١٩١٢٧٨٨۶٣٣ تماس بگيريد.

téléphoner au 0191 278 8633 pour obtenir une traduction écrite.

Newcastle Furniture service

Ces informations concernent le service « mobilier » de Your Homes Newcastle, qui fournit du mobilier aux locataires pour les aider à s’installer dans leur logement. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.

Rent Ces informations concernent votre loyer. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.

Repairs Ces informations concernent les demandes de travaux pour votre logement. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.

Right to Buy Ces informations concernent les droits des locataires relatifs à l’acquisition de leur logement social. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.

Tenancy Ces informations concernent vos responsabilités en tant que locataire de la municipalité de Newcastle. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.

YCH Ces informations concernent notre service de location. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.

YHN general / Homes + People

Ces informations concernent Your Homes Newcastle : qui est chargé de gérer les logements sociaux au nom de la municipalité de Newcastle et comment nous procédons. Si vous avez besoin de ces informations en français ou dans une autre langue, téléphonez au : 0191 278 8633.

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@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ0191 278 8633ç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@N

Right to Buy òŠb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@î‹Ø@üi@çbåï“å–‹Ø@Àbà@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@N@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷

@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói0191 278 8633ç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@N

Tenancyóîa‡Ý—bØüïä@óÜ@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðÙ—åï“å–‹Ø@íØòì@òí—÷@ðäbØóïmóîb‹qŠói@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@N@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷

@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷0191 278 8633q@ç‹i@ñ‡äòí—N

YCHóîóá—÷@ð–‹Ø@ðäbØómóà‚@ ói@pòŠbió@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷@ N@Šóè@ bî@ñ†ŠíØ@ðäbàŒ@ ói@ óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@ óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷

@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ0191 278 8633ç‹i@ñ‡äòí—q@N

YHN general / Homes + People

@ói@pòŠbió@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷Your Homes Newcastle@òìóÝ—bØüïä@ñŠb’@ñaŠü’@çóîý@óÜ@óØ@óîóØó䆋؊bØ@ðmóïäüš@ì@

pbÙi@ðmóîaŠóiòí–Šói@Šb’@ñaŠü’@ðäbØòìíäb‚@óØ@òìaŠ‡—q@ñòìó÷@ðØŠó÷@N@ðäbàŒ@ói@óäbîŠbïäaŒ@ãó÷@m‹ Šòì@óÜ@çbmŒóyŠó ó÷

@ðäüÑïÝm@òŠbàˆ@ói@óîóè@óÙî†@ðÙ—äbàŒ@Šóè@bî@ñ†ŠíØ0191 278 8633i@ñ‡äòí—q@ç‹N

<português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. Rent Esta informação refere-se à sua renda. Se precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra

língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. Repairs Esta informação refere-se ao pedido de reparações em sua casa. Se precisar desta informação em

<português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. Right to Buy Esta informação refere-se ao direito que os inquilinos têm de comprar a sua habitação social. Se

precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. Tenancy Esta informação refere-se às suas responsabilidades como inquilino social em Newcastle. Se

precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. YCH Esta informação refere-se ao serviço de arrendamento. Se precisar desta informação em

<português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633. YHN general / Homes + People

Esta informação refere-se à Your Homes Newcastle, a organização responsável pela gestão da habitação social em nome do Município de Newcastle, e a nossa situação actual. Se precisar desta informação em <português> ou noutra língua, queira ligar para o 0191 278 8633.

idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Repairs Ésta es información sobre cómo pedir que se realicen reparaciones en su casa. Si necesita esta

información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Right to Buy Ésta es información sobre los derechos de los inquilinos a comprar su vivienda municipal. Si necesita

esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. Tenancy Ésta es información sobre sus responsabilidades como inquilino municipal de Newcastle. Si necesita

esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. YCH Ésta es información sobre nuestro servicio de adjudicación. Si necesita esta información en español

o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633. YHN general / Homes + People

Ésta es información sobre Your Homes de Newcastle, que es la responsable de gestionar las viviendas municipales en nombre del Ayuntamiento de Newcastle, y sobre nuestra manera de hacerlo. Si necesita esta información en español o en otro idioma, llame al 0191 278 8633.

This is ‘Homes & People’ the newsletter for Newcastle council tenants and leaseholders. If you want this information in your own language we will arrange for an interpreter to help you on 0191 278 8633. This information is also available in easy read, large print, Braille and audio tape. We can also arrange for you to see a British Sign Language interpreter.

Page 3: Homes & People March April 2013

page 3

Contents

Your Homes Newcastle are coming to a location near you to talk about the

government’s benefi t changes.We can talk to you about your

options and offer advice.

Date of visit Time of visit Estate(s) Location

12 March 8.30am to 10am Benwell & Scotswood Milford Road opposite Bridgewater Primary School, Delaval Road

14 March 8am to 9.30am

Blakelaw & Cowgate Thomas Walling Primary School, Lindfi eld Avenue,

Blakelaw

8am to 9.30am Hilton Primary Academy, Hilton Avenue, Blakelaw

26 March 8am to 9.30am

Byker St Lawrence’s Primary School, Headlam Street, Byker

3pm to 4.30pm Brinkburn Street car park, near Byker Primary School

28 March 10am – 2pm Cruddas Park Cruddas Park shopping centre/community centre

9 April 10am – 12pm

Gosforth Dinnington Social Club, off Main Road

1pm to 3pm The Jubilee public house, Fawdon Lane

11 April 10am – 2pm North Kenton Teasdale House/shopping centre

23 April 10am – 2pm Shieldfi eld Heaton library, Newton Road

25 April 10am – 2pm St. Anthony’s St. Martins, Roman Avenue

7 May 10am – 2pm Walker Hexham Avenue near Walker Centre

8 May 2.30pm –

Westgate Elswick Park opposite West End Women and

4.30pm Girls Centre, Elswick Road

21 May 10am – 12pm

West Denton Lemington Centre, Tyne View, Lemington

1pm to 3pm Sainsbury’s car park, Throckley

Page 3 • Welcome to a special Homes & People

Page 4 • Brilliant budgeting

Page 5 • Making the most of your money

Page 6 • Save energy, save money

Page 7 • Benefi t changes timetable

Page 8 • “How the bedroom tax will affect me”

Page 9 • “What I’m doing to prepare for the changes”

Page 10 • “I’m really proud of myself now I’m working again”

Page 11 • Walker Learning Hive

Page 12 • Talk to Us bus timetable

Page 13 • Ways to pay your rent

Page 14 • Own Your Own

Page 15 • £25 prize wordsearch

Page 16 • Free training courses

Listen to this issue online: www.yhn.org.uk/home/listen_online.aspx

Welcome to a special Homes & People It’s not always easy talking about money is it? But we’re going to try.

We know that money is tight and the

government’s benefi t changes will affect many of you. This edition of Homes & People is full of information on how to make your money go further and how to prepare for the changes.

The changes, starting in April, are the biggest shake up of the benefi ts system for over 30 years. They are going to affect over 18,000 of you if you are of working age - whether you just happen to be out of work, are disabled or sick and unable to work, or are working part time and claiming top up benefi ts. If you are old enough to claim Pension Credit you won’t be affected.

We have been working hard to tell you about these changes - touring the city with our bus,

visiting thousands of you affected by the ‘bedroom tax’ and producing lots of useful guides and information.

We have also been developing a range of ways that we can help you to increase your income, reduce your expenditure and make it easier to prioritise your payments such as rent. We can only do so much to help though and there are many ways that you can improve your own situation. Getting into work is the best way to avoid the fi nancial impact of the benefi t changes. There’s lots of support out there to help you get into work or training.

Whatever your circumstances there’s something in here for you so please take a look. Make the most of the help on offer and don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local housing offi ce with any questions.

Diane CreightonWelfare Reform Project Manager

Page 4: Homes & People March April 2013

Brilliant budgetingA budget is a great way to take control of your fi nances. It’s a record of money you have coming in (from things like wages, a pension or benefi ts) and payments that you make (such as your rent and bills as well as living expenses like food and travel).Christine set up a budget with the help of Molly, one of our Financial Inclusion Assistants. She said:

“I’m a single mum with 12 year old twin girls and we live in a 3 bedroom house. After sitting down with Molly we worked out that because I have an extra bedroom I’m going to lose £10.17 in Housing Benefi t each week.

“I’ve been putting a bit of money aside because I knew the changes were going to happen and I had all my budget information laid out when Molly arrived so we could start straight away. It was so helpful and we worked out that with some small changes, I would be able to make up the shortfall in my rent without having to move.

“I’d love to go back to work but I do worry about the cost of childcare and how I would manage when they’re not at school. Molly gave me some information on Working Tax Credits to see if I might be eligible for help with childcare costs so I’m going to look into that.

“I really appreciated Molly taking the time to sit down with me and help me fi nd ways of making small but positive changes. I feel

much happier now that, when the benefi t changes happen, I can hopefully manage without getting myself into debt.

“I’ve always kept on top of my bills - I’d rather that than someone knocking on my door. That’s the way I’ve always been.”

For more information about budget planning, contact the Financial Inclusion Team on0191 277 4502. The following websites also contain lots of useful information:

• Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert – www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/Budget-planning

• Citizens Advice Bureau – www.adviceguide.org.uk (search for ‘budget planners guidance’)

• The Money Advice Service – www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk (search for ‘budget planner’)

Molly Dunne (left) helps Christine set up a budget

much happier now that, when the benefi t changes happen,

Molly Dunne (left) helps Christine set up a budget

page 4

Page 5: Homes & People March April 2013

page 5

Every penny counts - how to make the most of your moneyFind things for free on the internetFurniture, clothing, toys, kitchen equipment… all of this and more is offered for free on sites such aswww.freecycle.org.uk. Items are usually second hand and in good condition – just register and searchthe Newcastle ‘offers’. Also have a look at thefreebies section on www.gumtree.co.uk

You can access the internet for free atany library in Newcastle.

Good quality second hand clothes for 5p!Every month St Cuthbert’s Care’s ‘5p Bus’ travels to over 20 areas in Newcastle offering essential good quality

second-hand clothes, bedding, children’s toys, and books. Each item costs just 5p!

To fi nd out when the bus will be in an area close to you, call 0191 488 5031 or search for ‘5p bus’ at www.yhn.org.uk

Supermarket sweepFruit and veg is much cheaper if you buy at a local market rather than the supermarket. Tempted by a takeaway pizza? Try making your own using ready made bases, chopped tomatoes and lots of veg – good for your waistline and your wallet!

Simple changes – big savingsLittle luxuries such as magazines and scratchcards soon add up. You’ll be surprised how much you can save in just one week by making some simple changes:

• 1 pack cigarettes less per week £7.46+

• turn heating down by 1 degree £1.10+

• walk kids to school one day instead of getting bus £2.20 +

• stop buying weekly magazine £1 +

• stop buying weekly scratchcard £1

= £12.76 saved per week/

£663.52 per year

• Switch your supplier.

• Turn off electrical appliances when you are not using them - this can save you up to £40 a year.

• Use energy saving lightbulbs - they use up to 80% less electricity and last ten times longer.

• Look after your fridge and freezer - don’t put hot food in your fridge or freezer as this makes them work harder which uses more electricity, and defrost your freezer regularly.

• Wash your clothes at 30°c or 40°c - you’ll save a third more electricity than washing your clothes at 60°c.

• Use a shower instead of taking a bath - a bath heats more water than a shower, so long as you don’t have a shower for longer than 5 minutes.

• Arrange a free Energy for the Future home visit - see page 6.

Save energy, save money - some tips

page 5

Contact your

housing offi ce for a

free copy of our

‘Making your money go

further’booklet

Page 6: Homes & People March April 2013

“Finding out how much I could save on my energy bills was a real eye opener”

Find your Energy Best Deal drop in sessions

Lynn Summerside, from Benwell, had a visit from YHN’s Energy for the Future team and was surprised to find out about all the things she could do to save money and energy.The team is visiting customers across the city to give advice on how to heat your home, make the best use of appliances and check you are on the cheapest energy tariff. They will also install a range of products to cut your energy use and better insulate your home - and it won’t cost you a penny.

Mrs Summerside said: “The visit was a real eye opener, I had no idea I could save money by switching from a pre-payment meter to paying by Direct Debit, and I thought switching suppliers would be a real hassle but it sounds so easy! The electricity monitor I got at my home visit is brilliant too, it means I can keep an eye on how much electricity I’m using and make sure I’m switching things off that don’t need to be on. I’m also going to look into getting a water meter fitted.”

Project Officer Danny McAllister and Lynn Summerside

Changing energy suppliers can be one of the easiest ways to save money on your energy bills. Drop in to any of the venues below to ask for help to find your ‘energy best deal’:

• Civic Centre Customer Service Centre, Cruddas Park Library, East End Customer Service Centre and Library, Gosforth Customer Service Centre and Library, Kenton Customer Service Centre, Outer West Customer Service Centre and Library, Walker Library, West End Customer Service Centre and Library - any time during normal opening hours.

• City Library: Sunday - Friday between 11.30am - 12.30pm, and Saturday between 10 - 11am

You must bring your most recent energy bill (contact your supplier for an annual statement if you are on a pre-payment/credit meter). Without this it will be impossible for the energy advisors to find you a better deal!

page 6

Save money on your energy bills! Arrange an Energy for the Future home visit today. Contact us by: • Phone: 0191 278 3842 • Email: [email protected]

Page 7: Homes & People March April 2013

Do you know what’s changing? Don’t get caught short…

fi nd out more.

Council Tax benefi tLocal authorities will be responsible for their own schemes. Anyone of working age will now have to pay towards their council tax - you should have received a letter if this affects you.

Disability Living AllowanceBeing replaced by Personal Independence Payments. All new and existing claimants

will be reassessed using stricter rules so fewer people will qualify. The new assessment will focus on an individual’s ability to carry out a range of key activities necessary to everyday life.

Non-dependant deductionsYour Housing Benefi t will be reduced if you have a non-dependant person living in your home.

The Social FundLocal authorities will run their own schemes to provide emergency funding for vulnerable people.

Under OccupationTenants with more bedrooms that they need will receive less Housing Benefi t from April. 14% less for one extra bedroom, 25% for two or more.

A number of “out of work” benefi ts are being brought together into one single payment. Claims will have to be made and accessed online.

April 2013

October 2013Universal Credit

A cap on the maximum amount of benefi t

that people can receive. £350 a week for

single adults, £500 a week for couples and

lone parents. The cap is being tested in

London from April, and is expected to be

nationwide by the end of September.

Summer 2013Benefi t Cap

2013 - Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)This is a temporary payment that is given to people in very specifi c circumstances. The way

DHP is assessed has changed slightly and the government has increased the amount of money

available for two priority groups: foster carers and disabled people living in signifi cantly

adapted accommodation, who don’t have enough income to pay the under occupation charge.

Whilst their applications will be prioritised, they will still be assessed on their income and

expenditure and a DHP is not guaranteed. Other people outside of these groups can still apply

and each case will be assessed individually.

page 7

Page 8: Homes & People March April 2013

“How the bedroom tax will affect me”David Bell, 51, is a YHN customer living in a three bedroom property in West Denton. He is separated and has joint custody of his two sons, aged 11 and 16, who live with him about half of the time.

As only one of his sons is registered as a permanent resident at his address, David will receive less Housing Benefi t for under-occupying his home from April. YHN Housing Services Offi cers visited David to talk through the changes.

David said: “I was aware of the changes to benefi ts but didn’t know how much they were going to impact on me and the boys fi nancially. The home visit from YHN was a great opportunity to have someone come and talk through our exact circumstances with us.

“I really appreciate the time YHN has taken to explain everything to me; I got so much

information and understand everything much better now.

“The new government rules are so black and white that they make no allowances for our custody situation, so I either have to move or suffer the loss of around £10-15 each week.

“Moving isn’t really an option for me, my children are settled in this area and it’s easy for them to get to school. If I move, their lives will be disrupted and it could impact on their education and career prospects which I obviously don’t want. So I have to fi nd the extra money from somewhere.

“I’ve recently started working part-time for Choiceworks helping young people to cook healthy and affordable meals at Trinity Oakfi eld College and I’m thrilled to be working again. I’m a bit sceptical about the government’s view that everyone will be fi nancially better off under the new system - as the extra money I make will be going straight towards my bedroom tax.

“I would defi nitely rather be in work though. My job is so rewarding and even if I am losing the extra money, I’m gaining so much personally that I still prefer it. We’re just going to have to cut our cloth even further like thousands of other families across Newcastle, it’s hard but there’s no getting away from it.”

YHN will visit around 7,000 tenants by April. If you think you are under occupying but you have not already had a visit or received a letter about arranging a visit, someone from your housing offi ce will be in contact soon. Staff will be able to talk through your situation, go through your options and offer advice and support to help you make the most of your money.

page 8

Page 9: Homes & People March April 2013

“I’m going to a job club every Tuesday and go to Action for Employment in the city centre. I’ve also been taking my CV into local shops and have done a bit of volunteering.”

(James, Walker)

“What I’m doing to preparefor the changes”

“I thought a water meter was just for homeowners. I will defi nitely look to get one fi tted to reduce my bills.”

(Lynn, Benwell)

Who should I contact? Your Community Housing Offi ce can give you information about your options, suggest possible solutions to maximise your money or see whether you could move. Contact details for all of our Community Housing Offi ces are on page 2.

YHN has joined forces with several organisations that can give you reliable information about dealing with debt, borrowing money, and stopping smoking:

MoneywiseCredit Union -a safe place to save and getaccess to loans that suit you

• Call: 0191 276 7963

• Email:[email protected]

• Website:www.moneywise.org.uk

Welfare Rightsat NewcastleCity Council -• Advice and information on benefi ts and tax credits call

0191 277 2627• Debt advice call

0191 277 1050

Newcastle Stop

Smoking Service -

with the cost of a pack of

cigarettes averaging £7.46

now is the perfect time to

give up smoking – for your

health and your wallet.

• Call: 0191 229 2911

Five Lamps -affordable personal loansand debt advice.• Call: 0300 111 0556• Email:info@fi velamps.org.uk • Website:www.fi velamps.org.uk/fi nance/

Five Lamps -

“I’m trying to give up smoking – the money I’ve saved will help make up the shortfall in my rent.”

(Paul, Shieldfi eld)

page 9

Page 10: Homes & People March April 2013

page 10

YHN works in partnership with Newcastle Futures to offer practical advice and support to help unemployed people in Newcastle get into work or training. You can meet with a Customer Co-ordinator in YHN Community Housing Offi ces across the city for one-to-one advice and guidance.

To fi nd out more, call Freephone 0800 587 0478 or email [email protected].

“I’m really proud of myself now I’m working again”

Leeanne Fulcher, from Throckley, hadn’t worked since 1996 as she’d been bringing up two children.

“I really wanted to get a job but my confi dence was low and I just didn’t know where to start. I contacted Newcastle Futures and Kelly, my Customer Co-ordinator, helped me create an action plan. I didn’t know how I’d manage childcare at the same time as working but Kelly helped me fi nd out about childminders and afterschool and breakfast clubs in my area which was a huge help.

“Over the next few meetings Kelly helped me set up a bank account and we put together a CV and cover letter to help when looking for jobs. We practised interview techniques and she showed me how to use email and apply for jobs online.

“I completed a personal development programme which really helped my confi dence. Less than a week after fi nishing the course I had a job! I was passing a local shop and called in to ask if they had any vacancies and they said yes. I would never have done something like that before.

“I’m now working part-time and managing to support my family. I have loads more confi dence and love meeting new people - I’m really proud of myself.”

page 10

Kelly and Geoff from Newcastle Futures with Samantha Carver

Getting into work is the best way to avoid the fi nancial impact of the benefi t changes. Read on to fi nd out how two YHN customers have recently got back into work with the support of Newcastle Futures…

Page 11: Homes & People March April 2013

Samantha Carver, from Throckley, used to be a care worker but struggled to arrange childcare for nightshifts so had to leave her job. Newcastle Futures helped her think about other types of jobs she could do.

“I really wanted an offi ce job as I’d completed a few computer courses and enjoyed them, but I didn’t have any admin experience. Kelly at Newcastle Futures helped me look at what I needed to do to get to where I wanted to be. She suggested doing some voluntary work to build up experience which I hadn’t thought of before.

“I contacted some employers in the hope of gaining admin experience and was really pleased to be invited to meet with Warmseal for a chat. I met Kelly before the meeting to run through what I would say and what questions I could ask, and was over the moon when I was offered a volunteer placement.

“In August 2012 I started volunteering as an admin assistant and learnt so much. A few months later the company offered me a permanent paid job. I’ve got my own desk with a phone and a computer and am doing a job I really enjoy. I’m earning my own money and can provide for my family.”

page 11

Have you heard the buzz about the Walker Learning Hive?Do you live in the Walker area? You can improve your job prospects by visiting the Walker Learning Hive, the new community learning centre at Walker Parish Church, in the Church Walk Centre. Brush up on maths and English, improve your computer skills, and search and apply for jobs. You can also learn how to cook healthy meals on a budget

and get support with managing your household budget.

Rachel Gowens (left) has been going to the Learning Hive since September.

Rachel said: “I fi rst went along to get some help fi nding a job. There is so much on offer, I joined a maths group and the job club. I also started volunteering in the Hive’s food project, preparing food parcels for local people. Thanks to my new skills I’ve just got a part-time job with BT.”

If you’ve got a bee in your bonnet about improving your job prospects, make sure you visit the Walker Learning Hive!

Find out more

Call Pauline or Clare on 07918 627 750, or pop in and see them on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am - 4pm.

Page 12: Homes & People March April 2013

Your Homes Newcastle is coming to a location near you to talk about the

government’s benefi t changes.We can talk to you about your

options and offer advice.

Date of visit Time of visit Estate(s) Location

26 March

8am - 9.30am

Byker

St Lawrence’s Primary School, Headlam Street,

Byker

3pm - 4.30pm Brinkburn Street car park, near Byker Primary School

28 March 10am - 2pm Cruddas Park Cruddas Park shopping centre/community centre

9 April 10am - 12pm

Gosforth Dinnington Social Club car park, off Main Road

1pm - 3pm The Jubilee pub car park, Fawdon Lane

11 April 10am - 2pm North Kenton Teasdale House/shopping centre, Newbiggin Hall

23 April 10am - 2pm Shieldfi eld Heaton library, Newton Road

25 April 10am - 2pm St. Anthony’s St. Martins Centre, Roman Avenue

7 May 10am - 2pm Walker Hexham Avenue near Walker Centre

9 May 2.30pm - Westgate Elswick Park opposite West End Women and 4.30pm Girls Centre, Elswick Road

21 May 10am - 12pm

West Denton Lemington Centre, Tyne View, Lemington

1pm - 3pm Sainsbury’s car park, Throckley

page 12

Page 13: Homes & People March April 2013

page 13

We can also help you set up a basic bank account. If you don’t already have one, now is the perfect time to open one. When Universal Credit is introduced from October this year, you will have to claim benefits online and they will be paid straight to your bank account. Setting up a bank account doesn’t have to be scary and can make paying your bills much easier.

Call our Income team for more information on 0191 278 7749.

NEW: you can now sign up to pay your rent by Direct Debit over the phone. No more forms!

Paying your rent by Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay.

Because your bank or building society makes the payment for you there are:

• no queues• no cheques to write• no paperwork or postage every month.

Sign up over the phoneCall the Income team on 0191 278 7749 to set up. There are no forms to fill in (unless you request a paper form).

Choice of payment dates You can choose what date and how often your payments are made, so you could ask for the money to leave your account just after you receive your wages or benefits.

It’s really important that you continue to pay your rent as it helps us to provide our services to you. You could be at risk of losing your home if you don’t pay your rent. The good news is, there are lots of ways you can pay!

• Pay your rent in personYou can pay your rent in person at Newcastle City Council Customer Service Centres.

• Pay your rent by swipecardYou can pay your rent using a swipecard at any Post Office or PayPoint outlet.

We issue swipecards for all new tenancies.

• Pay your rent by standing orderPayments can be made weekly, fortnightly, four weekly or calendar monthly, in advance.

These arrangements can be made with your Housing Services Officer, who can also help you calculate your payment.

• Pay your rent by phoneAutomated telephone payments can be made by calling 0845 111 4199. Please follow the telephone instructions.

You must ensure that you have your 11 digit reference number and a valid debit or credit card.

• Pay your rent onlineFollow the “Do it online” link from the Newcastle City Council website homepage. www.newcastle.gov.uk

Other ways to pay

WIN £50! If you pay your rent by Direct Debit you will be automatically be entered into a monthly draw to win £50…Ashleigh Toole (left with Housing Services Officer Lewis Brown) from Shieldfield pays her rent by Direct Debit and was one of our lucky winners!

Page 14: Homes & People March April 2013

Own Your Own - how to buyYou can choose from five products: condenser dryer, fridge, washing machine, electric cooker or fridge freezer. Choose the product you want to buy in the Own Your Own booklet (available from Community Housing Offices) and fill in the application form. You can only buy one product at a time.

Any questions? Call 0191 278 1888 and we’ll be happy to help.

page 14

Don’t pay over the odds for your household appliances!

Buying things like cookers, fridges and washing machines from weekly payment shops will cost you a lot more in the long term because of the high interest charges. YHN has a weekly payment scheme called Own Your Own which is interest free - so you won’t end up paying over the odds.

Janis Marshall from Gosforth bought a fridge freezer through Own Your Own.

“I looked at fridge freezers in one of the weekly payment shops in town and couldn’t believe the extra charges. I said to my daughter, ‘they’ve got to be joking, look at the amount of interest they charge’. If I’d bought from them I would’ve ended up paying more than the fridge was worth!

“I’d got something through the door about the Own Your Own offer and filled in the application form. It was really easy to do and a week later I got a letter saying my application was successful.

“My new fridge freezer arrived in December, just in time for me to do a big Christmas shop. I’ve got 4 grandchildren so I need to keep my fridge fully stocked! I pay £5 a week for 50 weeks, and pay with my PayPoint card at the local shop. I’ve saved a heck of a lot of money buying it this way and it’s been so easy to do.”

Page 15: Homes & People March April 2013

Mr Kenneth Thompson of Fenham was the lucky winner of last issue’s crossword competition. Mr Thompson wins a £25 Eldon Square voucher – congratulations!

£25 prize wordsearchComplete the wordsearch to win a £25 Eldon Square voucher to spend on whatever you fancy!

Send your completed puzzle along with your name, address and a daytime telephonenumber to:

Homes & People competition, Communications team, Your Homes Newcastle, YHN House, Benton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7LX by 23 May 2013.

Please note: competitions are only open to tenants and leaseholders with no rent arrears.

Name:

Address:

Postcode: Daytime telephone number:

Bank account

Benefits

Budget

Calculations

Direct Debit

Employability

Energy for the Future

Energy saving

Freecycle

Healthy living

Insurance

Learning Hive

Managing money

Markets

Own Your Own

Training courses

Work

page 15

E N E R G Y F O R T H E F U T U R E

M E N H E V S R E T L P D N I V V C

P P S T I F E N E B X O U A I I L N

L E N G L T M G I E Y O W H H I L A

O E S A E A D G N B C T G G S O H R

Y G T U T U E A E C T Y N R M T C U

A N P N B I Z N A I I I C A G I A S

B I E E L E E K E N N S N L O B L N

I V W C M Q N U M R A A I W E E C I

L I L T I A I A A A G N N N C D U E

I L K T B T E E I I R Y E T M T L S

T Y S R S L L S N T O K S E Q C A L

Y H E I O H Q G O U A F E A T E T U

A T K A L W M A R R N X W T V R I P

L L R H H O F O O D B A N K S I O M

W A A L N O W W T T A I M L I D N I

C E M E L N N S E S S O R T E L S G

S H Y S E S R U O C G N I N I A R T ✁

Page 16: Homes & People March April 2013

Scrutiny training

Do you have an eye for detail and would you like

to fi nd out more about how tenants can monitor

the services that they receive? Come along to this

taster session to fi nd out more.

When: Wednesday 27 March 2013

Where: The Beacon, Westgate Road, NE4 9PQ

How to book

• Phone Stuart Clarke - 0191 278 3959

• Email - [email protected] 16

Free training courses

Every penny counts!Have you ever found yourself short of cash or struggling to pay for food, household bills or clothing? If the answer is ‘yes’ then you’re not alone.This training course will help you make your money go further. You’ll also be able to speak to one of our trained advice and support workers at the end of the session if you have any questions. How to book• Phone Jill Davie - 0191 278 8721• Text - ‘money’ to 0781 578 4037 with your name and address• Email - [email protected]

What’s on!Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender GroupWhen: Thursday 21 March 2013, 6pm

Where: Newcastle City Library

An informal group that looks at ways that YHN could improve services to LGBT customers.

Contact Lou Grogan on0191 278 4391 or email [email protected] for more information or to book your place.

Young Persons pizza meetingWhen: Thursday 28 March 2013, 5.30pm

Where: YHN House, Benton Park Road, Newcastle

A chance for young tenants under the age of 25 to tell us what they think about our services and meet other young tenants.

Contact Lou Grogan on 0191 278 4391 or email [email protected] for more information or to book your place.

Come along to a YHN Board meetingBoard meetings take place at YHN House on Benton Park Road, at 5pm on the following dates:

• Tuesday 16 April 2013• Tuesday 28 May 2013• Tuesday 9 July 2013

Visit www.yhn.org.uk formore information.

Meeting dates correct at the time Homes & People went to press.

• Email - [email protected]

Introduction to computers and the internetAn informal training course that will help build your confi dence and give you the basic skills to use a computer and the internet. Courses will be held in Newcastle City Centre and there will be a number of dates available. Spaces are limited and will be given on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis.How to book• Phone Jill Davie - 0191 278 8721• Text - ‘computers’ to 0781 578 4037 with your name and address• Email - [email protected]