housing hotline winter 2019 - wrexhamold.wrexham.gov.uk/assets/pdfs/housing/newsletter/... ·...

CONDENSATION DAMP & MOULD

HOTLINEWinter 2019HOUSING

MYTH BUSTING COUNCIL HOUSING

STAYING SAFE AT CHRISTMAS

INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

YOUR GARDEN IN

WINTER

Steve Bayley Chief Officer for Housing & Economy

Christmas is almost here – where has the year gone?

We would love to hear from you...

Broughton: 27 Darby Road, Brynteg, Wrexham LL11 6LWTelephone: 01978 722020Email: [email protected] Hours: 9.00am - 4.30pm Monday - Thursday, 9.00am - 4.00pm Friday

Caia Park: 7 Churchill Drive, Wrexham LL13 9HNTelephone: 01978 317040Email: [email protected] Hours: 9.00am - 4.30pm Monday - Thursday, 9.00am - 4.00pm Friday

Gwersyllt Resource Centre: Second Avenue, Gwersyllt, Wrexham, LL11 4ED Telephone: 01978 315680Email: [email protected] Hours: 9.00am - 4.30pm Monday - Thursday, 9.00am - 4.00pm Friday

Plas Madoc: 50 Peris, Acrefair, Wrexham LL14 3LFTelephone: 01978 813000Email: [email protected] Hours: 9.00am - 4.30pm Monday - Thursday, 9.00am - 4.00pm Friday.

You may have seen in previous editions of the Hotline around loan sharks and bogus callers – but I can’t stress enough the importance of looking out for each other, especially this time of year. Don’t be tempted by extravagant loans and high interest ‘buy now pay later’ deals – check out our Money Matters article for hints and tips on managing your money better. Make sure to have a read of our Safety at Christmas article too, for

Rhos: The Stiwt, Broad Street, Rhos, Wrexham LL14 1RB Telephone: 01978 832900,Email: [email protected] Hours: 9.00am - 4.30pm Monday - Thursday. 9.00am - 4.00pm Friday

Wrexham Central Office: Housing & Economy Department,Ruthin Road, Wrexham, LL13 7TUTelephone: 01978 292062Email: [email protected] Hours: 9.00am - 4.30pm Monday - Thursday,9.00am - 4.00pm Friday

For enquiries about all other aspects of housing, please contact: Housing & Economy Department,Ruthin Road, Wrexham LL13 7TU Telephone number: 01978 298993 E-mail: [email protected] opening hours are: Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm, Friday 9am – 4:45pm.

Homelessness Services 01978 292947

Housing Text relay: 18001 01978 298993

How to contact Housing ServicesYou can contact any of our Local Housing Estate Offices concerning all aspects of Council and Sheltered Housing

tips on keeping safe during the festive period!

In this edition, we’re also busting some myths around council housing, so be sure to share this with your friends and family who are interested in applying for council housing.

I’d like to thank our Housing Department for all their hard work throughout the year, and to all of you, our tenants, for your continued support to help

us provide you with the best service possible. There is lots in store for Housing at Wrexham Council in 2020, so be sure to watch this space for updates.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Housing Hotline I Winter 20192

Welcome to this winter edition

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Report non-emergency housing repairs via email - [email protected] through our online repair form or by signing up for ‘My Council House’ on our website www.wrexham.gov.uk/housing

For information on the housing improvement work being carried out across the County Borough (Welsh Housing Quality Standard) www.wrexham.gov.uk/whqs

For all other Housing information www.wrexham.gov.uk/housing

Follow your Housing Service online

Keep in touch with the latest news and

developments for Wrexham Council Tenants.

• Find us on Facebook WCBC Housing

• Sign up to receive tenants news updates

www.wrexham.gov.uk/register

CONTENTS

Page 2 Welcome & Office Contact Details

Contents Page

Page 4 & 5 Meet Some of our Apprentices

Page 6 Tai Teg

Page 7 Voids Commissioning Team

Page 8 & 9 Condensation, damp and mould

Page 10 Spotlight – Russell Jones

Page 11 Your garden in Winter

Page 12 & 13 Gardening Competition

Page 14 Inspirational People

Page 15 Hafren Dyfrdwy – We’re here to help

Page 16 & 17 Myth Busting – Council Housing

Page 18 & 19 Tenant Participation

Page 20 Money Matters

Page 21 Cambrian Credit Union

Page 22 Anti-Social Behaviour

Page 23 Staying Safe at Christmas

Page 24 & 25 Recycling Tips for Christmas/ Bin Collections

Page 26 Quiz

To speak to Repairs during office hours,

or for Out of Hours Emergency Repairs,

please telephone:

01978 298993

For Out of Hours Homelessness

services, please telephone:

01978 264240

For general flooding enquiries

(During Office Hours) please contact:

Tel: 01978 298989Email: [email protected]

For immediate threats to life or property

please call

Emergency Services: 999

Housing Hotline I Winter 2019 3

http://[email protected]

http://[email protected]

http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/housing

http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/whqs

http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/whqs

http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/housing

http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/register

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Wrexham Council’s Housing and Economy department is committed to providing good quality social housing across the County Borough, which means we want the very best trade operatives to do the job.

We provide local people with apprentice opportunities to develop their skills and be successful in their chosen trade and are proud of our continuous annual recruitment of trade apprentices into our department and we currently have 16 trade apprentices in different stages of their training.

We took some time to get to know some of our apprentices, check out their profiles …

Name: Benjamin Rowlands

Age: 16

Trade: Plumbing (year 1)

How long have you worked for Wrexham Council as an Apprentice?

8 weeks

Why did you choose to apply for an apprenticeship with housing repairs?

Good opportunity, working on the tools will help me progress and the Council has good health and safety processes and procedures.

What’s the next step in your career plan?

Hopefully learn the trade well and complete my NVQ in college and then progress on to doing my gas qualification.

What do you love about working for Wrexham Council?

Lots of opportunities, not just on the job but other things such as charity events.

Is there anything you dislike about working for Wrexham Council?

I’ve not been here long enough really, but so far, so good.

A bit about you!

Favourite colour: Green

Favourite food: Gammon Steak

Favourite TV show/film: Sky Sports

How do you feel about pineapple on pizza?

No absolutely not!

What 3 celebrities (dead or alive) would you invite to Christmas dinner?

Sir Alex Ferguson, Joanne from Love Island and George Best.

If you won the lottery, what would you do?

Go to Argentina.

Meet some of our apprentices


Name: Stanislav Danev

Age: 33

Trade: Plumber (year 3)


Just over 1 year.


I believe WCBC treat people fairly in regards to age and nationality.


Doing my gas qualification and hopefully get taken on by Wrexham Council.


Kindness from people and great working hours.


No, I am very happy working here.

A bit about you!Favourite colour: White

Favourite food: Steak and Salad

Favourite TV show/film: Taken


I’m not sure that it’s a good combo! Meat, cheese and sweetcorn all the way.


Holly Willoughby, Pierce Morgan and David Cameron.


Depends how much money I won, but if it was a lot, I would fund a foster home for children.

Name: Kelvin Davies

Age: 20

Trade:

Joiner – final stages of his NVQ


Just over 2 years


I seen the job advertised on the website and had heard the Council was a good place to work for, with plenty of opportunities and a solid career path.


Get taken on at the Council, and continue to get experience as a Joiner with more site experience.


The lads I work with are really nice, and my Site Agent is good, he always supports me if I’m stuck and asks how I’m getting on.


I genuinely cannot think of anything that I dislike, it’s a really good place to work.

A bit about you!Favourite colour: Blue (for Everton)

Favourite food: Chinese

Favourite TV show/film: Law Abiding Citizen


I like it a lot!


Duncan Ferguson, Lionel Messi and Gerard Butler.


Quit my job! I’d buy a holiday home in the Dominican and chill out for a couple of weeks then head to Ibiza. I’d give my family some money too, obviously.


“”

“It’s a satisfying job to know that you have played a part in turning a property around and you know that the tenant will be happy with the end result.” “Making a difference, little or small, is paramount to my job satisfaction.”

Who are the Voids Commissioning Team (VCT)?The VCT’s basic role is to ensure all properties which are vacated, are cleared, safe and surveyed before issuing to our contractors or in house teams to renovate.

You may have seen in our Autumn Hotline about the ‘voids process’, here are just some of the things the team have to arrange:

It’s vital that our VCT are efficient and get the properties allocated to our contractors/in house team as soon as possible so they can start work on them. In the last 18 months – a

whopping 861 voids have been completed and each one of these properties has been dealt with by our Voids Commissioning Team.

Without the hard work and dedication from the VCT, there would be a huge impact on the completion of our void properties. Keep up the great work team!

Behind the scenes

Sounds simple right?FumigationsDeep cleansAsbestos removalsManaging structural issues Damp

Dealing with service providersLandscaping Property surveying

The VCT is made up of Planners and Surveyors, we spoke to some of them to ask them what it’s like to work in the team…


Air contains water vapour in varying quantities, warm air holds more moisture than cold air. When moist air comes into contact with either colder air or a colder surface, for example a wall, window, mirror etc. the air is unable to retain the same amount of moisture and the water is released to form condensation in the air or on the surface.

Condensation is generally noticeable where it forms on things like windows, window sills, mirrors or tiles but it can form on any surface and it may not be noticed until mould growth or rotting of material occurs.

In Britain, condensation in houses is mainly a winter problem, particularly where warm moist air is generated in areas like kitchens and bathrooms and then penetrates to colder parts of the building.

We put moisture into the air during our normal daily activities. Water vapour is produced in relatively large quantities from normal day to day activities - a 5 person household puts about 10KG (10 litres) of water into the air every day (without taking into account any heating) - i.e.

What is Condensation?

• Breathing (asleep) 0.3KG

• Breathing (awake) 0.85KG

• Cooking 3KG

• Personal washing 1.0KG

• Washing and drying clothes 5.5KG

• Heating - especially paraffin and flueless gas heaters. For every litre of paraffin burnt over one litre of moisture vaporises into air. Every carbon fuel produces some amount of water from combustion.

There are three factors that decide whether you get condensation or not:

1. The level of moisture in the air

2. The air temperature of the room

3. The surface temperature of the windows

The more moisture there is in the air the more likely it is that you will get condensation. Moisture in the air comes from drying clothes in the house, boiling vegetables, putting the kettle on, bathing, showering, open flame gas style heating, rain soaked clothing, breathing and the damp British weather.

Mould is defined as “woolly or furry growth of minute fungi on things of animal or vegetable origin that lie for some time especially in moist warm air”.

Mould spores are regularly found in indoor air and on surfaces and materials—no indoor space is free of them. The availability of moisture is the primary factor that controls

What is mould?

A good deal of misapprehension exists on the subject of condensation, and its effects are wrongly described as dampness. Condensation is not dampness in the ordinary sense of the term, but it is the result of a purely natural occurrence. Condensation occurs where moist warm air comes into contact with colder dryer air, or a surface, which is at a lower temperature.

mould growth indoors, since the nutrients and temperature range they need are usually present.

Mould spores are present everywhere and they start to grow wherever their basic needs for growth are met. Moulds are also capable of producing large quantities of spores within a short time.


The Condensation Cycle

The steps to follow to reduce condensation and mould

1. When you’re cooking or washing, keep the kitchen or bathroom doors closed to stop the steam from entering other rooms.

2. To allow warm air to escape, open the windows in that room for 20 minutes and close the door.

3. For better ventilation, leave the windows and doors slightly open while you’re sleeping. A person releases half a pint of water as vapour in their sleep. This vapour is another cause of condensation on windows in the mornings.

4. Don’t push your furniture close up against walls, leave a circulation gap.

5. Clean airbricks or ventilators. Air circulation, airbricks and ventilators are vital in helping to get rid of moisture in the air. Airbricks are important in rooms that have fuel-burning appliances.

6. Wipe condensation from window sills, tiled walls and shower stalls to prevent condensation black spots. Wash any spots that do appear regularly with mould remover to prevent mould from growing.

7. Install an extractor fan in the bathroom and kitchen window, wall, or ceiling. The extractor fan should be powerful enough to extract air and ventilate the room

8. Less condensation will form when cold surfaces are kept warm

9. Cork, blown vinyl wall coverings and paper backed fabrics are better options on exterior walls than paint or ceramic tiles

10. Use a dehumidifier to dry and warm the air

All of these activities put moisture back into the air to start the cycle again.

You have produced moisture throughout the day during daily

activities. The moisture remains in the air.

The temperature drops overnight and the surface

temperature of the windows decreases. The moist air in

the room comes into contact with the window and

condenses. We wake up in the morning to water

dripping down the windows.

We mop up the moisture, take a shower, put the

kettle on and take a load of washing

out of the washing machine and put it on the airer to

dry.


I have worked for Wrexham County Borough Council Housing Service for 34 years this year. I have been a Manager for 20 of those years and worked within the majority of estate areas throughout my employment.

Within my office, we have 15 members of staff, a mixture of full and part-time who are all committed to making a difference within the communities in which we work.

At Plas Madoc, we pride ourselves on working alongside the residents, partner organisa-tions and local members to help create sustainable communities and safer places for people to live. We also aim to provide a quality service to all our tenants, residents and the general public when they contact our office for advice and assistance. All of our customers will be treated with respect and we will always listen to your concerns and try to resolve them at first point of contact. Granted, there are some instances where we are unable to achieve the outcome you want, but we will always explain our reasons for the decision

Russell Jones Plas Madoc Estate Office

Our job also puts us in contact with so many different people from all walks of life, all with

different stories to tell.

Spotlight on ...

”“

and provide you with as much information and advice as possible.

One of our projects which is currently on-going is the estate re-modelling of Plas Madoc. Major improvements have already taken place on the estate with the external wall insulation being fitted onto the properties. With this project, we have moved away from the more traditional designs and looked at creating a more modern feel and outlook to the properties. We are also pleased to announce that due to the remodelling project on Plas Madoc, space has been created to make way for a new build scheme on the estate. Over the next 18 months, Plas Madoc will see the

building of brand new properties, something that we have not seen within the local authority for over 30 years. These new additions to our stock will all be owned and managed by our Housing Service and purpose built to meet the growing demand for specific size properties within the local area.

I love the fact that our service is so reactive and every day can be so different. The only problem with that is that you can never plan your day as things tend to change on an hourly basis. Our job also puts us in contact with so many different people from all walks of life, all with different stories to tell.


Continue to plant: As long as the ground is soft enough to dig a hole.

Add mulch: It will help keep root temperatures stable.

Add compost: It supplies organic nutrients to the soil (but no more than three inches thick).

Water: Watering in advance of a predicted freeze helps plants, especially potted plants and annuals, make it through a hard freeze because it allows plants to take up moisture before the ground is frozen and prevents water from reaching the root zone. Be sure to hydrate above-ground shoots as well as the roots.

Your Gardenin WinterHere’s a list of dos and don’ts to help your plants survive hard freezes and to help you enjoy the blooms on the many beautiful winter-flowering plants.

Give container plants extra protection: Cover with frost cloth or other heat retentive blankets and move pots and other containers close to the foundation of the house or under eaves.

Bring in houseplants: Spray both sides of the leaves with an insecticidal soap and water thoroughly with an insecticidal drench that is safe for people and pets to kill hitchhiking critters. Position plants indoors where they will receive indirect, bright light for at least five hours a day. Be sure to keep them away from drafts and heating vents and water sparingly because most houseplants do not actively grow in winter.

Winter Garden Dos

Fertilise: This is a time for garden plants to go dormant and rest. Forcing them to start new growth before the ground warms in the spring not only interrupts this period when they are rejuvenating but ice storms and temperatures below freezing or even hard frosts will kill tender new growth.

Skip your regular watering cycle: During dry periods when the ground isn’t frozen or covered with snow, a once-a-week deep watering is beneficial. New plantings especially need to be watered in.

Worry about bulb foliage: Leaves of daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs should be just fine during temperature dips.

Winter Garden Don’ts


Don’t forget – if you’ve tried out any of our gardening tips this spring/summer we’d love to see some pics!

Send in your photos to [email protected], share them on our Facebook page @WCBCHousing or post them to our Ruthin Road offices.

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Garden CompetitionsDuring summer our estate offices held garden competitions across the borough. It was great to see so many entries and the effort that people had put in was amazing. Congratulations to all of our winners, don’t forget to check out our winter garden tips too, to keep your garden looking lovely, ready for spring.

RhosMr and Mrs EdwardsMiss Reeves12-17 Cwm GlasMrs JonesMrs OwensLlys Y MynyddMrs BarrattMr & Mrs JonesMrs & Miss DuckettMr & Mrs Francis

Plas MadocMr R DaviesMr RichardsBlock 17 - 21 Cae’r YsgolMr Walker Mr McCormickMrs EvansMrs Johnston

CaiaMr and Mrs Delaney Mr D ReesMrs DownwardMr T CassidyIolanda Banu ViegasSheila Groom Mr A RobertsMr S PughMrs M Davies

Gwersyllt Mr DaviesMrs HenryMrs StromczynskaGlan Aber


We met Madison the Yorkshire Terrier, and her owner, Mrs A from Ruabon, to tell us their story…

Mrs A had been unwell, suffering from anxiety and depression, she wouldn’t go out or speak to anyone and continued to deteriorate over the coming months. She was recommended a dog as a companion to support her through this difficult time, this is when she met Madison. Madison is almost two now and has been with Mrs A since she was a puppy, and what a fantastic companion she has become.

Having to take care of Madison, means that Mrs A has to take her for a walk each day which has

Inspirational PEOPLE ... and animalsEvery dog owner knows there are benefits to having a dog, from getting out for exercise to loyal companionship. However, for some people with disabilities, the presence of a dog is critical to their daily functioning. The emotional support and comfort provided by their pet allows them to deal with challenges that might otherwise compromise their quality of life. These pets are known as emotional support animals (ESAs).

meant she has got herself out of the house, even if it’s been just for 10minutes at a time. Through this, she has met fellow dog walkers and now, regularly stops for a chat with them. Just little things like this have made such a difference to Mrs A’s health, and the care and attention she gives to Madison is clearly reciprocated. Madison even sometimes helps out with things like changing the bed sheets and dragging the washing to the basket.

Madison goes everywhere with Mrs A, everyone knows her! It’s fantastic to see how much an animal like her can change a person’s life, just by being around and becoming such a great companion.


WE’RE HERE TO HELP

We all need a little extra help from time to time.

If you’ve got money worries and want to talk about your options, need your water bills in an accessible format, or have a medical condition that you need support with, there are lots of ways we can help you.

Please visit hdcymru.co.uk/priorityor call us on 0333 207 5650

I can’t apply for Council Housing because I don’t claim state benefits.

Yes, you can, don’t believe everything that you see on the television. Council housing is for anyone who cannot afford to get onto the property ladder. In fact, given the current house prices and the size of deposit needed, council housing is a good alternative.

Myth Busting:Council HousingCouncil Housing

Did you know that this is what the inside of a typical Council house looks like?


Council Housing is poor quality.

The Council is currently investing in its stock. During last year, we spent £48.1m upgrading properties, including installing new kitchens, bathrooms and central heating.

Not many people know that we are also starting to build new properties to rent. This means that some people will be lucky enough to move into a brand new home.

Our first new build properties will be on the site of the former Nant Silyn Residential Home at Pont Wen Wrexham.

This is an image of the proposed street elevation…

I wouldn’t want to live on a Council Estate.

Once again, don’t believe everything that you see on the television. As well as building new properties, last year, we spent £5m in external works to improve the outside space of housing stock. This includes new fencing and re-roofing.

In fact, the estates we have in many of the villages in the County Borough are smaller than some private estates that are being built now.

Did you also know that we have bought houses from a private developer, which will be Council homes for rent? We have bought 4 properties at the new Maes Gwerdd Estate, Summerhill. This is the first time we have done this but it means that some tenants will not even live on a Council Estate.

I have been told that I will need to wait years for a property. We do have a waiting list. At the moment, there are about 2,000 people waiting for a Council property, but remember, we do have over 11,000 properties throughout the County Borough and 718 properties became empty last year. So, it might not be as long a wait as you think. Contact your local Council Housing Estate Office for more information!

I would like to downsize but I own my own property so I can’t apply for a Council house. You can still apply for housing. We have a number of sheltered schemes, designed for older people.

As part of our improvement works we are planning a full programme of refurbishing our sheltered properties. So, you might find them an attractive option.

These are exciting times for social housing in Wrexham and it’s changing to become so much more than it has been.

Actually, these are pictures of some of our estates. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised…


Meet Your Tenant RepresentativesMeet Your Tenant RepresentativesMal Morris - Maesydre

Why I want to be involved: I feel that resident involvement is crucial to the success of any local authority and for that matter the residents themselves become involved in many different ways, feeding information back to

the council via their tenant representative.

What would I like to see happen in Housing Services: I would love to see a much closer relationship between the council and their tenants. It is essential that all information conveyed to the council is acted upon and a response given that can be relayed to its residents. A monitoring system should be introduced to enable the residents to see that action is being taken on their behalf.

If you’d like to find out more about being involved in these activities, please call Carol Coull, our Tenant Participation Project Officer on 01978 298993, or email us at

[email protected]

As your landlord, it is important that you are able to monitor and review our performance, our future plans and the way we deliver our service. One of the ways we do this is through the Tenant and Member Partnership.

The Partnership is made up of twelve elected tenants and ten elected members. Every two months or so, they meet at our Ruthin Road Housing offices to discuss our performance as well as other issues which affect our tenants.

Council officers and managers attend the meetings and we also invite people from other sections of the council and external organisations to come and speak to the Partnership on matters which affect tenants.

The agenda for each meeting is decided by tenants, members and officers. It’s a chance to ask questions of Housing Officers, discuss our performance and suggest ideas which might help us improve our service in the future. December’s and January’s meetings will be dedicated to producing the Housing Finance Business Plan for 2020/2021 which details our priorities, income and expenditure for the coming financial year.

Following our recruitment drive earlier in the year there are still some vacancies left to join the Partnership and we would welcome applications from tenants who live in the areas covered by our Plas Madoc, Rhos, Wrexham Central and Caia estate offices.

Tenant representatives represent the views of tenants in their area and also the interests of tenants as a whole. Tenant representatives are volunteers and the role involves scrutinising, informing, and influencing policy and day to day business decisions, sharing best practice and connecting and consulting with other tenants. Tenant representatives are an important link between Wrexham Council and our tenants.

You don’t require any formal training to be a tenant representative however support and training will be provided to help you to understand how the housing department works and is funded.

Transportation can also be provided for those who don’t drive.

If you would like to be considered for this important and exciting role or would like more information on other ways you can get involved and have your say, please contact us at:

[email protected] or call us on 01978 298993

Wrexham Tenant and Member Partnership


Look out for your tenant representatives out and about in your communities, who will be holding surgeries in your areas in the new year.


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What have they been up to?

Yvonne McCarroll – Coedpoeth

Why I want to be involved: This will enable me to gain invaluable insight into how the council achieve their aim, deliver their service and what challenges they face. I think that having tenants’ input will bring a different perspective on housing issues. With the knowledge I learn from this experience I can share with other tenants who are unable to attend the meetings. I will do this via face to face communication, putting articles in the Housing Hotline with the Editorial SIG group, also setting up surgeries in different areas of the borough with the active tenants.

What would I like to see happen in Housing Services: I would like to see more sharing of information, more support and working together not against each other, as we all want the same outcomes: better communication, training, i.e. team building and group dynamics.

Jayne Parlour – Bradley

Why I want to be involved: With a positive and objective outlook I want to represent the views of all tenants in the Wrexham area. I want to scrutinise and monitor performance and influence changes, hoping for best services delivered to all tenants.

What would I like to see happen in Housing Services: To ensure our neighbourhoods become safe, friendly and tidy places to live. For tenants to take pride in their homes, after all the works done to them, making them their forever homes. Ensuring all tenants are treated with equality and diversity. All tenants journeys are different, but our destinations should be the same.

Lia van Ryswyk – Coedpoeth

Why I want to be involved: I would like to be involved with Wrexham tenants to work with staff and elected members and deal with housing issues.

What would I like to see happen in Housing Services: For tenants to be taken seriously and listened to.

Dorothy Mitchell – Caia

Why I want to be involved: I want to support tenants and share information with them on housing matters that concern them. It is a good opportunity to be able to bring issues back to housing services.

What would I like to see happen in Housing Services: To see it become the flagship for others in Wales by the quality of works carried out, a better quality control over its stock and reduction of carbon

footprint and becoming more eco-friendly.


Charles Devlin – Ruabon

Why I want to be involved: With 2019 being my 29th year as a tenant representative I am prepared and willing to stand for election. This is what I have to offer:

• I have obtained a vast amount of knowledge and experience of housing. I am self-driven and self-motivated. I sit alongside other tenants and officers and councillors with ease and comfort. I am a team player.

• I will represent all tenants across the borough by promoting the exercise of tenants’ rights and the maintenance and improvements of their housing conditions, amenities and environment in accordance with the tenancy agreements, mainstream and local government policies and the laws of housing, each of which are legal and binding.

• I will remain independent of control by any other body.

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Money MattersMoney MattersThe festive period can be a busy and expensive time for many of us, with people preparing early to ensure they have enough money to pay for the presents and parties.

£

However, it is just as important to ensure that you continue to keep up with rent payments to avoid falling into arrears. Putting a plan in place can help relieve some of the stress associated with the Christmas and new year period and will help you to manage your budget accordingly, including funds to cover direct debit payments – if this is your chosen method.

It is also important to be aware of when you usually make payments and any potential pay point outlet closures that may require you to pay at a different time.

We understand the hurdles of getting by on a limited budget and are ready

to help when things seem difficult. Contact your local estate office, we are able to support you and check entitlements to ensure that you receive the benefits you are eligible for.

Tenants who may be struggling with other financial issues can also seek advice and support through expert debt support at Citizens Advice or other specialist agencies. Expert advisers like this can help you and contact the companies you owe: banks, catalogues, loan companies, door-step collectors and so on, and should be able to arrange for you to make smaller payments until you are back on top of things.

So, every time you shop or go online, stop and think: can I afford this, not do I want to buy it? Your friends and family don’t want you to go into debt to buy them excess food or gifts for Christmas.

Make sure your money will go as far as possible. Look for tips on better ways to shop and other ideas from reliable resources, such as moneysavingexpert.com.

Plan ahead now to ensure Christmas remains the most wonderful time of year and to avoid arrears coming down the chimney this festive season.

Rent free weeks* are W/C 23rd and 30th December 2019 and 23rd and 30th March 2020.

*Please note, your account must NOT be in arrears to receive the rent free weeks.

Work out your financial goals

- it’s easier to be motivated if you’re saving towards

something – so write down what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Once you know your goal, you can identify the best way of achieving it.

The new year is a chance to rejuvenate your finances, especially if your budget is looking a little shabby after the festive season. Here’s some handy tips to try…

Master the art of haggling - while it can be a daunting prospect, haggling

for a better deal can help you save hundreds of

pounds each year.

Make a plan for retirement - while it’s never too late to make

a retirement plan, the earlier you get one in place, the less pressure you’ll have to meet your saving targets. Your retirement income is likely to come from a variety of sources including the state pension, workplace pensions and private

pensions. It’s important to work out exactly how you need to save into a pension first to

give you an idea of the amount of money you’ll need to

put away.

Tackle your debt head-on - on average, each UK household has

around £2,668 of credit card debt and that’s not including the thousands of pounds you may owe on a personal

loan, overdraft or other debts.

If you’re in the red in 2019, make a plan for how to clear your debts. Generally,

you should start with the most expensive debts, which

are often likely to be on credit cards.

Take control of your direct debits - it’s really important to check over your

direct debits and standing orders to make sure you’re not paying for services or products you no longer

need. This could be anything from unused gym memberships and forgotten subscriptions to

insurance products that no longer apply.

Plan now to avoid Christmas rent stress


5 financial new year’s resolutions 5 financial new year’s resolutions

http://moneysavingexpert.com.

Some examples of anti-social behaviour include:• Nuisance, rowdy or inconsiderate neighbours

• Vandalism and graffiti

• Street drinking

• Environmental damage including littering, dumping of rubbish and abandonment of cars

• Prostitution related activity

• Begging

• Fireworks misuse

• Inconsiderate parking

The police, local authorities and other community safety partner agencies, such as Fire and Rescue and social housing landlords, all have a responsibility to deal with anti-social behaviour.

Anti-social behaviour is not always kids hanging about on street corners, drug takers or graffiti it can be a number of things. Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that causes harm to an individual, to their community or to their environment.

This could be an action by someone else that leaves you feeling alarmed, harassed or distressed. It also includes fear of crime or concern for public safety, public disorder or public nuisance.

Our Housing estate offices will investigate anti-social complaints in the first instance and try to resolve the issue, however, this is not always possible and the case is then referred to our Housing Enforcement team.

The Housing Enforcement team will work with other services such as; North Wales Police, Public Protection, Social Services, Mental Health etc. and gather evidence to resolve anti-social behaviour cases.

For low level ASB between neighbours the team may utilise techniques such as signposting to other services (if appropriate) and mediation between the conflicting parties. Sometimes, it is as simple as sitting down together and explaining your frustrations and coming to a sensible agreement. Unfortunately, sometimes this will not resolve the matter and then the Housing Enforcement team will begin to gather and collate evidence to instigate legal proceedings which could result in the tenant’s losing their homes.

For more serious cases of ASB then the team will work with partnership agencies including North Wales Police, Youth Justice, Social Services and Education. The team often utilise Community Protection Notices (CPN) Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) and full and partial Closure Orders to compact the effects of ASB on the wider community.

How to report anti-social behaviourIf you are experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour, or have any concerns about it, or other community safety issues, you should contact your local estate office or call, 101 for non-emergencies or call 999 if it is an emergency. For non-emergencies, you can also report issues through the North Wales Police website - www.north-wales.police.uk.

When you make a report, it is useful to have a log of times, dates and descriptions of what’s gone on – your local estate office will provide you with a record sheet if required.

Also – if you have access to a smart phone, and your issue is a noise complaint, there is a useful tool you can download called ‘the noise app’ which will allow you to record incidents via the app and it can then be used in a report to our Housing team. For more information, visit their website www.thenoiseapp.com.

How we deal with anti-social behaviourAt Wrexham Council our aim is to support people suffering from anti-social behaviour. We work with people to uphold their tenancies, we do not set out to evict anyone who is causing anti-social behaviour, this is a VERY LAST RESORT.

What is anti-social behaviour (ASB)? What is anti-social behaviour (ASB)?


http://www.north-wales.police.uk

12 Days of Christmas safety tipsDay 1: Make sure you lock up if you’re heading out, put lights on timers so it looks like there is someone home.

Day 2: Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and don’t leave them burning unattended.

Day 3: Don’t forget to replenish the water for your Christmas tree (if you have a live one) every few days.

Day 4: Festive favourites can seriously harm your pets. A cat might see shiny tinsel as a toy, but a single strand can become tangled in his intestines, causing serious damage. Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias are toxic to dogs and cats when ingested. And candy canes can be a choking hazard, and sugar-free ones made with xylitol are poisonous to dogs.

Day 5: Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard and always switch them off and unplug them before you go to bed.

Day 6: Make sure you buy children’s gifts for the correct age group and from reputable retailers, and ensure they comply to safety standards.

Day 7: Most fires start in the kitchen, so don’t leave cooking unattended.

Day 8: Do not drink and drive. If you plan on drinking at your works Christmas do or when visiting family members and friends, arrange to have a designated driver or taxi take you home.

Day 9: If you smoke, make sure that your smoking material is extinguished before you go to bed.

Day 10: Use Christmas as a reminder to clean your smoke alarm to remove dust.

Day 11: Don’t overload plug sockets.

Day 12: Have scissors handy to open packaging, so you are not tempted to use a knife, and a screwdriver ready to assemble toys and gadgets.

Stay safe this festive period!If you would like a free safe and well check from your fire and rescue service, please call 01978 367870 to make an appointment to suit you.

The check will take between 30 and 40 minutes, and you never know, it might save a life.

Free seat at your table this Christmas? Do you have a spare seat at your table this Christmas? Do you know someone who is going to be on their own on Christmas day? Why not invite them for Christmas dinner?

There are so many people out there who spend Christmas alone, they have no family or friends to visit them or anyone to share a “merry Christmas” with. Inviting someone to share lunch with you and your family could make their Christmas day. No one should be alone at Christmas.

RememberBe mindful of your neighbours when having parties over the festive period;

Let your neighbours know your plans so it doesn’t come as a surprise.

Ask your guests to park their car considerately – not on curbs so people can’t get by on the pavements, and ensure there is plenty of space for emergency vehicles to pass if they are required.

Keep noise to a reasonable level, turn the music down and keep guests from partying in the street. We can all still have a good time, without upsetting our neighbours.


Chargeable Garden Waste Collection ServiceDid you know that, unlike household waste, the Council does not legally have to collect garden waste? Not all households use this service, but for those who do, it is a popular service and one which we will continue to provide. As a result of further budget savings, we can no longer provide it free of charge. From 1st April 2020, an annual charge of £25 per bin will be introduced.If you would like us to continue to collect your garden waste bin(s) the quickest way is to register and pay online via www.wrexham.gov.uk/gardenwaste or calling 01978 298989. You will be able to register from Monday, 17th February 2020.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat will happen following my registration to the service? You will receive your registration documents and unique barcoded adhesive label(s) in the post. The label(s) needs to be stuck to the lid of your garden waste bin(s). Your collection day and scheduled collections will remain the same as shown on your collection calendar.I do not want to pay for the garden waste service - will you be removing my garden waste bin? If you choose not to subscribe to this service your garden waste bin(s) will not be emptied after 1st April 2020. Any unwanted garden waste bins can be removed on request. This is likely to take a number of weeks to be actioned.

I do not want to pay for the garden waste service. What should I do with my garden waste? You can take your garden waste to one of our Household Waste Recycling Centres or you can compost at home. Can I pay for a part year of collections? No. If you join part way through the year or only need a collection a few times a year the charge will still remain at £25 per bin.

Do I need to renew my payment every year? Yes. You’ll be able to do this through our website and by calling the contact centre in the run up to 1st April each year.


http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/gardenwaste

4. Power through waste batteries

All that playing over Christmas with battery powered toys may mean you are left with a mound of old batteries, which should be recycled. Any shop that sells batteries must now also provide collection boxes for old batteries to facilitate their recycling. Take advantage of these in order to reduce your household waste.

5. Compost waste food

It’s the most excessive time of year, when we eat and drink the most, and we’re bound to leave some after us too. Dispose of any suitable leftovers in your food recycling bin or compost bin.

6. Recycle old electrical items

You may receive a great Christmas present that replaces an old electrical appliance or gadget. Recycle old or broken electrical items at your local recycling centre.

7. Take unwanted gifts to a charity shop

Unfortunately, sometimes those we love don’t buy us presents we love! One man’s rubbish is another’s treasure though, so give those unwanted gifts to a charity shop and hopefully they will do some good for someone in need.

Recycling tips

8. Recycle glass

Over Christmas, our consumption of food and drink rises, so it’s a good idea to think responsibly about all those extra jars and bottles left in the aftermath. Rinse out glass bottles or jars to get rid of any leftovers, and put them in your recycling. Metal lids should be removed and recycled separately with drinks cans.

9. Recycle aluminium drink cans

Rinse out any leftover drink and then squash the can down to save space before putting it in the correct recycling box.

10. Recycle plastic

Check the bottom of plastic containers for a recycling symbol, to see if you can recycle it. Rinse out any leftovers and then squash them to save space before recycling.


1. Recycle used cardboard & wrapping paper

Toy packaging, Christmas wrapping paper, selection boxes, even Christmas crackers; remember to recycle all waste cardboard and paper this year. Flatten them down as much as possible and remove any plastic inserts, which may not be recyclable. Try to keep the paper and cardboard dry. If you don’t have a recycling bin or if it’s overflowing, you can use your nearest recycling centre.

2. Get creative & reuse

Save your Christmas cards each year so you can cut the fronts into gift tags. This is a clever way of saving money, reducing waste, and it gives you a unique and creative accent to your wrapping. Used wrapping paper, gift tags and cards can all also be upcycled into Christmas decorations like hanging tree ornaments or garlands. Being environmentally friendly can also mean being thrifty and having some fun.

3. How to get rid of your real Christmas tree

A downside of going with a real Christmas tree is dealing with its disposal after the holidays have ended. One option is to bring it to your local Christmas tree recycling centre, which will take it off you for free.

Look out for local collections, charities usually offer a collection service for a small donation to their cause.

Send your entries to: Housing Hotline, Housing & Economy Department, Ruthin Road, Wrexham LL13 7TU or drop them into your local estate office.

The winner will be announced in the winter edition of Housing Hotline.

1. Anti-social behaviour is not always kids hanging

about on street corners.

(Page 22) True / False

2. Benjamin Rowlands favourite colour is Blue.


3. If you have a real Christmas tree you should

replenish the water every few days.


4. A 5 person household puts around 8KG of water

into the air every day.


5. The Council legally has to collect household waste.


6. Tenants who may be struggling with other

financial issues can also seek advice and support

through expert debt support at Citizens Advice


7. If you don’t claim state benefits, you cannot apply

for a Council House.


8. Russell Jones has worked for Wrexham County

Borough Council for 34 years


9. As long as the ground is soft enough to dig a hole,

you should continue to plant in winter.


10. An annual charge of £25 per bin will be introduced

from the 1st April 2020.


You can find all of the answers to our quiz questions hiding throughout this edition of the Housing Hotline. Circle the correct answers to be in with a chance of winning £25

worth of vouchers.

Name: ..................................................................................................................................................................................

Address: ..................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................................

Telephone Number: .......................................................................................................................................................................

Well done to our Quiz winner Debra Jenkins, from Rhostyllen

Another fantastic response to our quiz in the last edition so here’s another one for you to try. Find the clues throughout our Housing Hotline magazine and get your completed entries to us by 1st February 2020 for your chance to win a £25 voucher.


Quiz

housing hotline winter 2019 - wrexhamold.wrexham.gov.uk/assets/pdfs/housing/newsletter/... ·...

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