LuminusNEWSNews and more from one of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK Summer / Autumn 2012 Issue 49

C O M M U N I T Y I N S P I R A T I O N A W A R D S 2 0 1 2

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

Paul Shinners, one of

our 2012 Community

Inspiration Awards

Winners

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

2

15

Message from our Group Chief Executive

The Road to Renewal and our 2020 Vision are at the heart of what Luminus is seeking to do, and residents across the Huntingdonshire have told us very definitely that they support this movement to mend “broken Britain”.

But it is also clear that many almost despair because of the absence of noble, inspirational and trustworthy leadership. The economic troubles of our country have now lasted almost as long as the Second World War, which also was a time of great austerity and challenge. Then, as now, we need to work together, to think about other people, rather than ourselves, and to focus on a greater vision – the future we want for our children, grandchildren and the generations to come. Leadership is vital to being able to move forward.

This edition of Luminus News shares some of the good things that Luminus is doing to make that hope a reality. With the constant support of our residents,

as well as the wider public, helped by the enthusiasm of our partners and, of course, our staff who really are the UK’s best, Luminus is making steady and evident progress along The Road to Renewal. Increasing numbers of local people are beginning to grasp the idea that they can make the difference by accepting their personal responsibility, believing that a better future is not impossible and being willing to take action now.

At our Residents Conference in September 2012, residents, councillors, members of the police and other guests wholeheartedly agreed that we all need to pull together, to show commitment and to demonstrate determination. Reminded of words from Winston Churchill, who helped lead the nation through the Second World War, they were clear that today, as then, we don’t have to be beaten by our circumstances, but we can rise to the challenge – and win together!

We have made good progress so far along The Road to Renewal. There is still much to do. Can we do it? Yes, we can!

2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal

Message from our Group Chief Executive

We all need to pull

together, to show

commitment and to

demonstrate determination

7

8

4

Have you got a news story for us?

If so, please send it to us at news@luminus.org.uk including your contact details.

The deadline for our Winter issue is Friday 26 October 2012.

PEOPLE

Crowds flock to the Huntingdon Riverside Gala

NEWS

A new approach to managing tenancies

COMMUNITY

Reinstating values at our Residents Conference

Jubilee treat for our older residents

ALSO

Luminus focuses on promoting good behaviour

Fire safety in your home

Changes to housing benefit

Luminus in Bloom winners

6

10

17

22

Inside this month’s issue

www.luminus.org.uk

3Awards

Luminus has won a major award at a prestigious national award ceremony.

Luminus won the Best Regeneration Scheme for Joseph Rank House in the 2012 Housing Excellence Awards.

The awards highlight those organisations leading the way in housing, with Luminus praised for its work in improving Harlow’s town centre.

Joseph Rank House is a 12-storey 1960s office block that had fallen into disrepair when we purchased it in 2005. Our vision to rejuvenate the landmark building into 132 residential

apartments (52 affordable housing) came to life in 2011 and is seen as an important step in the regeneration of Harlow.

Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive said,

“Joseph Rank House has been revived and is now a modern and valuable new asset to Harlow residents, meeting a wide range of individual requirements.

It has also quickly become a powerful symbol of inspiration and hope, encouraging Harlow residents to believe that our 2020 Vision and progress along The Road to Renewal are serious possibilities.”

Luminus wins Housing Excellence Award

Safe as houses!

Luminus employees and residents can rest assured that their health and safety is in good hands as we celebrate winning the RoSPA Gold Award for the eighth consecutive year.

Luminus’ consistently outstanding health and safety record has been recognised by RoSPA, who awarded us the Gold Medal for Health and Safety.

The Gold Medal recognises companies who have achieved the Gold Award for more than six consecutive years.

We are delighted to have received the prestigious Gold Award, which is a testimony to the hard work of our staff in maintaining our excellent health and safety record.

Luminus has been awarded a Merit in the International Safety Awards in 2012.

This prestigious award, which has been in existence for over fifty years, is given to organisations in recognition of their proven commitment to workplace health and safety.

Alex Botha, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, said,

“What the winners have demonstrated is that well-managed health and safety ensures the safety and wellbeing of their employees and contributes to business effectiveness and success.”

Luminus wins major safety award

Communications Manager,

Simon Leher, receives the Award

for Luminus

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

4 Residents Conference

Congratulations to Mrs Jean Cowley of Alwalton who won £250 in our quarterly prize draw! All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is fill in one of the feedback forms left with you by our tradesmen.

Luminus and our residents working to reinstate values in our communitiesWe welcomed 180 residents and employees to Brook House for “Reinstating Values in our Communities,” the second Residents Conference of 2012.

Opening the Conference, Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham said,

“The replacement over recent years in the UK of traditional values has led to social problems that have created fear, uncertainty, apathy and selfishness. The brokenness of modern Britain highlights why our focus on the Luminus 2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal is so necessary if we are to bring peace in the chaos that is present in so many people’s lives. We are discovering that more and more of those who come into contact with the Luminus “more excellent way” are finding that things can change for the better, with the first to change being themselves!”

Executive Director (Operations) Nigel Finney then explained how we are helping to reinstate values in our communities. He explained:

• Our approach to reinstating values

• How we are introducing a ground breaking approach to tenancy management

• How Luminus supports neighbourhoods.

This led to the next stage of the Conference involving active audience participation.

Residents enthusiastically grasped this opportunity to use our voting system to voice their opinions on the new approach to managing tenancies.

Guests were delighted to be treated to three surprise appearances from the Luminus Singers, who entertained them

with their upbeat and energetic performances of “Top of the World”, “This Little Light of Mine” and “New World in the Morning”.

Attendees were highly vocal in giving feedback.

Comments included,

“Another inspirational Conference, I cannot better the work already in progress by Luminus”

“Keep up the good work to make it a better Britain for all. It is nice to see someone trying to put this right, even if we cannot fix the whole country.”

“Thank you for the musical surprises, look out X Factor, the Luminus Factor has arrived!”

The Luminus family

at our May Residents

Conference

2020

VISION:

THE

ROAD

TO

RENEWAL

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A STREET REPRESENTATIVE?

ALL WELCOME!

TO FIND OUT MORE

ABOUT STREET

REPRESENTATIVES

CALL US ON

01480 428546

HELP TO BUILD A BRIGHTER

FUTURE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Become a LuminusStreet Representative!Did you know that you have the power to transform your street and your neighbourhood? 100 people have already signed up as Street Representatives - you can join them and help to make a change to your world.

“At Luminus, we want to encourage local people to join us on our Road to Renewal, and help change the world where we are. We believe that everyone can benefit from living in a neighbourhood that is happy, clean and welcoming. Our Street Representatives can help us make that happen.” Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive

For more information or to sign up please call:

01480 428546

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

6 Street Focus

We are holding a series of ‘Street Focus’ summer surgeries to promote good behaviour in the district.

Surgeries have been held in Bury, St Ives, Alwalton and Eynesbury with future surgeries to be held in Wyton on the Hill, Huntingdon, Ramsey and Harlow.

Residents will get to know the local officers from Luminus, Huntingdonshire District Council and Cambridgeshire Constabulary. Our aim is to identify and address local concerns within communities, giving advice and reassurance to residents.

The surgeries will provide coffee, cake, children’s activities, literature and advice on a wide range of subjects.

Among the attractions are:

The Anti-Social Behaviour Game - A game for children to identify good and bad behaviour

Graffiti Wall - Children draw their feelings about their community on a large surface

Litter Pick - Our Neighbourhood Wardens run a litter pick with children and volunteers

Police Vehicle - A chance for children to see inside a police vehicle and to meet their local police officers

Fire Engine - A chance for children to see inside a fire engine and to meet their local fire-fighters

Walk About - An opportunity for residents to point out any issues of concern with Huntingdonshire District Council and Luminus.

An attendee from Alwalton said,

“The event was really nice because it gave the neighbours a chance to actually talk rather than just say ‘Hi’ as they get into their cars.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Sgt Ed McNeil said,

“This was a fantastic event and it’s great to see people engaging with the agencies, improving their knowledge of services available and learning what to do to help prevent crime. We look forward to supporting future events across the district.”

Luminus Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham, said,

“Events like these are driven by our desire to focus on positive change that transforms our communities and helps to mend ‘Broken Britain.’ The Street Focus surgeries are a small step on our Road to Renewal in Huntingdonshire and contribute to our 2020 Vision of making Huntingdonshire a better and safer place to live for everyone as we seek to work collaboratively with other agencies and with local people.”

Luminus focuses on promoting good behaviour in our streets

Like to be part of Street Focus? email news@luminus.org.uk

Neighbourhood Warden

Lee Murray organises a

litter pick

www.luminus.org.uk

7

Families enjoying this year’s Huntingdon Riverside Gala kept their eyes on the sky, but the rain held off for a truly entertaining day.

Hundreds turned out to see the great displays, browse the stalls and support the many charities raising money for their causes.

Luminus was there with Edward the Bear, and a beat-the-goalie game.

There was also live music, dancing, bouncy castles, barbecue, bar, stalls, boxing demonstrations and the annual

Wood Green Novelty Dog Show. There were Second World War fly pasts, which included one from the iconic Spitfire.

And the entertainment was provided for free thanks to Huntingdon Rotary Club, Huntingdon Boat Club and Huntingdon Town Council as well as sponsors, Urban & Civic.

One of the organisers Malcolm Lyons said: “It was a fantastic event on Saturday. Wood Green was very pleased with the dog show entries and their ring displays were excellent.”

Crowds flock to the 2012 Huntingdon Riverside GalaPHOTO SPECIAL

Boxing Displays

Thai Dancing

Live Music With Jubilee fever still gripping

the nation, even the dogs were

sporting a stiff upper lip.

Live Music Dog Show

Huntingdon Riverside Gala

Like to be part of Street Focus? email news@luminus.org.uk

Edward the Luminus Bear

with friends at the

Huntingdon Riverside Gala

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

8 New Approach To Managing Tenancies

In April 2013 we will take another important step forward on The Road to Renewal towards our 2020 Vision. A change in the law brought about by the Localism Act 2012 means we can take an exciting new approach to how we manage the tenancies of new customers.

At the moment new customers begin with a Starter Tenancy that lasts for one year. If during that first year they behave responsibly then they will be granted an Assured Tenancy. This tenancy can last indefinitely. It can only be brought to an end by the tenant, or by Luminus applying for a court order.

In most cases this arrangement works well with tenants paying their rent on time, being good neighbours and looking after their homes. Regrettably, some of our tenants do not take their responsibilities as seriously. So, from April 2013 we are introducing a brand new approach.

New tenants will for the first year be granted a Starter Tenancy exactly as we do now. Then, if they conduct the Starter Tenancy responsibly at the end of the first year they will be granted a five year Flexible Tenancy. The Flexible Tenancy is much the same as an Assured Tenancy. The key difference is that it lasts for five years. It is not a tenancy for life.

Under this system the conduct of new tenants, particularly with regard to rent payments, how they look after their home and how they treat their neighbours and others in the community will be monitored. If the conduct of the tenant and their family has not met the required standard the tenancy will be brought to an end after the five year period. At this time the tenant will be

given advice about how to find accommodation elsewhere. Of course, we still have the option to apply to a county court to bring the tenancy to an end sooner, if there is a serious problem with rent payments or perhaps anti-social behaviour.

Underpinning this new approach will be a regular assessment of how the tenant is behaving. We will look at things like rent payments, conduct towards neighbours and condition of the home and garden. This will lead to the tenant earning points. Tenants will be regularly told how many points they need to qualify for each new five year tenancy.

Tenants will be able to earn extra points by offering to help communities by becoming a Street Representative, attending Luminus events and so on. Over the five year period we will work with those tenants who have a low score to encourage them to improve their behaviour and so stand a better chance of being granted a new Flexible Tenancy.

An exciting new

approach to how we

manage the tenancies

of new customers

A new approach to managing tenancies

What do you think of our new approach? email news@luminus.org.uk

www.luminus.org.uk

9Gas Safety Week

As part of this new approach we are also proposing to bring Flexible Tenancies to an end after the five year period if a tenant is under-occupying a three, four or five bedroom house.

At this point they will be offered suitable alternative smaller accommodation. This will allow us to offer much demanded family accommodation to those who need it. We have already discussed these ideas with the many tenants who have attended our very popular Residents Conferences in January and May 2012. Our proposals were enthusiastically welcomed by those residents and the Tenants Services Consultative Forum when we consulted them on 14 June 2012.

These new arrangements will only apply to those residents who became tenants of Luminus Homes since 1 April 2012. Existing tenants of Luminus Homes from before this date will not be affected by these changes.If in the future they transfer to another Luminus Homes property they will continue to have the same tenancy that they have now.

Oak Foundation tenants are unaffected by these proposals.

We want to hear what you think about the new approach, so please use

the enclosed form to state your views.

Luminus is proud to support Gas Safety Week.

Gas Safety Week is co-ordinated by Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on your gas boiler, gas cooker and gas fire. Gas Safety Week aims to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of your gas appliances.

Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Every year thousands of people across the UK are diagnosed with carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a highly poisonous gas. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it, but it can kill quickly with no warning.

We arrange a gas safety check every 12 months and give you a record of the check. These are important for your continued health and wellbeing in your home so it is vital that our Gas Engineers are allowed access to carry out the safety checks.

Follow these tips to help keep you and your family gas safe:

• Make sure only a Gas Safe registered engineer works on your gas appliances. Illegal gas fitters can put your life at risk

• Always check the engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card

• Make sure gas appliances have a regular service and a gas safety check every 12 months

• Look out for warning signs that your gas appliances aren’t working correctly e.g. lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, black marks on or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room

• Know the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness

• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm

• If you smell gas call the gas emergency number on

0800 111 999

Gas Safety Week

10

Luminus News Summer/Autumn 2012

Safety In The Home

Home oxygen safety

Home oxygen provides a better quality of life for people with respiratory health problems.

Caution is needed around home oxygen systems, because the presence of oxygen in the air can allow flammable objects to burn more easily. People using home oxygen should inform family and visitors that oxygen is being used and take safety precautions.

Objects in the presence of excess oxygen burn more readily if they are ignited. So clothing, bedding and furniture may catch fire more easily if exposed to a flame. Keep all areas well ventilated.

Store oxygen cylinders or supply equipment in open rooms, not in storage rooms or closed closets.

Fire safety in your homeWe are committed to helping you reduce the risk of fire in your home. Please follow the guidance below to ensure you and your family’s safety:

• Ensure you have at least one working smoke alarm correctly placed in your home and test your alarm weekly

• If you discover a fire dial 999, alert everyone else in the home, leave by the safest route, or follow fire instructions

• Do not fight a fire yourself no matter how small it may be. Call the Fire Service

• Do make sure fire doors are kept shut and not propped open

• Do not go back into your home for personal items

• Do not leave combustible items in corridors, outside refuse stores and refuse chutes, or close to the

perimeter of your home

• Do not store large amounts of flammable or combustible materials in or around your home

• Do not block fire exit doors or escape routes in communal areas or in your own home

• Do dispose of waste responsibly

• Do have an escape plan in the event of fire for you and your family that they all understand

• If you become trapped by fire or smoke retreat to the furthest part of your home, closing all doors behind you. Open a window and shout for help. Dial 999 and tell the Fire Service where you are in the property, they can give fire survival advice

• Do report any fire risks to your Neighbourhood Warden or Officer or contact our Service Centre on 01480 428333.

Do you have an oxygen cylinder in your home? If you do, please notify our Service Centre on 01480 428333.

www.luminus.org.uk

11

The Timebank is a way for people to get help and assistance for things they find difficult to do themselves. Our support for community activities has enabled the Eynesbury & St Neots Timebank to obtain a database and administrative support to aid the scheme’s efficient running.

Following the launch in March 2012 Timebank has received 59 applications to register.

Sixteen of these have now completed the necessary references and are fully active.

Work has exchanged in solving computer problems, gardening, ironing, sewing and housework.

Timebank is now focusing on help for the elderly and working with the local health authority.

Timebank is looking for a carpenter and an experienced piano player (to exam level)

If you can help with these or other work contact us on 07432 027884, by email to timevolunteers@hotmail.co.uk or visit the timebank website at: www.e-s-timebank.eu

We encourage and support projects designed to improve neighbourhoods and quality of life within our communities. Eynesbury & St Neots TimeBank is one of the many projects supported by Luminus as part of our 2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal, and will undoubtedly be of benefit to many residents.

Eynesbury & St Neots Timebank

Luminus employees have confirmed the company as an outstanding place to work for in its annual Staff Survey.

The results are the best yet and when compared to other housing providers, Luminus is above the industry average

in comparable scores. This is very important to us because we know that happy staff give better customer service.

Notable results include:

95% feel that Luminus provides a culture

of respect for both staff and customers.

96% believe Luminus is committed to

customer satisfaction.

92% of employees feel that they are

proud to work for Luminus compared to an industry benchmark of just 74%.

85% of employees have confidence in the

leadership skills of their Senior Management Team compared to an industry benchmark of 51%.

93% of employees understand how

the 2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal fits into their work.

Luminus Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham said,

“These results confirm that Luminus employees are proud to work for Luminus, a company which believes that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.”

Staff give a thumbs up to Luminus

Timebank / Staff Survey

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

12

“The Luminus Community Inspiration Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of ordinary people who are achieving extraordinary things and changing the world where they are. In 2012, Luminus’ ‘Year of Restoring Respect and Reinstating Values’, these awards are a great way to celebrate the contribution of people who work to make our neighbourhoods better places to live.”

Chan Abraham Chief Executive, Luminus Group

C O M M U N I T Y I N S P I R A T I O N A W A R D S 2 0 1 2

JANET COLLINS

Janet has been looking after her son Shaun who was recently in an accident that left him in a wheelchair. Janet also cares for her elderly mother, who is nearly blind, and her son who has Down’s Syndrome.

JULIE JONES

Julie took on the five children of her best friend Caroline, who died just six months after her husband died, leaving the children parentless. The single mother of three works 40 hours a week to support her extended family.

INSPIRATIONAL PARENTS

GOOD NEIGHBOUR

KAREN HOFFMANKaren has put the welfare of her neighbours over herself, caring for and supporting her disabled neighbour for a number of years, even after a serious accident had affected her own mobility.

STAN THOMASHe is always there for his neighbour when she needs help. Stan helps with her shopping, collecting medication, looking after her home and looked after her cat when she was in hospital.

PAUL SHINNERSPaul set up the Cornerstone Café in St Neots, which is run as a charity providing good food at a very accessible price level for people on low incomes. The café is indeed a ‘cornerstone’ of the community.

PETER JACKSON & ANN COLBERTThey are the driving force behind the Huntingdon in Bloom Team, who create a beautiful environment for the benefit of the whole community.

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COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT

www.luminus.org.uk

13

ALLAN DALRYMPLEAllan has been involved with Huntingdon Rowdies Youth Football Club for 32 years, working tirelessly to take the club forward and to get them better facilities.

MICK TAYLORMick runs a boxing club at the Medway Centre, getting boys and girls off the street and manages them in a controlled and safe environment.

STEVE WOODFORDSteve set up Streets Revolution Huntingdon - a weekly football session for marginalised people, providing inspirational leadership and motivation to young adults.

OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP

JOSH DEXTER

Josh has been rowing for four years. He trains seven days a week and has won an impressive 30 trophies. He also volunteers to repair the clubhouse and boats at St Neots Rowing Club, and spends six hours a week coaching young rowers.

DEAN SYMMONSDean was just 15 when a freak accident paralysed him from the waist down. He has proved to be an inspiration and just a year on he is learning to drive and aiming to be selected to play basketball for the UK Paralympics Team.

ELIZABETH MOESBAUER

Twelve year old Elizabeth was so inspired by a friend’s battle against breast cancer that she wanted to offer her support, by shaving her hair! Her efforts have raised over £1,000 in total for the Little Princess Trust and Cancer Research.

WILLIAM McGREGOR

William has Angelman Syndrome, which causes multiple sensory loss and learning disabilities. He has learned to express himself through art, and his artwork has been chosen to be shown at an exhibition in Bristol.

PERSEVERANCE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

14

120 guests, including civic dignitaries, residents, family, friends and Luminus employees came to Brook House on Friday 27 April, for a special charity concert in aid of three local schools, raising over £1100 to go towards their Jubilee celebrations.

Our very own choir, the Luminus Singers, created and led by Luminus Group Chief Executive Chan Abraham, were joined by soloists Beth Warton and Mandy Abraham, and inspired and entertained their captivated audience with two hours of songs. Their repertoire spanned a selection of some of the most popular genres from the 1960s onwards.

There was something for everyone and all the guests agreed that the concert was an outstanding success. There were also special video performances by children from Thongsley Fields Primary School,

Huntingdon, Bushmead School, Eaton Socon and St Marys C of E Primary School, Eynesbury.

Luminus Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham said,

“It is great to see that people are embracing the fact that they have the power to change the world for the better. I am delighted that so many of our employees, residents and friends attended this wonderful concert and in the process raised a fantastic amount of money for local children.

This concert was the perfect way to start the celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee in our Year of Restoring Respect and Reinstating Values. As a result many children in the area will be able to mark and remember their place in this historic event, and to begin their journey towards our 2020 Vision on The Road to Renewal as we continue to seek to mend broken Britain.”

Luminus charity concert raises £1100 for three local schools

Beth Warton

Mandy Abraham

The Luminus Singers

Luminus Charity Concert

www.luminus.org.uk

15Oak Foundation

Sheltered Schemes put on a Jubilee treat for residentsEach scheme had a Jubilee tea party and residents donned red, white and blue outfits.

There was an abundance of bunting as residents put up decorations and waved their flags in honour of the Queen. They enjoyed a Jubilee buffet feast, and the ladies made and decorated special Jubilee cakes which were enjoyed by all.

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

16 Important Announcements

Luminus is committed to ensuring the safety of our tenants. If you are thinking about carrying out work to your home YOU MUST contact Luminus to request our permission.

Once you contact us we will consider your request and write to you with our decision.

YOU MUST NOT:

• Carry out any work until you have received our approval in writing.

• Proceed with any work that we decide not to give our approval for.

If permission is granted we may:

• Insist that the work is done by a qualified person, particularly in the case of electrical works.

• Request a copy of documents such as an electrical certificate.

You must also ensure that any other permission you need such as planning or building regulation permission is obtained.

When the work is complete you must contact Luminus as we usually carry out an inspection.

For more information

please contact our

Service Centre on

01480 428333 or by email to:

repairs@ luminus.org.uk

Are you thinking about carrying out work to your home?

REMEMBER:You must first get permission from Luminus before you start any work!

Carol Singing - Mince Pies - Mulled WineA L L W E L C O M E • A D M I S S I O N F R E E

For more information please call 01480 428707

Brook House • Ouse Walk • Huntingdon

Tuesday 18 December 2012 - 5 .15pm fo r 5 .30pm -SPECIAL APPEARANCES FROM

The Luminus Singers

www.luminus.org.uk

17

If you claim housing benefit to help pay your rent you may be affected by changes made by the Government from April 2013.

The changes mean that some people will get less housing benefit than they did before.

From April 2013, if you have one or more ‘spare’ bedrooms your housing benefit may be reduced.

This could affect you:

• If you are 16 to 61 years old

• Even if you only get a small amount of housing benefit – for example, if you are working

• Even if you are sick or disabled.

You won’t be affected if:

• You live in a one bedroom flat or bedsit, or if

• You or your partner are old enough to receive pension credits.

Ultimately, there will be few exceptions.

Under the new rules if you have more bedrooms than the Government says you need, you will lose part of your housing benefit.

If you have one ‘spare’ bedroom your housing benefit will be cut by 14% of the rent for your home (£12 for the average household). If you have two or more spare bedrooms, you will lose 25% (£22 for the average household). If your benefit is cut you will have to pay Luminus the difference between your housing benefit and your rent.

From April 2013, the overall amount of benefit you can receive will be limited. The Government will add up how much money you get from a range of benefits. If the total comes to more than the maximum amount allowed your housing benefit payments will be cut.

The maximum amount of benefit you will be able to receive from April 2013 will be:

• £500 per week for single parents

• £500 per week for couples with or without children

• £350 per week for single people without children.

This will not apply to you if:

• You get pension credit or working tax credit

• A member of your household is claiming disability living allowance, attendance allowance, industrial injuries benefit, or the support element of employment support allowance.

We know which households will be directly affected by these changes, and we will be contacting them very soon. Please do not ignore this important correspondence should you receive it.

If you are worried about being able to afford to pay your rent from April 2013 you should ask for advice from Luminus now on

01480 428522You can also get more information about the cap on benefits by calling the Government’s information line:

0845 605 7064

What you need to know about changes to housing benefit

Housing Benefit

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

18 Community Page

Luminus donates mobile phones to support homeless charityLuminus has helped homeless people by donating over 200 mobile phones, which will raise funds from Community Fonebak for D-CAF, a local homelessness project.

Originally founded to help homeless young people, D-CAF now supports local young people who come from a wide range of disadvantaged backgrounds.

Stop increasing the number of unwanted kittens now!

Times are tough for many pet owners but the Cats Protection League are

offering to neuter or spay your cat for FREE.

Owners must be on state benefits or low incomes to qualify for this scheme.

For more information please call the Cats Protection League on 01480 476696 or visit www.stneots.cats.org.uk

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 14 November 2012 at 12pm

Brook House, Ouse Walk Huntingdon PE29 3QW

If you would like to attend please advise Zoe Barton

on 01480 428703 or email zoe.barton@luminus.org.uk

Luminus helps debt advice charity to ‘Cross the Bridge’Luminus is continuing its support for The Bridge Money Advice Centre in St Ives by donating £200 from its community grant fund towards establishment costs and by giving them a refurbished computer and monitor.

The donations will allow the Centre to continue supporting local people who use the free debt advice service and community rooms.

We have also donated a further £200 towards the newly launched Bridge Counselling Centre. The Centre can now provide a professional and caring counselling service that aims to deliver the opportunity to explore issues in a supportive environment.

PAWS UP FOR

FREE NEUTERING

& SPAYING!

www.luminus.org.uk

The Green Page 19

David Crookes is the new Warm Homes Huntingdonshire Project Officer. His role is to help tenants reduce their fuel and water bills by providing them with the tools, knowledge and advice that can save them hundreds of pounds a year.

David will visit residents, mainly in Huntingdon North and Eynesbury, advising on how to use heating systems more efficiently, identifying the cheapest tariffs available and encouraging behaviour change to reduce their energy and water consumption.

During each home visit, every tenant will be provided with tools such as shower timers, recycled clothes pegs, light bulbs and thermometers to enable residents to actively reduce their consumption.

RISING ENERGY PRICES

The average combined fuel bill (gas and electricity) in the UK is just over £1200 a year. This figure has more than doubled

since 2003, and is only likely to increase in the future.

These dramatic rises in prices are making many households unable to heat their homes, often leading to the dilemma ‘heat or eat’. One in every four households in the UK spends more than 10% of their annual income on their fuel bills and is defined to be in fuel poverty.

DID YOU KNOW?

• There are over 500 different energy tariffs across the six big energy providers.

• Reducing your shower by a minute will save, on average, £23 per person a year

• Turning down your thermostat by one degree can save you up to 10% on your fuel bills.

PRACTICAL STEPS TO REDUCE HEAT LOSS

• Draw your curtains or blinds in the evenings to minimise heat loss through windows.

• If you can’t heat all your rooms, make sure you keep

your living room (or the room that you use the most) warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before you go to bed.

• Use draught excluders to prevent heat from escaping under doors.

• In very cold weather, instead of turning the thermostat up, set the heating so that it comes on earlier and you won’t be cold while you wait for the house to heat up.

• Remember to adjust your heating as the weather changes. Using the heating less during warmer periods is more comfortable as well as more efficient.

• Do not set the water temperature too high - 60°C is fine for most people’s needs.

• Have your system serviced once a year to ensure that it’s running safely and efficiently, making sure that the person you ask to service it is qualified and registered with the Gas Safe Register.

Keeping your home warm David Crookes, Warm Homes Project

Officer, joins the Luminus Team

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

20 Transforming The Whaddons & Thongsley

Luminus set to transform The Whaddons and Thongsley

Keith Smith, Director of the Luminus Ferry Project, has been named Inspirational Leader of the Year at this year’s Housing Heroes Awards.

Keith, who started the organisation in 1998 with just £300 and a handful of volunteers, has built a significant charity which, as part of Luminus, has a turnover of £1m a year.

Keith has also led the creation of a new community hub that offers hostel accommodation, a shop, café, art gallery and osteopathy clinic.

The judges said, “Keith has created a successful charity that has supported over 1,000 vulnerable people and his passion for helping people is clear to see.”

Chan, who nominated Keith for the Award said, “I am delighted with Keith’s achievement. He is a good example of the kind of leader we are seeking to develop through our Leadership Academy.”

The awards were presented by the BBC news presenter Louise Minchin at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel, in London.

Keith is Housing Heroes ‘Inspirational Leader of the Year’

Simon Leher collects

the award for Luminus.

Keith with BBC News

presenter Louise Minchin

What will we be building?

We will be replacing the bungalows with modern, energy efficient and high quality homes that will improve the area and community green space, while providing much needed affordable homes to meet the growing housing need in the area.

We are building the following homes:

14 x 2 bedroom bungalows

10 x 2 bedroom houses

20 x 3 bedroom houses

4 x 3 bedroom houses (3 storey).

Who has Luminus appointed as contractor for the development?

The contractor, who has been carefully selected by Luminus, is Aspen New Homes, part of the Ashbury Group. The development will be registered for the Considerate Contractor Scheme.

What about the current green space?

During the consultation residents expressed views about the green space. We have put this into

the design and this new green space will be landscaped and maintained by Luminus.

How many parking spaces will be available?

During the build process we will provide 21 temporary parking spaces. Once the homes are complete there will be 94 car parking spaces and an additional 14 wheelchair accessible spaces. There will also be a further 24 additional spaces off The Whaddons adjacent to the site.

For enquiries relating to the building works please contact Dean Elsworth, Project Manager at dean.elsworth@solasds.co.uk

For enquires on other matters please contact Linda Bevens, Tenant Liaison Officer at linda.bevens@luminus.org.uk

4 DESIGN VISION4. DESIGN VISION

4.3 Focal Points

Change in roof-scape to articulate the corner of Buttsgrove Way Active frontages facing onto pedestrian realm

Treatment of gable end softened with hipped roof Change in direction of the grain articulated

BUTTSGROVE WAY OXMOOR HUNTINGDON Design and Access Statement

4 DESIGN VISION4. DESIGN VISION

4.3 Focal Points

Change in roof-scape to articulate the corner of Buttsgrove Way Active frontages facing onto pedestrian realm

Treatment of gable end softened with hipped roof Change in direction of the grain articulated

BUTTSGROVE WAY OXMOOR HUNTINGDON Design and Access Statement

www.luminus.org.uk

21

Are you interested in volunteering?Volunteering can provide you with great opportunities to:

• Gain valuable work experience• Learn new skills• Challenge yourself• Help your community• Save the environment

We offer volunteer placements in:

• Warehousing• Retail• Grounds maintenance • Contract cleaning

For more information about any of our volunteer placement opportunities or about HOPE Social Enterprises please call Laura Ireland on:

01354 606740laura.ireland@luminus.org.uk

Come and have traditional English food in one of the secret gems of Wisbech. Octavia’s Cafe is in a Grade II listed Georgian town house on

the South Brink, which also contains an art gallery and Octavia’s shop, where you can get affordable style for you and your home.

Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm Octavia’s entrance is opposite Somers Road car park on South Brink.

Octavia View • South Brink • Wisbech • PE13 1JQ

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

22 Luminus in Bloom 2012

Would you like to enter Luminus in Bloom 2013? Email news@luminus.org.uk

Many of our residents have been working hard to create gardens to be proud of, ready for judging in this year’s Luminus in Bloom competition.

As well as the prize for best garden, there were three other categories to reflect the varied nature of our homes.

The competition was fiercely contested and the judges have now made their final decisions.

Our congratulations go to the following:

Best Garden

Winner: Mrs Golding, St Ives

Runner up: Mrs Pratt, St Ives

Best Gypsy & Traveller Garden

Winner: Mr Buckley, St Neots

Runner up: Mr Lee, St Neots

Best Communal Garden

Winner: Mr Cheshire, St Ives

Runner up: Suffolk House, Huntingdon

Best Sheltered Scheme Garden

Winner: The Close, St Neots

Runner Up: Grenville House, Huntingdon

Luminus in Bloom: the results

Best Gypsy and

Traveller Garden

Best Communal

Garden

Best Sheltered

Scheme Garden

Best

Garden

www.luminus.org.uk

23

Would you like to enter Luminus in Bloom 2013? Email news@luminus.org.uk

Published by Luminus Group • Registered Office Brook HouseOuse Walk, Huntingdon PE29 3QWTel No: 01480 428777 • Fax No: 01480 428555Email: info@luminus.org.uk • Website: www.luminus.org.uk

01480 428777General Enquiries -

Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Fridays 9am - 4.30pm

01480 428333Service Centre

For reporting all repairs Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm

and Fridays 9am - 4.30pm

01480 428522Rent Enquiries

01945 429300Luminus Ferry Project

01480 428314Leaseholder Enquiries

01480 428721Customer Relations Officer

Caroline Howard

01354 606740Hope Social Enterprises

01480 428333Out of Hours Emergencies

Monday to Thursday 5pm - 9amFriday 4.30pm - Monday 9am

01480 428521Income & Benefits Advisor

Sue Cargill

01480 428707/8Communications & Marketing

If you have any comments about Luminus News or would like a large print or audio version, please contact the Communications Team on 01480 428707/8 or send an

email to news@luminus.org.uk

For help to understand this newsletter please ring 01480 428707/8

This document has been printed on Satimat Green.

Satimat Green is a wood-free, two-sided, coated true silk paper and board containing 50 per cent recycled fibres

and 50 per cent FSC-certified virgin fibres.

01480 428588Neighbourhood Services

You can use this number to report anti-social behaviour

CONTACT US

01480 428541Tenant Involvement

Contact us

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN

Luminus News Summer / Autumn 2012

24

Cover starts from as little as 87p per week and it is the same rate regardless of your postcode.

Unlike other insurance schemes, you will not need to pay an excess so you will not pay the first part of the claim.

Every year there are around 3,400 thefts in Huntingdon!

Every year there are around 1,400 fires in Cambridgeshire!

Home contents insurance covers these as well as water damage, accidental damage, lost or stolen keys, freezer contents and other household risks

Luminus is responsible for the structure of your home. But in the event of a flood, fire, theft or other damage, we will not replace your personal belongings, carpets, furniture or internal decorations.

My Home contents insurance from the National Housing Federation can give you peace of mind and come to your aid when something goes wrong, providing financial assistance when you need it most.

It is quick and easy to apply by filling in a short form or even by telephone.

There are flexible payment options by cash, direct debit, cheque, postal order and credit/debit card and you can pay weekly, monthly and annually.

1. AFFORDABLE

COVER!

2. THINGS DO

GO WRONG!

3. INSURANCE

MADE EASY!

For more information please call

01480 428345 or email info@luminus.org.uk

DON’T DELAY

GET COVER TODAY!

DON’T BURY YOUR

HEAD IN THE SAND!

GET HOME

CONTENTS INSURANCERecommended by