NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE TENANTS OF WOLVERHAMPTON HOMES

Stonewall Success

Star Survey

Your Personal Data

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UpdateMARCH 2018

Tenants’

UNIVERSAL

CREDIT

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COVER STORY

2www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk WolvesHomes 01902 556789

PANEL’SComments

Dwayne and Norida

Welcome to the first Tenants’ Update of 2018 and a belated Happy New Year to you all.

Universal Credit is a hot topic at the moment and in this edition,we’ve included some really useful information and where you

can turn to should you need any help. The Star Survey results are in! You can read more on page 11.

The way we’re charged for rent is changing from 50 to 52 weeks.Find out what this will mean for you on page 6.

Finally, you may be surprised to receive this copy of Tenants’Update as we don’t usually send a paper copy to you if you have

an email address. But we have important news that we didn’twant you to miss, see page 15.

Norida and Dwayne, Panel Members

Cover Shot: Thanks to Katie Hodson and Adam from the Click Start team for featuring on the cover.

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We were absolutely delighted to find out in January that we’ve been ranked 45th in Stonewall’s

Top 100 Employers List, whichrecognises the very best in the fair treatment of

lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people within the world of work.

Last year we ranked 63rd. To make it into the top 100for the second year running and with such a brilliantresult is a phenomenal achievement.

This result was only possible thanks to the incredible work of our staff equality networks: Equality Champions and Proud To Be Me.

Find out more on our website: www.whomes.org.uk/staff-networks

2018

STONEWALL SUCCESS

A ‘thumbs up’ for ourRepairs team

In November last year, our Repairs team was nominated for Best Client in the prestigious NHMFAwards, which recognise success and ingenuity within the housing sector. The National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF) wasimpressed with how our Repairs team have embraced thedigital age, with the introduction of our online self-serverepairs booking system and text-message reminders. Theawards ceremony took place in January and although theRepairs team didn’t walk away with the award, to beshortlisted and recognised for our innovations was a greathonour and testament to our commitment to customer service.Our Repairs team continues to look at ways to improve ourrepairs service and the customer experience.

Book your repairs online – www.whomes.org.uk/repairs

STARSURVEYRESULTS THE STAR SURVEYRESULTS ARE IN! We asked a sample of you what you thought about our services and where you thought there was room for improvement. We’ll be looking at your feedbackand putting together an action plan based on five main areas:• Repairs• Communication• Online services• Customer service• NeighbourhoodsWe’ll be publishing our action planon our website, so keep your eyespeeled for it. In the meantime, youcan read an overview of the resultsof the survey on page 11.

Universal Credit is here! It’s available to individuals, couplesand families claiming for the first time in the majority of areasacross Wolverhampton. The exceptions are WV12 and WV13 –Universal Credit will be extended to these areas later this year.Learn more at: www.ucwolves.com

What does this mean for you? The main working age benefits and housing benefit are being replaced by Universal Credit. Thismeans that if you need to make a new claim, you will need to apply for Universal Credit.

What can you do to prepare for Universal Credit? We’ve been telling you for months now, but in case you missed the memo, you will need:

A bank accountAn email addressA mobile phone number Start saving now to cover your expenses while you wait for your first payment. Universal Credit is paid in arrears; you’ll need to have saved up at least five weeks rent to avoid falling into rent arrears. Prepare now and get ahead of the game.

You will also need to Verify your identity as part of the application process using the Government’sonline identity-checking system. Read more on our website at www.whomes.org.uk/verify

Is there anywhere tenants can get help with applying forUniversal Credit? Yes! If you need help making your online application, get in touch with your Estate Manager. They can book you an appointment with one of our Digital Assistants at one of our One StopShops across the city. Our Digital Assistants will help you get to grips with the application process, including using Verify,and can even help you make your application live. If you don’t already have an email address,that’s okay, they’ll set one up for you.

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Karl, one of our Digital Assistants said:“Don’t let the prospect of applying forUniversal Credit stop you from receiving thebenefits you’re entitled to. It’s not as scaryas you might think. Book an appointmentwith us and we’ll show you what’s what.We’re here and waiting to help.”

“Everyone of working age, whoneeds to claim help with living

and housing costs, will transferto Universal Credit by March 2022.”

UNIVERSAL

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“It was a lot easier than I first thought…”

CREDITI recently applied for Universal Credit. I was soworried to begin with and didn’t really know what to expect. I spoke with Wolverhampton Homes and they put me in touch with Adam from the digital team. He was great and went through theapplication process with me and explained it in a way that I could understand. I’ve only just got my money which took about five weeks, but luckily I saved in advance, so itwasn’t a problem. I’m actually better off underUniversal Credit than what I would have been under the old benefits.

Katie from Bradley Adam from the digitalteam and Katiewww.whomes.org.uk/money-adviceWolvesHomes

Your rent is in your handsUniversal Credit is paid monthly in arrears – this means thatyou’ll receive your money a month and a week after yourclaim is submitted. It will be up to you to budget your money for the month ahead, including your rent and otherimportant bills.

Your rent is due in advance. If you pay weekly, you need tomake sure your rent is paid, cleared and up to date before thecoming Monday. If you pay fortnightly or monthly, you need tomake sure your account is always clear or in credit.

Budget AccountsWolverhampton City Credit Union works a lot like a bank. Youcan have your Universal Credit, welfare benefits or wages paiddirectly into your account and you can also apply for loans. Thecredit union is ‘not-for-profit’ and is run and owned by itsmembers. There are no ‘fat cats’ in this bank; the only people toprofit from its success are its members, people like you and me.

With a Budget Account, you can sit back and relax, because thecredit union will use your income to pay all your priority bills,including your rent. Whatever is left after your bills are paid isyours to spend or save as you wish.

At the moment, we’ll even pay the £4 monthly administration feefor you for the first year!

Get in touch if you would like to know more. www.whomes.org.uk/contact-us WolvesHomes

Find out more aboutWolverhampton City Credit

Union by visiting theirwebsite:

www.wccul.co.uk

See page 6

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Right Price

Electricals

Tired of paying over theodds for reliable electricalgoods? Fed up of having to settle for cheap second-hand appliances?Wolverhampton City Credit Union’s RightPrice scheme might just have the answer.They can offer affordable loans on a rangeof brand new, branded, discountedelectrical goods.

With their special Right Price springtimedeal, you can buy a brand-new fridgefreezer, washing machine and electricoven with hob worth a total of £500 for justover a tenner a week, including delivery,fitting and removal of any old products.

01902 572340 www.facebook.com/wccul

As of April 2018, you will be charged rentover 52 weeks instead of 50. You will also be charged a little bit less each week. This will mean an end to the so-called ‘rent free’ weeks. Theywere never really free – we just squashed what you wouldpay over 52 weeks into 50 weeks. The amount you pay over the space of a year won’t change.

We consulted with tenants about the changes at our GetTogethers at the end of last year, which were also videoedlive on Facebook. The response was positive with most ofyou in favour of the change.

Want to keep your “rent free” weeks? That’s okay. You can – by building up two weeks’ credit onyour rent account by paying a little extra each week. Onceyou’re two full weeks ahead, you can skip a week. It’s assimple as that.

If your rent is paid by Housing Benefit or you pay monthly or by Direct Debit, you won’t be affected by the changes, as your payments are already spread equally over the year.

If you would like to know more about how the changes will affect you, visit our website at

www.whomes.org.uk/rent-over-52-weeks

Electricals

rent over 52 weeks

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HAVE YOUR SAY...AT OUR NEXT ROUND OFGETTOGETHERS

Wednesday 14th March, 6pm-8pm – Wednesfield Community Centre

Tuesday 20th March, 6pm-8pm – Tarmac Road

Wednesday 27th June, 6pm-8pm – Wednesfield Community Centre

Thursday 5th July, 6pm-8pm – Tarmac Road

Linda Evans, Wolverhampton Homes'representative on the DAA received an award at the event, in recognition of her contributiontowards making Wolverhampton a better placeto live for those living with dementia and thosethat care for them.

Read more about the event on our website at

www.whomes.org.uk/dementia-friendly-community-status-2018

Over the last few years our staff have: • Developed a “Forget Me Not” sensory garden for people living with dementia.• Organised Memory Walks at Bantock Park to raise money for New Cross’ dementia ward.• Volunteered at New Cross’ dementia ward. • Organised pop-up dementia cafes at Swanmore Community Centre. • Completed dementia awareness training• Hosted meetings for the DAA and provided a venue for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Wolverhampton Homes joined other members of Wolverhampton's Dementia Action Alliance

(DAA) on Wednesday 31st January, to celebrateWolverhampton achieving Dementia Friendly

Community Status for 2018 and to recognise all the hard work that went into making it possible.

Linda said:

“We’re all working towards the samegoal, which is to make Wolverhampton adementia friendly community. The workI do is so rewarding, but we can all playa part, by simply becoming more awareof the condition, and learning how smallthings we do can make all the differencefor someone living with dementia.”

Marlene, one of our tenant champions whospends her time fundraising for New Cross’dementia ward and arranging communityawareness days, said:

“I’m really keen that people know aboutdementia and that anyone with dementiagets the care they need. New CrossHospital is in process of creating a nostalgictea room, to be called the “Memory LaneTea Room”, and the tenant group I’m partof is helping with the interior furnishings”.The tea room has been part-funded by donationsmade at last year’s Memory Walk at BantockPark, organised by Wolverhampton Homes.

If you’ve got dementia or care for someonewith dementia, and need someone to talk to...Talk to your local GPAlzheimer’s Society 0121 521 3020 blackcountryoffice@alzheimers.org.ukAge UK, 93 Darlington Street, Wolverhampton – 01902 572060

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You may have read in the paper that our high-rise blocks will be seeing some major fire safety improvements over the coming years. If so, you read correctly!We’ve put aside a whopping £47 million to carry out improvements to safeguard our high-rise tenants in the event of a fire.

The five-year programme is already underway. Starting in Fordhouses, the programme will see the replacement of electric supplies, refuse chutes and waste pipes, as well as communal fire doors and closers.

We’re also looking at the possibility of sprinklers in high-rise blocks which would further reduce the risk from fire.

Fire Safety in our High-Rise Blocks

Councillor Bilson said: Fire safety in Wolverhampton

high-rise blocks has alwaysbeen of paramount

importance. We have beenwaiting for guidance from

central Government on thereview following Grenfell

Tower but we are starting toact now by replacing existingfire protection measures and

making plans to installadditional measures such as

sprinklers, so that we canimmediately act on any changes

in the fire regulations andbuilding legislation.

Keeping estateslooking their best We’re pleased to tell you that ContinentalLandscapes have won our groundsmaintenance contract for the second time in a row. The contract, which will run for up to ten years, will see ContinentalLandscapes continue to maintain ourestates and keep them looking their best.

They are responsible for:4Grass cutting 4 Tree surgery and hedge trimming 4Pruning shrub beds and roses 4 Litter collection and weed control

They’re also responsible for delivering our Tidy Garden Scheme.

For a full list of their duties, visit our website at www.whomes.org.uk/grounds-maintenance

Spring is upon us and as the weather gets warmer, Continental Landscapes will be turning theirattention to grass cutting. You may notice a few changes to the service. Instead of a cut and collectservice, moving forward Continental Landscapes will be delivering a cut and drop service. Grass cuttings nourish the grass and help keep it healthy.

If you happen to see them out and about, don’t be shy, give them a wave!

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updated –

watch this

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Black Country

impactAre you 16 to 29, livingin Wolverhampton andlooking for work? If your lack of skills, experience orqualifications is holding you back, you needBlack Country Impact.

Black Country Impact offers young peopletraineeships, apprenticeships, coaching, self-employed advice, managed workplacements and access to employersthroughout Wolverhampton.

What are you waiting for? The future youwant is just within reach...

www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/bc-impact 01902 558829

If you’re unemployed, LEAP could help you gain the skills, qualifications and confidence you need to get into work. It’s already helped loads of our tenants.

www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/get-into-work

‘‘ ‘‘Karl said:

After being unemployed for several months I took part in LEAP. I learned valuable skills as a

driver’s mate, about materials and computersystems. LEAP helped me to get back into work

and now I work for Travis Perkins.

your way to a better future

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Interested?Contact us on 01902 550491 or 07717 732982

www.whomes.org.uk/Pauline

CLICK STARTIs your lack of computer skills holding you back and keeping you out of work? If this describes you, you need Black Country Click Start. Our Click Start tutors could help you get to grips with using computers, tablets and smart phones. They can also teach you the online skills you need to apply for jobs, access benefits and manage your finances.

Our Click Start tutors have already seen 80 people through the programme and so far, 14 of them have gone on to full-time employment or into education and training.

Pauline said: “I have found my lessons very interesting. Having 1-2-1 trainingis really good because you have the tutor all to yourself and can ask questions. It has been good getting to know my tutorPippa because you form a friendship and feel more and morecomfortable each time. I now know how to email and can email my brother who does not live near me.”

Pauline’s Story

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Over the past several months we’vebeen working in partnership with City ofWolverhampton Council to make major

changes to the Heath Town estate. The work being undertaken will see thedevelopment of over 600 new homes.Blocks on Heath Town have also seen a number of improvements, including

works to improve the efficiency, security and overall look of the estate. The works are well underway and we’re

making fantastic progress. Once complete, Heath Town will have been given a new lease of life. The changes will benefit local residents and

the wider community for many generations to come.

Sonia said: “After the Decent Homes work to my home, I feel like I’ve had a new home.

I’m looking forward to all the next improvementsthat are coming; the doors, windows and

the fronts of the flats being done up. It’s looking really positive for Heath Town.”

BRINGING HEATH TOWN

INTO THE 21STCENTURY

MAKEYOUR VOTECOUNT!

Register to vote by 17th April and haveyour say in the local elections on 3rd May.

This is your chance toinfluence how things are runin Your City. If you’ve onlyjust moved in, registering tovote can also help protect

your credit rating.

Register today at:gov.uk/register-to-vote

Thinking of buying a newhome?

WOLVERHAMPTON HOMESSTAR 2017Last year, we asked a sample of you what you thought about our services and where you thought there was room for improvement. This is what you told us.

We’re now looking at your feedback and putting together an action plan on ways we can go from good to great.

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Do you go from week to week without seeinga friendly face? Do you long for a chat buthave no friends or family that live nearby?Are you not able to get out and about?

Our Befriending and Get Active service, which werun in partnership with One Voice, aims to put astop to loneliness in the community. Our befrienderscall up tenants on a Tuesday and Thursday eachweek, just to catch up and have a chat.

Aggie said: “Joiningthe befriendingservice was oneof the best thingsI’ve ever done. I now regularlyattend theFriendship Groupalong with otherpeople like myselfand it’s great.”

If you’re lonely and longfor a listening ear, orknow someone that

does, get in touch withour Tenant Engagementteam on 01902 550728

or 555119

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Skills WorkshopTHURsday 3MAY2018Learn how to Do It Yourself Our Tenant Engagement team invites you to join them in learning how to DIY.Together, let’s make bodged paintjobs and shoddy workmanship a thing of the past.

Best of all, we’re giving you the opportunity pick the time and place. Allworkshops are subject to demand, so if you and your neighbours want to attenda workshop near you, get in touch on 01902 555119 before 26th March 2018.

Gardening ClubCOMING SOON…WATCH THIS SPACE

The WolverhamptonFederation of Tenants’Associations (The FED)has secured funds fromthe Awards for All - BIGLottery programme, for a project entitled “A City for All”.As part of the project the FED will be hosting an event on 25th April at theMolineux for social housingtenants and new migrants to come together to discusstheir experience and share

common issues, and showcase theircultures.

Housing providers and other professionalswill also be invited to promote theirservices and to offer advice and guidance. If you would like to know more, get in touch with Lal from the FED on 01902 556816 or atwfta@live.co.uk

THE “FED”

BEFRIENDING ANDGET ACTIVE SERVICE

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Introducing Gemma, the latest addition to our Home Choiceteam. Gemma is our Assistant Home Choice Advisor and it’sher job to offer advice and guidance about housing issues,including the availability of council homes, the council’sallocations policy and housing options.“A big part of my job is to lead on mutual exchanges, where onetenant swaps with another. A mutual exchange is a great way fortenants to find a home that’s more suitable for them, whether itbe because their current home is under-used, overcrowded orjust doesn’t meet their needs. I can help tenants to use “Swapand Move” as well as Wolverhampton Homes’ services.”

Swap and Move is a great way of finding a swap in the area you want. Check it out atwww.swapandmove.co.uk

It’s no secret that there’s ashortage of affordable housing,not just in Wolverhampton but nationally.Here in Wolverhampton, we’re taking bigsteps to tackle the issue. The council’snewbuild programme has already seenthe delivery of 33 new homes and thedevelopment of a further 26 across fiveareas is already underway. Togetherwe’ve also identified eight old garagesites for further development; theproposals will be subject to detailed site inspections, strict checks andpublic consultation, but if approved will see the development of a further 33 brand spanking new homes. The work will be carried out by local contractors, thereby boosting local business.

Read more at www.whomes.org.uk/newbuild-homes

HOMESNEW

The future of housing?...You may have also seen in the paper that we’ve recentlydeveloped four new “modular” homes on the Cannock Road.These state of the art homes were developed in Ireland beforebeing transported to and assembled here in Wolverhampton.

Development of these new homes only began inNovember 2017 and they were ready to let by the end ofFebruary – yes, that fast!

Learn more at www.whomes.org.uk/modular-homes

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Energy wise

Lower energy bills could bejust around the corner…There’s no stopping for our Energy Wise Team. They’ve been busy behind thescenes with National Energy Action’s “Warm Homes Campaign” whichconcluded on the 23rd February with Fuel Poverty Awareness Day.It’s been another successful campaign, with our Energy Wise team hostingenergy advice drop-insacross the city. Did youmiss out? – don’t worry,because you can stillbenefit from their expertadvice with a Home Energy Visit.

www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/energy

Contact the Energy and Climate Change Team:

@wh_energywise

‘Energy Wise with Wolverhampton Homes’Find out more at:

www.whomes.org.uk/energyvisits

Our Energy Wise team has joined forces with the UK's leading water sectorassociation Water Wise, for Water Saving Week which runs from 19th March.During this week we’ll be raising awarenessabout how easy it is for everyone to usewater wisely, at school, in the workplace, in the home and even in the garden.

Reducing water wastage could save you aheap of money, but it’s also good for theenvironment. We all have a part to play inlooking after the planet – are you playing yours?

Alvina Ali, Energy & Climate Change Officer,said: "By saving water, you could reduceyour water and energy bills - heating wateris the biggest use of energy in the homeafter central heating.”

Stuart Hobbs, Sustainability Manager said:"This year's campaign has lots of greatchallenges and information about wastingless water. We can all take action now tohelp ensure there is enough water forpeople and the environment, now and inthe future. This is not about restrictingyour water use, it’s about helping you touse water more wisely and reduce yourwater wastage.”

Get involved! Throughout the week we’ll be tweeting and posting information on Facebook.

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YOURPERSONAL

DATA

CHANGINGTHE WAY WE WORK

We’ve been making some big changes at Wolverhampton

Homes. It’s important to us that our services are right

for you and represent value for money.

From April we will have a dedicated team of Tenancy

Officers and Income Officers. Your Tenancy Officer will

deal with all tenancy-related issues in your area, such

as coordinating estate improvements and dealing

with breaches of tenancy, and Income Officers will deal

with all rent-related matters, including helping you

to access benefits and maximise your income.

Your Tenancy and Income Officers will replace

your Estate Manager. We’ll publish a full list of our

new officers and which areas they’ll be managing

on our website from April…

How we collect and use your personal information is governed by the DataProtection Act 1998. The rulesare changing on the 25th Maywith the introduction of theGeneral Data ProtectionRegulation (GDPR).

From 25th May, under this new regulation,companies will need your consent in orderto send you marketing materials, includingleaflets and e-newsletters.

Learn more on our website at www.whomes.org.uk/privacy

We normally only send paper copies of Tenants’Update to those of you who don’t have emailaddresses, but as it’s important we get thismessage out there, this time round we’ve sent itto everyone. We’ll share more information withyou soon, so watch this space… and makesure you check your email for future newsletters.

Kids’ CompetitionCan you spot our five daffodils (not including this one) somewhere in the newsletter?As usual there are two prizes up for grabs, one for the under 5s and one for 5-10 year olds. Both will win £20 in a Credit Union Account and if they’re over 8, a year’s FREE membership to The Way Youthzone .

Name Age

Your Address

Postcode

The daffodils are on pages

Quiz timeComplete our quiz to win up £100* in a Credit Union Account or £50 paid into your rent account.Find the answers in this issue. (*£50 will be paid into a Wolverhampton City Credit Unionaccount, another £50 will be paid in 6 months later.)

1. Where did we rank in Stonewall’s Top 100 List?

2. Who was presented with an award by the DAA on 31st January?

3. Who won our Grounds Maintenance contract earlier this year?

4. You should register to vote by what date?

5. Which road recently saw the development of four modular homes?

Your FeedbackTell us what you think about any of our services and you could be included in the next Tenants Update.We welcome all feedback – good or bad.

Name

Your Address

Postcode

Your telephone Your email

Return to: Communications, Wolverhampton Homes, Chillington Fields Industrial Estate,Off Hickman Avenue, Wolverhampton, WV1 2BY or save yourself a stamp and

enter online www.wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk/tenants-update

The closing date is Friday 29th March 2018.Last issue’s winner was Elaine Minter from Whitmore Reans.