iPad minis up for grabs
Several iPad minis are up for grabs, for people who manage their housing services online through MySouthwark.
Congratulations to Yan Zhang, recent winner of the prize draw. She won an iPad mini simply by accessing her housing services online. Yan said: “Housing services on MySouthwark are there 24/7. There is no hassle, no trouble and it is easy to navigate.”
If you are a council homeowner or tenant and want to be in with a chance to win, sign up today and access the housing services section within your MySouthwark account.
Launch of independent homeowner agency
In 2014 the council committed to establish an independent homeowner agency and we are pleased to say, it has now been launched. This is a brand new approach for Southwark, and new for the housing sector in general. With the new, independent service, we aim to improve leaseholder satisfaction.
It plans to give homeowners an independent voice to challenge value for money for their service and major works charges, the specifications of works, accuracy of bills and whether the council had fully explored the alternatives. Thank you to all who have expressed interest in joining the homeowners’ board and arbitration panels. Read more
Get your
council tax paid for a year
One lucky
resident will have their council tax paid for a year, and it could be you. All
new and existing direct debit council tax payers, registered with a MySouthwark account linked to their council tax
account, will be automatically entered into the prize draw. Register by 31 May 2017 at southwark.gov.uk/mysouthwark
Read more
Extra Care Housing Scheme - Tayo Situ House
Our brand new Extra Care Housing Scheme provides
24 hours-a-day care and support to residents over the age of 55. Tenants live independently in their own
flats but have access to daily onsite care and welcoming communal areas where
they can meet with other residents. The
new facility opened at the end of last year and we caught up with some of the
residents to see how they are settling in.
Keith, a resident from Tayo Situ House said: “I like
it here, what’s not to like! You get
well taken care of whilst still having independence. The carers and staff are
fantastic, also the flat is really nice and a great size for me.”
If you are over 55 years
old, receive daily visits from a carer and want to know if you can qualify for
this scheme, please let your social worker know or contact our sheltered
assessment and referrals officer on 020 7525 4231 email: richard.owens@southwark.gov.uk
Former world boxing star returns to estate to celebrate launch of new homes
Former boxing champion Lloyd Honeyghan was among guests who met current and past residents at Harvard Gardens, formerly part of the Aylesbury estate in Walworth, to celebrate the completion of the new homes.
As a one-time resident of Southwark, he was on hand to help perform the ribbon cutting ceremony. Lloyd Honeyghan grew up in the borough and was honoured by having a building named after him. Read more
Investing in district heating
Hundreds
of residents will see improvements to heating systems over the next few years,
thanks to a new major works priority programme for district heating systems.
We
currently provide 17,000 properties with heat and hot water through existing
district heating systems and networks. Many of these are in need of being
brought up to a modern standard to make them as efficient as possible.
The council's cabinet recently approved plans for a three year programme of work which is due
to begin in summer 2017. They also agreed exploring options for funding the
remaining networks across the borough.
Have your say on getting involved
We want to hear from
tenants, leaseholders and private renters living on council estates about
improving how we connect with you and your neighbours.
Whether you are active
in your Tenant Resident Association or never get
involved, we want to hear your views on improving how we communicate with
residents and support local engagement across our estates, on issues that
matter. Get involved by completing a short survey on the Southwark Consultation
Hub.
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Recognising our housing heroes
Do you know someone who works hard to
improve your local community? Nominate them today for a Housing Heroes Award.
Send us your nominations by Sunday 18 June.
If your entry is shortlisted, you and the person you nominate will be
invited to an exclusive awards ceremony where the final winners will
be announced. Read more
Proposals to refurbish Rotherhithe council block plus additional new homes
We have submitted plans to refurbish 144 existing council homes in Rotherhithe - and build a five storey extension to create 24 more homes.
Maydew House is a major part of the regeneration of the Abbeyfield Estate. Back in 2012 we took the decision to refurbish the block and bring the homes back into use. Five additional storeys will be built on top of the existing block, creating 24 homes, set to be sold on the open market. The council will sell approximately 45 units to balance the costs of the project. Read more
Southwark sprinkler success
We have successfully secured funding to install state of the art sprinklers across the borough, providing safer homes to vulnerable residents at higher risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Following a bid to the London Fire Brigade’s Community Safety Investment Fund we have received more than £193,000 to support our sprinkler installation system scheme, benefiting those living in temporary and supported housing.
Water
charges are changing
From April
2017 all Southwark Council tenants will be charged for their water and
wastewater services directly by Thames Water. There will no longer be a weekly
charge with the rent payment.
In April, you will get your first bill, and information from Thames
Water to let you know how you can pay your bill in installments. Thames Water
have lots of ways to pay, from monthly to weekly payments, so you should be
able to find a way to pay that suits you. For more information visit thameswater.co.uk/yourthames
What is supported housing?
Life throws up difficult challenges for some people and our supported housing hostels offer support to residents in need with the aim of helping them to recover and return to successful independent living once more.
Our hostel at Northcott House in Waterloo provides a six day training course for residents to help them sustain their future tenancies. Each resident has an assigned officer who supports them through the process of finding a new home.
Northcott House resident, Gladys, recently celebrated moving into her new home and said: “I was very happy working with the officer and manager at Northcott House who helped me with my move. I enjoyed doing all the in-house courses and I’m very thankful to all the team for helping me on my pathway to permanent accommodation.”
Fix it at home
Check out our series of step-by-step videos to help with carrying out simple repairs in your home.
The ‘Fix it at home’ videos include how to unblock a toilet, unblock your sink, change your bathroom and kitchen lights, reset your trip switch, set up your central heating correctly, change and test your smoke alarm and manage condensation and mould.
We're cracking down on short term lets
We are aware that a growing number of residents are
letting their properties, on a short term basis, through platforms including
(but not exclusive to) Airbnb, Housetrip, Gumtree etc.
Southwark Council does not endorse or give approval for short term let
arrangements. Read more
Don’t fall foul of scams
We like to
think we’re savvy enough to know how scammers and rogue traders try to defraud
us; bothersome calls and emails, or texts, online or at our doorstep. Yet
many admit to providing personal details to people claiming to be from their
bank or other organisations like the police, council or a trusted business.
Stop and
think; if you get calls, visits, texts or emails out of the blue asking
for personal or financial details don’t respond or reply. Don't hesitate to contact your bank or financial
service provider on a number you trust, such as the one listed on their website
or on the back of your payment card.
Never
disclose security details, like your PIN or passwords. Genuine institutions, or
law enforcement, won’t ever ask for these.
If you are concerned, report it to: Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 or Trading Standards 0345 404 0506. For more information visit Southwark.gov.uk/business/trading-standards
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