In this newsletter:
- Update from the Lettings Team
- Gas Safety Week
- Property of the Month
- Rent Accounts
- How to pay your rent easily
- Rent FREE weeks
- Housing Facebook group
- Garden Maintenance Scheme
- Festival of Learning
- You Said, We Share
- Share this bulletin
Update from the Lettings Team
As we continue to work within current Covid-19 restrictions there are a few updates from the Lettings Team we'd like to share:
- The backlog has been cleared and we are back up to date on sign ups (this is fantastic news!)
- Reminder: You can contact the Lettings Team by email and we will respond within 5 working days.
Furthermore, if your circumstances change, let us know, as it might affect your application and banding level. We will require proof of any changes. This could be documents such as medical or supporting letters. The Council reviews applications regularly, and in the period before you are offered a property, so your banding may increase or decrease depending on your current circumstances.
For queries relating to HomeSearch applications, banding or bidding please email homesearch@broxtowe.gov.uk
For queries relating to shortlisting or offers of properties please email housingallocations@broxtowe.gov.uk
Gas Safety Week
14th - 20th September 2020
Gas is a useful source which powers many things in our day to day lives, however people forget it's also very dangerous.
Top tips for KEEPING YOU SAFE
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Keep your Gas service appointment for your boiler. Just like a car it needs its annual check to make sure it is safe and fit for purpose. To keep you, your families and our operatives safe during Covid-19, we have put measures in place for when work is being carried out in your home, please follow the guidance given to you by the Repairs Team. Further information of these measures can be found on our website.
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Ask for our engineer's Gas Safe Register ID card. Don't be afraid to do this, they will be very happy to show you. It takes a lot of hard work to earn that card and they'll be happy to show it off to you.
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Know the emergency procedure. If you smell gas or suspect immediate danger, make sure you familiarise yourself with the emergency procedure and contact the NATIONAL GRID directly on 0800 111 999.
For more top tips on keeping safe with gas visit Gas Safety Week.
Furthermore, please visit our Gas Safety page for more information and to download useful leaflets.
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Property of the Month
The Spinney
Close to Kimberley Town Centre, with great bus links and a local shop.
What do you get at The Spinney?
Private accommodation with fitted kitchen and bathroom
Onsite Parking
Lift
Laundry Room
Access to 2 quiet rooms
Social activities delivered by Activities Co-ordinators
24 Hours Tunstall Call System
Communal lounge with facilities
Personalised contact with Independent Living Co-ordinators
Properties available now!
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Rent Accounts
Did you know? Rent for all Broxtowe Borough Council properties is charged to rent accounts in advance on a Monday.
This charge covers the rent from the Monday to the following Sunday. This is in line with all Broxtowe Borough Council tenancy agreements, which state that “rent is due weekly in advance and is payable on a Monday.”
Tenancy agreements also state “If we agree to you paying at a different frequency (e.g. monthly in advance), you must pay on the agreed dates and it must be in advance”. This means you can pay your rent weekly, fortnightly or monthly but your rent account should never be in arrears between payments.
If you are currently making payments onto your rent account in arrears, it does mean you are in breach of your tenancy agreement. However, we are here to help so please contact the Income Collection Team on 0115 917 777. A member of the team would be happy to discuss your rent account with you and make an arrangement to reduce any arrears outstanding.
How to Pay your Rent easily
There are many way you can easily pay your rent:
Telephone Payments via a Debit card: You can pay by debit card by calling 0845 8350144. The line is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Please note that we do not accept payment by credit card.
Internet Payments: We've made it easier than ever before to pay your rent online, no matter what time of day or where you are you can Pay Online.
Standing Order: Your payments can be made monthly from your bank account by standing order. To arrange a standing order please contact the Income Collection Team on 0115 917 7777 and an instruction will be sent to you.
Post: Cheques must be made payable to Broxtowe Borough Council. Please write your name, address, and account number on the back of your cheque. Post-dated cheques cannot be accepted.
For more information on way to pay visit 'Your Rent' page on our website.
Rent FREE weeks
Each year there are four weeks that are rent free. These have changed for 2020/21. Please take a look below and add them to your calendar.
- 21st December 2020
- 28th December 2020
- 22nd March 2021
- 29th March 2021
However, if you're in rent arrears. This is a great time to continue paying to clear that account and have peace of mind. Need to discuss your account? Chat to our Income Team on 0115 917 7777.
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Housing Facebook Group
It's not long until our Housing Community Facebook groups goes live in September. Follow the link below to request to join and be one of the first to enter on the day of the launch.
Requests to join the group will be approved a few days before it is launched, so don’t worry if you do not receive a notification saying your request has been approved straight away. Once you enter, there will be a welcome and introduction to the group with details of what’s coming up for you to get involved with.
When you request to join the group, you'll be asked for a few details. Your full name, postcode and date of birth. This will make sure only our Housing Customers are accepted and help to ensure the group is a safe and welcoming environment.
Just like any other Facebook Groups, there are rules, please read these carefully when you request to join. More information to follow, as we prepare to go live with the group.
(Note: The group will not enable you to resolve issues personal to yourself and this must be done through contacting the Council in the usual way.)
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Garden Maintenance Scheme
We've been getting a lot questions about our Garden Maintenance Scheme and who is eligible to receive it.
The scheme offers multiple cuts of gardens and hedges throughout the year and you will receive information about when these will take place when you have been accepted onto the scheme.
Who is eligible?
- Tenants over the age of 60 years or in receipt of PIP/DLA, who have no family members over the age of 16 who live with you or within the vicinity to you who can assist with your garden.
- You may be asked to provide proof of eligibility to support and verify your application.
If you are eligible for the scheme and want to apply please contact our Housing Officers on 0115 917 7777 or email housing@broxtowe.gov.uk.
Visit the 'Your Home' page on our website for more information regarding your tenancy.
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Festival of Learning
This September is 'Have a go month' a campaign by Festival of Learning. With the world in continuous change, it's a great time to try something new!
Why not have a go at:
- Visiting a park or nature reserve you haven't been to before
- Learn a new language, Duolingo is a fantastic free tool with many languages to choose from
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Pay your rent online. It's super easy and saves you so much time!
- Make a history memory box of this year. Decorate the box and fill it with interesting stories and items
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Get involved in Housing and have your voice heard on how we improve our services.
For more information on the Festival of Learning and 'have a go month' visit their website.
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You Said, We Share
Staying up to date with service changes during COVID-19
The easiest way to stay up to date is by checking our dedicated Coronavirus webpages.
They contain useful information on:
We also share updates on our social media accounts and will be sending an email bulletin out every Friday to our subscribers.
Share this
Please share the information in this email bulletin with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to help us pass on these important messages, particularly if they're not online.
Please also encourage anyone who isn't already subscribed to this Email Me Service to sign up at www.broxtowe.gov.uk/emailme so they can receive these updates.
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