Housing newsletter - October 2022

If you would like further information about how you can get more involved in your housing service or have any feedback for us regarding this newsletter please contact us by email Tenantparticipation@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

Win a food hamper in our monthly prize draw!

We're giving away a free food hamper, sponsored by Tesco, to our readers.

To enter simply email us using the link below and tell us your name and address before Friday 14 October to enter the draw

New car parking at The Orchard, Nunton

The car park at the Orchard in Nunton has recently had a new drain installed to help prevent flooding outside the main entrance to the sheltered scheme. Taking advantage of the work to minimise further disruption, Wiltshire Council Housing has installed the infrastructure for two Electric Vehicle (EV) charging bays for residents vehicles with the chargers to be installed shortly.

Following resident feedback, the car park has also been extended, new lines have been painted for the parking bays and the area in front of the entrance re-lined for no parking to allow space for emergency vehicles should the need arise.

Once these pilot EV chargers are installed, they will be for the use of Wiltshire Council Housing residents only and tenants will be able to sign up to use any of the chargers that are installed in Wiltshire Council Housing car parks. We then expect to begin rolling these out across our other sheltered housing car parking areas.

We need you to join our Housing Board

We are looking for a new Resident Member for the Housing Board. The Housing Board makes recommendations to senior officers about how to manage the Housing Revenue Account (this is the part of the council which manages council tenancies and leaseholders). It is made up of 3 residents, 3 councillors and 3 independent members.

You can earn £3,175 per year (less tax, National Insurance, impact on benefit entitlements) for helping to make the service better.

If you would like to know more about the role, you can join our virtual taster session to learn about what being on the Housing Board means.

We are holding the taster session on Monday 10 October 2022 at 5.30pm using Microsoft Teams - contact us Tenantparticipation@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or call on 0300 456 0117 (option 5) to let us know that you would like to attend and we'll send you the joining link and provide any help to use Microsoft Teams if you need it.

Find out more about the Housing Board

The Big Bemerton Bash

Residents on Bemerton Heath were in for a treat with the return of the Big Bemerton Bash event on Gainsborough Close.

The Resident Engagement team were delighted to support the yearly event by providing free refreshments alongside working partners Salisbury City Council.

Rise61 the local youth charity used the community garden as the main backdrop and hosted sports activities in the adjacent MUGA (Multi use games area). Wiltshire Creative and Circus Wessex provided some fun activities with delicious free Pizzas provided by local restaurant Pizza Venti.

One customer said, "It's great to see the community come together, there is so much free activity here today!"

Are you registered on the iHousing Portal yet?

What is iHousing? - Wiltshire Council Housing's secure online portal

What does it do? - Allows you to monitor and report on your property and tenancy matters

Why should you register?

1. To ensure we always have your up-to-date contact details
2. To carry out your business 24/7 when it suits you - no waiting in a call queue
3. To report non-urgent repairs. Reporting via the portal ensures your repair gets dealt with quickly by going to the right team
4. To keep track of your rent account and registered repairs
5. To request rent statements, report ASB and much more

Where to go to get advice and help with the rising cost of living?

Concerned about the cost of living crisis? These organisations may be able to help:

• Age UK Wiltshire - www.ageuk.org.uk/wiltshire (opens new window) A local charity working in the community to support older people, their families and carers
• Citizens Advice - www.citizensadvice.org.uk (opens new window) Provides advice about budgeting and the extra help you can receive if you're struggling with the cost of living.
• Jobcentre Plus - www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus (opens new window)If you're seeking work, you may be able to get six months' worth of broadband through your local Jobcentre Plus.
• Ofcom -www.ofcom.org.uk (opens new window) Lists the cheaper broadband and phone packages (social tariffs) available.
• Warm and Safe Wiltshire - www.warmandsafewiltshire.org.uk (opens new window) They provide help and advice relating to insulation, heating and draft proofing; help with switching energy suppliers and fuel tariffs; and advice on available grants and schemes.
• Wiltshire Council - www.wiltshire.gov.uk  0300 456 0100 Provides information about benefits and the support available.
• Wiltshire Libraries - www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries Provides free access to books, newspapers, Wi-Fi and computers, plus printing for a small charge, and staff that can help to answer any queries you may have.

The council complaints procedure explained

Every two years, Wiltshire Council Housing carries out the STAR Survey which includes questions about raising different complaints (e.g: regular complaint, anti-social behaviour, etc.).  Wiltshire Council is committed to listening to the view of customers and welcomes feedback whether positive or negative.

You can find out more about the complaints procedure and how to make a complaint on our website using the button below:

Find out more about the complaints procedure

This month's good news story

Congratulations to the winner of our September food hamper draw

Our customer Sharon from Zeals, was delighted to win our first monthly prize food hamper donated by Tesco.

Readers of our new monthly newsletter, Better Homes, Better lives have the opportunity to enter our monthly food hamper competition by email.

Sharon said, "There's more information in than you think, it's worth a read."

1. Make sure you have your heating and hot water are correctly set up to run in the most efficient manner for your household and daily needs.
2. If you have electric heating, make sure your tariff is set up correctly and be mindful of using booster functions such as the immersion heater in your cylinder during peak electricity usage times.
3. Make sure you keep trickle vents in windows open and extractor fans switched on to ensure the property is always ventilated properly to prevent damp and mould from forming.
4. If you need help and advice about how your heating system works, how to programme the system and how to change the settings, please contact the Neighbourhood Team.

For more information about your tariff including what it means if you are on Economy 7 or 10 plans, please contact your electricity supplier