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Housing Newsletter - July 2023

Welcome to the July Better Homes, Better Lives newsletter

In this edition, you can find out the latest information and support from our tenancy sustainment service, how we can help you downsize your property, the latest information on tackling mould and damp in properties, our next upcoming estate inspections and the latest from our resident engagement team who have been helping support tenants and events around the county.

Remember, information about Wiltshire Council's cost-of-living support, including energy cost advice, housing advice and financial support, can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living and these pages will be updated regularly.

Win a food hamper worth over £30 donated by Tesco in our monthly prize draw!

We're giving away a free food hamper, sponsored by Tesco, to our newsletter readers. To enter, simply email us with your name and address before the closing date of Friday 14 July and you will be entered into the draw.

Our May hamper winner, Anne Marie, told us "This will come in very handy, Thank you".

Better Homes

The benefits of downsizing your property

  • are you spending money on heating a large house that you don't need?
  • are you struggling to maintain the house and garden?
  • would you like to move to a smaller home?

Downsizing to a smaller home means less upkeep, lower bills and more time and money to enjoy the things you love.

You could benefit from downsizing if:

  • your home is too large
  • you have a spare bedroom or bedrooms
  • your garden is too large to maintain
  • you would like to try to reduce your household bills e.g. rent, council tax, utilities, and for working age tenants avoid the spare room subsidy.

Wiltshire Council is keen to assist tenants living in larger accommodation to move to suitably sized homes, which in turn will help families who need larger accommodation. We are also very aware of the costs involved in running a large home, the obligation to maintain the house and garden and potential social isolation that results from remaining in the "wrong" accommodation. We have amended our allocation policy to prioritise those who wish to downsize. Providing you are a Wiltshire Council tenant and under-occupying a property, you will be placed in Band 1 which is the highest priority banding.

If you feel that you would benefit from downsizing please contact the Neighbourhood Team at HSGMail@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window), we would like to help. We will explain your options and assist and guide you throughout the process.

The new damp and mould guidebook for residents is now available online

Wiltshire Council Housing tenants guide to damp and mould (PDF, 2 MB)(opens new window)

You can also find information for dealing with common repairs problems and advice on how to tackle repairs and maintenance that is the responsibility of the tenant at Council tenants - Maintenance and repairs.

If you need to report damp and mould in your property, you should do so without delay, through the iHousing Portal https://ihousing.wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or by calling 0300 456 0117 - option 2. 

For more information about what repairs and maintenance you are responsible for as a tenant, you can contact your neighbourhood officer via the iHousing Portal https://ihousing.wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or by email at HSGMail@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

Better Neighbourhoods

Celebrating the King's coronation in Amesbury

Lanfear Close sheltered scheme held a party in the communal lounge to celebrate the King's coronation. Residents all brought food and drink to share and were joined by Resident Engagement officer Caz.

A fun and enjoyable time was had by all with those attended telling us "It was very well organized, lovely food and we all joined in. A very enjoyable social event" and "A great social event with plenty of food and drink. Looking forward to our next event here".

Tenants visit The Tempest

Our newest team member Jasmine with lucky residents at The Tempest performance in Churchill Gardens this summer. Many thanks to Wiltshire Creative who provided free tickets to the Resident Engagement team for housing tenants.

Cooking classes with Phunky Foods

A fabulous time was had at our first Phunky Foods cookery course held at the Bemerton Heath Centre. Tenants were able to cook up a storm with cook Jaquie creating a main meal and pudding for themselves just in time for lunch. This free six-week course is perfect for all ages and also covers healthy eating tips, not to mention a chance to make new friends!

For more information about how we can support you in holding events and setting up new groups and activities in your area, please contact the team at Tenantparticipation@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

Join our weekly online quiz for residents

Our weekly on-line quiz is a great way to spend an hour and exercises the little grey cells! Regular quizzers join us on friday's at 2pm from across Salisbury and the surrounding area. The friendly group is always happy to welcome new participants from across the county and have found it a great way to make new friends.

Without the need to leave home you can make yourself a cuppa, click the invite link on the invite email we send you and, join the quiz host and fellow quizzers. If you would like to join us, email Tenantparticipation@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) we can make sure you have all the information and support you need to be able to join us on-line for these fun sessions.

Better Lives

The Tenancy Sustainment team is now offering more drop in help sessions around the county

With the cost-of-living crisis affecting so many people, our Tenancy Sustainment team are on hand to help with money advice, claiming benefits and to focus on income maximisation during this challenging time. They provide support and advice to help you maintain your tenancy. Over the last year, the team have achieved the following great results for our tenants.

  • 409 households helped
  • total amount of backdated benefits £143,576.24
  • total amount of grants awarded £117,213
  • total amount of debt written off £24,799.38
  • additional yearly income £531,255.66
  • total additional income generated for our tenants £816,844.28.

How to get in touch

You can phone the team on 0300 456 0117 (Option 1)

You can email the team at housingtso@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)

You can attend any of our drop-in sessions (no appointment needed)

Bemerton Heath Estate Office
151a Gainsborough Close
Every Thursday 9am to 12 noon

The Friary Estate Office 
White Friars Road, Salisbury
Every Wednesday 9am to 12 noon

Evergreen Court 
Amesbury, SP4 7YT
Every Wednesday 9am to 12 noon

The Atrium, County Hall
Bythesea Road, Trowbridge 
Every Wednesday 9am to 12 noon

Needham House 
Devizes, SN10 1FA
Every 1st Monday of the month 9am to12 noon 

July estate inspections

Residents are welcome to join us on the inspections, either for the whole route or just their street or property, to help us assess the housing stock, the communal areas and the environmental aspects such as parking, pavements and grassed areas. This is also a great opportunity to speak to your Neighbourhood Team and discuss your local community and the opportunity for you to get more involved in your housing service.

Residents of the areas being inspected will receive an email prior to the inspection, inviting them to take part in a survey and give us any feedback regarding the area they live.

14 July - Mere

The inspection will start at 10am at Castle Hill Crescent and will cover Castle Hill Crescent, Denes Avenue, The Yews, Bishops Close, North Road and Manor Road.

21 July - South Newton

The inspection will start at 10am at St Andrews Road and will cover Jubilee Terrace, Vale View Road, Ashleigh Close and Oak Close.

You can find out more about upcoming estate inspections, as well as read the reports from previous inspections on our website at Resident involvement.

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