southwark Life

Housing News

Our new columnist

answers your money queries

From housing officer to TV star –

Sharon Kennedy tells her story

15 Ask Sally

10 A day in the life

wHat’s iN tHis issue?

The magazine for Southwark Council tenants and leaseholders southwark.gov.uk/slhn

Autumn issue

Jeff Barnett, long-time

resident and champion for

Southwark’s tenants and

leaseholders, shares his

favourite places in Southwark

18 My Southwark

www.southwark.gov.uk/servicepoints

The new Walworth My SouthwarkCustomer Service Point is now open.

Located at 376 Walworth Road, London SE17 2NG. The new ServicePoint is open from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday.

Make an appointment to get specialist advice from our team or simply pop in to use the self service machines.

To make an appointment at a Service Point call 020 7525 5565.

For further information on the new My Southwark Customer Service Point, please visit: www.southwark.gov.uk/servicepoints

Need a repair doNe? We let you know what to expect

06wHat’s iN tHis issue?Welcome to this issue of the

southWark life housing neWs.

MaJor WorKS

discover how we’re

investing in our housing12

iN THe doCKWhat happened when a tenant tried to swindle the council

14

NEWS IN BRIEFDiscover those need-to-know stories making waves in the borough, including how to get a free blood pressure check, special deals on insurance and a call for people to help find a home for Southwark’s children.GET INVOLVEDShare your skills and ideas to help make your local community an even nicer place to live

COmpETITION TImENot just one but two chances to win £50 in vouchers.

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i’m proud to lead a service that is active all over

the borough. our Warm, Dry and safe £326 million

refurbishment programme is bringing forward many

more homes ahead of time. our repairs service has seen

satisfaction levels increase substantially to 83 per cent.

We are cracking down on illegal sub-letting with over

300 properties recovered. Due to government changes

in benefit levels we are working with the citizens’ advice

Bureau to help you all through tough times. But it is the

commitment of our officers, like sharon kennedy, day in,

day out that makes a real difference to the quality

of residents’ lives and i applaud their work.

there is more to do, as you know, but we are well on our

way to providing an open, accessible and accountable

service in which you can play your full part.

Cllr Ian WIngfIeld

Deputy LeaDer of the counciL anD cabinet

member for housing management

CoNTaCT uSDo you have something to say about southwark life

housing news? Write to: Letters, Southwark Life

Housing News, Communications, Southwark Council,

160 Tooley Street, Second floor, Hub 5, SE1 2QH or

email SLHN@southwark.gov.uk

THe SouTHWarK

HouSiNG NeWS TeaM

Editors – miriam mcgrath and maria Valdivia

Contributors – kimberly Bowers,

fariah nanhoo, Janice simmonds,

liz Bolton, richard Wells

photography – Barra mcgachy,

Jamie simonds

Design – cubiquity

TWeeT TWeeT

We’re online so if you are too,

come and say hi. it’s a great way

to stay updated on the latest

local events, news and info.

@lB_southwark

facebook.com/

southwarkcouncil

Make paying your rent your first priority.

If you are struggling to pay your rent, let us know and we can help you to access support or offer and agree a rent payment plan that will help you to pay. If you just don’t pay, we will take action to recover any debts and you could even be evicted from your council home – but if you let us know you’re having trouble, you can get help. For debt and benefit advice, call 020 7525 2600 or speak to your housing or income officer in confidence.

for more information on fire safetyVisit southwark.gov.uk/firesafety

for more information on managing your rentVisit southwark.gov.uk/rentCall 020 7525 1495

DON’t FORGet

tHe ReNt

A working smoke alarm can buy you and your family the valuable time you need to get out, stay out and call 999. When changing your clocks on 27 October, please take a few seconds to test your smoke alarm. By simply pushing the ‘test’ button, you could save the lives of your loved ones.

RiNG tHe aLaRM

if you don’t have a working fire alarm, you’re four times more likely to die in a fire in the home.

CReate a FaMiLY

We are looking for people from all walks of life who can provide a loving, stable home for our children. Above all, we need kind and caring people who want to experience the joy and challenge our children will bring.

get the facts on adoptionCall 0800 952 0707email adoption@southwark.gov.ukVisit southwark.gov.uk/adoption

Southwark currently has 40 children needing adoption; you could have a family in six months.

Southwark

iN bR

04

neW

s

for a reduced rate on your insurance Call 0845 601 7007Visit crystalinsurance.co.uk

neW

s

05

One in three adults in the UK (16 million) has high blood pressure and it’s a leading cause of stroke, heart attacks and heart disease. If you’re aged between 40 to 75 and have no previous diagnosis of heart disease, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, kidney disease or stroke, you can get your blood pressure tested as part of a free NHS Health Check.

This year, there has been some very exciting major works projects, with work being done on carbon reduction - meaning lower fuel bills in improved properties – as well as plans to build 10,000 council homes to meet local need in the future.

find out about all the exciting events Visit southwark.gov.uk/ blackhistorymonth

read the report onlineVisit southwark.gov.uk/housingannualreport

KNOw YOuR

NuMbeRs

aNNuaL RePORt

tO teNaNtsWe’re asking Southwark residents whether they know their numbers – their blood pressure numbers.

every year this report looks at how the housing services team is doing and whether we’re achieving everything we promised to you, as well as setting out future plans for Southwark tenants.

for further information on where to get checkedCall 020 7525 1792Visit southwark.gov.uk/healthcheck

Some tenants think that they would be covered by the council’s insurance but they’re not. The council’s insurance only covers structural damage to buildings, not contents. So for your own peace of mind, you should insure your contents. You can get a quote from the council’s preferred insurance provider Crystal Insurance Scheme, which offers special rates for Southwark residents.

aRe YOu iNsuReD?

if your possessions were lost or damaged what would you do?

bRieFThere will be a range of events and activities for you to enjoy including author events at Southwark libraries with Malorie Blackman, Children’s Laureate and Catherine Johnson and Dorothy Koomson.

bLaCK HistORY MONtH

Black History Month is exploring the heritage and history of Southwark’s african, Caribbean and diaspora communities, bringing together people from different backgrounds that share similar stories, histories, cultures and customs.

“

Every year our contractors

carry out thousands of repairs. We want to make sure that they’re not just doing excellent repairs but

that you’re getting brilliant

customer service too.

he council has two main repairs and maintenance contractors that do repairs work in the borough. Southwark Building

Services is responsible for repairs in the north and Mears is responsible for the south. By using contractors we can negotiate the best possible deal for you and get access to highly skilled and experienced tradespeople.

Our contractors go through a thorough selection process and if they are given a contract, their performance is closely monitored. The previous contractor for the south was replaced by Mears last year because we were not happy with their performance.

Cllr Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for housing, said “We are committed to delivering a first class repairs service and improving residents’ satisfaction. We continue to make good progress. We awarded the repairs and maintenance contract for the south of the borough to Mears because they demonstrated that they share our ambitions and have delivered the best full set of results in housing repairs that we’ve ever seen.”

Cllr Wingfield continued “Since the start of the Mears’ interim contract in October 2012, resident satisfaction, which is such an important measure of success, has increased by five per cent to 83 per cent, and the number of jobs completed right first time has gone up three per cent to 79 per cent, demonstrating that Mears was the right choice.”

rePa

irs

06

Great expectations...FOR OuR RePaiRs seRviCe

ThecallcentrestaffweresohelpfulwhenIcalledwithmyquery. The customer service adviser was very understanding. He even went out of his way to call me back later that afternoon to make sure someone had contacted me. Kathy

“

“ Seeing the tenants smile once Ihavecompletedtherepairbringsmethe most enjoyment. Receiving the positive feedback from the tenants makes it all worth whileCharanjeet Virdi Mears contractor

“

07

rePa

irs

We promise...

• Our contractors will be polite and courteous at all times.

• They will make sure that you can get in and out of your home safely while they are working.

• If possible they will work on one room at a time so that they don’t get in your way.

• They will make sure your services are reconnected at the end of the day.

if you can’t keep your appointment please let us know. Email repairs@southwark.gov.uk or call us on 0800 952 4444 or 020 7525 2600

Can we do better? if the service you receive isn’t up to scratch, please let us know.Call 0800 952 4444 or 020 7525 2600email repairs@southwark.gov.uk

When you call to report a repair you will be asked lots of questions about your repair. This may seem annoying at the time but we need you to provide as much detail as possible. We use this information to assess your job. If we are clear about what needs to be done, we can arrange to send the right contractor with the correct tools to complete the job on the first visit.

Our call centre staff will always give you a job reference number and book an appointment for the contractor visit.

When the contractor visits We need you to make sure that the contractor can get into your home to do the repair work. This is very important. It’s a waste of time and resources if staff cannot gain access to your home. It also means that the appointment is wasted and someone else has missed out on that opportunity to have their job completed earlier.

When the contractor arrives they will show you their official identification. Do not let them in without it. Visit the website southwark.gov.uk/repairscontractors for examples of official ID for the contractors we use.

Before starting work Before starting work in your home the contractor will explain what they are going to do. You should make sure that this is what you were expecting them to do. They will explain how long the work will take and which rooms they will be working in. They will ask you if it’s okay to leave materials and tools in a particular place, so that there is as little inconvenience to you as possible.

While doing the work When the contractor is doing the work they will let you know if they have to leave. They will also let you know when they get back. This includes leaving to collect materials or to get further instructions.

If they have to leave without finishing the job they’ll explain why and let you know when they expect to come back to complete the work.

When the work is done Once our contractors have completed the work and are happy that a good job has been done, they will tell you they have finished. They will leave the work area clean and tidy, taking away any rubbish, equipment and materials that they did not use.

If they install new equipment they will show you how to use and maintain it before leaving. If they have operating manuals they will leave them with you.

If something needs to be left for a while before using, the contractor will explain this to you. They might also use something to protect it or leave a notice as a reminder, like ‘Do not walk on the newly laid paving slabs for two or three hours’.

Reporting your repair

You can report a repair online at southwark.gov.uk/reportarepair or by email to

repairs@southwark.gov.uk You can also call us on 0800 952 4444 or 020 7525 2600.

HeRe’s wHat tO exPeCt

wHeN YOu’ve GOt a

PRObLeM tHat NeeDs

FixiNG iN YOuR HOMe

rePa

irs

08Warm, dry, safe homes

Promise 3

Warm, dry and safe

One of our Fairer Future promises is to make every council home warm, dry and safe so we have planned a £326m major repair programme. This is now the third year of the five year programme that includes fitting new windows and lighting, replacing some kitchens and bathrooms and rewiring homes across the borough. If your repair is due to be replaced as part of the warm, dry and safe (WDS) programme, rather than replacing it immediately, we will repair it so that it is safe to use until the scheduled works can be done.

In the past, unfortunately a small number of irresponsible tenants have deliberately damaged items hoping that they will be replaced by the council.

Councillor Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for housing management said “The council’s bill for 2012/13 for day to day repairs was £34m, and the council wants to ensure that every penny is spent on genuine repair needs, not those caused by damage or misuse by the tenant.”

He continued: “We will continue to undertake any valid repair or improvement, but if we undertake a repair caused by deliberate damage, we will carry out the work but you will have to pay for it. Private homeowners or renters don’t expect the council to pay for their mistakes, and tenants shouldn’t be any different.”

Whensomething’sbrokenathome,youwantitfixed

quicklysoyoucangetbacktoyourday.Findout

what we’re doing to get repairs done in the home,

so you’re not waiting around for replacements.

“ Ifthecouncilisabletoundertake more of your repairs - like replacing windows - in a planned way it means that we get better value for money. Ultimately this will mean that the repair budget will go further and allow us to undertake more improvements to your environment.

Christian O’Mahoney, Repairs and maintenance manager

“as GOOD as New

for more information about the fairer future promises Visit southwark.gov.uk/fairerfuture

09

Heads up

We often get requests to do these repairs, but we can’t do this work. Here’s a useful list of what we can’t help with.

• Replacing kitchen units.

• Repair or replacing internal doors.

• Decorative (minor) cracking, flaking paint.

• Installing extra electricity points.

• Replacing light bulbs, smoke alarm batteries, lost/stolen keys.

• Plumbing in washing machines.

OuR wORK aND YOuR wORK

Occasionally, tenants report repairs

which are not the council’s responsibility.

This puts additional strain on the service

and causes delays in carrying out

legitimate repairs. Here’s a guide

to what the council is responsible for.

Repairs we are responsible for In general, the council is responsible for maintaining the structure and outside of your home as well as installations for water, electricity, gas and drainage inside your home.

These include

• Roof, foundations, outside walls and doors, drains, gutters and outside pipes.

• Windows and entrance doors.

• Chimney stacks and chimneys (although you are responsible for keeping chimneys swept).

• Brickwork, major plastering repairs, floors and ceilings.

• Installations for water, electricity and gas include electric wiring, sockets and light fittings, internal plumbing and water pipes.

Repairs you are responsible for You are responsible for the general upkeep of your home and for most minor repairs to your home.

These include

• Electric plugs, fuses and light bulbs (including fluorescent tubes and starters), batteries to smoke alarms.

• Inside doors, cupboard handles, catches and locks. • Garden gates and fences.• Toilet seats, broken glass inside your home,

small cracks in plaster and floor tiles. • You are also responsible for your garden,

including any trees and window boxes. You must keep all garden space, balconies and yards tidy and free from rubbish.

Help us stop wasted visits

it’s a terrible waste of resources when our

contractors turn up to carry out a repair but cannot

get in because no one’s at home. one contractor

alone estimates that it costs them around

£150,000 per year. think of the wasted time,

effort, vehicle and fuel costs and the fact that

someone else has missed out on that appointment.

If you have an appointment, please make sure that

you are at home. if you can’t keep it, let us know.

Email repairs@southwark.gov.uk or call us on

0800 952 4444 or 020 7525 2600

help us to make the repairs service as efficient as possible. Before you report your repair visit the website at southwark.gov.uk/repairresponsibilities to see whether it is covered by the council.

Warm, dry and safeSouthwark Council’s

major repair programme

rePa

irs

As well as the regular contact that is part of daily life on the estate, Sharon carries out roughly 30 tenancy checks every month, or at least one visit every morning. They are an opportunity not only to ensure that the lawful tenant is occupying the property but also to find how tenants are and whether they’re having any problems with the flat.

One issue which she comes across regularly is the problem of fire hazards. “You never know what you’ll find. I’ve seen people with camping stoves on their balconies or unauthorised security grills obstructing the doors. Earlier this year, a dumped mattress caught fire in the middle of a walkway. Thankfully we’d installed fire doors at regular intervals along the route which stopped the fire from spreading.”

spend a lot of time on my feet,” says Sharon. “My day always starts

the same way: in the office, checking my emails and diary, but then for the rest of the day I’m out and about on the estate, talking to tenants.

“It’s my role to keep an eye on my part of the Aylesbury estate, look out for any problems or anything that needs fixing. But most importantly, I’m here to look out for our tenants.”

With 345 homes and more than a thousand tenants in her care, it’s no small task. But having done the job for six years, Sharon says she knows 90 per cent of residents personally and has a good rapport with most of them.

“Most people are pleased to see me. Yes, sometimes they could be having a bad morning or are in a rush. But at the end of the day, they know I’m there to help.”

Afternoons are generally given over to the administration associated with the morning’s checks. This might mean following up on a repair or arranging help for a vulnerable resident. Sharon regularly works with estate-based charity Creation Trust, which represents and supports everyone who lives on the Aylesbury.

Anyone who spends even a bit of time with Sharon can easily see how much satisfaction she gets from her job.

She smiles as she puts on her jacket. “It’s all about the people. I love working with them. While it was nice to get recognition from the Chief Executive on ‘Undercover Boss’ it will never beat the everyday satisfaction I get from working with the people of the Aylesbury.”

And with that, she rushes off to her next appointment, her thoughts turned to what else she can do to support the residents on the estate.

Having become something of a local celebrity following her appearance on TV show Undercover Boss, Southwark Life Housing News asked Sharon to tell us about her typical day.

Need to speak to the

officer on your estate?

Call 020 7525 2600

a D

aY...

10

install a smoke alarm and test it regularly.

make sure nothing obstructs your access to fire exits.

Don’t overload electrical sockets.

Don’t barbecue or cook on balconies.

Be tidy, don’t allow too much clutter to build up in your home.

know where fire exits and escapes are.

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6

sHaRON’s tOP FiRe saFetY tiPs

90%Sharon says she knows

of residents personally and has a good rapport

with most of them

sHaRON KeNNeDY aYLesbuRY estate HOusiNG OFFiCeR

Southwark children need foster carers who live within South London

www.southwark.gov.uk/fostering

Contact us today and you could be a foster carer in 12 weeks

Tel: 0800 233 5022 email: info@southwarkfostering.co.uk

Southwark Council is recruiting foster carers to work with vulnerable children from the Southwark area who cannot live with their parents.

www.southwark.gov.uk/fostering

We need people with space in their home and family to offer children the support and security they need.

To start your new career in fostering you will be required to have patience, understanding, listening skills and a good sense of humour. In return Southwark Council will supply you with

• Allowances of up to £50k dependent on age and number of children placed

• Full support 24/7

• Initial and ongoing training throughout your career

We are particularly keen to recruit single carers as well as couples to become foster carers for babies, teenagers and sibling groups of two to three children.

There is almost no barrier to fostering. You can apply to be a foster carer irrespective of your age, race, culture or religion and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Please come to one of our free information sessions held at Sunshine House, Camberwell. Call today to reserve your place and to find out more about your new career.

201310 October 10am to 12pm17 October 5pm to 7pm21 November 5pm to 7pm29 November 10am to 12pm

201422 January 10am to 12pm19 February 10am to 12pm26 February 5pm to 7pm18 March 10am to 12pm27 March 5pm to 7pm24 April 10am to 12pm8 May 5pm to 7pm20 May 10am to 12pm18 June 10am to 12pm

Wa

rm, D

rY & sa

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12

MajOR wORKiNG tOGetHeRWehaveafiveyearplanto

makeeverycouncil

homewarm,dryandsafeandyoucouldbenefit

from what’s happening across the borough.

We’ve got a programme where we’ll be investing for five years to make around 32,000 council homes warm, dry and safe.

It’s one of the biggest investment programmes of its kind in the country – £326m is going to go towards making Southwark’s council homes better places to live. There are lots of big projects happening, known as major works.

The kind of work being done includes investment in:

• Roofs and windows.

• Internal rewiring.

• Bathrooms, ensuring that baths, toilets and wash hand basins are in good condition.

• Any structural works to walls and balconies required to your home.

• Any works required to mains electrical supplies to your block or house.

Although warm, dry and safe does not cover individual heating systems, communal heating and lifts, don’t worry; we have other programmes that look after these areas.

As you can imagine, with 32,000 homes to be repaired, it wasn’t easy to decide which properties should be completed first. We spoke to tenants and looked at information we had about the condition of properties, then sat down to make sure that the homes most in need of repair would be given higher priority.

Councillor Wingfield, cabinet member for housing said “The council is fully committed to making every property warm, dry and safe and we are putting our money where our mouths are. Housing contributes so much to the wellbeing and lives of Southwark’s residents. Despite the tough financial climate, we are proud to deliver them warm, dry and safe homes.

We have made good progress and we know there is more work to be done. In the next two years thousands more homes will be improved which will transform the lives of Southwark residents.”

“ The council is fully committed to making every property warm, dry and safe and we are putting our money where our mouths are. CouncillorWingfield

“

Is my home going to be repaired? If your home is going to be repaired as part of the warm, dry and safe programme, you’ll get a letter from us telling you what work will be done and when it will start. We’ll let you know which contractor will be working with you to get the job done. You can also check with your residents and tenants association or your resident officer.

Warm, dry, safe homes

Promise 3

Wa

rm, D

rY &

sa

fe

13

With these types of major repairs projects we always try to work closely with the contractors and tenants and residents associations. We find that things run more smoothly when we work together, so we can get the best results for you.

When we carried out repairs on the Cossall Road estate last year we worked closely with A&E Elkins, a family run refurbishment contractor based in south east London and the local tenants and residents association. The project included replacing windows, asphalting private balconies and replacing or repairing residents’ front doors, as well as fire prevention works, repairs and electrical works.

Ididn’thaveanyexperience doingbuildingworkwhenIstarted inNovemberbutnowI’mworkingas aresidentliaisonofficer.Ireallylike it.Ispendalotoftimetalkingtoresidents.Everydayisdifferent. Jerel, successful candidate

Not just a contractor

While A&E Elkins was working at the estate

they really got involved in estate life, holding

events and activities to support the local

community.

When a group of residents and young people

said they wanted to redecorate the tenants

and residents hall, A&E Elkins provided

assistance and funding. They gave the paint,

brushes and various other materials to get the

job done.

At Christmas A&E Elkins added to the seasonal

celebrations by holding a raffle for all the

residents of the estate. Three lucky winners

received a luxury hamper.

In a move to support unemployed teenagers on

the estate, A&E Elkins provided an opportunity

for one of them to join the A&E Elkins team.

Now successful candidate Jerel is working for

the A&E Elkins team and assisting Southwark

residents during the major works process.

At the end of the project A&E Elkins funded

a BBQ party, which included drinks and

entertainment for all residents on the estate.

It was a great event, bringing the community

together and giving residents an extra

opportunity to let us know what they think

about the project. It was a real celebration of

how the council, our contractor and residents

worked together as a team.

Apart from the work at Cossall Estate,

we’ve also completed work at Crystal Court,

Marchwood Close and a number of street

properties in Camberwell. We are now

working on Consort Estate, John Kennedy

House, Sceaux Gardens, Comber Estate,

Four Squares (New Place) and Croxted Road.

CHaNGes at COssaLL

Over the next five years we will be repairing

council homes across Southwark

32,000

“ “

in t

he D

oc

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14

A man who illegally sublet his council home, pocketing

the cash while living overseas, has been evicted and

ordered to pay his rent arrears.

r Akiola Akiwumi of Draper House, Walworth Road, has been evicted from his two bedroom flat. Since November 2011, he had been

subletting it to an unsuspecting family who believed they had entered into a legitimate rental agreement.

The family living in the property had been duped into handing over a £1,600 deposit and monthly rent of £800, far exceeding the £490 Mr Akiwumi paid to the council. He was in fact living and working as an accountant in the US.

We were alerted to the problem when the police visited the flat after the family reported that Mr Akiwumi was harassing them, prompting an investigation by the council.

Following the granting of a possession order, the family occupying the property were served 28 days notice to vacate. They have since been accepted as a homeless priority and placed into temporary accommodation.

Mr Akiwumi was ordered to pay £577.41 in rent arrears as well as £302.75 court costs and was evicted. We have now been able to rehouse an existing council tenant with two children in the property.

This investigation formed part of a broader initiative to crack down on illegal subletting across the borough, with 122 properties already recovered since April 2013.

Cllr Ian Wingfield, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: “Council housing in Southwark is under pressure and it is important that we allocate property where it is most needed. This case clearly shows that we will not tolerate those tenants who believe they can get away with earning a fast buck by renting out much needed homes. We welcome the introduction of a new law that will come into effect later this year which will allow us to enforce tougher penalties on those who illegal sublet including larger fines and prosecution.”

Illegal subletting and the law

A bill to criminalise the subletting of social housing in England and Wales was passed by the House of Lords in January. The Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Bill is due to become law in the House of Commons imminently, and will see those who continue to illegally sublet their council properties face harsher penalties including fines or prosecution.

iN tHe DOCK

if you know of anyone illegally subletting or taking possession of a property fraudulently, report it by calling 020 7525 4686 or emailing

specialinvestigationsteam@southwark.gov.uk

“ ...we will not tolerate those tenants who believe they can get away with earning a fast buck by renting out much needed homes. CllrIanWingfield

“

RePORt it

Ask sAlly

ask

sallY

15

saLLY saYs... All records in the register over six

years old are destroyed whether

the records are for paid or unpaid

debt. However, if you don’t want

to wait this long you might be

able, under certain circumstances,

to apply to have the entry in the

register either removed or changed.

Credit repair companies charge a

fee and it can be high. There may

be other, cheaper methods you can

use to improve your credit rating.

You can find out more about this

on adviceguide.org.uk or contact

your local CAB.

saLLY saYs... If you find you have unexpectedly

won an exciting prize you’re right to

be suspicious. It’s like they always say:

if it sounds too good to be true, it

probably is. Scammers often use prize

draws or lotteries to con people.

If you think something may be a

scam, phone 08454 04 05 06 and

tell the Citizens Advice Consumer

Service, who can pass details of

the case on to Trading Standards.

Remember, never give financial

information or details of your

identity, bank accounts or credit

card to people who contact you

out of the blue. For more

information on scams visit

moneysavvysouthwark.org.uk

Sally works for Southwark Citizens Advice Bureaux Service (CAB) which is an independent local charity. Southwark Council does not take any responsibility for the information provided.

Email councilnews@southwark.gov.uk.

Sally can’t answer all letters personally but if you need help with money issues contact Southwark Citizens Advice Bureau on 08444 994 13

For full details of opening times and more useful information about the advice agencies in Southwark please visit southwarkadvice.org.uk

saLLY saYs... You shouldn’t ignore the letters from the council.

You need to act now.

The government got rid of Council Tax Benefit in April

this year. Each local council had to come up with it’s own

scheme to help local people on low incomes with their

council tax, but they have less money to help people.

Southwark Council has introduced a Council Tax

Reduction Scheme. The maximum help everyone who is

under pension age can now get is 85% of their council

tax. This means that most people will now be liable to

pay a proportion of their council tax, which can be as

little as £2.30 per week. This applies even if your only

income is benefits.

You should contact the council as soon as possible to

discuss a payment arrangement. The council has support

in place for people who are struggling but they can’t help

you unless you get in touch. If you don’t they may have

to take court action which will mean you have more

costs to pay.

Whether you’re having money worries, need some advice about loans or have a question about benefits, Sally Causer of Southwark Citizens Advice Bureau has got straightforward, no-nonsense advice you can really use.

AfewyearsagoIhadacountycourtjudgementagainstme.NowI’vebeencontactedbyaCreditRepairCompanyofferingtoclearmydebtrecords–whatshouldIdo?

I’vehadalettertellingmeI’vewonaprize.

Itsoundsgreat,butisitascam? GOt a questiON FOR saLLY?

aNsweRiNG YOuR

MONeY questiONs... Ihavebeengettingletterssaying Iowemoneyforcounciltax.Ihaven’tdoneanythingaboutitbecauseI’monJob Seekers Allowance and last year IgotfullCouncilTaxBenefit.

You can call the council on 020 7525 1850 or you can also contact the Citizens Advice

Bureau at southwarkcabservice.org.uk

Do you bring local people together? If so, then you could get funding to support your events. The community council fund supports community groups to hold events such as fun days, festivals, outings or a series of activities which bring local people together. Applications can be requested until 4 November 2013, so you have a good idea and are not part of a formally constituted group, please do get in touch as soon as possible.

Your voice, your health, your care Healthwatch Southwark is the new independent champion of local voices, working with local people to improve health and social care services.

We want to hear your views and get you working with us, whether you want to tell us what you think about local services or even volunteer

Get involved in your local TRA Tenant and resident associations (TRAs) hold social events and represent their members’ interests at regular meetings with us. TRAs always welcome newcomers. If there isn’t a TRA in your area, why not get together with your neighbours to set one up?

completed applications should be submitted online at southwark.gov.uk/communitycouncilfund by 12 noon on friday 13 December.

to find out more about how you can get involved call 020 7358 7005, email info@healthwatchsouthwark.co.uk or visit healthwatchsouthwark.co.uk

contact us as at residentinvolvement@southwark.gov.uk

There are lots of ways you can

share your skills and ideas to help

make your local community an even

nicer place to live.

Get iNvOLveD

sHaRe YOuR views

COMMuNitY COuNCiLs

Have your say on... How the council spends your money by taking part in the Southwark spending challenge 2014/5. As a result of further cuts in local government funding, the council faces a £23m funding gap in 2014/15. With difficult decisions ahead we are keen to hear your views. Help us decide which services should be reduced, increased, or protected.

You can contribute online at budgetsimulator.com/southwark

Valuing Southwark’s carers Carers in Southwark do incredible work, giving their time and strength to look after their loved ones and neighbours. The council and the NHS Care Commissioning Group want to see how we can support carers better, not only in their caring responsibilities but also to live independent, fulfilled lives.

for your say on what we should be doing visit southwark.gov.uk/carersstrategy or call 020 7525 3513

Keep Southwark clean, green and safe We welcome ideas from local people to make changes to Southwark which makes life better for everyone, from initiatives to make our streets safer to how we get more people recycling. If you have an idea to make your local area cleaner, greener and safer, submit your application online by Friday 8 November 2013 at southwark.gov.uk/cleanergreenersafer

Community councils are part of the council’s decision making process and are a focal point for discussion on local matters and take decisions relating to key areas such as traffic management, community safety, environmental improvements and much more. Community council meetings are also a forum for consultation with local people and provide an opportunity to influence how council services are delivered.

for more information email cgs@southwark.gov.uk or call 020 7525 1607

southwark.gov.uk/ communitycouncil

Whether you have just five minutes or a whole day to spare, there are a variety of ways for you to get involved with your local community. Call the resident involvement team on 020 7525 53326 or email residentinvolvement@southwark.gov.uk

vOLuNteeRiNG

tHeRe’s LOts YOu CaN DO

get in

Vo

lVeD

16

For more information and to apply for your child’s school place visitwww.southwark.gov.uk/schooladmissions or call 020 7525 5337.

Is your child startingprimary or secondary schoolin September 2014?Apply for a school place online before the deadline. It’s quick, easy to do and available 24 hours a day.

Primary school applications close 15 January 2014

Secondary school applications close31 October 2013

www.southwark.gov.uk/schooladmissions

JeffBarnett,long-timeSouthwarkresidentand

chairofBrandonEstate’sTenantandResident

Association, tells us about...

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18

MY sOutHwaRK

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His connection to the borough I moved to the Brandon Estate in the early eighties. I was in London all through the Blitz and there’s been such a transformation; it’s so eclectic with so many different communities. I got involved in community development projects and now I’m the chair of four different committees and vice-chair of the Homeowner Council and the Leaseholder’s Association, amongst other things.

What he loves about Southwark My favourite part is the route from Borough Market through to the Tate Modern and the wobbly bridge. You go past beautiful Southwark Cathedral and then the path takes you via the Globe. It’s got magic, that touch of what once was. You can see St Paul’s across the Thames; I love the flow of the river, it’s such a live creature.

Best park in the borough It’s got to be Burgess. It’s a place where there’s lots of activity and it really feeds people’s appetite for leisure. It’s a nice place to get outdoors. Living things, beauty, simple stuff – you don’t need books and buildings. I find so much in the green spaces in Southwark.

What he’d do if he were Leader of the council for a day I’d say a day where the roads were closed, so there were just cyclists and buses and all deliveries had to happen at night. Public transport in Southwark is excellent, I love my freedom pass. What a wonderful permit; it really lets the older generation live life with more vigour.

A place someone new to the borough should go The walk from Westminster Bridge through to London Bridge, along the Embankment. You can even stop off at Doggetts, one of the most historic pubs in London, for a pint. There’s so much along the route that stands out.

i want to work with local residents to make it like

a garden suburb. the buildings are iconic but when

you go into your flat, it cuts off communication.

People can get so het up trying to survive, they

stop looking out for each other, but flowers and

shrubs can give people purpose. With this project,

we can be creative: with plants, colours, smells.

i want to bring that to the local community.

Perhaps people will see that they can make the

environment better and it will bring us together.

Where he’d take someone special for dinner Well, I love fish, especially shellfish: lobster, oysters and so on. There’s a place across from Borough market, I think it’s actually called Fish – I’d like to try there, it looks like it’s got a great atmosphere.

What he likes most about where he lives I love the Henry Moore statue on my estate and now we have the wildflower meadow, it’s made things more... well, sociable, for want of a better word. People talk about selling the statue but it was a gift to the estate and we love it.

Best shop in the area Our local grocers, Consumers Food and Wine, does a lot for the community. When people can’t get out, perhaps they’re frail or elderly, he delivers to them. Rick’s the guvnor and they’ve got a good range so you don’t have to trek to Walworth. He does a lot, gives that extra special service to those who need it locally.

His favourite place to unwind I like to get out of London sometimes, get a round of golf in. I’m a big golf player, though I don’t get to play as often as I’d like. Still, I can hold a game together. You can get a great shot and then you might botch it up, but you just need to get on with it. It’s a good reminder that life’s a journey into the unknown, and sometimes you just need to pick yourself up, forget the mistakes and throw yourself back into the game.

Want to share your southwark with southwark life housing news? email SLHN@southwark.gov.uk and let us know what makes the borough special to you.

wORK ON tHe

bRaNDON estate

WORDSEARCH

Mr Ayi Conteh from Camberwell was the lucky winner last issue!Tell us what you would like to see in the next issue of Southwark Life Housing News.

SEARCH FOR THE WORDS BELOW AND YOU

COULD WIN £50 WORTH OF SHOPPING VOUCHERS

adoptalarmConsultationFraud

insuranCe mearsrentrepair

saFetyserviCesharonsublet visit

Name:

Tel:

Address: Age:

Comments:

1

2

3

SendyourcompletedcompetitionentriestoSouthwarkCouncil,SouthwarkLifeHousingNews,CommunicationsteamPOBOX64529by31October2013.WinnerswillbenotifiedbyletterannouncedinthenexteditionofSouthwarkLifeHousingNews.

Theinformationyouprovidewillbeusedfairlyandlawfully.SouthwarkCouncilwillnotknowinglydoanythingwhichmayleadtothebreachoftheDataProtectionAct1998.

Housing services for council tenants

tel: 020 7525 2600 monday to Friday – 8am to 6pm

RENT

Pay by Direct Debit: 020 7525 2600

Pay by debit/credit card: 0845 6000 611 (24hrs)

Pay online: southwark.gov.uk/payforitTo pay in person: peckham cash office: 19-23 bournemouth road, se15Walworth cash office: 177-179 Walworth road, se17 Opening hours: mon to Fri – 8.30am to 4pmTo pay by post: london borough of southwark income Collection business unit po boX 11767 153-159 abbeyfield road london se16 3ZF

REPAIRS

Tel: 0800 952 4444 (24hrs Online: southwark.gov.uk/repairs

UTILITIES (emergencies)

electricity: 0800 096 9000 Gas: 0800 111 999 Water: 0845 200 800

LEASEHOLDERS/FREEHOLDERS

Home ownership unit mon to Fri – 9am to 5pm tel: 020 7525 1400 email: hsg.homeownership@southwark.gov.uk

Southwark antisocial behaviour unit tel: 020 7525 5777 (24 hours) email: sasbu@southwark.gov.uk Web: southwark.gov.uk/sasbu

Southwark Homesearch bidding hotline: 0845 270 0655 bidding text line: 07781 486 526 advice line: 020 7525 4140 Web: southwarkhomesearch.org.uk

WRITE TO SOUTHWARk LIFE HOUSING NEWS

the editor southwark life housing news Communications team po boX 64529 london se1p 5lX or email slhn@southwark.gov.uk

USEFUL HOUSINGCONTACTS

Spot the seven differences in the two pictures of the opening of the new BMX track in Burgess Park.

Name:

Tel:

Address:

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE THERE ARE SEVEN SLIGHT

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE

TWO PICTURES. CAN YOU SPOT

THEM FOR YOUR CHANCE TO

WIN A £50 SHOPPING VOUCHER

L Q T Z T T G F I R Y F A T R

F O A T B X E N R T M D C N I

E C I V R E S L E A O Z H E A

W M U M U U I F B P U F C R P

F X O F R T A Y T U J D O V E

D A J A B S Q F A M S H N I R

N H N S H A R O N E Z O S S H

K C C C H S G H R R G A U I V

E S B G K I I D W S Z Y L T I

G E I J M R A L A N I D T N Q

O Z Q N J M T S S L M A A G Z

T A Z T S H X D R P B X T R Q

F T K W R G E R X A U J I E N

V R H N C G L K R G E K O R L

I I U V N C X S M U J M N Q T

Youcanfindoutmoreaboutthenewprofessionaltrackandclassesavailableatsouthwark.gov.uk/burgesspark