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CEREDIGION
Brighter FutureNewsletter | July 2016
Message from Chief Executive
The Queen’s 90th Birthday
Universal Credit
The Big Day Out
Garden Competition
Fire Safety at Sheltered Schemes
A recent fire safety risk assessment at all our Sheltered Schemes brought a few issues to light. Tenants at our schemes will have noticed that chairs and loose items in the corridors and communal areas have been removed. This was on the advice of the Fire Service and was to ensure that there were no obstructions in public/communal areas in the event of a fire or emergency evacuation.
... and finallyI hope you have a fantastic summer and make the most of the forecasted sunny spells. With fantastic beaches and great events, shows and carnivals throughout the summer I’m sure everyone will have a great time in Ceredigion!
Tenant Board MembersWe recently received notification from Glynis Somers that she would be standing down as a Tenant Board Member. Glynis has always been actively involved as a tenant from Aberystwyth and it is sad that we have to bid her farewell. You will, no doubt, be seeing her in the Cambrian News over the coming year as she acts as consort to her husband Brendan who has been elected Mayor of Aberystwyth. Best wishes to you both for a busy year.
Tai Ceredigion needs new Tenant Board Members. Would you like to become involved in the work of Tai Ceredigion as a Landlord and play an important role in the decisions for our future? Board members are paid expenses and the role will also give you invaluable transferable skills and experience – perfect for any CV.
Interested?Contact Katy Sinnett-Jones on 0345 6067654 for an informal chat.
Tenant involvementIt’s always great to see our tenants getting involved in the work we do on your behalf. When talking to other housing associations throughout Wales it becomes more and more apparent how lucky Tai Ceredigion is of the support (and scrutiny!) it gets from our Tenant Monitoring Group. They are a great crowd of people who, as tenants themselves, always have tenants’ best interests at heart. They also receive great support from the Welsh Tenants Association who advise them on various issues. If you would like to join the group and get involved please contact Sue Thomas, our Tenant Participation Advisor who can give you all the information you need.
STAR SurveyIt is always heartening to get positive feedback on the work we do but it is even better to receive proof on paper!Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill in our recent survey – the results are excellent and the full results will be published and sent out to you with the next copy of Brighter Future due out in September.
Get in touch with Tai CeredigionBy letter:
Unit 4, Pont Steffan Business Park, Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 7HHBy phone:
General Enquiries 0345 606 7654 (local rates apply), Monday to FridayRepairs and out of hours emergencies:
0800 111 4228 (free from landlines)0300 123 3300 (local call rate from mobiles)
Our ‘out of hours’ emergency repairs reporting service is provided by Carmarthenshire County Council’s CARELINE.
By email: [email protected]: www.taiceredigion.org.uk
Busy Time!The 3 months since the last issue of ‘Brighter Future’ have flown by and have been very busy for everyone in
Tai Ceredigion. The development team has been working hard to ensure the two sites currently under construction are well on their way to being ready for their first tenants. More exciting developments are in the pipeline for the north of the county and we look forward to updating you on these next time.
Message from Steve Jones,
Chief Executive
Damage to signageIt was very disappointing to see the vandalism to one of our signs in Cardigan recently. We are actively trying to provide much needed properties to meet the demand in south Ceredigion. The incident has been reported and we are glad that police are taking the matter seriously and treating it as criminal damage.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
Photo courtesy of the Cambrian News www.cambrian-news.co.uk
2 3www.taiceredigion.org.uk#brighterfuture
A message from the ChairWinter has moved to spring and summer and we’re all looking forward to working on our Gardens.The Monitoring Group has been working hard on updating Tai policies in recent months and also been keeping a keen eye on all the developments whilst scrutinising day to day works and repairs. We’re all getting ourselves ready for a full scrutiny of the Direct Labour Organisation in the late summer and early autumn. A very important job and one which we are all looking forward to being involved in.
As you will most probably know from press reports, Tai Ceredigion put in a proposal to the Board of Cantref for a potential merger. We worked with the Board to ensure Tai Ceredigion’s proposal document was a well thought through and viable offer for the future of tenants in this part of the country. The Board at Cantref has decided to merge with Wales and West Housing Association – a housing association based in Cardiff - before all the local associations and against the recommendations of the Council, MP and our Assembly Member and local feeling? Why?
We at the TCMG have made it known that we would be only too pleased along with other bodies to meet their tenants and advise them of how to proceed. We as you are aware sat and advised during stock transfer from the council therefore have some experience in these matters and are an independent tenant organisation.
I am very pleased to welcome new members to the group having joined since my last letter in January. A warm welcome to leaseholder Mr David Evans along with Mr Ian Cox from Llandysul.
However as I reported in my last newsletter the government is still hell bent on destroying social housing with its housing bill passing through the house of commons on the 11th of May, having been rushed through at the last minute. Get ready to stand up for your rights, we on the TCMG will make sure your voice will be heard.
Jim Scanlan Jim Scanlan, Chair of the Tai Ceredigion Monitoring Group
COMMUNITY NEWS
If you would like to find out more
about tenant clubs, forums and
groups or are interested in setting
up a new group, please contact,
Sue Thomas, Tenant Participation
Advisor on 0345 6067654 or e-mail
#betterhomes
Tenant Liaison ForumMany thanks to those who came along to the Tenant Liaison Forum (TLF) held in Cardigan in February. Jim Scanlan, Chair of Tai Ceredigion Monitoring Group welcomed everyone and gave the Monitoring Group’s annual report outlining their work and achievements over the last 12 months. He once again asked tenants present for a mandate, in order for the Group to continue to work on behalf of Tai Ceredigion tenants, this was agreed by a show of hands.Eleri Jenkins, Director of Housing and Support gave tenants an update on the Welsh Water review and also an update on the STAR (Tenants Satisfaction Survey), which had received a 42% response so far.Following refreshments, Trish Lewis from CAVO (Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations) and representatives from the Citizens Advice Bureau and Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre spoke about the opportunities for volunteering in Ceredigion.
Neil Moffatt, Interim Housing and Maintenance Manager, then spoke about the changes to the anti-social behaviour legislation and discussed Tai Ceredigion`s revised policy which takes these changes into account.Finally Steve Jones, Chief Executive spoke about a review of Board structure and how this may mean that the number of Board members may change. He said that if this were to happen there would need to be a Special General Meeting where shareholders would be given a vote on any potential changes and encourage tenants who were not already shareholders to sign up.Full information on the meeting held at Morlan Centre, Aberystwyth in June will be reported in the next newsletter.
Sheltered Forum updateIn March the Forum welcomed Roger and Gaby Staite who spoke about the wonderful work that the Wales Air Ambulance undertake. The first Welsh Air Ambulance was launched on 1st March 2001 and there are now 3 across Wales. They have a range of 385 miles and since April 2015 have had a critical care doctor on board. This was followed by a talk on strokes by Claire West from Bronglais Hospital. She gave advice and handed out leaflets with information on how best to avoid a stroke happening and the signs to look for if you think that someone may be having a stroke. Following the speakers the Forum held its Annual General Meeting where the officers for the next year were elected. Tenants who attended said that this was probably one of the best meetings they had attended and were looking forward to future meetings.In May Linda Badham once again came along and this time talked about her trip to Japan. Afterwards the children from Aberaeron Primary school sang. Finally Natalie Brown from Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre spoke about the work that the centre does and the different marine life living in Cardigan Bay. The next meeting will be on Friday 8th July at Penrodyn Sheltered Scheme, Aberaeron from 10.15am until 12.30pm. Refreshments will be available and transport can be arranged if required.
STAR Survey winnersMany thanks to all of you who filled in our recent survey forms. The following four tenants’ names were drawn out of the hat and were the lucky winners of £50 worth of vouchers each.
Miss C Davies of Pennant; Mrs C Davies of Skinner Street, Aberystwyth, Mrs Griffiths of Penparcau and Mr & Mrs Townsend of Parcllyn, Cardigan.
Garden competitionWe hope you’re all getting busy in your gardens in preparation for this year’s Big Gardening Competition. The closing date for entries is the 13th of July and the judging will take place on the 20th of July. The categories are:
Best Floral DisplayBest Hanging Basket, Container or Window boxBest Vegetable GardenBest Sheltered Scheme GardenBest Individual Sheltered Scheme Garden
Best school garden in CeredigionDon’t forget to nominate your local school for the competition. Llanon Primary won first prize last year and received gardening vouchers to help with the development of their lovely school gardening project. Get nominating today!
Miss C Davies Pennant
Mrs C Davies, Aberystwyth4 5www.taiceredigion.org.uk
Update Bedroom TaxTenants who claim housing benefit will receive less benefit if they are deemed to be ‘under occupying’ their homes and have ‘spare’ bedrooms. This reduction in housing benefit is known as the bedroom tax. If your housing benefit is reduced as a result of the ‘bedroom tax’, you will have to pay your landlord - Tai Ceredigion - the difference between the housing benefit and the rent.
If you receive housing benefit you might be affected if:
• You have a spare bedroom• You are of working age
The bedroom tax will NOT affect you if:
• You or your partner are of state pension age
If you have more bedrooms than the ‘bedroom tax’ rules say you need, your payment will be reduced by a certain percentage which means you will have to make up the difference from your own pocket.
For example, you have 1 extra bedroom in your homeYour rent to your landlord is £100 per weekThe ‘bedroom tax’ reduction is 14%Therefore you will now receive £86 in housing benefit and will have to find the extra £14 to make up the difference yourself.If you are affected by the bedroom tax, you may be worried about how you will manage with less money. Your first priority should always be to pay the rent – if you fall into arrears, you could lose your home. If you need further advice or information please contact Lynda, Leanne or Bethan in our Tenancy Sustainment Team on 0345 606 7654.
Celebration Day at Bro Teifi Sheltered SchemeThe refurbishment work at Bro Teifi Sheltered Scheme was completed at the beginning of April with the DLO involved in the major restructure and improvements at the scheme. It is wonderful to report that throughout the duration of the works tenants have had nothing but praise for the team and the Scheme Co-ordinator Louize for keeping them informed on all elements of the process. As a thank you to the DLO Team, the tenants invited those involved to their official opening on April 5th.
Well done to all involved!
Comments, Complimentsand Complaints
Tai Ceredigion values your comments and your feedback, and wants to show you that we listen, that we learn from our mistakes, and that we
always try to improve our services.
If you would like a copy of our Comments, Compliments and Complaints Policy, please phone
Customer Services on 0345 606 7654, e-mail: [email protected]
or visit our website www.taiceredigion.org.uk
Log BurnersTai Ceredigion has recently been undertaking surveys of our properties and it has become apparent that some tenants have installed wood burners in their homes without our knowledge. It is important for the safety of our tenants that the wood burners have
been professionally installed and certified and are fit for purpose. Tai Ceredigion also need to ensure that they are all serviced annually and proof of this added to your tenancy information.
Rural Housing EnablerAccessing good quality, affordable housing in rural areas can be challenging, sometimes seemingly impossible for local people. A lack of supply of suitable housing, expensive private rents, low wages and the option of buying a home a distant dream for many makes it very difficult for people to have a home of their own in their local communities. Elen Grantham, the Rural Housing Enabler for Ceredigion and the Surrounding Areas is hard at work trying to address this. Elen is currently investigating all possibilities and avenues to increase the supply of affordable housing for local people in rural areas. Identifying local need and demand and potential development sites are central to her role.
If you live in or near a village that is struggling to accommodate and meet the housing needs of its locals at affordable prices and would like to do something about it, then please contact Elen on 01570 424318 [email protected]
Sally’s Bara BrithAt a recent Sheltered Forum we asked tenants what they’d like to see in the next newsletter. There were a few votes for knitting patterns but a unanimous vote was received for a recipe. We decided to ask one of the tenants at the forum – Sally Morris from Broteifi. This is her family recipe for Bara Brith so we’re really lucky that she’s been kind enough to share it with us.
12oz mixed dried fruit8oz light muscovado sugar½ pint strong HOT tea, strained10oz self raising flour1 egg, beatenButter for greasing2lb loaf tin
• Combine fruit, sugar and tea in a large bowl. Stir the mixture and leave to steep for 8 hours
• Butter and line loaf tin• Stir flour and egg into fruit and tea mixture –
mixing well• Turn mixture into loaf tin and level surface• Bake in a pre heated oven (gas 2) 300°F/150°C for
1½ - 1¾ hours. Skewer should come out clean.• Leave to cool in tin for 10 minutes• Turn out on wire rack• Serve sliced with butter
Let us know if you’ve had a go at making it – take a photo and we might include it in the next issue of ‘Brighter Future’!
WELSH WATER - HelpUWelsh Water HelpU tariff is designed to help low income households.To qualify, your household’s total income needs to be £15,000 or less per year. This means the total amount of money that’s received by everyone living in your home. This includes any paid work or benefits such as Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, Carer’s Allowance, etc.
If you qualify, your bill could be REDUCED by up to £250 per year.How to apply - You can apply by completing a simple calculator on line at Welsh water web site: www.dwrcymru.com
Vivien Murrell, the longest residing tenant at Broteif i receiving f lowers from Scheme Co-ordinator Louize Evans for opening the newly refurbished facilities.
6 7www.taiceredigion.org.uk#brighterfuture
Making the most of your tenancyAre you struggling with finances?Are you finding it difficult to manage your home?Do you need extra help with managing your tenancy?Tai Ceredigion is here to help. If you’re a tenant who may benefit from support in successfully maintaining your tenancy, please get in touch.
Tenancy Sustainment sessions are delivered by Tai Ceredigion staff on an ongoing basis at different locations across the county and are available to new and existing tenants.
Sessions cover different areas that you may need help with to make a success of your tenancy. You will gain confidence and develop skills to support you to live independently.
Topics covered will include advice and information on;
• Welfare Reforms• Universal Credit, preparing for the changes
and setting up a bank account • managing a personal budget• dealing with debt, budgeting and loans• Landlord and tenants’ rights and
responsibilities• Health and safety in the home• Energy efficiency • Healthy living.
All tenants will receive an Accredited Certificate of achievement.
If you think this may be helpful to you or another Tai Ceredigion tenant and you would like to find out more information, please contact us via Customer Services on 0345 606 5764 for an informal chat or email [email protected]
New site in Awel yr AfonWork is coming on well in Awel yr Afon and the good weather has certainly helped with the final push for completion.
Better understanding of Universal Credit and
tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities.
Sessions were informal, informative
with a relaxed atmosphere, we were able to talk easily
and ask questions.
Staff were helpful and very friendly, they made me feel
comfortable. I was able to discuss issues relevant to me.Learnt information
that I hadn’t previously known. Enjoyed socialising with
other tenants.
I would recommend for others to take
the course.
Universal CreditWHAT IS UNIVERSAL CREDIT?Universal Credit is a new welfare benefit which will replace the benefits below:Working Tax CreditChild Tax CreditIncome based Jobseekers AllowanceIncome based Employment and Support AllowanceHousing BenefitIncome Support
Universal Credit DOES NOT include:Council Tax Reduction BenefitDisability Living Allowance (DLA) / Personal Independence Payments (PIP)Child BenefitPensions
Which means if you are already claiming Universal Credit you will need to claim the benefits above separately.
WHAT DOES UNIVERSAL CREDIT MEAN TO YOU AND HOW WILL THIS AFFECT YOU?If you are aged between 25 and 66 You are single You make a new claim for benefit
THEN
You will more than likely be invited to make a new claim for Universal Credit (UC) and not Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
If you are currently in receipt of Universal Credit or need further information regarding Universal Credit then PLEASE contact the Tenancy Sustainment Team on 0345 606 7654.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP AND SUPPORT YOU
Are you ready for Universal Credit?Do you know how you will cope for 5 weeks while you wait for your claim to be paid?
Plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared for the gap between payments
How to prepare and save
1. Fill in a budget sheet - Work out how much you can afford to save
2. Set a goal – how much will you need for the 5 weeks worth of food/rent/bills?
3. Set up a separate savings account4. Set up a standing order to pay into your
savings account5. Set aside non-perishable foods e.g. tins to see
you through the next 5 weeks6. Start bringing your rent account into credit.
What if my budget has more money going out than coming in?
Top 10 money saving tips
1. Reduce utility bills and phone tariffs by shopping around/comparison websites
2. Consider water meter – but ask your landlord first
3. Change methods of transport e.g. walking/bicycle instead of using your car
4. Alter habits – if you smoke and/or drink reduce or give up
5. Review leisure activities e.g. Club memberships/TV subscriptions / Magazines
6. Shop around and use discounted stores and watch out for money off coupons
7. Plan meals in advance and use a shopping list – don’t get tempted by rogue offers
8. Cook at home and avoid your local takeaway9. Pay bills on time and, if you can, set up direct
debits for cheaper rates 10. If you have debts – get advice NOW.
For more information please contact the Tenancy Sustainment Team on 0345 606 7654.
8 9www.taiceredigion.org.uk#betterhomes
The Queen’s 90th Birthday Birthday celebrations were held for the Queen at Llys Pedr in Lampeter. The tenants had a grand time at a tea party with an extra special birthday cake to mark the occasion!
CEREDIGION
Tenant Board Members
Tai Ceredigion is looking to recruit new Tenant Board Members to support
the planning and development of Tai Ceredigion Cyf.
You will be required to attend quarterly board meetings at Tai Ceredigion in Lampeter and be involved in specific
development groups.
For further information and an informal chat please contact:
Katy Sinnett-Jones, Administration Assistant to the Director of Corporate
Services at Tai Ceredigion on 0345 606 7654
Join us for a great day out on Thursday 28 July 2016 at Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth from 11am - 3pm. Tenants of Tai Ceredigion and Cantref are invited to attend and enjoy a fun, free, family day out. There will be various information stalls on a range of services and organisations available in your area. Help and advice on housing, benefits, employment and budgeting, energy efficiency, safety and the environment, health care and many more.
Fun activities will be available for all ages throughout the day including play and recreation
activities, digital inclusion, arts and crafts, bouncy castle, balloon making and a mascot race.
Come along for an opportunity to learn new skills whilst getting to know your landlord and your community. There will be something for everyone. The day will include a free lunch and a chance to win a variety of raffle prizes.
Free transport is available, please let us know by 14 July if you need transport. To book transport or for any further information please contact 0345 606 7654.
We look forward to welcoming you on the day!
Staff ChangesA warm welcome to...Gwawr Davies and Caron Hywel who join the Hub and Customer Service Team and to Rhodri Beaumont who has just been appointed Housing Assistant and Jason Roberts who returns as Relief Scheme Co-ordinator.The DLO/Medra has seen some changes too with Steffan Lewis, Scott Evans, Justin Quinn and Jeff Davies all securing permanent roles at Tai Ceredigion.
New Faces!Ian Boland and Matthew Jones have been appointed as Plumbers and Gethin Davies (Carpenter) and Ben Jones (Electrician) also join the direct labour team and will be visiting your properties soon.
Temporary postsBest of luck to Martin Jackson (mason) and Richard Jones (painter) who have been seconded to temporary Team Leader positions within the team. Neil Moffatt will continue with Tai Ceredigion for a few more months and takes up the role of Interim Housing and Maintenance Manager (Property Services).
Farewell...It is with sadness that we bid farewell to a number of colleagues during the past few months. We’d like to thank them for their contribution and wish them the very best in the future... Louis Evans (heating engineer), Dorian Thomas (electrician), Carwyn Harries (carpenter), Daniel Morgan (heating engineer), Jeff Jenkins (carpenter) Gethin Davies (apprentice mason) Kerry Parker (Labourer) Josey Bellars (Admin Assistant – The Hub), Jim Saunders (plumber) and John Fowden (Medra caretaker).
We’d also like to say thank you and wish Dai Morris (carpenter, North) a very happy retirement. Dai started work for Ceredigion Council in 1974 and then transferred to Tai Ceredigion so has earned a well deserved retirement.
Please keep an eye on our social media feeds and website for information on current vacancies within Tai Ceredigion.
Found out some great information about help with
carers for my father who has had a bad stroke. Fab lunch!
I enjoyed the day, was very informative,
thank you.
Fantastic Day! It’s often difficult to take the kids out
due to money worries but this has been a stress free fun filled day. We are so grateful to you for helping us make memories as a family whilst
getting to know our landlords. Thank you so so much.
Lovely family day out - really enjoyed bringing my children - a wide variety of
stalls and activities. Thank you.
11www.taiceredigion.org.uk#brighterfuture10
Heol y Bont new build, LlanarthWork is rapidly coming to an end at Heol y Bont in Llanarth and the properties will soon be ready for their first tenants. Are you looking to move? Do you know of anyone who’s looking for new rented accommodation
in the middle of the county? Give Helen Draycott a call on 0345 606 7654 to arrange a viewing.
Happy days at Llanon!Great news that the Social fund at Hafan yr Efail received a community grant to help provide flower pots for the garden. We’re looking forward to seeing the lovely flowers in the the next issue of ‘Brighter Future’!
Children from Aberaeron Primary School enjoying the
sunny day after entertaining the
tenants at the Sheltered Forum.
We’re on Facebook!
We use facebook to
share information on
housing and benefit
issues and updates on Tai
Ceredigion jobs and latest news.
We’re also happy to share
what’s on in your community.
‘Like’ us - we’re happy to help12
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Alternative Format or Large PrintIf you would like or know of anyone who needs Brighter Future in an alternative format or large
print, please contact us via the Customer Services team and we will do our best to meet your request.
Brighter Future is also available to view online at www.taiceredigion.org.uk
