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How Bristol tenants are adapting to welfare changes housingnews www.bristol.gov.uk Winter 2013/14 News for Bristol City Council tenants Please recycle this magazine after use Inside: l WIN a year’s free gym membership l Save on your energy bills l How to order repairs online Weighing up the benefits

Housing News winter 2013/14

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Newsletter for Bristol City Council tenants

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Page 1: Housing News winter 2013/14

How Bristol tenants are

adapting to welfare

changes

housingnewswww.bristol.gov.uk Winter 2013/14 News for Bristol City Council tenants

Please recycle this magazine after use

Inside:

l WIN a year’s free gym membershipl Save on your energy billsl How to order repairs online

Weighing up the benefits

Page 2: Housing News winter 2013/14

Housing News is published three times a year, and delivered to every city council home. We welcome your comments about the paper, or if you have any enquiries please contact the editor.

Call: 0117 922 2979email: [email protected] write to the Freepost address: Communications Team (3BH), Bristol City Council, Freepost BS 4341, Bristol BS1 5ZZ (no stamp required).

Happy New Year and welcome to the winter issue of Housing News.

We know that many households feel the strain on their finances at this time of year, which is why this issue has a special focus on money matters. We meet several council tenants who’ve been affected by benefit changes and found different ways to adapt (pages 6–8). There’s also information on the support services available.

If heating bills are a concern, our free energy advice service could help (see opposite). The scheme is all part of ongoing work by the council to make your homes greener and more efficient, including making sure your home is properly insulated (see page 5).

Finally, meet some award-winning tenants (pages 10–11) and find out how getting involved makes a difference. Why not make it your new year’s resolution to do the same? Check out the courses and roles available on page 11.

Steve Barrett and Mary RyanService Directors Bristol City Council Landlord Services

If English is not your first language and you need a translation, we can get one for you.

If you would like this information in a different format, for example braille, audiotape, large print or computer disc, or community languages, please contact 0117 922 2979

Written, designed and printed by Bristol City Council.

BD3628 January 2014

Complaint, compliment or commentIf you have a complaint, compliment or comment about any council service please contact the relevant department directly or Fair Comment.Email: [email protected]

Fill out an online form: www.bristol.gov.uk/faircomment

Write to our freepost address: Fair Comment, Freepost BS4341, PO Box 595, Bristol BS99 2BR

For more information or help please contact: 0117 922 2723

News for all Bristol City Council tenants Winter 2013/14

page two

Welcome to housingnews

Page 3: Housing News winter 2013/14

Bristol City Council has announced ambitious plans to build up to 1,000 new council-owned homes in the next 15 years.

The council is initially looking to construct a number of large family homes as these are particularly in demand. There are also plans to build more one and two bedroom properties to help existing tenants who want to downsize. The homes would be built on council-owned land right across Bristol.

Service Director for Landlord Services, Mary Ryan, said: “Demand for social housing has reached unprecedented levels and we want to do more to improve the supply of affordable homes. This is an exciting programme and gives us an opportunity to make a real difference to those in housing need.”

Plans are still at an early stage. The council is starting to identify sites for the first homes and will then need

to consult with neighbouring residents before applying for planning permission. Building will begin in mid 2014.

New council homes for Bristol

If you have access to the internet, you will soon be able to report repairs through an easy new online system. How it works1 Visit www.bristol.gov.uk/

repairs and choose ‘Report a repair’

2 Simply click on the pictures to select the type of repair you need

3 Choose your own appointment slot

Your repair request will go through to the same team that answers telephone requests. It’s a good idea to

use the web for any non-urgent repairs especially at times when the telephone service is busy.

If the team can’t make the appointment time you’ve chosen, they will phone you to arrange a convenient alternative.

The system will be available from late January. For urgent repairs please continue to call 0117 922 2200 (option 1).

Stay warmer this winterDo you struggle with your energy bills? Is your home cold, damp or draughty? Is your heating system confusing? The new tenants’ energy advice service can help.The service offers:

• Practical advice on how to lower your energy bills and make your home warmer.

• Help understanding your energy bills with information on payment options, tariff rates, switching suppliers, and grants and assistance you’re entitled to.

• Recommendations on how to reduce damp, mould and condensation in your home.

• Information on making the best use of your heating controls, whether you have gas central heating, night storage heaters, or air source heat pumps.

Get in touch for free energy advice• Phone 0800 082

2234 (free from landlines) or 0117 934 1957

• Find advice online at www.cse.org.uk/bristoltea

• Email [email protected]• Facebook Home Energy Team• Twitter @CSE_HomeEnergy

Reporting repairs just got easier

visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk

page three

Page 4: Housing News winter 2013/14

Tenants in Hartcliffe have had the chance to raise issues and receive support through the ‘Reaching Out’ programme, organised by the city council’s estate management team.

Two, week-long events took place at Millmead House and the Bishport Five blocks in Hartcliffe. Support came from a range of agencies including the council, the Police, Safer Bristol, TWIN Employment & Training, the Teenage Parents Project, Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership, Waste Doctors and the Dogs Trust.

Officers also followed up specific complaints and took enforcement action against some individuals.

The aim of the events was to give tenants the opportunity to raise issues on their own doorstep and say how they felt about where they live.

At Bishport Five the team met over 100 tenants and received very positive feedback: an average score of 4 out of 5 for satisfaction, with comments such as “better than ever”.

At Millmead House the week ended with a community event (pictured) and the sharing of a very

large strawberry gateau donated by a local supermarket. There are plans to carry out similar initiatives in other parts of the city over the coming year.

Residents who own mobility scooters and live in blocks of flats with communal areas have received new permits this winter.The permit covers storage arrangements for the scooter and gives the owner permission to ride in communal areas such as internal hallways. Permit holders will also be listed on a database so they can be kept up to date with any changes that affect them.

The scheme was set up in response to feedback from residents about how to improve fire safety in blocks.

If you, or a member of your household, owns and uses a scooter and has not yet received a letter or visit from the council, please get in touch to join the scheme. Call the fire safety team on 0117 922 2200 (option 4 or 5), or email [email protected]

Young apprentices working in the council’s repairs service led the field at the recent On Site construction awards.

Council apprentices scooped top prize in five categories including

plastering apprentice of the year, electrician apprentice of the year and special achievement, won by plumbing apprentice Tyler Jones (pictured).

On Site Bristol is a not-for-profit partnership set up to help local people

to get jobs and training in construction.

The scheme is now accepting applications for apprenticeships starting in 2014.

For more details visit www.onsitebristol.co.uk.

New permit scheme for mobility scooters

Council apprentices top of the class

Hartcliffe residents get a taste of the action

page four

News for all Bristol City Council tenants Winter 2013/14

Page 5: Housing News winter 2013/14

Did you know Bristol City Council houses are more energy efficient that the typical English property?

On average, Bristol’s council homes achieve an energy performance rating of 69, compared to a national average of 56.7 (2011 figures).

The council has now launched a major programme to make its homes even more eco-friendly – supporting Mayor George Ferguson’s vision of Bristol as a global green capital.

Work has started on a £63m scheme to overclad 64 blocks of flats with external wall insulation in the next nine years. Three walk-up blocks in Easton were the first to benefit, with residents set to save as much as £300 per year on energy bills. The council is considering extending the scheme to a further 3,100 houses.

The Mayor and Cabinet have also backed proposals to install solar panels on properties where feasible, to provide a new source of sustainable energy. Bristol is already the first council in the UK to own its own wind farm, which was switched on in November 2013.

Loft and cavity insulationOther improvements include a two year project to make sure all council homes have good loft and cavity wall insulation. To find out more call 0117 352 5935 or email [email protected]

Tenants evicted for anti-social behaviourBristol City Council has evicted two tenants from their homes for persistent anti-social behaviour

• A 42-year old man was evicted from his home in Withywood after he caused serious nuisance to neighbours by playing loud music, threatening other residents, shouting and swearing in the street and causing criminal damage to his property. The tenant ignored various warnings given by housing officers and failed to comply with a police anti-social behaviour injunction.

• A second man was evicted from a block in Silcox Road, Hartcliffe after police discovered 16 cannabis plants in his flat. The man was charged and convicted of producing a controlled drug.

Paul Bannerman, Housing Manager, said: “We’re committed to working closely with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour. As these two cases highlight, by working together we can deal effectively with such behaviour and improve the lives of other tenants.”

To report anti-social behaviour

• Call 0117 922 2200 (option 4), Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm

• email [email protected] • use Looking Local on Sky TV

(channel 539) or Virgin (channel 233) – press the red button, enter code 2747 for Bristol and then select ‘Council Housing’.

Repairs satisfaction soarsSatisfaction with the council’s repairs service has risen to 95%, thanks to a new scheduling system.

The new system offers more flexible appointments with a choice of four different time slots. In a recent survey of 240 customers, 100% were satisfied with the convenience of appointment times.

Energy that doesn’t cost the earth

page five

visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk

Page 6: Housing News winter 2013/14

Weighing up the benefits

Avoid the under-occupation charge with mutual exchangeA mutual exchange is where you can swap your property with another council or housing association tenant from anywhere in the country. It is often a quicker method of moving home than a transfer.

Mutual exchange can really help if you are affected by the under-occupation charge (‘bedroom tax’) and need to downsize to a smaller property. By exchanging with another tenant who needs an extra room or two, you could swap homes to meet both your needs.

To find someone to exchange with you can use www.homeswapper.co.uk Homeswapper is easy to use, covers the whole country, and it’s free. Just register your details on the Homeswapper website and wait for ‘match alerts’ to be sent to you.

Council tenant, Leanne (right) has recently moved by mutual exchange. She was previously living in a three bedroom

house but not using all the bedrooms. She was struggling to find the extra money each month to pay the under-occupation charge and felt everything was getting on top of her.

Leanne said “I found my exchange through contacts on Facebook. The tenant I have swapped with needed more bedrooms and we both really wanted to move.

“Now I’m in a smaller property I am much happier and life is much better. I am no longer worrying about the under-occupation charge and can now afford extra gas and food. The area is lovely, I am closer to my family and things are really getting back on track.”

When you find someone to exchange with you must complete an application form and take it to any customer service point or send it to: Estate Management Service, PO Box, Bristol BS99 2AW to request permission. For more information visit www.bristol.gov.uk/exchanges

To help people affected by the under occupation charge, the council has recently relaxed its rules on exchanges and will now consider requests from tenants who are in

arrears. To get approval you must demonstrate you are doing everything you possibly can to repay the debt and make an acceptable plan to continue doing so.

The government is making big changes to the welfare system. The aim is to make the system simpler and ensure people of working age are better off in work than on benefits.

The changes that affect housing benefit have caused some people’s income to go down, putting increasing pressure on family budgets. Housing News meets three tenants who have found ways to adapt.

“The area is lovely, I am

closer to my family and things are

really getting back on

track”

page six

News for all Bristol City Council tenants Winter 2013/14

Page 7: Housing News winter 2013/14

Weighing up the benefits

It pays to workWe’re hearing more and more positive stories of tenants getting back into work with support from the council’s ‘Move on’ scheme.

Advisors offer free confidential advice and support on work, education and training opportunities to tenants who are either looking for work or to change their job.

Council tenant Tracey was referred to the scheme by a housing advisor in July 2013. She was under occupying her property and had her

housing benefit reduced in April 2013. Struggling to make up the difference in her rent, she wanted some help to find employment.

Tracey hadn’t worked for a number of years as she had been raising her family and was worried that she wouldn’t be able to find a job. Her advisor helped her put together a CV and cover letter, gave her some interview practice and supported her in applying for a number of jobs.

In September Tracey was offered a job as a retail assistant and started work a couple of weeks later.

“The Move on project has really helped me,” Tracey said. “I’ve learnt how to do loads of things including how to look for a job on the internet, constructing my CV and writing cover notes. It also gave me a lot of confidence. “I can also confirm that I was offered a job which I heard about through my Move on advisor. So, I can honestly say that without this support, I would definitely still be unemployed.”To arrange to meet an advisor call 0117 978 1708 and ask for Move on.

If you are struggling to make ends meet, you can get help to manage your finances more effectively from two new projects.

Pennywise offers free budgeting advice and support to social housing tenants who are over 25 and either in their first social housing tenancy or moving in or out of work. Cashpoint offers free advice to younger tenants (aged under 25).

Council tenant, Caroline (not her real name), was in a real financial mess when she first spoke to Pennywise: “I was really at rock-bottom, not knowing where my money was going or having enough for bills. I even had a pending court date,” she said.

“Claire, my mentor, really helped just get things straight at first. It was good just having someone to talk to, without feeling like there is any judgement about your situation. Her advice allowed me to recognise what my priorities were and helped me feel more in control of my money.”

Pennywise helped Caroline identify where her money was going, and cut spending by getting more organised. For example, she now plans her meals and writes a list before going shopping, which has helped save money on food and reduced trips to the supermarket. Her advisor also referred her to a project to help her find new employment (more on this below).

“I feel a lot more relaxed about my money and my finances now. I have more of a disposable income that is available, which gives me added

security. I feel an awful lot happier – like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

Pennywise offers free confidential advice and one-to-one support which covers all aspects of managing finances, including:

• opening bank accounts• budgeting for household bills and

rent payments• checking benefit and grant

entitlements • planning for the longer term • coping with changing

circumstances

To book an appointment with a mentor visit www.pennywise.org.uk call 0117 970 4548, email [email protected] or text your name to 07435 974651

To contact Cashpoint visit www.1625ip.co.uk/What-We-Do/Cashpoint-Project call 0117 317 8800 and ask for the Cashpoint team or email [email protected]

Make your money work for you

page seven

visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk

Page 8: Housing News winter 2013/14

Discretionary housing paymentsIf you are in receipt of housing benefit, have a shortfall in your rent and are in financial hardship you may qualify for discretionary housing payment.

The council is able to assist some tenants in exceptional difficulty, who need extra help with housing costs on a short term basis.

The payments can help cover:

• Shortfalls in housing benefit as a result of the under-occupation charge

• Reductions in housing benefit due to the benefit cap

• Rent deposits or removal fees if you are affected by welfare reform and want to move to more affordable accommodation (please seek advice before you enter into any agreement)

• Shortfalls between housing benefit and private rental charges

For an application form visit www.bristol.gov.uk/dhp, call 0117 922 2300 or visit a customer service point.

The council aims to give you a decision within 14 days and payments are usually made in line with your usual housing benefit payments. Different arrangements may be agreed in certain circumstances, for example payment of removal costs.

Local crisis and prevention fundBristol City Council’s crisis and prevention fund is for those in the greatest need who have experienced a crisis or an emergency or need household goods. To apply, you must be living in Bristol and meet the low income criteria. Emergency payment awards will be given as pre-payment cards for food, gas and electricity.

The card will need to be collected from a city centre location on the next working day after your application is received. Only one award can be made for emergency payment each year, and only one application for household goods in two years.

To find out more visit www.bristol.gov.uk/lcpf or call freephone 0800 923 0101.

Emergency payment and household goods applications can be made over the telephone from 8am – 12 noon, Monday to Thursday and 8 –11am on Fridays.

Universal credit – what’s happening?Universal credit is a new single benefits payment for people of working age. It is currently being trialled in some other local authority areas but no date has yet been announced for its introduction in Bristol.However, benefits claimants will start to see some changes this year. From this spring, anyone claiming jobseekers allowance will have to sign a ‘claimant commitment’ – a personal plan, agreed with the Jobcentre, outlining what you will do to give yourself the best chance of finding work.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/universal-credit/overview

Weighing up the benefits: further help

page eight

News for all Bristol City Council tenants Winter 2013/14

Page 9: Housing News winter 2013/14

Go direct for meals on wheelsYou can now directly contact Bristol Meals Service to have meals delivered to your home. More about this chargeable council service at www.bristol.gov.uk/mealsonwheels, telephone 0117 903 1520 or email [email protected]

Central Library’s art on the moveThe Central Library hosts the “Book Hive” through to March 2014 – an interactive work of art to celebrate 400 years of public libraries in the city. Pop in to see it for free if you’re near College Green.

News in brief

Is it your New Year’s resolution to get fit? Don’t miss the chance to win an annual membership with Everyone Active.The membership includes unlimited free use of the gym, swimming pools and group exercise sessions at Everyone Active’s six centres across the city.

With centres at Easton, Horfield, Kingsdown, St Paul’s, Henbury and Bristol South, Everyone Active works in partnership with the council to offer enjoyable fitness activities for all ages and abilities. Sessions include personal training, yoga, kids’ activity camps, water work-outs, line dancing and much more. Find out more and book at www.everyoneactive.com

To enter simply complete and return the form on page 11, by 14 February 2014, or enter online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/housing-news The winner will be drawn at random. Open to Bristol City Council tenants only.

Win a year’s free gym membership worth £440! Slam the Door

on Tenancy FraudTenancy cheats deprive those most in need.

• Subletting • Getting housing by deception • Living permanently elsewhere • Exchanging tenancies without permission • Making false claims to succession

… are all tenancy fraud or abuse.

If this is YOU, take the right action now and hand your keys back.

If you suspect someone is a tenancy cheat, please contact us.

All information received will be taken seriously and treated in the strictest confidence.

0117 922 2470 [email protected] find out more visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/tenancyfraud

Alarm bells?When did you last test your smoke detector? It’s a good idea to check it’s working by pressing the test button once a week. For more information visit www.bristol.gov.uk/firesafety or call 0117 922 2200 (option 1).

You must register to voteYour electoral roll registration form must be returned by the end of January. Please telephone 0117 922 3400 for further information or help completing your form.

Tenancy fraud campaignThe council has launched a campaign to prevent and detect tenancy fraud. This includes sharing tenants’ data with other organisations. For example the information you provide when you complete council forms may be shared with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds. For further information visit www.bristol.gov.uk/nfi

page nine

visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk

Page 10: Housing News winter 2013/14

page ten

Gilbert Webster (above, far left) is chair of the Housing Scrutiny Panel, which won the group award for partnership working. The panel is made up of nine tenants and leaseholders who cast a critical eye over Landlord Services and make recommendations for improvement.

“It’s an opportunity to challenge the council and to work with them on improving the services tenants receive,” he explains. “Our first project was looking at the six week home visits that new tenants receive. We’re now looking at caretaking charges which is a bit of a contentious one – we’re looking at whether charges are allocated fairly.

“I feel very confident that our work will change things. The managers and directors are very interested in working with us.

“And the group’s got the backing of the government too. We could go to the ombudsman if we wanted, if we weren’t happy. But we haven’t had any cause to as yet – we’d much rather work together to make things better.”

On top of his role as scrutiny chair, Gilbert also volunteers one day a week at the tenant resource centre and was previously involved with the area housing committees. “I’ve been at it 20-odd

years in one way or another,” he says. “It’s interesting and you feel as if you’re getting something done for tenants.”

Get involvedThe scrutiny panel is currently looking for new members. To find out more visit www.bristol.gov.uk/hsp email [email protected] or call 0117 352 1444

Stars of the communityMany tenants give up their time to support their local communities and help the council improve services. Every year some outstanding examples are recognised through the tenant participation excellence awards. Housing News caught up with two of the winners.

Betty Nutt (below) won the individual award for tenant learning after taking her first computer course at the age of 80.

“It was something I’d been meaning to do for ages,” she said. “I saw something in one of the council newsletters about basic tuition on computers and decided to give it a go.”

Despite ill health. Betty managed to attend all seven sessions and enjoyed it so much she was soon helping other people. After completing the course she got her own laptop which she uses for email, storing photos and Skype.

“I was absolutely flabbergasted to win the award,” she says. “When they came to my category there were about ten nominees. When they read my name out as winner... I couldn’t move. I was shaking! My husband, who’s 85, was over the moon! I never ever expected to win. It’s the first time I’ve won anything!”

While Betty says she’s still not quite got over the shock of winning, the award has spurred her on: she’s now looking for an advanced computer course.

Feel inspired? Why not follow Betty’s lead and try something new this year – see next page for some of the free courses available.

To see the full list of award winners visit www.bristol.gov.uk/tenantparticipation

“It’s interesting and you feel as

if you’re getting something done

for tenants.”

News for all Bristol City Council tenants Winter 2013/14

Page 11: Housing News winter 2013/14

What do you think of Housing News?Give your views for the chance to win a year’s free gym and swim membership with Everyone Active.

Simply complete the form below and return by freepost to Tenant Participation (SAH), FREEPOST BS4341, PO Box 595, Bristol BS99 2BR (no stamp needed) by 14 February 2014 (don’t forget your contact details!). Alternatively, fill in the survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/housing-news

1. How many people in your household read Housing News? 0 1 2 3 4+ 2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Strongly Agree Not Disagree Strongly agree sure disagree

The information in Housing News is useful to me

I want to receive information about council housing

Housing News is easy to understand

Housing News is interesting

I would prefer not to receive information about council housing services

Any further comments or suggestions:

Would you be willing to take part in further research on Housing News? Yes No Would you be interested in joining the editorial board for Housing News? Yes No

Your contact details: First name Surname

Address

Postcode

Phone number Email address

If you would like to receive future editions of Housing News by email (rather than post) please tick If you would like to receive further information and special offers from Everyone Active please tick

page eleven

Make it your New Year’s resolution: get involved!Interested in joining a tenant panel? Get in touch – 20 places available.

1. Become a Board member – 1 place

2. Join the Housing Scrutiny Panel – 5 places

3. Join the Service Inspection Team – 14 places

To apply for these roles, please contact the Tenant Participation team for more details. Deadline for applications is Friday 21 February.

FREE training coursesIntroduction to tenant panels 13 February 2014 (1-day course) City HallNew to tenant involvement and want to know more about the opportunities available? This course is for you. Refreshments provided. Developing a newsletter 17 February 2014 (10.30am – 1pm) Bristol Tenant Resource Centre Learn how to put together a newsletter.

Planning an event 17 March 2013 (2 – 4 pm) Bristol Tenant Resource CentreFind out how to do it! Lots of top tips and ideas.

For bookings and further information contact the Tenant Participation Team

Call: 0117 352 1444 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/tenantparticipation Facebook: Bristol Tenant Participation

Write to: Tenant Participation (SAH) Freepost BS4341, PO Box 595 Bristol BS99 2BR

visit our website www.bristol.gov.uk

Page 12: Housing News winter 2013/14

You can get in touch with us in many different ways. Information about our services is available on our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.bristol.gov.uk/councilhousing

Out of hours emergency 0117 922 2050

Repairs and maintenanceReport a repair online at www.bristol.gov.uk/repairs l Email: [email protected] l Post: Repairs, PO Box 595,

Bristol BS99 2AWl Fax: 0117 922 2011

Rents and other housing payments

Pay your rent online at www.bristol.gov.uk/payrentl Email: rent.management@

bristol.gov.ukl 24 hour payment line

0870 707 7776 (for touch tone phones)

l Post: Rent Management, PO Box 595, Bristol BS99 2AW

l Fax: 0117 352 5033

Caretakingl Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/

caretakingl Email: [email protected] Post: Caretaking Services, PO Box

595, Bristol BS99 2AWl Fax: 0117 352 5270

Estates servicesHelping with issues about your tenancy, neighbours and neighbourhoods. l Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/estatesl Email: [email protected] Post: Estates Management Service,

PO Box 595, Bristol BS99 2AWl Fax: 0117 353 5104

For all repairs, rents, caretaking, anti-social behaviour and estates enquiries

0117 922 2200You can ask us to call you

back to save time and money.

Rehousingl Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/

rehousingl Email: rehousing.enquiry@

bristol.gov.ukl Telephone: 0117 922 2400l Post: Rehousing Service (AC),

PO Box 640, Winchester SO23 3LY

l Fax: 0117 353 3050

Housing and council tax benefit

l Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/ benefits

l Email: benefits.enquiry@ bristol.gov.uk

l Telephone: 0117 922 2300l Post: Housing and Council Tax

Benefits, PO Box 43, Bristol BS99 1BF

l Fax: 0117 352 6400

Adaptations servicesHelping people stay independent in their own homes.l Online: www.bristol.gov.uk/

caredirectl Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0117 922 2700All initial calls handled by the council’s Care Direct Service.

Ground maintenancel Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0117 922 3719 (Option 4)l Post: Bristol Parks, Floor 4,

Bazaar Wing, Brunel House, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UY

Tenancy fraudl Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0117 922 2470

Customer Service PointsWe don’t deal with all housing services face-to-face at our customer service points, but we will help you contact services online or by telephone.Visit us at:l Phoenix Court:

(next to Cabot Circus) Bond Street South, Bristol BS1 3PH

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 5pm Wednesday 10.30am to 5pm l Fishponds:

Robinson House, Hockeys Lane, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3HL Open 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am to 5pm on Wednesday and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday.

l Hartcliffe: Symes House, Peterson Square, Hartcliffe, Bristol BS13 0BD Open 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am to 5pm on Wednesday and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday.

l Ridingleaze: Ridingleaze House, Ridingleaze, Lawrence Weston, Bristol BS11 0QE Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9am to 5pm Wednesday closed Friday 9am to 4.30pm

l Southmead: Southmead House, Greystoke Avenue, Southmead, Bristol BS10 6BQ Open 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am to 5pm on Wednesday and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday.

Contact usNews for all Bristol City Council tenants Winter 2013/14

page sixteen