Luminus News Spring 2012

LuminusNEWSNews and more from one of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK Spring 2012 Issue 48

Celebrating 12 years of service to communitiesChanging the world where we are

2000 2008 2012PROMISES THAT WERE KEPT

GOING THE EXTRA MILE!

RESTORING RESPECT &REINSTATING VALUES

Luminus News Spring 2012

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Message from our Group Chief Executive

As we begin to enjoy the early buds of Spring, Luminus people are committed afresh to build on twelve years of service to help our communities to be safe, happy and fulfilling.

Our theme for 2012 is Restoring Respect & Reinstating Values. It is a powerful statement about some of what we need to do to help mend “broken Britain”. Although we are a wealthy nation, we seem to live in poverty when it comes to issues of respect for others, for their property and, even, for ourselves.

We are poor when it comes to exercising discipline in families and in schools. We seem to have lost any sense of direction on matters of basic morality, so we now have some of the highest levels of teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and abortions in western Europe. Policies by successive governments fail consistently to recognise the importance of teaching, training and developing children and young people to understand traditional values, which are part of Britain’s heritage.

The Luminus message is a wake-up call and a challenge, appropriate to this wonderful Diamond Jubilee year. Her Majesty, our beloved Queen, embodies respect and values and so it is entirely fitting that we should seek a revival of these in 2012. Just as she has demonstrated extraordinary resilience in her service to our nation, so we believe that the essence of our British heritage, spanning 1,700 years can invigorate a fresh commitment to restore respect and traditional values.

We know that Luminus residents and employees are behind this vision. Our challenge is to encourage and inspire others across the UK to learn from our experience, benefit from our success and commit to our 2020 Vision and progress along The Road to Renewal.

Can we do it? Yes we can.

2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal

Message from our Group Chief Executive

The Luminus message

is a wake-up call and

a challenge

What’s inside

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Have you got a news story for us?

If so, please send it to us at [email protected] including your contact details.

The deadline for our Spring issue is 12 May 2012.

PEOPLE

Luminus tackles fuel poverty

NEWS

A guide to the Welfare Reform Act

COMMUNITY

Luminus’ Street Representatives: Changing the world

Prepare your garden for Spring

ALSO

Restoring respect in our communities

The role of the Neighbourhood Warden

The Green Page

Luminus in Bloom 2012

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www.luminus.org.uk

3The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies To Work For 2012

Luminus is again celebrating outstanding national recognition among The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2012 on the new Not-for-Profit list.

With a focus on helping to change the world where we live as part of their 2020 Vision, Luminus, eastern England’s leading community housing provider, has established a record of excellence since being established in March 2000 by Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham.

Since achieving 16th place on The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2008, Luminus rose quickly to 12th in 2009, 2nd in 2010 and retained 2nd place in 2011.

The Luminus success story inspired many other non-profit organisations, particularly housing associations, who all began to challenge the private sector firms.

So, a new “Not-for-Profit” list was created, with no fewer than 45 social landlords being included among this new list of 100 Best Companies. Of these, Luminus was ranked as No.3.

Mr Abraham, who holds The Sunday Times Best Leader Award, said,

“I am delighted that our success over the past few years has had such a motivating effect on other businesses that they have improved the way they lead and manage their employees.

We have been repeatedly asked to help other firms to understand how they can be better employers and we have been very happy to open our Conferences to external business guests, as well as to give seminars and advice.

It is clear that many have taken our suggestions and ideas seriously and implemented them in their own organisations.

This has resulted in much higher standards in these places and we are very pleased, since this is a practical outworking of our commitment to ‘demonstrate a more excellent way of doing business’ and to get others to follow.”

Luminus’ success in the NEW Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2012


4 Residents Conference

Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Papworth of Alconbury

Weston who won £250 in our quarterly prize draw!

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is

fill in one of the feedback forms left by our tradesmen,

or the Customer Opinion Survey arriving in the post.

Luminus and our residents working to restore respect in our communitiesLuminus welcomed 140 residents and employees to Brook House for Restoring Respect in our Communities, the first Residents Conference of 2012.

Opening the Conference, Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham said, “The lack of respect throughout the UK has led to civil unrest and other problems. These problems have highlighted the importance of what Luminus is addressing throughout our district. We are encouraging everyone who engages with us to spread our positive messages and join us on our Road to Renewal, helping to change the world where we are.”

Executive Director (Operations) Nigel Finney then explained how Luminus is helping to restore respect in our communities. He discussed how:

• We are investing in a new approach to our tenancies

by introducing five year fixed term tenancies for new tenants

• We have published special standards to inform our residents what is expected of them with regards to good behaviour, your home, your responsibility and gardens to be proud of

• Our Street Representatives project is making a difference to our communities.

This led to the next stage of the Conference involving active audience participation. Residents enthusiastically grasped this opportunity to use the unique Luminus system of voting to voice their opinions on the new approach to managing tenancies.

There was a real buzz in the atmosphere and attendees were highly vocal in giving their feedback that they had been uplifted and inspired by the event. Comments included, “I enjoy

everything these meetings cover. A wide variety of subjects are discussed and there are good ideas for people to think about and put into action” and “A lovely conference – I look forward to the next one.”

Chan said, “We are delighted that so many residents and leaseholders attended and enjoyed this really important event. Our customers’ feedback helps Luminus continue to give the best service as we make progress on The Road to Renewal. We want to work with and influence other organisations to ensure that we Restore Respect in our Communities and this Conference has demonstrated that our customers give their whole-hearted support to our approach.”

The next Luminus Residents Conference will take place on Saturday 19 May 2012.

Residents ConferenceSaturday 19 May 2012 • 11am - 1:30pm • Brook House

Lunch included • Free transport • Low cost SALE!PLEASE BOOK YOUR PLACE BY TUESDAY 8 MAY 2012

To find out more, book your place or for any transport or parking needs, call 01480 428570 or email [email protected]

The conference will focus on the theme, so enquiries about your own home or circumstances should be raised through our normal channels or in the refreshment break.

Reinstating Values in our Communities


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Our 2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal is a focus on positive change that transforms our communities to mend “Broken Britain”.

The Street Representative Scheme is based upon a very successful pilot that took place in Eynesbury, St Neots as part of our Neighbourhood Management project there. At the first Luminus Street Representatives Conference we explained that we expected to establish Street Representatives in up to 20 areas of Huntingdonshire. The attendees embraced the concept of Street Representatives that would help achieve positive change in their neighbourhoods by being the “eyes and ears” of their local neighbourhood. This would be done by reporting on a wide number of anti-social behaviour issues such as fly tipping, litter, dog fouling, street lighting and abandoned vehicles.

The Conference provided information and guidance on how volunteers can become

effective and efficient Street Representatives. It was a stimulating, interactive event with talks, workshops, small discussion groups and our special Luminus Street Representative packs.

The second Street Representative Conference, which officially launched the scheme, was held at Brook House in November 2011. This conference was a great success with over 70 enrolled Street Representatives from across Huntingdonshire

braving the cold and traffic congestion to support this exciting and innovative scheme.

We were delighted that Councillor Jeff Dutton, Chairman of the Council was able to attend and officially launch the scheme.

The first local Street Representative meetings were held in January 2012 throughout Huntingdonshire. Since then we have had over 15 meetings collectively across the 20 areas within Huntingdonshire. We have taken forward over 120 enquiries from our 80 plus Street Representatives.

Together we can achieve our 2020 Vision of making Huntingdonshire a better and safer place to live for everyone. Our Street Representative Coordinator, Andre Fourie, would be happy to meet with you to discuss any aspect of the Street Representative scheme in your area. Andre can be contacted on 01480 428546 or by email to [email protected]

Street Representatives

Helping achieve

positive change in

neighbourhoods

Luminus Street Representatives: Changing the world where we are

www.luminus.org.uk

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Neighbourhood Wardens are our highly visible eyes and ears out in our communities. They are the friendly face you can call upon to assist you to deal with any issues or problems you may be experiencing, and if they can’t solve the problem they will refer it to the relevant department or agency.

We currently employ seven full-time Neighbourhood Wardens, each covering their own area across Huntingdonshire and beyond. They carry out a varied number of tasks, from visiting vulnerable tenants to taking part in community events.

The Neighbourhood Wardens are passionate about changing the world we live in, and currently run four Junior Warden Schemes across the district promoting good behaviour and encouraging our younger generation to take pride in their world.

Our Neighbourhood Wardens have undertaken various

training courses to equip them with the skills that enable them to be effective and efficient in the varied issues that they come across on a daily basis.

All our Wardens work closely with their own designated Neighbourhood Officer to ensure all of our tenants are treating our properties respectfully. Any breaches of tenancy are dealt with firmly and fairly.

If you would like to make contact with the Neighbourhood Warden for your area please contact Kim Bryant, Neighbourhood Warden Team Leader on 01480 428518 or [email protected].

The role of the Neighbourhood Warden

Our Wardens are

passionate about

changing the world

we live in

Neighbourhood Wardens / Hosepipe ban

Hosepipe ban

On Thursday 5 April 2012, for the first time in over 20 years, a hosepipe ban was enforced over much of the Anglia region. This means watering gardens or washing your cars or windows using a hosepipe could land you a fine of up £1,000.

The hosepipe ban has only been imposed in the areas of our region supplied by Anglian Water after the driest year since rainfall records started more than a century ago.

Anglian Water says a hosepipe can use up to 1,000 litres of water in just one hour - more than the average household uses in an entire day.

What does this mean for me?

You won’t be able to use a hosepipe to water the garden or fill up a swimming or paddling pool. If you have a garden pond you are not allowed to fill it using a hosepipe unless it has fish in it, in which case you can.

You may not use a hosepipe to wash a car or your windows but can bring in a professional to do this as businesses are exempt from the hosepipe ban.

You are still permitted to use a watering can or a bucket for all these tasks.

There are a number of exemptions including for people with mobility problems and you will be able to use a hose if there are health and safety reasons for doing so.


8 12 Years of changing the world

12 years of changing the worldLuminus, the eastern region’s premier housing provider, celebrated its twelfth anniversary on 20 March 2012 as part of Luminus’ year of Restoring Respect and Reinstating Values, with a special Luminus Conference held at Brook House.

The Conference was attended by dignitaries and business leaders from across Cambridgeshire, as well as employees, resident representatives and other special guests. Among these, Councillor Powley, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council and Councillor Dutton, Chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council were enthusiastic in their praise as the Conference looked at some of Luminus Group’s highlights since Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham started the business by paying around £65 million to Huntingdonshire District Council in March 2000.

Councillor Powley said, “As Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council I use every opportunity to get to see the good things happening in our county and I have to say that

what I see here is really excellent. On behalf of the County Council, I would like to send our warmest congratulations on your 12th Anniversary and to encourage you

to keep up your good work for all the citizens of

Cambridgeshire.

Councillor Dutton added, “Over the years I have been really

impressed, as have many of my

HDC colleagues, to see how committed Luminus is

to its employees. As a result, the citizens of our district (and those in the wider area where Luminus operates) are privileged to receive first-class service and commitment.”

Mr Abraham’s vision was that the money he paid to Huntingdonshire District Council would be invested in new homes and other improvements in the quality of life for local people.

Luminus then moved forward with its own independent business plan and brought its tenants the benefits of major improvements to their homes, their environment and in the creation of new, locally based services.

Inspiration giving themes!Every year Luminus sets a theme that defines the year. These themes give us a focus and a vision.

Below are the themes from the past six years:

www.luminus.org.uk

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Cut your energy useYou only pay for the electricity and gas that you actually use, so a good way for us to cope with rising prices is to try to use energy efficiently.

• Cut your bills by turning the thermostat on your heating down by one degree, heating your home for one less hour a day and making sure that the temperature of your hot water is no more than 60°C.

• Stop heat escaping by sealing skirting boards, using draft excluders in front of doors and letterboxes and drawing your curtains after dark.

• Save electricity by turning appliances off rather than leaving them on standby, unplug chargers and switch lights off when not in use.

• Do not over fill kettles and always use put lids on saucepans when cooking.

• Only run washing machines, driers and dishwashers with a full load and use lower temperature settings. Driers use lots of electricity, so drying washing on a line will help cut bills.

• Switch to low energy light bulbs.

• Switching to low energy appliances will all help cut costs too.

Luminus tackles fuel povertyThe Government defines a household to be in fuel poverty when it needs to spend more than 10% of its household income on fuel to keep the home warm and well-lit.

As energy prices continue to rise, so does the scale of fuel poverty causing severe additional hardship for more homes.

Luminus in partnership with Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) has obtained grant funding from the Scottish Power Energy People Trust to employ a Fuel Poverty Officer to work directly with Luminus residents.

The Fuel Poverty Officer is currently being recruited and when in place will provide energy efficiency advice to all Luminus residents via an energy efficiency campaign directly to those who attend Luminus events such as Resident Conferences.

Targeted advice will be provided to tenants living in the Huntingdon North Ward and Eynesbury Ward. In these areas the Fuel Poverty Officer will provide direct face to face advice and help regarding measures to help alleviate fuel poverty.

In addition the Fuel Poverty Officer will work with existing Luminus staff providing help and advice and allowing their specialised knowledge to be shared throughout the organisation.

Our 2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal is a focus on positive change that transforms our communities.

The introduction of this valuable additional resource will help make a real difference to many Luminus residents who are struggling in the current difficult economic times.

Tackling fuel poverty


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Eynesbury in St Neots will soon have an exciting new way for people to get help and assistance for things they find difficult to do themselves. The new scheme will be called the Eynesbury & St Neots Timebank.

Local residents can register with the Timebank coordinator who will log details of the skills and knowledge they can offer, e.g. driving, decorating, dog walking. They will then be put in touch with other people locally who need this type of help.

There are a wide range of skills and activities that people can do for each other. This will be an effective way of allowing people to get help with things that

they either need on a regular basis, such as being taken to the doctors, or perhaps just once in a while, such as gardening work.

You can build up credit in the Timebank by doing some jobs for other people and then when you need help you can ‘call in’

this credit and get some help yourself.

There are many successful Timebank schemes nationally and in this area we are aware of ones in Cambridge, Peterborough and most recently in Somersham.

In Eynesbury the scheme will be managed by a committee of residents who are part of the Eynesbury Village Association (EVA).

If you want to find out more about the Timebank visit www.e-s-timebank.eu contact Georgina Corley on 07432 027884 or by email to [email protected]

Eynesbury & St Neots TimebankTimebank

If you see someone acting suspiciously

call 999 immediately. Your actions could

save lives!

www.luminus.org.uk

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2020 VISION - THE ROAD TO RENEWALCHANGING THE WORLD WHERE WE ARE

Supported by

C O M M U N I T Y I N S P I R A T I O N A W A R D S 2 0 1 2


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Good Neighbour (sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors)

We want to recognise those special people who give up their time to come to the aid of their neighbours and help make their lives better. There may be families who need a little extra help, vulnerable, disabled or older people, someone who is new to the area, a person whose first language is not English or someone who has been recently bereaved. These people in our communities appreciate the thoughtfulness, support and caring nature of a neighbour who goes out of their way to lend a helping hand.

Community Achievement (sponsored by T Clarke East)

Do you know someone devoted to charity or voluntary work or who has raised money for charity? Or maybe you know someone who has taken on a local project and made a difference?

Projects could include creating a communal garden, bringing neighbours together to tackle anti-social behaviour, organising social events such as street parties or providing activities for

children after school or in the holidays.

The Community Achievement Award is to celebrate the people who bring communities together or who have helped build community spirit in your neighbourhood.

Inspirational Parents Sponsored by Ridgeons Timber & Builders Merchants

The Inspirational Parent award recognises any parent who has persevered and become an excellent role model. Nominees could include foster parents who have transformed children’s lives, parents coping with a disabled child, the head of a family overcoming bereavement or tragedy and turning it into something positive or simply a remarkable parent who has battled the odds for the benefit of the child.

Perseverance Among Young People Sponsored by Cooks Volkswagen

Do you know a young person who has not let illness or disability stand in the way of

their goals or who has overcome a disadvantaged background to be successful?

Maybe you know a young person who has set up their own business, campaigned successfully on an issue or is a young carer who has taken on responsibility beyond their years.

We would like to recognise the achievements of young people aged 21 and under who have demonstrated perseverance, ambition and tenacity.

Outstanding Leadership (sponsored by C&S Builders)

Leaders can be found in all walks of life. The person could be a head teacher, school governor, local councillor, chairman of a residents group, a Scout or Girl Guide leader, a member of the Neighbourhood Watch, a youth group leader or anyone who makes a difference by leading from the front.

We are looking for someone extraordinary, motivational and encouraging who has risen to the challenge and inspired those around them.

Great leaders take responsibility, generate action, provide a clear vision and arouse enthusiasm and passion for a goal.

Luminus Community Inspiration Awards 2012 Information about the

five categories

www.communityinspirationawards.org.uk


Supported by

www.luminus.org.uk

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Supported by

YOUR DETAILS:

Name: ______________________________________

Address: ____________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

__________________Postcode: _________________

Contact Number: _____________________________

Email (optional): _______________________________

DETAILS OF THE PERSON YOU ARE NOMINATING:

Name: ______________________________________

Address: ____________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

__________________Postcode: _________________

Contact Number: _____________________________

Email (optional): _______________________________

AWARD BEING NOMINATED FOR: (Please tick one only)

Good Neighbour Sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors

Community Achievement Sponsored by T Clarke East

Inspirational Parents Sponsored by Ridgeons Timber & Builders Merchants

Perseverance Among Young People Sponsored by Cooks Volkswagon

Outstanding LeadershipSponsored by C&S Builders

ENTER ONLINE AT: www.communityinspirationawards.org.uk

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS:Please return completed forms to the Luminus Communications Team so that they are received no later than Friday 18 May 2012.

YOU CAN ENTER THE AWARDS ONLINE:www.communityinspirationawards.org.uk

OR BY POSTING THIS FORM TO:

LUMINUS COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Luminus Group

Brook House, Ouse WalkHuntingdon, PE29 3QW

Call 01480 428707 for more information.

NOMINATIONFORM

This is your chance to put forward local

people who you believe go the extra mile in serving their community to make

our area a better place to live.

PLEASETURNPAGE



14IN NO MORE THAN 500 WORDS, WHY SHOULD THE PERSON YOU ARE NOMINATING WIN THIS AWARD?

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__________________________________________________________________ Continue on a separate sheet if needed

Signed:__________________________________________________ Date:_________________________________

ENTER ONLINE AT: www.communityinspirationawards.org.uk

WHAT IMPACT HAS THIS PERSON HAD ON THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

Rules & Information1. All entries must be submitted to Luminus by 18 May

2012.

2. Anyone living in Huntingdonshire is eligible to enter

3. The judging panel will consist of Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive, Andy Veale, Editor Hunts Post and the Mayor of Huntingdon

4. Entrants may write separate bids for each category. There is no limit on the number of categories an individual may enter.

5. The judges will consider each nomination in the context of the chosen category.

6. If appropriate, the judges may decide to submit your nomination in an additional category.

7. Late entries will not be considered.

8. The judges, organisers and sponsors cannot accept responsibility for the validity of claims made by entrants.

9. Winners will be announced at the Community Inspiration Awards event on 6 July 2012. No results will be announced before this date.

10. Award winners may state in advertising / promotional activities that they are winners, but must include the category and the year in which the award was won.

11. Entry to the Awards implies acceptance of the rules and conditions.

12. If you enter the competition, your name and photograph and that of your nominee will be required for publicity purposes.

www.luminus.org.uk

15Oak Foundation

Do you have a story from your sheltered scheme? Email [email protected]

Luminus Oak Foundation is putting together a collection of photographs on the history of the site of our new extra care scheme at Park View, Huntingdon. Park View is built on the site of the former Brookside School.

Did you go to Brookside School or did any one in your family go there?

Have you any photographs we could make a copy of to add to our collection?

If you have any photos of the school when Queen Elizabeth became Queen or any celebrations of her coronation that took place either at the school or in the Huntingdon area, we would be particularly interested.

We are happy to come and collect your photographs and will return them to you as soon as a copy can be made to keep for our collection.

If you have any photographs that you think we would be interested in please contact Ruby Gray on 01480 428562.

The Out & About service has moved successfully into 2012 and we are delighted that the vast majority of our existing members have rejoined.

We are also very pleased to welcome some new members to our excellent community bus service. This is very encouraging as it enables us to continue providing a Premium Brand service to all our members and to consider new trips for people to go on.

As summer approaches our trips will include visits to Hunstanton for sun, sea and sand, as well as the chance to sample some delicious fish and chips.

There are trips planned to historic places such as Ely and Bury St Edmunds, and will also include Shepreth Wildlife Park near Royston to see tigers and other big cats.

A new trip specially arranged for Out & About members is to visit Wisbech, which will include the opportunity to do some shopping at Octavia’s, an exclusive shop in the beautiful historic setting of a large 18th century house called Octavia View.

Members can pre-book lunch in the Octavia’s café with it’s wonderful views of the River Nene, and will also have the chance to meander round the market in the town centre.

The Out & About team welcome any suggestions or ideas for further outings and we hope that as the weather improves more people will consider joining our very popular scheme. We would like as many people as possible to have the opportunity to go on these outings and meet and make new friends with other members in their area.

There is a lot to celebrate this year as we go into the new season with May Day and of course the Queens Jubilee, and we hope our members will continue to enjoy the Premium Brand Service that Luminus Out & About provides.

If you require any information about our day trips or wish to join the Out & About scheme, please phone 01480 428428.

Out & About Spring 2012

Memories of Huntingdon

Huntingdon Jubilee

Programme 1953

Visit to

Wimpole Hall


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We all know that the economic situation is difficult at the moment with lots of different pressures on family budgets.

Housing providers are preparing to commit significant amounts of extra cash and resources to ready themselves for the impact of the Welfare Reform Bill.

The legislation was branded a ‘historic step’ in the biggest welfare revolution in over 60 years’ by prime minister David Cameron, who claimed the government had made ‘work pay, while protecting the vulnerable’.

However, landlords have warned the reforms could lead to displacement of tenants, increase homelessness and rent arrears, and reduce lenders’ confidence in the sector.

The changes, which begin to come into effect from April

2013, include a total household benefit cap of £500 a week and the controversial introduction of under-occupancy penalties for social tenants deemed to have spare bedrooms. Another change will see housing benefit rolled into the universal credit, which will be paid directly to tenants as opposed to landlords.

What you need to know:

Welfare Reform Act

Universal credit

Housing Benefit will be combined with other benefits into one monthly payment.

Capping

Total benefit payments will be capped at average (after tax) earnings of working households.

Under-occupation

Any working-age household deemed to be under-occupying their home will lose part of their Housing Benefit from April 2013. This will be set initially at a 14% cut for one extra bedroom and a 25% cut for two or more bedrooms.

Direct payments

The Government wants to see more social housing tenants receiving Universal Credit in their hand rather than opting to have their benefit paid directly to the landlord.

Changes to your welfare benefits

Changes to your

welfare benefits

If you need help regarding these changes, talk to your Revenues Officer or to our Income and Benefits Advisor on 01480 428521

Reporting crime online

People will be able to report suspicious activity online for the first time.

The facility is part of Operation Twist, the crackdown on rural burglaries in Huntingdonshire and South Cambs.

Det Insp Jon McAdam, who is leading Operation Twist, said:

“Offenders will often visit an area in the days leading up to a burglary to scope out potential targets.

It’s at this point that people are most likely to notice something unusual but may not think it is worth reporting.

We want descriptions of these people and any vehicle details that may be linked to them.

We appreciate that not everyone may want to phone through with this type of information and hope the online facility will provide an effective way of doing this.

However if people suspect there is a burglary or arson in process then they should always dial 999.”

To report suspicious activity or information about burglary visit the ‘Operation `Twist’ page of the force website - www.cambs.police.uk. Or email - [email protected]

www.luminus.org.uk

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HOUSING STRATEGYThe Government launched “Laying the Foundations: A Housing Strategy for England” in late 2011. The strategy has the main aims of unblocking the home ownership market, creating jobs, and spreading opportunity.

A mortgage indemnity scheme will enable purchasers buying a new-build home covered by the arrangements to get a mortgage loan to cover 95% of the price. Another pledge in the strategy is to stop the allocation of homes to those ‘who already own a suitable home’.

Extra priority will be given to would-be tenants who work, and a ‘pay to stay scheme’ for households with a six-figure income will be introduced.

The government has also proposed increasing Right to Buy discounts for tenants, although the proposed changes only apply to residents with the Right to Buy and Preserved Right to Buy.

Government Housing Update

REGULATORY STANDARDSThe Localism Act and the government’s new directions to the regulator will introduce substantial changes to how social housing is regulated from April 2012, with a distinction between economic and consumer regulation.

The regulator’s main role will be the economic regulation of housing providers. They will look at how landlords manage their resources economically, efficiently and effectively to provide quality services and homes. The regulator will only have a ‘backstop’ role in consumer matters.

It will not ask routinely for performance information on the consumer standards as it will not monitor compliance with these standards. Its role will be limited to setting consumer standards and intervening only where failure of the standard could lead to risk of serious harm to tenants. Luminus looks forward to working with the regulator, especially by demonstrating how we are delivering premium brand services.

LOCALISM ACT In April 2013 The Localism Act will receive royal assent and finally become part of British law.

The new Localism Act contains key measures for social housing including the abolition of the Tenant Services Authority, reformed homelessness legislation and a national home swap scheme for those wishing to mutually exchange their homes. Housing providers will be able to offer new tenants ‘flexible tenure’ (fixed term secure tenancies) rather than traditional ‘lifetime’ tenancies.

There will also be a single Ombudsman for all social housing tenants. Tenants will be able to take complaints to a ‘designated person’ (e.g. councillor or MP), but will also be able to go direct to the Ombudsman.

GOVERNMENT HOUSING UPDATE

To find out more about the changes email [email protected]


18 Community Page

The Huntingdon Multi-Terrain Charity 10k Race & Fun RunSunday 17 June 2012. Fun Run starts at 9am and 10k Run 10am at Urban & Civic Alconbury Airfield, entrance via the North Gate.

3K Fun Run Age 8 upwards.

10K Race Age 16 upwards.

Entry fee; 3K Fun Run £5; 10K Race £14 stalls.

Huntingdon Riverside GalaSaturday 8 June 2012 from 12pm - 5.30pm

Festivities include community displays, dog show, a fly past and a music stage with live performances

Shakespeare at The GeorgeTuesday 26 June 2012 to Saturday 7 July 2012

Performance of Shakespeare’s early comedy ‘Loves Labour’s Lost’. No performance on Sunday 1 July 2012.

Summer events

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) started out life as just one man, a ten-pound donation and a vision to help people who are stuck in the hopelessness and desperation that comes with spiraling debt problems.

Since then, CAP has grown into an international, award-winning charity with over 190 Debt Centres across the UK, but it’s the same heart, for helping people in need that drives the organisation today.

Every week, hundreds of people call our national helpline, looking for a solution to their money problems. CAP is committed to providing this solution and helping with more than just their financial needs.

Because every Debt Centre opens in partnership with a local church, CAP is ideally placed to offer spiritual and emotional support as well as professional debt advice. While CAP’s head office team in Bradford create a budget and negotiate with creditors, a group of befrienders from the local church can spend

time caring for some of the most vulnerable in their community.

A total of 78% of our clients said that debt put a strain on their relationships. While 76% sacrificed meals and 37% of our clients considered or attempted suicide as a way out of their financial problems. In these situations, CAP brings hope and a solution so that relationships can be restored, families can be fed and lives can be saved.

John Kirkby, CAP’s Founder and International Director, said,

“Ever since those early days, CAP has been about empowering the local church to reach out into their community and show God’s love to some of society’s most marginalised people.

Experience has shown us that when a church does this, people come to faith and the church can grow.”

In 2011 alone, over 1,000 CAP clients became debt free.

For more information about Christians Against Poverty call 0800 328 0006 or visit www.capdebthelp.org

Freedom from debt Christians Against Poverty

www.luminus.org.uk

Pollution from cars is a major problem for our environment. Here are some helpful tips to help you to drive in a way that has the least impact on the environment.

Try not to be in a hurry!

• Stressed driving can be erratic and is uneconomical. Harsh acceleration and braking can use up to 30% more fuel and can cause increased wear and tear on the vehicle.

• Keep your speed down as driving at 50-60 mph means your emissions will be lowest. Driving over 70mph will rapidly increase your emissions. It can also cost you up to 25% more in fuel to drive at 70mph compared to 50mph.

• Try not to beat the traffic lights. The chances are that if you hit a red light and then try to beat the next set, you will rush but miss the green light anyway.

• Avoid unnecessary revving or idling of the engine as this uses more fuel. Switch off the engine if you think you will stationary for more than two minutes.

Reduce the weight

• When empty your car doesn’t need to work so

hard to accelerate, and therefore reduces your fuel consumption. Simply remove unnecessary items from your car that do not need to be there for a particular journey. These can include buggies, golf clubs, tools and footwear.

Remove roof racks

• The wind resistance from roof racks dramatically increases your car’s fuel consumption.

Tyre pressure

• Ensure that you have the correct tyre pressure. For every 6psi that the tyre is under-inflated your car’s fuel consumption increases by 1%!

Maintain your car

• Check that your engine is properly tuned as this improves performance and limits fuel consumption.

Check your windows

• Where possible drive with the windows up to reduce drag and make your fuel consumption more efficient.

Air conditioning

• If your car has air conditioning, only use it sparingly as your car uses up more fuel when it is turned on.

The green mile

The Green Page

The East of England is the driest part of the United Kingdom. In recent years we have experienced below average rainfall and therefore it is essential that we all help to conserve water.

The following tips if adopted will help to save water:

• Remember to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth - a running tap can use up to 15 litres a minute

• Wait until you have a full load before using the washing machine - washing machines use around 14% of the water used in the home so fill up or use the half-load button. You’ll save water, energy and detergent.

• Keep a jug of water in the fridge so that you do not have to run the tap to get a cold drink.

• Wash your vegetables in a bowl, not under a running tap.

• Water plants in the early morning or early evening to prevent evaporation when it is warm. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast first – it might rain tomorrow.

• Use a bucket and sponge to wash the car rather than a hosepipe. Hosepipes can use up to 1,000 litres per hour!

If you find any water leaks please ensure that they are

reported to us immediately by contacting our service centre

on 01480 428333.

Saving our water

19


20 Ferry Project

For more info about Ferry Project email [email protected]

Luminus Group’s Fenland-based homelessness charity, Ferry Project, has been awarded £250,000 from the Governments Homelessness Transition Fund, allowing it to expand its Night Shelter in Wisbech and continue its mission to assist homeless people on the road to independence by providing shelter and equipping them with basic life skills.

The Night Shelter was opened last year in Norfolk Street, Wisbech, and has since provided 2,462 nights of emergency accommodation for the migrant community who have no access to benefits. The initial funding was due to run out in March 2012.

With this new grant award, one of the highest in the country, Ferry Project will not only continue to help migrant workers restore and rebuild their lives, but also expand the Night

Shelter services to support other homeless people in the local community.

Residents at the night shelter will have access to Ferry Project’s headquarters at Octavia View, a beautifully refurbished grade II listed building in Wisbech that provides education, training and volunteering opportunities, assisting them out of poverty and back on the road to independent living.

In addition to the Night Shelter, Ferry Project has helped over 150 local people in the last nine months at its hostel and ‘move on’ accommodation. Eighty percent of these people are now living independently, a testimony to the success of Ferry Project.

Ferry Project has been heralded as a ‘national beacon’ by homeless charities for the excellent services it provides, and was recently commended by Cambridgeshire Police for reducing anti-social behaviour in Wisbech.

Luminus’ Ferry Project awarded £250,000 of grant funding for the Wisbech Night Shelter

NIGHT SHELTER

THE FACTSFROM START

OF THE SERVICE 17/01/2011 TO 31/12/2011

2,462 ACCUMULATED NIGHTS OF SHELTER PROVIDED OVER 327 NIGHTS

83 CLIENTS 79 MALES 4 FEMALES

72 FOUND EMPLOYMENT

4 SECURED BENEFITS

57 SUCCESSFULLY MOVED INTO ACCOMMODATION OR REPATRIATED

25 ENGAGED IN EDUCATION COURSES

7 ENGAGED WITH DRUG & ALCOHOL SUPPORT SERVICES

16 REGISTERED WITH GP’S

www.luminus.org.uk

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For more info about Ferry Project email [email protected]

Wednesday - Saturday10am - 4pmOctavia View • South Brink Wisbech • PE13 1JQ

Octavia’s Café entrance is opposite Somers Road car park on South Brink.

Come and have traditional English food in one of the secret gems of Wisbech.

Octavia’s Cafe is in a Grade II listed Georgian town house on the South Brink, which also contains an

art gallery and Octavia’s shop, where you can get affordable style for you and your home.


22 Luminus in Bloom 2012

It’s that time of year again, when the garden is beginning to ready itself to start the growing year. Although it looks dormant there is a lot going on both in and under the ground and here is a short guide to what you can do to prepare your garden for the months ahead:

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to prune. This will help shape shrubs and trees when they begin to grow, prevent disease and encourage growth. Remember to make sure all cutting tools are sharp enough to ensure a clean cut. Cut close to buds and do not trim too heavily.

If not already in place a new compost heap can be started. If pruning, the heavier trimmings can be put at the bottom to allow airflow through the heap. This can be topped with any leaves raked from the lawn and grass cuttings. Last years heap can be used to mulch borders and build up flower beds.

The lawn would benefit from the use of an aerator or if not available a garden fork can be used to spike the lawn and allow

the air to get into the soil to encourage strong root growth.

If dry enough, flower beds and borders can be dug over and compost added to the soil to add nutrients lost over the last year. A good tip is to add the contents of any grow-bags used last year, these are also good for potting up seedlings.

If you have a greenhouse now is the time to get it ready. A stock check of items can be done and anything requiring purchased. These include string, support canes, fertilisers, grow bags, pots and seeds. Labels are a good idea but can be made rather than bought. One good tip is to make a plan of what needs to be sown and when and where they will be planted later in the year. The glass can be cleaned and the door runners greased, and any heaters should be checked that they are in good working order.

And finally remember that there is a hosepipe ban in force in much of our region, specifically those areas of our region supplied by Anglian Water and you can incur fines of up to £1000 for breaking the ban.

Prepare your garden for spring

All of our tenants and leaseholders are invited to enter their gardens into Luminus in Bloom 2012, a competition that celebrates the hard work and dedication of green-fingered residents.

This year in addition to the overall first and second prizes, there will be awards for Best Sheltered Scheme and Best Window Box to recognise those who tend communal gardens or make the most of a small space.

Last year’s winners, Mr and Mrs Wilcox from Huntingdon, wowed the judges with a mature and immaculate garden. The plants were well cared for and the garden was well designed, being beautiful as well as providing a range of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

To enter please call Kelly on 01480 428707 or send your entry by email to [email protected]

You will need to supply your name, address, telephone number and a photo of your garden. The deadline for entries is Tuesday 27 May 2012.

Luminus in Bloom 2012

Do you have any gardening tips to share? Email [email protected]

www.luminus.org.uk

23

Do you have any gardening tips to share? Email [email protected]

Published by Luminus Group • Registered Office Brook HouseOuse Walk, Huntingdon PE29 3QWTel No: 01480 428777 • Fax No: 01480 428555Email: [email protected] • Website: www.luminus.org.uk

01480 428777General Enquiries -

Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Fridays 9am - 4.30pm

01480 428333Service Centre

For reporting all repairs Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm

and Fridays 9am - 4.30pm

01480 428522Rent Enquiries

01945 429300Luminus Ferry Project

01480 428314Leaseholder Enquiries

01480 428721Customer Relations Officer

Caroline Howard

01354 606740Hope Social Enterprises

020 7540 9820Out of Hours Emergencies

Monday to Thursday 5pm - 9am and weekends

Friday 4.30pm - Monday 9am

01480 428521Income & Benefits Advisor

Sue Cargill

01480 428707/8Communications & Marketing

If you have any comments about Luminus News or would like a large print or audio version, please contact the Communications Team on 01480 428707/8 or send an

email to [email protected]

For help to understand this newsletter please ring 01480 428707/8

This document has been printed on Satimat Green.

Satimat Green is a wood-free, two-sided, coated true silk paper and board containing 50 per cent recycled fibres

and 50 per cent FSC-certified virgin fibres.

01480 428588Neighbourhood Services

You can use this number to report anti-social behaviour

CONTACT US

01480 428541Tenant Involvement

Contact us


24

2020 VISION - THE ROAD TO RENEWALCHANGING THE WORLD WHERE WE ARE

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Luminus News Spring 2012