Housing News Winter 2021 - Uttlesford District Council
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Housing News
Winter 2021
3
Contents
Homeswapper 4 Christmas & New Year bin
Housing development scheme collections 14
updates 5 Festive recycling tips 15
Legionella 6 Keep me posted 16
Downsizing grant 7 Repairs survey report 17
Fire safety at Christmas 8 Contents insurance 18
Supporting you this winter 912 Crossword competition 19
Uttlesford Foodbank 13 Feedback form 20
Welcome to the Christmas edition of housing news
Firstly, I would like to point out a fun The Uttlesford Citizens Advice has support
addition to the magazine that we haven’t for those who may be struggling turn to
had in years a festive crossword! A page 12 for information and advice.
correct entry will be selected at random
and the lucky winner will receive a £25 If you are worried about someone, you
gift voucher. can contact our Housing team who can
signpost to the right support they need.
This edition also has an update on the Please also don’t forget to check in on
development work being carried out to your neighbours.
help provide more homes in the district,
fire safety tips from the Essex fire service, I know we are all keen to make this
plus more information to help keep you Christmas extra special, but be safe and
safe and well this winter. take care.
With rising utility costs, affording to heat Season’s greetings to you all!
homes could become an issue for some. Nicole
The council is on both Facebook and Telephone: 01799 510571
Twitter so you can always message us via Email: tenants@uttlesford.gov.uk
Facebook.com/UDChousingservices or Website: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/
follow us on Twitter@UttlesfordDC tenantservices
4
5
New council housing schemes
set to come on line
Our Housing Service’s development Both schemes on track to be ready for
team has been working hard on a next summer.
number of projects, including the 16
soontobecompleted homes at The Meanwhile, Walden Place in Saffron
Moors in Little Dunmow (pictured). Walden has been granted planning
permission and works should start in
The scheme consists of eight affordable the spring. The listed building will be
rented 2bed homes and eight social detached from the rest of the sheltered
rented 1bed flats. scheme, and two new flats will be built
as well as new communal facilities.
Other site include 14 new homes at
Thaxted Road in Saffron Walden, and We are always looking at ways to
13 new properties in Great provide more council homes to fulfil the
Chesterford. district’s housing need.
6
Legionella
As your landlord, we need to ensure you
are aware of the possible causes and
symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease so
you can identify any problems easily and
report your concerns to us.
What is Legionnaire’s Disease?
Legionnaire’s Disease is a potentially fatal
form of pneumonia, which can affect
anybody. It is caused by the inhalation
of small droplets of water from
contaminated sources containing
legionella bacteria.
Where is legionella found?
All hot and cold water systems in
residential properties are a potential
source for legionella bacteria growth.
The main areas of risk are where the
bacteria can multiply and increase to to legionella bacteria becomes ill.
dangerous levels and then spread for
example, in spray from showers and taps, Legionnaire’s Disease is not contagious
even in dishwasher and washing machine and you cannot get it from drinking water.
pipes.
On average, there are approximately 500
Conditions ripe for colonisation are reported cases a year.
where water of between 20°C and 45°C
stagnates, and where there is sludge, rust The symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease
and scale present for the bacteria to feed are similar to those of flu: high
upon and multiply temperature, fever or chills, headache,
tiredness, muscle pain, dry cough.
Who is at risk?
Legionnaire’s Disease is easily preventable
Legionnaire’s Disease most commonly by putting in place some simple control
affects the elderly, or people with chest measures. The information (right) will
or lung problems. Not everyone exposed help you identify any potential problems.
7
What precautions can I take?
Is your home still
Taking the following simple precautions
will help you keep safe: meeting your needs?
• Flush through showers and taps for 10
minutes following a period of nonuse
(for example, after you have been on
holiday or if a room is not in regular
use).
• Keep all shower heads and taps clean
and free from buildup of limescale,
mould or algae growth (regularly
bleaching every three months will Should you decide to move into a smaller
help sterilise and kill any bacteria). home from a general needs property, we
will give you £2,000 on completion of
• Flush through any low use taps such your move.
as outside taps for two minutes each
week. However, if you would prefer support
with your move we can assist with
• Keep hot water on your boiler system removals, disconnection and
at a temperature of 60°C or greater. reconnection of cooker and washing
machine, and carpets. The cost of these
WARNING: be aware of scalding! services will be deducted from your
£2,000 home move budget and any
• Report any deposits such as rust or remaining monies given to you on
any unusual matter flowing from your completion of your move.
water outlets.
Moving to a smaller home also has the
What do I do if I think I have added advantage of giving you high
Legionnaires Disease? priority on the housing register.
If you are over 60 and are moving from a
If you suspect that you or someone in general needs home into a property
your home has contracted Legionnaire’s specifically for elderly people like one of
disease, contact your doctor immediately. our bungalows or sheltered schemes, you
are offered the same services but there is
You should also contact us so that we can also an additional £500 available.
take the appropriate measures.
For further information give us a call on
01799 510510 and ask for your Housing
Officer.
8
Fire safety at Christmas – top tips
Many of the things we enjoy over the 7. Most fires start in the kitchen
Christmas period such as fairy lights, never leave cooking unattended
candles, paper hats and decorations
can all be fire hazards when proper care 8. Keep candles, lighters and matches
is not taken. out of reach of children. Never leave
burning candles unattended
1. Check your Christmas tree lights
conform to the British Standard 9. Take the time to check on elderly
relatives and neighbours this
2. Never place candles near your Christmas make sure they are fire
Christmas tree or furnishings safe
3. Make sure your family and visitors
know what to do in an emergency 10. Make sure you have a working
have an escape plan smoke alarm on every level of your
home
4. Decorations can burn easily don't
attach them to lights or heaters The fire service is committed to
ensuring 100% of homes have a
5. Don't overload electrical sockets and working smoke alarm. To help this
switch Christmas lights off and happen, they carry out home safety
unplug them before you go to bed visits to anyone living in Essex,
or when leaving the house completely free of charge. Call 0300
303 0088 for more information.
6. The risk of accidents, especially in
the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is
consumed
9 SUPPORTING you this winter
10
Uttlesford
community
response hub
Covid19 has had a longlasting effect
on people’s lives and incomes as well as
having a significant impact on physical
and mental health.
The services on the Uttlesford Frontline
The Uttlesford Community Response website support older people, families,
Hub can provide direct support, addiction, wellbeing, disability, mental
signpost to other services and engage health, local transport and advice. You
with residents and communities to will find contact details, opening times
ensure everyone can get the support and you can request a call back from a
they need during this difficult time. service.
This can include help with shopping, Visit: www.uttlesfordfrontline.org.uk
prescriptions and advice in relation to
If you don’t have access to the
vaccinations.
internet, call Essex Healthwatch on
0300 500 1895 for more help.
Residents can call the Hub on
03333 408218 (Monday to Friday,
9am to 4pm) or email
communityresponse
@uttlesford.gov.uk.11
Council Tax help
If you are struggling to pay your Council
Tax bill, please contact us and we will
try to help you. We are also able to
make referrals for financial advice to
Citizens Advice, Peabody Family
Support and Food Banks. See our
website which has advice and contact
details for organisations that can
help www.uttlesford.gov.uk/
Support for tenants financialmanagementadvice
There is help available for tenants If you are in receipt of Universal credit
through the Discretionary Housing or on a low income, you may be eligible
Payment scheme. In order to qualify, for a reduction on your bill through the
you must be either in receipt of Local Council Tax Support Scheme. Full
Housing Benefit or the Housing details of the scheme and an online
Element of Universal Credit and need application form can be found at
further help with housing costs. www.uttlesford.gov.uk/lcts
We may be able to help you with If you do not qualify for support, you
shortfalls between your entitlement may still be eligible for help through our
from Housing Benefit or Universal Exceptional Hardship Fund. Details of
Credit and your actual rental liability, the fund and the application form can
arrears that have built up whilst be found at www.uttlesford.gov.uk/ehf
having this entitlement, or help with
moving costs associated with moving If you have any questions or wish to
to a more affordable property. discuss your circumstances before
applying, please contact our Revenues
Further information and an Collections Officer on 01799 510345 or
application form can be found at via email to recovery@uttlesford.gov.uk
www.uttlesford.gov.uk/ (please quote your name and full
discretionaryhousingpayments. address with any correspondence).
A paper copy can be requested by
contacting our Customer Service Centre
on 01799 510510 or by emailing
benefits@uttlesford.gov.uk12
Uttlesford Citizens Advice
can help you stay warm this winter
If you know anyone who is worried • Support with housing
about how to pay their fuel bills or and homelessness issues
struggling with an old boiler, draughts • Emergency funds for
or mould, help is available. prescriptions and other
household essentials
Energy specialists at Uttlesford Citizens • Local foodbanks and
Advice can offer advice on a range of children’s clothes banks
areas, including winter benefits and • School holiday support
cold weather payments, the warm
home discount scheme, energy Remember, you don’t need to be on
efficiency measures, home improvement benefits to ask for help from Citizens
grants, and the priority services register. Advice the advice is available to
everyone and is always free, confidential
The team of trained advisers can also and impartial. They will work with
help you to access: you to overcome barriers and solve
problems that may be preventing you
• Universal Credit & Disability
from sleeping well at night.
Benefits
• Benefits for working families • For online advice, go to
• Support for carers www.uttlesfordca.org.uk
• Help from your local council, such as • Call 01799 618840
council tax support • Email help@uttlesfordca.org.uk
• Budgeting & debt support • Or visit the new onetouch video
• Employment advice & access to access points in Great Dunmow and
support for job seekers Stansted libraries13
14
Your Guide to Christmas
and New Year Waste and
Recycling Collections
For the week commencing 20 December,
collections will be a day earlier than usual.
This will be a blacklidded bin week
Normal Collection Day Revised Collection Day Which bins?
Tuesday 21 December Monday 20 December
Wednesday 22 December Tuesday 21 December
Thursday 23 December Wednesday 22 December
Friday 24 December Thursday 23 December
Please be aware there will no collections the
week commencing 27 December.
Collections will start again on 4 January 2022 and this will be a recycling week.
Extra recycling can placed at the side of you bin for collection. Please put
items in white or clear bags or cardboard boxes no black bin liners. For more
information about what can be recycled,
visit www.uttlesford.gov.uk/recycleit15
A quick guide to recycling at Christmas
Here’s a list of common Christmas items and how you can dispose of them. All recycling
needs to be clean and dry before it is put into the greenlidded recycling bin or taken to
your local recycling centre. Find out more at www.uttlesford.gov.uk/recyclingandwaste
Can it be
Item Information
Recycled
Wrapping paper can be recycled if it passes the ‘scrunch test’
Wrapping paper Depends if it stays in a ball it can go in with the recycling;
if it springs back into shape it needs to go in the black bin
Christmas cards covered in glitter cannot
Christmas cards Depends
be recycled, plain Christmas cards can
Advent calendars Yes Ensure all chocolate is removed!
Catalogues and Remove any thin polythene wrap (please put this
Yes
magazines in the black bin) from around the catalogue/magazine
Glass bottles and
Yes Just make sure they’re clean and dry
jars (and lids)
Glass Christmas Take to a charity shop for reuse or put them into the black bin
No
decorations if broken
Christmas fairy These can be recycled at your local recycling centre for
Yes
lights household waste
Please take these to your local recycling centre for household
Plastic Christmas
No waste or donate to a charity shop if in a
trees
usable condition
We can accept all foil including turkey roasting trays, mince
Kitchen foil Yes
pie tins etc as long as it’s clean
These should be taken to a charity shop. If they are
Unwanted toys No
broken please put in black bin
Tinsel No Must be put in the black bin
Christmas crackers Yes These can be recycled if not metallic or glittery
Paper napkins/
No These usually have food waste on them black bin please
kitchen roll
Make sure there is no food left in the packaging and
Food packaging Yes
it is clean before putting into the recycling bin
Take devices such as mobile phones, tablets and games
Electronics Yes
consoles to your recycling centre for household wasteStay up to date with the latest Housing Services news from Uttlesford District Council Sign up today to receive regular newsletters direct to your email inbox www.uttlesford.gov.uk/keepmeposted
17
Earlier this year, the Tenant and • 52% said they had an excellent
Leaseholder Panel ran a survey to find experience in reporting a repair, with
out what tenants thought of the repairs 30% saying it was ok
reporting system offered by Uttlesford
Norse. Uttlesford Norse has worked through
the feedback and is looking at ways to
Thank you to everyone who took part in improve the service offered to tenants,
the project and completed the survey. to ensure fast and efficient responses to
your repair needs.
Here are the key findings:
One of the actions that Uttlesford Norse
• 58% said it was very easy to report a will take on board to is to ensure
repair, with 32% saying it was ok appointments are booked during the
• 91% of reports were made by initial call.
telephone Tenants will be offered a repair job
• 46% of appointments were made on number for reference should they need
the first phone call to call back for queries. This will allow
Uttlesford Norse to deal with any
• Where an appointment was not made queries faster and reduce waiting times.
on the first phone call, 53% got a call
back on the same day to book an All email request replies will also receive
appointment the job number for the tenant’s future
reference.
• 97% said the receptionist was polite,
helpful and courteous Uttlesford Norse welcomes all feedback
as an opportunity to continue to
• 84% of appointments were kept improve the repairs service.18
Why should I get contents insurance?
Did you know that it is your responsibility offer different levels of cover but
to get your home contents insured? generally you’ll be covered against
theft, fire and flood.
Contents insurance covers loss or
damage to all the things in your home Just recently a number of tenants
which are not part of the structure or the experienced flood damage. Although
building in other words, your personal the council will come out and repair
belongings such as clothing, furniture, your home in circumstances such as this,
jewellery and electrical goods. any goods like carpets and furniture are
not covered and will have to be replaced
It is up to you to find and contact an
at your own expense.
insurance provider. Different policies19
Crossword Competition
Across
1 Type of fundamentalist
church (11)
7 Strong wintry wind (4)
8 Like many days at this
time of year (6)
9 Driving hazard (3)
10 Circus Maximus racer (7)
13 Shopkeeper's receipts (7)
14 How roads might be
when it freezes (3)
16 Puzzle which starts in
pieces (6)
18 Wrinkle remover (4)
19 Sparsely furnished (11)
Down
2 Conversion of liquid into
a gas (11)
One lucky winner, chosen at random, will receive a
3 Bound (4)
£25 gift voucher, so include your contact details with
4 Chippy choice (3)
your entry. Competition closes 31 January 2022.
5 Drink often offered to
Terms & Conditions: To qualify for entry you must be a
tenant of Uttlesford District Council. Santa (6)
6 Oreo fancier injured
American flyer (3,5,3)
Name: ........................................................................ 11 Glutton (3)
12 Tree decoration (6)
Address: .....................................................................
15 Hoar frost (4)
Telephone: ................................................................. 17 What 14 Across surfaces
become when they
Return to: Nicole ShephardLewis, Council Offices, warm up (3)
London Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4ER20 Feedback Do you think the council could be doing something better? Have you got an idea for a new initiative that would make things better where you live? If you have an idea for a new scheme or an improvement, please fill in the form below or email tenants@uttlesford.gov.uk with your idea. " My suggestion: ................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................. Name: ..................................................................................................... Address:................................................................................................. ............................................................ Postcode: ................................. Phone: .................................. Email: ..................................................... Send your idea to The council is now on Facebook so you Nicole Shephard-Lewis can always message us via Tenant Participation Officer Facebook.com/UDChousingservices Uttlesford District Council London Road, Telephone: 01799 510571 Saffron Walden Email: tenants@uttlesford.gov.uk CB11 4ER Website: www.uttlesford.gov.uk
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