Armagh Housing News 2011 - Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Armagh Housing News 2011 - Northern Ireland Housing Executive
Armagh Housing News 2011 - Northern Ireland Housing Executive
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>Housing</strong><br />
NEWS<br />
40 th ANNIVERSARY EDITION <strong>2011</strong><br />
<strong>Armagh</strong>
<strong>Housing</strong><br />
NEWS <strong>2011</strong><br />
40 Years On<br />
This year the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> celebrates its 40th anniversary. As we look back, <strong>Northern</strong><br />
<strong>Ireland</strong> today is a different place compared to those dark days in the early 70s.<br />
When we look at housing the change is remarkable.<br />
Our housing, from being amongst the worst in Europe,<br />
with around one in five homes unfit, is now amongst<br />
the best, with the rate of unfitness now at an all time<br />
low of 2.4%. There remain, of course, major issues<br />
to be tackled. Social housing is deeply segregated<br />
and while much work is being undertaken by the<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> and by local communities, it will<br />
take time, patience and a great deal of goodwill and<br />
understanding.<br />
As with the last 40 years, we will continue to move<br />
forward. There will be problems to address, we will<br />
encounter criticism, we will be faced with unpopular<br />
courses of action, but ultimately we will be judged on<br />
our record and achievements. Improving the quality<br />
of housing and the environment we live in is a job<br />
which will never be complete. The challenges we face,<br />
particularly within the current economic environment,<br />
are many, but we are working to find solutions to<br />
address these.<br />
If we could single out one of our major concerns, it<br />
would be that of fuel poverty. If there is a repeat of last<br />
year’s harsh winter, the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> would have<br />
real concerns for the welfare of many of our tenants,<br />
particularly in light of the recent increase in fuel and<br />
energy costs.<br />
The pressures we face make change inevitable but<br />
change is nothing new to us. We have an enviable<br />
reputation for providing high quality public services<br />
and that will be maintained. Due to our restrained<br />
budget we cannot deliver the improvements to<br />
our stock as quickly as we would like to, but we will<br />
continue to make the case for investment .<br />
Finally, we would like to thank all those people in the<br />
community who work with us, giving up their free time<br />
to create better neighbourhoods.Without their support<br />
and hard work, much of what is achieved would be<br />
impossible.<br />
We don’t pretend to have all the answers but we<br />
give you a commitment that everything will be done<br />
to deliver our core values of fairness and equality to<br />
everyone.<br />
Last winter demonstrated that many elderly and<br />
vulnerable people could not heat their homes properly.<br />
This resulted in substantial damage to homes and<br />
many households being left without heating in both<br />
the private and public sectors. Through new legislation<br />
we are trying to bulk buy electricity and therefore help<br />
tenants by reduced electricity bills. This is a start but<br />
other measures will be needed.<br />
Brian Rowntree<br />
Chairman<br />
John McPeake<br />
Chief <strong>Executive</strong><br />
<strong>Armagh</strong> District Offce<br />
<strong>Armagh</strong> District Offce, 48 Dobbin Street,<br />
<strong>Armagh</strong> BT61 7QQ<br />
Main Number: 03448 920 900<br />
Repairs: 03448 920 901<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Benefit: 03448 920 902<br />
Fax: 028 3831 0641<br />
Email:<br />
armagh@nihe.gov.uk<br />
The District Offce is open to the public during the<br />
following times:<br />
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday:<br />
9.30am - 4.00pm<br />
Wednesday: 9.30am - 12.30pm<br />
The offce will be closed on all statutory public and<br />
bank holidays.<br />
Customer Service Award<br />
Have you received good service from a particular<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> Offce or an individual member<br />
of staff? If they have gone that extra mile to help,<br />
would you like to nominate them for a customer<br />
service award. If so:<br />
• Write to the offce that the staff member works<br />
in, or<br />
• Email us at info@nihe.gov.uk, or<br />
• Using our Facebook page www.facebook.com/<br />
thehousingexecutive<br />
When contacting us please include your reasons<br />
for your nomination.<br />
2
<strong>Armagh</strong><br />
Neighbourhood Officer Service<br />
Earlier this year we launched our new Neighbourhood Offcer<br />
Service in <strong>Armagh</strong> after consultation with local communities<br />
and a review of our existing estate based services.<br />
Acting District Manager Owen McDonnell explained:<br />
“Our Neighbourhood Offcers have a clear remit to<br />
support individual tenants and also to develop local<br />
neighbourhoods to help residents meet their aspirations<br />
for their communities. We would encourage our tenants to<br />
get to know their Neighbourhood Offcer and how best to<br />
make use of the services they can provide.”<br />
The local <strong>Housing</strong> Community Network lent their support<br />
to the launch of the new service. Sam Lockhart of the<br />
Loughgilly Together Residents Association commented,<br />
“Neighbourhood Offcers are a valuable asset to the<br />
community and the work they do with groups like ours has<br />
(L to r) rear <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong>’s Owen McDonnell, Sinead Rush, &<br />
Dean Weir. Front, local community representatives Sam Lockhart,<br />
and Paul Cartmill.<br />
resulted in visible improvements for the residents. I am confident that the positive partnership that we have<br />
built up will continue and we wish them continued success for the future.”<br />
Paul Cartmill, of the Longstone Residents Association added,<br />
“It’s great to see that the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> is listening to what we want done on our own estates. Having a<br />
Neighbourhood Offcer on the estate listening to the needs of tenants should mean that we see problems sorted<br />
out faster.”<br />
The two Neighbourhood Offcers, Sinead Rush and Dean Weir operate within our <strong>Armagh</strong> District. Their duties<br />
include the provision of tenant support services, providing advice on a range of housing matters such as energy<br />
conservation, home safety and adaptations for persons with a disability.<br />
Sinead and Dean said:<br />
“We really enjoy working with the communities and would encourage tenants to lift the phone and contact us<br />
at the local District Offce if there is anything they are worried about.”<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> streamlines its Grants Service<br />
The <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> this year changed how it delivers its Private Sector Improvement Grants and Houses in<br />
Multiple Occupation (HMO) service.<br />
This was the latest in a number of improvements<br />
implemented under our Modernising Services<br />
programme. These changes, which take account of new<br />
technology and the reduction in grants funding, will<br />
provide a more effcient and cost effective service to our<br />
customers, while maintaining high levels of customer<br />
service.<br />
Grant applications within the <strong>Armagh</strong> District are now<br />
processed by the new South Grants Offce which will be<br />
based at 35/45 Boat Street, Newry BT34 2DB<br />
(telephone 03448 920 900).<br />
Customers can rest assured that the high standard of<br />
service they have come to expect from our Grants staff<br />
will continue to be offered in the new South Grants Offce.<br />
An example of works completed with Disabled Facilities Grant aid<br />
provided by the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong>.<br />
3
<strong>Housing</strong><br />
NEWS <strong>2011</strong><br />
Kitchen makeover for<br />
local residents<br />
80 <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> tenants in the Markethill, Richhill,<br />
Tandragee and <strong>Armagh</strong> areas recently received a<br />
kitchen makeover courtesy of a scheme costing over<br />
£500,000.<br />
<strong>Armagh</strong> Acting District Manager, Owen McDonnell,<br />
said<br />
“It’s important that tenants’ homes are able to cater<br />
for all aspects of modern day living and we believe<br />
that the provision of high quality new kitchens is an<br />
excellent way of achieving this.<br />
“We are also working closely with the contractor to<br />
ensure that the service provided before, during and<br />
after installation is of the highest quality.”<br />
Commenting on the scheme Bann Ltd Operations<br />
Director, Anne Fox, said<br />
“In partnership with the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> our aim<br />
is to meet decent home standards. We know from<br />
our consultation with tenants that having a decent,<br />
modern kitchen is very important to them.<br />
“Bann Ltd is committed to achieving high quality<br />
workmanship and high levels of customer<br />
satisfaction. We are working in partnership with the<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> and individual residents regarding<br />
the details of work and when completed we carry out<br />
customer satisfaction surveys to assess and monitor<br />
our performance.”<br />
The work included the upgrading of electrical and<br />
plumbing installations including the provision of a<br />
new cooker hood and extra sockets for appliances<br />
like washing machines and tumble dryers. New floor<br />
covering was also provided and mains-wired smoke<br />
alarms fitted in homes that don’t already have one.<br />
Facelift for <strong>Armagh</strong><br />
homes<br />
Work to repair and maintain the external fabric<br />
of 290 of our homes and 57 garages was also<br />
completed this year in the <strong>Armagh</strong> District.<br />
The contract valued at almost £740,000 was carried<br />
out by Bann Ltd, our contractor for this type of<br />
work in the South Area. The majority of homes<br />
had external painting, windows serviced, concrete<br />
surfaces, guttering and downpipes cleaned.<br />
Commenting on the scheme our Acting District<br />
Manager, Owen McDonnell said, “With the impact<br />
of the economic recession and downturn in capital<br />
receipts the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> has had to scale<br />
back many of its work programmes this year, so<br />
I am pleased that we were able to commit this<br />
significant level of investment.<br />
“Planned maintenance is designed to take care<br />
of the external elements of tenants’ homes,<br />
including repairing or replacing windows and<br />
repainting. This has given a real facelift to the<br />
entire area as well as benefiting individual<br />
homes. Bann Ltd worked closely with the <strong>Housing</strong><br />
<strong>Executive</strong> and local residents to ensure that<br />
work ran smoothly and was completed to a high<br />
standard.”<br />
The work was completed as part of our External<br />
Cyclical Maintenance Programme which ensures<br />
that the external fabric of homes is upgraded on a<br />
regular basis so that they continue to meet modern<br />
day standards. This brought our investment<br />
through planned maintenance and improvements<br />
in the <strong>Armagh</strong> area to almost £1.25 million this<br />
year.<br />
ECM work at Mossfield, Glenanne<br />
A new kitchen fitted in an <strong>Armagh</strong> home<br />
4
<strong>Armagh</strong><br />
Wasteland grows into community garden<br />
Residents of the Drumarg area of <strong>Armagh</strong> will now be<br />
able to avail of fresh organic vegetables following the<br />
transformation of a derelict piece of land into a community<br />
garden.<br />
The garden was offcially opened by Social Development<br />
Minister Nelson McCausland on July 4. The Minister stressed<br />
that as well as helping nourish the community the vegetable<br />
garden will also generate an income which can be used to<br />
finance future projects.<br />
Mr McCausland commented:<br />
“Thanks to the vision of the Drumarg Community<br />
Association we now have a project that not only enhances<br />
the environment but also provides a nourishing source of<br />
food for local residents.”<br />
The Drumarg Community vegetable garden<br />
Stephen McCleary, Chairperson of Drumarg Community Association commented:<br />
“We developed the vegetable garden on a derelict piece of ground in the estate that had been used as a<br />
dumping area and had become unsightly. Through partnership working with the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> and DSD<br />
we built raised beds and planted nearly every vegetable you could think of eating.”<br />
The Community Association signed a Licence Agreement with the District Offce and Habinteg <strong>Housing</strong><br />
Association to develop the site. Groundwork NI planned the layout of the site and Southern Regional College<br />
provided apprentice brick layers through the Prince’s Trust to build the raised beds.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> help for families & the over 25s<br />
Homecare Floating Support is a free short-term service available to people who are having diffculties managing<br />
their home and staying independent in the community. The service is provided in partnership by the <strong>Housing</strong><br />
<strong>Executive</strong> and Homecare Independent Living and is available to over 25s and families living in any type of<br />
accommodation (including homeowners) within the <strong>Armagh</strong> area.<br />
The service offers:<br />
• support that is person-centered with individuality<br />
respected and supported;<br />
• a confidential ear to listen;<br />
• a designated project worker to work with the resident<br />
one to one;<br />
• a non-judgemental approach;<br />
• regular home visits;<br />
• participation in needs assessment and support planning;<br />
• assistance for the resident in reaching their goals;<br />
• help in times of need;<br />
• a fair and effcient service.<br />
If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness or feel you need<br />
support or assistance with housing related issues, please<br />
call 03448 920 900 and ask to be put through to our local<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> district offce or call in, in person. Just<br />
simply ask to be referred to Homecare Floating Support<br />
Service.<br />
Mairead Mackle, Homecare & the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong>’s Aengus<br />
Hannaway at the launch of the service in <strong>Armagh</strong><br />
5
<strong>Housing</strong><br />
NEWS <strong>2011</strong><br />
Neighbourhood renewal<br />
The <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> and Department for Social<br />
Development have worked in partnership with the local<br />
community to deliver a range of projects through <strong>Armagh</strong><br />
Neighbourhood Renewal.<br />
Over the past year the partnership delivered a complete<br />
‘alley-gating’ project the first of its kind outside Belfast, to<br />
the residents of Callanbridge Park, <strong>Armagh</strong>. The scheme<br />
involved the installation of wrought iron gates with a door<br />
entry system. The project aims to reduce the levels of antisocial<br />
behaviour, rubbish dumping and help to regenerate<br />
the area. Two much needed car parking improvement<br />
schemes were also completed at Druids Villas and Drumarg<br />
Park.<br />
Callanbridge alley-gating<br />
Druids Villas, an estate of 30 houses had no parking available<br />
to the front or rear of the dwellings. The narrow access road<br />
could only accommodate a maximum of 20 parked cars.<br />
Access for large service vehicles also proved problematic.<br />
The solution involved realignment of the existing road,<br />
provision of an additional 20 car parking spaces and an<br />
improved turning head.<br />
In Drumarg Park inadequate parking resulted in blocked<br />
sight lines and congestion due to lack of designated spaces.<br />
Following completion of the project an additional 12 car<br />
parking spaces were provided.<br />
At Mullacreevie Park fencing was provided to improve the<br />
appearance of the area and address anti-social behaviour.<br />
Druids Villas - additional parking<br />
Rent arrears – everyone pays<br />
In the period from March 2010 to March <strong>2011</strong> the total amount of<br />
rent and rates owed by tenants in <strong>Armagh</strong> decreased from £157,000<br />
to £135,000 . However, the impact of this level of arrears can not be<br />
underestimated.<br />
It’s easy to think that tenants who can, but choose not to pay their<br />
rent, affect only themselves as they could ultimately be evicted from<br />
their home for non payment. However this isn’t the end of the story as that lost money could be used to fund<br />
planned maintenance schemes to replace out of date windows, kitchens and heating systems. So you can see<br />
that rent arrears really do affect everyone!<br />
We would like to remind all our tenants in <strong>Armagh</strong> of their responsibility to maintain regular payments and<br />
would ask anyone struggling to meet their rental charge to contact the Customer Service Unit as soon as<br />
possible.<br />
Staff there have been trained to give money advice and will ensure that you are in receipt of any benefits<br />
that you are entitled to. They can also provide with you a realistic prevention or repayment plan and can be<br />
contacted in person at Marlborough House, Central Way, Craigavon or by telephone on 03448 920 900.<br />
Or if you prefer they will be able to put you in touch with other agencies who provide specialist money advice.<br />
Margaret Donnelly<br />
South Area Accounts & Customer Services Unit Manager<br />
6
This page provides information on some of the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong>’s key<br />
activities over the past year in <strong>Armagh</strong> and across <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>.<br />
More extensive and detailed information is available on our website or<br />
by writing to the District Manager.<br />
HOUSING STOCK<br />
Across <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong><br />
manages 90,188 homes and 1,950 of these are<br />
in the <strong>Armagh</strong> District.<br />
ALLOCATING HOMES<br />
During the past year we allocated 5,364 homes<br />
in <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> and of this total, 207 were<br />
in the <strong>Armagh</strong> District.<br />
HOMELESSNESS<br />
Last year following investigation, 10,433 applicants<br />
were accepted as being statutorily homeless in<br />
<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>, 122 of them were from the <strong>Armagh</strong><br />
District.<br />
HOUSE SALES<br />
Last year a total of 274 tenants bought their homes<br />
from the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong>. See back page for<br />
information on buying your home.<br />
WAITING LIST<br />
In <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> there are 39,891 applicants<br />
on the waiting list for a home. In the <strong>Armagh</strong> District<br />
there are 802 applicants.<br />
COMPLAINTS<br />
Last year, in <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> 366 first stage cases were<br />
investigated by Area Managers and 99 second or final<br />
stage cases were investigated by the Chief <strong>Executive</strong>.<br />
39 new cases were taken by complainants to the<br />
Ombudsman, where 5 were upheld.<br />
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR<br />
Last year the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> received 4,667<br />
reports of anti social behaviour and 120 of these<br />
cases were in the <strong>Armagh</strong> District. Over 30% of these<br />
related to problems with noise. In resolving such<br />
cases, the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> employs a number of<br />
remedies ranging from early interventions such as use<br />
of warning letters and mediation. In serious cases<br />
we may use our statutory powers to seek injunctions<br />
or carry out eviction.<br />
HOUSING BENEFIT FRAUD<br />
During the past year the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong><br />
paid out a total of £573.3m in <strong>Housing</strong> Benefit<br />
in <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>. Tackling benefit fraud<br />
is high on our agenda and last year we<br />
referred 276 cases to the Benefit<br />
Investigation Service.<br />
RENT ARREARS<br />
At the end of last year the total amount owed in<br />
arrears by all our current tenants in <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong><br />
was £12.6m which is a fall from the previous year.<br />
REPAIRS<br />
Repairs are the most common reason for tenants to<br />
contact us. Last year we completed 410,018 repairs in<br />
<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> of which 10,890 were in the <strong>Armagh</strong><br />
District.<br />
We put repair requests into three groups according<br />
to urgency:<br />
• Emergency repairs, such as a burst water pipe,<br />
should be completed within one day.<br />
• Urgent repairs, such as loose or missing roof<br />
tiles, should be completed within four working<br />
days.<br />
• Routine repairs, such as leaking gutters,<br />
should be completed within four weeks.<br />
7
The 1970s …<br />
The 1980s …<br />
The 1990s …<br />
The 2000s …
To celeb<br />
rate the 40th Anniversary of the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong><br />
Housin<br />
g <strong>News</strong> looks<br />
through the photographic archives …<br />
Take a l<br />
ook at how things have changed over the past 40 years!
<strong>Housing</strong><br />
NEWS <strong>2011</strong><br />
BOGUS CALLERS !!<br />
DOOR CHAIN<br />
if you have one, use it<br />
Are you aware of any properties left empty by the tenant?<br />
IDENTITY CARD<br />
a forgotten card is no excuse<br />
Or where the tenant has moved out and rented a dwelling to<br />
other people without the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong>’s permission?<br />
POLICE<br />
call them if you are suspicious<br />
r<br />
Reports of bogus callers tricking their way into<br />
people’s homes are a regular occurrence.<br />
Often the problem arises because people are very<br />
trusting and are willing to accept strangers into<br />
their homes. It is very important to be wary.<br />
Always ask for identification<br />
This could be stopping you or someone you know<br />
from getting a home.<br />
It could also be evidence that benefit fraud<br />
is being committed.<br />
It is in everyone’s interest to stop this happening.<br />
If y ou k n o w of an y address where this has taken place<br />
please contac t an y <strong>Housing</strong> Ex ec utive offce or t elephone .<br />
FRA UD HO TLINE 0800 854 440<br />
Find out what benefits, pensions or<br />
credits you may be entitled to with the<br />
new Benefits Adviser Service.<br />
Go online and get an estimate anytime, with<br />
complete anonymity, in the comfort of your own<br />
home.<br />
www.nidirect.gov.uk/benefits-adviser<br />
The Benefits Adviser Service caters for people of all ages - including those<br />
with disabilities and those with caring responsibilities - allowing them to<br />
calculate the benefits, pensions or credits to which they may be entitled<br />
with complete anonymity.<br />
You may not realise that you could get extra, even if you are working or<br />
have savings.<br />
The service is free of charge to any individual citizen and/or voluntary<br />
group with internet access. Feedback will be captured to measure the use<br />
of the service and to influence potential future improvements.<br />
Are you moving into employment and need more information on what<br />
additional help and credits may be available? The ‘What If?’ calculator<br />
will be able to advise you on how a change of circumstance will affect<br />
your benefit entitlement and allow you to compare ‘before’ and ‘after’<br />
scenarios.<br />
The Benefits Adviser Service also caters for those without internet access.<br />
Advice and support groups, as well as friends and relatives of those<br />
seeking benefits will now be able to utilise the online service on the<br />
person’s behalf with complete anonymity.<br />
Be sure not to lose out, log on to<br />
the Benefits Adviser Service<br />
now! You might be losing<br />
out on money you<br />
are entitled to!<br />
10
<strong>Armagh</strong><br />
Have you insured your house contents?<br />
A house fire, a burst pipe, a burglary,<br />
flooding……..Some of the reasons why you<br />
need to have your possessions insured.<br />
Last winter there were thousands of burst pipes when<br />
temperatures dropped, and unfortunately this led to<br />
many homes having water damage. The vast majority of<br />
our tenants had no insurance cover and subsequently<br />
had to try to replace all the damaged goods themselves.<br />
If you had no house contents insurance and had to<br />
replace all the contents of your home at your own<br />
expense, could you afford to do it? Most of us could not.<br />
Yet for around £1.60 each week, you can be protected.<br />
The <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> maintains your property, but is<br />
NOT responsible for the contents of your home.<br />
Further information on obtaining home insurance is available from your local district offce or just call into a local<br />
insurance broker. Make sure you get several quotes before making a decision. Many will arrange for you to pay weekly or<br />
monthly.<br />
Get your house contents insured without delay.<br />
Many lives have been<br />
saved because of the<br />
use of smoke alarms.<br />
Smoke alarms can either<br />
be battery-operated or<br />
“hard-wired” through the<br />
mains electricity supply.<br />
The following advice<br />
on smoke alarms is very<br />
important regarding<br />
safety in your home:<br />
Do…<br />
IS YOUR SMOKE ALARM WORKING ??<br />
always keep your<br />
smoke alarm turned<br />
on at your meterer<br />
box<br />
Do…<br />
buy a battery alarm<br />
if you haven’t been<br />
provided with a hard<br />
wired alarm, they<br />
only cost a couple of<br />
pounds<br />
TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARM<br />
EVERY WEEK<br />
Do…<br />
test your smoke<br />
alarm weekly<br />
(it is also a good idea<br />
to keep the grill free<br />
from dust so that it<br />
works properly)<br />
Remember that smoke kills more often than the fire itself,<br />
but a smoke alarm can save your life and the lives of your loved ones.<br />
If you have elderly relatives test their smoke alarms for them as often as you can.<br />
11
<strong>Housing</strong><br />
NEWS <strong>2011</strong><br />
Keeping a Pet<br />
Pets can be a source of companionship particularly for older people who live alone.<br />
Many people see their pets as an extension of their family and treat them as such.<br />
For children pet ownership can encourage responsibility. For older people pets can<br />
reduce the feelings of loneliness.<br />
However pets require considerable attention and owners need to be aware of their<br />
responsibilities towards other tenants who may not share their love of animals. The<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> encourages responsible pet ownership and before acquiring one,<br />
tenants should be aware of the conditions set down in their Tenancy Agreement which everyone signs at the<br />
commencement of their tenancy and which is legally enforceable.<br />
If your home is a flat or maisonette the tenancy conditions require tenants not to keep one or more domestic<br />
pets without the consent in writing of their District Manager.<br />
These tenancy conditions are there, not to restrict tenants’ enjoyment of pets, but to ensure that all tenants<br />
can have the quiet enjoyment of their homes. Unfortunately, where responsible pet ownership is not evident<br />
the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> will have no option but to take appropriate action.<br />
If you would like to discuss any matter relating to pet ownership please contact your local district offce.<br />
Keeping Your Garden Tidy<br />
Tidy Garden<br />
A clean and tidy garden can make your home look better<br />
and be an added space for you to enjoy. Well maintained<br />
gardens can also improve the appearance of your<br />
neighbourhood and discourage graffti and vandalism.<br />
Untidy and overgrown gardens will have the opposite<br />
effect. You don’t have to be an Alan Titmarsh, just keep your<br />
grass cut and free of litter and you will be surprised at the<br />
difference.<br />
It is worth remembering that a condition of every tenancy<br />
agreement, is that all tenants, irrespective of their circumstances,<br />
maintain their dwelling, including the garden, in a clean and tidy<br />
condition. Poorly maintained gardens can blight neighbouring<br />
properties and can easily become a health hazard. That is why the<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> will take effective action if necessary.<br />
Some district offces run a ‘Best Kept Garden Competitions’ to<br />
encourage and reward households for looking after their gardens<br />
and add to the attractiveness of their neighbourhoods. Furthermore<br />
community groups can enter the ‘Supervalu Best Kept <strong>Housing</strong> Area<br />
Awards’ which is organised by the NI Amenity Council. The <strong>Housing</strong><br />
<strong>Executive</strong> encourages all tenants and community associations to<br />
enter these competitions to make your neighbourhood one of the<br />
best in the province.<br />
If you would like more information on how to enter these<br />
competitions please contact your local district offce.<br />
Untidy Garden<br />
Older People’s<br />
Advocate<br />
The aim of this offce is to provide a<br />
focus for individual older people and<br />
representative groups to highlight<br />
issues that are of concern.<br />
Dame Joan Harbison<br />
Equality House,<br />
6th Floor,<br />
7-9 Shaftesbury Square,<br />
Belfast BT2 7DP.<br />
Tel: 02890 890 892<br />
Email:<br />
Info@olderpeoplesadvocateni.org<br />
Website:<br />
www.olderpeoplesadvocateni.org<br />
12
<strong>Armagh</strong><br />
Beating Anti-Social Behaviour<br />
Everyone is entitled to peace and quiet in their home and<br />
surroundings. If left unchecked, anti-social behaviour can wreck<br />
communities.<br />
Help us to help you. Report all incidents of anti-social behaviour and<br />
we will respond promptly and effectively. The <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong><br />
will not tolerate anti-social behaviour in any form but it can only be<br />
tackled by everyone pulling together. We need your support.<br />
How can I report anti-social<br />
behaviour?<br />
Anti-social behaviour can range<br />
from neighbour nuisance and<br />
noise to harassment, racism<br />
and intimidation. If you have<br />
experienced or witnessed such<br />
a problem, you should report it<br />
immediately to your local <strong>Housing</strong><br />
<strong>Executive</strong> offce. A complaint can<br />
be made by telephone, in writing<br />
or in person. If you are nervous<br />
about making the report, you can<br />
arrange for a public representative,<br />
a police offcer, a social worker,<br />
neighbour or friend to make the<br />
report. We will ensure that your<br />
identity remains anonymous. You<br />
can also bring someone along<br />
for support to a location of your<br />
choosing.<br />
Investigating the report<br />
We will agree a plan of action with<br />
you which will set out how we will<br />
take action to resolve the problem.<br />
We will interview everyone<br />
necessary and if appropriate,<br />
get a police report. We will then,<br />
with your input, agree the most<br />
appropriate approach to your<br />
specific problem.<br />
What is the most appropriate<br />
Form of action?<br />
The <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> received<br />
4,667 reports of anti-social<br />
behaviour last year, with some<br />
87% of these regarded as being<br />
minor problems. Noisy neighbours<br />
continues to be the biggest<br />
problem with 1,405 complaints.<br />
The majority of cases can be<br />
resolved using one or more of the<br />
following remedies:<br />
• Issue a warning letter<br />
• Mediation<br />
• Joint approach with other<br />
agencies<br />
• Agree an Acceptable Behaviour<br />
Contract<br />
• Secure an Injunction<br />
• Legal action to secure an<br />
eviction<br />
Don’t suffer in silence<br />
If you are a <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong><br />
tenant and you have a specific<br />
complaint about someone causing<br />
a nuisance, please contact us now.<br />
Follow the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> on<br />
Crimestoppers<br />
- Make your<br />
community safer<br />
Crimestoppers began in 1976 and<br />
now operates worldwide.<br />
The scheme gives people a means<br />
to pass information about crimes<br />
to the police without becoming<br />
involved.<br />
Many criminals would not have<br />
come to the notice of police, had it<br />
not been for the Crimestoppers call.<br />
Some people are uncomfortable<br />
about talking openly to the<br />
police for fear of retribution.<br />
Crimestoppers gives everyone<br />
the opportunity to do something<br />
positive about crime in their area,<br />
without the fear of consequences.<br />
Crimestoppers is a registered<br />
charity. It is not a department of the<br />
police or a government<br />
agency.<br />
Help us Stop Theft<br />
There is a growing problem with<br />
the theft of metal such as copper<br />
and lead and we work closely with<br />
the PSNI to address this problem.<br />
We have had lead stolen from roofs<br />
of bungalows, burners taken from<br />
outside stores as well as copper<br />
tanks removed.<br />
We would ask all our tenants to<br />
watch out for suspicious behaviour,<br />
especially where a home may be<br />
empty, and report it immediately to<br />
the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong>, PSNI or to<br />
the Crimestoppers Phone Line.<br />
We have asked community groups<br />
to be vigilant, but everyone can<br />
help. This type of activity uses up<br />
scarce financial resources which<br />
could be used to improve homes.<br />
13
<strong>Housing</strong><br />
NEWS <strong>2011</strong><br />
<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> Water <br />
(NIW) asks families to<br />
help prevent sewerage <br />
problems<br />
The majority of blockages<br />
are caused by inappropriate<br />
materials being flushed into the<br />
sewerage system. Sewers were<br />
never designed to deal with<br />
anything other than toilet paper.<br />
Other materials can stick to the<br />
inner wall of the sewer or snag on<br />
joints until a blockage is caused<br />
and the sewer floods.<br />
Fats, oils and grease are also<br />
major problems and should be<br />
disposed of into an old container<br />
and then into the bin. If poured<br />
down the drains the fat solidifies<br />
and leads to major problems.<br />
The sewers serve many <br />
properties and by avoiding <br />
flushing these items you will <br />
minimise the possibility of a <br />
blockage or flooding, not only <br />
at your home, but also at your <br />
neighbours. <br />
Examples of items that should<br />
not be flushed are: sanitary<br />
towels, cotton-buds, baby<br />
wipes and make-up wipes.<br />
Even disposable nappies and<br />
underwear are often flushed and<br />
quickly cause blockages. NIW and<br />
the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> ask you to<br />
“Bag it and Bin it” when dealing<br />
with waste such as this.<br />
Minor<br />
adaptations<br />
14<br />
Putting Good Relations at the<br />
Heart of <strong>Housing</strong><br />
The <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> has become the first public sector agency<br />
in <strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> to integrate ‘Good Relations’ into its policies<br />
and procedures through a unique new partnership with the Rural<br />
Development Council and Tides Training. The <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong>’s new<br />
Chief <strong>Executive</strong> John McPeake outlines ‘BRIC’ (Building Relations in<br />
Communities) and what it entails.<br />
Why did the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong><br />
feel the need to undertake such a<br />
programme?<br />
“The <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> has a<br />
statutory duty to ‘promote good<br />
relations between persons of<br />
different religious belief, political<br />
opinion or racial group and the<br />
promotion of good relations is<br />
a key objective. The Community<br />
Cohesion Unit co-ordinates delivery<br />
of this via our Good Relations<br />
Strategy. The reality is that housing<br />
continues to be deeply divided, with<br />
90% of <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> estates<br />
predominantly single identity.<br />
Despite this, the overwhelming<br />
majority say they would like to live in<br />
mixed communities.”<br />
How does the <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong><br />
currently contribute to enhanced<br />
community cohesion?<br />
“Our Good Relations Strategy<br />
aims to contribute to safer, more<br />
stable neighbourhoods and to<br />
promote a more inclusive society<br />
but recognises that trust and safety<br />
will dictate the pace of change.<br />
It has been encouraging to see<br />
the enthusiasm for good relations<br />
programmes. We will support<br />
communities who wish to make their<br />
communities safe and welcoming<br />
by;<br />
• Facilitating and encouraging<br />
shared housing schemes<br />
• Contributing to good race<br />
relations<br />
• Supporting local communities to<br />
focus on acceptable expressions<br />
of cultural identity<br />
• Bringing communities together<br />
to improve interface areas<br />
through environmental initiatives<br />
and regeneration programmes<br />
• Creating the environment to<br />
allow timely and appropriate<br />
interventions for areas at risk of<br />
conflict.”<br />
How will the new BRIC programme<br />
impact on local communities?<br />
“I believe that this project will put<br />
good relations at the heart of our<br />
policies and service delivery. Good<br />
Relations and conflict management<br />
training is being delivered to over<br />
700 housing staff and ‘BRIC’ will<br />
be rolled out across 80 estates to<br />
support communities in developing<br />
good community relations. I believe<br />
this project will provide a lasting<br />
legacy.”<br />
As a <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> tenant you can apply to have a number of minor adaptations<br />
carried out in your home which do not require referral to an occupational therapist.<br />
These minor adaptations can make a big difference. Some examples are;<br />
• External work, such as handrails, outdoor lighting and paved areas for wheelchairs.<br />
• Internal work, such as a handrail to stairs and additional electric sockets.<br />
• Kitchen and bathroom work, such as lowering of cupboards, controls and switches.<br />
How do you go about this?<br />
Contact your local district offce.<br />
Ask to speak to the minor adaptations link person and explain what type of adaptation<br />
you require. If you are eligible your request will be assessed.<br />
Assessment by a maintenance offcer.<br />
A maintenance offcer may visit your home to see if the work can be done before<br />
delegating the work to a contractor.
<strong>Armagh</strong><br />
Prepare for Winter<br />
Help prevent your pipes<br />
from freezing<br />
• Set the central heating to come<br />
on for short periods throughout<br />
the day.<br />
• If you feel you are able to, lift the<br />
trap door slightly from the roof<br />
space to allow warm air to get<br />
into the loft.<br />
• Open the doors to the sink unit<br />
to allow warmer air to circulate<br />
round the pipes.<br />
• If you are away, ask someone to<br />
turn the heating on for a short<br />
time and check for frozen pipes.<br />
Dealing with frozen<br />
pipes<br />
• Turn the water supply off at the<br />
stopcock.<br />
• Protect everything around the<br />
pipe that appears to be frozen to<br />
avoid damage if it bursts.<br />
• Open the tap nearest to the part<br />
of the pipe you think is frozen so<br />
the water can flow through when<br />
it has thawed.<br />
• Thaw the ice in the pipe with<br />
a hot water bottle or hairdryer<br />
(taking care to keep it well away<br />
from any water), beginning from<br />
the tap end and working back<br />
towards the cold water tank.<br />
• Never use a heat gun or blow<br />
torch.<br />
Find your stopcock<br />
The stopcock is used for turning<br />
off and on the cold water system<br />
in your home. When you turn the<br />
stopcock in a clockwise direction<br />
the water supply will be shut off.<br />
Stopcocks are usually found in your<br />
kitchen, below the sink unit.<br />
However in some houses the<br />
stopcock is found in a front or back<br />
hall or in a larder unit. It is important<br />
that you know where the stopcock<br />
is and that it is working.<br />
What should I do if I<br />
have no water?<br />
If your water supply fails, the<br />
problem may be a burst pipe in your<br />
home or there may be a leak in the<br />
mains system outside your home.<br />
If there is cold water at the cold<br />
tap in the kitchen then the mains<br />
supply is working.<br />
If you think it is a mains supply<br />
problem, call NI Water on<br />
08457 440 088 or<br />
email: waterline@niwater.com<br />
If you have a burst pipe<br />
• Turn off the water by turning the<br />
stopcock clockwise.<br />
• Turn on all the cold taps.<br />
• Block the escaping water with<br />
thick cloths like towels.<br />
• If the water has come into<br />
contact with electrical fittings<br />
the electricity should be turned<br />
off at the mains.<br />
• Turn off your gas or oil heating<br />
systems.<br />
• If you have a solid fuel<br />
roomheater or an open fire, let it<br />
go out.<br />
• Ring us ……03448 920 901<br />
for further advice or<br />
report your repair online at<br />
www.nihe.gov.uk<br />
or email our out of hours<br />
emergency services<br />
emergency.services@nihe.gov.uk<br />
Help your neighbour<br />
The cold weather can be a diffcult<br />
time for people who are vulnerable.<br />
If you know someone who is elderly,<br />
has a disability, or is housebound,<br />
check on them and make sure they<br />
are okay. During extreme weather<br />
conditions many older people will<br />
not be able to get out and a visit<br />
may be appreciated.<br />
15
<strong>Housing</strong><br />
NEWS <strong>2011</strong><br />
Useful Telephone Numbers<br />
<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong><br />
Main Number .................................................. 03448 920 900<br />
Repairs 24 hours ............................................. 03448 920 901<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> Benefit ............................................. 03448 920 902<br />
Emergency Homeless Service .................... 028 3833 4444<br />
Grants Offce/Area Offce............................. 03448 920 900<br />
Water Service<br />
Faults/Emergency Service ........................... 08457 440088<br />
Craigavon Area Hospital .............................. 082 3833 4444<br />
Childline ............................................................. 0800 1111<br />
<strong>Armagh</strong> Police Station .................................. 0845 600 8000<br />
Citizens Advice Bureau ................................. 028 3752 4041<br />
<strong>Armagh</strong> City & District Council .................. 028 3752 9600<br />
<strong>Northern</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong> Electricity<br />
Emergency Service ........................................ 08457 643643<br />
Rates Collection Agency .............................. 028 9025 2525<br />
Women’s Aid 24 Hour Helpline .................. 028 9033 1818<br />
Translink ............................................................. 028 3752 2266<br />
Consumer Council .......................................... 0845 601 6022<br />
You Can Still Buy Your Home<br />
For <strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> tenants with more than 5 years tenancy, now may be the time to buy your home.<br />
<strong>Housing</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> property values have decreased on average by 47% over the past three years to just below<br />
£60,000. Maximum discount remains at £24,000. There are various companies who will offer to manage this<br />
process for you. They are totally unnecessary and will only add significantly to your costs. Contact your District<br />
Offce for advice and further details.<br />
Português<br />
Lietuvių<br />
Pусский<br />
Polski<br />
16