JOB OF THE WEEK: HOUSING OFFICERS
14 January 2008

Leave your preconceptions at the door. Sovereign Housing Association Ltd is charitable and part of the Sovereign Housing Group. At Sovereign, we believe passionately that people matter. The people who live in our 15,000 homes throughout the South deserve to live in thriving communities. The people who work with us deserve to develop their careers - and their ideas - in an innovative, growing Group. We make sure we’re constantly developing so that everyone gets the future they’d hoped for. Housing Officer x 4 Exeter • 37 hours per week Package up to £27,835 Plymouth • 18.5 hours per week Package up to £13,916 Bristol • 18.5 hours per week Package up to £13,916 Plymouth • 37 hours per week Package up to £27,835 • (Maternity cover – 6 months) Join our busy team of Housing Officers, and you'll find yourself in a hugely varied and rewarding career. We'll give you a defined patch of properties to manage in your area. Once assigned, it'll be your responsibility to provide a full range of housing services. Whether you're providing advice, carrying out estate inspections, dealing with nuisance behaviour, or showing new residents round their homes, your efforts will be making a positive difference to the local community. To succeed, you'll have some experience in housing management, lettings or similar. A strong problem solver and negotiator, you'll also need to be computer literate and able to travel round the region. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are returning to work. In return for your dedication and hard work, we offer 25-30 days’ holiday, a pension scheme, life assurance and private health cover. We also offer a range of flexible working options and show our commitment to your future development. To apply, call 01635 572100 (answerphone), e-mail recruit@sovereign.org.uk or visit our website www.sovereign.org.uk Closing date: Monday, 28 January 2008. Interviews: 5, 7 & 8 February 2008. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be invited to interview.

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INSPECTORS RECOMMEND 28,000 MORE HOMES FOR SOUTH WEST
14 January 2008

Planning inspectors have recommended an increase of a fifth in the number of homes planned for South West England to 2026. The independent panel examining the South West Regional Spatial Strategy recommended that 28,000 homes are built each year in the region. Mike Bawden This compares with a recommendation of 23,060 made by the regional assembly in its draft RSS. The panel report also recommended that at least 35 per cent of these new homes should be affordable, which equates to around 10,000 affordable homes per year. The inspectors' report said: "The draft RSS should be predicated on the number of dwellings implied by the DCLG 2003 household projections and be based on provision for at least 28,000 dwellings per annum." Mike Bawden, chair of the South West Regional Assembly’s planning group, said: “The Panel have done a thorough technical review and I am pleased they have taken on board the core theme of our draft plan. "Their conclusions about housing numbers add to the debate in the region about growth and how best to accommodate it, but as ever, the devil is in the detail. "The key thing is that any level of growth proposed is sustainable and is accompanied by strategic investment in infrastructure from government, something my local authority colleagues will also be looking for." The panel report also called for the transport aspects of the RSS to be drawn together into a regional transport strategy. The Draft South West RSS Examination in Public Panel Report is available from the South West Regional Assembly.

CARRICK: MP WELCOMES AFFORDABLE HOMES PLAN
14 January 2008

Local MP Matthew Taylor has congratulated Carrick District Council on the official approval given to their affordable housing strategy by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate. Matthew Taylor The Local Planning Authority’s Development Plan Document Balancing Housing Markets is the first such strategy in the county to be found “sound” by the Government. The decision strengthens the Council’s ability to implement affordable housing policies that they have been seeking to apply for several years, largely by enhancing their negotiating position with private developers to ensure that new developments play a part in solving Cornwall’s affordable housing crisis. Development sites in Falmouth and Penryn will include 40 per cent affordable housing and 35 per cent in Truro. In rural areas a “one for one” approach means any site of two or more dwellings should help provide affordable homes. Mr Taylor, who has been asked by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown to investigate changes that can be made to the planning system to facilitate greater provision of affordable housing in rural areas and to boost rural economies, has expressed his support for Carrick’s policies, saying that local councils should take a leading role in the proportions of affordable homes being built in new developments. He said: “From my research so far it is clear that many local authorities do not have the leverage or support they need when negotiating with developers over what percentage of new homes should be affordable. “Clear local policy documents with the Planning Inspectorate’s stamp of approval strengthen their position, and strong and well-defined local policies make providing these houses a much clearer and more straightforward process for everyone involved.” Carrick’s Development Plan will also enable the local authority to seek higher levels of affordable housing on sites sold by the public sector of up to 50 per cent. Mr Taylor added: “It is precisely this type of innovation and creative thinking that will be necessary to deliver the homes we need. It is encouraging to see these policies being brought in Carrick – the least affordable rural district in the country.”

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NEW MANAGEMENT AT SHELTERED SCHEMES A SUCCESS
14 January 2008

Some 18 months after the restructuring of its warden service at the Association’s two sheltered housing developments, Mid-Wales Housing has published the results of a customer satisfaction survey of all its sheltered housing tenants. The two housing complexes, at Bodlondeb in Llanidloes and William Ainge Court, Welshpool, provide accommodation for up to 49 people. The overall response from tenants has been welcoming with a general consensus that the new arrangements have been a great success. In 2006 the Newtown-based Association transferred the day-to-day management and provision of warden services of both schemes to Powys County Council, with support tailored to the individual’s needs. Janet George, director of housing management services at Mid-Wales Housing, said: “The vast majority of tenants are happy with the service they have received under the new management structure. “In addition they are pleased with the quality of service and information they still receive from the Association. Regular visits from housing coordinators and other Association staff give tenants an opportunity to discuss anything that is of concern to them. “When asked if they are more satisfied or less satisfied with the service provided since the changes have been put in place, the vast majority of respondents believe the service is as good as or better than they had been receiving prior to the reorganisation,” said Mrs George. “Some residents at William Ainge Court would prefer a return to a warden living on site but where residents have reported individual concerns about the service we have done our best to address these and resolve any problems with the minimum of bother.”

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GLOS CITY HOMES ISSUES GUIDANCE TO RESIDENTS
14 January 2008

Following the tragic death of a baby in Somerset who died from being scalded by water from a hot water tank which had a faulty thermostat, Gloucester City Homes has urged its customers to watch out for the warning signs with their water system to help prevent any further tragedies. The guidance, based on Health and Safety Executive alerts, has warned that particular consideration should be given to hot water systems over 10 years old and systems where there may be any other reason to suspect the adequacy of the initial installation or any subsequent work. The warning signs people in any home should look out for include: Excessively hot water coming out of the hot water taps Excessive noise or ‘bubbling’ from the hot water cylinder Hot water coming out of certain cold water taps (some storage cisterns also feed cold water taps in the bathroom) Steam/moisture in the roof space. John Mann, director of asset management and regeneration, said: “Gloucester City Homes treats its role of protecting customers extremely seriously and will do everything within its power to prevent any further tragic losses of life through faulty thermostats. “Our customers should be aware and alert to the warning signs that appear when a thermostat becomes faulty, particularly if their system is more than ten years old. If they have a concern they should contact us for advice and to ensure that any fault is fixed as quickly as possible.” Gloucester City Homes will check whenever a customer phones to report a problem with an immersion heater, whether any of the warning signs are present. Where faults are reported on immersion heaters and any repairs or renewals of immersion heaters are carried out, Gloucester City Homes will ensure that the immersion heaters have a safety cut out feature, and check to ensure that, if there is a plastic water tank or cistern located within the loft it has an adequate supporting base. The landlord is also including these checks in the work it is carrying out in customers’ homes as part of the Decent Homes improvement programme and on any homes that become empty, to ensure that the correct safety features are installed.

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WEST WILTS HOUSING EVICTS TENANT
14 January 2008

West Wiltshire Housing Society has evicted a family from Bradford-On-Avon after just 11 months for causing regular noise disturbances, anti-social behaviour to their neighbours, dumping rubbish in their garden, and neglecting and causing damage to the property. West Wiltshire Housing Society operations director, Paul Moore said: “This is West Wilshire Housing Society’s first eviction using starter tenancies introduced last year. This is like a year-long probationary period, when it is easier to take action and evict someone if they do not keep to the terms of their tenancy. “We are committed to taking firm action in partnership with the local community and the police against the small minority of people who are anti social. Eviction is always a last resort for us and we work with our tenants to help them keep their homes and their agreements with us. “However as we have shown in this case, we are not afraid to act to protect the community. This is part of our commitment to creating neighbourhoods that everyone feels safe, comfortable and happy to live in.” Miss Osborne and her family moved into their Priory Close home in February 2007 and were evicted on 10 January 2008. Miss Osborne will be charged the cost of repairing the damage to the property. This eviction of the Osborne family builds on the work that West Wiltshire Housing Society is doing as part of the Government’s Respect standard to tackle anti social behaviour and our commitment to the National Housing Federation’s iN business for neighbourhoods.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: HOUSING OFFICERS
15 January 2008

Leave your preconceptions at the door. Sovereign Housing Association Ltd is charitable and part of the Sovereign Housing Group. At Sovereign, we believe passionately that people matter. The people who live in our 15,000 homes throughout the South deserve to live in thriving communities. The people who work with us deserve to develop their careers - and their ideas - in an innovative, growing Group. We make sure we’re constantly developing so that everyone gets the future they’d hoped for. Housing Officer x 4 Exeter • 37 hours per week Package up to £27,835 Plymouth • 18.5 hours per week Package up to £13,916 Bristol • 18.5 hours per week Package up to £13,916 Plymouth • 37 hours per week Package up to £27,835 • (Maternity cover – 6 months) Join our busy team of Housing Officers, and you'll find yourself in a hugely varied and rewarding career. We'll give you a defined patch of properties to manage in your area. Once assigned, it'll be your responsibility to provide a full range of housing services. Whether you're providing advice, carrying out estate inspections, dealing with nuisance behaviour, or showing new residents round their homes, your efforts will be making a positive difference to the local community. To succeed, you'll have some experience in housing management, lettings or similar. A strong problem solver and negotiator, you'll also need to be computer literate and able to travel round the region. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are returning to work. In return for your dedication and hard work, we offer 25-30 days’ holiday, a pension scheme, life assurance and private health cover. We also offer a range of flexible working options and show our commitment to your future development. To apply, call 01635 572100 (answerphone), e-mail recruit@sovereign.org.uk or visit our website www.sovereign.org.uk Closing date: Monday, 28 January 2008. Interviews: 5, 7 & 8 February 2008. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be invited to interview.

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NEW YEAR: NEW JOB: RELOCATE TO SCOTLAND?
15 January 2008

It’s a New Year and time for a fresh start. Have you ever thought about relocating to Scotland where house prices are lower and (according to our Scottish editor) the air is fresher? Our Scottish edition is currently advertising TWENTY-NINE jobs from the Highland capital of Inverness to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the central belt. To find out more about career opportunities in Scotland, visit:

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WESTLEA PROVIDES SALVATION FOR HOMELESS
15 January 2008

A state-of-the art facility for homeless people has opened in Swindon thanks to a partnership between Swindon Borough Council, Westlea Housing, and The Salvation Army. Commissioner John Matear, the Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army in the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland, dedicated a commemorative plaque and met residents and their support staff along with representatives of the partnership and the developers. Picture: (left to right) David Ashmore, Westlea chief executive; councillor David Renard, Swindon Borough Council; Salvation Army Territorial Commander John Matear; the Mayor of Swindon councillor Michael Barnes; and Bob Marshall, chair of Westlea's Management Board. Booth House has replaced the town’s former Salvation Army provision at Davis House Social Services Centre. The previous centre was assessed to be no longer fit for purpose and its Turl Street site was needed by the town for regeneration. The Salvation Army was therefore delighted to identify a location for its programme in Spring Close where a new building is now able to provide assistance to 50 homeless people. Among the new features to be incorporated into the project are the 'back to work' and 'return to the labour market' activities. Once service users are ready to move out into the community, a further aim of the project is to ensure that they receive appropriate re-settlement support. The Salvation Army's secretary for programme, Major Ian Barr explained: "We are exploring various social enterprise possibilities to be run from Booth House in Swindon, to provide training opportunities for our service users. "The Salvation Army is grateful for the investment being made by our partners, The Department for Communities and Local Government, The Housing Corporation and Swindon Borough Council. “In addition we are delighted to have formed a relationship with Westlea Housing Association, which is acting as the developer in this joint venture. They will become the property managers, with The Salvation Army as service provider." David Ashmore, chief executive of Westlea Housing, added: "We were delighted to have the chance to get involved with this exciting and important partnership project in Swindon that’s helping people in real housing need. “Westlea is working on a wide range of housing schemes with various partners in Swindon and considers Booth House to be a flagship example of how much can be achieved by working together with others."

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COMMUNITY PROPERTY TRUST PROVING ITS WORTH
15 January 2008

A pioneering community project to build affordable houses in Worth Matravers is on track to be completed this year. Worth Community Property Trust, which is run by volunteers, has planning permission in place to build five affordable homes in the sought-after village, where 50 per cent of properties are now second homes. These low cost homes will go to villagers, who would otherwise be squeezed out by spiralling property prices, on a shared ownership or rental basis. The Worth Community Property Trust’s chairman, Bob Kenyon said the trust was in the final phases of drawing up a legal agreement, which will mean the homes remain affordable in perpetuity. He said: "The best case scenario is we will have them completed by the summer or the beginning of autumn. "If we can do that it will be just three years from having the idea and starting up the trust, overcoming all those barriers, and actually getting the houses built and people living in them. That's what we're aiming for." The trust will need to borrow £400,000 to finance the project, which will be repaid when the properties are sold or rented. It has received £20,000 from Purbeck District Council after a unanimous vote of support by councillors. Mr Kenyon added: "The money will help to cover the gap between what we have to pay in interest to build the houses and what we are able to charge. "It enables us to provide houses for all those on the list and not exclude those who can only afford to rent." The trust is a non-profit organisation for the benefit of the community. After building the affordable housing it plans to deliver local shops and small business units to help keep the village alive. The houses will be built on the northern edge of the village on a rural exception site where planning consent would not normally be granted, but an exception is made for affordable houses.

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SWANSEA HOUSING ASSOCIATION ON A HIGH
15 January 2008

Swansea Housing Association has unveiled a £22 million regeneration scheme for the city’s High Street. The plans would see an "urban village" of shops and affordable housing midway between the railway station and Castle Square. Some buildings will be demolished, and the association is seeking compulsory purchase orders for a number of buildings and surrounding land. Swansea Housing Association 's director of development, Geoff Pettifor said: "Our proposals include new-look retail frontage for high quality commercial space, offices and 175 affordable homes with car parking. "It will breathe fresh life into this part of the High Street." A public consultation on the proposals is underway.

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BRISTOL: NEW HOME CARE SERVICE TO BENEFIT VULNERABLE
15 January 2008

More older and disabled people will be able to continue to live independently in their own homes instead of having to move into nursing or residential care, thanks to a major restructuring of the Bristol's home care services. Bristol City Council's Cabinet has agreed new plans for restructuring the service to help continue the good progress it is already making to increase the overall number of hours of home care being delivered in the city. Recent improvements have already seen the number of home care hours provided in total each week by the council’s in house team and its commissioned independent providers rise from 19,000 to 23,000. The new changes to the in house team are designed in part to help the council work towards its ultimate goal of delivering at least another 10,000 hours a week overall and, therefore, become one of the top performing authorities in the country. At the heart of the restructuring is the creation of an innovative new STAR or Short Term Assessment and Re-ablement service, which will work with all new users for an initial period of up to six weeks. During that time, new users will be carefully provided with intensive support to help them regain their independence wherever possible and carefully assessed to ensure that, where required, the right kind of long-term help and support can be identified and delivered to meet their personal needs. Low-level shopping, cleaning and laundry services would in future be delivered through a reliable and responsible independent provider – freeing up the in house Home Care teams to concentrate on more personal care and more complex packages of care and to provide specialist services to clients with physical and sensory impairments, mental health needs and learning difficulties. Councillor Peter Hammond, deputy leader and executive member for care and communities, said: "Increasing the amount of Home Care we provide is not only a major improvement to the service we provide, it is also vital to our plans to significantly reduce the number of people entering nursing and residential care, who, with help, could continue to enjoy a more independent life." “These plans have the support of staff, trades unions, management, service users and other stakeholders.”

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SOUTH SOMERSET HOMES DONATES TO LOCAL FOOD BANK
15 January 2008

South Somerset Homes has been using a local 'bank' of non perishable food as a means of getting food to those most in need. As part of the work completed by welfare and benefits officer, Judith Walker, SSH identified many tenants who are experiencing real poverty. Over the past year, staff have been collecting food to donate to the Lord's Larder as a means of getting food to local people who are vulnerable. Picture: (left to right) Volunteers Tony Lamb, Margaret White, Ella Nichols, Jim Bruckel and Margaret King. The Lord's Larder Food Bank is a local bank of non perishable food operated by volunteers from churches in and around Yeovil for the relief of poverty and hardship in Yeovil and the immediate area. Jim Bruckel of South Somerset Homes, said: “The work done by volunteers from the Lord’s Larder is invaluable to people in need within the local community. “Sadly South Somerset Homes has come across residents in poverty on our doorstops and the people in need are generally too proud to ask for help. “Staff have made food donations and purchased raffle tickets as a means of giving something back to residents who have fallen on hard times.”

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JOB OF THE WEEK: HOUSING OFFICERS
16 January 2008

Leave your preconceptions at the door. Sovereign Housing Association Ltd is charitable and part of the Sovereign Housing Group. At Sovereign, we believe passionately that people matter. The people who live in our 15,000 homes throughout the South deserve to live in thriving communities. The people who work with us deserve to develop their careers - and their ideas - in an innovative, growing Group. We make sure we’re constantly developing so that everyone gets the future they’d hoped for. Housing Officer x 4 Exeter • 37 hours per week Package up to £27,835 Plymouth • 18.5 hours per week Package up to £13,916 Bristol • 18.5 hours per week Package up to £13,916 Plymouth • 37 hours per week Package up to £27,835 • (Maternity cover – 6 months) Join our busy team of Housing Officers, and you'll find yourself in a hugely varied and rewarding career. We'll give you a defined patch of properties to manage in your area. Once assigned, it'll be your responsibility to provide a full range of housing services. Whether you're providing advice, carrying out estate inspections, dealing with nuisance behaviour, or showing new residents round their homes, your efforts will be making a positive difference to the local community. To succeed, you'll have some experience in housing management, lettings or similar. A strong problem solver and negotiator, you'll also need to be computer literate and able to travel round the region. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are returning to work. In return for your dedication and hard work, we offer 25-30 days’ holiday, a pension scheme, life assurance and private health cover. We also offer a range of flexible working options and show our commitment to your future development. To apply, call 01635 572100 (answerphone), e-mail recruit@sovereign.org.uk or visit our website www.sovereign.org.uk Closing date: Monday, 28 January 2008. Interviews: 5, 7 & 8 February 2008. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be invited to interview.

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CARRICK HOUSING TEAMS UP WITH MID DEVON COUNCIL
16 January 2008

Truro-based Carrick Housing is working with Mid Devon District Council on a project to improve the quality of tenant involvement in the council's housing service. The Audit Commission rates Carrick Housing as an excellent, '3-star' housing organisation. It has also won a prestigious Government Beacon Council Award for its work in involving its residents in housing services. Picture: Tenants George Bruce, Jean Bennett and Peter Jones (seated, left to right) with other members of the partnership including Carrick Housing's Linsey Cottington (standing, third from left). As a Beacon Award winner, Carrick Housing receives Government funding to work with other housing providers who need help in improving their services. Linsey Cottington, Carrick Housing's director of community engagement, said: "We are very much looking forward to working in partnership with the residents, councillors and officers of Mid Devon. “Over the next few months we'll be looking at the ways in which residents want to be involved in helping the council shape its local housing services and improve their local communities." Martin Daly, head of housing at Mid Devon, said "We want to make sure that all our tenants have a say in the way their housing services are provided. “Working in partnership with Carrick gives us an ideal opportunity to improve our resident involvement processes.” A recent Audit Commission inspection of Mid Devon's housing service was critical of the council's approach to resident involvement - viewing it as an area of “significant weakness”. In order to address this, Mid Devon will be working closely with Carrick Housing staff and tenants to share experiences, offer guidance, coaching and support. A working group of six tenants, two councillors and four housing staff has been set up to produce a tenant participation strategy and a new tenant participation agreement for Mid Devon. Councillor Ray Stanley, portfolio holder for housing, added: "The Audit Commission's report on the Council's housing service was an uncomfortable wake-up call to all. “A wide-ranging but focused review is continuing, with the intention of providing an improved, better value-for-money, more responsive service together with a general upgrade of our housing stock. “However, these improvements can only be achieved in a reasonable time frame if a partnership between tenants, staff and councillors is successful."

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CORNWALL: HOUSING WAITING LISTS ‘SET TO INCREASE’
16 January 2008

The housing crisis in Cornwall is getting rapidly worse, according to a new report based on a consultation carried out by an MP. The report claims 19,000 people in the county are on housing waiting lists and the number is likely to increase. Matthew Taylor The consultation was carried out by Truro and St Austell Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Taylor. The Campaign for Affordable Homes in Cornwall said it was very worried about the findings. Mr Taylor's consultation asked local people, housing organisations, plus district and parish councils for their thoughts on the issue. The Campaign for Affordable Homes in Cornwall said it blamed a shortfall of affordable land and funding for some of the problems. It also claimed developers, planning authorities, and second homeowners were making it impossible for local people needing affordable homes. Matthew Taylor was asked last year by the prime minister, Gordon Brown to conduct a review on how land use and planning could better support rural business and deliver affordable housing. The Department of Communities and Local Government said it knew many rural communities were faced by a combination of higher than average house prices and lower than average local wages, which could cause problems delivering affordable housing.

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ELDERLY TO BENEFIT FROM FREE INSULATION WORK
16 January 2008

As part of the Government’s new energy efficiency initiative, the over 70s can now benefit from free loft and cavity wall insulation under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT). Under CERT energy suppliers are required to promote and regulate reductions in carbon emissions for households, with a particular emphasis on installing free energy efficiency measures for those classified as fuel poor, i.e. on low incomes those in receipt of disability or income based allowance and the elderly. One such scheme that offers free and grant-assisted loft and cavity wall insulation to all homeowners and private tenants is the Heat Project. Managed by Cornwall-based energy consultancy Enact Energy, since its inception in 1997, the Heat Project has helped over 300,000 households through installing energy saving measures. Enact is a firm of energy consultants providing a wide range of project management services for local authorities, housing associations, fuel utilities and housing organisations. The introduction of the over 70s criteria as part of energy suppliers priority category could help an estimated 1.2 million households. Loft and cavity wall insulation can save the average property over £250 in wasted energy costs and nearly three tonnes of CO2 on an annual basis through reducing the amount of heat lost through the home. Paul Johnson, Heat Project director of operations, said: “We are very pleased to be able to help the over 70s through this new CERT criteria. “We are acutely aware of the savings such insulation measures can bring to all households, in particular the vulnerable, and urge all that have yet to apply to please contact us urgently so we can ensure you enjoy the financial, environmental and health savings loft and cavity wall insulation can afford, no strings attached.”

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CELTIC CONNECTION IN CEREDIGION STOCK TRANSFER
16 January 2008

Scottish PR and marketing consultancy, TNC has been appointed as stock transfer communications advisers by Ceredigion County Council following three large-scale transfer ballot wins in Scotland. The full-service Hamilton and Edinburgh-based company will advise the council and a new social landlord on all aspects of communications. This includes strategy development, ballot communications, media relations, design and marketing, as well as DVD production and e-communication. The Scots team will also provide a facilitation and training in vision development and media and presentation skills for social landlord board members, as well as consultation skills for council staff. TNC managing director, Ken Newton SAID: “This is a coup for us as Scottish players since Welsh transfers to date have been dominated by English communications consultants. “It also builds on our Scottish track record of helping secure positive ballots in Dumfries and Galloway, Argyll and Bute and the Western Isles. “We believe this credibility and currency of experience will be attractive to the first wave of Glasgow housing associations and LHOs looking to win tenant support for second stage transfer.”

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SIGNPOSTING THE WAY TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
16 January 2008

Parents and pupils are participating in a new initiative to commit to get fit in the New Year. The idea is a partnership venture between Signpost Housing Association and Shaftesbury School and has been developed to widen the involvement of parents and residents in both organisations. Parents and pupils in an X-bike session The venture was lunched last week with a taster session, parents and pupils had the opportunity to try out X-biking then move on to the schools new techno gym. David Moreland, resident initiatives manager with Signpost Housing Association, said: “We have been working in partnership with local schools for some time. “This particular initiative is aimed at involving parents and residents who might not traditionally get involved. “It has also been developed to encourage families to work together and links to healthier lifestyles.” The commit to get fit initiative is a pilot programme that will run for six weeks initially. Those involved will be included in a review and the longer aim is to encourage other parents and pupils to get involved.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: HOUSING OFFICERS
17 January 2008

Leave your preconceptions at the door. Sovereign Housing Association Ltd is charitable and part of the Sovereign Housing Group. At Sovereign, we believe passionately that people matter. The people who live in our 15,000 homes throughout the South deserve to live in thriving communities. The people who work with us deserve to develop their careers - and their ideas - in an innovative, growing Group. We make sure we’re constantly developing so that everyone gets the future they’d hoped for. Housing Officer x 4 Exeter • 37 hours per week Package up to £27,835 Plymouth • 18.5 hours per week Package up to £13,916 Bristol • 18.5 hours per week Package up to £13,916 Plymouth • 37 hours per week Package up to £27,835 • (Maternity cover – 6 months) Join our busy team of Housing Officers, and you'll find yourself in a hugely varied and rewarding career. We'll give you a defined patch of properties to manage in your area. Once assigned, it'll be your responsibility to provide a full range of housing services. Whether you're providing advice, carrying out estate inspections, dealing with nuisance behaviour, or showing new residents round their homes, your efforts will be making a positive difference to the local community. To succeed, you'll have some experience in housing management, lettings or similar. A strong problem solver and negotiator, you'll also need to be computer literate and able to travel round the region. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are returning to work. In return for your dedication and hard work, we offer 25-30 days’ holiday, a pension scheme, life assurance and private health cover. We also offer a range of flexible working options and show our commitment to your future development. To apply, call 01635 572100 (answerphone), e-mail recruit@sovereign.org.uk or visit our website www.sovereign.org.uk Closing date: Monday, 28 January 2008. Interviews: 5, 7 & 8 February 2008. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be invited to interview.

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OFFICIAL OPENING FOR NORTH DEVON HOMES DEVELOPMENT
17 January 2008

North Devon Homes has held an official opening ceremony at its new affordable housing development in Barnstaple. John Smale Road, Barnstaple Residents have moved in to the new John Smale Road development just five years after tenant Angela Provan presented a petition to the landlord on behalf of residents who were concerned about the "atrocious" condition of their homes. Angela's petition sparked a series of meetings between residents, district councillors and North Devon Homes, which resulted in exciting new plans for the site. In June, 2006, bulldozers moved in to enable the new homes to be built. After a brief tour of the development and of some of the properties, the chairman and chief executive of North Devon Homes welcomed the residents to their new homes. Local councillor Cllr Des Brailey, who was involved in the discussions with residents, said North Devon Homes deserved credit for the way it had responded to tenants. Elaine Yorke, customer involvement manager, said: "This is the biggest development project that North Devon Homes has undertaken to date. "It is very a rare event to have a tenant-driven regeneration such as this and I don't know of any company that has responded to a petition, simply because residents didn't like their housing. "Entirely paid for by North Devon Homes, this project is different because tenants approached us and initiated the development by telling us what they wanted." Martyn Gimber, NDH chief executive, added: “I am extremely pleased to be here today at the opening of this development. “It is one of the first major regenerations of pre-cast reinforced concrete properties in the area by North Devon Homes and was designed and built using the latest sustainable techniques, ensuring minimum environmental impact. “The scheme was made possible through working closely in partnership with the local community, its councillors, the local school and many local residents who all helped up to develop these much needed homes.” He added: “I hope our customers and their families enjoy these fabulous new homes, this is a great way to start the New Year.”

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RESTORMEL: COUNCIL INCREASES AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUPPLY
17 January 2008

Restormel Borough Council is continuing to ensure it maximises every opportunity for increasing the supply of more affordable homes and sustainable communities. Between April 1, 2006 and March 31, 2007, there were 112 affordable housing completions across Restormel. And, expectations for April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008 show an increase of 67 per cent on last year's total. So far, during 2007/08, there have been 106 completions of new, affordable homes in the Borough. Ten of these were completed in the first quarter and 19 in the second quarter. During the latest quarter a further 77 affordable homes were completed. Councillor Roy Taylor, cabinet member for housing and health, said: "The 106 completions so far this year is just six short of the overall total for last year, with one quarter of the year still to go. “This goes to show how well the planning system is working in increasing the delivery of affordable homes. My congratulations go to all involved in making this happen." There are a number of sites where development is currently underway and a further 81 completions are expected during the final quarter of 2007/08. Combined with the work on empty properties and landlord assistance for conversions, Restormel will have provided a total of 187 affordable homes in the space of just one year. Councillor Annette Egerton, cabinet member for planning and regeneration, added: "The 187 expected completions this year is much higher than last year's figure of 112. This represents a 67 per cent increase in the amount of new affordable homes, and is more than twice the Cornish average for last year of 89."

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FURTHER FLOODS THREATEN TEWKESBURY AREA
17 January 2008

Residents in Tewkesbury are anxiously watching the flood warnings as high water threatens to once again engulf the town. It is less than six months since the last disaster and many residents of Severn Vale Housing are still living in caravans as they wait for their homes to be refurbished. Jane Thorndale, spokesperson for the Tewkesbury-based housing association, said: “While we often experience flooding in the area at this time of year people are far more anxious and listen carefully to weather reports. “Each time it rains the fields become waterlogged and roads show the telltale signs of large puddles gathering each side. People are justifiably nervous and the whole town is on tenterhooks.” She added: “We have learned a lot from last year’s floods but unfortunately like King Canute we are unable to turn back the water once it has fallen from the sky. “We hope that we will escape from any further property damage from flood water and are putting measures in place to ensure that streams, which feed the two main rivers, don’t overflow into gardens which subsequently enter homes with devastating effects.” Work commences next week on the construction of a flood barrier along a large stream in Bishops Cleeve, which flooded twice in four weeks last year. It is hoped the new barrier will keep the water from engulfing the nearby homes in future.

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CARMARTHENSHIRE: MEDIATION FOR THOSE AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS
17 January 2008

Mediation is being used in Carmarthenshire to help young people at risk of becoming homeless mend fences with their families. Carmarthenshire Nightstop is part of the national organisation Nightstop UK and is supported by Carmarthenshire County Council through the Supporting People Programme. Carmarthenshire Mediation Service specialises in resolving disputes to prevent homelessness. The service, part of The Wallich charity, works closely with Carmarthenshire Nightstop to help young people return home. Nightstop provides a bed for up to three nights for young people. Its role is to provide emergency accommodation for young people in the county at risk of becoming homeless because of a breakdown in their relationship with the people they live with, usually their family. A maximum of three nights’ emergency accommodation is provided in the homes of approved volunteer hosts, to allow the young people time to take stock of their situation and consider the housing options available to them, facilitating a return home wherever possible. Carmarthenshire Mediation Service co-ordinator, Liz Barrett said: “We provide mediation to families experiencing conflict, neighbourhood disputes and landlord tenant disputes with an emphasis on the prevention of homelessness. “The majority of our work involves working with young people and their families to help resolve arguments that are causing problems and difficulties within the home. “These arguments often result in the young person leaving home or being told to leave, which can often leave them homeless and vulnerable. Young people find themselves in this situation with little idea of where to go for help and how to access support.” In mediation both parties get a chance to air their issues and concerns in a safe controlled environment. The mediator aids the communication between the parties so that it provides an equal forum for exploring the issues and reaching an agreement that suits both parties.

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EC HARRIS EXPANDS AFFORDABLE HOUSING TEAM
17 January 2008

Leading consultancy EC Harris has made a series of senior appointments to its affordable housing team – underlining the firm’s rapid expansion and increasing ability to attract key industry experts with an acknowledged record of achievement. Robert Farahar joins the firm to head up the affordable housing team in Bristol and has a wealth of experience acting as client manager and clients representative on behalf of Registered Social Landlords and local authorities in the delivery of estate regeneration, land development and procurement of services associated with the provision of affordable housing. Ian Walters further strengthens the team in Wales. As a former head of housing at Vale of Glamorgan Council, Ian brings with him more than 25 years of experience in the sector. Ian is also a board and executive group member of CIH Cymru. Rebecca Bennett Casserly, head of the residential – affordable team at EC Harris, said: “I am delighted that we are continuing to attract new members to our team of this acknowledged calibre. “Our clients demand the best people and I am confident that we deliver to that exacting standard. All most people want is an environment that is rewarding, stimulating and fun and that is exactly what we provide.” EC Harris remains at the forefront of delivering affordable homes and regeneration across the UK. Innovative and high quality services allow it to provide bespoke best value solutions working in partnership with local authorities, RSLs, ALMOs, private developers and other affordable housing providers. Its focus is upon delivering affordable, high quality, sustainable homes that can be efficiently and effectively managed and maintained.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: HOUSING OFFICERS
18 January 2008

Leave your preconceptions at the door. Sovereign Housing Association Ltd is charitable and part of the Sovereign Housing Group. At Sovereign, we believe passionately that people matter. The people who live in our 15,000 homes throughout the South deserve to live in thriving communities. The people who work with us deserve to develop their careers - and their ideas - in an innovative, growing Group. We make sure we’re constantly developing so that everyone gets the future they’d hoped for. Housing Officer x 4 Exeter • 37 hours per week Package up to £27,835 Plymouth • 18.5 hours per week Package up to £13,916 Bristol • 18.5 hours per week Package up to £13,916 Plymouth • 37 hours per week Package up to £27,835 • (Maternity cover – 6 months) Join our busy team of Housing Officers, and you'll find yourself in a hugely varied and rewarding career. We'll give you a defined patch of properties to manage in your area. Once assigned, it'll be your responsibility to provide a full range of housing services. Whether you're providing advice, carrying out estate inspections, dealing with nuisance behaviour, or showing new residents round their homes, your efforts will be making a positive difference to the local community. To succeed, you'll have some experience in housing management, lettings or similar. A strong problem solver and negotiator, you'll also need to be computer literate and able to travel round the region. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are returning to work. In return for your dedication and hard work, we offer 25-30 days’ holiday, a pension scheme, life assurance and private health cover. We also offer a range of flexible working options and show our commitment to your future development. To apply, call 01635 572100 (answerphone), e-mail recruit@sovereign.org.uk or visit our website www.sovereign.org.uk Closing date: Monday, 28 January 2008. Interviews: 5, 7 & 8 February 2008. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be invited to interview.

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SIGNPOST HOSTS LISTENING LUNCH
18 January 2008

As Winston Churchill said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Signpost Housing Association has taken this to heart and senior directors are cancelling their lunches in favour of dining with employees to discuss key issues. John Wright Listening lunches are held in an informal setting providing staff with the opportunity to air their views and ideas directly with a senior member of staff as well as providing the time and occasion to get to know fellow employees. John Wright, group director of Signpost Housing Association and Signpost Care Partnerships, said: “Listening lunches are a great opportunity to hear the view of staff. The challenge is to prove that we’ve listened and acted. “In a years time I hope that everyone will be able to look back and see how these events have helped shaped what we do and the way we do it.” Louise Barber, project supervisor at Signpost Housing Association, added: “The lunches provide staff with a great opportunity to put forward suggestions about how to improve the business and to get feedback on their ideas. I found it a really positive experience.”

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RIVIERA HOUSING LAUNCHES SURVEY
18 January 2008

Riviera Housing Trust is urging its tenants to take part in a survey asking them what they think about its services. Over the next few weeks, the questionnaire will be dropping through the letterboxes of 1,000 tenants throughout Torbay and there is chance for three people to win £50 worth of shopping vouchers. To make sure the survey gets the best response, NSMPublic, a specialist independent research organisation has been appointed. They will check how satisfied tenants are with the services provided by the Trust and how they might be improved. Commissioned by the Trust every three years, the survey is sent to tenants, chosen at random. All the tenants who complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw for shopping vouchers. The three lucky winners will receive £50 in vouchers, which can be used at high street stores. Paul Mullins, Interim Operations Director for Riviera Housing Trust, tasked with co-ordinating the consultation, said: “The results of the survey will be analysed by the independent survey company. “It is part of our commitment to listening to tenants’ views. We value their involvement and comments which can help to improve our housing services to meet their needs, as well as identifying where things are going well.” Riviera vice chairman, James O’Dwyer added: “It is very important that we get as many as possible of these survey forms returned. We want to give our tenants the best services we can, so it is important that we know how they feel about the services we provide.” “We can guarantee that the survey is confidential, all personal information will be kept securely and not shared with a third party.” The survey will ask questions about what the tenant thinks about their accommodation, the repairs service, the opportunities available to get involved in decision-making, as well as social questions relation to any problems with vandalism, graffiti, noise or damage.

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BRISTOL: COUNCIL STARTS REGENERATION PROJECT
18 January 2008

Bristol City Council has turned to Almura Building Products to help complete a project to upgrade over 1,200 homes. The government has recently announced proposals that increase funding to councils who are delivering high levels of housing. In order to become eligible for such schemes, councils are now looking to regenerate their existing housing stock. Bristol City Council was looking to upgrade its non-traditional housing stock and turned to the Cheltenham-based company because its Steni-based system was the only product that fulfilled the criteria. The upgrade, which began in the winter, covered the whole of Bristol and is part of the councils overall plan to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Almura has been brought in as consultants and suppliers on the project to ensure it finishes on time and to budget. It is also supplying Nichiha cladding for the project, a specially sourced product, which emulates the look of brick and can be fitted in bad weather, perfect for a project that will be continuing over the winter months.

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SWANSEA H.A. IMPLEMENTS NEW I.T. SYSTEM
18 January 2008

Swansea Housing Association has implemented a new I.T. system to help manage its increasing property portfolio. The association’s amalgamation with the Dewi Sant Housing Association has increased the property portfolio to over 5,000 and presents a number of new I.T. challenges. NetOp Remote Control is designed specifically to meet the needs of corporate business, and is typically used for remote network management, remote system administration and in helpdesk environments. While the unification of both housing associations makes sound business sense, it also creates several problems for SHA’s I.T. team in having to expand to include a significantly sized third office location. David Piggford, I.T. manager at Swansea Housing Association, leads a team of three IT specialists, two of which provide first line support. As Dewi Sant had no IT support facility, this small team saw its network expand dramatically, and resources were instantly stretched. When dealing with a problem on one of the DSHA computers, the SHA team was venturing into the unknown. They did not know how the system was built, or how it worked, so supporting the users became a lot harder. David Piggford said: “We decided to go for the best solution we could, and rolled out NetOp Remote Control across the SHA network.” This marked the first stage in the huge task of linking the two systems, as well as the upgrade process for all 85 machines in the SHA group to the latest version, as well as six in the Neath local office. Mike Kibblewhite, managing director of NetOp, explained: “In the past, when dealing with an IT support issue, each member of the IT team had to work through lots of problems, and navigate through the screen in their heads. “Now, nine out of ten times, they connect directly to the problem PC and fix it quickly. The SHA/DSHA project is a prime example of how remote technology just makes sense.” As a result, NetOp has provided an easy to use Remote Control solution for SHA, and its amalgamation with DSHA, to fully answer its IT needs. The relationship between the two companies has been positive, not only helping to provide a 97 per cent reduction in time, but 90 per cent reduction in off-site visits and associated costs.

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SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HOUSING IN SOUTH GLOS
18 January 2008

Residents will have an opportunity to give their views on South Gloucestershire Council's proposed housing priorities at a special drop-in event that has been organised at the end of this month. The drop-in event is taking place at BAWA, on Southmead Road in Filton on Saturday 29 January from 9.30am until 12.30pm. Attendees can find out information about the council's draft housing strategy, a blueprint to meet the housing needs of people from 2008 to 2013, and give feedback on the proposals.. Matthew Riddle, executive member for community care and housing, said: "We're really pleased with the level of public interest in our proposals so far and I urge residents to attend the drop-in event being held at BAWA. "Officers will be delighted to meet them and hear their views, as well as answer any questions they might have." The public consultation on Better Housing, Better Choice, Better Support: Meeting the Needs of People in South Gloucestershire, concludes on 1 March 2008.

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