Council housing - latest news

New anti-social behaviour factsheets

Release Date: 02 May 2012

In response to a request from the anti-social behaviour service user group we've recently produced three new factsheets:

• Getting on with your neighbour (pdf, 253 KB)
• Closing cases (pdf, 166 KB)
• Victim and witness support (pdf, 209 KB)

They set out:

• things you can do to get on with your neighbour, to help prevent any issues around noise or pets for example, getting out of control
• what we will do before we close your case
• what you can expect from us if your a witness or victim of anti-social behaviour

We hope that you find them useful. We'd like to thank the tenants on the service user group and Amy Moseley from Estate Management who worked together to produce them.

Help with carrying out repairs if you're elderly or disabled

Release Date: 27 April 2012

As part of the Tenancy Agreement you are responsibly for carrying out a number of minor repairs. If you are disabled or over 60 it may be difficult for you to carry these out. We'd therefore like to invite you to take advantage of our Handyperson Scheme. Run in partnership with Bristol Care and Repair (external website) the service can help with a number of jobs such as:

• changing a light bulb or fluorescent tube
• minor repairs to door catches, toilet seats
• fitting security locks, shelves, a doorbell (battery operated types only)
• assembling flat pack furniture.

The service is subsidised so you only have to pay an affordable rate plus the cost of any materials. To apply please contact Bristol Care and Repair on  0117 954 2222 (Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Fridays, 9am to 4pm) .

If the job you would like done is too big for the handyperson scheme, Bristol Care and Repair will let you know. They can you give you a list of trusted contractors. You can then make your own arrangements.

Rent advice if you live in Henbury or Knowle

Release Date: 27 April 2012

• Do you live in Henbury or Knowle?
• Would you like help with managing your rent account or do you have housing benefit issues?
• Would you like a referral for debt advice or to our Tenant Support Service?

If you've answered yes then we can help.

• If you live in Henbury come and see Clare Bryant, from our Rent Management Service, every Monday afternoon at Henbury Library.
• You can see Clare by appointment from 2pm to 3.30pm. Book one by speaking to the library staff, telephone Clare on 0117 352 5578 or email clare.bryant@bristol.gov.uk
• You can see Clare without an appointment from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
• If you live in Knowle come and see Dave Spicer, from our Rent Management Service, every Tuesday afternoon at Filwood Hope Advice Centre in Knowle.
• You can see Dave either with or without an appointment from 1pm to 3pm. Book one by telephoning Dave on 0117 352 5667 or email dave.spicer@bristol.gov.uk

Work begins on our Parkinson and Woolaway Homes

Release Date: 24 April 2012

March marked a significant milestone for the 390 tenants living within our PRC homes in Henbury, Lawrence Weston, Lockleaze and Sea Mills. On the 19 and 26 March respectively, work began on carrying out essential structural repairs to our Woolaway and Parkinson homes. The work is being carried out by Alfred Bagnall & Sons (West) Ltd, who have been appointed to carry out the repairs on our behalf.

The work involves repairing the concrete frames, installing cavity and external insulation, new roofs (where required) and for the Parkison homes new windows. These windows have integral glazing bars (at the front of the house only) and replicate the original pattern as much as possible. They had to have planning consent, as the homes are in a conservation area. Please see our photographs of the work being carried out to upgrade a Parkinson Home in Sea Mills (pdf, 297 KB).

The programme will repair 246 Parkinson homes and 144 Woolaway homes. It will ensure the homes are warm and safe for at least another 30 years. The programme is being carried out in phases, which are designed to move around the estates in the most efficient way. There are eight phases for the Woolway homes with completion due in February 2013 and 15 phases for the Parkinson homes with completion due in February 2014.

Residents in the affected homes have received a letter explaining which phase their home is in. If you are unsure when your home is due to be repaired please contact Krystal Presland on 0117 352 5205. Tenants living within both types of homes, within phase one and two, have been visited by staff from both Bagnalls and Landlord Services. We have discussed the repairs, given them a PRC repairs handbook (pdf, 273 KB) and agreed colour choices for the outside of their homes.

The PRC Tenant Panel, made up of tenants living within the PRC homes that are being repaired, have played a vital role in the project. They continue to help shape it using their local knowledge of their homes and neighbourhoods. We would like to thank them for all their help. If you live in one of the homes that are due to be repaired, we hope that you will find the repairs worthwhile.

Join the Housing Management Board

Release Date: 23 April 2012

1. Do you want to help us improve housing services for the better of council tenants and leaseholders citywide?
2. Would you like the opportunity to influence what we do at the highest level?
3. Would you like the chance to work with other council tenants, leaseholders, senior managers and councillors to influence the development and future direction of housing services delivered to council tenants and leaseholders of Bristol?

Well this could be your chance. We are looking for council tenants and leaseholders to take up positions on our Housing Management Board.

How to apply

1. Please read the supporting information (pdf, 56 KB).
2. Complete our application form (pdf, 55 KB) and return it by 1 May to the Tenant Participation Team (SAH), FREEPOST BS4341, PO Box 595, Bristol, BS99 2BR

If you have any questions please call us on 0117 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk

Role of the board

The Housing Management Board provides tenants and leaseholder involvement at the highest level within Landlord Services. The board meets every six weeks and plays a key role in shaping and driving forward the ambitions of the housing service, tenants, leaseholders and the local community.

How does the board help tenants and leaseholders?

The board helps to make sure that our vision, mission and forward plans are influenced and centred around the needs and aspirations of our tenants, leaseholders and the communities in which they live.

What would you actually be doing as a board member?

• Working alongside senior managers and councillors to improve services. Where appropriate challenge and influence proposals, decisions and the way we deliver our services.
• Champion tenant and leaseholder views and rights at the highest level.
• Attend board meetings and training sessions as required.
• Read documents in preparation for meetings.
• Liaise with tenants and leaseholders who participate in other ways.
• Represent Bristol tenants and leaseholders at events.

What's in it for you?

• Free training and support to develop your knowledge and skills.
• An opportunity to learn more about what we do and how we operate as a business.
• The chance to work as part of a team with other tenants and leaseholders.
• We will pay contributions towards broadband costs, expenses and ensure you have all the necessary information you need to perform the role.

Who can become a board member?

• All council tenants and leaseholders are welcome to apply, unless you have a current notice to seek possession or any breach of tenancy action against you.
• Previous knowledge and an interest in housing or council services is an advantage, but not essential.