Housing Matters Winter edition - Now Available

The Winter edition of Housing Matters is now available and should already be with you if you are a tenant or leaseholder.

It is available to view on line at: Housing Matters Magazine. Alternative formats are available such as audio tapes and large print. If you wish to have Housing Matters in an alternative format or if you have not yet received your copy, please contact Donna Liggins on 01793 464427 or email dliggins@swindon.gov.uk

Council Tenants Get A Better Online Service

Council tenants are getting a better online service thanks to an improved housing website.

The Open Access site means tenants can now view their tenancy information, rent account and also pay their rent online. For further information please visit the Housing Do it Online page.

As soon as tenants set up a username and password, they can access their rent  account and check all their details, including balance and payments made. It is also possible to:

• Report a problem
• Request a repair
• Check on progress of repairs reported
• Check on applications made for other properties ... and,
• Send e-mails to local Neighbourhood Housing Officers.

Members of Swindon Tenants' Voice and some volunteer tenants tested the site prior to its launch and the feedback was very positive.

Chairman of Swindon Tenants' Voice, council tenant Derek Fry, from Moredon, said: "It's an easy way to keep track of everything. Everyone who I've spoken to about it has been really positive."

The council has also introduced more convenient ways for tenants to pay their rent. Tenants can now pay at any shop, petrol station or other outlet showing the pink Payzone sign, using their existing giro card.

Bernie Brannan, Director of Housing, said: "These improvements are all about making life easier for our tenants. We hope that they will find these additional features more convenient."

Maintaining and improving homes – have your say

We are currently working with tenants from Swindon Tenants' Voice (STV) and Tenants' Association for Sheltered Housing (TASH) at our Property Forum meetings to develop the annual programme of work and 5 year investment plan for the next financial year. This involves prioritising and planning programmes of work to maintain and improve council homes.

In order for us to ensure that we meet and exceed the Government's Decent Homes Standard and improve the environment, we would like to hear from any tenants who would like to have their say.

If you would like to get involved with this very important piece of work or would like to contact us with your views, so that you can influence future programmes of work please contact:

Gerry O'Connor, Housing Property Manager

Tel: Swindon 463452

Email: go'connor@swindon.gov.uk

£500 reward scheme for paying your rent on time

Do you pay your rent on time? Look after your home and family? Live in peace with your neighbours? Isn’t it time you got something back?

We believe you have the right to peace and quiet, a decent home and a pleasant living environment. It’s easy for us to spend too much of our time, money and effort dealing with difficult tenants, while giving little back to those of you who leave peacefully and contribute to your communities.

We have introduced a reward scheme as a “thank you” to those of you who pay your rent on time and show commitment to maintaining your tenancy in a responsible manner.

There will be one cash payment of £500 and 5 further payments of £100. A draw will run 4 times a year during the rent free weeks.

How do I qualify for the scheme?

Keep a clear rent account at all times for the 3 months prior to your free week and also do not breach your tenancy agreement, for example due to anti-social behaviour or the condition of your garden.  

We will then automatically enter you into the prize draw.

What if I am on Housing Benefit?

Providing your rent account is clear during the qualifying period, you will be entered in the draw.

What if I am in arrears?

The 5 smaller £100 rewards will be available to tenants who are in arrears and pay in line with a formal arrangement without fail during the qualifying period. However, if you are successful in winning a reward, you will be required to donate £25 of the payment into your rent account to help reduce your arrears. Once your arrears are fully repaid, you will then be eligible for the main reward as well.

If you are in arrears and would like to arrange to clear them or make a formal arrangement so you can join the scheme, please telephone your Neighbourhood Housing Officer on 01793 464811.

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