Tenants NewsleƩer | Summer 2018
ELECTIONS TO THE BOARD The Annual General Meeting of Ayrshire Housing will take place on Wednesday 5th September 2018. In due course, you will receive a formal agenda and a review of our activities and performance in the last year. Due to a recent change to our Articles, the Board consists of six tenant directors and six directors from the community category. All tenants are members of the company and can thus seek election to the Board. If you have a joint tenancy, both tenants are considered to be members. There are up to four vacancies within the tenant category this year. If you are interested, please complete and return the form on the back page by Friday 3 August 2018. If there are more applications than vacancies, a postal ballot will be organised with the result being announced at the Annual General Meeting. Please provide a short statement of no more than 100 words in support of your application. You can find full details of what's involved at ayrshirehousing.org.uk. This is a real opportunity to influence the quality of service that you and your fellow tenant members receive. If you want to apply fill out the form on the back of this newsletter.
OUR LATEST DEVELOPMENT Our latest development was officially launched in May by Council Leader, Douglas Campbell. Douglas said, “It’s great to see this long derelict site developed at long last for affordable housing. The Council has ambitious plans to increase the supply of new housing and it welcomes the contribution of housing associations like Ayrshire Housing”. The project comprises 39 one and two bedroom flats. Once complete, the residents will benefit from car parking facilities and a central landscaped courtyard, as well as access to train and bus stops and cycle path facilities.
119 Main Street, Ayr, KA8 8BX 01292 880120 info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk Text: 07860020459 Facebook.com/ayrshirehousing/
COMING SOON! MY HOME—a new way to manage your rent account, report repairs and much more!
WAYS TO PAY YOUR RENT You can pay your rent online at: www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk You can also pay by credit/debit card by calling the office on 01292 880120. If you have an allpay card, you can pay at any PayPoint machine. To request an allpay card, call us on 01292 880120. Find local branches at www.paypoint.com MONEY ADVICE SERVICE—WHAT WE DO Jacqueline and Wendy, our Money Advisors, provide a full Welfare Benefit service. Free and completely confidential, our aim is to maximise our tenants’ income by identifying any gaps in benefits and to help them understand the benefits system. The benefit landscape is constantly changing and is becoming more complex. Some of the positive outcomes we have achieved recently are: Attendance Allowance awards granted Successful claims for Carers’ Allowances Help to move to state pension and pension credit Assistance following a bereavement with funeral costs Positive outcomes from claims for Council Tax reductions Ongoing successful awards of Personal Independence Payment Multiple awards of Universal Credit Assistance with budgeting monthly income. If you would like a free benefit check, or would like some information regarding any of the benefits mentioned above, please contact our Money Advice Team who will be happy to meet with you at your home or in our office. Alternatively, if you would just like to chat about your circumstances over the phone we will be happy to hear from you. Our telephone number is 01292 880120. Ask for Jacqueline or Wendy.
YOUR PRIVACY Please see the enclosed leaflet for details of our new Privacy Policy.
We can supply this document in a print size to suit. It is also available in Braille, audio and other formats, and in other languages. Our website also has several accessibility features which you may find useful. 2
www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk
The recent good weather has seen an increase in the number of requests made to the association regarding household pests. It is easier to keep pests away than it is to get rid of them once they have settled into your home. There are a few simple precautions to prevent pests from invading your home: Clean spillages as soon as they occur Sweep up crumbs from work surfaces and the floor Do not leave food out overnight Do not leave uneaten pet food out overnight Properly seal food, place in a suitable container and keep on high shelves Bag up and take out rubbish regularly Clear all refuse in the garden area. The types of pests the association are often asked to deal with are:
Rats and Mice: The garden or the area surrounding the property is their natural environment. The best way to keep them away is to make sure rubbish is placed in bins provided. Sweep up and keep the area as tidy as possible to prevent any unwanted visitors! Rats are generally more difficult to spot due to their nocturnal nature and the sighting of a rat by day can indicate a more serious infestation. They will scavenge for any discarded food and they will burrow into soil, compost heaps and under sheds, decking etc. Do not put food on the ground and suspend bird food to avoid attracting vermin into the area. Mice will move into properties to seek shelter and food.
Flies/insects: The odd insect or fly should be dealt with by you. If, however, there is an infestation of insects or bugs and you are finding it difficult to keep them at bay, we may be able to help.
Bees/Wasps: We cannot send anyone to destroy bees as they are protected. Bees generally won’t harm you if you leave them alone. Wasps, on the other hand, might! Wasps are active from spring through to autumn. We will send out our pest control contractor if you are having problems with wasps within the property or if their hive is attached to the building and close to the windows or doors. We do not treat nests located in the garden. While it may not always be ideal to share your garden with some new friends, it’s best not to disturb them.
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www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk Text Message - 07860 020459
GARDEN & PET COMPETITION REMINDER! There is still time to submit your entries to this year’s Garden and Pet Competitions! If you’ve got the perfect pet or if your neighbours are always complimenting your gardening skills be sure to get in to u c h ! Yo u c a n e n t e r by e m a i l i n g : info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk, via our Facebook Page or by speaking to your Housing Officer. Please remember to include your name and address. Closing date is 31 July—Good Luck!
AS A TENANT I WISH TO STAND FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD (please submit by Friday 3 August 2018)
Name:
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Address:
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Tel:
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Email:
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STATEMENT (no more than 100 words please) :______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
Alternatively you can email us at info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk