New Forest District Council's magazine for tenants and leaseholders | Summer edition 2021 - newforest.gov.uk
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New Forest District Council’s magazine for tenants and leaseholders | Summer edition 2021 newforest.gov.uk
In this edition of Editorial contributions from
Tenant Representatives and Hometalk
Editorial Panel Home Participants
Get in touch
If you have any ideas for future articles
p3 How to stay p26 Wordsearch please contact the editor, Joy Stainer,
informed competition Resident Involvement:
p4 Update from p27 Thinking of having RI@nfdc.gov.uk
Service Managers a garden fire?
Resident Involvement
p5 Planned p27 Gas safety checks
New Forest District Council,
maintenance p28 Advice on starting a Appletree Court, Lyndhurst. SO43 7PA
p6 Citizens Advice business
Hometalk can also be viewed on our
p7 New Forest Food p29 Save time, website newforest.gov.uk/hometalk
Larders do it online
p8
p9
Domestic Abuse
Solent Mind
p29
p29
Security items
for sale
Don’t forget to
Editor Joy Stainer How to stay informed
p9 NHS 111 online Design Lana Waters-Williamson
pay your rent
p10+11 Scams Printing School Lane Colour With so much happening across the district it’s Website
p29 Making an hard to know where to go for the latest, accurate Our website is the best place to find information about the
p11 The Charter for The information contained in this magazine is for
appointment information. There are many ways to keep up to services we provide. Our website has been simplified to
Social Housing general information purposes only.
with a New Forest date with local news and information from New make it easier to find the information you need.
Residents (White New Forest District Council assumes no
District Council Forest District Council online. In this article we You can access a lot of our services online, including
Paper) responsibility for tenants signing up to or paying your rent, checking your rubbish collection date,
Officer explain some of the ways you can be the first to
p13 Appletree Careline volunteering in respect of any independent and commenting on planning applications.
get the latest updates.
p30+31 Information organisations appearing in this magazine. All
p14 New Forest directory information contained within this edition is newforest.gov.uk
Residents emails
Disability - correct at the time of going to print.
p32 Useful contacts If you would like a summary of all the important updates, Social media
Independence you can sign up to receive resident emails, which include
Matters You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for
the latest updates about how coronavirus regulations may
quick updates about our services. We use social media
p15 The Crossings affect you here in the New Forest, seasonal tips, advice
most days to stay connected with residents and it’s one
and news. You can sign up to receive our emails and view
p16+17 Building for of the first places we’ll post urgent service updates and
our privacy policy via the main website:
news.
the future
newforest.gov.uk/emails
p18+19 Keeping the @newforestgov
neighbourhood we We launched this email service to keep people informed
live in clean and during the coronavirus lockdown. Here’s what some newforestcouncil
residents have to say about the emails:
tidy
“I just wanted to thank you for all the updates you @newforestdc
p20+21 Make a hedgehog have sent, and continue to send, since the start of the
home coronavirus pandemic. They have been most helpful.” We’ve also joined ‘Nextdoor’. This is an online
neighbourhood social media hub which works by using
p22+23 Active Lifestyles “These bulletins are a welcome initiative telling residents
your postcode for information local to you.
in brief order about how you are dealing with issues and
p24+25 An update on arrangements for the delivery of council services.” nextdoor.co.uk
services from
“I would just like to thank you for this news service which I
Southern Water find very helpful and informative.”
2 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 3
Planned maintenance programme 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 2
Update from Service Managers
Description Area Street
2020 was a particularly difficult year for everyone in society. We heard many Kitchen refurbishments Burley Warnes Lane, Meadow Close
stories of hardship, difficulty and sacrifices our tenants and services users faced Validation surveys will be carried out Bransgore Westbury Close
due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This made us even more determined to keep as to all properties due to have a kitchen Ringwood Merryweather, Wessex Estate, Hurst Road
refurbishment and only those that fail
many of our services running safely for all concerned, during periods of time in the Decent Homes Standard will have
and various properties
and out of lockdowns and restrictions, to meet the needs of our residents. their kitchen replaced. Fordingbridge and Various properties
surrounding areas
Heating replacements - Gas Various
Despite tackling social distancing
complications, material shortages, the closure Electrical test and inspections Various
of our offices and other Covid-19 related Richard Knott Loft insulation Various
issues we were committed to re-letting empty Housing Options, Rents, Asbestos removal and low maintenance Various
properties to allow people in housing need to Support and Private Sector eaves
move to a more suitable home. Our allocation, Housing Service Manager
Roofing Totton Brookside, Bears Lane Close
repairs and estate management teams still
facilitated 358 moves to social housing. Fire doors Howards Mead Birch Court, Forest Court, Holly Court
We supported many tenants who found Totton Evergreens, Spicers Way
themselves in temporary financial hardship to Ritchie Thomson Replacement windows Fordingbridge Bourne Cottages, Lower Grove
get back on track with their rent payments. Housing Maintenance Operation Holbury Burbush Cose, Perrywood Close, Trenley Close
Service Manager
We maintained your safety with electric and Lyndhurst Canterton Lane, Hillary Close
gas servicing alongside weekly fire alarm
checks and communal building inspections. Lymington Corbin Court, Corbin Road, Gordon Road, Holes Close,
We carried out your repairs and continued Set Thorns Road
with replacing windows, doors, boilers, Bransgore Derritt Lane, West Road, Westbury Close
kitchens and bathrooms. Richard Fudge
Housing Maintenance, Compliance Hythe Ipley Way
We delivered 64 new Council properties, and Asset Service Manager Brockenhurst Sway Road
including 18 temporary accommodation units
and our first homes for shared-ownership, Bathroom refurbishments Totton Allerton Close, Compton House, Elizabeth House, Haltons
whilst several other schemes progressed. Close, Honeywood Close, Hounsdown Avenue, Parkside,
Validation surveys will be carried out to
Players Crescent, Evergreens, Rothbury Close, Bannister
all properties due to have a bathroom
As the effects of the pandemic subside, we Court, Shakespeare Drive, Shraveshill Close, Spicers Way,
refurbishment and only those that fail
aim to return our focus to a number of exciting Brian Byrne Tedder Way, Hanover House, Water Lane, Boniface Close
the Decent Homes Standard will have
projects and initiatives which will benefit Housing Estates Management, their bathroom replaced. New Milton Culver Road, Gore Road, Milton Mead, Well Close,
many of you in future. These include greener CCTV, Community Safety and Wren Close, Gore Grange
housing initiatives and a 10-year strategy to Community Alarms Service Manager
Various One off properties
determine how we reduce the carbon impact
of our homes and a Tenant Involvement Communal / Emergency lighting Totton Parkside, Powell Crescent
structure which provides our tenants and Ringwood Clarks Close
leaseholders improved opportunities to get Lymington Barfields, Corbin Court
Tim Davis
involved, scrutinise our work and feedback Housing Strategy and Development Fordingbridge Albion Road
on our plans for the future. We wish all of our Service Manager
tenants and leaseholders a safe 2021. Decorating Various
Refurbishment of communal areas Windows in Birch and Forest Court – Howards Mead
This schedule is subject to change and is part of an ongoing programme.
4 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 5
Advice is available New Forest
to everyone, on CANF Food Larders
any issue helped 165
households to
receive £147
Operational since January 2021, food
towards their
larders have popped up all over the New
fuel bills Forest from Ashley to Pennington to Hythe
Amounting
to a total of Run by Fare Share and its many Many of the people at the sites
£24,256 extra wonderful volunteers, the food are very grateful for the service
larders have served those in need provided with one client telling us
help in the New
by providing essential foods for that after having surgery and not with everyone having access to
Forest area 220 children
Citizens Advice New the people of the New Forest. For being able to work anymore, the at least three bags of food every
were warmer a low weekly cost of £2.50 for an scheme was so helpful and gave her week with a good variety, including
Forest (CANF) regularly (and had less adult, £3.50 for a couple and £5.00 one less thing to worry about. fresh meat and vegetables to sweet
give residents advice stressed parents) for a family of more than four, it is
After speaking to many people
treats. They went on to say that
about their energy bills. as a result great value for money and up to 25 young, old, single, couples, they
CANF advisers also check that using the larders already, there has
products are available plus fruit and have seen a wide variety of people
The advisers help clients clients are on the correct tariff, offer vegetables on the side!
been an overwhelmingly positive
use the service and everyone was
response to the scheme with clients
who are vulnerable, or comparison searches and help with
Coming to each site once a week, describing them as beneficial to
welcome.
switching providers and discuss
in fuel poverty, and offer options in respect of household the aim of the scheme is to help the local area, a godsend and great Such a scheme allows us to reach
a holistic approach to energy efficiency. Where possible,
The client emailed the CANF make people’s money go further value for money. They further said out to the local community and
adviser to say: by reducing the food shopping bill. the service gave many people discuss problems people in the
assisting with debt issues, they help to apply for the Warm
This scheme allows people to limit the opportunity to socialise with New Forest have face-to-face, with
Home Discount and put clients on “Hi it’s me, I received some help
claims for benefits or the Priority Service Register. the money spent on their weekly people and build a greater sense members of our team taking the
from you for the winter grant I just
grants to ensure the client wanted to say thank you so, so shop. At the Pennington site, fresh of community spirit which they said time to talk to those at the sites,
One client had a two-year-old son meatballs, salad, eggs were some was very helpful especially during giving people in the community the
is getting everything they and was on Universal Credit. Her
much, it’s one less thing I have to
of the many things on offer, showing the Coronavirus pandemic. opportunity to raise any problems
worry about this month, it means a
are entitled to in respect payments were reduced by £100 just how diverse the products on they have so that we may help and
lot to me, so again thank you and The scheme has attracted many
of income. because she was paying back a offer are. advise them.
stay safe.” people with the Pennington and
loan. The resident was on a pre-
payment meter with SSE and had Ashley sites serving between 30 Sites that are currently being
CANF advisers have helped many
run out of credit. CANF applied to and 40 people each time, showing operated are based in Marchwood,
clients apply for Hampshire County
the foodbank for an immediate top- that they have become an asset to Ashley Hub, Hythe, Totton,
Council Fuel Poverty Payments
Find out more the community. Pennington, Blackfield, Calshot and
up for the client of £49.00 for her and when the Hampshire County
Citizens Advice New fuel bills and arranged for access to Ringwood with payments taken
Council Covid fuel voucher scheme With a first-come-first-served
Forest (for free, impartial, a food parcel. at the site in cash, with no online
was rolled out. premise, it is good to get in early
confidential, independent payments.
They then applied to Hampshire to ensure the best groceries for the
advice) week!
County Council for top-up vouchers
newforestcab.org.uk Find out more
for gas and electricity, to the value Debbie, a member of the Fare Share
(email enquiry form Visit fareshare.org.uk
of three vouchers, each worth team in Pennington told us that the
available on website) to find out where your
£49.00 - a total of £147.00. The scheme was having a very positive
0808 278 78 60 application was processed and two impact on the area with over 100 nearest food larder is and
Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm days later, she was emailed the members signed up to the service sign up today!
voucher codes for immediate use.
6 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 7
Solent Mind, Hampshire’s leading mental health Located in the New Forest National Park, the wellbeing
charity is dedicated to making sure everyone centres make use of the stunning surroundings, through
experiencing a mental health issue receives support gardening, walking and even boat trips.
What is Domestic Abuse? If you have any concerns please seek further and respect.
Whatever challenges you may be facing in your life,
advice from services below: The mental health charity has two Wellbeing Centres Solent Mind can help you build the confidence to
Domestic Abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of
in the New Forest, Marcella House in Hythe and The manage and understand your symptoms.
controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Hollies in New Milton. The centres are open to offer
abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have Solent Mind also run a Support Line for anyone in
Tel: 03300 165 112 support Monday to Friday as well as offering additional
been, intimate partners or family members regardless of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who feels low, anxious
support for those feeling isolated at the weekends.
gender or sexuality. Web: hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/domesticabuse and needs someone to talk to on 023 8017 9049.
Through an initial telephone assessment, they work Open weekdays 8.00am - 8.00pm, and weekends
It can happen: Stop Domestic Abuse Service for victims with you to set goals to support your wellbeing and find 9.00am - 5.00pm.
the right activities to help you work towards them.
• Both inside and outside the home Tel: 03300 165 112 To find out more, and to access support visit
The support is always specific and personalised to you, solentmind.org.uk.
• Over the phone, on the internet and social Virtual drop-in service for victims of domestic abuse but might include a combination of creative arts, active
networking sites who cannot access a telephone, please contact a groups, mindfulness and useful specific short courses
worker via messenger: for anxiety, self-esteem or life skills.
• In any relationship and can continue even after the
relationship has ended facebook.com/Southerndas/
• To both men and women as victims or perpetrator Web: stopdomesticabuse.uk
Some signs that your friend, neighbour or family The Hampton Trust
member may be experiencing domestic abuse:
For anyone who is or feels they may hurt their partner:
• They appear withdrawn
Tel: 02380 009 898
• They speak to you less often/try to avoid contact
Web: hamptontrust.org.uk
with you
Hampshire Constabulary Online help and advice for:
• Can you hear/witness arguing 111 online • Non-emergency medical issues
Web: hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-
• Do they seem pre-occupied • Coronavirus symptoms / queries
information/daa/domestic-abuse/
You can:
• Is the partner always with them/control the
conversation
If you feel you or anyone you know is at immediate 111.nhs.uk • Check for help with symptoms, injury or dental problems
risk, call Hampshire Constabulary 999. • See if symptoms could be coronavirus (Covid-19)
• Unexplained injuries/inconsistent explanations • Get an emergency supply of prescribed medicine
• Change in personality/body language • Find out more about coronavirus symptoms, testing and
isolation
• Book a coronavirus vaccination or find out about side
effects
• Get information about a health condition or problem
• Know more about a medicine and its side effects
8 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 9
Scams awareness
• Never give money or personal details, like passwords • Report the scam to Action Fraud, the national
or bank details, to anyone you don’t know, trust or reporting centre for fraud. They’ll also give them
have only met online. If someone pressures you for a crime reference number, which can be helpful if
these, it’s most likely a scam someone needs to tell their bank they have been
• Before you buy anything, check the company or scammed.
website you’re using. Read reviews from different It’s also important to talk about our experiences with
Citizens Advice have seen evidence that scammers are exploiting the pressures that the pandemic is putting websites, search for the company’s details on family and friends. By letting them know what’s happened
people under, including a significant increase in the number of scams relating to financial services reported in Companies House, and take a look at their terms and they can be prepared, and together we can put a stop to
the past year. These can include fake “Get Rich Quick” investment schemes or someone pretending to be your conditions scams.
bank to get you to transfer money or personal details
• Pay by debit or credit card. This gives you extra Where to go for more help
• Anyone can fall victim to a scam. People of all ages and backgrounds get scammed. protection if things go wrong • If someone has been scammed, or thinks they’ve
It’s important to be on your guard - if you’re not sure about something take your time and get advice.
• Be suspicious. Scammers can be very smart. They been scammed, they can contact the consumer
• If you think someone might be trying to scam you, it’s important to act straight away. If you need advice can appear like a trusted business or government service by calling 0808 223 1133
and support you can call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or visit official, have a professional website and say all the • If they’ve been scammed online they can also
citizensadvice.org.uk. You should also report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud. right things. Take your time to work out if this is a get advice from a Scams Action adviser (Monday
real organisation. Ask them for ID or contact the to Friday 9am to 5pm) on 0808 250 5050 or via
organisation on a number you know and trust webchat.
What is a scam? • Research whoever you’re dealing with. Almost all • Make sure your antivirus software is up to date • You can also use Citizens Advice online scams helper
A scam is a scheme to try to steal money, personal financial services firms must be authorised by the
• Keep your online accounts secure. Use a strong to work out if something is a scam and see the next
information or data from a person or organisation. Other Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – if they’re not, it’s
password for email accounts that you don’t use steps to take.
names for a scam include fraud, hoax, con, swindle and probably a scam
anywhere else. Choosing three random words is a • You can check recent scams on Action Fraud’s
cheat. Spotting a scam good way to create a strong and easy to remember website, and sign up for email alerts to find out about
Citizens Advice found in June 2020 that in the first three It’s important to always keep an eye out for scams. They password. You can also add in numbers and symbols. scams in your area at www.actionfraud.police.uk/
months of the first lockdown over a third of British adults can and do affect anyone. Here are some of the main • If you’re not sure about something, get advice from a news
(36%) had been the target of a scam. Certain groups were warning signs of scams to look out for: trusted source • You can also find out about common financial scams
at an increased risk of being contacted by a scammer, • It seems too good to be true – like an email saying What to do if someone has been scammed on the Financial Conduct Authority’s website at
often those who could least afford it. you’ve won a competition you don’t remember
If someone has been scammed, there are three steps they www.fca.org.uk/consumers/protect-yourself-scams.
Financial scams entering
need to take:
There has been a rise in scammers targeting people with • Someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly
1. Protect themselves from further risks
finance-related schemes. You should look out for scams • You’re being urged to respond quickly so you don’t They should contact their bank immediately to let
like: get time to think about it or talk to family and friends them know what’s happened. They should also
• Adverts offering fake “Get Rich Quick” schemes • You’ve been asked to pay for something urgently or change any relevant log-in details, and check for
• Phone calls, texts or emails pretending to be from in an unusual way – for example by bank transfer or viruses if they were scammed on a computer.
your bank, asking you to move your money or to gift vouchers 2. Check if they can get their money back
provide your personal details • You’ve been asked to give away personal information Tell their bank what happened straight away. If
• Scam emails or automated calls pretending to be If someone thinks they might be being scammed, they they’ve paid for something by card, bank transfer,
from the government or an official company should get advice immediately. They can contact the Direct Debit or PayPal, then depending on the
• An offer of a pensions review out of the blue Citizens Advice consumer service for help with what to circumstances they might be able to help them
do next, and report scams or suspected scams to Action get their money back.
When making financial decisions, there are some things
people can do to minimise the risk of being scammed: Fraud. 3. Report the scam
How to protect yourself from scams Reporting scams helps authorities stop the
• Don’t give any money or bank details to anyone
There are some simple steps people can take to help criminals responsible, and protects others from
you don’t know or have only met online. Be wary of
protect themselves from scams: being scammed. Anyone who’s been scammed
unexpected contact
should:
• Be cautious of investment opportunities, particularly • Don’t be rushed into making any quick decisions. It’s
okay to take your time • Call the Citizens Advice consumer service on
if they seem too good to be true. Seek professional
0808 223 1133 – we will pass on details of the
advice before making any decisions
scam to Trading Standards, and can offer further
advice.
1 0 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 11
THE CHARTER FOR SOCIAL HOUSING RESIDENTS (WHITE PAPER)
Published by the Government November 2020
The long-awaited White Paper, 2. To know how your landlord is 5. To have your voice heard by your
released by the Government performing landlord
November 2020, sets out what • Government will create a set of • Require landlords to seek
every social housing resident tenant satisfaction measures best practice and continually
should be able to expect. for landlords improve engagement with
The Government have declared they • Landlords to identify a senior tenants
will work with the Regulator of Social person responsible for ensuring • Enable residents to influence
Housing to ensure landlords:
• Are transparent about
compliance with standards
set by the Regulator of Social
Housing
their landlords and hold them
to account Help is at hand
with the press
performance and decision- 6. To have a good quality home
making 3. To have your complaints dealt and neighbourhood to live in
with promptly and fairly • Review the Decent Homes
• Put things right when
they go wrong
• Swift and effective resolution of
complaints •
Standard
Tackle anti-social behaviour
of a button
24 hours a day
• Listen to tenants through • Enable Housing Ombudsman to • Allocations - evidence to ensure
effective engagement speed up their process housing allocated in the fairest
Here is a list of the chapters a few • Ensure tenants know how to way possible
examples of how it might impact on raise complaints
you: 4. To be treated with respect
7. To be supported to take your
first steps to ownership 50% off
1. To be safe in your home • Proactively monitor compliance • The Government is investing an installation
• Legislation to strengthen with improved consumer funds for more affordable
Appletree Careline with code ‘HT01’
‘safety’ objectives standards homes
• Ensure resident voices are • Routine inspections every four
services can support you
heard years (for landlords with over and your loved ones aged 18yrs and over
1,000 homes) Find out more to remain independent at home and to maintain
• Hold Local Authorities to If you would like to read
account to make sure they the whole document, it
social and day to day activities in the community.
deliver a good service to tenants can be found at gov.uk/ An alarm or identity wristband offers peace of mind,
government/publications/ knowing help and assistance is always at hand.
the-charter-for-social-
housing-residents-social-
housing-white-paper
If you would like to volunteer
some of your time to get
involved with improving
housing services for all Always at the end Helping to keep you A helping hand when Staying connected
tenants please contact the of the phone for you independent at home you need it most so you’re never alone
Resident Involvement team
ri@nfdc.gov.uk
023 8028 5523
appletree.careline@nfdc.gov.uk • newforest.gov.uk/appletreecareline
12 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 13
New
Forest
THE
Disability
Independence CROSSINGS
Matters Drop-In Centre
Do you have difficulty using your bath, or find stairs
and steps difficult? New Forest District Council offer
grants and loans for adaptations to your home that We all need each other, so...
could help make your life easier.
Rough sleeping or sofa surfing?
Please contact our Private Sector Housing team on
023 8028 5151 for further details. Living in temporary accommodation?
...working alongside
New Forest District Council has linked up with local Job / Housing worries?
charity New Forest Disability, to promote adaptations NFDC, we’’re here to help
to help people stay independent in their homes. New
Forest Disability provides free, impartial, confidential a welcoming place to talk
information and advice to those of any age and any Help against hot drinks & snacks
disability, throughout the New Forest area.
homelessness
What we can help with free wi-fi & phone charging
Funding is available to assist New Forest residents with help getting into accommodation
a disability to live safely, independently and with dignity I.T. help applying for benefits
in their own homes. We can help with a wide range of
adaptations, including:
• Installing a level access shower.
across the Waterside
• Widening doors for wheelchair access.
• Fitting grab rails, ramps or stair lifts.
St John's Hall, Marchwood, SO40 4XF Wed 10am - 1pm (by appt. only)
We can also assist with arranging a needs assessment, Blackfield Baptist Church, SO45 1XA Thurs 10am - 1pm
surveyor and builder to carry out the work.
Loans are also available to help with essential work New Forest District Council St John's, Hythe, SO45 6BP Sat 10am - 1pm
Appletree Court, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst,
such as roof and window repairs or a broken boiler. Hampshire. SO43 7PN • 023 8028 5151
Loans are administered by the Parity Trust, a charitable newforest.gov.uk
organisation. newforestdc • newforestgov
Who can apply
thecrossings.org.uk
New Forest Disability
Council or housing association tenants, private tenants NFDIS Head Office, 6 Osborne Road, New Milton, 07486 551272 TheCrossings
and home owners can apply. Applications for adults will Hampshire. BH25 6AD • 01425 628750 Waterside
be means tested and you may have to contribute to the newforestdis.org.uk • info@newforestdis.org.uk
Charity registration number 1175115
NF_Disability • New-Forest-Disability
cost. Applications for children are not means tested.
14 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 15
Building for the future
Did you know that more than 200 additional council Since then the Council’s Development Team has been But of course, the challenge of providing at least And to help pay for the new homes, we have secured
affordable homes have been provided over the last very busy looking for land and sites where we can buy 600 affordable homes by April 2026 isn’t easy. In our a significant amount of public funding from central
three years across the New Forest and plans are in and build new homes, where there is housing need! district so much of the environment is protected and government as well as using our own money.
place to deliver hundreds more! And as activities have scaled-up over the last 18 months development sites are hard to find and in high demand,
With a number of sites and proposals already lined-up
or so, steps have been taken to improve the way we which makes building land expensive even for market
Back in 2018 the District Council adopted a new Housing for the next couple of years we are going to be busy for
work, to ensure we have strong relationships with good housing let alone subsidised affordable housing!
Strategy and set a target to provide at least 600 a while to come and we look forward to updating you as
building contractors; and to ensure that the homes are
additional council-owned homes by April 2026. Although Despite these challenges 211 affordable homes have we make progress.
safe and built to very high standards.
the council had been buying and building affordable been added to our stock over the last three years in a
homes for a few years before then, the Housing Strategy More recently, and as part of our emerging Greener variety of types and sizes. Some have come through
introduced a new challenging target incorporating Housing Strategy, we have started looking closely at new mixed housing developments with private Find out more
different types and tenures of housing. These plans how affordable our new-build homes are to run, how developers. Some have been bought new or second- For more information about our Housing Strategy and
encompassed the provision of new emergency energy and carbon efficient they are, and how we can hand. Some have been commissioned and built for the Development Programme please contact Catherine
accommodation for those in greatest need and facing introduce new technologies. council on land that we own, whilst some have been Bonnett, Housing Initiatives Manager. Tel. 023 8028
homelessness, as well as different types of affordable created from converting underused space in council- 5129 or email housing.development@nfdc.gov.uk
housing for rent, and new homes for shared-ownership. owned properties.
1 6 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 17
Keeping the neighbourhood You can help to keep the Report fly-tipping
neighbourhood you live in If you see somebody fly-
we live in clean and tidy clean and tidy by disposing
tipping do not approach
them. When it is safe to do
so, please take pictures of
Although we’d all rather not see any of your waste responsibly the items dumped and email
the photos, along with any
litter in the New Forest, we know it Stay safe when litter picking information such as:
does happen and we are very lucky
to have lots of volunteers that work Please remember to follow our health and safety guidance to make Ways to help • A description of the
independently to help keep our area sure you and your volunteers stay safe on your litter pick. people
Sort your household waste into the correct bags: • Vehicle details
clean and tidy. With restrictions • Get permission from the landowner before you start
lifting, litter picking is a great way to • Clear plastic sacks for recycling paper, card, tins, cans, aerosols and • What you saw being
get out, keep fit with your families • Don’t litter pick along roads with a speed limit of more than plastic bottles fly-tipped
and friends or meet new people. 30mph, highways or highway verges, or any roads where there • When and where you
is no pavement or footpath • Black plastic sacks for general household waste
You’ll also be doing something saw it happen
positive for your community and for • Avoid litter picking steep slopes, cliff edges or in water courses • Black box for glass bottles and jars
to customer.services@
the environment. Use community facilities, such as: nfdc.gov.uk
• Always litter pick in daylight, and wear appropriate clothing and
Families and individuals can get footwear, including a hi-vis vest if possible If you do not have access
• Household waste and recycling centres
free litter picking equipment and to emails you can call the
• Use a litter grabber to pick things up, and don’t attempt to pick • Community recycling banks Customer Services team on
advice on their clean up, when
up anything too heavy, sharp or hazardous 023 8028 5000.
they sign up as a New Forest Disposing of bulky waste:
Ambassador, with the New Forest • Report any fly tipping or hazardous items, such as needles, to
National Park Authority. There is Consider donating it
the council as soon as possible at newforest.gov.uk or on
more information at newforestnpa. 023 8028 5000 Many of the things we no longer need can be put to good use by someone Find out more
gov.uk/nfambassadors else and a lot of charities can assist with recycling furniture etc.
• Be aware of other people, dogs and wildlife Full details about how
New Forest District Council can lend Book a bulky waste collection you can dispose of your
• Make sure children are supervised at all times
equipment for groups of up to 30 waste and recycling can be
If you have a large item that can’t be reused elsewhere, and you are not able
volunteers, including litter grabbers • Don’t enter private land without permission found on NFDC’s website
to take it to the tip, contact Customer Services to arrange a Bulky Waste
and hi-vis vests, for organised newforest.gov.uk/recycling
If you are organising a litter pick please make sure you follow collection.
litter picking events. They will and rubbish
current COVID-19 and social distancing guidance, use hand sanitiser
supply rubbish sacks and arrange You are responsible for ensuring that rubbish is disposed of safely and
regularly, and wash your hands thoroughly after the event. Report fly-tipping online at
to collect the waste after the litter legally once it leaves your home. If you use a private company to remove
pick. Organisers can get more Please note: Litter pick organisers and volunteers are not working or acting waste from your property, ask the company what they will do with your newforest.gov.uk or contact
information and request support for on behalf of the council and they are not covered by the council’s liability waste and if they are a licensed waste carrier. Make a note of their waste Customer Services (contact
insurance. details are on the back page).
their event at newforest.org.uk/ carrier’s licence number and check it on the Environment Agency’s register
litterpicking of licensed waste carriers.
1 8 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 1920 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 21
referral
Our Active Lifestyles Scheme aims to support sedentary patients in
the community to become more active.
We received over 1,000 patient referrals each year for many
conditions including diabetes, obesity, mental health and muscle
skeletal issues. As part of the scheme we also deliver specialist
sessions for falls prevention, osteoarthritis, pulmonary and cardiac
rehabilitation. We also offer cancer rehabilitation as part of our
twelve week scheme.
All patients are supported by our fully qualified and experienced
advisors. We offer a wide range of activity options which include
walking, swimming, sports, class or gym based activities.
We can also signpost local activities
available in the community.
Classes designed to improve balance, strength For more information about
and confidence for people at risk of falling. our scheme please see our
website at:
newforest.gov.uk/leisure
Applemore Health & Leisure Ringwood Health & Leisure
Tuesdays 11.30am and 1.30pm Mondays 1.15pm For a referral to the
scheme please
Lymington Health & Leisure Wednesdays 1.30pm
speak to your GP
Wednesdays 2.00pm Totton Health & Leisure or NHS Healthcare
Fridays 1.15pm and 2.45pm Mondays 3.00pm professional.
New Milton Health & Leisure Lyndhurst Community Centre
Wednesdays 1.15pm and 2.30pm Wednesdays 11.15am
Fridays 2.15pm
An assessment is required before attending please contact
Richard Bell 023 8028 5512 • richard.bell@nfdc.gov.uk
£3.60
per session
023 8028 5531 newforest.gov.uk/leisure
22 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 23Other services if you are having Essentials tariff
difficulty paying your bill
Our Essentials Tariff is designed to help customers
WaterSure tariff who are struggling to pay their water services
charges. It provides a discount of at least 20% on
You may be eligible for a reduction in charges if you
future bills. If you receive your water and wastewater
have a low income and your water is supplied by a
services from us, you’ll qualify for our Essentials
meter.
tariff if:
You need to be in receipt of means tested benefit and
• your household income is less than £21,000
have three children under the age of 19 in full time
per year (excluding Disability Living Allowance,
education, or have a medical condition that requires
An update on services additional use of water .
Water Direct
Personal Independence Payments, or Attendance
Allowance), or someone in your household
receives Pension Credits.
from Southern Water If you’re claiming means tested benefits, Jobcentre
Plus may consider paying us directly out of your
benefits.
• If you qualify, we’ll discount the amount we
charge you for services – this will be between
20% and 90% depending on your income.
If you have at least £50 arrears, they will take a fixed • If you qualify through pension credit, we’ll
amount from your benefits to cover what you owe in provide a 20% discount.
Southern Water’s Priority Services Register arrears plus your current charges.
Services offered In order to apply for all the above you will need to
ensures that people who need a little extra NewStart contact Southern Water’s Affordability Team on
• We’ll contact you
help can receive assistance tailored to their about extra support if This scheme can help you pay off your water bill debt
0330 303 0116 or complete their online Financial
Assistance Form at southernwater.co.uk/difficulty-
needs. there are unavoidable
You might qualify for NewStart if you currently owe us paying-your-bill.
interruptions to your
money and have not made a payment for a while.
We can add you to our Priority Services Register water supply, e.g. to
supply bottled water
if you or someone in your household: if you have kidney
dialysis at home.
• are pensionable age with additional needs • Bills sent to a friend,
such as limited mobility relative or register a
unique password.
• have a disability or mental health challenges • Large print, braille bills,
audio or digital bills.
• have a medical condition that means you • Talking bills, Textphone
need additional help or Minicom.
Call our free-phone helpline
• have difficulty seeing, hearing or on 0330 303 0116 from
communicating 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
or alternatively apply online
• require assistance with your water account at southernwater.co.uk/
services-we-offer
or want a little extra security in protecting
your account
24 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 25WORDSEARCH COMPETITION
Gas safety checks
The trees and woodland areas of the There are many varieties of bats in the
British Isles provide shelter and food UK and they are a protected species.
We have a legal requirement to
for numerous native and non-native Bats are nocturnal and come out at
mammals. night to feed on midges, moths and inspect all gas appliances annually
other flying insects and they hibernate in council properties.
You may catch a glimpse of the fast
over winter between November and We require all tenants to allow our
and furious stoat foraging up trees or
April. engineers access to their properties to
underground, there are few places that
it won’t go in search of its next meal Can you find the 15 names of make these checks. We can take court
and, what weasels lack in size, they mammals in the wordsearch puzzle action against any tenants who refuse
Thinking of having
make up for in appetite, eating a third below? access for gas safety checks.
of their own body weight daily.
Send us your answers to be in with a If tenants repeatedly miss appointments
Despite being one of our most common chance of winning!
woodland mammals, the small and
secretive wood mouse is hard to
1st prize • £20 shopping voucher
2nd prize • £10 shopping voucher
a garden fire? the property may be visited by a Gas
Supervisor who will leave a notice on
the front door notifying the tenant that
spot. They feast on nuts, seeds and
invertebrates and are an important food they must contact the gas team and, if
source for larger mammals and birds
Can you avoid burning, necessary, we will apply to the court for
an injunction to enable us to gain access
of prey. burn cleaner, burn safely? and, if appropriate, authorise us to use
force. The council will seek the costs of
Garden fires can cause harmful particulate air pollution in your having to make an injunction application
O T O Y D I V U S S F D X Q L
Badger Weasel home and neighbourhood. This negatively impacts the health of from the tenant.
R U A J R O F Q S H O T O W E your family and community, affecting your heart and lungs.
Beaver Wood mouse Please ensure you help the gas team
O F P O L R U U Y R X M J N S
Pipistrelle bat Roedeer Instead of having a garden fire to keep tenants safe and warm this
E K A E T I G O H E G D E H A Fallow deer Vole winter in their homes by allowing
• Compost garden waste at home or through council garden
D H C L R S H M C G Q B C V E Fox Shrew access to carry out safety checks!
waste collections: newforest.gov.uk/gardenwaste
E V P R L T A X R D E A R A W Squirrel Rabbit If you think you can smell gas in your
• Dispose of household waste safely through council general
E H E P I O K T R A D E T H Y Hedgehog Brown rat home or in the event of an emergency:
and bulky waste collections, waste and recycling centres
R L B J V Q W L V B V C K P E Stoat and recycling or donating where possible: • Do not light matches
R F Z X U N G D T A Q W N H U newforest.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish • Do not smoke
G P I P I S T R E L L E B A T If you would like to enter the competition, If you need to have a garden fire • Do not turn electrical switches on or off
L J S E P L Z B W E R H S X I mark around the words clearly with a black • Make sure it is a small fire within a contained fire bin so as
pen, complete the entry form and send it to: • Open doors and windows
W O O D M O U S E Z R T B Z B not to spread or cause a risk to other properties.
H A X C U T Y N Z H D X B Z B Resident Involvement Team • Turn off the meter at the control handle.
• Only burn dry, untreated wood and not rubber tyres,
J R M I N L V D I Y S E D W A
New Forest District Council plastics or wood with varnish or paint. If you think you can smell gas in
Appletree Court, Beaulieu Road, your home and you feel there is an
B R O W N R A T C M C Q G Z R Lyndhurst. Hampshire SO43 7PA • Consider your neighbours, community and wildlife before Emergency Situation call The National
building and lighting a fire. Grid UK immediately on 0800 111 999
Entry form any time, day or night.
• Be aware of the impacts of air pollution – don’t allow fires
Full name Telephone to smoulder or produce a lot of dark smoke, and avoid days
Address with poor air quality or unsuitable weather conditions.
• Follow fire safety advice – don’t leave a fire unattended,
Carbon Monoxide kills!
keep water nearby and children and pets away. Please help us gain access to
Closing date for entries is 30 September 2021. Terms and Conditions apply. This information will only be used by our Housing team for the purposes of your property.
the wordsearch competition prize draw, and will not be used for any other purpose or shared elsewhere. Further information about your information For more information and advice on wood burning
rights can be found at nfdc.gov.uk or by emailing our Data Protection Officer on data.protection@nfdc.gov.uk. environmentcentre.com/wood-burning
26 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 27Security items for sale Don’t forget to
at information offices pay your rent
The Safer New Forest Partnership has a range of Failure to keep your
security items for sale at our information offices rent payments up to date
across the district. could mean that you lose
The high quality products include: your home.
If you are having difficulty
• Alarmed padlocks for outbuildings
paying your rent please
• Gold standard bike D-locks contact us at an early stage
• High visibility rucksack covers for cyclists and - our Housing Income Team
pedestrians are here to assist you.
• Flashing armbands - ideal for children, cyclists etc. Call us on 023 8028 5222
to speak to a member of
Starting a business can be an exciting and For more information visit safer.newforest.gov.uk
the team.
stressful adventure, so planning ahead is
essential to achieving your business dreams Save time, do it online
Why not use our online services You can also:
If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, it can be quite daunting. You need to to save yourself some time - Making an
• Apply for a property
think about your business structure, budgeting and paying your own tax. visit newforest.gov.uk. appointment with a
You can make online payments New Forest District
New Forest District Council works with partners, to ensure businesses can access Some of the things you can
for:
impartial advice to help them start and grow. report include: Council officer
• Rent
In partnership with Enterprise South, we have produced a New Forest ‘Start Your • Repairs needed
• Council tax
Own Business’ book, which covers topics such as business planning, finance and • Benefit fraud or change in Please make an
funding. This book is completely free to download and you can find it online at circumstances • Garden waste scheme appointment if you
syob.net/uk/book/New+Forest • Dog fouling • Parking clocks wish to see any of the
following officers:
• Flytipping Alternatively use
• Homelessness and
• Graffiti the New Forest
housing advice
In Touch app.
You will also find useful information for your new or existing • Household rubbish and • Allocations
business on the New Forest District Council website at recycling enquiries
• Tenancy Management
newforest.gov.uk/new-business • Pest control issues
• Housing income
The Council also publishes a regular free enewsletter for businesses, with • Street cleaning issues
For contact details,
updates on business grants and information to help your business. • Abandoned vehicles please see
You can sign up to receive it at information
newforest.gov.uk/businessnewsletter on the back
page.
newforest.gov.uk/business NFDCBizUpdates
2 8 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 29Information directory
Home safety Rogue traders, scams and doorstep crime Reducing social isolation Supporting independence
Things I can do myself If I need help or advice Things I can do myself Things I can do myself
• Smoke detectors - make sure batteries are working Citizens Advice Consumer Help Do something new either for yourself or for others. Don’t wait until crisis point to make changes.
properly and test them regularly. Discover a new talent, go back to something you
citizensadvice.org.uk Start thinking about how you or a loved one will keep
used to enjoy, connect with people. Get to know your
• Key safes and mobility aids can be purchased in independent as early as possible.
Report an issues to Hampshire Trading Standards neighbours and your local community.
high street stores.
If I need help or advice
01962 833620 • tsadvice@hants.gov.uk If I need help or advice
If I need help or advice
hants.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards Appletree Careline
Your local voluntary service will have details on all sorts
Free home security visits from Blue Lamp Trust
of clubs and groups as well as transport solutions that newforest.gov.uk/appletreecareline
0300 777 0157 can help.
Preparing for winter 023 8028 5523
bluelamptrust.org.uk To find details of your local voluntary service please visit
Things I can do myself Steady and Strong and Better Balance for Life classes
hampshirecvs.org.uk
Consider lining curtains and draught proofing rooms. hants.gov.uk/balance
Silverline
Household emergency For some DIY tips on energy saving solutions please
023 8028 5588
visit environmentcentre.com 0800 470 8090
Things I can do myself
Meals on Wheels (Apetito)
If I need help or advice
Water - find out where the mains supply / stopcock is.
hants.gov.uk/meals-on-wheels
Switch off mains if necessary. Hampshire based advice line for practical and financial Bereavement
support Hitting the Cold Spots 01225 560368
Gas - turn off gas at the meter, open doors and bereavementadvice.org
windows, don’t use naked flames or electrical switches. 0800 8048 601
0800 634 9494 - Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm
Electric -turn off mains power to the house. Bus services in the New Forest
Cruse bereavement care
Smell gas? Keeping healthy Blue Star bus services
cruse.org.uk
Call 0800 111 999 (National Grid) and let the Housing Things I can do myself 01202 338 421 / bluestarbus.co.uk
Support Hub know.
Enjoy life! Little changes can make big differences in the
Supporting carers
long run - don’t put off making healthy life changes, do
it today. Things I can do myself
Consumer advice including benefits, housing,
finances and legal concerns If I need help or advice Think Carers! If you are a carer yourself, you are entitled
to a carers assessment to help identify your support
Things I can do myself inclusion.org
needs and offer advice.
Keep all relevant paper work/bills etc. stored safely for (Aged 25 and over) 0300 124 0103
If you know someone who is a carer, make time to see
reference. Don’t ignore final bills or letters that concern
(Aged 24 and under) 0845 459 9405 them and make sure that they are aware of support
you.
available to them.
Mental Health Support
If I need help or advice
If I need help or advice
Solent Mind
Housing Support Hub (see back page)
Princess Royal Trust for Carers
0300 123 3393 • info@mind.org.uk
Citizens Advice Hampshire
carercentre.com / 01264 835246
Healthy Eating and Weight Management
citizensadvice.org.uk
Carers Together
nhs.uk/change4life
New Forest Advice Line
carerstogether.org.uk
0300 3309 009 01642 488977
30 H om etalk Sum m e r 202 1 H om etalk Sum m er 202 1 31Useful contacts and information
Housing Support Hub 3. Rent account advice
• Web chat is quick and easy to use. Go to newforest.gov.uk For enquiries about your rent payments or help with debt
and click on the ‘Live Chat’ option at the bottom of the page. management contact rents@nfdc.gov.uk
or call 023 8028 5222 (option 2)
• Email the support hub team to discuss or raise a variety of
housing related queries housing.supporthub@nfdc.gov.uk 4. Estate management
• To report a repair you can use one of our online forms For enquiries about your tenancy or to report tenancy related
24 hours a day at newforest.gov.uk/maintenance issues and anti-social behaviour contact estatemanagement@
nfdc.gov.uk or call 023 8028 5222 (option 5)
• Call 023 8028 5222 - listen to the options for all housing
related enquiries. Alternatively, you can call 023 8028 5000
- option 4 for Customer Services (all general, non-housing
Customer Services
related enquiries).
• Web chat is quick and easy to use. Go to newforest.gov.uk
• Contacting us in an emergency
and click on the ‘Live Chat’ option at the bottom of the page.
If you need to report an emergency outside of our office
hours, at weekends or on public holidays, • Email customer.services@nfdc.gov.uk
call 023 8028 5250 or if the land line is unavailable, • Use one of our online forms at newforest.gov.uk
call our emergency mobile 07771 259098
• Use our In Touch app if you’re out and about and spot
something that needs reporting.
Visit mycouncilservices.com for more information
Housing options
and to download.
1. Homesearch vacancies / Housing waiting list
• Get in touch on Twitter or Facebook where you
For queries relating to Homesearch (the housing waiting list) can post or message us with your enquiry
contact housing.options@nfdc.gov.uk @nfdc_updates @newforestgov
If you need to speak with us about social housing, call • Call 023 8028 5000 - option 4 for Customer Services (all
023 8028 5222 (option 3), Monday to Thursday from general, non-housing related enquiries). If you are not
2.00pm to 5.15pm, and Friday from 2.00pm to 4.45pm. sure who you want to speak to, just hold and you will be
2. Homeless and housing advice connected to the Customer Service team who will assist you.
For homeless / housing advice queries contact
homeless@nfdc.gov.uk
Appletree Careline
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness you
appletree.careline@nfdc.gov.uk
can refer yourself to the Housing Options team
or call 023 8028 5523 24 hours a day
https://hpa2.org/refer/NEWF
or if you are homeless today call 023 8028 5222 (option 3)
Monday: 9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 5pm National Grid
Tuesday: 1.00pm - 5.00pm If you suspect a gas leak please call the National Grid. Also report
Wednesday: 9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 5pm the gas leak to New Forest District Council.
nationalgrid.com
Thursday: 9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 5pm 0800 111 999 (24 hours) have your postcode ready.
Friday: 9.00am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.45pm
Or you can advise Streetlink of a rough sleeper via a 24 hour,
Other useful numbers
7 days a week free phone line 0300 500 0914
or visit streetlink.org.uk Street lights at Hampshire County Council
If you need emergency assistance outside of normal office hours, Report road problems, including potholes, pavements, roadside
call 023 8028 5250 plants, drainage problems etc. You can log a report direct to
Hampshire County Council’s website
hants.gov.uk/roadproblems or call 0300 555 1375
Alternative formats
If you would like this information on audio CD, audio tape, braille, large print, any other format or interpreted into a language other than
English, please contact Joy Stainer or Adrian Phipps, Resident Involvement on 023 8028 5119 or email RI@nfdc.gov.uk.You can also read
