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GOLD ACCREDITED
FOR EXCELLENCE IN
TENANT PARTICIPATION
S c o t l a n d ’s p a r t i c i p a t i o n ex p e r t s
The newsletter for Council
tenants in South Ayrshire
Spring / Summer 2020
Tenant Participation
is seeing
Go l d ! Read more on Pages 4 & 5!
OUR FIRST EVER TENANT NEW BUILD
LED ASSESSMENT
HOUSING PLUS, MUCH
SERVICES NEWS UPDATES
Page 7 Page 8 Page 16 MORE
1 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/
Useful South Ayrshire Council have launched a monthly online newsletter
to keep you up to date with all Council news.
Contacts South Ayrshire Council Live
View the latest version of
South Ayrshire Council the newsletter below
Customer Services
Visit: https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/
0300 123 0900 south-ayrshire-council-live/ to find out more.
Environmental Health
01292 618222
Trading Standards
01292 616060
Housing Enquiries & Repairs
0300 123 0900
(emergency or routine)
Waste Enquires &
Special Uplifts
0300 123 0900
Scottish Water
0800 077 8778 COMPETITION WINNERS
Scottish Power (Emergency) Well done to Brian Laidlaw from Dailly who
0800 092 9290 was the winner of the Where's Molly competition and
received £50 shopping vouchers.
GAS (Emergency)
0800 111 999 Well done also to Agnes Vallance from
Police Ayr who was the lucky winner of the
101 (Non Emergency) Spot the Difference Competition.
999 (Emergency)
And also well done to Eva Peacock from Ayr who was
Power Cut the lucky winner of the Find the Penguins Competition.
105
NHS 24 Look through the newsletter to find out what
111 (Out of Hours Health competitions you could win in this edition!
Advice)
Emergency Homeless
0808 100 3151
(Out of Hours)
Ayr Hospital
01292 610555
Girvan Community Hospital
01465 712 571
2 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and current advice we have made the decision to cancel our Communities Fun Day for 2020 that was due to take place on Saturday 12th September. The decision was not taken lightly and we all look forward to planning and running the event in 2021. Scottish Housing Regulator Update How we regulate: A guide for tenants and service users The Scottish Housing Regulator recently published a short guide on how they regulate the housing system in Scotland. The guide is for tenants and service users and explains how the Scottish Housing Regulator regulates social landlords in Scotland. It explains who they are and what they do, how they do it, and how to raise a concern about your landlord. You can read the full guide online at: https://www.housingregulator.gov.scot/for-tenants/ how-we-regulate-information-for-tenants/how-we regulate-a-guide-for-tenants-and-service-users# Tenants Newsletter, Spring/Summer 2020 3
Tenant Participation
Team Receives
gold!
Gold Accreditation has been awarded to our
GOLD ACCREDITED
Tenant Participation Team by the Tenant FOR EXCELLENCE IN
TENANT PARTICIPATION
Participation Advisory Service Scotland (TPAS). S c o t l a n d ’s p a r t i c i p a t i o n ex p e r t s
The accreditation process is based 5. The landlord works in
on demonstrating the achievement partnership with tenants
of 10 standards and their 6. Tenants are involved in the
associated competencies. scrutiny of their landlord’s
performance and self-
The 10 standards are: assessment
1. The landlord has a tenant 7. There are sufficient resources
participation strategy and support to enable tenant
participation
2. The landlord provides good
information to tenants 8. Staff have good awareness of
tenant participation
3. There are effective tenant
involvement structures 9. The landlord has realistic
timescales for tenant
4. Tenants are involved in making participation
decisions
10.The landlord is committed to
promoting equal opportunities
4 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/
This required the team to submit for Housing and Customer Services,
evidence to support how the said: “This is a great achievement You can read our Tenant
service is meeting or exceeding the for the Tenant Participation Participation Strategy
standards. The submission along Team. This award shows what
with all evidence is scrutinised by can be achieved when we work
and the opportunities
an independent panel organised by in partnership with our tenants, to become an involved
TPAS. In addition to this a member and I would like to congratulate tenant online at www.
of the TPAS team also attended a everyone involved.”
local meeting with involved tenants
south-ayrshire.gov.uk/
to see first-hand how we involve Gordon Campbell, Tenant tp or call our Tenant
tenants in the decision making Participation Officer, said ‘It was a Participation Team on
processes and to chat with those great achievement for the service
involved to ensure the standards to receive Gold Accreditation.
01292 612968
are being achieved. Tenants and Officers involved in
Tenant Participation work together
By receiving Gold Accreditation on a range of projects with our
it shows that our service is sector involved tenants volunteering lots
leading, and demonstrates the of their time to the service so it was
valuable work of the team and our great to see all the hard work being
involved tenants. recognised.”
Councillor Philip Saxton, South
Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder
Tenants Newsletter, Spring/Summer 2020 5
St Patrick’s Day Buffet
Tenants from Panrock Court, Troon, held a buffet to celebrate
St Patrick’s Day on Saturday 14th March. The tenants enjoyed a
buffet of sandwiches, cakes and fruit, while sporting some green
attire and appreciating the day put together.
Musical Generations with Centrestage!
In 2019 Centrestage attended our Sheltered Housing Complexes to
provide tenants with musical sessions which allowed them to take a trip Working Animals
down memory lane with songs loved by all.
Fund Raiser
Due to the popularity of the sessions they were due to return in 2020,
however in accordance with Government Guidelines they have been Tenants at Logan Drive, Troon
postponed until it is safe to return. Please keep an eye out for our social hosted an afternoon tea with
media posts and posters within the complexes outlining when we can a bottle stall, raffle and a
take a blast to the past with music. beetle drive for fun. The money
raised is being spread between
different charities.
Morrison Gardens, Ayr
Dixie and Toby have been attending Morrison Gardens
Sheltered Housing Complex on a Tuesday afternoon as part
of a 12-week programme with Ayr Academy. On Pancake Day they
lent a helping hand alongside the tenants to make pancakes.
Dixie &
Toby
6 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/
Music and Movement
Tenants from St Meddans Court, Troon enjoying their weekly Music &
Movement class before the lockdown measures came into place.
‘We gather each week down the hall, at the end.
We turn on the music and together we bend
we stretch, we sway, we clap our hands…
It’s a moment away from the daily demands. Tenan
Old friends come and blether away… t’s enj
o
when the music stops they’re welcome to stay’ weekl ying their
y cla
ss
Keeping In Touch
Staff within our Sheltered Housing Units have come up with new
ways to stay in touch with residents to keep their spirts high while
observing social distancing during the Covid 19 – Lockdown. As well
as using the call system to carry out their normal checks on service
users’ wellbeing, and making conversation from a distance, staff have
organised garden exercises, entertainment, music & movement,
birthday celebrations, quizzes, jigsaws, soup and sandwiches.
joying an Pictured are some of the residents of Millrock/Panrock court in
n
nts E sun! Troon making the most of the sunshine, getting some fresh air and
Reside on in the exercise safely in the gardens.
o
aftern
Thank You - NHS
Residents of St Meddans, Panrock and Millrock Court in Troon wanted
to show their support for the NHS during these difficult times. They were
overjoyed to be filmed by the BBC miming to the Taylor Swift Song, ‘Only
the Young’. They made their debut on the BBC News programme, ‘The
Nine’ at the end of April. You can view their video on our Facebook Page –
South Ayrshire Council Housing Services
Some
of the
R
in act esidents
ion
Acts of Kindness
A massive thank you to residents from Dundonald, Walker Avenue,
Panrock/Millrock Court, Logan Drive and Ardfin Sheltered Housing
Units who donated £435 to the 10:10 Trust, Unity Grill and South
Ayrshire Foodbank to help feed the children in South Ayrshire during
Volunteers the COVID-19 outbreak.
Trust rk
10:10 ard at wo
h
Tenants Newsletter, Spring/Summer 2020 7
HOUSING SERVICES NEWS
Tenant Participation Update
Tenant Participation Advisory
Tenant Participation Update
Tenant’s Choir
Service (TPAS) Conference
Our Tenants Choir carried out
their first ever performance in 6 Tenants and 3 Officers attended
November at the Wintertainment the TPAS National Conference and
Festival in Troon. They followed Awards ceremony in St Andrews in
this up with a performance before call our Tenant Participation December 2019.
the final full Council meeting Team on 01292 612968 to reserve
in December. The group only your place. (Assistance with The conference provides involved
formed in March 2019. Transport can be provided to help tenants and officers with the
you take part) opportunity to take part in workshop
We are always looking for new sessions, networking sessions
members to join the Choir and no Our Tenant Choir sessions are and plenary sessions discussing
previous experience is required. currently postponed due to the National priorities and agendas for
The group meet every fortnight current outbreak of COVID-19, Social Housing in Scotland. At the
to practice in Ayr Town Hall with however if you would like to be conference our Tenant Participation
Rachel Hynes (Choir Conductor) informed when this resumes then Team received Gold Accreditation for
providing support to the group. contact our Tenant Participation the work they undertake with tenants
If you are interested in getting Team on the details above. in South Ayrshire. You can find out
involved in the Tenants Choir then Themore about our
Maintenance Gold
group Accreditation
attending a
siteon pages
visit of the4McCalls
& 5. Avenue depot.
Staff Changes in Tenant Participation
There have been some who showed them how they can about Viewfield Gate and find
great developments in track the vehicles to allow them out morewasabout the Temporary
Kyle McKay, Tenant Participation Assistant successful in gaining
to call the closest tradesperson Accommodation service that
Tenant Participation over inaantemporary
emergency. position
Tenantsaswere
a Policy Officer within the Corporate Policy &
South Ayrshire Council provides.
the last few months. also shown what happens when was successful in gaining the position of
Housing Team. Nicole Armour
The Tenants Handbook
Kyle allWorking
The Communities NicFuno Day was
temporary
a repair Tenantand
is reported Participation
how this Assistant. We wish the best
yle success with
anKexcellent le more in his new role and welcome
goes from Customer Services Nicole Group
to the have
team.been working hard on
developing the handbook into a
people attending this year than to the team at the depot who
process the job and assign it to a DVD format. The aim of the DVD
last. Since then we have been is to provide vital information in
further developing our scrutiny tradesperson.
Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Scrutiny a more accessible way to tenants
programme with tenants on the Tenants in the Housing Options across South Ayrshire. The DVD
maintenance group attending a and Support group attended a features Mark Cox and Jane
Involved
site tenants
visit of the will Avenue
McCalls progress with site
HRAvisit
Scrutiny
of the in line with
Housing the
Options
guidance McCarry known to most as ”Tam
depot. They published
were shown byaround
the Scottishoffice
Government in February
at Kyle Street 2014.
in Ayr. This and Isa” from BBCs “Still Game”.
the store itself to see how the gave tenants an opportunity
stock is organised
If you would be and the in finding
interested toout
seemore
the offices
aboutsince it has
the Housing If you would like to become
process that an employee must been refurbished and
Revenue Account or being involved in the information and scrutiny speak with involved in Tenant Participation
gomeetings
through to get contact
then the materials the staff who work
our Tenant Participation Teamthere. After
on 01292 then please contact the TP team
that they need for completing
612968 or email tp@south-ayrshire.gov.uk this, tenants headed over to on 01292 612968 or email at
a job. Tenants also met some Viewfield Gate to speak with staff tp@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
of the team behind the scenes who work there, find out more
8
Tenants Newsletter, Winter 2017 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/
7
Tenant Participation Update
The Maintenance group attending a
Housing to 2040 Consultation site visit of the McCalls Avenue depot.
Involved Tenants
There have beeninsome
South Ayrshire had the
who showed opportunity
them how they can to discuss and provide
about Viewfield Gate and find
great developments track the
in Government’s vehicles to allow them out more about the Temporary
feedback to the Scottish Housing to 2040 consultation.
to call the closest tradesperson Accommodation service that
Tenant Participation over in an emergency. Tenants were South Ayrshire Council provides.
the last few months. also shown what happens when
The Tenants Handbook Working
The group met in January to theyawould likereported
repair is the housing system
and how this the Scottish Government, public,
The Communities Fun Day was Group have been working hard on
discuss and agree
an excellent the feedback
success with more goesand
to look from feelCustomer
like in theServices
future. private and third sector partners
developing the handbook into a
thatpeople
the group wouldthis
attending provide
year than It is to the team
meant to beatambitious
the depotandwho and the people of Scotland.
process the job and assign it to a DVD format. The aim of the DVD
to the
last.consultation.
Since then weInvolved
have been aspirational. is to provide vital information in
tenants
furtheralso had the opportunity
developing our scrutiny tradesperson. Thea principles underpinning the
more accessible way to tenants
programme
to attend with tenants
a national workshopon the The Tenants
vision isinperson-centred,
the Housing Options vision areSouth
across a high-level guide
Ayrshire. The to
DVD
maintenance
in Glasgow group attending
in February and a andandviewsSupport groupfrom
the system attended
the a how policy decisions might
features Mark Cox and Jane be
site visit of the McCalls
provided further comments and Avenue site visit
citizen’s of the Housing
perspective Options
to reflect the made to make
McCarry knownthetovision
mostaasreality.
”Tam
depot. They were shown around
opinions. office at Kyle Street
diversity of people, homes andin Ayr. This and Isa” from BBCs “Still Game”.
the store itself to see how the gave tenants an opportunity
stock is organised and the communities across Scotland.
to see the offices since it has You can find out more online
What is Housing If you would like to become
process that antoemployee
2040? must But been
the vision is also and
refurbished for all with about
those
speak the consultation at
involved in Tenant Participation
Thego Scottish
throughGovernment’s
to get the materials involved in housing delivery
the staff who work there. After and https:/ /www.gov.scot/
then please contact the TP team
draft housing
that they need vision
forfor 2040
completing services
this, -tenants
makingheaded
the vision
overato publications/housing-to-2040/
on 01292 612968 or email at
a job. Tenants
describes in morealso met
detail some
what Viewfield
reality Gateaction
will require to speak
fromwith staff tp@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
of the team behind the scenes who work there, find out more
Tenants Newsletter,
Tenants Newsletter, Spring/Summer
Winter 2017 2020 97
HOUSING SERVICES NEWS CONTINUED ...
Comprehensive Satisfaction Surveys
Tenant Participation Update
Research Resource has recently carried out an independent
Comprehensive Satisfaction Survey with over 600 tenants in South
Ayrshire. The survey was carried out during January & February.
Thanks to all the tenants who took part, your feedback is important
to us and allows us to ensure that we are continuing to provide a
good service to tenants in South Ayrshire. Early indications show that our
satisfaction levels are increasing and remain above the results from
the Scottish Average.
We will publish the full results from the survey within our Performance
Edition of the Newsletter that is published each year.
If you would like to receive a copy of the performance edition each year
then contact our Tenant Participation Team on 01292 612968 or email
tp@south-ayrshire.gov.uk. If you are already on the mailing list from
previous years then you will receive this as normal.
The Maintenance group attending a
Tenant Participation Champion of the Year site visit of the McCalls Avenue depot.
WeThere
are delighted
have been to announce
some that
whoGordon
showedCampbell
them how they can about Viewfield Gate and find
ourgreat
Tenant Participation
developments in Officer picked
track theup the Tenant
vehicles to allow them out more about the Temporary
Participation Championover to call the of
(Staff Category) closest tradesperson
the year Accommodation service that
Tenant Participation in an emergency. Tenants were South Ayrshire Council provides.
award at the
the last few Tenant Participationalso
months. Advisory
shown whatService
happens when
Scotland (TPAS) National Awards a Ceremony
repair is in
reported and how this The Tenants Handbook Working
The Communities Fun Day was Group have been working hard on
December 2019.
an excellent success with more goes from Customer Services
to the team at the depot who developing the handbook into a
people attending this year than DVD format. The aim of the DVD
Gordon has been
last. Since thenthewe Tenant
have been process
Participation Officertheforjob and assign it to a
South
tradesperson. is to provide vital information in
Ayrshire
furtherCouncil Housing
developing Services for the past 8 years and
our scrutiny a more accessible way to tenants
programme
works closely withwithtenants
tenantstoonensure
the thatTenants
TenantinParticipation
the Housing Options across South Ayrshire. The DVD
maintenance group attending a and Support
in South Ayrshire is meaningful, and continues to improve. group attended a features Mark Cox and Jane
site visit of the McCalls Avenue site visit of the Housing Options McCarry known to most as ”Tam
depot.
Gordon They "It
stated were
wasshown around
an honour office at Kyle
to be nominated forStreet
this in Ayr. This and Isa” from BBCs “Still Game”.
the store itself to see how the gave tenants an opportunity
prestigious national award
stock is organised and theand to win it shows thatoffices
to see the the good
since it has If you would like to become
work and relationships we
process that an employee must have with tenants in South
been refurbished Ayrshire is
and speak withGorinvolved
don winitTenant
recognised by others in the sector. I lookthe
forward
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continuing h hiParticipation
s TPTP team
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d at
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introducing also met some
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going forward."
of the team behind the scenes who work there, find out more
10
Tenants Newsletter, Winter 2017 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/
7OUR
PERFORM
ANCE
2018/19 1 ST APR IL
201 8 - 31 ST
MA RCH 201 9
SO UT H AY
RS HI RE CO
HO US IN UN CI L
G SE RV IC
ES
Developed
in Consultat
with Tenants ion
Security within our Flats
Tenant
We receive a number of Participation
complaints Update 1
INSIDE..
Inside
you will
find:
KEY FACTS
ABOUT SOU
AYRSHIRE
Page 3
TH
TENANT
PARTICIPA
UPDATE
TION
RENTS &
SERVICE HOUSING
regarding common close doors being
Page 5 CHARGES REPAIRS & PLUS
Page 6 MAINTENA MUCH
NCE
Page 8 MORE!
www.south-ay
rshire.gov.uk/h
ousing/
left or jammed open by Tenants. We
would like to ask everyone to ensure that
Best Practice in
the doors are not left or jammed open.
By leaving the close door open you are Reporting Performance
leaving yourself and neighbours open – Runner Up
to theft, vandalism or a more serious fire
risk.
Also at the Tenant
Participation Advisory
Housing Options & Advice Accreditation Service Scotland (TPAS)
National Awards Ceremony
In January of this year, following an Audit by The Scottish Legal Aid in December 2019 the service
Board, the Scottish Government accredited our Housing Options & was awarded the runner up
award for Best Practice in
Support Team to provide advice and information in Housing (Type
Reporting Performance.
I) until January 2023 under the Scottish National Standards for
Information and Advice Providers. The judges recognised that
our annual report provides
The Housing Options & Support Team can provide information and The Maintenance
more informationgroupto
attending
tenantsa
advice to anyone with a housing problem. They aim to help you resolve site visit of the McCalls
than what is the minimum Avenue depot.
the issue or prevent it from getting any worse. They can provide you requirement. We work with
with advice on a wide range of housing issues, from applying for a involved tenants each year
There
Council househave been some
to preventing homelessness.who showed them how they can about
to work Viewfield Gate and
on the design andfind
great developments in track the vehicles to allow them out more about the Temporary
content for the yearly report
To speak to oneParticipation
of our advisors,over to callus
please contact theonclosest
0300 tradesperson
123 0900 or Accommodation
and to ensure that service that
tenants
Tenant
email us at HousingOptionsTeam@south-ayrshire.gov.uk Tenants were
in an emergency. find the
South information
Ayrshire Councileasy to
provides.
the last few months. also shown what happens when understand.
The Tenants Handbook Working
The Communities Fun Day was a repair is reported and how this
goes from Customer Services Group have been working hard on
an excellent success with more You can find our latest
to the team at the depot who developing the handbook into a
people attending this year than Performance report online
process the job and assign it to a DVD format.
at https:/ The aim of the DVD
/www.south
last. Since then we have been isayrshire.gov.uk/housing/
to provide vital information in
further developing our scrutiny tradesperson.
ahousing-performance/
more accessible way to tenants
programme with tenants on the Tenants in the Housing Options across South Ayrshire. The DVD
Duemaintenance
to the current situation
group with a
attending and Support group attended a performance%20edition%20
features Mark Cox and Jane
2019%20final.pdf.
Coronavirus
site visit of(COVID-19)
the McCallswe were
Avenue site visit of the Housing Options McCarry known to most as ”Tam
unable to provide
depot. They werethisshown
article.
around office at Kyle Street in Ayr. This and Isa”would
from like
BBCs
the store itself to see how the gave tenants an opportunity If you to“Still Game”.
be added
to seeofthe to the mailing list to receive
stock is organised and the
Hopefully it will return in the Autumn edition theoffices since it has
newsletter! Ifthis
youon would like to become
an annual basis then
process that an employee must been refurbished and speak with involved in Tenant Participation
go through to get the materials the staff who work there. After please mail your details to
then please contact the TP team
tp@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or
that they need for completing this, tenants headed over to on 01292 612968 or email at
a job. Tenants also met some Viewfield Gate to speak with staff call our tenant participation
tp@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
of the team behind the scenes who work there, find out more team on 01292 612968.
Tenants Newsletter,
Tenants Newsletter, Spring/Summer
Winter 2017 2020 117Enjoy Free newspapers
and magazines Online
with your South Ayrshire
library card and
Enjoy unlimited access to thousands of magazines and
Pressreader. newspapers FREE using your library card. https://www.south
ayrshire.gov. uk/libraries/ereading/emagazine.aspx
Not a library member yet?
Visit – htttps://library.south
Download full issues of all your favourite newspapers and
ayrshire.gov.uk/selfreg.html
magazines just as they appear in print. Read on your web browser
Problems with your PIN code or on the go with the PressReader app. Newspapers include The
or have an expired card? Herald, The Guardian, The Scotsman and The Ayrshire Post.
Email: Carnegie.Library@ There’s also a fantastic selection of popular magazines such as
south-ayrshire.gov.uk Chat, BBC Good Food, GQ and Empire.
https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/libraries/ereading/ebooks.aspx
Discover and instantly enjoy thousands of eBooks and audiobooks in
just a few taps. We have an excellent variety of titles to choose from and
borrowing couldn't be easier with 'Libby' the eBook app. Library members
can download up to 6 titles at a time and there are no late fees - simply
browse, checkout, download.
12 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/Financial
Help
We know that for some of you, the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) may be financial.
Our Information and Advice Hub team can help you:
• To check you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to;
• Get advice on managing your money and help you reduce your outgoings, particularly if you
are worried about how you will make future payments to creditors, such as credit cards or
loan repayments;
• Access advice regarding your Council Tax, rent or mortgage payments.
To access any of these services call 0300 123 0900 and ask for the Information and Advice Hub,
or email the team direct at informationandadvicehub@south-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Crisis Grants
Crisis Grants provide help for people who need money
quickly because of an emergency or disaster.
If you are in financial crisis you may be able to access a
Crisis Grant. To do this, you can apply online at
www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk or call Customer Services
on 0300 123 0900.
Difficulty Paying Your Council Rent
If you are a council tenant and you are experiencing
difficulties paying your rent, please contact your Housing
Officer on 0300 123 0900 (select options 2, option 1, ask
for housing, then option 2) who will be able to discuss your
rent account and offer advice.
I can’t pay my Council Tax
If you are unable to pay your Council Tax it is important that you
keep in touch with us and let us know if you are going to miss a
payment, or not pay the full amount. If you have any questions
please email us at council.tax@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or
call 0300 123 0900 to speak to a Customer Services Advisor.
Food Banks
If you would like information on how to access foodbanks please
call 0300 123 0900 and speak to one of our Customer Services
Advisors.
Tenants Newsletter, Spring/Summer 2020 13Housing
Online
At the time of going to print only emergency repairs are
currently being carried out with urgent and routine repairs
postponed. For the latest service updates please visit
www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk or South Ayrshire Council
Housing Service Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/
sachousingservices/
Did you know you can report a problem
or send requests to us online?
Visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/report/ and under the report a Council housing issue tab you can Report
the following housing issues or requests:
Report a non-urgent repair Advise us that someone has moved out
Report an abandoned property your household
Request a change to your housing application Request a housing application form
Request a form to terminate your tenancy
Request a house visit
If you don’t have access to online
Request a housing options interview facilities you can contact us on:
Direct Debit Form to pay your rent 0300 123 0900.
Request a summary of your housing
application details
14 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/South Ayrsh·re Life
has extended it's services in response to the
COVID-19 crisis.
0800 432 0510
will now direct you to
South Ayrshire Lifeline
The dedicated helpline can help with food pack
deliveries, prescriptions, telephone befriending,
hearing aid batteries and signposting.
These services are
coordinated in
conjunction with our
Third Sector and
South
South Ayrshire Health Ayrshire
and Social Care Lifeline
Partnerships. Support
....
• SOUTH
~ AYRSHIRE
••• " . ' LIFE
Tenants Newsletter, Spring/Summer 2020 15New Build Updates
Waggon Road, Ayr
The next phase of our new build programme commenced in February
2020 with work starting on our new build site at Waggon Road, Ayr.
Within the site at Waggon Road our site builder Ashleigh Construction will
build 76 new affordable homes that are made up of 54 One Bedroom & 22
Two bedroom properties in a range of 3 and 4 storey blocks.
Waggo
You can view a virtual video of this development on our Facebook n
page https://www.facebook.com/sachousingservices/ you will find this Develo Road
pment
within the video section.
Fort Street – Ayr
Also in February groundwork commenced on our new build site at
Fort Street in Ayr. The site will compromise of 11 units made up of 7
one bedroom flats and 4 one bedroom bungalows. These are being
constructed in conjunction with the Health & Social Care
Partnership to meet the housing and support needs of service users.
The site is anticipated to be completed to in the Spring of 2021
Ladyland Road - Maybole
Our first new build properties in over 25 years in Maybole started
in March. The site in Ladyland Road will see 14 units constructed
featuring a mix of one, two and three bedroom properties. This site is
being constructed by McTaggart’s Construction and with completion
due by the summer of 2021.
Tarbolton
Work will commence later this year on our new build site in Tarbolton
on the former Tarbolton Primary School site. 14 properties will be
constructed compromising of a mix of two and three bedroom
properties. This is the first new build properties of Council Housing in
Tarbolton since 1980!
16 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/Council Tax Reduction
• Do you have a liability to pay Council Tax?
• Do you currently get financial assistance with paying your rent?
If so, you may also be entitled to help with your Council Tax
• Even if you don’t get help with paying your rent, you may still
be entitled to help with your Council Tax
• Council Tax Reduction is based on your & other household
members’ financial circumstances and can reduce the
amount of Council Tax you have to pay each month. To
receive this reduction, you must make an application to South
Ayrshire Council
• Applying for Council Tax Reduction is easy and can be done
online: https://southayrshireclaims.teamnetsol.com/
For more information or assistance contact Benefit Services on
0300 123 0900 or email benefit.services@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
Discretionary Housing Payments
Discretionary Housing You will need to allow pop-ups in
Payments (DHPs) can your browser.
help to provide short- If you need help to make an
term awards to help with application, you can contact your
housing costs. Housing Officer, or phone Benefit
Services on 0300 123 0900 for
Anyone who gets Housing Benefit advice or assistance, or email DHP@
or Universal Credit Housing Costs south-ayrshire.gov.uk.
but who still have a rent charge to
pay should apply. If your application is approved,
you will get a letter to tell you how
When you make an application much DHP you are entitled to and
you will be asked for details of your the length of the award. DHPs are
income and outgoings as well as awarded for a set period of time and
the circumstances and reason that if you still wish to claim at the end of
you are applying. that period, you will have to make
another claim.
Applications should be made
online at https://www.south If your circumstances change
ayrshire.gov.uk/welfarereform/ while you are getting DHP, you
housingpayments.aspx must tell us.
Tenants Newsletter, Spring/Summer 2020 17Tenant Led Assessment Dev
Dev eloped
withelop
ed in Consult
Tenants
ation
in Consultatio
– Leading The Way
with Ten n
ants
Since January 2018 our Scrutiny and
Performance Maintenance Group, comprising of
a small group of tenants involved with Tenant
Participation, have undertaken the task of reviewing
the Letting Standard of South Ayrshire Council
Housing Services. South Ayrshir
e Council
Tenant Led A
ssessment
Housing Ser
vices
Letting Stan
The Letting Standard was an a new Letting Standard dard
area of interest for our tenant led incorporating the 1
assessors due to the trend data suggestions laid out
from the Settling-In satisfaction
survey regularly showing levels of • Design the documents relating
to the SAC Letting Standard where all void repairs had been
dissatisfaction with the standard
in a more appealing and completed, across various tenures
of new homes and the condition of
meaningful way. and areas within South Ayrshire.
gardens when new tenants move in.
This allowed the assessors to
• Establish a working group see first-hand what the Letting
Over this period the assessors to devise the new letting Standard within South Ayrshire
conducted a robust assessment standard which includes Council is and meant they could
which involved; learning processes, tenants along with staff from provide an action plan with 25
skill development, property Housing Services and Property suggestions.
inspections, information gathering, Maintenance.
carrying out interviews and data
Housing and Property
analysis.
Maintenance Service Leads
After a successful meeting on
have agreed for these
Following the extensive work and 22nd October 2019 with the tenant
suggestions to be taken
findings the tenant led assessors led assessors and the Service
forward to the Void Service
produced recommendations on Leads of Housing Service and
Development Group, so the
how to help improve the Letting Property Maintenance, the above
tenants and the Council can
Standard, reduce refusals on offers recommendations were agreed.
work together to create a
and increase the desirability to
new version of the Letting
potential tenants. Along with the recommendations
Standard, which will be
the assessors have put forward
available in the future.
The recommendations were drawn a number of proposals for
together, finalised and presented consideration which it is hoped
To view the full report you can
to the Service Leads for both will bring further improvements
request a copy or view it online:
Housing Service and Property to certain areas covered by the
Maintenance and are as follows; Letting Standard. To be able to
https://www.south-ayrshire.
provide these suggestions the
gov.uk/tenant-participation/
• Review the current SAC tenant led assessors carried out
tenant-led-assessments.aspx
Letting Standard and devise inspections of 20 void properties,
18 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/COVID-19
Just some of the ways we have
made a difference so far.
If you, or anyone you know needs help, we are here for you, please call our dedicated
COVID-19 helpline on 01292 616 101. The most up to date information on our services
can be found on our website: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Tenants Newsletter, Spring 2020 19Trading Standards and
Environm
Trading ental Health
Standard
Trading Standardss and
and
Environm
Environmental
ental Health
Health
FAKE COVID-19 TESTS Being Offered
FAKE
Our TradingCOVID-19
FAKE TESTS
TESTS Being
Standards and Environmental
COVID-19 Offered
There
Being are currently no commercially available
Offered
Health team have received reports that some tests for coronavirus, and all testing is being
South Ayrshire residentsandhave been offered carriedare outcurrently
by healthcare professionals.
Our Trading
Our Trading
home
Health
Standards
Standards
coronavirus
team have (COVID-19)
received
Environmental
andreports
Environmental
testing
thatby rogue
some
Trading Standards and
There
There are currently
no commercially
no commercially
tests for coronavirus, and all testing is being
available
available
Health
door team
SouthtoAyrshirehave
door sales received
people.
residents reports
If you
have that some
areoffered
been approached Environmental Health
tests
If youforhave
carried coronavirus,
out byany and all
concerns
healthcare testing
about thisisplease
professionals. being
South
by Ayrshire residents have been
home coronavirus (COVID-19) testingplease
someone offering this type of offered
test, do
by rogue carried out bytohealthcare
report them our team professionals.
as soon as possible by
home
not
door tocoronavirus
purchase (COVID-19)
anything
door sales youtesting
fromIf them.
people. by rogue
are approached Ifcalling
you have0300any123concerns
0900. about this please
door to door sales people. If you are approached
by someone offering this type of test, please do FAKE
reportCOVID-19
If you have any TESTS
concerns
them to our team about
as Being
soon this Offered
as please
possible by
by purchase
not someone offering
anythingthis type
from of test, please do
them. report
calling them
0300 to
123our team
0900. as soon as possible by
Emergency Repairs – Be Aware
not purchase anything from them. Our Trading 0300
calling 123
Standards and0900.
Environmental
Health team have received reports that some
There are currently no comm
tests for coronavirus, and all
South Ayrshire residents have been offered carried out by healthcare pro
Emergency
Emergency Repairs
Repairs –– Be
Be Aware
Aware
Trading
home coronavirus (COVID-19) testing by rogue
Standards services across the country have
door to door sales people. If you are approached If you have any concerns abo
by someone offering this type of test, please do report them to our team as so
been made aware
not purchase of opportunists
anything from them. who are calling
trawling social
0300 123 0900.
Advice on Scams media for
Trading people looking
Standards
At thismade
increasingly
servicesforacross
emergency repair have
the country
Trading Standards services across the country have
work.
been aware ofvulnerable
Emergency time
opportunists
Repairs weare
–who
Be would
Aware urge social
trawling you
been made aware of opportunists who are trawling social
to be extra cautious and only contract with
media for people looking for emergency repair work. reputable
media for people looking for emergency repair work.
businesses.
At Find more
this increasingly
increasingly information
vulnerable time we on Trusted
would
Trading urgeTraders
Standards you across the
services
There has also been an increase Atin fraudsters
this
here. targeting
vulnerable time webeen would
madeurgeaware you
of opportunists who
to be extra cautious
toemails,
be extra cautious and
and only
only contract
contractmedia
withfor
with reputable
reputable
the public and organisations withbusinesses. texts,
Find phone
more information on Trusted
At this
people looking for emergenc
Traders
increasingly vulnerable time we
businesses. Find more information onto Trusted Traders
calls and WhatsApp messages, offering
here. advice and be extra cautious and only contract
here. businesses. Find more information on
treatments for coronavirus. Fake websites have been set up selling
here. products,
offering cures, and asking for donations for victims.
Our Trading Standards and Environmental Health Team
advise you to:
• Be sceptical if you receive an email, text, or WhatsApp
message about coronavirus, and never click on any
attachment or links;
• Never provide personal data such as your full name,
address and date of birth, as scammers can use these details to steal your identity;
• Don't be pressured into donating money. Never make donations by cash or gift card, and do
not send money through transfer agents such as Western Union or Moneygram;
• If you think you've been a victim of a scam, speak to your bank immediately and report any
fraud to Police Scotland on 101.
Throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) comply with the requirements of the regulations.
outbreak, our priority is to protect public
20 Businesses thatwww.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/
don’t follow guidance will
health, while providing support and advice initially receive a warning. Following this,The recall campaign began in early January 2020 and is being
undertaken by Whirlpool UK Appliances Ltd, which identified the
fault in models from brands it owns. The recall was announced on 17
December 2019 when consumers were advised to contact Whirlpool to
arrange a replacement.
The advice sets out that there is a Consumers can contact the
risk that the door locks of affected Whirlpool helpline on 0800 316
machines could catch fire due 1442 for more information or visit
to overheating during the washing the Whirlpool website for a full list
process. Affected consumers are of affected machines at: https://
advised to unplug their machine washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.
and register with Whirlpool for a co.uk/.
replacement.
If you have already checked
This safety announcement and
your appliance please take the
recall follows urgent action by the
time to recheck as a further
regulator the Office for Product
21 models were added to the
Safety and Standards (OPSS). OPSS
product recall in April 2020.
is committed to acting immediately
mercially available to ensure public safety.
testing is being
ofessionals.
Home Contents Insurance
out this please
oon as possible by
In the Winter 2019 edition of the newsletter we pubished the cost of Home Contents
insurance through South Ayrshire Council. The costs displayed were incorrect at the
time of print. Please see the amended table below for the current costs.
e countryIfhave
you wish to to start a policy, amend a policy or find out more information please contact
o are trawling social
cy repair your
work. local housing office on 0300 123 0900.
e would urge you
with reputable STANDARD COVER STANDARD COVER INCLUDING
SUM INSURED***
n Trusted Traders
FORTNIGHTLY PREMIUM EXTENDED ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE
FORTNIGHTLY PREMIUM
* £6,000 £1.10 £1.70
* £7,000 £1.28 £1.98
* £8,000 £1.46 £2.26
£9,000 £1.64 £2.54
£10,000 £1.83 £2.83
£12,000 £2.19 £3.39
£15,000 £2.74 £4.24
£18,000 £3.29 £5.09
£20,000 £3.65 £5.65
£23,000 £4.20 £6.50
£25,000 £4.57 £7.06
£28,000 £5.11 £7.91
£30,000 £5.48 £8.48
£33,000 £6.03 £9.33
£35,000 £6.39 £9.89
* only available for applicants over the age of 60. ** All premiums include insurance premium tax at the current rate of 10%.
*** Sum Insured are example figures only. Sum insured can be adjusted to suit your own requirements.
Tenants Newsletter, Spring/Summer 2020 21Paying Your Rent
The Way We Accept
Payments Is Changing
We no longer accept cash or cheque payments in our Customer Service Centres.
We do however offer a range of alternative payment options including:
ONLINE/TELEPHONE BANKING
To arrange this with your bank you will require the Council’s Sort
Code: 80-12-39, Account Number: 00255371 and your 13 digit rent
payment reference.
DIRECT DEBIT or STANDING ORDER
For more information about available payment dates; please speak
to one of our Customer Service Advisors or contact your Housing
Officer, who will be happy to help.
INTERNET
By internet using the E payments facility on the Council’s website:
www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk.
PAYMENT BY DEBIT or CREDIT CARD
You can continue to pay in person, at any Customer Service Centre, or by
calling us on 0300 123 0900. Our telephone payment service is
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
RENT PAYMENT CARD
You can pay at any Shop or Post Office displaying the Pay Point
facility using your rent payment card. Please note, if paying by this
method it can take up to 5 working days to reach your account.
To find out more about your rent payment options, please speak to
one of our Customer Service Advisors or contact your Housing Officer,
on 0300 123 0900 who will be happy to help.
22 www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/Name ....................................................................................
Address ................................................................................
Town......................................................................................
Postcode..............................................................................
Tel No....................................................................................
Original Photo Spot The Difference
Can you spot all 6 differences on the picture above, cut out the freepost information at the back
of Molly on the right ? of the newsletter and pop all your competition
entries in the one envelope.
For your chance to win a £30 shopping voucher of
your choice, circle all the 6 differences in the photo All entries should be received no than
on the right, complete your details in the section Friday 24th July 2020.
JUST FOR FUN! Can you help get the little red car back home?
Tenants
Tenants
Newsletter,
Newsletter,
Spring
Spring/Summer
2020 2020 2323TROON
???
GIRVAN ???
Molly was visiting Troon for
the Winter edition of the
Tenants Newsletter.
Well done to Brian Laidlaw
The winner from Dailly who was the
will now receive
Can you guess where Molly was for the £50 winner of the winter edition
very first where’s Molly competition? You
could be our next winner.
worth competition.
of shopping vouchers
of their choice! Due to the current COVID-19
restrictions Molly has been unable
to get out and about in South
Ayrshire so we are asking you to
guess where Molly was visiting for
the first ever Where’s Molly
Use our NEW cut out
entry form below
and pop it in an
envelope and post
(free) to:
Cut out the Freepost label and
stick it on the front of your
envelope with your competition
entries inside.
Where’s Molly? Entry Form Or complete you entry online
For the Spring 2020 edition, Molly has been visiting: at www.south-ayrshire.co.uk/tp
You can also email your entry
A. Mossblown B. Dundonald C. Ayr Beach Park to tp@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
remembering to include your
Name:.................................................................................................................... name, address, contact details as
Address: ................................................................................................................ well as your answer.
Town:......................................................................................................................
All entries should be received no
Tel:........................................................................................................................... later than Friday 24th July 2020.
Correct entries will be included in
Freepost Plus RTHS-ELUU-ETUG
the prize draw and the winner will
South Ayrshire Council Housing Policy & Strategy Team be notified after the draw.
2 The Cross, Prestwick, KA9 1ANYou can also read
