Volunteers have a Heart to Support People - Falkirk Council
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Te n a n t
Falkirk Council
CUSTOMER
APPROVED
Tenants Magazine
Summer 2020
Edition No.16
Talk
Volunteers Telford Square
Tenants Group
Become
a Garden
Win £25 ASDA
and £25 Smyths
have a Heart Have Been Busy Guardian Vouchers
Planting Trees
to Support Page 8
Page 5 Page 14 & 15
People
Page 6
Please note pictures were taken before Scottish Government and NHS guidance on social distancing
/falkirkcouncil @falkirkcouncil
Editorial New California
We would like to thank everyone
involved in producing the 16th
Fiv e Y e a r s o f , Community Hub
c e
The village of California, was built in 1849, and is represented
r e n
edition of Tenant Talk. In line with
i ff e
by Shieldhill & California Community Council. The Village Hall
a D
government guidance the panel
i n g
has been closed for the last four years.
a k
were not able to meet up, however
M
we did communicate via email and With the reopening of this facility, and being able to promote
telephone. This edition includes an health and wellbeing through the participation of the
article on domestic abuse, the panel residents, the Community Council believe they can create
felt strongly that this article be a sense of purpose that will bring the community together
included, as members are aware that through activities for all ages. A Committee has been
calls to domestic abuse helplines established; and Community Needs Assessment has been
have increased significantly. We like Community volunteers have been making a difference carried out. A Business Plan has been drawn up, and the
to share what we call ‘real life stories’ in their communities since Housing Services’ ‘Make a group have applied for a Community Asset Transfer, and have
with readers. We would also like to registered with OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Register).
Difference’ project award scheme was introduced five
thank tenants who participated in the
allocations review, readers can find years ago. To celebrate this milestone, we thought you’d Working together with Falkirk Council, the group have agreed
like to see what they’ve been up to using their award of to take a lease with the option of Community Asset Transfer
out more about the outcome of this
at the earliest convenience of both parties, they expected
review. We hope that readers in the up to £5,000.00.
that this would have been concluded by 1st April 2020.
California and Sheildhill area find the
The Council have agreed to carry out works to make the
article about the California Hub useful,
building air, wind and watertight. The Community Council
we are pleased to see the facility
estimate that they will require approx. £30, 000 in funding
being used. We are keen to hear from
for decoration and furnishings, and the group are currently
readers who have made a participation
working with the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to secure
request - we want to know what you
some of this funding.
thought about the process.
There is already a great interest in starting activities with a
Thank you to all organisations,
martial arts group, crafts group, drama group, Folk Club and
volunteers and individuals who have
Lunch Club waiting in the wings to start. The New California
supported the most vulnerable in
Community Hub committee will work together to:
our community. The panel have seen
communities come together during Develop and inspire projects that bring together residents,
these times of uncertainty, and would small groups and local businesses.
like our readers to tell us about acts of
Work with residents in need of support to improve social and
kindness - you can do this by:
economic engagement.
Email: inspector.tenant@falkirk.gov.uk
Support the development of community-led activities that
Phone: 01324 590585 improve the local environment.
Address: Equip local residents with the skills and motivation to improve
Community Engagement Team, their life chances.
Falkirk Council, The Forum, Callendar
The key objectives of the group are to inspire older people,
Business Park, FK1 1XR
volunteers and employability. If you would like to know
Please also use these contact details more or volunteer please contact the Community Council at
for any questions of suggestions you ShieldhillandCaliforniaCC@virginmedia.com
may have.
Editorial Panel:
Liz Godfrey, Mary MacDonald,
Liz Jardine, Siobhan Murray,
Katrina Fraser, Denis Shovlin,
Jim Gannon
Disclaimer:
Please note all pictures were taken
before Scottish Government guidance
on social distancing.
If you and a group of people in your community
have a project in mind, why not visit
www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/homes-property/council-
housing/customer-involvement/make-a-difference.aspx
or call the Community Engagement Team on
01324 590796/590858 to find out more.
2 Tenant Talk Issue 15 Issue 15 Tenant Talk 3
Get a LIFT onto the Falkirk
The Town Break project has been
supporting people with dementia,
their carers and families to help
These Friendship Groups help
to provide companionship in a
sociable atmosphere, and there
Property Ladder
them to live within their communities will be different speakers and/or
n d s h i p
since 1992. They aim to support demonstrations each month as well
If you are a social tenant, you could be eligible F r i e people with early to moderate
stage dementia to remain engaged
within their local community. Town
Break wants to support people with
as afternoon tea.
If you would like any further
information or to self-refer, please
Group
for up to 40% towards the price of a property dementia so that they are able to
contact Dawn on 01786 641 841, or
through the Scottish Government’s LIFT (Low at Dawn@townbreakstirling.org.
continue to live within their own
Cost Initiative for First Time Buyers) Open home for as long as possible. They Please call Dawn to find out when
Market Shared Equity (OMSE) scheme. also support their carer, if applicable, the Falkirk Friendship Group will
by providing them with advice and resume - given current Scottish
some respite time. Government guidance in relation to
How does the Can I apply? How to apply Supporting COVID 19.
Their Falkirk Friendship Group
scheme work? As a current social tenant, Visit www.linkhousing.org. those with Dementia which started in 2020 is held on
The Scottish Government
you are eligible to apply to uk/lift-tenants to find out
more and apply online.
and their Carers the first Thursday of each month
the scheme, even if you’re from 1:30pm-3:30pm at Bowhouse
pays between 10% and
not a first-time buyer. Visit Community Centre - Grangemouth.
40% towards the price of a
www.linkhousing.org.uk/
property you have chosen on
lift-tenants for a full list of
the open market. Falkirk thresholds:
eligible groups.
Example: the property is
2 apartment 5 apartment
£100,000 and you can What property can I buy?
afford to contribute £70,000 1-2 person household 4 person household
(through mortgage/ deposit). The property must be: An apartment is
£45,000 £150,000
The Scottish Government a habitable room
Advertised for sale publicly
could contribute 30% including; bedrooms,
e.g. on an Estate Agent’s 3 apartment 6 apartment
(£30,000). When the living rooms, dining
website.
property’s sold, 30% of the rooms and box rooms. 1-2 person household 5 person household
sale price would be returned The correct size for your Kitchens, bathrooms and
£75,000 £190,000
to the Scottish Government. household. conservatories are not
classed as apartments.
You own the property Priced within the maximum 4 apartment
outright and can increase threshold for the area.
3 person household
Become a
your equity share over time. To get things started, since the start of
£90,000
the Come Forth for Wildlife Project in
September 2019, we have created 14
r d i a n
large ponds and 18 shallow ponds in and
In 2019, the Council accelerated the pace
with, among other things, the provision of
new burgundy bins to improve recycling
rates, the launch of the Forth Bikes e-bike
Garde n G u a around Falkirk. We have also restored 4
existing ponds and created 10 new habitats
(like wildflower meadows and river-bank
hedging). When restrictions are lifted we will
Climate
hire scheme (with other partners) and the If you live in Falkirk centre/ Froglife’s Come Forth for Wildlife project is
construction of a new solar canopy and creating neighbourhood wildlife corridors
electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Falkirk
Callendar Park; Hallglen/
in these areas and we can do things like
Stadium. The Council cannot “solve” climate Glen village; Middlefield; or create or repair a pond, install bird boxes,
Change
change alone, but we are committed to fully Grahamston areas, you could plant wildflowers, fit hedgehog tunnels etc.,
play our part. We all have a role to play, at have help from Froglife to create and all for FREE thanks to our funding from
every level, from the global to the individual, wildlife friendly features in your Scottish National Heritage’s Biodiversity
and together we can achieve something we Challenge Fund and The National Lottery
We are in this Together garden, school, allotment or local
can all be proud of. We owe that to future heritage Fund. Creating a pond in Callendar Park
generations. community space.
There are so many things we can all do continue our work in places like Callendar
The effects of climate change In August 2019, Falkirk Council declared There are many things we can all do to to improve habitats for the wildlife Park where we will improve the new ponds
have been felt all over the world, a Climate Emergency and “agreed to support societal changes. Most importantly, around Falkirk, so please get in and restore the loch. You’ll soon be able to
push towards increasing efforts to reduce let’s get involved in our local communities to touch with chris.knowles@
with catastrophic fires worldwide, carbon emissions to net zero by 2030”. The make things happen quicker, like eating less
learn more about how to become a Garden
froglife.org for further Guardian for your neighbourhood and help
including severe peatland establishment of a cross-party climate meat and driving less. The second Falkirk information. We will commit local amphibians, reptiles and other wildlife
wildfires in Scotland. The winter of emergency working group followed shortly, Climate Week will take place in October to carrying out as much work too! In the meantime, why not try outt our
2019 also saw severe flood events whose aim is to produce an action plan to net 2020 to celebrate existing green projects as we can once the current new app for planning a pond in your garden.
affect the country and our own zero emissions. To reduce emissions, a range and empower everyone to take action. restrictions on movement are Search ‘Froglife’ on the Google Play Store
of projects are being implemented locally, lifted, and will respect all guidelines on
communities. Environmental organisations and community to download Froglife’s new Wildlife Pond
including solar photo votalic (PV) panels, social distancing long after that. These Visualiser app for FREE and create your
groups can be found on the online
energy-efficiency work in housing, LED opportunities will be arranged on a first- perfect pond! www.youtu.be/WXugNGyNI9I
Sustainable Falkirk Map.
lighting upgrade, electric vehicle charging come, first served basis.
points, and behaviour change projects. To find out more please visit
www.froglife.org
4 Tenant Talk Issue 15 Issue 15 Tenant Talk 5
Covid-19
Together Apart
in Flats
, r e t o H e l p
Shared living and Covd-19
We re H e
There are specific challenges associated with social/physical
distancing in multi storey buildings which are densely populated with
significant numbers of people using shared facilities. The following
guidance provides information and advice for tenants and other
occupiers. It takes account of public health advice on how we can all
help to stop the transmission of infection.
In all blocks of flats, there are significant Most multi storey blocks provide shared
numbers of ‘high touch’ areas like handrails, facilities, for example refuse disposal
door handles, lift panels and door entry systems like rubbish chutes, and storage
systems. rooms. Many blocks also have dedicated
laundry facilities, communal areas or
If you live in a flat and you (and the other
designated community rooms. If you have
people who live in the block) are responsible
any of these things in your block of flats, you
for cleaning the close, take extra care to do
need to be extra careful about coming within
the following:
two meters of other people if you’re using
• Wipe handrails regularly with cleaning fluid them.
• Clean door handles with cleaning fluid It has never been more important that you
stay two meters away from other people
• Wipe down door entry systems with
that don’t live in the same house as you!
cleaning fluid
Some buildings have dedicated communal
It has never been more important that you
spaces for residents to mix and/or
take your turn of cleaning the close and
community rooms bookable by local groups
other shared areas where you live!
and associations. During the lockdown
Social/physical distancing is really important period, all communal areas and community
in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Keeping rooms should remain closed.
a safe distance from others reduces the
For more information on public health, you
chances of the infection being spread.
should visit the NHS Scotland Website at
Detailed information on effective social/
physical distancing is available on the NHS www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-
Scotland website. conditions/infections-and-poisoning/
coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-
Although it might be a bit more difficult,
physical-distancing
we need to keep the same social/physical
distancing rules inside buildings as we do
outside.
If you live in a high-rise flat where there is a
lift, here is a short list of things you can do
as time goes on - and that includes people The support can include, access to food to help:
suffering from the loneliness of the enforced provision for those that can afford it and • Only share a lift with people who live in the
isolation. for those who can’t, prescription deliveries same house as you.
The Support for People team are reaching out to every person who has and signposting to other services too such
At the end of June, the council reported • When waiting for a lift to arrive, stay two
as wellbeing services and digital learning.
been advised to shield by the NHS to check if they have the help they that 6340 people had called the team since metres away from other people.
need. There are 6,924 people identified as shielding in our area and it was set up on March 25 - including 728 Kenny Gillespie, Head of Housing and
requests that came through the national Communities said “I am overwhelmed • If you can use the stairs, even
so far we have contacted 99% of people by telephone, letter, text and better. This will stop people
helpline. with the way people within our
home visit. If you have received a letter from the NHS advising you to communities have come together to queueing for a lift or being
shield and you haven’t spoken with the team yet we urge you to get in Many of the callers just needed advice, but tempted to share a lift with you.
deliver invaluable services with great
touch, even if it is to confirm you are okay. 1954 went on to get food, medicine or help
speed, energy and commitment. The
with other essentials.
success of the service is thanks to the
The team - which was set up to help people Priority is given to people who the NHS has The staff answering calls have told us that collective approach with our voluntary
during the coronavirus crisis - has links said should be shielded from the coronavirus they are “delighted to be able to make a partners”.
with an army of volunteers from charities and have no-one else near them who is able difference to people’s lives when they need it
To get in touch with Support for People
and community groups in every part of the to help. The service can also support people most”. And “quite often someone just needs
call 0808 100 3161 or find them online at
district. Working in partnership means they who are self isolating and anyone else who a friendly ear to listen and we might be the
www.falkirk.gov.uk/supportforpeople
can get help quickly to anyone who needs it. is affected by the situation, including others only person they have a conversation with
who may find themselves struggling more that day”.
6 Tenant Talk Issue 15 Issue 15 Tenant Talk 7
Domestic Abuse - Set Free from Fear
Telford Square Tenants and Residents A Survivor Shares his Experience by Writing this Article
Association Get Busy Planting Trees
Behind
Prior to lockdown and social distancing
you may have noticed more trees in Nailer
Park - here’s how this happened - The
hedgerow was planted to improve the look
of the park, and also to encourage wildlife
Closed
back. The trees the group have planted
are all native species - common dogwood,
goat willow, hawthorn and blackthorn.
The spring blossoms on these trees are
good for pollinators and the berries in
Doors
the autumn can be eaten by birds. On the
planting day the group and local residents
were joined by CATCA (Communities
Along The Carron Association), TCV (The
Conservation Volunteers), Falkirk Council
and Sustainable Thinking Scotland. In total
they planted around 600 trees, which were
supplied for free by TCV and OVO Energy
as part of the I Dig Trees scheme. There Don’t suffer in silence! Domestic abuse affects so many behind closed
are also fruit bushes in the hedgerow, doors. As a man, I felt that that I was not meant to be a victim. I am
which were grown in the community writing this to let other men know that domestic abuse can happen to
garden at Larbert High School. This garden anyone, but you can get help.
is maintained by CATCA volunteers.
I had been in the relationship since 2007, my concerns. Just a few hours later, I few days later by a worker from Fearfree.
married my partner in 2009 and had two was attacked in my home by my wife. She Over the next few months, I was supported
daughters, cat & dog; I thought that my threatened me with a knife but I managed to weekly by the worker who got me to
family was normal. Soon after the birth lock myself in the toilet. I called the Police. the point where I was ready to make a
of my second daughter things started to When they attended, they arrested her. statement to the Police. The worker met me
change, I was aware that my wife was at the Police station and supported me right
You would think that this is where things
Participation Requests Explained
having difficulties managing stress and the the way through the process. It wasn’t easy.
ended - that I would have realised I was
children, and that I was often the vent for I took four attempts to give my statement,
being abused. I wasn’t ready to accept that
her frustrations. but everyone was so supportive.
yet, so let my wife come back. I even asked
As time went on the behaviour towards me the Procurator Fiscal to drop the charges. I a person who loves you and
got worse, from name calling, coercive and know now that it’s really common to take an
has mutual respect for you,
Participation requests are a discussion with an the right person within the controlling behaviour, eventually leading on abuser back. They can be so convincing and
a fresh innovation on how organisation in charge of Council who can help you to physical violence. She made me feel that able to manipulate you to make you feel that would not do those things
the community can have its’ public services in how they with your request. it was my fault that she was acting this way. you are the one at fault. I fell into that trap.
say regarding improvements may be improved. There is I would justify her behaviour as her just I am now in a happy new relationship which
Your request will be initially I felt horrible doing it,
concerning public services. a set process for this. You being stressed. is completely different. If you’re reading this
checked to ensure that it
Denis attended the can make a participation
contains the necessary after all how could I report and thinking, “Is that me?” talk to someone,
Participation Request request at: www.falkirk. Everyone that I spoke to don’t be afraid to ask for help, because it is
workshop facilitated by the gov.uk/services/people-
information to allow it to be my wife, I mean she is my there, and you are not alone. I am free now
assessed. was telling me that what
CVS; the panel asked him to communities/participation- wife, whom I love and , is from abuse, but the psychological scars are
share his experience with our request.aspx. This form Once initial screening has
I was experiencing was not still healing two and a half years on. I can’t
supposed to love me
readers. will gather details of how been completed, your normal, but I was still in put into words the change that there is in
your group would like to request will be assessed
, my life, thanks to my line manager, Fearfree,
By making a participation denial Fortunately for me the Police had passed
be involved in improving in more detail. This is Social Work and Police Scotland supporting
request a community body, information to Social Services, and they
outcomes. The details to ensure that it meets me and my children.
or a group of people like I thought if I just keep trying hard then engaged with my family. They arranged a
requested will allow us to the requirements of the
the Tenants and Residents things will get better, things would go back meeting with us. Two Police Officers from My hope is that by telling my story other
forward your application to Community Empowerment
Forum can ask to start to the way it was at the start. I started to the Domestic Abuse Unit came too. That men will have the courage to face their
(Scotland) Act 2015
accept the behaviour as normal and thought afternoon at work I had a phone call from abusers and get help.
If your request is successful at times that this must be how other men a Sergeant in the Domestic Abuse Unit.
Don’t suffer in silence, talk to someone in
you will be advised on are treated. I spoke to my line manager He said that his officers had witnessed
confidence, you can have freedom from
how you can participate in about it as I was struggling at work. She domestic abuse taking place in the form of
abuse.
improving the outcome you was so supportive and patient with me. controlling & abusive behaviour towards me
have expressed an interest in. at the meeting, but I couldn’t bring myself Fearfree
In desperation I raised my concerns with
to report my wife at that time. www.sacro.org.uk/services/criminal-justice/
the Police. I only wanted to tell them
fearless
about what was going on at home. I didn’t The Police gave me the contact details of
Written by Email: FearFreeInfo@sacro.org.uk
want to get anyone into trouble, and was a service offering support to men suffering
Denis Robert Shovlin Call: 0131 624 7270
still thinking that it was all my fault. The domestic abuse and offered me a referral
Editorial Panel
Police were very understanding, and noted to them. I agreed and was contacted a
8 Tenant Talk Issue 15 Issue 15 Tenant Talk 9
2020/21 Rent Increase Consultation:
How Your
y o u t o l d u s Rent Money
What is Spent
Update from the Tenant Group
This group plays an important role in making
sure tenant participation is at the forefront of
decisions concerning housing revenue spend.
The Housing Revenue Account in simple terms
The Scottish Government The 1,463 responses represents a 9% response rate Responses to the recent consultation also
indicated that: is your rent. All of the group feel it is important
publishes a set of performance and an increase of 431 responses on the previous year.
to consult tenants on any work being done,
indicators for council housing, This is what you told us: • 58% indicated that they think their chosen
rent increase represents good value for
whether it is minor repairs or capital spend,
which allow comparison of the
money. such as new house builds.
Council’s performance against the
other 25 local authority landlords.
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 • 56.5% of respondents pay their rent in full, Scotland’s Housing Network The group has a work plan,
2% 3% 4%
i.e.: don’t receive any housing benefit. provided training for the and are just about to decide
Based on a comparison of the most recently group, and has helped them on what area they would like
Consultation feedback also indicated that
available figures, i.e.: 2019/20 budgets, the develop a work plan. From to look at next. The types of
main points arising are that Falkirk Council
increase increase increase the main areas of tenant dissatisfaction
related to property condition, particularly this, they decided to look into areas covered in the groups
had: (£1.37 p/wk) (£2.05 p/wk) (£2.74 p/wk) the fencing contract. The work plan include:
doors, windows and the internal property
• The 6th lowest rent. 655 (45%) 421 (29%) 241 (16%) condition, e.g.: kitchens. These matters are group noted that some areas
• Employee costs
said this was their said this was their said this was their being addressed as part of the Housing have walls and wrought
• The 7th highest level of repairs and iron fencing, other areas • Property costs
improvement expenditure per house.
preferred option. preferred option. preferred option. Investment Programme.
have timber fencing, and the
• Supplies and Services
• The 10th lowest supervision and Note: 146 (10%) of respondents did not answer this question. group were interested in how
management costs. these decisions were made. • Capital budget
The group also noted that
Social landlords have an obligation to • Support services
some gardens had received
consult tenants about proposals to 1,463 people took the decorative stones, however The group will continue to
change rents and to listen to their views time to return the survey, due to weed growth, and meet, usually every 2 - 3
when setting new rent levels. Throughout so we donated £1,463.00 poor maintenance this is no months to discuss more
September and October 2019, we asked longer viewed as an option. issues, and hopefully more
for your views on the rent increase. We
to Strathcarron Hospice.
tenants will come along and
did this by sending an information leaflet The group went on a field
get involved. Tenants may
and survey to every Council household - trip to look at fencing which
be interested in how their
around 16,500 surveys in total. The survey had recently been installed,
rent money is spent, and to
was also available on the Falkirk Council and fencing that had been
express an interest in how
website and was advertised to encourage as installed a few years ago.
properties are maintained.
many responses as possible. As an added The group wanted to see
All tenants across the
incentive, Housing Services pledged to how quickly older fencing
Falkirk Council area were
donate £1 to Strathcarron Hospice for every had weathered. Whilst
invited to join this as part
survey returned. tenants agreed it does look
of the rent consultation,
good to have a sense of
Whilst the majority of responses expressed and the door is always open
uniformity, the older fencing
a preference for a lower rent increase of 2%, for new members to come
is looking old and grey, in
an equivalent proportion also indicated a along.
need of painting, which is the
preference for a rent increase between 3% tenants’ responsibility.
and 4%. There is therefore no conclusive
preference to be drawn from the responses
received. Council therefore agreed a 3%
increase at a meeting of the Executive on 22
January 2020.
10 Tenant Talk Issue 15 Issue 15 Tenant Talk 11
Supporting
our Off Gas Update on Allocations
Communities
Falkirk Council is the 11th largest in Scotland with its
population of over 160,000 residents. It has a rich industrial
Policy Consultation
history with coal mining in abundance in the outlying areas
of Avonbridge, Slamannan, California and Whitecross. These In May this year we asked the public about a number of changes to
areas have recently found themselves in the media spotlight Allocations our allocations policy through a consultation survey, meetings with our
due to rising energy costs. Unlike most large towns in the
area, these villages along with Letham, Limerigg, Standburn, as a % of Stock Residents and Tenants organisations, focus groups and roadshows.
South Alloa and Torwood are not connected to the gas main The feedback was presented to councillors in June and the amended
network. The residents rely on a mix of heating sources proposals to our allocations policy approved.
such as coal, oil, electric storage and electric wet heating.
Unfortunately over the last few years all electricity suppliers 92% The changes have been There are on average only From 01/10/20 there will be a
have increased their prices making the electric heating Unavailable considered due to increasing 1,385 properties (8% of stock) new Allocations Policy, with:
difficult to afford. stock pressure to ensure that available for rent each year
• More focus on immediate
A group known as the Falkirk Forgotten Villages formed in those with the most housing and 12,930 applications on
need
December to highlight this issue, lobby the energy suppliers need have access to our Housing Register. This
to reduce their prices and to offer support to residents who 8% affordable social housing. means that only 1 in 10 • A lower age limit of 50 for
were struggling to afford their fuel bills. Falkirk Council acted Allocations Our Allocations policy by applicants will be successful the High Flats in Falkirk
swiftly and put together an Action Plan to assist residents
and this can be found on the Council’s web site, https://www.
law must prioritise those in
the greatest need such as
in getting a new home.
Council Housing is a very
• Limits to time on the
Register for those who are
Inspector
Tenant
falkirk.gov.uk/services/homes-property/housing-support/ homelessness, overcrowding, scarce resource. With scarce
not bidding
repairs-maintenance/energy-advice.aspx One of the agreed under-occupying, disrepair resources, those in greatest
actions was to arrange a series of Information Events to offer and poor health made worse need must be a priority. • Shorter stays in Temporary
help and assistance to residents. by housing conditions. Accommodation for The Scrutiny Panel
homeless applicants meetings were put on hold
Allocations vs We will be holding public
due to COVID-19, and the
consequential government
People on Register events in September to tell
guidance. Readers can
our applicants all about
expect a detailed update
the changes and how it
in the next edition of
may affect them. To find
Tenant Talk.
out about all the changes
People on you can go to www.falkirk.
Register gov.uk/coins/viewDoc.
asp?c=e%97%9Db%97p%82
%8A
Allocations
Keeping
So far events have taken place in Slamannan, California and
12,930 1,385
an Eye on
Avonbridge at times that were spread across the day and As part of the Scrutiny
evening to accommodate different working patterns. Staff Panel exercise, members
attending the events included Falkirk Council’s Housing will be keeping an eye
Service, Welfare Benefits and Debt Advice Team, staff from on various statistics
Citizens Advice, Home Energy Scotland and Scottish Power. associated with their area
Although the numbers attending were lower than expected of enquiry. One of the
the feedback from those who came along was positive. questions asked in the
Residents welcomed the opportunity to find out the best way Tenant Satisfaction Survey
to use their electric heating and to speak with their energy is ‘how satisfied are you
supplier in person. Further events are planned for Letham and with the management of
Whitecross but due to the Covid -19 outbreak these have had your estate’; the Scrutiny
to be put on hold. Panel will be keeping an
In the meantime Falkirk Council continues with their Action eye on responses to this
Plan and is investigating alternative heating options for these question, and will report
areas. If you or a family member have any issues or concerns back to readers in this
about your electric wet heating then please contact us on section.
electricwet.enquiries@falkirk.gov.uk
Please look out for updates in the next edition of Tenant Talk.
12 Tenant Talk Issue 15 Issue 15 Tenant Talk 13
Com p e t i t i o n s
The prizes are £25 worth of Smyths Vouchers for the childrens Competition
and £25 worth of Asda Vouchers for the adult competition.
Adult: Wordsearch
Find the following
L F S G H A M A E R C E C I G K T R
TWELVE
Q S D A E G S R U D I O Y A F S E D Summer words:
AUGUST,
R A W R A J P F T Z S E C B E A C H BEACH,
BUCKET,
T N I D S X D C V B N D Q L H G S P DECKCHAIR,
GARDENING,
G D S E M I A S P A D E I D T F A G
HOLIDAY,
A C O N F L K D I K S C A E R L D U ICECREAM,
JULY,
K A D I Q E R U F A G K N J W O S A SANDCASTLE,
SPADE,
C S U N C R E A M S D C A I J D H Y SUNCREAM,
SUNSHINE.
U T A G R G A O S P E H T F X E M S
Once you’ve found them
Y L F S U O J T D H Y A R Y N A R N simply draw a ring round
them, fill in the form below
Q E A I W S U F B L S I W I S Y D I and post us your entry.
Winners will be contacted
H Z D E P U T C A F J R H T G A S A by phone shortly after the
closing date.
I O T N E N Y H M U E S I C H D F P
We would like to show the
N R L S X C B I D A N E N D O I S H winners and winning entries
in the next edition of tenant
F A U G V R S T O U E R Q J U L Y P talk, you may be asked to
have your picture taken if
E B U C K E T U S X F T U A W O E C you are a winner.
G C B E N A D I P N I B N D V H K G
M D J S A M Q F W O A Y L E U Z S B
Post to:
winners
Tenant Talk Wordsearch, Community Engagement Team,
The Forum, Callendar Business Park, Falkirk. FK1 1XR.
Closing date is 31st August 2020.
The winners from
Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the last issue were:
Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adult competition
Wilma from Carronshore,
Sandra from Carronshore,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diane from Laurieston
Daytime Tel No: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children’s competition
Isabella from Laurieston,
Brian and Lucy from
Employees of Falkirk Council are not eligible to enter. Stenhousemuir,
The Editor’s decision is final. Rose from Stenhousemuir
14 Tenant Talk Issue 15 Issue 15 Tenant Talk 15
Link to the
Kemlin Kin
Consultation
John Hosie is the newly appointed
Community Safety Engager for
Easy
Tamfourhill and Camelon, if you
live in these areas John wants to
hear from you, he has put together
a survey which can be accessed at:
Chocol a t e C a k e www.opcamelontamfourhill.co.uk/
safety or direct at https://tinyurl.
com/ycbes5qw.
By completing the survey you will
Recipe
be entered into a prize draw. John
is keen to recruit volunteers for
projects in these areas, volunteers
will get opportunities for training
and also gain a recognised
accreditation. If you are interested
in helping or have any questions
The cake Chocolate Icing about the survey please contact
John on 07391524528 or at
communitysafetyengager@
Ingredients Ingredients tamfourhilltro.co.uk.
5oz Self raising Flour 3.5 ounce Chocolate Milk
John is employed by the
6oz Caster Sugar 7 ounce butter Tamfourhill Tenants and
Residents Organisation
6oz Butter or Margarine 14 ounce icing sugar
3oz Cocoa Drinking Chocolate Powder 5 tbsp cocoa powder
3 Large Eggs 2 tbsp milk
3 Tablespoons of boiling water Method
1 x 8” greased and/or lined cake tin Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl
over a pan of barely simmering water
Method (make sure the bowl isn’t touching the
water). Stir until melted. Alternatively,
Put all the ingredients together in a
melt in the microwave, stirring every
large bowl
30 secs. Leave the melted chocolate to
Mix with an electric mixer till fully mixed cool for 5 mins.
Pour batter into cake tin Mash the butter and icing sugar
together with a fork first, then switch
Bake at Gas mark 4 for 1 hour to a wooden spoon or electric beaters
if you have them. Sift in the cocoa and
Cool cake then decorate
pour in the melted chocolate, a pinch of
salt and the milk, then mix again until Empowering local people &
smooth. Use to top cupcakes or cover organisations to bring about
positive, lasting change
and fill a chocolate sponge cake.
Contact Us
One Number: 01324 506070
One Email for Housing Services: housingservices@falkirk.gov.uk
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