Hull in print

Ninety-nine students have graduated from the Chartered Institute of Housing recognised Housing Academy. Could you be number 100?
The newly upgraded 14-week evening course which starts in September at the University of Lincoln, George Street, sees the introduction of a new module about the government's tenant empowerment programme.
This module includes information about different forms of management of tenants' homes, and adds to the existing topics such as housing law, history of housing, antisocial behaviour, equalities and customer service.
Students who have already graduated will be invited to attend catch-up sessions for this new module.
If you are interested in joining the Academy please contact the tenant participation team on 300300 to book your place.

tenant news in brief

Office closure

Following consultation and a recommendation from the East Area Housing Board at their January meeting, the Old Bilton Grange neighbourhood office on Wingfield Road shut its doors for the last time on Friday 20 June.
Staff are now based at the Greatfield neighbourhood office, 34 Elmbridge Parade.
Local tenants were sent a letter confirming the move and informing them of the new arrangements.

Are you covered?

Victims of burglaries or house fires know how important home contents insurance is for replacing or repairing stolen or damaged personal property.
Hull Housing tenants are being urged to make sure they have home contents insurance to help protect their possessions.
If you are interested in contents insurance ring 300300 for more information or visit your local customer service centre or neighbourhood office, or contact other insurance companies about their own policies.

You can make a difference

You can make a difference just by going for a walk.
Every housing estate in the city is divided into small areas known as patches, and since 2005, volunteer tenants and residents have been taking part in patch walks across the city.
There are currently over 100 volunteer patch walkers and their numbers are growing.
Suggestions from new volunteers give a fresh viewpoint and their help towards improving estates is always welcome.
If you would like to know more about patch walks or would like to become involved, contact the tenant participation team on 300300.

Housing Opinion Panel – prize draw

Congratulations to Mr Richard Barker, the latest winner of the quarterly Housing Opinion Panel prize draw £50 shopping voucher.
Mr Barker recently completed a survey about access to the housing service.
For more information about how you could become a member of the Housing Opinion Panel and stand a chance of winning vouchers for a shop of your choice, contact the tenant participation team on 300300 or email tenant.resident@hullcc.gov.uk

Tenants' Forum

The next Tenants' Forum meeting is at the Ferens Art Gallery, 10am to 12.30pm, Saturday August 16.
What are your thoughts about, or suggestions for, improving housing services in Hull? Why not come along to a Forum meeting and share them with us?
The Forum welcomes new members – both residents and tenants of council estates.
Call 300300 or email tenant.resident@hullcc.gov.uk to book your place.

HURAT on the move

Hull United Residents' and Tenants' (HURAT) Federation have moved.
Their new address is: HURAT Federation Suite One, Kings Building South Church Side Kingston upon Hull HU1 1RR
Direct (01482) 331312 Office (01482) 331313

TARA notice board

Acorn Residents' Association are holding a table top sale to raise funds for Christmas and the Association, on Saturday August 16, 10am to 1pm.
Anyone wanting a stand or to donate items should contact Andrea on 859357.

Did you know?

You may need planning permission for a conservatory, satellite dish, extension, garage, porch or shed.
Contact your neighbourhood office for advice before any work starts.

Have we got it right?

Do we have accurate, up-to-date information about your tenancy?

Neighbourhood housing officers are currently arranging home visits to each home in their area as part of the housing service annual tenancy visits.
Housing officers are asking for your help to update the information they have on your tenancy and are arranging their visits at a time convenient for you.
The visit should last about 15 minutes and all tenants who complete the forms are entered into a prize draw to win £100.
"Filling in the simple form was easy enough.
I could answer all the questions and there was nothing to be frightened about on the form," says Gipsyvile council tenant Mrs Pat Gibson.
"It didn't take long to complete.
My neighbourhood housing officer, Chris, was only in the house a few minutes."
The information collected by the survey will help the housing service to provide a better service to help meet customers' needs and to plan services for the future.
"The visit also offers you the opportunity to meet your neighbourhood housing officer and talk about any issues you may have with your tenancy," says Chris Huggins, neighbourhood housing officer.
"We may be able to offer help with our older or disabled tenants' gardens, or give advice about moving to another council house that is better suited to your needs."
If you currently live in a house which you feel is too big for you now, your housing officer can advise you about options to move to a smaller, more manageable home.
For some tenants options could include moving into a bungalow which is part of a sheltered housing scheme.
When the neighbourhood officer arrives for their appointment with you, they should show their identification badge and you should ask to see this before letting them into your home.

For more information about the annual tenancy survey visits, ring 300300 or visit your local customer service centre or neighbourhood office.


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