tenant news

Code for Decent Homes

The couple's new kitchen

From builders and plumbers to electricians and joiners, all Decent Homes contractors now have to follow a new code of conduct when working on council homes - and tenants are seeing the benefits.

Pauline and John Anderson are just two out of many council tenants across the city who are having their homes upgraded as part of the government's Decent Homes programme.
The couple, who have lived in their home on the Bilton Grange estate for 27 years - and raised five sons there - recently had a new kitchen installed.
They were delighted with it.
But the couple admit that they were reluctant to have the work done at first - because they had both recently been in hospital, and didn't want the extra upheaval in their lives.
That was until they were visited by Enterprise Plc's tenant liaison officer Terri Biddulph. She told them about the Tenants' Code of Conduct for Contractors, which ensures the highest standards from contractors working on Hull council homes.
"Terri was fantastic," said Mrs Anderson.
"She talked us through the whole process and reassured us that it would all be worthwhile.
"She was very honest, though, and said that we might have to deal with a bit of mess!
"She explained everything that was going to happen and dealt with any worries or problems we had. She made all the difference."
The Code of Conduct provides guidance on contractors' responsibilities when working under the Decent Homes programme. It sets out standards for quality of work, appointments and access, security and care, and behaviour and housekeeping.
"Tenants need to trust that contactors will do a decent job," says Terri.
"Telling them about the Code helps build trust. I am always straight and upfront about what is happening.
"If a resident has a concern, I make sure that I speak to them every day whilst the work is going on, right up until it is finished."
The £189 million Decent Homes programme will involve improvement work on thousands of council properties across the city between now and 2011.
It will ensure all properties are safe and warm, and have reasonable modern facilities.
Mr and Mrs Anderson were told their new kitchen, along with rewiring, would take 20 days.
Mr Anderson said: "They were spot on with their timings and, although when some of the work was going on it was a bit difficult living here, we just made the best of it, knowing how much better our home would look. Everyone who worked in our home was great; extremely friendly and tidy - a pleasure to be around."
Mrs Anderson added: "It's made a big difference to our lives. For many years I cooked for a family of seven in a very tiny kitchen with little workspace. Now I don't know where to put things because I've got so much space. My kitchen is so great, I actually want to go in there and cook now!"

For more information about the Tenants' Code of Conduct for Contractors or the Decent Homes programme, call the Decent Homes team on 300300, or email decenthomes@hullcc.gov.uk

Election Fever

Every council tenant in the city will have the chance to vote next month.
They will be voting in the first-ever elections for new Area Housing Boards.
The Housing Boards are being set up to improve local housing services and to enable council tenants or leaseholders to have a greater say in making decisions.
There will be seven across the city - one for each area committee. Each board will be made up of ward councillors, locally-elected council tenants, and other individuals.
Meanwhile 1,100 council tenants have already requested more information about becoming a board member - and any other council tenants or leaseholders who are interested in standing are invited to apply before October 20.
At election time ballot papers will be sent to every council tenant and leaseholder in the city, allowing them to cast their vote.
"This will be your opportunity to decide who joins your local Area Housing Board," says Cllr Allen Healand, who is responsible for housing in the city.
"We believe we can improve the housing service by bringing local tenants into the decision-making process and listening to their views about issues that affect their lives."
Work carried out by the Area Housing Boards will include managing budgets, agreeing priorities for actions, and working to improve housing services such as repairs and reletting.

Full marks for academy

Tenants graduate from second course

A night-school course at which Hull council tenants can learn all about the city's housing service has proved such a success that it has received national recognition.
The 13-week course - known as the Tenants' Housing Academy - received official recognition from the Chartered Institute of Housing, a registered charity which aims to raise standards in housing services throughout Britain and promotes the education and training of people working within them.
The Institute has now given permission for its logo to be used on all learning materials for the academy, which started last year.
Meanwhile, new students are already well into the latest course, which began in September. Subjects include housing law, equalities, and customer care.
Val Moore, who has just started the course, said: "I have been involved with housing for 11 years as Chair of B.E.R.G., the local tenants' and residents' association for the Bricknell Avenue area of the city. To help benefit our residents, I need to keep informed about the housing service and I hope the academy will further my knowledge."

tenant news in brief

Chance to win £250

More than 5,000 council tenants were sent a tenant satisfaction survey last month - so that Hull City Council can find out ways of improving its housing service even further.
Each of those tenants who send back the completed form could be in with a chance of winning £250. Eight runners-up will also receive £50.
Remember, you need to be in it to win it! Send your survey back straight away.

HomeSearch changes

Hull City Council has changed its way of letting council homes through its Hull HomeSearch scheme, following a six-monthly review of the service. Urgent cases can now be rehoused quicker, and people in temporary accommodation will be found permanent accommodation faster.
Also, applicants searching for new homes can now bid for six properties per bidding round instead of three.