Autumn 2017 - West Dunbartonshire Council

THE QUARTERL QUARTERLY LY NEWSLETTER R FOR TENANTS S OF WEST DUNBARTONSHI IRE DUNBARTONSHIRE

120 NEW BUILD AFFORDABLE HOMES P3

HOMES BENEFIT FROM WALL INSULATION P5

New Councillors elected P7

COUNCIL SETS RECYCLING TARGETS P6

New tenant handbook available P2

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Fire safety guide delivered to all Council high-rise tenants

AUTUMN 2017

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new fire safety booklet has been distributed to all Council high-rise tenants in West Dunbartonshire.

The new guide has been produced to reassure residents about the fire safety of their homes, while reiterating what they should do in the event of a fire. West Dunbartonshire Council owns 22 high-rise blocks, all of which comply with safety standards and building regulations and are inspected annually by the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. In addition, each block has a caretaker on site. Enhanced fire safety risk assessments are being carried out, with the Council committed to actioning any key recommendations as a result of these inspections.

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We are determined to ensure that our tenants’ homes are as safe as they can possibly be and we will be guided by the latest recommendations from the fire service”

Councillor Diane Docherty, the Council’s Convener of Housing & Communities, said: “This new fire safety booklet will give our high-rise tenants reassurance, as we understand there will be unease after the recent tragic fire in London. As a Council, we are determined to ensure that our tenants’ homes are as safe as they can possibly be and we will be guided by the latest recommendations from the fire service and the Scottish and UK governments.” Councillor Iain McLaren, Vice Convener of Housing & Communities, added: “Tenants have, naturally, had a lot of questions since the Grenfell Tower tragedy and we want to make sure they have all the information they need. This new booklet outlines the advice in case of a fire and it is designed to complement the long-standing advice from Scottish Fire & Rescue. The advice has not

changed, but there is no harm in refreshing people’s memory and that’s what we have done with this new guide.” In addition to this, all Council tenants are encouraged to receive a free home fire safety visit, which involves local firefighters visiting homes and providing expert fire safety advice. It would also involve testing of existing smoke detectors and the fitting of free additional smoke detectors as required.

Fire Safety S Guide Guid de for

Ris se Flat High Rise Tenants e s Tenants

New scheme helps tackle rent arrears

A Council campaign to help tenants manage rent arrears has got off to a positive start.

The Help Us Help U With Rent scheme launched earlier this year and saw Housing officers review a number of cases concerning tenants who were in arrears with their rent. Of the cases under review, the team helped 69 households with a sustainable solution to tackle their arrears, with a further 63 being referred to the Housing Benefit team for support in ensuring they were receiving all the benefits to which they were entitled. There were also seven referrals to the Council’s Working4U team. Most impressively, 84 tenants were able to make payments which cleared their rent arrears. In one case, the team was able to assist a couple with a young family to access financial support. This included making a successful application for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction to reduce their level of rent and council tax debts. They were also contacted by the Working4U team to provide budgeting support going forward. The couple were unaware that they would be entitled to Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction due to one of them working and because they also received Working and Child Tax credit. They were also unaware that, due to being in receipt of these benefits, they would also be entitled to free school meals and clothing grants for their children. As a result of the visit, the weekly family income increased by at least £38 and they also received £300 towards school clothing for the children. The family continue to maintain a sustainable arrangement towards their rent and Council tax.

HELP US HELP U WITH ARREARS AND PAYING YOUR RENT To book a free fire safety visit, text ‘fire’ to 80800 or call 0800 0731 999 Visits can also be booked online at

www.firescotland.gov.uk

We understand that you can sometimes find it difficult to pay your rent. This can happen as a result of changes in your employment or changes in your home life and you have less income. We are here to help you: = Ensure you’re receiving your full benefit entitlement = Work out a manageable financial plan to pay your rent and reduce any arrears = Help you with money advice, budgeting and debt management = Maximise your employment and income opportunities Contact us by telephone: 01389 737788 By e-mail: [email protected] In person: At your local One Stop Shop

Integrated Housing Project

An improved system to help the Council better deliver Housing Services to tenants and residents will go live in August 2018.

The Council has significantly invested in the Integrated Housing Project management system, the aim of which is to provide excellent customer service through a more efficient and effective working environment. The system’s developer, Aareon, is currently on site training Council staff to ensure the new system is tailored to meet West Dunbartonshire’s needs and that a top quality service is delivered to tenants and residents. Once the new system is implemented, customers will see a difference to service provision - with the extra ability to manage all aspects of Housing and Repairs needs online. Anyone who would like to know more about the system can get in touch with the Integrated Housing Project team by calling

01389 737751 or via email at

IHMS@ west-dunbarton.gov.uk

Housing allocations under review

A review of how the Council allocates its homes has moved to the next stage with tenants and residents being asked for their views on the draft policy.

The aim of the review is to make sure the Council is making best use of its housing and that the way properties are allocated is as fair as possible to those in need of housing or looking to move. The impact of benefit changes and new legal requirements introduced under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 also need to be considered as part of the review. The review of the allocations policy was split into two phases:

Phase 1 Early consultation, which ran from October to December 2016, aimed to highlight areas where change should be made, forming the basis of the new draft allocations policy. Phase 2 This phase is now underway and is seeking views on the draft policy itself.

Tenants’ views can be submitted by visiting the Public Consultation page at the Council website www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk and the survey will remain open until October 24. Results will be used to finalise the Allocation Policy which will be submitted to the Housing & Communities Committee for approval.

Electric showers now standard

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lectric showers will now be offered as standard when bathrooms are renewed in Council homes.

The move follows a consultation with the West Dunbartonshire Tenants and Residents Organisation (WDTRO), which led to a refinement of the Council’s West Dunbartonshire Housing Standard to include electric showers as standard when bathrooms are being replaced.

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An electric shower can reduce fuel bills and is often more suitable for many tenants”

From August 1, 2017, tenants, set to have a new bathroom installed will be offered an electric shower as part of the programme, improving quality of life and reducing energy costs. Councillor Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing & Communities, said: “We are always looking at ways to improve the tenant experience for anyone who chooses to become a West Dunbartonshire Council tenant. An electric shower can reduce fuel bills and is often more suitable for

many tenants. “It is a sensible move that has come about thanks to discussions with tenants and I’m pleased that this will now be a standard offering going forward.” Councillor Iain McLaren, Vice Convener of Housing & Communities, added: “It’s very pleasing to see this change being made as a direct result of consultation with WDTRO and it shows the Council’s determination to engage with tenants and to take on board their suggestions and concerns. I look forward to hearing from tenants on all manner of issues in the future and continuing this positive dialogue.” In an effort to further improve the tenant experience, the Council’s Housing team encourages tenants to get in touch with suggestions and ideas to help on this front. Please send an email to [email protected] to pass on any comments.

Mikayla lands graduate intern role

Mikayla Deeley has landed an internship with West Dunbartonshire Council.

The graduate role allows the intern to utilise the skills gained through study in a live, working environment. This involves the intern taking part in the planning, management, delivering and monitoring of various projects across the Council’s Housing and Homelessness teams. Mikayla, from Duntocher, attended St Mary’s Primary School before going to St Columba’s and then St Peter the Apostle High School. After completing high school, Mikayla went on to study at the University of Stirling

Help us to improve our services

Tenants are being asked for their feedback as part of a Council drive to provide the very best customer service possible.

Feedback and complaints allow the Council to understand what has gone wrong and how the same mistakes can be avoided in future. The Council’s centralised Customer Relations team manages complaints about all Council services. Residents can use the complaints procedure if they believe the Council has done something wrong, not done something they expected us to do or if they have not been treated with courtesy by any member of Council staff.

where she earned a degree in Politics and Sociology. Mikayla has now seized the opportunity to come and work for the local authority and the community that she grew up in by successfully applying for the graduate intern scheme. Mikayla, who’s looking forward to helping make her home constituency a better place to live, said: “I am really excited about making the most of this opportunity and developing my knowledge and skills over the next year. “At the same time, I’m looking forward to making a positive contribution to the housing service and the local community.”

In an effort to further improve housing services, the Council is keen to remind tenants of the complaints procedure so that lessons can be learned. While complaints can be made in person at any Council office, or by phone on 01389 738273, the simplest way is via the Council’s website at: www.westdunbarton.gov.uk/ complaints

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Councillor Docherty Convener of Housing & Communities

We’re putting tenants front and centre

Being appointed Convener of Housing & Communities was a real honour and, as I’m fast learning, it’s a role that demands a huge amount of work and effort.

New homes set for St Andrew’s site

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lans to build around 120 new affordable rented homes in a joint project with Cube Housing Association on the site of the former St Andrew’s High School in Clydebank are progressing.

The new homes will be a mix of house types, ranging from one-bedroom flats to four and five-bedroom bungalows and townhouses. They will vary from one to three storeys in height. Designed by the Council’s own architects, the project will be built to the highest standards and will feature: = enhanced energy efficiency, including a district heating scheme, meaning lower fuel bills = generous space standards = good accessibility for people with mobility issues, with a number of homes specially designed for wheelchair users = Secure by Design accreditation, the standard

which seeks to incorporate safety features at the design stage and improve home security = a beautifully landscaped setting with informal play areas and carefully managed traffic

Work on the site is expected to begin in autumn 2018 with completion before the end of 2019. Lettings to the new homes will be made through the Council’s and Cube’s allocation process in due course. For more details on how to apply to be added to our waiting list or to update your application, contact the Allocations team on 0141 951 7900 or via email at: [email protected] For more details about the project, contact Jamie Dockery, Strategic Housing Officer, WDC Housing Development on 01389 737366 or via email at: [email protected]

Clyde Shopmobility: services for disabled people in residents are being the park or along the Clyde Canal, our community Disabled reminded of the services offered fundraising activities and local and by Clyde Shopmobility. The registered charity is located at 22 Alexander Street, Clydebank and provides free use of equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters to help people get around.

It offers a daily hire and long-term hire service, as well as a sighted guide service to help visually impaired people. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Events are regularly scheduled to help reduce social isolation and get people out and about to places of interest, such as a scooter route in

national events such as Disabled Access Day and Small Charity Week. If you want to attend events or contact Clyde Shopmobility: Tel:

0141 952 1578

Email: clydeshopmobility@

gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/ ClydeShopmobility

Follow us on Twitter:

Twitter@clydemobility

And that’s exactly as it should be when you consider the Council has around 10,000 tenants. Housing is one of the biggest and most important service areas in the Council and I’m very passionate about ensuring we deliver the very best service for all of our tenants. Before being elected this year, I served on the Parkhall Community Council for six years. I was active in my local community and I am pleased to be able to continue that work now as an elected member on West Dunbartonshire Council.

‘‘

I’m very passionate about ensuring we deliver the very best for all our tenants”

And I promise not to forget that the name of the Committee for which I am Convener is Housing & Communities, as opposed to just Housing. Because, to me, a home is about so much more than just what is inside your own four walls. While we all want and are entitled to live in a safe place, that counts for almost nothing if the community in which we live is not welcoming. It’s wonderful to see money being spent on new play parks and other public areas which all contribute to creating a better environment and I’m very keen to ensure that these new facilities – as well as existing facilities and public spaces – are properly maintained. All of us have a responsibility to ensure that our neighbourhoods are decent areas in which to live. That responsibility falls on me as Convener of Housing & Communities, on the Council Officers who work so hard behind the scenes and also on our tenants and residents. I’m looking forward to working closely with them all to deliver on our aim of making West Dunbartonshire the best possible place it can be for everyone who lives here.

Councillor Diane Docherty

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Warm Home Discount Scheme

Tenants are being encouraged to check if they are eligible for £140 off their electricity bill.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme offers a one-off discount on your electricity bill, usually between October and May. The scheme for winter 2017/18 is now open. The discount is separate to any Cold Weather Payments or Winter Fuel Payment and tenants can qualify even if they have a pre-payment electricity meter. Eligibility You automatically qualify for the discount if, on 10 July 2017, all of the following applied: = your electricity supplier was part of the scheme = your name (or your partner’s) was on the bill = you were getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well) or

If you don’t automatically qualify, you may get the discount if: = you’re on a low income = you get certain means-tested benefits = you’re in fuel poverty (this means you spend more than 10% of your income on your fuel)

Criteria varies from supplier to supplier and not every small supplier offers the discount, but all information about how to apply for the scheme is on their individual websites.

Not sure who your electricity supplier is? Call the Electricity Meter Point Administration Service on

0330 1010300

IT IS NOW A CRIME TO PURCHASE TOBACCO FOR UNDER 18’S

DON’T RISK A CRIMINAL RECORD SAY NO AND DON’T BUY OUR TEENAGERS CIGARETTES

TRA helps residents get on their dancing shoes

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outh Drumry Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) hosted a ‘fish and chip dance’ for residents of the sheltered housing complex at Melfort Avenue.

The South Drumry TRA has been running for nearly two years and has successfully bid for Community Budget funds to put on events such as this. After contacting the sheltered housing complex at Melfort Avenue, TRA chairman Robert Carson and his TRA colleague Pat Dougan made all the arrangements for the event.

‘‘

We want South Drumry to be a better place to live and this includes having fun things for people of all ages to do”

Robert Carson said: “Last Christmas we put on an event for local kids to meet Santa, which was a big success. This time we wanted to make sure older local people got something too. “We want South Drumry to be a better place to live and this includes having fun things for people of all ages to do.” A meal of fish and chips was provided along with entertainment from Alex Proctor - and it wasn’t long before the residents were all up and dancing. Melfort Avenue tenant Agnes Massie said she and her fellow residents were delighted that the TRA had thought of them and appreciated all the effort that they had made. She said: “It was a great wee get-together and the music was brilliant. I haven’t danced for a while but I did a few steps that night!” South Drumry TRA meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Onslow Road Community Hall at 7pm and would welcome any new members.

Welfare Reforms on housing benefits

West Dunbartonshire Council is taking action to assist people who will be affected by the UK Government’s latest Welfare Reforms on housing benefits. due to come into effect in April 2019.

The new measures cap the rate of Housing Benefit or Housing Costs for Universal Credit cases, to bring them in line with the rate of Local Housing Allowance (LHA). It means tenants of Council or Housing Association properties can’t receive payments that exceed the rate of Housing Benefit paid to people living in privately rented homes. From April 1, 2019, single tenants under the age of 35 and with no children will have their benefits limited to the ‘shared accommodation rate’ (SAR), even if they don’t live in shared accommodation. The changes which have been announced have increased the scope of the LHA cap in the following ways: = from the 1st April 2019, anyone who is in a general needs tenancy and who is on Universal

Credit will be subject to the LHA cap = from the 1st April 2019, anyone who is in a general needs tenancy and who remains in receipt of Housing Benefit and whose tenancy began after 1st April 2016 will be subject to the LHA cap = from the 1st April 2019, anyone living in supported accommodation will be subject to the LHA cap

The potential impacts of these changes are that some tenants whose rent is above the LHA rate will no longer have their full housing costs covered. The Council is exploring more innovative ways of housing young people and protecting them from the impacts of welfare reform by, for example, looking into shared tenancies. Tenants who need help in paying their rent or advice on exactly how these changes will impact them should contact their local Housing Officer.

P5

Youngsters get a taste of the building trade

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upils from Gavinburn Primary were given a taste of life in the working world as they visited homes that had benefited from new external wall insulation.

The youngsters visited the houses in Thistleneuk and Ashtree Court in Old Kilpatrick as part of their lessons surrounding World At Work Week. The homes were all recently fitted with new external wall insulation thanks to the Council and the Scottish Government.

‘‘

I’m pleased that these homes will help tenants to stay warm in cold weather and help reduce fuel bills”

Contractor CSSE Energy Solutions brought additional Energy Company Obligation funding to the scheme and, in conjunction with Turner Facilities Management, delivered and installed the insulation and new render system.

Turner FM invited children from various classes and age groups to have a walk around and chat on site. The children were supplied appropriate on-site personal protection equipment and were escorted by a health and safety officer and liaison officer around the site. Funding for the work was secured through the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes Scotland and Capital Acceleration Funding. The insulation is aimed at reducing fuel poverty and increasing the energy efficiency levels of the properties. Diane Docherty, the Council’s Convener for Housing & Communities, said: “I’m pleased that these homes will help tenants to stay warmer in cold weather and help reduce fuel bills. The new insulation also improves the look of these homes and even better that the work has helped teach local children a little bit more about life in the building trade and the working world in general. I would like to thank everyone who took part in the children’s site visit and the local residents for their feedback on the work.” The children were shown the ins and outs of what a building site worker undertakes on a daily basis. The Council’s Capital Team extended their thanks to the tenants and residents of Thistleneuk and Ashtree Court for their continued patience throughout the work.

New Housing Operations Manager appointed Meet Edward Thomas - the Council’s new Housing Operations Manager.

Edward joined West Dunbartonshire Council in May from Aberdeen City Council, where he had worked since 2009. Originally from Ayrshire, he started his local government career with North Ayrshire Council’s Housing Benefits Service in 2003, before moving to the Homelessness Service in 2005. An Accountancy & Business Law graduate who briefly worked for Barclays Stockbrokers after graduating, he returned to studying in 2006 to undertake the Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies with Glasgow University and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing. He is in the process of moving to Dumbarton and is married with

three young children. Edward said: “I was impressed with the strategic vision for West Dunbartonshire Council’s Housing service to ‘be the best’ - particularly the vision for high quality new-build houses and the commitment to provide excellent customer service for our tenants. “The structure and leadership of the Council’s Housing and Employability Service is very forward thinking, recognising that tenants have social and economic needs which may impact on maintaining their tenancies. “We are determined to provide homes which meet the changing needs of families, within decent communities and our priority is for Housing Officers to form good relationships with tenants, being available to provide help whenever difficulties arise.”

SEAN DOCKERY

North Drumry Housing Officer

How would you describe yourself? I’d probably say I’m quite easy going.

How long have you worked for the Council? I started with the Council in January of this year.

Where did you work before West Dunbartonshire? I worked for the Homelessness Team at East Dunbartonshire Council and before that I worked for a youth housing advice service. How do you like to unwind after a hard day’s work? I usually go to the gym then go home and stuff my face!

What’s your favourite part of your job? Meeting tenants in the community and helping them to resolve any issues they have.

What’s the funniest moment you’ve had at work? We once found a hot tub in a high flat drying area!

If you could do any other job for a day what would it be? I’d be Prime Minister and give everyone a day off work.

If you could create an invention to make your job easier what would it be? A robot that helps me get things done more efficiently. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given? Don’t take yourself too seriously.

P6 Tenants & Residents Associations

See the list below to find out when your local TRA is next meeting. Central Alexandria

Sep 18, Oct 16, Nov 20 Community Office, 5 Alexander St, 7pm Email: [email protected]

Central Radnor Park

Sep 7 (AGM), Oct 5, Nov 2 The Studio, the Hub, Kilbowie Rd, 7.30pm Email: [email protected]

Duntocher

Sep 4, Oct 2, Nov 6 Duntocher Village Hall, 7pm

Littleholm

Sep 21, Oct 18, Nov 15 The Caretakers Flat, Clyde Court, 7pm

Overburn and Townhead

Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7, Dumbarton Golf Club, 7pm Email: [email protected]

South Drumry

Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14 Onslow Road Hall, 7pm

Risk Street

Sep 19, Oct 17, Nov 21 St Augustine’s Church Hall, 7pm

Tullichewan

Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14 Community Flat, 2 McGregor Walk, 7pm Email: harry_mccormack.tullichewantra @yahoo.co.uk

Westbridgend

Sepr 19, Oct 17, Nov 21 Community Flat, Lomond Court, 7pm Email: [email protected]

Tenants and residents in John Knox Street are in the process of setting up a TRA and will hold a public meeting on 4 September. A time and venue have yet to be confirmed, but if you’re interested in more information, please contact Dawn Conner, Tenant Participation, on 01389 737697 or follow West Dunbartonshire Tenant Participation on Facebook.

Tenants & Residents Associations

GET INVOLVED!

Are you a Council tenant interested in setting up a Tenants & Residents Association? If so, the Council wants to hear from you.

Some of the benefits are: = improving your local area = gaining greater access to Council services = access to training and skills development for yourself and your group

Our Tenant Participation team actively work to develop and support new TRA groups. If you and your neighbours are interested in setting up a group, contact Dawn Conner using the details provided above. More information on Tenant Participation is also available at: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/ housing/council-housing/tenantparticipation

Recycling targets need community buy-in

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he Council aims to recycle 70% of all household waste by the year 2025 - and the help of every tenant is needed to achieve this ambitious target.

The Scottish Government is determined that, by 2025, just 5% of all household waste will be sent to landfill, with the remaining 95% being recycled. In order to reach these goals, the Council provides a comprehensive range of recycling options for all residents. The blue bin, brown bin and general waste bin are available for every household – alongside the food waste bins. Also, glass collection points are situated across West Dunbartonshire to ensure tenants and residents are able to always do the right thing.

‘‘

I would encourage everyone in West Dunbartonshire to find out how they can recycle their waste”

Diane Docherty, Convener of Housing & Communities, said: “We have been set very ambitious recycling targets and we fully intend to do everything possible to ensure we meet them. That’s why we provide such a wide range of recycling options and we are grateful for every resident who does their bit. But there is still work to be done and I would encourage everyone in West Dunbartonshire to find out how they can recycle their waste.” Iain McLaren, Vice Convener of Housing & Communities, added: “It’s vital that we all do our part to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. With all the recycling facilities and collections we have in place, we are hoping that all residents can do their bit for the environment, and that recycling will become second nature to everyone.” Full details on the Council’s recycling schemes and information on how to recycle your household waste can be found online at:

www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/recycling

Tenant’s voice with Jim Hendry Stronger together

voice and we meet regularly with Housing Services.

What stuck out for me was that the Grenfell Action Group had repeatedly raised concerns which had not been addressed by their landlord. Ignoring tenants doesn’t always end in tragedy, but it highlights that landlords need to be committed to listening to tenants and treating them fairly. And despite all the legislation that says they should, still not all landlords do. The WDTRO is committed to ensuring that West Dunbartonshire Council tenants have a stronger

they will be, and that they will continue to liaise with tenants. We’re also keen to know the Council’s thoughts on rent consultation and how they’re going to work with us. We hope all tenants will support us and take the opportunities they have to use their voice and get involved.

The Grenfell Tower tragedy was shocking to see We were able to quickly get answers to concerns in the 21st Century and there are many lessons about the Council’s high flats and want to make sure the Council is as open as they’ve always said to be learned.

To join the group or to raise an issue, email: [email protected] or go to www.wdtro.org.uk for more information

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COM

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4 ENDRICK WAY 4 ENDRICK WAY ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA G83 0UR G83 0UR

DUMBARTON

3

COUNCIL GARSHAKEOFFICES ROAD GARSHAKE DUMBARTONROAD DUMBARTON G82 3PU G82 3PU

01389 737511 737511 01389 07769 367035 07926 739642

WD

JAMES BOLLAN JIM BOLLAN

LEVEN

2

COUNCIL OFFICES

COUNCIL GARSHAKEOFFICES ROAD GARSHAKE DUMBARTONROAD DUMBARTON G82 3PU G82 3PU

T: T: M: M:

CON

M: 07538 07538 842583 842583 M:

LAB

MARIE McNAIR KATH RYALL

IND

IND

SNP

SNP

COUNCIL OFFICES


T: T: M: M:

01389 738745 738743 01389 07909 891237 07538 842579

IN

P8

Empty homes officer relishing her post

Useful numbers

CONTACT CENTRE

HOUSING - GENERAL ENqUIRIES

Dumbarton Clydebank

HOUSING - REPORTING A REPAIR

01389 738282 01389 738282 01389 738282

C’bank, Dumbarton/Alexandria 0800 073 8708 0800 197 1004 Out of hours Repairs Centres are open between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday Online at www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk Email: [email protected] EMERGENCY REPAIRS

(out-of-hours freephone) Gas heating repairs (City Technical) Sold Property Team

0800 197 1004

w useful numbers - good luck HOMELESS EMERGENCY

(24 hour freephone)

HOUSING & EMPLOYABILITY

0844 579 6493 01389 738222 0800 197 1004

Special (bulky) uplifts 01389 738282 Contact Centre 01389 608412 Grass cutting 01389 772059 Litter hotline 01389 738290 Environmental Health 01389 738282 Pest Control 0845 111 0050 Waste Aware 01389 738519 Trading Standards 01389 73 82 82 Caretaking service 01389 737281 Tenant Participation ASB (all antisocial behaviour services can be contacted through this number) 01389 772048 01389 737050 Working4U Money Homeless Case Work Team 01389 738625 Clydebank 01389 608956 Dumbarton Open 8.45am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday FINANCIAL SERVICES

Council Tax

01389 738282 or 01389 737444

COUNCILLORS - GENERAL ENqUIRIES:

Clydebank Dumbarton/Alexandria GENERAL

Citizens’ Advice Bureau: Dumbarton Alexandria Clydebank Citizens’ Advice Consumer Services Community Transport Service HOME from HOME Energy Advice (Energy Saving Trust) Samaritans Lesbian and Gay Switchboard Relate

(Relationship Scotland) Victim Support Scotland Dog warden Greenlight Women’s Aid

Dumbarton/Alexandria Clydebank Police

Clydebank Dumbarton Alexandria Crimestoppers (freephone)

01389 738782 01389 737377

01389 744690 01389 752727 0141 435 7590

03454 04 05 06 0141 333 3252 01389 733733 0800 512 012 0845 790 9090 0141 847 0447

0141 248 5249 0141 952 2095 01389 738290 01389 721012 01389 751036 0141 952 8118 101 101 101 0800 555 111

SOCIAL WORK - GENERAL ENqUIRIES

Dumbarton Clydebank Alexandria

01389 737020 0141 562 8800 01389 608080

The Council has appointed a new Empty Homes Officer to help reduce the number of empty privately-owned homes in West Dunbartonshire.

‘‘

The Empty Homes Initiative plays an important part in increasing the overall supply of homes”

Karen Rae started in her role in June of this year and she is keen to get stuck into the task at hand. There are around 400 privatelyowned homes lying empty in West Dunbartonshire. These homes can

WAYS TO PAY YOUR RENT In person...

Use your swipe card and pay by: = cash or cheque = cheque or Postal Order by post to any area housing office = credit or debit card

Through your bank...

Pay by standing order or direct debit. This means your rent/Council Tax is paid automatically from your bank account. Pick up a form from the rent counter at any of the local housing offices.

At the Post Office...

You can also pay by direct debit at any Post Office or Paypoint outlet. Use your swipe card and pay by: = cash or cheque

By telephone/internet...

Use your credit or debit card to make a payment for your rent, Council Tax or debtor account by: = calling our Contact Centre on 01389 738282 = calling our automatic telephone payment service on 01389 732376 at any time = calling one of our officers during working hours = logging onto our website: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk and clicking on the ‘Pay Your Way’ button to go to the payment pages

invariably impact negatively in the communities they are located and are also a wasted valuable resource. Karen said: “Bringing empty homes through the West Dunbartonshire Empty Homes Initiative back into use plays an important part in increasing the overall supply of homes in the West Dunbartonshire area, while also minimising neighbourhood issues such as antisocial behaviour and vandalism.” The Empty Homes Initiative has been in place for four years, bringing more than 300 homes back into use through direct action and advice. If you are concerned about an empty home within your area, please contact Karen Rae via email: karen.rae@ west-dunbarton.gov.uk or by calling 01389 737347

COMPETITION WINNER

Congratulations to Fiona McClymont from Castlehill, who was picked from our correct quiz entries and won a £25 shopping voucher. Fiona was really pleased to win. It was the second time she’d ever entered a competition and the second time she’d won. Now that’s pretty good odds!

Tr y ou r qu iz !

For your chance to win a £25 shopping voucher, send your completed entries with your name, address and contact number by 6 October 2017 to: Tenant Participation, Housing Development, Garshake Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PU. Alternatively, email: [email protected]

1. How many high rise blocks does the Council own? (Please circle) A 22 B 16 C 28 2. When is Westbridgend TRAs meeting in September? (Please circle) A 1/9/17 B 30/9/17 C 19/9/17 3. How much is the Warm Home Discount? (Please circle) A £140 B £9.99

C

WIN

£25!

SHOPP VOUC ING HER

£100

4. What area is Sean Dockery the Housing Officer for? (Please circle) A South Drumry B Timbuctoo C Brucehill D North Drumry

Other formats This document can be viewed as a pdf on our website:http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/housing/housing-news/ It can also be provided in large print, Braille or on audio cassette and can be translated into different community languages. Please contact: Corporate Communications, Council Offices, Garshake Road, Dumbarton, G82 3PU. Tel: 01389 737000

Don’t miss the next edition of Housing News due out in winter!