Newsletter - April 2006
A special guest at Bougainvillea Gardens
The High Commissioner of Jamaica made her first offical visit to Manchester
in March. During her visit, High Commissioner Mathurin met with representatives
of Manchester and called for the development of trade, education and
cultural ties between Jamaica and Manchester.
In wide-ranging discussions with the city representatives, Ms. Mathurin suggested ways in which Manchester and Jamaica could develop ties that were mutually beneficial, including working through community groups such as the Jamaica Society Manchester.
During her visit, she paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor James Ashley and also met with the Deputy Leader of the Council, Val Stephens, who has responsibility for international affairs. The High Commissioner also met with the Chief Constable for Greater Manchester, Mike Todd and visited the Cariocca Business Park, which was developed by Manchester's African Caribbean community.
Residents of Bougainvillea Gardens and Antilles Close were delighted that Her Excellency found time during a very busy schedule to call in for afternoon tea with them and talk about life in Jamaica and Manchester. As you can see, much fun and laughter was had, and the High Commissioner managed to fit in a tour of Bougainvillea Gardens and was able to look at some of the homes.
We hope that High Commissioner Mathurin will visit Manchester again soon and look forward to welcoming her back.
RENT INCREASE 2006
Arawak Walton’s tenants rent review took place on the 3rd April 2006. You have been sent a letter showing your new rent from that date.
The government has now set rules about the increases we can set. They have told associations to use a single method of setting rents. This is known as ‘target rents’.
This will mean that the rent for your home and for all housing association and local authority properties will be based on the property’s value and the average income of people living in the same county. The property values are based on 1999 valuations.
As these rents can be much higher or lower than current rents, the government has given associations some time to spread the change. Arawak Walton will achieve target rents by 2016/17.
Based on the above, Arawak Walton has increased its rents in accordance with the government’s policy. If you would like to know more about the details of the calculations, please contact your housing officer.
“ARAWAK WALTON IS COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING TARGET RENTS WHILST MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS OF SERVICE”
Arawak Walton Receives grant approval to build and refurbish more homes
Based on the information provided by you our tenants and other customers looking for a new place to live we made a bid to our funders the Housing Corporation. That bid identified the type of property and where you wanted to see us develop. We bid for approval in our own right and with several of our housing association partners and this proved to be a successful approach. Whist we did not receive approval for everything we applied for, we did do very well and over the next month we will begin to finalise and package these projects together.
In summary the following schemes will move forward over the next 12 – 18 months:
| Area | Property Type | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Cheetham Hill | Large Family Houses (newbuild) | 6 |
| Longsight | Large Family Houses (refurbishment) | 2 |
| Withington | Large Family Houses (newbuild) | 2 |
| Reddish (to be confirmed) | Large Family Houses (newbuild) | 2 |
| Old Trafford | 2 Bedroom Flats (newbuild) | 6 |
Total |
18 |
In addition to the above we have:
- 4 houses currently being refurbished in Levenshulme,
- 3 of the 6 Shared Ownership Apartments in Altrincham currently available.
- 6 large family houses in Cheetham Hill (all let), handover April 06.
We have continued our discussions with partners about the transfer of
properties to Arawak Walton for us to manage and / or own. In 2005 /
2006, ten properties were transferred into our ownership. We hope to
better this in the new financial year that starts in April and introduce
new initiatives that will give you access to more housing choice.
Calling All Residents ! We Need Your Help
In 2006 we will be reviewing some major policies and strategies and
we would greatly value your help in taking part in consultations and
letting us have your views. We will be seeking opinions on a range of
areas such as:
• Residents' Handbook
• Resident Satisfaction Survey Questionnaire
• Community Engagement Strategy
Those taking part in the consultation will be asked to attend one or
two short meetings for which we will pay travelling expenses and provide
refreshments. There is no long-term commitment required.
We are also looking for interested residents to join an e-mail group
to help us review our pamphlets and publications and make sure they
are easy to read.
If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact
Ceri Smith on 0161 272 6094 or use the contact form on our website click
here
Every completed survey will be entered into a prize draw for one of five £25.00 vouchers
Board News
Winsome Brown has stepped down as Chair of the Board due to ill health. She will remain on the Board with a less demanding role, As always we thank Winsome for her dedication to the Association.
Andy Forbes has now stepped up to replace Winsome as our new Chair of the Board. Andy leaves behind the position of Deputy Chair.
Marlene West is welcomed not only to the Board but to the position of Deputy Chair. Marlene is a tenant of Arawak Walton and is looking forward to being more closely involved with the Association.
Fond farewells are extended to Julie Saide who has now left the Board. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Julie for all her hard work and dedication.
Susan Chieni has joined us as a Tenant Board member. All the other members of the Board are looking forward to working with her.
Neighbour Nuisance - how we can work together to resolve it
ork with us and your good neighbours to deal with those that cause
nuisance and disturb your right to live peacefully in your own home.
Anti social behaviour and neighbour nuisance destroys communities and
disturbs your enjoyment of your home. In almost all cases it is a breach
of the terms of tenancy agreements and therefore subject to legal action
through the County Court.
You will no doubt have read in the press or seen on the TV that more
cases are being brought to court and successfully prosecuted. Manchester
and Trafford councils are leading the way and both have expert specialist
teams with a high success rate. We are working with these teams and
utilising their services when appropriate.
If we are to be successful in tackling Anti social behaviour / neighbour
nuisance we need you to work with us and stand together as a community.
As in all legal action evidence is all-important and essential if a
case is to be taken to court. Generally we cannot act without your co-operation
and help. If you are suffering from neighbour nuisance the following
steps should be followed:
• If the nuisance is small or may be a one off speak to your
neighbour, tell them how you feel and ask them to stop.
• Speak to your Housing Officer. They will provide advice, guidance
and support.
• Keep a diary of dates times and notes of incidents. We will
provide diary sheets on request.
• If a serious incident occurs you must report it to the police
immediately. This will create a crime record and valuable evidence.
This can be done anonymously using the Crime Stoppers number 0800 555
111.
• When and if the case progresses to legal action formal statements
will be required. This does not necessarily mean attendance in court
but key witnesses are essential to the process.
Most cases are resolved without formal court action. We are here to work with you, guide, support and assist you through the process. We cannot act without your involvement and co-operation.
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Staff News
Natalie Rowen, one of our Housing Officers has recently taken the role on full time. As she was previously part time, her patch has now increased.
Our Senior Housing Officer, Surrinder Swali is leaving us for pastures new. He will be starting a new position in Leeds in mid April. Good Luck Surrinder and Thank you for all your Hard Work!
Dionne Smith is approaching the beginning of her Maternity leave & will be with us until the end of May.
We have a new addition to the Housing services team. Nazish Malik is with us as part of New Deal training and she has settled into the department well.
Housing Officers’ new patches
We have a new addition to the Housing services team. Nazish Malik is with us as part of New Deal training and she has settled into the department well.