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RESCHEDULED EVENT: Consultation: Proposed Rent Increase and Home Improvement Plans 2018/19

Please note our Consultation Event today has been rescheduled due to the weather.  New dates for both events have been arranged – full details below.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

As you know, each year we consult with tenants on our rent proposals and home improvement plans for the coming year.

Our Management Board values your views to help them make an informed decision on what matters most to tenants for the year ahead. We are providing a number of methods to encourage as many tenants as possible to take part in the consultation. You can feedback your views by:

  • completing the free online questionnaire at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3XW53CW
  • returning the questionnaire which will be posted to all tenants; or
  • by emailing info@shirehousing.com; or
  • attend one of our consultation sessions on 22nd or 24th January 2018;
    • Session 1:  6.00 pm at Patna Community Centre, Patna on Monday 22nd January 2018.
    • Session 2 :  11.00 am at Dumfries Arms Hotel, Cumnock on Wednesday 24th January 2018.
  • by telephoning the office on 01290 421130 or visiting our office.

A full copy of our consultation booklet can be downloaded for your information from our Downloads page.

The consultation period runs throughout January 2018 and will close on 20th January 2018.   Your feedback will be presented at the Board meeting on 31st January 2018 to help Board to decide the level of rent increase for 2018-19.

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Duplicate Direct Debit payments

We have been informed that a small number of tenants have had duplicate Direct Debit payments taken from their accounts. This appears to have affected customers that had payments taken yesterday (7th December) and today (8th December). The company that manages our payments, Allpay Limited, are investigating this problem urgently.

If you have had a duplicate payment taken from your account, please contact your bank. Under the Direct Debit Guarantee if an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by the organisation or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.

 

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Changes to Universal Credit Freephone Numbers

Changes to Universal Credit telephone numbers come into effect from today (29 November 2017) for the services included below.

The new Freephone number for Full Service is Tel: 0800 328 5644

Service Line Current 0345 number New Freephone number
UC Live Service 0345 600 0723 0800 328 9344
UC Full Service 0345 600 4272 0800 328 5644
UC Housing Line 0345 266 0041 0800 328 3844
UC Sanctions Line 0345 600 3081 0800 328 9744
UC Live to Full Service Transfers 0345 606 9970 0800 328 7844
UC Text phone 0345 600 0743 0800 328 1344
Performance Measurement 0345 266 1232 0800 328 2144
Payment Services: Creditors/landlords 0345 600 2859 0800 328 0128
Payment Services: Customer contact 0345 600 2865 0800 328 0172

What if I ring the old 0345/0845 number?

  • There will be a message played to inform you that the number you have dialled has been replaced with a Freephone number and providing the new Freephone number to use.
  • The message will be played three times, with enough time between messages for callers to be able to write the new number down. If a caller stays on the line after the third loop they will be cut off.
  • You will not be charged if you end the call before the end of the third message loop. However, if you stay on the call until it ends automatically, you may be charged depending on your telephone package for the 90-second call.

Visit www.gov.uk/universalcredit for more information.

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Embracing Change – Annual General Meeting

 

Shire Housing Association celebrated a year of change and progress at its recent 20th anniversary AGM. In her address Chairperson Janet Allan highlighted the significant progress made in 2016/17 in delivering the Association’s Vision of Great Homes, Great People and Vibrant Communities including:

  • Continued strong governance reflected in the Scottish Housing Regulator’s decision to reduce its level of engagement to low with the Association;
  • Asset Management Improvements including the completion of an Option Appraisal for Westgate House in Newmilns;
  • Stronger Tenant Engagement through the Tenant Scrutiny and Armchair Panels;
  • Performance Improvements, particularly reduced void rental loss; and
  • Increased Partnership Working including local schools through the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Developing Young Work Force Initiative.

Janet stated: “There have been a lot of positive changes at Shire Housing Association over the last year to ensure we are in a strong position to meet our future challenges, and will we continue this in 2017/18”.

Janet Allan & Grace Nichol

The Association also bid a fond farewell to long serving Board Member Grace Nichol who stood down from the Management Board after 20 years of service, with the occasion marked by a presentation at the AGM. Janet Allan stated: “I want to thank Grace for 20 years of fantastic service to the Association”.

Five new Board Members were elected at the AGM, whilst Zoe Forster and Grace stepped down from the Management Board.

The AGM also marked the formal launch of the Association’s new logo and website done in partnership with local company CREO Design.