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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.

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Rewire of housing stock (2018-2021)

We’ve started early!

At the rent consultation event in January 2017, our tenants were notified that it was a legal requirement that we have a current and valid electrical certificate for all our homes and therefore we were about to embark on a rewire of our stock.

The programme is not due to start until April 2018 however there has already been quite a number of tenants who have chosen to have rewires carried out whilst we are replacing central heating systems to minimise disruption in their homes.

To date there have been 34 rewires carried out of over 700 homes with a further number scheduled over the coming weeks.

We’d like to say a huge Thank you to all our tenants and encourage more to consider getting this done while we’re doing other planned work.

Note; If you are thinking of decorating, check with us first.

Thank you.

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Voluntary Board Members Wanted

Would you like to help make a difference to people and communities in East Ayrshire with your skills and experience as a Voluntary Board Member of Shire Housing Association?

We are a Registered Social Landlord and Charity owning 966 affordable rented homes across East Ayrshire with an annual turnover in excess of £4.3 million. Our current Management Board provides strong strategic leadership to our staff team, creating a dynamic and progressive organisation dealing with a range of challenges meeting our Business Vision of “Great Homes, Great People, Vibrant Communities”.

We are now looking to recruit additional Board Members who have a range of skills and personal qualities that will strengthen our leadership and direction, supporting and challenging staff to continue providing high quality services to our tenants and communities. Are you interested?

For further details please contact Jim Munro, Director on 01290 421130, or email info@shirehousing.com or write to us at Shire Housing Association Ltd, Netherthird House, Netherthird, Cumnock, KA18 3DB.

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Fire Safety Statement

Following the recent fire at Grenfell Tower in London our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event. We would like to assure all our tenants that we take your safety very seriously. Although we do not own or manage any high-rise tower blocks like Grenfell Tower, we do conduct regular inspections to meet our statutory duty as a landlord. Any maintenance work carried out to your home is checked during and after completion of works, and we only use approved contractors who are tested for health and safety compliance. All materials that are used in your home must comply with current British Safety Standards. We will, however, continue to review any recommendations that come out from this tragic event.

It is important to make sure you know what to do in the event of a fire. The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service can provide you with some really helpful information. To book a free home fire-safety visit call 0800 0731 999, or text ‘FIRE’ to 80800, or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk where further information on how to stay safe can be found.

If you have any concerns about fire safety or anything else please do not hesitate to contact our Office on 01290 421130.

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Blooming Lovely!

Do you take pride in gardening or simply enjoy or appreciate the efforts of a neighbours garden? Why not enter or nominate a neighbour for the annual garden competition. Get on the phone to Brian, drop us an e-mail or download a form .

I’m sure it’s not only us here at Shire that value the efforts of our tenants who take pride in gardening to help make the areas where you live look great.

Whether it’s keeping a smart and tidy garden, growing great Ayrshire vegetables or everything else in between – we’d love to get your entries.

Bigger & Better Prizes
1st Place – The Shire Rose bowl and £100 of Vouchers for the shop of your choice
2nd Place – £50.00 of vouchers
3rd Place – £30.00 of vouchers

A guest judge and Brian Swandells will be out and about judging at the end of July. Contact Brian Swandells at the Associations office on 01290 428002 or email bswandells@shirehousing.com