People who live and work in Sandwell could save money on their energy bills by signing up to the Sandwell Energy Switch.

The council has launched its first ever ‘collective energy switch’ scheme to help drive energy bills down for households in the borough.

The scheme gets people together who want to switch suppliers and ensures they receive the best deal available.

To find out if you can save money on your energy bills, register your interest in the scheme before Monday June 3, 2013.

Once the best rates have been found, you will receive an offer from the supplier and see how much you could save. You can then decide if you want to take the offer or stick with your current deal.

The council’s Single Referral Partnership has been providing effective pathways for homeless young people to access supported housing since 2006.

Successful partnership working between the council and supported housing partners during this period has led to the housing of thousands of young people during this time.   

Now to help keep track of the availability of supported housing and the increasing demand for it Sandwell Council has developed SHIP (Supported Housing Independence Pathway). 

The SHIP system is an internet based application that allows applications for supported housing to be completed on-line and submitted for the consideration of participating supported housing providers.  

Each participating supported housing provider can log in to SHIP to view the referral details of new applicants for supported housing and use the system to manage applications throughout the referral, accommodation and move on processes. 

The SHIP system allows participating schemes to keep up-to-date records of their current tenants and potential tenants and to share information about the availability of accommodation at their schemes in real time.  

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children and families, said: “The SHIP system is easy to operate and has an internet page that displays the contact details and locations of the participating supported housing schemes.

 “The web page also provides a link to the application form so that agencies of individuals with access to the internet can complete the form and submit it on line.”

 “This will give young people a chance to seek information about potential housing easily on their computers.” 

Councillor Hackett was at the launch of the new system at the Bagnall Street Foyer at Great Bridge when he asked if the system had the capacity to be applied to other client groups including vulnerable adults and older adults. 

Frankie Higgins said here were plans to demonstrate the SHIP to Sandwell’s Mental Health Provider Forum and the Council’s Adult Social Care Division to see if they could be used in their areas of work.  

Mrs Barbara Hylton Walker, Commissioner for Mental Health and Housing commended the council’s Vulnerable People Housing Service for their ongoing work with young people and supported housing providers in Sandwell and for developing the SHIP system.

The SHIP provides a secure system for the transfer of sensitive personal information between referers and supported housing providers with the outcomes of reducing the administrative time and cost involved in processing high volumes of referrals and making the best use of the supported housing stock available at any point in time. 

The SHIP system also captures information relating to trends and demand for supported housing that can inform discussions about the strategic relevance of the supported housing provision and help with targeting of valuable resources in the future.  

Caption:- Cllr Simon Hackett, cabinet member; with Paul Hillman, current resident at the James Bagnall Foyer; and Rakhee Miah, Sandwell Council check out the new SHIP project.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, said there was a “clear determination” at the council to get big improvements to the service as soon as possible.

“When housing services came back into the council I said that we would maintain the excellent work done by Sandwell Homes and that we would work to improve some areas,” he said.

“It is clear that tenants feel that there would be an improvement in repairs and I am determined that we will work to ensure that there are better services in the future,” he said.

Councillor Hackett said that a new system of a 30-day repair target had been introduced which should bring some improvements to the services.

”We have reviewed the timescales – and now we are working to delivering our repairs within 30 days, apart from some larger works,” he said.

The type of works that will be covered within the 30 day target includes replacement doors, kitchen furniture and bathroom sanitary ware.

It also covers floor repairs, general brickwork, plastering and fencing, water tanks and hot water cylinders.

.

“There will be a small number of repair types of a specialist nature that will take longer than 30 days,” said Councillor Hackett. “These works include structural repairs, complete roof replacements and replacement PVC windows,” he said.

"Over time we will be looking to make even more improvements to the service,” he said. “We will look to reduce this 30 day period and bring in as many of the repairs that are excluded into this 30 day period too"

The policy  is being introduced after a year-long review and widespread consultations.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing said he was very pleased to be introducing a new scheme which would give local people a better chance of getting a council home.

 “We have been in consultation with residents and partners for a number of months, discussing with them the way we can introduce a residency test into our allocations policy,” he said.

 “My reason for introducing the test is because I believe that to be eligible to register for council housing people need to demonstrate that they have firm roots within Sandwell before being able to access such housing,” he said.  

“Not only will applications have to be resident in Sandwell for five years before they can register, but they will also have to remain resident up to the date of the offer of a council house,” he added.  

The new policy will come into force on April 17.

If you’re a tweeter or a facebook fan, we’re running a social media competition giving two lucky entrants the chance to win £10 worth of high street vouchers by simply liking our facebook page or following us on twitter.

Two lucky winners will be chosen from all of our followers and friends on 30 April 2013.   

Use our page to get in touch about any housing issues, enquiries or just to get your daily dose of Sandwell housing news!

Councillors, housing officers and police officers will go onto the streets in parts of both towns to seek the views of local people.  

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, said: “This initiative is a very useful way of keeping in touch with residents and follows very successful pilot schemes in the Wednesbury and Oldbury areas.

“We got very useful feedback from local people and we were able to take action on several important issues raised with the council and the local police officers.

“I am sure that the residents in Rowley and Bearwood will come forward to raise matters when we visit early next month.

”The  Smethwick team will be operating in their areas on April 3 and 5 and the Rowley team will be out on the streets on April 8 and 9.  

In the Bearwood area, the Smethwick team will be visiting Beakes Road, Stanhope Road, Mill Gardens, Hewitson Gardens and the Brookview high-rise block.  Click here to view the Smethwick timetable

And in Rowley, the team will be working on the Grace Mary Estate where they will be visiting Ashleigh Road, Dale Terrace, Grace Road, Hilton Road, Longbank Road, Mount Road and Park Road. 

The Rowley team will also be visiting Darley House, Ivy House Road, Wallace Road, Wallace Close, Radnall House, Selby House, Birchley House and Alston House on the Wallace Road Estate. Click here to view the Rowley timetable

Councillor Simon Hackett, the council’s cabinet member for housing said that the battle against “housing cheats” - people who sub-let their council homes to others - was a key priority for the council’s cabinet.  

"We have always taken a tough line on fraud in Sandwell and we are now stepping up our action on people who get involved with tenancy cheating, because it deprives genuine families waiting for much-needed homes,” he said.  

Councillor Hackett said it was vital that everything possible should be done to ensure that the council is doing its best to ensure that all properties are being properly used for the benefit of people needing family accommodation.  

"Housing tenancy fraud is perpetrated when social housing  is used by someone not entitled to occupy that home – and that means that they are stealing a home from a family who are qualified to move into it,” he said.  

"We have been running a successful pilot to develop the way we tackle it and we are confident that we are winning the battle to reduce the amount of fraud on the housing estates,” he said.  

"There is often a close link between housing tenancy fraud and benefit fraud and we have been looking into this very careful,” he said. “

“On our pilot initiative we have been looking to identify those people who are holding tenancies under false pretences – and to take action against them,” he said. 

The campaign was part of the council’s  “Making Best Use of Stock Policy'” which was a three-year plan to reduce under-occupation and overcrowding in council homes and tackle tenancy fraud,” he added.

"We are also working closely with the West Midlands Making Best Use of Stock (WMBUS) Partnership Board, which involves seven councils and a number of housing associations, working to make the best use of social rented stock within the region,” said Councillor Hackett.

“This includes sharing information and expertise to help tackle tenancy fraud and we would urge people to report suspicions of tenancy fraud by calling 0121 569 2650,” he added.

Caption: Cllr Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing* with principal counter fraud officer Mike Dymond

*Update 11.04.13: Please note that Councillor Mahboob Hussain is the new Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods

Pupils at the Jean Massieu Academy in Arlington, Texas discovered Sandwell’s “Going Green Micro” website when surfing for ways to help in their community and become more ‘green’.

The youngsters in the after-school programme at the academy for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, found the website so interesting and informative that they asked their teacher, Brittany McClaine, to let Sandwell housing services team know.

They also wanted to suggest another recycling resource entitled “A kids guide to recycling” which could be added to the ‘useful links’ page.

Brittany’s email said: “I was hesitant to email you at first but the kids keep asking if I've talked to you about the website yet.  I would love to surprise them and show that their research find has actually benefited someone else.  They would be so excited!”

The Going Green website is now being updated with the new link to make it even more useful.  The site was launched in 2008 by Sandwell Homes’ eco-champions to show other local residents how the company was committed to helping combat climate change, reducing its carbon footprint and becoming a greener business.

Since then, the volunteer eco-champions have been busy encouraging others to become more environmentally aware by making small behavioural and lifestyle changes.  As a result, many residents have become involved in sharing their experiences of going green through the website, and its environmental messages have spread far and wide.

The stories and top tips of Sandwell residents have been read by people of all ages around the world.

Councillor Hackett, cabinet member for housing said: “I am proud that Sandwell residents have become international green ambassadors!  Sandwell Homes prided itself on its ‘green’ credentials, having gained internationally recognised quality standards ISO14001 and EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) accreditation, and the work continues now it has returned to the council.

“In 2010, Sandwell Homes won an EMAS award in the best Public Administration (large organisations) sector in Europe.

“It is excellent news to hear that children in America are finding our Going Green website invaluable and I thank them for their suggestion which we will incorporate in the update of the site.  Our eco-champions are doing an exemplary job in helping to make their own community – as well as communities around the world – more environmentally friendly places to live.”

The website can be found at www.sandwellhomes.org.uk/goinggreen and is packed with information and ideas on how to save energy, save money and save the planet!

There are healthy recipes, energy saving tips, news and views about going green from young people in Sandwell, consumer tests on eco-friendly products, gardening advice and suggestions for how to grow your own food.

Group members have been urged to attend a special workshop organised by Sandwell Community Involvement team at the Operations and Development Centre in Roway Lane, Oldbury next  Saturday, February 23.

They will be able to find out how make applications for grants to the Red Nose Day Community  Cash  Initiative.

Councillor Ian Jones, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “This is a great opportunity for the many very

active and impressive community groups we have in Sandwell.

“The Comic Relief team are offering groups grants of between £500 and £1,000 to help them to kick-start a scheme or to make a useful contribution towards the running of their organisation.”

 Councillor Jones said the council was very keen for as many groups as possible in Sandwell to apply for this  funding and  offering support and inviting members to the workshop.

The scheme gives priority to groups  who can show a  beneficial impact on people’s lives who are excluded or disadvantaged through being on   low income, social isolation, aged disabilities, race, sexuality or gender.

“Priority will be given to small, locally based groups or organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community and are working to help the local community,” said Councillor Jones.

The organisers had said they would look at such schemes as  parent and toddler groups, community festivals, sports competitions and  self-help and  volunteer  groups, he said..

“We can then take them through the guidelines and application forms and answer  any  questions they might have about the initiative,” he added.

The last time groups were asked to make applications by the Community Involvement team about £20,000  was won by groups in the Sandwell area, a third of the amount across the Birmingham and Black Country conurbations.

The deadline for submitting bids is Friday March 8 and anyone who wants to attend the workshop event should ring Community Involvement Manager Derek Fletcher on 0121 569 6466.

If you are unable to attend this workshop but would like to apply then please find the guidelines and application forms (A and B) below. Please make sure you read the following guidelines to make sure your bid fits the criteria.

Guidelines

Application form A

Application form B

 The people living in the flats at Charlemont Farm have chosen the colours to be used on the external work on their tower blocks. 

They were given the chance to choose colours, balcony panels and a  landscaping schemes for the refurbishment work on Beaconview, Broome, Stanton and Sheapcoate Houses -  which each have 34 flats -  when they attended the first design-stage consultation organised by council officers. 

Paul Button from the Beaconview and Broome Tenants and Residents Association said he was “extremely pleased” with the results. 

“We are now a step closer to realising our dreams of having the remaining blocks on the estate improved,” he said. 

Margaret Whitehouse of the Charlemont Farm Tenants and Residents Association added: “We were really pleased with the turn out of the consultation event.

 “We would like to thank the council officers who took the time to contact all the tenants and residents in the four blocks to ensure they all go the chance to influence the final designs.” 

The contract will span two years and will bring a range of improvements that include: replacement doors, windows, front and rear entrances, new roofs and insulated render covering to the external blocks that will improve thermal efficiency. 

There will be redecoration of communal areas and lift and environmental improvements including parking and landscaping. 

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing said: “This is great news and I am delighted that the residents are pleased with the work being done on the blocks. 

“Following the Government scrapping the Decent Homes programme, I made a personal commitment to improving  housing in Sandwell 

“The work, which will extend the life of the flats for a further 30 years and will greatly improve facilities for the tenants.”

Mr Scarrott was formerly director of housing services at Sandwell Homes before the company was taken back into the council on January 1, this year.

He will be responsible for housing services, town and neighbourhood working, including town tasking, anti-social behaviour matters, community centres and community development.

He has also taken over responsibility for libraries and museums, arts and heritage, working with the voluntary sector and aspects of leisure, including physical education and sports.

“It is a huge privilege to be given this role which combines some areas of responsibility which I am familiar as well as some which are new to me,” said Mr Scarrott. “I am looking forward to the challenge and working with colleagues and members to deliver quality services for Sandwell residents.

Mr Scarrott worked for Sandwell Homes for all of its eight years and previously worked in a variety of senior housing-related roles at Sandwell Council.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing said: “I am pleased that Adrian has been appointed to this important post because he has long experience in housing related work at a high level within Sandwell and brings dedication and commitment to the post.”

It got under way in August 2012 when Sandwell’s housing boss, Councillor Simon Hackett, announced plans for 12 of the borough’s one-bed bungalows to be extended into two-bedroom homes.

Even though the plans were only recently announced two pilot projects have been successfully completed and the remaining ten have been tendered to local contractors.

“Works is already under way to deliver the remaining bungalow extensions,” said Councillor Hackett."I know that tenants feel that this is a very worthwhile scheme and can see the benefits of making the most of our family houses for the good of everyone."

“The local Housing Service Centre will be offering these to tenants in the local area who may be living in houses with two or more bedrooms and are living on their own or as a couple,” he said.

Councillor Hackett added “From April there will be an annual programme of bungalow extensions to help with under-occupancy and make family homes available to those needing them most. 

“This will help create a chain reaction as many of the tenants who move into family homes free-up flats which tenants on the waiting list can move into,” he said.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for housing, said he had been delighted to see the work at two houses which would help to ease over-crowding in council houses.

"These two houses have convinced us that this scheme will be very useful to the council and to tenants and that we will go ahead with an annual programme of providing extra bedrooms and facilities," he said.

He was speaking after visiting tenants at their home in Brisbane Road Smethwick with local councillors who wanted to see first-hand the impact of a loft conversion on the large family.

It follows the highly-successful scheme at Worseley Road in Harvills Hawthorn commissioned by the council's partners, Riverside which brought two new bedrooms for the tenant and her five children.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for housing, said he had been “delighted” to see the successful work on the first home at Wolseley Road at Harvills Hawthorn, West Bromwich.

“I asked for these pilot schemes to go ahead because I firmly believe that loft conversions can allow over-crowded families to stay in their homes,” he said.

“We are doing six or seven of these this year and I will have an ongoing programme of improvements year on year because I firmly believe that they will bring benefits to tenants and the council,” he said.

Overcrowding and the number of under-occupied houses in Sandwell was a big problem for tenants, the council and the conversion of lofts on some specially-selected houses would help to alleviate some of the problems, he added.

“I was delighted to see this conversion and the family involved were very, very pleased with the new facilities they have now, it has been a brilliant and worthwhile job,” he said.

“This scheme will allow us to help those people we are unable to assist at the moment because of the lack of housing stock,” he added.

 And he said that the family at Brisbane Road were delighted with having two extra bedrooms and it had transformed their living conditions.

Councillor Hackett confirmed that the next loft conversion was soon to be started in Rowley Regis.

Caption : Cllr Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing with – left to right – ward councillors Cllr Linda Horton, Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr Keith Davies take a look at the new loft extension with happy residents of Brisbane Road, Smethwick.

The people living on the Charlemont Farm Estate worked closely with the housing officers to clean-up areas around the houses and flats and have been awarded the Quality Mark award from the Keep Britain Tidy group.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, said the residents, housing officers and the local police had worked to improve the areas and he was delighted that they had reached a national standard. “This is a classic example of partnership working being very successful with everyone pulling together for the good of the local community,” he said.

“This award to Sandwell could not have been achieved without the very close partnership which had residents working for the good of the estate and the people who live there,” he added.

Councillor Hackett said he was working to ensure that the work being done at Charlemont was rolled out across the borough so that other areas would see the benefit of the improvements which were made under the scheme.

 "I was particularly pleased to see in the Keep Britain Tidy report that there was a strong well-established relationship with residents," he said.

"And it was also good to hear that the local community had understood the importance of maintaining a clean, safe and green neighbourhood and were positive about the improvements," he added.

Caption: Celebrating the Quality Mark award are Cllr Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing with left to right back row, Mick Salmon, housing officer anti-social behaviour team; Amanda Aston, housing services manager; Mark Peniket, general manager; Diane Wright, neighbourhood manager; and front row, Jeffrey Bradley, resident; Margaret Whitehouse, chair of Charlemont TRA and Sally Henry, housing officer.

They have gained the Government’s Customer Service Excellence Standard after an external audit by the Centre for Assessment.

The audit showed that the housing team was fully compliant in all 57 elements of the standard, reaching 100 per cent compliance. Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell’s cabinet member for housing said: “This was a remarkable result because 80 per cent is the required figure to attain the standard and a 100 per cent figure was achieved.”

“I was particular pleased that the auditor said that he was satisfied beyond any doubt that our employees met the requirements of Customer Service Excellence.”

“It was also satisfying that he pointed out that there continued to be a real determination shown by staff to go over and beyond expectations of customers,” he said.

The Auditor also highlighted the “positive caring attitude in the employee’s approach and the real commitment to deliver promised quality service and that an obvious interest in meeting customers’ needs continues to shine through.

Adrian Scarrott, Director of Neighbourhood Services, said: “The Customer Service Excellence Standard is a nationally recognised standard which provides the council, partners and in particular our customers with assurances that we put the customer at the heart of everything we do.

“It tests in great depth areas which customers have highlighted as being most important to them, including delivery, timeliness, information, professionalism and staff attitude.”

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing kicked off the series with a walk around the estates in Bristnall at the start of a year-long programme of visits to see members of the local community.  

Councillor Hackett said: “I think it is very important to get out on the estates to talk to people at their homes – to find out what they are concerned about and their hopes in the future.  This is not just about talking to people with issues about council housing, but we want to look at the concerns of the local community.  This can include things that really trouble local people like rubbish, anti-social behaviour or dog fouling problems." 

"There had been very successful projects under the In your Neighbourhood scheme in the Friar Park and Oldbury areas which had brought some important issues to the surfaces.  It was good to get out and meet people and to take some action on some items that were of concern to the local community," he said.

 “I intend to go on visits in the coming weeks around Smethwick, Tipton, West Bromwich , Oldbury , Wednesbury and Rowley Regis to give people throughout the borough to bring things to the attention of me, local councillors, housing officers and  police officers, he said."

“Housing officers will be working towards spending 75 per cent of their time out and about in their area, taking ownership of their “patch; and being the “eyes and ears" of the council as we deliver quality frontline services to residents."  

Councillor Hackett said that on the rolling programme of estate management visits he would be listening to the views of residents – but also be checking out the communal areas, such as garage sites, walls and boundaries, street lighting and signage.  

"After each visit special action plans would be drawn up on the basis of “you talked – we listened” – which would be published so that local councillors and residents could monitor progress on the matters raised in talks with residents," said Councillor Hackett.

"This is a good positive move which will give me the opportunity, now that housing matters are back in the hands of the council, to find out the views of local people on the estates and try to solve some of the issues and concerns they have, he said."

Photo - Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing chats to tenants Sandra Collier and Patricia Boyes with housing officer Grace Dupont and assistant housing officer Kelly Bourne at Bristnall.

Tenants were given the opportunity to raise matters with councillors, officers, litter campaigners, refuse bosses, the local police and anti-social behaviour team members.

The “In Your Neighbourhood “ project  led by Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, said he was pleased with the successes achieved on the series of walkabouts, door knocking, talk-time surgeries and other discussions with tenants.

In the Oldbury area Councillor Mahboob Hussain, deputy leader of Sandwell Council, worked with Agewell, police and local residents to identify areas for improvement at Paget, Heronville and Wyrley Houses, as well as surrounding roads.

Councillor Hussain said local residents were concerned about security at Monk Close needed to be improved to prevent fly-tipping and reduce anti-social behaviour, and parking problems around the three multi-storey blocks.

“We have remedied this by arranging for security gates to be installed to the side Monk Close and are looking into the possibility of creating more parking spaces in the area,” he said.

Councillor Hussain said that many residents had asked about improvement works to their homes similar to that done under the Decent Homes investment programme.

“We are working on a revised investment plan and hope to be in a position to publish details in the near future,” he said.

Councillor Hackett said he was pleased with the work in the Friar Park area.  “We have moved quickly on a number of items raised by local people, including motor bike and quad bike nuisance and dog fouling,” he said.

“We have been in touch with the police and residents are being encouraged to take down details of the nuisance to help officers to examine CCTV footage,” he said. “CCTV surveillance has increased to help to catch the perpetrators.”

“On the dog fouling, which local people see as a major issue, we have undertaken a “deep clean” exercise to remove all dog mess on the street and additional do fouling bins and no-fouling signs will soon be fixed to lampposts,” he said.

”This area is being monitored by CCTV and warden patrols and people responsible will be caught and fined,” he said. 

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, said he was looking forward to a period of exciting plans for the housing estates across the borough.  

“There has been a well-ordered and seamless re-integration of Sandwell Homes back to the council in the last few months and I believe that this will be a good positive move for tenants and employees,“ he said.  

“It will be very much business as usual when the council takes control of the housing services on January 1st', he said.  

“These are exciting times because we have a programme of investment which will bring benefits to tenants living in all the six towns in the borough,” he said.  

Councillor Hackett, who is determined to step up moves to improve standards and facilities, was speaking during a visit to see employees working over the festive period.  

He visited the housing operations and development centre in Oldbury and discussed with CCTV employees how they worked 24/7 to provide security for people on housing estates and other areas in the borough.

He added that he wanted to extend his thanks to all those employees who worked over the Christmas and New Year period providing round the clock and emergency services such as CCTV monitoring, repairs and maintenance, customer contact centre, community alarms and homelessness – for the safety and well-being of residents around the borough.

The council already had plans for a wide range of improvements, with a £490 million investment programme for modernising 7,000 homes on estates in all six corners of Sandwell, he said.  

“We are drawing up the final details of the scheme and as soon as they are finalised we will be publicising them so that tenants know when their area will be done,” he said.  

There were far-reaching plans for the council to make more of the housing in the borough, by encouraging tenants to move into smaller properties and to release the larger family homes for people on the waiting list.  

“We have exciting plans to extend bungalows to encourage more people to give up the larger homes and to do more loft conversions so that families are not forced to move as their families grow,” he said.  

“And for the first time for many years there will be the building of new council homes in Sandwell, year on year, something I am particularly pleased about,” he said.  

“Despite the effects of the Government scrapping the Decent Homes programme, I guarantee we will not only maintain the excellent services that Sandwell Homes provided but continue to improve on them,” he said.

Pictured are Cllr Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing with employees delivering housing services during the festive season

Toni Harris, partner Matt Gregory and their children Ryan aged six and one-year-old Jack escaped their home at Carrington Road in Friar Park on November 24 after a fire caught fire and destroyed the house and their personal belongings.

The mother said she was grateful that she and the children had been alerted to the fire – started by a tumble dryer, by a smoke alarm system fitted by Sandwell Homes.

Wednesbury Housing Service Centre manager Kelly Morris said:  “The mother was really distressed and was getting extremely anxious so we wanted to find a solution as soon as possible. We started work on this the same day as we were told of the fire.

“We had a call from Councillor Simon Hackett and a family member asking for us to help them to urgently find them a home.”

All void properties within the area were checked and the one where there could be the quickest turnaround was a home in Remembrance Road.

Officers contacted local charitable organisations and Harborne Parish Charity helped to provide some of the essentials – beds, bedding cooker and other kitchen items, needed in setting up a new home.

“We were determined that being so near to Christmas, that we wanted the family settled quickly and they were delighted to have a property which they are going to make their permanent home,” said Kelly.

Councillor Hackett, who is cabinet member for housing said: “I am delighted that the family have been settled in so quickly and that they were able to be in a  comfortable in a new home for Christmas.

“As soon as I knew of the tragedy I contacted officers to ask them to  pull out all the stops to help family.

“It  is wonderful to get along to see how well they have settled in so well and how pleased they are with everything that’s been done for them.”

Pictured are Tenant Matt Gregory with partner Toni Harris with one-year old Jack; Kelly Morris, Wednesbury Housing Service Centre manager and Cllr Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing

Please see below our telephone and office opening hours over the Christmas and new year period.

If contacting us by telephone on our golden number (0121 569 6000) our hours are as follows:

Monday 17th December: 8am – 8pm

Tuesday 18th December: 8am – 8pm

Wednesday 19th December: 8am – 8pm

Thursday 20th December: 8am – 8pm

Friday 21st December: 8am – 8pm

Monday 24th December: CLOSED

Tuesday 25th December: CLOSED

Wednesday 26th December: CLOSED

Thursday 27th December: 8am - 5.30pm

Friday 28th December: 8am – 5.30pm

Monday 31st December: 8am – 5.30pm

Tuesday 1st January 2013: CLOSED

If you want to call in and visit us at one of our Housing Service Centres, the opening hours are as follows:

Week commencing 17th December – business as usual

Monday 24th December: CLOSED

Tuesday 25th December: CLOSED

Wednesday 26th December: CLOSED

Thursday 27th December: 9am – 5.00pm

Friday 28th December: 9am – 5.00pm

Monday 31st December: 9am – 5.00pm

Tuesday 1st January 2013: CLOSED

Wednesday 2nd January 9am – 5.00pm

Housing Service Centre late night opening will resume from Wednesday 9th January 2012.

For out of hours emergencies please call 0800 844 112.

For any other queries please call us on 0121 569 6000.

The event is designed for tenants who live in over-crowded homes and need a bigger property or for those who are looking for a smaller property.

The ‘speed matching’ event will try to match people who may like to swap properties.

Council and housing association tenants from the Wednesbury Oak, Coseley, Bradley and Hall Green areas are invited to the event, which will take place at the Rainbow Community Centre, Rainbow Street, Coseley, WV14 8SX, between 10am and 2pm.

One of the reasons for the event is to address the impact of the welfare reforms that will come into effect in April 2013.

The new ‘bedroom tax’ will cut the amount of housing benefit that people of working age can get if they have a spare bedroom in their council or housing association home.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Around 4,800 Sandwell Council tenants can expect to be hit by the Government cuts to housing benefit.

"It’s important that tenants in council or housing association properties start thinking about their options now if they get housing benefit, whether they are in work or not.

“This event is a great way for tenants who want to consider a move to a larger or smaller home – but do not want to move far – to find out whether a suitable swap can be found.

“It’s one of the many new ways in which are working with other councils and housing associations to help local families find homes that meet their needs.”

Three local authorities, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell, and four housing associations, Heantun, Bromford, Black Country and Sanctuary, are taking part in the event. They are all members of the WMBUS (West Midlands Best Use of Stock) partnership, a group of 19 social landlords working together for the benefit of their tenants.

The first ten households that agree to exchange homes will have their removal costs covered by their housing provider.

For further information, contact Nikki Sinclair at Sandwell Council on 0121 569 5220.

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, said the “in Your Neighbourhood” visits to homes across the estates had been “very worthwhile” for Sandwell Homes, the council and the tenants and residents.

He said: “We did door-knocking exercises along with police officers, council officers and other agency representatives to meet tenants face to face and the feedback we got from them was extremely positive. “Our talks with tenants did highlight a number of issues  and officers are drawing up  full report and an action plan to investigate them and come up with useful solutions. 

Councillor Hackett, who joined officers on the streets, said that the visits sent a clear message that the council and its partners were working together to tackle local issues. 

One of the main issues was dog fouling with a number of residents protesting about problems. “We are going to look into this and plan to have a responsible pet ownership campaign with dog fouling bins, special warning signs on lampposts and intensive warden patrols to increase fixed penalty fines.

”Councillor Hackett said that there were complains about garages at Bromfield Road where only  a handful were now let. He is to discuss with officers the possibility of the site being used as a site for future bungalows for elderly people. 

He also pointed out that there had been some useful information gathered about potential drug problems, bullying and harassment as well as graffiti, flytipping and drainage problems. 

“Officers have been told to investigate all the issues raised by the tenants and we hope that they will see we mean business when we come along and talk to them about how we can improve their area, he said. 

Councillor Hackett said similar projects would be held across the borough with officers and councillors going out into the community to seek the views of people living in the six towns of the borough.

The 2 sessions, afternoon and evening at the local church were organised by council and Sandwell Homes officers and supported by the two tenant and resident associations in the area.

Those attending were asked to vote in favour of their preferred colours for the blocks, the balcony improvements and the landscaping design as well as being given the opportunity to find out more about the improvements aimed at breathing new life into the four yet to be improved high rise blocks in Charlemont Farm.

Paul Button, Chair of the Beaconview and Broome Houses Tenants and Residents Association said: "The plans that were unveiled today are very exciting, everyone I have spoken to has been thrilled with the designs and we will be happy with any combination of the choices, they’re so good.  Thanks to the council’s urban design team for coming up with these fantastic proposals.”

Along with work to improve the external of the blocks, the proposals also included improvements to green spaces, lighting, parking and an innovative design for a community meeting space at each of the blocks.

The plans to improve Beaconview, Broome, Sheapecoate and Stanton Houses are part of Sandwell Council’s 10-year Housing Investment Programme, which will see nearly £500 million being invested in the borough’s council housing and the neighbouring environment.

If you are a tenant or resident of Beaconview, Broome, Sheapecoate or Stanton House and did not attend the consultation but would like to vote on the improvement proposals you have until Friday 24th November; please contact Ian on 0121 569 2979/2980 or email highrise@sandwell.gov.uk

Tenants and residents will be consulted on how they want their blocks to look. Sandwell Homes employees will be present, along with architects from the council’s Urban Design team who are involved in the project, to inform residents of how the improvements will affect them, to share proposals for the forthcoming works and to answer questions from residents.

The blocks will benefit from a range of improvements that will see them transformed into modern, attractive blocks that are much warmer for those living in them.  The area surrounding the blocks is also being considered for better parking arrangements and to help create a safer, securer environment.

Margaret Whitehouse, Chair of the Charlemont Farm Tenants and Residents Association commented: “I would encourage as many people as possible from these four blocks to attend the sessions because the actual results for any choices should come from the tenants themselves, it’s an opportunity to influence the end design and if you live in the blocks you will know what needs changing.”

The four blocks; Beaconview, Broome, Stanton and Sheapecoate Houses are being improved as part of the council’s recently announced 10-year Investment Programme, which will see almost £500 million being ploughed into council housing and the surrounding environment.  Work will commence on the blocks, housing 136 flats in total, next Summer.

Any residents from these four blocks wishing to attend should visit St. Mary Magdalene’s Church on Beaconview Road on Wednesday 7th November 2012 anytime between 2-4pm and 6-8pm (2 sessions).

The move is part of a new “In Your Neighbourhood” initiative which focuses on developing a rolling programme of visits to estates, giving tenants an opportunity to raise issues, and the regular monitoring of estates looking at communal areas such as garage sites, walls and boundaries, street lighting and signage.

Officers will be carrying out a series of estate walkabouts, visiting properties in person and there will be a number of special Talk Time sessions giving local people the opportunity to raise their issues and concerns.

Sandwell’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Simon Hackett said: “Following the launch of our six housing service centres in July, I asked officers at Sandwell Homes to develop new plans for tenancy and estate management which included enabling housing officers to spend around 75 per cent of their time out and about on their local patch.”

“The In Your Neighbourhood initiative which we are launching in the Oldbury and Friar Park wards will see the start of intensive visits by housing officers with other partner agencies to a specific estate either once or twice a year, over one or two days undertaking estate walkabouts as well as home visits.

“The purpose of the In Your Neighbourhood sessions is to deal with the individual issues and concerns of tenants and to encourage them to get involved in the delivery of their housing services.”

Timetable for the sessions are as follows:

Monday 29th October:

• 9.30am – 3.30pm Visits to properties in Friar Park Road

Tuesday 30th October:

• 9.30am – 11.30am Visits to properties in Friar Park Road
• 12noon - 3pm Talk Time session at the Priory Centre, Dorsett Road

Wednesday 31st October:

• 9am – Estate walkabout starting from Millennium Centre, Friar Park Road

Thursday 1st November:

• 10am – Estate walkabout starting from the Priory Centre, Dorsett Road

Friday 2nd November:

• 10am – Talk Time session at Millennium Centre, Friar Park Road,

Anyone wanting further information can contact Wednesbury Housing Service Centre on 0121 569 6000.

The In Your Neighbourhood Initiative is being delivered in partnership with Sandwell Council and is supported by West Midlands Police.

The launch also ties in with this year’s Safer 6 campaign - organised by Sandwell Council – which sees six weeks (15 October – 25 November) of intensive action across Sandwell’s six towns to help keep the borough safe and clean.

Tom Watson, Labour MP for West Bromwich East,  warmly welcomed the scheme during a visit to see work under way on one of the homes in Lincoln Road in West Bromwich.

He discussed the project with Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, local councillors and officers from Sandwell Homes and the council’s Urban Design Team.

“I think Sandwell Homes and the council has got this just right – there is a need to release the larger family homes which are under-occupied and for some of the more elderly tenants to move into smaller properties,” he said.

“Some of the tenants who agree to this move will, under this scheme, get a two-bedroom bungalow home which will encourage more of them to move out of a larger home,” he said.

“It is vital in these days of Government cuts in housing grants that the homes in the borough are used as efficiently and effectively as possible for the benefit of the tenants,” Mr Watson said.

Councillor Hackett said the extended bungalows would offer older people a new  alternative home instead of under-occupying larger family homes as the council looked for ways of maximising the use of homes.

“Many older tenants have requested two-bedroom bungalows as an exchange for giving up their council houses for families, said Councillor Hackett, who recently announced a £490  million housing investment programme.

“These extensions will be done year on year to improve our offer to older tenants and free up more family homes,” he said. “There will be 12 extensions this year.”

“This will then often create a chain reaction as many of the tenants who move into the family homes free-up flats which allow new tenants to move into the flats from the waiting list, he added.

Councillor Hackett said that apart from Lincoln Road there were plans for Bilhay Road and Bradford Close in West Bromwich, as well as at Worcester Road Oldbury where work started on a scheme in the summer.

 He said the project was a follow-on to the recent work on providing loft conversion at some properties to make more room for families in some of the council’s smaller properties.

“At the end of the day it is about making the most of what we have got and I think these schemes are imaginative and will provide better accommodation and release some of our larger properties,” he said.

Caption: Second left Tom Watson MP for West Bromwich East, takes the shovel at a special visit to the bungalow extension site at Lincoln Road, West Bromwich with, left to right Cllr Pat Davies, Cllr Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, Cllrs Paul Sandars and Paul Moore.

Tenants and residents at two locations in the council ward of Oldbury will be able to talk to housing officers from Sandwell Homes and representatives from partner agencies as part of an In Your Neighbourhood event launched next week.

Monday (22 October) will see officers carrying out an estate walkabout at Paget, Heronville and Wyrley Houses on Sedgley Road East and personally visiting 90 properties across the three blocks to discuss issues and concerns of local people.

On Thursday, (25 October), another estate walkabout will take place at  nearby Cleton Street, Groveland Road and Monk Close, with a further 58 properties being visited.

The move is part of a new “In Your Neighbourhood” initiative which focuses on developing a rolling programme of visits to estates, giving tenants an  opportunity to raise issues, and the regular monitoring of estates looking at communal areas such as garage sites, walls and boundaries, street lighting and signage.

Sandwell’s Cabinet Member for housing, Cllr Simon Hackett said: “Following the launch of our six housing service centres in July, I asked officers at Sandwell Homes to develop new plans for tenancy and estate management which included enabling housing officers to spend around 75 per cent of their time out and about on their local patch.”

“Next week, we will be launching the In Your Neighbourhood initiative which will see the start of intensive visits by housing officers with other partner agencies to a specific estate either once or twice a year, over one or two days undertaking estate walkabouts as well as home visits.

“The purpose of the In Your Neighbourhood sessions is to deal with the individual issues and concerns of tenants and to encourage them to get involved in the delivery of their housing services.”

Timetable for the sessions are as follows:

Monday 22 October: Paget House/Heronville House/Wyrley House

• 10am - 11am Estate walkabout
• 11am - 12.30pm Visits to properties
• 1.30pm - 3.30pm Talk Time session  for residents at 1 Monk Close, Tipton

Thursday 25 October: Cleton Street/Groveland Road/Monk Close

• 10am – 11am Estate walkabout
• 11am -12.30pm Visits to properties
• 1.30pm – 3.30pm Talk Time session for residents at 1 Monk Close, Tipton

The In Your Neighbourhood Initiative is being delivered in partnership with Sandwell Council and supported by West Midlands Police, Citizens Advice Bureau and Age Well

The launch also ties in with this year’s Safer 6 campaign - organised by Sandwell Council – which sees six weeks (15 October – 25 November) of intensive action across Sandwell’s six towns to help keep the borough safe and clean.

The following week, Monday 29th October will see the In Your Neighbourhood sessions moving on to the Friar Park Estate in Wednesbury.

Caption: The Oldbury Housing Service Team will be launching the In Your Neighbourhood initiative on Monday 22 October.

Sandwell’s housing boss has spoken of his delight at giving the go-ahead for the external refurbishment of four high-rise blocks in West Bromwich as part of the council’s new £490 million investment programme which he  recently announced.

The blocks – Beaconview, Broome, Stanton, and Sheapcoate Houses – are situated on the Charlemont Farm Estate.

Cllr Simon Hackett, Cabinet member for housing, met with the chairs of two local tenants and residents associations, local ward councillors and officers from Sandwell Council,  on site, to mark the start of the improvement process.

The improvements which will include: - replacement windows and doors, new entrances, insulated cladding to improve thermal efficiency and appearance, roof replacement redecoration of communal areas, lift and environmental improvement including parking and landscaping  - are expected to get under way next summer, following tight timescales for the delivery of detailed design plans and consultation with tenants and residents.

The contract for the refurbishment work is expected to go out to tender in early 2013.

Cllr Hackett said: “This is excellent news for the tenants who have been waiting a number of years for these improvements and particularly for the two tenants and residents associations who have been working hard to encourage support and agreement for these eagerly awaited works to be approved.

Paul Button, Chair of Beaconview and Broome House TRA said: “After so many years of meetings and discussions the dream of improving our homes to make them both affordable and sustainable has taken a giant leap forward into reality with the announcement of work starting the summer of 2013.

“This is an exciting time where we as tenants look forward to working in partnership with Sandwell Council and other stakeholders to deliver this project.

Sandwell Council announced in August, a massive 10-year investment plan with new council homes being built and more than 7,000 properties being improved.

The programme, will see almost £500 million ploughed into improving living standards for people in council-owned homes across the borough’s towns.

Cllr Hackett added: “Following the Government scrapping the Decent Homes programme, I made a personal commitment to improving housing in Sandwell.

“The  10-year investment programme is very exciting news for tenants and will see us working to provide the next generation of good quality, warm and energy efficient homes for the future – which is only what our tenants deserve.

“The  refurbishment plans for the four  blocks at Charlemont Farm demonstrates  how we are working with tenants and TRAs to deliver life-changing improvements through the investment programme.”

Caption left to right:     Paul Button , Chair of Beaconview & Broome House TRA; Margaret Whitehouse Chair of Charlemont Farm TRA; ward councillors  Tony Ward and  Liam Preece; Cllr Hackett, Cabinet Member for Housing,  Tony Davies , Senior Architect, Urban Design at Sandwell Council; and Jeanette Arregger , Principal Architect, Urban Design at Sandwell Council.

Sandwell is marking World Homeless Day by launching a new drive to prevent homelessness.

A key part of the new strategy is getting people to seek help early if they find themselves in debt and struggling to meet their rent or mortgage payments.

World Homeless Day will be marked by millions of people worldwide on Wednesday 10 October.

Sandwell's prevention of homelessness strategy sets out how the council aims to prevent homelessness and ensure housing and support will be available for Sandwell people who are sleeping rough, homeless or at risk of losing their home.

Councillor Simon Hackett, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "I am strongly committed to reducing homelessness and tackling rough sleeping in Sandwell.

"Our new strategy, which will launch on World Homeless Day, will support the work of local voluntary sector organisations to provide local services for homeless people living in our communities.

"We will deliver services to help homeless people off our streets and I urge local communities to contact our Housing Options Service if they know of anyone sleeping rough or a risk of becoming homeless.”

Anyone having difficulty paying their mortgage or rent is urged to seek advice now by calling the Housing Options Service on 0121 569 6000 and selecting option 3 or emailing housing_options@sandwellhomes.org.uk

The service offers money advice and a range of services to help homeowners and people renting their homes.

Councillor Hackett said: “If you seek advice early, we can work to help you remain in your home.”

Last year, 4,797 households approached the council's Housing Options Service. Many were seeking housing advice.

However, 2,932 were in ‘housing need’ and the service prevented 776 households from becoming homeless by using a range of services to help people remain in their current home. The service supported a further 1,681 households to find and settle into new homes.

Councillor Hackett added: “With our new strategy, we want to ensure that more people get the advice and support that they need to prevent them from having to face the trauma of becoming homeless and improve support to people who are rough sleepers and roofless.

"We will improve our support for young people who need housing advice and strengthen services to protect people suffering domestic abuse.

"This strategy outlines the council’s commitment to ensure that every household has access to safe and secure accommodation, that vulnerable families are supported in their homes and that the needs of children are recognised and respected.

"We want to ensure that young people are given the necessary advice and support to enable them to make a successful move to independent living.

"We will provide greater access to advice and support and offer a range of affordable housing to help people live independently and safely to, in turn, contribute to improving their health and well-being."

Caption:  Councillor Simon Hackett and  Steve Clay, CEO YMCA  Black Country Group

Community groups in the Rowley Regis area being offered special grants to help them finance their work in the area.

The cash is available under the Sandwell Homes’ Community Chest Fund, which annually gives money for a wide range of groups.

Some of the finance has already been donated to Riddins Mound Playcentre, Compton Grange Sheltered Scheme and Blackheath Town Football Club.

The funding is part of £5,000 donated by the Community Chest fund to each of the borough’s six towns.

Community Involvement Manager Derek Fletcher said:”Grants are available up to a maximum of £500 to purchase equipment or contribute towards the cost of a one-off event.

“We still have some money for groups in the Rowley Regis area and would welcome applications as soon as possible.”

Application packs are available by ringing 0121 569 6166 and need to be returned no later than Friday 2nd November.

Special late-night openings  at the borough’s Housing Service Centres are to be introduced by Sandwell Homes to make it more convenient for  tenants to pay their rents and make inquiries.

The move – which will see the six centres extend their opening hours until 7pm, on either a Wednesday or Thursday – is part of a borough-wide  drive to make services more convenient for tenants.

In addition, cash-taking facilities, where available, will be extended to 6pm, on late-night opening evenings.

The Housing Service Centres which will be open until 7pm on Wednesdays are:

• Blackheath Housing Service Centre, Payne Street, Blackheath (Cash-taking service until 6pm)
• Oldbury Housing Service Centre, Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury (Payment services linked to Council opening times)
• Tipton Housing Service Centre, High Street, Princes End (Cash-taking service until 6pm)
• Wednesbury Housing Service Centre, 41/42 High Bullen, Wednesbury (Cash taking service until 6pm)
• West Bromwich Housing Service Centre, Court House, High Street, West Bromwich (No cash-taking facility)

• Smethwick Housing Service Centre, Ground Floor, Council House, High Street, Smethwick (Payment services linked to Council opening times), will be open until 7pm on a Thursday evening.

In addition, from the first Saturday in October, (Saturday 6th), Oldbury Council House will be opening from 10am – 1pm, for a trial period of six-months.

Sandwell Homes will be offering advice and guidance on the following services: Choice-Based Lettings, homelessness, anti-social behaviour, rent arrears, and tenancy and property issues.

Norman Fletcher, general manager for housing services at Sandwell Homes said: “We are introducing a number of initiatives to improve links with tenants across the borough and make services more convenient in line with the Council requirements.

“We have already introduced special surgery sessions at 14 venues including libraries and community centres so people can seek advice and information when they visit their local library or attend meetings at community centres.

“These complement our six housing service which  centres provide a high quality reception service which means more housing officers are out and about on estates identifying and dealing with issues more quickly.

“The late-night opening and extended cash-taking facilities means extra convenience for our customers and in addition, we have negotiated with Sandwell libraries a freephone service which will enable tenants to call our 569 6000 services."

Mr Fletcher said that tenants would be able to use a freephone service to call on 0121 569 6000 services at the following locations:

• Rounds Green Library, Martley Road, Oldbury
• Oakham Library, Poplar Rise, Tividale,  Oldbury
• Cradley Heath, Upper High Street
• Thimblemill Library,Thimblemill Road
• Great Bridge Library, Sheepwash Lane
• Stone Cross, Beverley Road

They thanked  Sandwell cabinet member for housing Councillor Simon Hackett and local council members and Sandwell Homes employees for the recently-completed work on their homes when they visited the Manor Road Estate.

Nearly 120 properties on the Manor Road Estate have so far received the improvements, with many others having work in progress or being planned for the improvements in coming months, which  include updates on kitchens, bathrooms, heating and rewiring of their homes.

Councillor Hackett said that the work was further evidence that despite announcements in the spending review of significant cuts in funding,  Sandwell Council was committed to and has continued to improve council homes through Sandwell Homes and its Partners.

“The cuts in government funding severely impacted on the future of the investment programme, both Sandwell Council and Sandwell Homes are delighted that we’ve been able to continue improving council properties in Sandwell,” he said.

The mayor, Councillor Keith Davies also attended and said “It was wonderful to go along to see the tenants on Manor Road Estate and see what it means to them to have these improvements.  They were delighted with the work that had been done and with the new modern facilities they have in their homes.”….

One of the first homes to be completed by Thomas Vale Construction, one of Sandwell Homes’ partners was the one-bedroom bungalow in Hales Lane, lived in by 87-year old tenant, Elsie Staten.  The property received a new kitchen, bathroom, central heating, an electrical rewire and fire precautionary works.

Mrs Staten said she was “really delighted”  with the work on her home and the work  by Thomas Vale and the assistance of Tracey Davenport, the firm’s  Customer Liaison Officer who had helped her through the construction work.

“I am very pleased with the new kitchen and the bathroom – it is lovely to have all these new things and I have thanked the councillors for the work on our estate,” she said.

Work continues in both the Manor Road and Cotterills Farm estates under the Sandwell Improvement Programme, which will see nearly £500 million being invested into improving the living standards for people living in council-owned homes across Sandwell over the next 10 years.

A new project has been launched in Sandwell to extend bungalows in Sandwell through a bid to free-up council homes for families and for people on the housing waiting list.

The special project starting with two 1-bedroom bungalows in West Bromwich and Oldbury was launched by Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing.  He was joined by representatives from Sandwell Homes who will be overseeing the works and the two contractors selected to undertake the work; Rosinco Ltd and JTI Building Services Ltd, both local companies.

He said: “An extension to a bungalow will help us make better use of existing housing  and improve the quality of housing on offer.”

Councillor Hackett said the extended bungalows would offer older people a real alternative instead of under-occupying larger family homes.

“Many older tenants have requested two-bedroom bungalows as an exchange for giving up their council houses for families, he said.

“These extensions which will be done year on year will improve our offer to older tenants and free up more family homes, he said.

“This will then often create a chain reaction as many of the tenants who move into the family homes free-up flats which allow new tenants to move into the flats from the waiting list, he added.

Councillor Hackett said the project, which was launched at the start of work on the first bungalow in Worcester Road Oldbury, was one of the latest moves to improve homes and to make the best possible use of the existing housing stock.  A second extension project has also started in Lincoln Road, West Bromwich.

He said the project was part of the overall housing strategy which also involved providing loft conversions at some properties to make room for families living in overcrowded properties.

“At the end of the day it is about making the most of what we have got and I think these schemes are imaginative and will provide better accommodation for tenants in Sandwell, he said.

“We will continue to look for ideas to maximise the homes we have as we press on our ambitious plans to improve housing stock and living conditions across the borough including for the first time in a generation a year-on-year council building programme,” he added.

Sandwell Council tenants and leaseholders are invited to a special conference on Saturday (8 September) to launch a new way for them to have their say on housing plans and services.

The council recently approved plans to return council housing services to the local authority’s control – and plough nearly £500 million into improving homes over the next decade.

New council homes will be built and more than 7,000 homes improved. This will help with the ever growing need for housing in the borough.

The conference - Investing in Housing, Investing in Tenants - will be held at Sandwell Council House in Oldbury from 10am to 1pm on Saturday (8 September).

This is a chance for tenants and leaseholders to find out more and have their say about the council’s commitment to invest in housing and tenants now and in the future.

To book a place at the conference, please call 0121 569 5314 or email communityinvolvement_team@sandwell.gov.uk

The borough’s 29,000 council properties are currently run by Sandwell Homes, at ‘arms length’ from the council. This management agreement was originally set to end in September 2014.

But the Government has now cut the Decent Homes programme of improvements, which was being carried out mainly by Sandwell Homes.

The council believes that money saved by returning the organisation to its control as soon as possible will mean more money for improving homes and will mean that the timescales for improving homes can be brought forward. There will also be more money for improving frontline services.

And the savings will form part of a new £490 million housing investment plan for Sandwell for the next 10 years, which will see significant improvements to homes and estates as well as new council houses built.

Sandwell Homes’ staff and services will return to the council’s direct control at the start of the New Year.

A 90-day consultation with trade unions is currently taking place and a project team has been set up to steer the successful return of staff and services.

The move follows an independently-led consultation in which two thirds of the 1,500 tenants who responded either supported or were neutral about the council’s proposals.

Councillor Simon Hackett, the council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Sandwell Homes has done some great work to improve housing over the years for thousands of tenants – and we thank the board, chair, employees, tenants and everyone involved.

“Now the time has come for us to find a new way to keep improving homes and services.

“With the Government having cut Decent Homes money, we need to make savings by avoiding duplication of services and management structures between Sandwell Homes and Sandwell Council. This money can then be ploughed back into improvements and frontline services.

“The consultation shows there is no significant opposition – and I can assure tenants we will be involving them throughout and listening to their views on options for the future. This includes Saturday's special conference.

"I would urge anyone who wants to find out more and have their say to book a place at Saturday's conference."

Councillor Hackett added: "Our 10-year investment programme is very exciting news for tenants - and will see us working to provide the next generation of good quality, warm and energy efficient homes for the future.

"For the first time in a generation the council will build new council houses year on year starting this current financial year.”

Special drop-in surgeries have been introduced in libraries and community centres in Sandwell in a bid to improve links with tenants across the borough.

Norman Fletcher, General Manager for Housing Services at Sandwell Homes said special surgery sessions were being held at 14 locations in the six towns as housing officers worked to keep close links with tenants across the borough.

“This is an excellent scheme where people can seek advice and information when they pop in to the local library or attend activities or meetings at community centres,” said Mr Fletcher.

The timetable for local drop-in surgeries is as follows:

And Sandwell Homes is planning to install special Freephone links at six libraries where people would be able to contact housing officers at one of the Housing Service Centres.

“They will be able to ring in and discuss and report any neighbourhood issues with officers and this will bring benefits for people unable to travel to one of the centre,” said Mr Fletcher.

The special phone links will be installed soon at:

* Rounds Green library, Martley Road, Oldbury

* Oakham library, Poplar Rise, Tividale

* Cradley Heath library,Upper High Street

* Thimblemill Library, Thimblemill Road,Smethwick

* Great Bridge library, Sheepwash Lane

* Stone Cross library, Beverley Road

Mr Fletcher said the new introductions were designed to improve services to people on the estates, with a high-quality reception service at the Housing Centres and more housing officers out on the estates identifying and dealing with issues more quickly.

Youngsters on a “Dragons’ Den-style exercise in Sandwell, have come up with two new projects to encourage young people to help elderly people in the community.

The young people were taking part in a “Boot Camp” campaign run by Sandwell Homes to encourage young people to appreciate other members of the community and to help them improve their chances of employment.

The 14 youngsters, aged 14-17 years old, were on a tough two-week programme of varied team activities, physical challenges and workshops co-ordinated by Sandwell Homes’ employees.

The young people who complete the programme will received an Award Scheme and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) qualification and further training and support.

On the Dragons’ Den exercise, senior management – including Sandwell Homes’ interim chief executive Paul Field – acted as “Dragons” to assess the schemes and to seek answers to questions on viability and financial matters.

The two teams came up with two very different schemes – one called “Age in Nothing” and “Caring and Sharing.”

The first project involved the setting up of a drama group who would put on a realistic play involving “young hoodies” and a “granny-type” character interacting outside a shop.

In one part of the play, the “granny” would be put off by the “hoodies” congregating outside the shop and refusing to enter for fear of being accosted.

And in an alternative view of the situation, the “hoodies” would stand aside to allow the “grant” to pass and offer to carry her bags.

The group plan to put on the play at the Coneygre Youth Centre at Tipton and then tour around schools and youth clubs to get the message across that the elderly should be treated well and with respect.

The second project involved the young team purchasing tools and equipment to set up a team to go out and tidy-up people’s gardens and to do other jobs around the homes of the elderly.

The youngsters plan to offer their time and energy in exchange for receiving either practical advice on completing the job in hand or other advice and skills that would assist them in their own live.

Paul Field said the “Dragons” felt both schemes had real merit. The “Age is Nothing” had the benefit of being able to be completed sooner and would help change the mindset of both the younger and older audiences.

And the “Dragons” felt that “Caring and Sharing” would probably be more appreciated by the elderly and continue into the future, it could even become a social enterprise.

“Overall, the “Dragons” decided that the garden scheme edged the competition and awarded them £1,000 to get the scheme off the ground, with the other team getting £600 to help to set-up the drama group,” he said.

Mr Field said the two pitches by the groups were of an extremely high standard and showed high levels of enterprise from young people.

“They were asked to come up with ideas on how youngsters can better understand the problems faced by elderly people and produced two fascinating and far-sighted ideas,” he said.

“We were so impressed with the efforts the teams put into their ideas and with the detailed business plans they presented to us. I would love to see both projects become a reality and will watch and support their progress with interest.

“They had a thoughtful view about the elderly in their communities and it was fascinating to see that they believed that working on the drama group and the gardens team, they would be learning from the life experiences of the older people they were assisting.”

Edna Barker, chair of the Agewell, Sandwell who was on the “Dragons’ team added she was very impressed with the work the young people had produced. “They thought carefully about the situation and both groups came up with extremely interesting suggestions.”

Picture Caption:

Edna Barker, chair of Agewell Sandwell presents a cheque to the successful team in the “Dragons’ Den” competition organised as part of the “Boot Camp” project organised by Sandwell Homes.

Council tenants in Sandwell were today reassured that it was business as usual on the housing estates across the borough following a Cabinet decision  last week (8 August), which approved plans for Sandwell Homes to return to local authority control on 2 January 2013.

Paul Field, interim chief executive of Sandwell Homes said: “I will be working closely with the Council with a shared ambition that the transfer goes as smoothly as possible. Tenants and leaseholders remain my number one priority and that will continue during this transitional period and beyond.”

Fourteen youngsters aged 14-17 have embarked on a tough two-week programme of varied team activities, physical challenges and workshops co-ordinated by Sandwell Homes.

The referrals for “Boot Camp” have come via Sandwell Homes’ anti-social behaviour team as well as Sandwell Council’s youth services team.

It is hoped that this scheme will be the catalyst that turns their lives around and give them the best chance of employment.

Those who complete the programme will receive an Award Scheme and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) qualification, (equivalent to GCSE grade C) and further training and support will be provided post Boot Camp.

Starting last Monday (6th August), at 9.30am prompt, there will be sessions at local fire and police stations, workshops around drugs, alcohol and citizenship and hand-on community activities including graffiti removal, litter picks and plastering.

A “Dragon’s Den” style-exercise is planned where the youngsters will consider how young people and older people can better understand the problems they each face.

They will then develop a business plan and pitch their ideas for a project that could make a difference to a panel of experts.

Finally, weather permitting, the group will be organising a charity car wash at Sandwell Homes’ Operations and Development Centre in Roway Lane, Oldbury next Thursday, August 16th from 10am – 3pm.

Sandwell Homes’ interim chief executive, Paul Field is totally behind the programme which he believes will see changes in the youngsters’ behaviour. He adds: “This programme is not designed to be easy. It will be physically and mentally challenging with the aim of discovering leadership skills and community spirit.”

“Our aim is to give those who take part a positive opportunity to prove themselves and potentially improve their prospects. We believe Sandwell Homes has a key role to play in helping Sandwell’s young people improve their communities, skills, life opportunities and employability.”

Sandwell councillors have praised the massive improvement scheme being completed at a Wednesbury high-rise block – and met tenants who were “absolutely delighted” with the work and the fact it will be completed weeks ahead of schedule.

High-rise external improvements started at Russell House in August 2011 and work has progressed so well that Sandwell Homes is expecting the block to be completed soon.

Sandwell Homes has worked with Sandwell Council’s Urban Design Team and Wates Living Space as the contractors on the project which was originally expected to last 60 weeks.

But the work, which includes a new insulated cladding system, new windows and balcony panels and a new glazed front entrance, is to be completed soon.

Work also included decorations to communal areas, lift refurbishment, fire stopping and fire doors, refuse-chute replacement, improvements to car parking areas and an improved landscaping scheme.

Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Simon Hackett said:”This is another excellent example of the excellent work which is being done to improve the housing standards of tenants.

“It was a great experience to go along and see the work as it was nearing completion and to hear the tenants comment how welcome the work was and that they are being looked after so well by everyone involved.”

John Grosvenor who lives on the first floor has nothing but praise for Wates Living Space employees who are carrying out the work: “They do everything to try and accommodate the tenants, the liaison officer Bob Devlin, is brilliant and deals with everything and the project manager Paul Greaves is magic,” he said.

During the course of the building work, Wates has held numerous coffee mornings for tenants and have kept customers informed through regular newsletters.

Another tenant, Mrs Gloria Clarke said: “We could not have been looked after better – all the workforce had shown us respect at all times and we thank them for doing a great job.”

Local councillors, Elaine Giles, Olwen Jones and recently elected Councillor Pam Hughes also joined Cllr Hackett at the block, accompanied by Sandwell Homes’ chair Bishop of Dudley, David Walker and interim chief executive of Sandwell Homes Paul Field.

They said they were delighted with the turnaround at the block and the positive feedback from the tenants.

Picture caption: Trevor and Gloria Clarke meets Cllr Olwen Jones; Sandwell Homes’ chair. Bishop of Dudley, David Walker; Wates project officer Paul Greaves and Cllr Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing.

The scheme, which was completed by local regeneration and refurbishment specialist Lovell, has provided massive improvements for tenants in their homes and has created an attractive, eye-catching and  rejuvenated estate which is seen by thousands of M5 motorists every day.

Cabinet member for housing Councillor Simon Hackett led a visit of councillors, partners and officials around the estate and praised the “amazing uplift” the work had brought to the area.

Councillor Hackett said he was pleased that the once run-down estate had been given such a massive facelift and that the transformation had made life so much better for hundreds of people.

“It is an estate to be proud of these days and it is just not the flats that have been given improvements but under the scheme there have been major changes in and around the six blocks,” he said.

He added: The blocks and individual flats are now benefitting from a range of improved features that have made a massive impact on both the external and internal appearance including much-improved insulation provided by external render and new energy-efficient windows, which will be a great help to the tenants.

As  well as new  entrances to the blocks there have been new  balcony panels and asphalt improvements, satellite TV and door-entry upgrades, fire and safety improvements, the scheme had  also included  high-standard upgrades for bin chutes, communal areas, lift servicing and refurbishment, and the installation of a ventilation system.

And there has also been environmental works carried out around each block to make the estate more attractive and add the final touches, including improved car parking facilities, lighting, re-surfacing service roads, paving,

boundary fencing, and low level shrubs.

“There is no doubt that the estate with its bright coloured facelift is a good advertisement for the Sandwell area to the thousands of people who use the M5 and the nearby busy dual carriageway every day,” he added.

Tenants and Residents Association chairperson Lyn Colley said tenants were now “very proud” to live on the re-vamped estate and enjoyed the new facilities. “It has been a most wonderful scheme and we now live on a very attractive estate,” she said.

The work on all of the blocks commissioned by Sandwell Homes was designed and managed by the council’s Urban Design team with support from Rider Levett Bucknell and BM3 Architecture whilst it was delivered by Construction Partner Lovell and estate-wide landscaping was carried out by HFN helping complete the transformation of the estate.

David Gough, regional director for Lovell in the Midlands, says: “After several years working with Sandwell Homes to transform these blocks, we’re delighted to see the finished product. We faced some really tough challenges over the years but overcame them all to finish on time and within budget. It is fitting that our Project Manager and Resident Liaison Officer were able to be at the celebration event because they really became a part of this community, making many new friends along the way. I sincerely hope the residents are enjoying their new-look homes.”

The High Rise partnership was set up in April 2006 and since then has successfully refurbished 25 blocks across Sandwell as part of the High Rise Programme.

Eleven new flats have also been created on the estate, utilising disused ground floor space.   All new flats are created as close to the ‘lifetime home’ standard as possible. 

The standard was introduced to provide homes that would be suitable throughout the occupiers’ lifetime in as much as they should be accessible for all people; young and old, single or in families, disabled and non-disabled.

This is good news for the borough’s growing number of potential tenants waiting to secure a council property.

Kenrick Estate at a glance:

• Neale and Macaulay Houses
• Started September 2006 - Completed December 2007
• Mountford House
• Started September 2008 – Completed October 2009
• Greenford House
• Started February 2009 –Completed February 2010
• Lissimore Hse
• Started November 2009 – Completed October 2010
• Kenrick House
• Started October 2010 –Completed January 2012

Local councillors want to hear tenants’ and leaseholders’ views before they make a final decision.

Click here for Sandwell Tenants’ Voice Issue 1 May 2012

The reduction in the number of housing offices across the borough will allow for more employees to be relocated at each of the housing service centres.

The benefit of having more employees in each housing service centre per town is that we will be able to achieve:

• A high quality reception service with well trained officers
• Housing officers out on estates more often, identifying issues and dealing with them quicker
• Greater resident involvement on our estates and community cohesion activities
• Introduction of 5 day opening at all six Housing Service Centres to include one late night opening (either Wednesday or Thursday up to 7pm per week, this is currently being consulted upon with tenants and residents and will be piloted for one year).

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for housing, said: The new Housing Service Centres will enable us to deliver a much improved service overall.

“Each of the Housing Services Centres will offer better opening hours and service coverage.

“Also by having fewer offices overall it will allow offers to spend less time in the offices and more time out and about on estates, identifying and dealing with issues more quickly.”

Norman Fletcher, general manager of Sandwell Homes, said: “We are confident that the six new housing centres will provide an efficient and helpful service to our 29,000 council house tenants.

“We will also be introducing regular drop -in surgeries in the areas that we have closed housing offices to help tenants to keep in touch.

“This will give customers the opportunity to visit officers in a nearby location to discuss and report any neighbourhood issues.”

The programme for closing offices during June 2012 is as follows: -

By the 8th June 2012
Kenrick Park Estate Office (West Bromwich)
Riddins Mound Estate Office (Rowley Regis)
Tividale Estate Office (Rowley Regis)
Tibbington Estate Office (Tipton)

By the 15th June 2012
Lion Farm Estate Office (Oldbury)
Smethwick Housing Service Centre – Ford Street (Smethwick)

By the 22nd June 2012
Cradley Heath Neighbourhood Office (Rowley Regis)
Great Bridge Housing Service Centre (Tipton)
Cape Hill Estate Office (Smethwick)

By the 29th June 2012
Bearwood Neighbourhood Office (Smethwick)
Stone Cross Housing Service Centre (West Bromwich)

Our new Housing Service Centres
It is proposed to provide the local service via a network of six Sandwell Homes Housing Service Centres to be located as follows:

Oldbury, Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DE
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8.45am - 5.15pm,
Friday 8.45am - 4.45pm

Rowley, Payne Street, Blackheath, B65 0DH
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am -5.00pm

Smethwick, Council House, High Street, Smethwick, B66 3NT
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 5.30pm,
Friday 9.00am -5.00pm

Tipton, High Street, Princes End, Tipton, DY4 9JB
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm

Wednesbury, 41/42 High Bullen, Wednesbury, WS10 7EY

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm

West Bromwich, Court House, High Street, West Bromwich, B70 9LU

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm

In addition, there is also a Customer Service Centre which is open from 8am - 8pm - 0121 569 6000.

For further information on services please click on the link below:

http://www.sandwellhomes.org.uk/ContactUs/ImportantChanges.asp

The offer called Community Chest, comes from Sandwell Homes, the organisation responsible for managing 29,000 homes on behalf of Sandwell Council which has £30,000 to share across the six towns of Sandwell – with a pot of £5,000 available for each town.

Last year there were scores of applications and more than 50 organisations were given grants to undertake a wide range of activities.

They included help to buy new toys for a play centre, days out for voluntary carers, and help for local sports and community groups and clubs.

There was also assistance for park volunteer groups, church days out to the seaside and for organisations such as the Boys’ Brigade, cricket development and a firework display.

Grants of up to £500 can be applied for to support one off bids associated with a project. Examples of projects that may be funded include youth activities, sports events, community environmental schemes and good neighbourhood projects.

Sandwell’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Simon Hackett said: “The successful Community Chest scheme is now in its fifth year. Since it has been up and running it has helped more than 260 individuals and groups in their efforts to bring local communities closer together.”

Applications are open to individuals and groups alike, and application packs can be obtained by calling Sandwell Homes on 0121 569 5191.

The packs can also be downloaded from the Sandwell Homes’ website or completed on-line by clicking on the following link.

http://www.sandwellhomes.org.uk/GetInvolved/Documents/CommunityChestApplicationPack.pdf

Anyone wanting more information can contact community involvement officer Gail Ashfield on 0121 569 5046 or via email at gail_ashfield@sandwellhomes.org.uk

Thomas Barratt was a 22-year-old private in the 7th Battalion, the South Staffordshire Regiment, when performed the act for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross and which led to his death in July 1917.

During a fierce battle in Ypres, Belgium, the young soldier worked his way towards the enemy line and bravely took out numerous snipers. Later during the fight he covered the withdrawal of his patrol with accurate shooting causing many enemy casualties. His actions prevented the enemy’s advance and saved many lives but tragically the young soldier was killed by shell.

To recognise his heroism, a block of maisonettes on Batmans Hill Road in Tipton was named Barratt Court after the young soldier, marked by a sign.

Last year, the flats were renovated and the sign disappeared, resulting in residents calling for a new one to be installed.

Sandwell's cabinet member for housing, Cllr Simon Hackett said: "I asked Sandwell Homes, which manages the block on behalf of Sandwell Council to arrange for a new sign. Once the significance of the name Barratt, became apparent, a meeting with the Staffordshire Regimental Association was arranged and it was felt that a more fitting and permanent marker celebrating the name Barratt should be erected."

Sandwell Homes has had a special plaque made which will be jointly unveiled by the Mayor of Sandwell, Cllr Mrs Joyce Underhill and Mr Ronald Barratt, Private Barratt’s nephew at a special re-dedication and unveiling ceremony today Friday, May 4th, the day before Private Barratt’s birthday (May 5th)

Member of the Staffordshire Regimental Association and the local Royal British Legion along with relatives of Private Barratt will attend.

Secretary of the Staffordshire Regimental Association, Trevor Evans said: “Our regiment has 13 Victoria Cross recipients in our history and Thomas Barratt is a very important part of that history. He was only a young lad when he was killed and it is very important that we recognise his sacrifice.”

The re-dedication ceremony and plaque unveiling will take place at 12noon, at Barratt Court, Batmans Hill Road, Tipton.

Paul Field, interim chief executive of Sandwell Homes, has promised tenants of the borough’s 29,000 council properties, that the company’s work on running the estates and continuing with improvements to homes would continue unhindered.

“It is very much business as usual for us and for our tenants as the Council set about consulting them about the future of housing services in the borough,” he said.“The tenants have always been the number one priority and that will continue during this consultation process,” he said.“I can assure the tenants and leaseholders that we will continue with our programme of improvements to homes and services as planned during the current financial year,” he added.Mr Field said Sandwell Homes – set up as an “at-arms-length” organisation in 2004 – had been responsible for huge improvements to living standards in many thousands of homes over the last eight years.“We at Sandwell Homes are very proud of the work we have done over the last few years and especially the transformation of many of our estates during Decent Homes programmes,” he said. Mr Field said he had given employees at the company assurances that they would be “kept in the picture” about developments in a period of uncertainty.. “We need to ensure that our excellent reputation for high standards of achievements and   customer care continues to be maintained – and of course I know that it will be,” he said.

Earlier this month it was announced that the Council planned to consult tenants about the possibility of housing services being run directly by the Council.

Workers throughout the company raised the cash to give 12-year-old Lauryn Lee a chance of a trip of a lifetime.

Lauryn, who is suffering from renal cancer, was helped by staff from the St Alban’s Community Centre in Smethwick, Pertemps and Asda at Oldbury.

And when Sandwell Homes employees heard Lauryn’s family still needed more than £1,100 for the cost of the trip they decided to run a series of fund-raising efforts.

Now interim chief executive Paul Field and Liz Need, who works on reception at Dartmouth House, in Sandwell Road, West Bromwich , together  went to present the £1,175 to Lauren and her mother, Caroline Lee-Wray.

The series of fund-raising efforts included collection buckets, raffles and head-shave sessions organised by Liz and other colleagues

Liz said: “Paul and I went to give the money to Lauren and her mother and they were so unbelievably happy to receive our donations.

“It was a truly great effort by so many employees for such a worthwhile cause which can make a real difference for Lauryn and her family.”

Paul Field said:  “It was yet another example of how generous our employees are on special fund-raising efforts.

“So many people responded to the appeal and it was so wonderful that we could top up the fund to give this lovely young girl a special holiday. “

Fund organiser Jenny Jones said: “It has been a fantastic effort by people at St Albans, Pertemps, Asda and at Sandwell Homes and I know that Lauryn and her mother have been delighted by the response.“I have been a friend of Lauryn’s mother since I was four and it has been wonderful to be able to help them to get Lauryn to Florida.“When she became so ill Lauryn decided that she wanted to go to Disney to meet Mickey Mouse and so were are determined to get her there as soon as possible.”

“We are still raising money and at St Alban’s they will be raising money for other children in the future. “

The attached document explains why we need them and how the proposed objectives have been selected.

Tell us which ones you think Sandwell Homes should put forward by emailing kashmir_randhawa@sandwellhomes.org.uk

Your views will be added to those received from our partners and employees residents and presented to our Board for the final decision on 22 March 2012.

We must receive all comments by 9th March 2012.

Have your say!

Many thanks

Stakeholder Consultation Document - Equality Objectives - Feb 2012

Cllr Simon Hackett spent the morning shadowing rapid response employee Neil Plowman, who covers the West Bromwich area.

On average, each rapid response repairs engineer deals with between eight and 12 urgent jobs a day – from mending leaking pipes to replacing security window handles.

Having watched Neil carry out numerous jobs such as repairing a flush on a toilet and replacing a lock on a front door, Cllr Hackett then spent some time with technical repairs officer Mark Dean, and his maintenance team who carry out larger, planned repair jobs such as carpentry, plastering and slabbing work.

The councillor was particularly interested in the new hand-held devices, which allows jobs to be logged and completed electronically, instead of having to use paper logs.

Cllr Hackett said: “I decided to go out with some members of the Sandwell Homes’ repairs and maintenance teams as I wanted to see them in action for myself.

“I sometimes deal with enquiries from Sandwell Homes’ tenants about repairs, so I thought it was important to get another perspective on this.

“I was impressed with the dedication of the all the people I met. They do a good job, sometimes in difficult conditions.

“I was also interested to see how the company is adopting new technology to reduce the amount of paperwork needed, and deliver a more efficient service to tenants.”

Sandwell Homes responds to around 118,700 urgent and general repairs for its tenants each year and manages and maintains the borough’s 29,000 council properties on behalf of Sandwell Council.

Sandwell Homes piloted the certificate after working very closely with ASDAN.

The course was run by Sandwell Homes for their Tenant Representatives to help them to develop and further their skills.  The course was done through distance learning and the participants had to provide evidence of their skills for each of the units.  These included communication, time management, the volunteer role and meeting management and best practice.

The four participants were Dot Gospel from West Bromwich, Edna Barker from Wednesbury, Aininee Reid from Smethwick and John Cash also from Smethwick.  The qualification took them a year to complete, although there is no formal time limit for completion. There are now plans to offer other Tenant Representatives and volunteers the opportunity to study for ASDAN certificate.

John Cash said: “The course was really interesting me and has helped me with my volunteering.  It has given me the opportunity to my review skills and to improve and develop them.  I have also been able to share my experiences with other people and also to learn from them.”

Derek Fletcher Community Involvement Manager Sandwell Homes said: “We worked very closely with ASDAN to develop the certificate.  We wanted to ensure that our Tenant Members got as much as they could out the course to help them with their activities. 

“We also wanted to recognise, the incredible work they do and the ASDAN Certificate has given us the opportunity to reward this.”

Hot meals, drinks, clothes and toiletries were on offer at the Centrepoint respite centre in Carters Green, West Bromwich – after being donated by warm-hearted employees and local stores.

Housing advice workers were also on hand to help with referrals to appropriate agencies and to provide general advice on staying safe.

Centrepoint is a charity which provides a place for homeless people to shelter for a few hours every evening throughout the year and is run entirely by volunteers.

Earlier this year, Sandwell joined forces with its Decent Homes partners, (Lovell Partnerships, Thomas Vale, Vinci Facilities and Wates Living Space), who gave the centre a £15,000 facelift including a new shower room, toilet and kitchen area plus additional storage space.

The partners also played Santa Claus delivering a multitude of presents including fleece hat and scarf sets donated by Decathlon in Wednesbury, and a range of other much-needed items.

Paul Field, interim chief executive of Sandwell Homes, who dropped in to the project earlier this week said: “I was impressed with the facilities and moved by the volunteers who were so willing to give up their time over Christmas.

“In addition to being able to help people with their more immediate needs of food and clothing, volunteers also try to provide solutions to other issues, visitors to the centre might have.

“For example, one young man was about to get a flat from a housing association but needed to find a way to get it furnished. We were able to refer him to some not-for-profit organisations that can support people in this situation.”

Simon Hackett, Sandwell’s cabinet member for housing added: “I’d like to express my thanks to all the volunteers and other partners who have given up their time to help those less fortunate than themselves, especially at this time of the year.

“People can find themselves homeless for all kinds of reasons - and may not know what help and support is available to them – hopefully the volunteers have raised awareness of the assistance Sandwell Homes and other agencies can provide.”

Please contact us on 0800 844112 for emergency out-of hours repairs and 0121 525 4688 for emergency homelessness enquiries out-of-hours.

For Choice Based Lettings please note that there will be a two week advertising cycle over the Christmas period starting on 21st December 2011 until 2nd January 2012.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our customers!

Social landlord Sandwell Homes worked with partners Thomas Vale, VINCI Facilities, Lovell Partnerships and Wates Living Space to deliver a shower room installation, new toilet, new kitchen, internal decoration, electrical work and new flooring at Centrepoint Christian Church in West Bromwich.

Centrepoint, which is a registered charity, runs the centre every evening with the help of volunteers and provides free basic necessities such as food, clothing and toiletries to more than 20 homeless people each evening. Visitors can also get help and advice.

Volunteers will be ensuring the centre remains open during the Christmas period so that rough sleepers aren’t forgotten during festivities.

Pastor David Marsh, who manages the centre, said: “The work that Sandwell Homes’ partners have undertaken has helped us immensely to improve the service we provide to homeless people.

“At last, we have proper kitchen facilities and visitors will have somewhere to take a shower, which is a luxury when you live on the street. I really can’t thank those involved with the project enough.”

Sandwell Homes and its partners are currently delivering the borough’s Decent Homes programme, which aims to bring the council’s 29,000 homes up to a national standard.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Homeless people are among the most vulnerable people in our society and the work of organisations like Centrepoint is often crucial to their health and survival.

“I am grateful to the partnership for undertaking this charitable project, which will without doubt be a considerable help to homeless people in West Bromwich.”

People wishing to volunteer at the centre can contact Pastor David Marsh on 0871 717 7284 for more information. The centre also welcomes food and clothing donations.