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NEWS and INFORMATION
Wishaw and District Housing Association - Shared Ownership Properties
We currently have no Shared Ownership property available for sale. Details of any future Shared Ownership Properties can be found here.
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Age Scotland Helpline - Hints on Council Tax Benefits
The Age Scotland Helpline offers an independent, confidential telephone based information service to people aged fifty and over living in Scotland, and to those associated with them such as their carers and families - Telephone Number 0845 125 9732.
One particular question being addressed by Age Concern is "Are there any Council Tax discounts for people aged 60 and over"? The answer to this and many other questions can be found on Age Scotland website.
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Wishaw and District Housing Association
- Thermal Imaging Project -
We have received preliminary results of the thermal image survey and are working with the survey company to assess the findings. Initial indications show that the majority of our properties are peforming well. We will be undertaking further investigations on those performing less well so that we can prepare a programme of works to improve the thermal efficiency of our houses where this is required. Any works arising out of this exercise will be undertaken in the forthcoming years as part of our planned maintenance programme.
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Special Uplifts
Every household is entitled to 3 free uplifts per year for bulk items (the year runs from 1st April - 31st March). Please contact North Lanarkshire Council Cleansing Department on 01698-302010.
Examples of what will be uplifted.
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Former Tesco Site, Main Street, Wishaw
Wishaw and District Housing Association have recently acquired the former Tesco site on Main Street, Wishaw. At the moment we are unclear as to exactly what will be built on this large development site and are undertaking a feasibility study to explore options.
Rest assured though, affordable housing will be at the heart of any proposal...... watch this space.
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Suited and Booted - free interview clothing
Suited and Booted is a Social Enterprise offering free interview clothing to North Lanarkshire residents.
The scheme receives donations of business clothing which are recycled and issued to candidates for job interviews and is open to both male and female candidates aged 16+ who are receiving benefits.
In addition to providing interview clothing, Suited and Booted also provide relevant training in CV creation, Application Forms and Interview techniques. Other training courses will also be available on demand.
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Credit Union Scheme
Following the launch of our Credit Union Voucher Scheme at the Residents' Conference 'Easy Money' on 24 June 2010, we wrote to all tenants and sharing owners inviting them to participate in the scheme with the incentive of a £10.00 credit union voucher. The issue of vouchers to all current tenants and sharing owners is now complete and vouchers will now be issued to new tenants at sign-up.
If you have any comments or thoughts you wish to share with us regarding our Credit Union Voucher Scheme, you can contact us by email, by phone or by completing an on-line comments form.
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FREE Home Fire Safety Visits
Strathclyde Fire & Rescue are now offering FREE home fire safety visits to everyone in our area.
During the visit experienced firefighters will check each room of your house with you, helping to make sure your house is safe. If you do not have a smoke alarm they will fit one for free.
You can arrange for your FREE visit in a number of ways. Our staff can make a referral or issue you with the appropriate form or alternatively you can call 0800-0731-999, phone Motherwell Fire Station on 01698-262222 or text check@ to 61611 on your mobile.
Your local fire station will then contact you within 7 days to arrange a time and date that suits you.
Wishaw and District Housing Association has also agreed to work in partnership with the services' Community Safety Advocates, to assist them in the delivery of their service priorities and meet their outcomes, by making referrals for Home Fire Safety Visits for any individuals who are most vulnerable to fire within the home. This will only be done with the indivudual's consent.
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Strathclyde Police - Don't Accept Antisocial Behaviour
Sometime it's the little things that cause the most problems; noisy neighbours, fly tipping and people drinking on your street. We know that you just want it to stop.
Your local community policing team is here to do just that.
To make antisocial behaviour stop.
Visit www.strathclyde.police.uk to find the name and number of your own local officers.
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Furniture Provision
Wishaw and District Housing Association is pleased to let you know that we will be working in partnership with RECAP.
RECAP is a community based furniture initiative which aims to recycle donated furniture and electrical white goods for sale to families and individuals on low income.
If you are trying to find your feet after being homeless, have been offered a house but have no furniture or are in need of white goods, bedroom furniture or a suite why not go along to their retail outlet at 1-3 Tannoch Drive Lenziemill, Cumbernauld, G67 2XX and spend some time browsing around.
Alternatively, if you can donate unwanted furniture and electrical goods that are in reasonable condition or working order, please contact them on 01236-728872 to arrange a FREE collection.
Our partnership will mean that the Association will be able to refer those on a low income to them. We have negotiated a range of discounts off their already low prices for those in financial hardship.
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One Stop Shop for small repairs
Anyone aged over 65 with a disability living in North Lanarkshire can receive help with small repairs and household tasks through the councils Care and Repair Service. There is also a leaflet available providing more information on this service.
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Easter Road - Community Eco-Garden Project
Having been awarded funding through the Environmental Key Fund (Blacklaw Windfarm Community Fund) for the Community Eco-Garden at Easter Road, and given consent by EKF to proceed with this Project, Wishaw and District Housing Association, after months of anticipation, are delighted to announce the completion of their Eco-Garden.
This was recognised with a formal opening ceremony held on Friday 20 April 2012 when Depute Lord Provost, Jim Robertson, planted an apple tree to mark the occasion.
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Older Person's Advice Service
Up to the end of September 2011, this service brought in over £21,000 for our older residents. This means that between the original Older Person's Advice Project and the Government funded replacement service over £213,000 has been secured for our residents over the last three and a half years.
Funding for this service has again been secured from the Scottish Government, but will require the Association to match fund their commitment. Given the strong track record of the service, delivered by Link HA, in partnership with other organisations, we have been happy to commit to this.
This means that our tenants and sharing owners can continue to have access to a service, which delivers high quality confidential advice, within the comfort of their own homes. More information can be found in our Money Advice Section.
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Benefit Changes Ahead
Are you familiar with the Benefit Changes Ahead. Here are a few changes which may affect you.
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Money Advice Project - Advice for Tenants and Residents (AFTAR) Project
--- £1,202,254.53 Raised ---
Wishaw and District Housing Association can confirm that its partnership project with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and 4 other local landlords has raised £1,202,254.53 to the end of December 2011 for residents in North Lanarkshire. £254,187.75 of that financial gain have been secured for residents of the Association.
The project has helped residents with a variety of issues ranging from carrying out benefit maximisation checks and assisting with claims, dealing with consumer and debt advice, through to helping deal with fuel issues and legal matters. To date clients have been helped to deal with debts totalling some £607,356.74.
If you wish to be referred to the project please contact your housing officer.
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One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS)
One Parent Families Scotland works to ensure that all families, particularly those headed by a lone parent, have the support, information and confidence needed to play a full part in Scotland's economic and social life.
OPFS are piloting a callback service for lone parents to run alongside the Lone Parent Helpline and is designed to give additional support to parents who would benefit from a listening ear and on-going help. Parents who are experiencing a new pregnancy, separation/divorce or a move into employment or education are offered a weekly or fortnightly call back for up to three months.
Lone parents can self-refer by calling
the Lone Parent Helpline.
Calls are free from landlines and from the mobile networks: Vodafone 3, Orange, Virgin, T-Mobile.
Monday - Friday: 9.30am -4.30pm
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Annual Gas Servicing
In past years our heating contractors have reported that sometimes they have found it difficult to gain access to some houses to carry out the annual gas safety check. We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of allowing access. It is in the interest of both your own and your neighbour's safety and we must carry out this work.
Failure to provide access could lead to court action
with the tenant being responsible for all costs incurred.
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Housing Council Tax Benefit
If you are on a low income, or in receipt of certain state benefits, you may be able to claim Housing Benefit to help you pay your rent or Council Tax. Even if you do not qualify for help with all of your rent or Council Tax, depending on who lives in your house and your household income, you may be entitled to some assistance.
You can check your eligibility at North Lanarkshire Council's on-line calculator. If you have any questions on your eligibility you can get help and advice at the Council's nearest 'First Stop Shop'.
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Medical Adaptations
Each year the Association carries out a number of medical adaptations within our tenanted properties. These works generally arise from a referral by an Occupational Therapist and the cost is funded by the Scottish Government.
The funding available to Wishaw and District Housing Association for medical adaptations for this financial year has been used, however any outstanding referrals will remain pending until future funding is secured by us from the Scottish Government.
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Positive Action in Housing
Positive Action in Housing, the Scottish ethnic minorities housing agency provides free, independent and multilingual housing advice and information for refugees, asylum seekers, EU migrants and people from ethnic minorities. Information on drop-in surgery times.
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Useful Links
We have provided some useful links which can give you more information on Money Advice, Anti-Social Behaviour, Citizens' Advice etc.
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Contents Insurance
Do you have home contents insurance or are you perhaps paying too much? For more information on contents insurance you can contact us at the office, by phone or by email.
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