Bushes continued.

Speaking to the council following further exchange of letters the bushes above the car parking area are to be added to the horticulture schedule and be cut back to the top of the boundary wall.

This will hopefully but an end to the organic debris falling and more importantly marking our cars parked there.

So I complained about the bushes (again) & other issues.

You will note that even though we are supposed to have our own Estate Housing Officer now, this compaint was not even handled in our local office at Fulham Town Hall.

I have edited the response as it is unfair to name council individuals.

How not to deal with a complaint.

Click on image to enlarge.

My initial letter.


The H&F Homes response - not even our housing office ????



My escalation - any wonder?

Estate visits and notice boards.

Did you know that the estate visits are still ongoing?

Did you know we have a new estate officer?

Have you noticed the new extremely large notice boards placed at the entrance of every block?

In the spirit of ongoing better communication between H&F Homes and the residents. The information on Estate Visits has been removed from buildings several months ago.

The notice boards contain no information on anything. How much did these cost? As they are not being used is this not a waste of money?

Yes we have a new Estate Officer, second one in as many months.

The only reason I found out Estate Visits were still continuing is I happened accross a group of people looking at the estate buildings and asked.

Satellite Systems.

You will know that I have been concerned about the plans to have a communal satellite dish per block and the mass removal of individual Sky and other satellite dishes.

I objected to the planning application for this on the basis that tenants will have individual contracts where relevant, or have gone to the expense of investing in Free to Air (FTA) or Freesat dishes on their properties.

That enforcing this change on tenants may place the tenant to become in breach and liable under their Sky contracts. Or the loss of the investment for other systems installed.

In my case. When I moved into the estate, several years ago, I invested in my own antenna on the roof to recieve freeview.

There is no need for the council to touch my antenna it is not part of the existing communal system. However they are insisting on proceeding.

I have asked them to compensate me for this loss. So far this point, after 2 years has still been ignored.

The last correspondence on the Satellite front was January of this year. It notes further thinking on the points raised but again the result of this process has not been forthcomming.

Legally, as the council have allowed through in action over several years. People to erect their own satellite systems. I believe they have no right to enforce any removal of existing systems and dishes.

Not everyone will want access to a communal Sky dish - will they have to pay a monthly fee for this anyway?

Those who use other satellite systems to access foreign language or FreeSat will need dishes on the roof to point to the various satellites are they going to be provided so that we have a roof of communal satellite dishes?

What I have noticed from Decent Homes.

Over the last few months, talking to those I know on the estate. The main criticism of the Decent Homes project has been the confusion or lack of communication between the contractor & residents.

Plans seem to have been poorly drafted. Residents undertstood they would be consulted about what was going to happen in their homes. However once the builders are in. Some cases have left many angry that the works have left them with less storage space, no proper showers, external vents have been left exposed for pigeons to roost in.

One resident battled with the contractors to retain some tiles they had already installed and wanted to keep. Thankfully they won out. However this was not without the stress of fighting for it.

Yes this work will create stress and frustration as is the nature of the works. The council seems to sit back and let the contractor deal with the residents. Both unfair on these parties.

It was the council that made the caveat with residents that they would be involved in the decisons concerning their homes. For they are at the end of the day - peoples homes.

So many have told me that they will have to buy in time new kitchen cabinets as those supplied are too small. Replacing existing cupboard space with considerably less.

Would it have been cheaper for the council not to have provided cupboards and had a grant system where tenants could have gone and purchased the cabinets they need for their space requirements?

I also wonder about the elusive representative we have on the Decent Homes board. Supposedly representing tenants.

This is a large capital program and yes the works are needed but I cannot help but wonder about the amount of waste, financially, in the delivery.

Scaffolding going up - no notice given & no one knows why?

So scaffolding is going up outside our building. Thank you to the council for letting us residents know. Of course they have not.

The erection of scaffolding is a problem for resdients in that it can effect any insurance you have for the contents of your flat. If you have a break in and the insurance company do not know in advance they may not pay out it may void your policy. So I guess the council are accepting full and all liability in respect of this for any loss a resident suffers.

So I called the Decent Homes contractor, H&F Homes South who told me to speak to the Repairs Department, who told me to call H&F Homes again and ask for the Technical Department. I did ask to speak to our housing officer whoever that is at the moment and was told they wouldn't know about it anyway. The Technical Department are in a meeting. So 4 phone calls so far. I eagerly await to see if they know anything.

I would have thought our housing officer would have knowledge of major works including the erection of scaffolding. You know as it is the estate they are supposed to deal with.

So no communitcation internally and externally to us the residents.

I though "putting residents first" was the new ethos. Clearly it has yet to get off the ground.

Service Charges for Council Tenants.

Service charges for council tenants has been an issue that I have been trying to gain some clarity on for some time. Reading the last Audit Commissions report it recommends Service Charges for Tenants. It also mentioned that H&F council had been in discussion on this matter. See the previous blog entry for the report.

I submitted this question to the last council meeting -

"Question to: The Leader of the Council.

Further to my question of 27 February 2008-

QUESTION

“Does the current administration propose, during the course of its current term in office to make an additional charge to council tenants, in addition to rent, for the provision of Estate Maintenance and up keep? If so, when?”

RESPONSE:

There have been no proposals put to my Administration either by Hammersmith &
Fulham Homes or by Council Officers recommending separate service charging for
services provided to Council tenants although of course council leaseholders are already separately service charged for a range of housing and estate management services.

Current issue arising.

I note that the Audit Commission’s report of June 2007 for Hammersmith & Fulham ALMO states -
“
108 Service charges have not been introduced for tenants. Charges for communally provided services such as grounds maintenance have not been de-pooled and applied as a separate service charge. HFH and the Council have agreed a way forward for the introduction of service charges but will only do this when efficiencies are achieved in key service areas. “

So my questions are –

Why was I misled with the previous response? Given that the report is the subject of consultation with the council over a period of time.

Within what time frame do the council propose to introduce this charge?

Will rent lower as a result of the service charge being “split out” or “de-pooled”?

What is the “way forward agreed by HFH Homes & the council for the introduction of this charge”, that is what is the plan?"

The response is above.

You can make you own mind up about when service charges will be forthcomming.

Cllr Ivimy

Though there was a motion at the last council meeting calling for the resignation of Cllr Ivimy following her comments.

This didn't succeed and the current administration saved her.

Personally I feel that having made the comments the only decent thing she could have done was to resign her seat.

I have not heard nor found from hunting around the Internet any comments from Shaun Bailey on her position. He must fear that this issue will come back to haunt him in the future.

Hammersmith & Fulham Homes- 1 Star - June 2008 Audit commission report.

Well H&F Homes score 1 star again in the Audit Commission Report of 12th June 2008.

You can see the report by Clicking here.

What is of concern, and I have yet to read the report thoroughly is the recommendation on Page 11 R3 is "introducing service charges for tenants".

Also of note is that the service fails to make buildings accessible for disabled "customers" and the service doesn't meet the Commission for Racial Equality code of practice.

Tory councillor 'sorry' she blamed Indians for litter thrown out of the windows

Thanks to Stephen Cowan for this.

You can see the story at "Tory councillor 'sorry' she blamed Indians for litter thrown out of the windows" on the Daily Mail web site.

You must draw your own conclusions on this story. Personally I find it's overtones racist and would be concerned at future decisions she is involved in and more particulary the motivation. I don't care about the political affiliation she has. I do think however that any party should be very hard on any elected member who is this foolish.

If this were a council employee I am sure they would have been subject to a disciplinary process possibly loosing their job.

Maybe I should ask her to deal with the rubbish that is dumped in our estate and more often than not by private residents from the gated estate and surrounding large houses, mainly orange bags, because our homes are less important.

Maybe she would have more effect than our local housing office with the trees that over hang from the gardens from the gated estate, that drop leaves and sap on our parked cars. They have been told to cut them back but they feel they can just ignore the council.

I wonder why white middle class private residents are allowed a permanent amnesty from tidying up thier litter. You will have to draw your own conlusions on this.

Looking at the part of Fulham in which I reside. I have noticed the signs about fines for littering have gone up but the number of street side bins has decreased.

Its been a while and our Decent Homes is complete ..

Well the nightmare, that was just a kitchen to be done under the Decent Homes Project is all but done.

The workmen we dealt with, those actually doing the work, were pleasant & helpful. Pat their supervisor has been great and a pleasure to deal with. Bringing common sense to into the equation.

The Relationship Managers were also good to deal with.

We did have an issue with one person and this is from where most of our problems eminated. Oir plan done many months ago (last year in fact) and following an agreement from Balfour that it would be redone for all tenants (they forgot us). Was wrong as it hadn't factored in the fact the space would be smaller given conduits & pipes.

I thought having thoroughly agreed and understood all that was going to happen well in advance of the project would have left us with an easy time of it. Clearly wrong.

This such a shame as our bathroom, done last year was such a success.

Hope yours goes well.

Decent Homes has started with us. (Week 2)

Week two of "Decent Homes" has started. I would like to say we have been looking forward to this however the upheaval has been great.

I would like to say that the experience has been as good as when the current contractor undertook the upgrade to our bathroom. However as time goes on, the stress & level of frustration grows.

There seems to me a major communication problem. Loads of managers that come round and talk to you about issues but this doesn't translate to the expectations they set being delivered. It is very much an excerise in passification. There seems to be a "wall of silence" between the managers and the workmen, who do work hard when they are in.

I have tried hard to be patient but the "attitude" of one of the people we deal with is lets say very poor and actually does more harm than good. I don't want this person in our home again.

We had a plan. Seemingly not worth the paper is was printed on. OUr involvment should be minimal the only thing left to be sorted out was the electrical points - nightmare. Every step is a battle.

Such is the level of dissatisfaction thus far I feel I need to share it and make others aware.

They seem to completely ignore the fact this is OUR HOME. As we have disabilities we are home during the day. Don't get me started about the dirt & cleaning!

Thus far & not a fault of the contractor. People that expected to have showers fitted so they had the choice of a bath or shower. Are having the shower fitted but the bracket is just above the bath and they are not fitting the typical shower pole to allow you to stand and shower. This was a change by the council but seemed not to have been relayed to the tenants.

Thus far we have had to replace one electrical item as when they were in last week the power kept switching off. By which I mean whenever the workman turned on his tools ALL the power in the flat would trip. It must have done so at least 30+ times during the day.

I would be interested to hear about your issues email me at enquiry@fulhamresident.com or add a comment to the post.

You maybe interested in this story about some of the construction companies employed to undertake the Decent Homes Project.

Building firms 'rigged contracts' - from BBC News.

OFT issues statement of objections against 112 construction companies - from the Office for Fair Trading.

Caretakers

Rubbish

Well the fly tipping and orange bags continue to be dumped on the estate. It has been passed to H&F Homes weeks ago to deal with. Guess what? - its all gone quiet.

Monday - the weekend rubbish removed & replaced.

So the rubbish from the weekend was removed Monday morning. Only to be replace by the evening with more - still there at time of writting.

Sunday 13th April 2008

Locking the bins though probably stops Orange Bags being dumped also stops people from the block being able to dump there carrier bags of recycling. When will we see some proper thinking on this. The bins need a redesign to make it possible for people to dispose of smaller bags. Action other than letter writing which is a waste of time and council tax money. As it achieves nothing as evidenced by the orange bags still being dumped after several years of sending them. There needs to be a proper, thought through system if the council is going to win the arguments and encourage and keep the goodwill of those of us committed to recycling. There needs to be some other methods of changing adverse behaviour.

THIS IS MY HOME NOT A RUBBISH TIP!!!!!!!

Orange bags on estate today & Update

The Street Scene Enforcement team are to be thanked. Though not in there remit. They have monitored the estate and reported back to H&F Homes. What happens next is now in the hands of the Housing Office.

The Recycling Bins have been locked so that you can only dump rubbish into the slot at the top. However, today (Thursday 10th April midday) we can see that the Orange Bags are just dumped, as always, outside.

The orange bags & flytipping.

Though our entrance way was saved this weekend. This picture was taken Sunday 6th April 2008. As you can see not everyone escaped the dumping of rubbish in particular. The orange bags from those living off estate.

It is also clear that addtional recycling bins only add to not deal with this problem.

I understand that the estate. As it is now managed by H&F Homes is a "private estate" and not part of the general highway. For that reason. The Street Enforcement Team have no powers as there remit is the highways. It is down to H&F Homes to deal with this. I have been made aware that a Senior Housing Officer is now dealing with it. Though again they seem limited in what they can do.

Well I think there needs to be some thought here. It is not fair on residents. It is not fair on the caretakers as this is an additional burden to their jobs. H&F Homes need to seek the apprioprate powers and more importantly USE THEM. As far as this problem is concerned. They do have an ASBO team. I wonder why flytipping & the abuse of our recycling bins is not considered Anti Social Behaviour?

News from Street Scene Enforcement Team.

Following my regular emails, with photo's attached to our local councillors & the relevant council officers.

Having heard nothing for over a week. I received a response from a Supervisor within this team.

They visited the estate this morning. They will also visit & inspect again in the next 7 days. After which they will send a comprehensive report of there actions & findings.

Not bad given this problem has been going on for years and only recently. Through exasperation at in action on the part of the council. The major reason for this blog.

It won't surprise you to learn that I have sent many emails and photographic evidence to the council in the past prior to this internet presence.

So where do I put any of my rubbish this morning???

Another weekend and no where for me as a resident to put my recycling or domestic waste. The council seem to be doing NOTHING about this problem. I send them the photographs. I have received no response to my previous email. Asking the council what actions they were undertaking. This is also a hazzard for anyone who is unstable on their feet.

This is NOT rubbish left by the contractors who are doing the Decent Homes works. They clear their rubbish away at the end of every day.

I can only assume it is now council policy to allow council estates, our homes. To be used as an additional municipal dump for rubbish. Maybe I should submit a question to the next council meeting.

Sunday 30th March carrying on from the week.

Where do we put our recycling rubbish ??

Midday 25th March 2008. The council said they would get their "Street Enforcement Team" to look at the mis-use of the recycling banks on the estate by resdients using the orange bag scheme. So far this involves placing orange bags left outside these bins into them.

So our bin is almost full with non-resident recycling waste. So where do we put ours? I thought the bins were to be exclusively for the use of residents.

Rubbish over the Easter Weekend.

Black bags were removed Tuesday. A metal and beige chair joined the wood by the orange bin. The wood was removed but the chair remains. Taken 23rd March 2008.

Accident waiting to happen?

Sunday 23rd March 2008.

Elsewhere on the estate this Monday.

Just a little further into the estate from our entrance the bags have been dumped instead!

Residents should note that any items they have to "dump" should be placed outside the caretakers building, opposite the green, near the centre of the estate. There is a weekly collection for these items.

Not so bad outside our block this Monday

Lets hope (though I doubt it) this is all thats left this week.

Residents should note that any items they have to "dump" should be placed outside the caretakers building, opposite the green, near the centre of the estate. There is a weekly collection for these items.

Orange Bag Problem Elsewhere on Estate.

Well, further to the post below. The orange bags were placed in the recycling bin. Thought I was told that the "Street Scene Enforcement Team" would investigate. I would have thought they would have collected the bags to scrutinize the content - seems not.

And if you think the problem is just outside the block I live in. The picture above taken half an hour ago demonstrates it is a estate wide problem.

So H&F council - I ask why you allow us to be treated with less respect than the residents that are dumping this rubbish, repeatedly?

Not yet the weekend & guess what? as usual

Midday on Friday and our usual rubbish mound has already started!

Only one day this week clear of rubbish. Orange bags or otherwise.

Please sign this petition

Picked up from "The Cowan Report"

A petition has been started - click here for petition - by the Hammersmith & Fulham Coalition against Community Care Cuts.

This calls for "No to Charging Disabled and Older People for Essential Services in Hammersmith & Fulham"

Thanks

Rubbish finally cleared

Finally. For the first time since the 5th March over a week ago. There is NO rubbish outside the building.

Lets see how long that lasts.

And it continues to grow ....

Some rubbish i.e the box on the picture in the post was removed. The Recycling bin was emptied but as you can see more rubbish has joined the pile by Monday evening.

Welcome to the new council rubbish tip.

Rubbish pile grows over weekend ....

As predicted the rubbish pile has gotten bigger!. These picture were taken Sunday 9th March 2008 at 9pm. The rubbish is STILL there as I write this - 1.30pm on Monday 10th.

It continues, and action is being undertaken

The rubbish that has piled up over the last few days has been removed. However dumping continues. Now it is Friday so "god knows" how big the pile will be come Monday!

The Waste & Recycling Manager has replied to my earlier emails. He plans to get the Street Scene Enforcement Team to investigate and take action where necessary as they have the powers to do so.

Hopefully we as residents will now start to see a cleaner estate. Where we as fellow residents are afforded the correct respect that everyone else enjoys.

Thank you to Cllr. Greg Smith who indicated he would raise this as our local councillor. Clearly he is supporting us here.

Why are our homes, our estate being allowed to be a rubbish dump?

This was last night (6th March) and there is MORE rubbish piling up today.

The response for the council was to write to residents again!!!

I publish my response to this email "


With all due respect. You are more than well aware that this has been an issue since this scheme was introduced. I objected to initial consultation concerning the introduction bins wholly on the basis that it will create a rubbish dump outside our front door. Fly tipping was a problem before the bins went in. You have had several emails & photographs in support of this point since.

It is not that I object to having the bins on the estate. Recycling should be encouraged.

You seem to miss the fundamental point. H&F will stand a much better chance of exceeding the targets you mention. Of setting a high standard for other boroughs to follow. If you “win the battle of heats and minds” concerning residents. Clearly as far as council tenants are concerned you are failing here.

It is all well and good that Estate Services clear the rubbish away. But that takes time. From the moment the rubbish is dumped. The “rubbish tip” is already there. Also “passing the buck” here is very much a “closing the stable door after the horse has bolted approach”. I am asking for you to close the door before.

You seem to ignore the key point. The bin is a presence of the councils waste recycling collection system. If one person abuses it and dumps rubbish outside. It sends a signal that it ok for others. It encourages dumping.

Lets not be naive. Most residents are on board with recycling, including myself. However there is a need for a “carrot & stick” approach.

By all means applying the stick needs to be done gradually. By all means initially write to residents reminding them. However there needs to be a further sanction when your initial advice if ignored. You seem “scared to to this”. I am convinced the dumping has become a habit for those that do it. They can continue being selfish because the council isn’t going to do anything. It is weak.

Stop allowing us as council tenants to be seen as a sub-class in our community. The “well there only council homes so it is ok to abuse”.

I note your comments regarding compulsion on Goldhawk Road. In that case it does seem as if that is the “extreme” end of the stick. A measure to correct behaviour on an individual basis, that is missing. Will serve the council better. Target and amend the behaviour of selfish individuals whilst encouraging the wider community to recycle because they believe in it & the council facilitates and works “in partnership” with residents to achieve a common goal.

Thank you also for correcting your initial undertaking with regard to removal of problem bins. I understood thus far that where a bin was a problem the council was removing them. I would like to retain the bins on the estate. As pointed out in my objection. Where they are placed on the estate may go some way to addressing the issues I have raised since. The council ignored this point.

Given you have always written to residents when I have raised this in the past. That dumping continues. I have no faith in that form of action. It is “lip service”. Shows no results, doesn’t change the behaviour and is a waste of time & council tax payers money.

If you were to fine on person. They will talk amongst there peers. Don’t under value the power of “word of mouth”. It is certainly why this problem continues to exist today. Better the word was “we need to recycle properly otherwise we face a sanction” than “its ok to dump you rubbish outside William Banfield House”.

I will be posting this to my blog for general estate consumption."

Flytipping .. see how the rubbish gathers ...

With reference the previous 2 posts. It takes only one person to dump some rubbish. Than others see it as an oppourtunity to dump their rubbish. It just builds & builds and personally I am now sick of the entrance way to my home being a rubbish tip.

Thanks to Cllr. Greg Smith ..

For his prompt reply regarding the previous post & actions he will instigate.

Why are our homes, our estate being allowed to be a rubbish dump?

Fly tipping and private off estate residents dumping rubbish has been historically a problem on the estate.

Why are we seen as second class citizens and subjected to being treated as an extension of the councils waste management network? that is a Rubbish Dump.

I have raised this issue many times with the council since the recycling bins came in. The response has been that they will "write to residents, again" to make them aware of the rules with regard to the Recycling bins on the estate and the orange bag scheme.

The dumping of orange bags is tantamount to fly tipping in my view.

I call on the council to use the powers they have. Through fines etc. To correct this behaviour.

Clearly the letter writing is having no impact and is being treated with contempt.

Whereas I am keen to promote people to recycle. The council is loosing the battle of "hearts & minds" on this with respect to estate tenants who will request the removal of these bins purely on the basis that they DO NOT want to live amidst a rubbish tip.

I will email the powers that be, for the n'th time and feed back there plan to deal with this continual "bug bear"

Service Charges for Council tenants.

I heard a rumor. So I submitted a question to the council meeting 28th February 2008. Here is the question and answer.

Question.

"Does the current administration propose, during the course of its current term in office. To make an additional charge to council tenants, in addition to rent, for the provision of Estate Mainenance and up keep? If so, when?"

Answer.

"COUNCIL MEETING 28 FEBRUARY 2008 - PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Further to the above Council meeting held yesterday which you were unable to attend, the Leader’s response to your question is as follows:-

“There have been no proposals put to my Administration either by Hammersmith & Fulham Homes or by Council Officers recommending separate service charging for services provided to Council tenants although of course council leaseholders are already separately service charged for a range of housing and estate management services”."

Meter Readers.

I have just refused entry to a gentleman in an Accuread jacket to the flat.

He was unable to produce identification. 

I have called Accuread to notify them.

If your Electricity or Gas Supplier uses Accuread to read your meter. You can check the identity of the reader by calling freephone : 0800 393 499.

Proposed Post Office Closures.

The Post Office is going to under take a consultation prior to closing a number of smaller Post Offices in the Borough.

The Consultation starts on the 19th February 2008.

The details can be found by clicking here.

The London Area Plan can be downloaded by clicking here.

Savings on bottled water ...

The council has saved over £30,000 on changing from bottled water to mains filtered water. This has cropped up on other blogs (Please see links). I have commented thus :

"Whereas any efficiency savings that can be made should be made following a proper appraisal of all the issues.

I would rather the council concentrated on getting the Decent Homes program back on track.

I believe the council scored 1 star for its management of this multi million pound project. Subsequently the Chief Executive of H&F homes resigned. Funding for Decent Homes projects starting 2009 is now in jeopardy.

No doubt when the estate caretakers are dismissed. The rental or purchase revenue from their flats will reduce the council tax burden slightly further. Though it will mean some caretakers loosing their homes as well as their jobs.

I have also heard that Council Tenants are being treated now as 2nd class residents compared to Leaseholders of council flats. As recent meetings concerning estate management excluded council tenants. I would appreciate your correction on this.

Keep up the blog. It is always a good read and provides me with balance. I am what could be considered a "floating" voter."

Caretaking & service charges for tenants.

I understand that the Caretakers are currently being forced into re-applying for their jobs.

The new contracts mean a reduction in wages and the tethered accommodation given "free" as part of their overall salary package will become chargeable. The Caretakers will be given a 3 month period of adjustment for this extra cost. Which in real terms means more of a wage cut.

The Caretakers have been given a 90 day notice period to accept this new contract or face termination of their employment.

The council are also looking to put this service out to tender. This means no on-estate caretaker.

Apparently in a meeting held last week. Attended mainly by Leaseholders. There was also a vote to provide a caretaking service on Monday through Friday also.

Today being the first day I heard such a meeting was taking place!!!

There is also a fear. That Council Tax Tenants are , in the not to distant future. Pay a service charge similar to that of Leaseholders for the provision of Estate Maintenance (Caretaking). So as well as the council saving money by tendering out caretaking in the long term. We as council tenants will have to pay for this poorer service on top of our rent.

One of our local Councillors is Stephen Greenhalgh, the council leader.

Overhanging Shrubs.

I understand the delay is due to this service being placed in the hands of a private contractor.

Graffiti & Manhole cover.

The matter is in hand and due to be remedied shortly.

Oustanding matters update.

Information and emails awaiting a response from out Principal Project Manager for Decent Homes have not been received due to typo with my email address. Can happen I accept. I have spoken to the PPM and the following information has been forthcoming -

1) There is a pilot flat in William Banfield House. No doubt everyone will be aware of the construction noise. Which cannot be helped. This is not an empty flat. So tenants will not be able to have a "look see" at the works. It is important that the builders at the very least get to realize any problems they will face. So thanks to the tenant that was willing to be the "guinea pig" for us all.
2)New front doors are compulsory. The council has to comply with a legal requirement. I have been told keys will be handed over to tenants. Housing will not be keeping a copy.

Other matters concerning Estate Services :

1) Cutting of overhanging trees. The manager of this department has been unwell. I will contact the office when he is expected back Monday.

2) The Estates office has been in touch. Though I missed the calls. With regard to the missing manhole cover & graffiti. I have left a message to get a call back.

I hope to speak to the PPM later today to discuss outstanding Satellite/sky issues.

4 stars for Council but still 3 stars for housing..

The Audit commission reported today on the Performance of Councils. Hammersmith & Fulham scored 4 out of 4 overall this year.

However, for the third year running. The performance of Housing has been 3 out 4.

Many of the Performance Indicators are "Between Thresholds" with "Urgent repairs in time" & "Satisfaction of local authority tenants with overall service of landlord by All tenants" reported at being "below the lower threshold".

A case of the "devil is in the detail".

Government thinking on social housing.

From the Guardian website 5th February 2008. Caroline Flint, Housing Minister gave an interview. In which she suggests that those seeking "social housing" should only be offered a home on condition of actively seeking work.

However in a further report, later that day. Downing Street seems to back away from the idea.

So what are the contractors like when doing work in my flat.

It stuck me that we have had Balfour undertake some Decent Homes work in our flat. Though they very much saved the day. Here is the story -


We have had our bathroom done already. Initially the contractor (not Balfour) appointed by the council was really bad. The agreed plan of work was ignored. The workmanship questionable.Even though I asked him to leave. The council did nothing. After an hour of initially asking him to leave I told him I was going to call the Police and have him removed. Then the council started to act.

Then the council decided to use Balfour Beatty to complete the work, as they were appointed to do the Decent Homes work.

Our experience of having Balfour in our home is a very positive one. The team are very friendly, understanding and hard working. The standard of work is very high. They are very aware they are in your home.

They had to undo much of the work of the previous work and start afresh. Though we were told two weeks. It was completed before time. Often there were many different skills working along side to get the work done.

The team we had would be welcome to undertake any works in our flat, even with all the disruption, they actually relieved much of the stress.

When it comes time to have the Kitchen & rewiring done. We hope the same team come back.

I thought the Childrens Play area would remain in part.

I am sure that the plan for the Children's Play Area on the estate. As mentioned at the residents meeting in October 2007. That the rear would be used by Balfour Beatty and the rest would be left for the children to play in.

However Balfour seem to have cordoned off the play area and are using it as a car park!

Though today, (29th January 2008) Balfour have put up ye more signs around there site office and seem to be gearing up for the major upgrade. We noticed deliveries and the first noticeable presence of the contractors today.

I will email our contact at the Council but my emails have hit a wall of silence of late.

Chief Executive of H&F Homes resigns

There have been reports. In the press and on the websites Inside Housing and Cllr. Stephen Cowan's blog. That the Audit Commission. Has given the housing department of the council a very bad review.

Prompting the resignation "by mutual consent" of the Chief Executive of H&F Homes.

We are supposed to be represented on the H&F Board

We are supposed to be represented by a tenant from our area on the Board of H&F Homes.

I believe our representative is one Janet Gaston. No doubt she does a good job.

But surely the whole point of having representation. Is that you can raise concerns/issues with your representative.

However there is no way to get hold of her via email and her address is not published.

So please leave a comment if like me you feel unrepresented as a tenant.

Heathrow Expansion. Have your say

All residents should have received a letter about the Public Meeting on the 12th February 2008 at 7.00pm concerning the plans for the expansion of Heathrow.

The meeting is taking place at Hammersmith Town Hall.

You will also have received a flyer to complete. Fill this in even if you are unable to attend to register your view.

Click here for the Councils Press Release

The website for the expansion on BAA's Heathrow Airport web site is here.

Government consultation can be found here.

There are may website against and for just by doing a search of te internet. Here are two AGAINST, FOR.

Annual Gas Safety Check.

Robert Heath Heating are undertaking the Annual Gas Safety Check for the council. The Council has a statutory obligation to get every flat checked once a year to check everyones gas supply and appliances are safe.

This year if you allow the gas check to be done on the FIRST APPOINTMENT will be entered into a draw to win £100.00.

Easier web site name to remember.

I have set up http://www.lbhf.info which will direct to this site. Plus it is easier to remember.

Still waiting for response ...

Still have recieved no email response on either the outstanding Decent Homes issues or the Overhanging trees.

Trees

The trees due to be cut back yesterday haven't been. I await an answer from Estate Services as to when.

Police Pay Award.

If you want to show your support for the Police Pay award. You mught consider signing the petition on the 10 Downing Street Website : Click Here

It closes for signatures on the 10th March 2008.

Do you sometimes feel like a "doorman" for your block?

Is there a tenant in your block who repeatedly goes out without their keys only to return and buzz every flat trying to find someone to let them in? More often or not it is you that opens the door.

Or are you the tenant who thinks it is ok to go out without your door keys because someone will let you in anyway?

I am not talking about the odd occasion when someone has genuinely misplaced their key here. I am talking about those who do it at least once, if not more, a week!

If you have lost your key to the main door one can be obtained from the Housing Office for about £10.00.

If you expect others to always let you in. You are creating a nuisance and maybe in breach of your tenancy agreement.

I don't open the door as I am more than fed up with the culprit in my block. It may sound less than neighbourly but I am not a doorman. If you don't mind going out with your key you clearly are not that bothered about getting back into the building.

Don't let them in .....

In order to keep security tight in your building where you have a main door with a door entry system here as some suggestions -

• If you don't know the person who has "buzzed" your buzzer. DON'T let them in.
• If they say they are after a specific flat and they are getting no response. Suggest they telephone the person in question. Most have a mobile phone now. Of course if they are getting no reply from the flat in question. It is pointless you letting them in as there is clearly no one in. DON'T let them in.
• Often Gas Suppliers will call saying they are from "British Gas" or it is about the "Gas". DON'T let them in. If there was a problem with your gas it would be your gas provider at the door and you would be expecting them. Or it could be the council. Typically these people try to frighten the vulnerable into switching to their gas company. They are sales people and on a commission. They have probably buzzed every flat and you were the only one who answered. Once in. They will then knock on every door. The same happens with the telephone & electric.
  
• DON'T let anyone into your home without being sure they are who they say they are. Most people like the meter readers or council will have a Name Badge. If in doubt take there name and ring their company to get confirmation. They can wait outside until you are happy about their identity. If they get short tempered. Close the door and do not let them in. Those that are genuine will not mind you checking up on them.
• If in doubt call the Police (999).
  
• Invest in a shredder. A machine that will shred all your confidential documents bank statements etc. That you would normally throw out in the bin.
  

Noise - a problem?

Living in dense housing. Noise is always going to be an issue. This is covered in your Tenants Handbook depending on which version may apply to you.

Current Tenants Handbook Page 88.

Remember you are responsible for your visitors as well.

Pruning of Overhanging Tree's

Please note the following :


Dear Tenant/ Resident


The shrubs overhanging the car park are going to be cut back on the afternoon of Thursday 24th January 2008.

To enable the operatives free access to the area we will require your vehicle to be parked in another location for a few hours.

I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but we will try to keep any disruption to a minimum.

Thanking you in anticipation for your co-operation.


Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.


Yours sincerely








Estates Services Manager, South Fulham.

Manhole cover missing.

There is a manhole cover missing near the childrens play area. I called the housing office last week to let them know. They duly covered it with two bollards.

Hopefully they will recover it soon.

Given the cost for scrap metal. It was probably stolen.

I will email them again to get them to look at replacing it & removing the graffiti.

Decent Homes small kitchen cupboards

The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) replied to my email of 20th November 2007.

The base & wall units are of standard size. Speak to Balfour and ask if they can use 700 rather than 600 units. Though this is unlikely.

Still awaiting my re-survey (17th Jan 2008)

Do you have a FreeSAT or Sky satellite Dish? You might have to take it down.

For Backgound/History see post "Introduction to Decent Homes meeting 16th October 2007.

The council submitted a planning application for this reference 2007/03566/FR3. I submitted an objection detailing the issues I have with this planned change. Though my objection is not noted.

I objected as follows :

Aerial.

On the basis that assurance has not been given with respect to our own personal aerial on the roof of the building. That we will continue to enjoy exclusive access to this after the works. We have written to the council on this, 3 Years ago.

Satellite.

That the installation of a communal satellite system and subsequent removal of existing Sky/Satellite dishes is being done where

a) Every flat that wants Sky has a dish thus making this expenditure a waste.
b) Dishes have existed for many years without the council objecting to there erection. This creates a custom/precedent for allowing such additions. I understand that the council introduced a policy some three years ago on this mater. However any dish erected before this date would be exempt as erms cannot be retrospectively applied.
c) No advice has been given to tenants with respect to their liability with Sky, and any subsequent removal of the individual dish and connection to a communal facility.
d) Would the council be responsible for any financial cost on a per existing sky customer/flat basis for a tenant breaking any term of an existing Sky contract that moving to a communal solution might incur?.
e) What about those tenants who have/use Sky Multiroom or Sky+ that requires 2 LNB's or more for the purposes of using the service.
f) What about tenants who do not use Sky and use Free-to-Air satellite services?

Is the council going to write to those who have existing permission to install this equipment? Is a survey going to be undertaken of households to see how many would be interested in using a communal satellite system? What is there is a problem with the dish and or connection? Who does the repair? What is the reporting line?

The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) is aware of my objections as they concern the Decent Homes Project. There is also correspondence going back three years on this issue.

Apparently there is a policy regarding the installation of Satellite dishes. Mentioned by the Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) at the meeting of the 16th October.

I emailed the Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) on 29th October 2007 asking for either a copy of the policy or instructions as to whom I need to approach to get one. I have chased this again on the 20th November 2007 & 15th January 2008. The policy still hasn't been produced.

The council basically require resident to have explicit written consent otherwise they will have the resident compelled to remove any dishes. However given that many may have moved in, seen the dishes on other flats. Assumed it was ok. Have had the dish for years without the council or their housing officer ever having raised it as an issue. They may loose there own system.

If the communal sky system goes wrong. It goes wrong for many under this new system.

Introduction to Decent Homes meeting 16th October 2007.

At this lively meeting. Council tenants were given details of the Decent Homes project coming to the estate.

From my notes there were some issues. Namely,

• Insurance - This should be ok but if you have Home contents insurance inform them of the works.
• Satellite dishes /TV aerials - these will be removed subject to certain conditions. In favour of a communal dish. TV aerials are to be upgraded to facilitate digital tv broadcasting/Freeview. This specifically a problem for me as I already have my own aerial on the roof installed to allow me access to Digital TV. Installed at cost to myself.
• Kitchen Cabinets - A waste of money as they are not deep enough. Many will have to be almost immeditely replaced at cost to residents after the works to their kitchen are complete.
• Lack of Space - In smaller flats. There will be no room for the contents of the kitchen to be placed elsewhere in the property whilst structural works including rewiring if necessary. Is undertaken.
• Survey - People not happy with attitude and results of inital survey. Balfour Beatty made an undertaking to re-survey all flats on the estate.
• Time Frame - 4 weeks notice given before works to a resident flat with works lasting up to 4 weeks though average expected time is 2 weeks.
• Boxes - The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) said the council would make boxes available for resident to pack smaller items from bathrooms/kitchens.
• White goods - Balfour would help with the moving of fridges etc. They will undertake a video survey before the goods are moved. Residents need to ask for this.
• Resident Representitives - The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) was looking for residents in each block to act as channels for communcation to residents within that block. I am the one for my block thus this blog. The communication line is Resident Representative, then Balfour Resident Liason Officer and then the Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes).
  

Parking on the estate.

There are a number of lined and numbered parking bays on the estate. A few are covered. These bays are allocated to and paid for by residents. They have a permit badge in the window of the car which if they have an allocated bay. Will give the bay number. Those without an allocated bay will have a similar permit without the bay number and can park in other permitted spaces.

Please do not park in a numbered bay if you don't have it allocated to you. This just causes the resident who has this bay anger and frustration. It just causes more problems than it is worth. If you see a bay and you believe it is spare. The office at Fulham Town Hall should be able to help allocate it you you.

As there are no visitor spaces. Visitors should use pay and display on the surrounding streets. If they park on the estate they are very likely to be lifted with a £250.00+ fine to get there vehicle back.

However tell any visitor not to park in a numbered bay. The allocated owner may return and frustrated at not being able to park in their bay that they pay for. Call the Car Removal Service and have the car removed.

Overhanging tree's & parking.

If you have a car parked in an allocated bay. It could be that shrubbery from Claridge Court namely the gardens causes you frustration. Especially when the buds and leaves fall on to your paint work , marking it. Let alone the general filth it leaves on you windscreen etc.

Well the Estates Manager is aware and this is the current situation -

1) The owner of the offending plant is responsible for ensuring these are prunned back.
2) The Estates manager doesn't have the funding to just cut these back , remedying the problem resident drivers have. It would make sense to have this done when the trees are prunned.
3) The owners don't seem to want to keep there plants under control and avoid them becomming a nuisance.
4) The Estate manager has to raise a bill to the offending owner and then schedule the work through the Estates Management Office.

I have been in touch with the Estates Manager and the shrubs from the gardens of Claridge court are due to be cut back.

Hopefully this will now become a yearly event & resident drivers will not have to sue for any damage to the paintwork of their cars.

Recycling Bins & Orange Bags.

I am sure many of you have noticed the increasing presence of Orange Bags filling or even being dumped beside some of the recycling bins on the Estate.

Althought I am all for recycling. I initially objected to bins near main building doors as I was concerned it would make entry ways look more like a rubbish dump than a place we call home.

I have on several occasions emailed the lady at the council who deals with it. Most recently regarding the volume over the Xmas period. I understand from the Estates Services Manager that she will be mailing all residents in the surrounding streets reminding them (again!) that they are not to use our bins.

If you have an issue with this. Email me and I will forward the email address you can complain to. The more we bring this the attention of the council the more they will do to ensure we have the capacity to deal with the recycling on the estate.

Decent Homes is comming! "at last".

Everyone should have had the letter from our Decent Homes Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) concerning your preference of door type & colour and telling us that the project is due to start this month, January. Only a month and a half late.

I have some issues which I have raised concerning the locks on these doors. Namely who will have a set of keys. Will H&F homes retain a set of keys or a master key. This makes life easy for them but believe they don't have a legal right to hold them. These are our homes and only we should have the keys. I have emailed our project manager and await a response.

I have also asked if you can opt out of having your front door replaced should you wish. I will post a response when I get one.

Remember you preference form has to be in by 15th February 2007. It will no doubt be collated and we will then be informed which type and style we will get depending on which block we live in.

Though I am not convinced that having individual doors of our choice would create a problem as detailed. Surely if one of each type & colour of door exists on an estate within the borough they would have to retain and maintain spares anyway.

Welcome.

Hello,

I hope this doesn't become to busy a blog that it becomes difficult to navigate. I live on this estate and am sure that some of us at some point get frustrated whether it is rubbish building up around the bins, graffiti or probably more immediate. I wanted a place to put the information I have gathered about the Decent Homes project. Share my my concerns, issues I have raised and responses received.

Please feel free to add or comment as applicable or email me if you want a subject covered.

Thanks,

John.