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.
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
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.
Monday, 18 February 2008
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."
"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."
Monday, 11 February 2008
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.
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.
Friday, 8 February 2008
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.
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".
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".
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
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.
However in a further report, later that day. Downing Street seems to back away from the idea.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)