Decent Homes - Update.

We are into 2009 and the external phase of the Decent Homes is due to start on the 19th January 2009.

However there are some changes that we as council tennants have not been kept up to date on.

Apparently we were getting "Decent Homes Plus" and this has been downgraded now to just the basic "Decent Homes". Not sure when this happened but will ask a question and post back.

What does this mean?

Doors.

We were told in 2007/2008 that we were getting new front doors. We had no choice other than the style and colour. You may remember filling in the questionaire. We then heard nothing.

I caught the council doing their "Door Survey" apparently they are overhauling exisiting doors and only replacing where absolutely necessary. Yet the criteria for this remains a mystery.

I should note that Leaseholders have the choice of a new door so long as they pay for it. It may be related to the cost Leaseholders have to pay. It seems Leaseholders are being kept more in the picture than we are over works. Though they are the minority of tennants. Of course they pay for the works to the external fabric of the buildings for their share and one cannot blame them for keeping an active interest.

It is the council that promised tennant participation and they have failed to deliver.

Scaffolding will be going up and I would remind you to ensure that any insurance company you pay for cover is notified of this. Otherwise, should you suffer a break in and loss your policy may be invaild and you may not be able to claim.

Satellite Systems.

I have been raising issues on this for the last two years and about to submit complaint number 3. The council have avoided answering the issues around this.

They are trying to say that any dish without permission will be removed by them. However as they have not enforced these terms thus far over many years from the tenancy contract. It could be argued that legally they have allowed the "Custom" of tenants having there own satellite dishes purvey and created am implied consent. When I have more I will let you know.

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.

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.