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.
Showing posts with label Sky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sky. Show all posts
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Monday, 4 August 2008
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
Monday, 28 January 2008
Still waiting for response ...
Still have recieved no email response on either the outstanding Decent Homes issues or the Overhanging trees.
Thursday, 17 January 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.
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,
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).
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