Tag Archives: finding a home

Right-to-Buys

Posted on: October 31, 2011 by: Gwen Crawford in: Finding a Home

It’s been an interesting few weeks for our Regeneration team. We’ve just agreed terms on two properties that were previously sold under the ‘right-to-buy’ programme which we’re now going to be buying back under the new ‘affordable rent’ framework.

I know it’s only two houses, but it feels significant because it will hopefully be the start of many, and it gives us a way of dealing with some nuisance properties on estates, as well as helping to increase the amount of affordable rented homes for families in Bolton who need them.

Unfortunately, although the new development funding is a good thing, every yin has its yang, and it does mean setting up new procedures and processes to deal with this new area of work.

So, I’ve been working with people in other Bolton at Home departments and, as well as Great Places Housing Group who lead the consortium that we’re part of, to get some of that set up.

Bureaucracy is not my strong point so I’ve been having one or two head-scratching moments!

Gwen Crawford – Director of Regeneration

The economy and its impact on housing services

Posted on: October 31, 2011 by: John Dunn in: Repairing Your Home
Fixing the Roof

The economy and its impact on housing services

It’s a really challenging time in the social housing sector, which in turn is affecting Housing Services. The changes in the economy have presented us with some real questions about the services we provide, and how we provide them.

There’s no doubt now that most ordinary people are going to suffer cuts to their living standards for some time to come and that this impact is going to be felt by those with least, most of all.

The big question for Bolton at Home Housing Services is, how are we going to respond?  We have the options of burying our heads in the sand and hope it all goes away or we can look at where the real pressure points are and try to do something about it.

On reflection then, there is only one road to go down.

The real bonus for us is that following the transfer of Bolton at Home from an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) to a housing provider we have, for the first time in a while, some real stability in our budgets. This stability will help us with our planning, and will give us a real opportunity to support our tenants, partners and the wider community in Bolton during these difficult times.

In particular, in regard to our own services, we know we have to up our game in a number of areas, whilst at the same time making sure we continue to improve on the bread and butter services such as collecting the rent, which pays for pretty much everything we do, tackling anti-social behaviour, letting properties and making sure tenancies are effectively managed.

It’s a big agenda, but we believe we’ve got a track record of delivering innovations any Housing Services Team would be proud of and we’re looking forward to now stepping up a gear and creating a range of services that mean when our tenants need our support, we’ll be there.

Between now and the delivery on this there will be a lot of hard work for everyone involved but the commitment and the ability is here so there really isn’t anything to stop us.

John Dunn – Deputy Director of Housing Services

Regeneration team welcomes new members

Posted on: October 27, 2011 by: Gwen Crawford in: Finding a Home, Our People
Houses on a street

Regeneration team welcomes new members

The Regeneration team has two new members of staff to welcome. Firstly, welcome to Danielle Porter who will be working from our Tonge Moor urban care and neighbourhood (UCAN) centre. I think Danielle will be a great asset to the team and I know she’ll get the warmest welcome within Regeneration.

The second new starter I want to welcome is Dominic Conway, who is Regeneration’s new Assistant Director (Development & Renewal). Just call him ‘Oy!’ if the title seems too long.

Dominic has come from Bolton Community Homes and he brings with him a fantastic range of experience. He’s going to be responsible for delivering Bolton at Home’s new-build development programme across the borough. If any of our new houses fall down soon after they’re built – you’ll know who to blame!

Welcome to the Bolton at Home team.

Gwen Crawford – Director of Regeneration

A picture paints a thousand words at community art exhibition

Posted on: October 1, 2011 by: Dawn Yates-Obe in: Community

The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Noel Spencer has officially opened an exhibition displaying the works of a group of amateur artists from the Willows Estate, Deane.

The exhibition is on display at the Deane Urban Care and Neighbourhood Centre (UCAN),Oriel Street, and is the culmination of a free 12-week introduction to fine art course which the local residents have completed.

Launched by Bolton at Home, the community project saw budding Picassos from the area work with local artist, Lyndis Ann Harden, to brush up on their drawing and painting skills and delve into the world of fine art.

The exhibition is a celebration of what local residents have achieved. The residents told us that they wanted art workshops, so they started a creative spark for the area which we have been delighted to nurture through the ‘Willows Hand on Art Group’.

Although the course has now ended, the exhibition will run at Deane UCAN for the coming months. The residents have since set up an independent art group and will continue to meet each week to continue their art.

The final pieces will be exhibited at Deane UCAN, Oriel Streetfor the rest of the year. For budding artists looking to join the group, contact Dawn Yates-Obé, dawn.yates-obe@boltonathome.org.uk, 01204 333 723, or come along to join the group at the Willows Centre, Back Caledonia Street, Deane on Wednesday’s 10am-12noon.

New electrical goods scheme goes live

Posted on: September 23, 2011 by: Samantha Marshall in: Money Matters

Bolton’s credit union, Hoot has joined forces with The Co-operative Electrical to launch a fresh new low cost alternative electrical goods purchase scheme to rival loan sharks and doorstep lenders and high interest weekly payment stores.

The Hoot members’ scheme offers a full range of discounted products from TVs, kitchen appliances and laptops, which can be bought individually or as exclusive packages. Hoot also offers help with finance, including interest free loans for ‘A’ rated energy items.

It’s fantastic to be involved in setting up a scheme that will help so many people within Bolton.  We wanted to offer our members the opportunity to purchase high quality electrical goods at affordable prices.

Hoot offers a low interest alternative to the doorstep lenders and high street interest weekly payment stores, some of which charge more than 100% APR. As a not-for-profit organisation, we provide affordable, low interest loans which give people what they really need, value for money.

Loans are available for those who need help with finance. Hoot will order the goods and the repayments are made direct to Hoot. For customers who want to purchase goods outright, but do not have a debit or credit card, Hoot will make the purchase for them.

As a further incentive, Hoot’s scheme brings fast, efficient and free delivery and free removal of old appliances and packaging. To find out more, telephone Hoot on 01204 365024, or visit Hoot’s website, www.wisewithmoney.org.uk.