Open House - Spring 2015

IN THIS ISSUE...

RESIDENTS’ NEWSLETTER ISSUE 44 – SPRING 2015

OPEN HOUSEwww.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Page 7 Tin and Toy Appeal

0 Decent Homes success

Page 17 Area Panel news

Page 5 Teaming up with A Band of Brothers

More Information?Contact: Ian FitzpatrickManaging DirectorT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

WelcomeWelcome We have moved 2

Devonshire Ward scoops £1.84m 3

Home from Hospital service 4

Teaming up with A Band of Brothers 5

Street Learning 6

Tin and Toy Appeal The future is bright 7

Hate crime Smoke alarm reminder 8

Leasehold newsService Improvement Plan 9

Decent Homes celebration 10-11

Responsive repairs 12

Go Eastbourne! Phone scam warning 13

Benefit increases 14-15

Film club 16

Area Panel news 17-19

CONTENTS

02 www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Spring 2015OPEN HOUSE

Welcome to the spring edition of Open House.

I was delighted to report that the Devonshire Ward has won its bid for a £1.84m funding boost, thanks to the Coastal Community Fund. Eastbourne is a great place to live and work and I look forward to seeing the improvements in Princes Park, Sea Houses Square and Seaside Road.

It was a momentous day when we completed the Decent Homes programme earlier this year. A celebration tea party at Winchester House to mark the occasion

was well attended and it was a pleasure to meet so many of our residents.

As you’ll see on page 5, the Area Panels have done a great job teaming up with the mentoring charity A Band of Brothers and we hope to do more with them in the future.

We have completed our move into the Council offices at 1 Grove Road and will continue to undergo changes as part of the Future Model. See page 7 for more details.

Ian Fitzpatrick, Managing Director

IN THIS ISSUE...

RESIDENTS’ NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 44 – SPRING 2015OPEN HOUSE www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Page 7 Tin and Toy

Appeal

Page 10Decent Homes

success

Page 17Area Panel

news

Page 5Teaming up

with A Band

of Brothers

Front cover: Owlets Nursery celebrating money received from Langney Area Panel

Ian Fitzpatrick

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @ebnhomes and also on Facebook – just search for Eastbourne Homes Ltd.

We have moved You will be aware that Eastbourne Homes was planning to move into the Council offices at 1 Grove Road. The move has now taken place. This relocation not only reduced costs, but provides our residents with a ‘one-stop-shop’, accessing a range of services in one location.

Our main telephone number of 01323 436436 remains the same, although direct dial numbers will be changing, so please use the main number. Email addresses remain the same.

Contact Centre: Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm Telephones: 8.30am – 5.30pm

We look forward to welcoming you to 1 Grove Road.

More Information?Contact: Ian FitzpatrickManaging DirectorT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

03www.eastbournehomes.org.uk www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Devonshire Ward scoops £1.84m cash injectionEastbourne has won its bid for a grant of £1.84million from the Coastal Community Fund.

The money will go towards improving the Devonshire Ward and will be overseen by the Housing & Economic Development Partnership, which comprises housing experts from Eastbourne Homes and Eastbourne Borough Council.

The funds are part of a £36million nationwide investment to support growth in seaside areas and Eastbourne’s share will be used for various schemes including improvements to Princes Park, the transformation of Sea Houses Square and refurbishments to building fronts and commercial space in Seaside Road.

Councillor Steve Wallis, Chairman of Driving Devonshire Forward, said: “This is fantastic news for Devonshire. The £1.84m will deliver many projects across the ward, including improvements to Princes Park, refurbished fascias in Seaside Road and public realm enhancements to Sea Houses Square.

“The residents and businesses of Devonshire will benefit greatly from the investment, and the area will draw in even more tourists. The Coastal Community Fund award is as a result of months of hard work from officers at both Eastbourne Borough Council and Eastbourne Homes, and I thank them for all their hard work in ensuring Devonshire received this grant.

“Devonshire is currently going through momentous and positive change, with improvement grants being secured, new building and refurbishment projects already underway, and further enhancements to be delivered over the next 12 months. I would also like to thank all those residents and businesses who have been so positive and involved in the numerous regeneration projects.”

A new tech resort for teaching computer programming skills will also be set up to boost the skills base in the town and help people find employment. As a result of the funding for Devonshire, 118 jobs are set to be created.

Leader of the Council, David Tutt, said: “Part of the bid was for ‘Tech Resort’, who plan to set up a code club, teaching digital literacy. This will help to improve the skills base within the town and help people to find employment.”



Volunteers needed

Our volunteers do not give assistance with personal care, such as helping to bath, wash or toilet, helping with medication or wound dressing, lifting clients or providing counselling.

We offer our volunteers regular meetings for support and training. If you are interested in becoming a Home from Hospital volunteer please contact the Home from Hospital Coordinator on 01323 749854.

Also find us on Facebook, Twitter and at www.ageconcerneastbourne.co.uk

If you are caring and committed and would like to help older people remain independent, come and join our team of volunteers. The winners of the

prize draw following completion of the survey included within the Annual Report are I Carpenter and Daphne Reeves. Both have received £25.00 shopping vouchers.

Age Concern Eastbourne Home from Hospital serviceAre you concerned about how you, a friend or a relative will cope at home when leaving hospital? The Age Concern Eastbourne Home from Hospital service may be able to help, offering short-term support to older people who have recently been in hospital.

Our free Home from Hospital service is available to anyone over 55:• living in Eastbourne, Polegate, Pevensey, Westham or Seaford; this includes the areas

from Bishopstone to Hooe, up to Herstmonceux, Hailsham and across to Ninfield;• about to leave hospital or has recently been discharged and• living alone, with a carer or with someone who is physically unable to help.

Our Home from Hospital volunteers are available to:• visit you at home for up to four weeks;• collect prescriptions and shopping;• accompany you to a hospital appointment (or provide transport advice);• provide information and assistance to help you obtain other services or equipment you may need;• help with light domestic duties;• introduce you to clubs and other organisations;• introduce you to online shopping.

We will review your needs after our limited support finishes and ensure that our other services address any longer-term needs.


Teaming up with A Band of Brothers

ABOB is a mentoring charity which encourages young men who have faced challenges to turn their lives around and give something back to the community through volunteering.

The first project saw the team help to create a new sensory garden at Archery Court in Seaside. The funding for the garden was provided by Central & Archery Area Panel, which enabled £600 worth of shrubs to be planted at the retirement court.

The grounds are now much improved, with highly scented shrubs and flowering plants. The result is a brighter and more welcoming environment.

Sarah Roberts, Eastbourne Homes’ Community Initiatives Officer, said: “All the residents have commented on the new sensory garden and said how pleased they are with it. We have a number of blind residents here and it gives them an opportunity to enjoy the scented and tactile plants in the garden.

“We’d like to say thank you to the Area Panel for securing the funding for the project and ABOB for their hard work. It was a good opportunity to break down generational barriers as residents sat outside and chatted with the young men as they worked. Eastbourne Homes is fully supportive of working in the community and we look forward to doing more with ABOB in the future.”

Eastbourne Homes and ABOB teamed up again to host a special community lunch at St Elisabeth’s Church in Old Town.

The lunch was funded by various Eastbourne Homes Panels and around 70 residents got together to enjoy the three-course roast lunch which was cooked in the church’s

new state-of-the-art kitchen. The tables were decorated with floral displays using flowers from local gardens.

Entertainment was provided by The Lounge Youth Group, comprising siblings Josh, Jacob and Grace Moreton, and Eden Binks. Sixteen-year-old Sophie Sands from Park College also sang, and local historian George Turner, who’s been with the local YMCA for 50 years, gave a talk about Eastbourne in times gone by.

The Cuckmere Bus and Age Concern provided transport to and from the venue, enabling people who are often housebound to join the lunch.

Paul Apps, from ABOB, said: “Our vision is to bring the elders of our community together with the younger members and share stories and wisdom, building a bridge between the generations. It’s important for us to show our community that our young men are able to make a difference and change their lives, becoming positive role models for other young men. We are very happy to be working with the amazing community team from Eastbourne Homes.”

Cllr Bannister, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “This scheme is another example of fantastic partnership working. Eastbourne Homes Area Panels are always so supportive of other organisations in their neighbourhood.”

Board Director and Cllr Annabelle West said: “It’s wonderful to see the Area Panels teaming up with ABOB. The Panels do a great job supporting local groups and helping to improve residents’ lives.”

Staff and residents at Archery Court

Eastbourne Homes was delighted to team up with A Band of Brothers (ABOB) on two different projects.

Guests at the lunch



Free of charge courses for allEastbourne and Wealden

residents aged 19 years and overTo book a course call 01323 436436

n Creative Writing

n Tai Chi & Qi Gong

n Beginners IT

n Next step in IT

n Genealogy

n Absolute Beginners Computers

n Make the most of your money

n Introduction to Social Work

n Introduction to Counselling

n How To...

n Retro Cooking

n Healthy Living

n Easy Budgeting for your Family

n Beginners Computing

n Bring your own iPad

n CV Writing and interview skills

A5 Leaflet_Layout 1 03/12/2014 09:10 Page 1


Tracy Evans (Eastbourne Homes), Matt Attrell and Simon Teague (both Mears) present Major Ivan Oliver (left) and Pauline Peagham (right) with the hampers

Donations welcomed by Tin and Toy Appeal

Representatives from Eastbourne Homes and Mears visited the Salvation Army building in Langney Road to present the items they had collected.

Donations were distributed to local people who are homeless or vulnerable and EHL’s donations were coordinated by Jane McCarthy-Penman (EHL) and Matt Attrell from Mears, the firm which looks after repairs for EHL.

Jane said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated to Heavenly Hampers. It was heartening that despite the tough climate for many people, they are still willing to give to others who are less fortunate. These donations benefit people who are really struggling.”

Pauline Peagam, Community Development Manager at the Salvation Army, said: “We have noticed a decline in the amount of food that has been donated, which of course is due to the economic climate affecting so many. We are very grateful to Eastbourne Homes, who go out of their way to help us with their appeal for food on our behalf and without the generosity of them we would struggle to meet people’s needs.”

Board Director and Cllr Barry Taylor said: “I’m impressed at the number of donations made by staff at Eastbourne

Homes. Organisers Jane and Matt did a great job encouraging their colleagues to give items and I applaud everyone’s efforts. I know it makes a difference to the residents who receive the items.”

Staff from Eastbourne Homes Limited (EHL) donated eight hampers of food, toys and gifts to the Salvation Army and Gazette & Herald’s Tin and Toy Appeal.

Working in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council, we want to ensure we are delivering best value for money and services to you that you want and need.

We know we can make savings and improve your experience as a resident by bringing our people together, and staff from both organisations have been designing what the service will look like in the ‘Future Model’.

As this magazine goes to press, we are still consulting with staff and once this is finalised we will recruit to the new roles by the end of April. We will then launch the transformed service in the summer.

Rest assured that our service to you continues to be our number one priority. This is another important step on the Eastbourne Homes journey and with a new 20-year Management Agreement and the Future Model in place, the future is indeed bright. We will keep you updated on progress via our website and the Area Panels.

The future is brightIn the winter newsletter we told you about our plan for changing how we deliver services to you.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is again encouraging people to test their smoke alarms when they change their clocks in the spring. The tagline ‘TICK TOCK TEST’ will help remind us all of the need to test our smoke alarms at this time of year.

With 211 people dying in fires in the home last year, and over 70% not being alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm, it is essential that people test their smoke alarms regularly.

A working smoke alarm can buy you and your family the valuable time you need to get out, stay out and call 999. You’re four times more likely to survive a fire if you have a working smoke alarm.

Free home safety advice is available to everyone in the community and can be obtained by contacting East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service on 0800 177 7069 or by visiting www.esfrs.org. Free Home Safety visits are available to anyone who is over 65, single parents, people who are disabled or have reduced mobility, hearing or sight impaired, smokers or living in rented or social housing.

Test your smoke alarm before it’s too late

What to do if you are a victim of hate crime

What is hate crime?Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person or property because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

Hate incidents can feel like crimes to those who suffer them and often escalate to crimes or tension in a community. By reporting hate crimes when they happen to you, you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to someone else. You will also help the police to understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.

In an emergency:• Call 999 or 112 If you cannot make voice calls, you can contact

the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. You can only use this service if you have already registered at www.emergencysms.org.uk

• Contact the police or report online at www.sussex.police.uk

• Third party reporting centres such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, community voluntary services, district councils and similar can also report the incident on your behalf and provide you with advice and support

• Contact Stop Hate UK (www.stophateuk.org), an organisation that provides confidential and independent hate crime reporting services in various areas in the UK, including a 24-hour helpline.

CrimestoppersIf you do not want to talk to the police or fill in the reporting forms, you can still report a hate crime by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org



Contact usEastbourne Homes’ Customer Contact Centre is able to help with general leasehold enquiries, payments and balance enquiries. Please call 01323 436436.

Don’t forgetYou can view your account online via the self-service portal. To register, please go to www.eastbournehomes.org.uk/ssp

Estimated AccountsYou should have now received your estimated account for 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2016. Estimates are calculated based on the actual charges from the previous five years and any known or predicted increases or decreases in costs.

Your invoice for service charge estimates is due for payment in two equal instalments; the first instalment should be paid by 28th April 2015 and the second by 28th October 2015. If you pay by Direct Debit, you can pay over 12 monthly instalments.

Paying by Direct DebitIf you already pay your service charges by Direct Debit, your monthly payments have been automatically adjusted to reflect the new estimate (unless otherwise agreed).

If you would like to start paying by Direct Debit, please contact us for a form, or visit the leaseholder section of the website to download one (http://www.eastbournehomes.org.uk/my-home/leaseholders/).

Leaseholders paying by Direct Debit for the first time will get a one-off incentive credit of £10.00 added to their service charge account. Please note that if the Direct Debit bounces or is cancelled within three months, the credit will be removed.

Major Works

If major works are due to be carried out on your block, the cost for this work has been included in your estimate. This method of giving leaseholders early notification of major repairs costs was introduced by Eastbourne Homes last year.

Leasehold news

We will allow you to defer payment of the major works element of your service charge estimate and therefore we will not demand payment of charges for major repairs until the work has been completed and all the costs have been established in the final account for the project. Please note that this arrangement is an offer which is not mandatory and does not represent a variation of your lease.

StatementsWe will be sending out statements for your service charge account during April and May.

More Information?Contact: Karen TrumperLeasehold AdministratorT: 01323 436436 E: [email protected]


The Service Improvement Plan has now been issued. Leaseholders wishing to view a copy can visit the leaseholder page on our website www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Hard copies are available from Nathan Thompson (call 01323 436436) or Panel Chair Mike Hanlon (email [email protected]). Any leaseholder is welcome to come along to Panel meetings at Riverbourne House, which are held quarterly. The next one is on Wednesday 15th April at 7.00pm.

Service Improvement Plan update



Eastbourne Homes celebrated the success of its Decent Homes Programme with tea and cake at the newly remodelled Winchester House.

Residents were joined by staff, Board Directors and councillors from Eastbourne Homes and Eastbourne Borough Council. Councillor Janet Coles, Mayor of Eastbourne, and local MP Stephen Lloyd also attended.

In 2005, Eastbourne Homes was tasked to meet the Government’s Decent Homes standard. Ten years on, Eastbourne Homes has successfully met this standard and made a positive difference to thousands of tenants.

Eastbourne Homes’ five retirement courts have been remodelled and its bedsits have been expanded to

accommodate new apartments for residents that are self-contained and fully wheelchair accessible.

Cllr Coles said: “This programme has greatly improved the quality of life for many retired people who are enjoying better accommodation and amenities as a result.”

Chair of Eastbourne Homes, Roger Eastwood, said: “I am delighted that by working with Eastbourne Borough Council and our key contractors, we have successfully met the standard and made the lives of our residents better.”

Carolyn Carpenter, a resident at Winchester House, added: “I’m thrilled to bits with my new apartment. Eastbourne Homes have been very supportive and they’ve really taken into consideration my needs as a registered disabled person.”

Residents celebrate Decent Homes success

Facts about Decent Homes:• 2,140 kitchens installed

• 1,872 bathrooms installed

• 1,055 heating systems installed

• 1,854 entrance doors installed

• 523 roofs


The remodelling programme for retirement courts started in 2010. Schemes remodelled:• Cumbria Court – remodelled from 31 bedsits into 18 new apartments

• Roxbourgh Court – remodelled from 31 bedsits into 18 new apartments

• Tyrone Court – remodelled from 29 bedsits into 17 new apartments

• Sutherland Court – remodelled from 28 bedsits into 14 new apartments

• Winchester Court – remodelled from 31 bedsits into 21 new apartments

RESPONSIVE REPAIRSYour Call, Your Home, Your Service

More Information?Contact: Clive StonemanRepairs Services ManagerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

Your CallPlease remember to use the following numbers (24hrs) to report a new repair or enquire about an existing repair.

For general repairs please call: – 01323 436436For gas repairs and servicing please call: – 0800 142 2761 – 020 8763 5333

You can also contact the service by using one of the following methods to report non-urgent repairs or to enquire about an existing repair:

Internet – www.eastbournehomes.org.uk just follow the link to report a repair onlineEmail – [email protected]

Your HomeEmpty property standards Eastbourne Homes’ Lettable Standard ensures that every property refurbished by our contractor, Mears, is completed to the same standard before being re-let.

We have seen an increase in the number of properties being returned to us where extensive groundworks have been required to remove non-standard installations such as fish ponds and brick-built structures, or where gardens have not been maintained. This has resulted in recharges of up to £4,000 being issued.

As per your tenancy agreement, you are required to hand the property back to us in the same condition as when your tenancy started (fair wear and tear accepted) and the Lettable Standard allows us to assess the condition in which the property is returned. If works are required to bring the property back up to the Lettable Standard which are not deemed as fair wear and tear, then you will be charged for these.

Your Service Employee working conditions A number of our contractors have reported that some tenants are smoking while they carry out repair works in your homes. Obviously you are free to smoke in your own home, although we would like to request that you respect that the attending employee may not be a smoker, or wish to work in a smoke-filled room.


www.eastbournehomes.org.uk12

OPEN HOUSE

Due to the nature of responsive repairs, sometimes appointments need to be re-arranged by our contractors. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and note that if an appointment cannot be kept by any of our contractors, they must inform you of any changes to an agreed appointment time at their earliest opportunity.

On average, 40 appointments per month made by our contractors to undertake repairs are not completed because they are unable to gain access to a property. To help the service run efficiently, please contact the repairs team at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to keep an agreed appointment as this may enable our contractors to attend another urgent repair within a shorter timeframe.

Missed appointments

The winner of the quarterly prize draw for returning her completed repair service satisfaction questionnaire was Miss P Luger from Old Town. A £50 Argos voucher is on its way to her.

More Information?Contact: Clive StonemanRepairs Services ManagerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

13www.eastbournehomes.org.ukwww.eastbournehomes.org.uk

The Go Eastbourne project has been set up to support residents who need help using computers and accessing the internet.

The team offers free, personalised one-to-one support for any Eastbourne resident, or groups of residents, using a computer, tablet, smart-phone or laptop. They use a range of community venues and are happy to organise new places to meet and train people if that makes it easier for residents.

It doesn’t matter if you have never used a computer before, or even if you don’t own one; it’s never too late to start.

If you are already using a computer but are not sure what else it can do, or you’re having trouble with the things you are doing, the team can work with you on this.

Maybe you’re afraid of the internet, or not sure how to use it for the things you want, for example

shopping, banking, job-searching, advice or any other reason – speak to the team as they’ll be able to help.

Please call 01323 415982, text/call 07872 048294 or email [email protected]

Go Eastbourne!

Board Director Sheilah Roberts with Go Eastbourne coordinator Graham Coffey

Eastbourne Police are warning residents about the increase of a crime where phone callers posing as police officers or bank staff ask for bank and card details.

The fraudsters say that your card details have been fraudulently used and you must act urgently to protect yourself. They suggest that you hang up and ring the bank or police to ensure that the call is genuine.

They then stay on the line and pretend to be the police or bank and tell you to key in or read out your PIN number. A taxi or courier, who may know nothing about the crime, will be sent to collect the bank card, and with this and your PIN they can spend your money.

Under no circumstances would the police or your bank request your PIN number over the telephone or arrange collection of your bank cards.

If you have any information, whether you have received similar calls or know someone who has been a victim of this crime, contact Sussex Police via 101 or email [email protected] quoting Operation Edisto. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Board Director and Cllr Annabelle West said: “It’s really important that people don’t give out details over the phone and if in doubt, contact the police.”

Phone scam warning



Benefit increases from 7 April 2015 In its autumn 2012 statement, the Government announced that to reduce the amount spent on welfare benefits and the country’s spending deficit, it would limit annual increases in benefits and tax credits to 1%, rather than increase rates by the consumer price index (cost of living) that had been the case before.

This began in April 2013 and is applicable until at least March 2015. Previous to that statement, the Government had announced large increases in deductions from benefits that could be made to recover overpayments, or to take account of income received by other non-dependant adult members of the claimant’s household.

The tables below outline the Government’s proposals from April 2015 to March 2016, along with the 2014/15 rates for comparison.

More Information?Contact: John NelsonFinancial & Social Inclusion OfficerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

(Weekly rates unless otherwise shown)


RATES RATES 2014/15 From 7/4/2015

INCOME SUPPORT/JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE Personal allowances

Single under 25 57.35 57.90 25 or over 72.40 73.10

Lone parent under 18 57.35 57.90 18 or over 72.40 73.10

Couple both under 18 57.35 57.90 both under 18 – higher rate 86.65 87.50 one under 18, one under 25 57.35 57.90 one under 18, one 25 and over 72.40 73.10 both 18 or over 113.70 114.85

dependent children 66.33 66.90


EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE Personal allowances

Single under 25 57.35 57.90 25 or over 72.40 73.10

Lone parent under 18 57.35 57.90 18 or over 72.40 73.10

Couple both under 18 57.35 57.90 both under 18 with child 86.65 87.50 both under 18 (main phase) 72.40 73.10 both under 18 with child (main phase) 113.70 114.85 one 18 or over, one under 18 (certain conditions apply) 113.70 114.85 both over 18 113.70 114.85 claimant under 25, partner under 18 57.35 57.90 claimant 25 or over, partner under 18 72.40 73.10 claimant (main phase), partner under 18 72.40 73.10

INCAPACITY BENEFIT Long-term Incapacity Benefit 104.10 105.35

Increase of Long-term Incapacity Benefit for age Higher rate 11.00 11.15 Lower rate 6.15 6.20

DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE Care component Highest 81.30 82.30 Middle 54.45 55.10 Lowest 21.55 21.80 Mobility component Higher 56.75 57.45 Lower 21.55 21.80


More Information?Contact: John NelsonFinancial & Social Inclusion OfficerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

RATES RATES 2014/15 From 7/4/2015(Weekly rates unless otherwise shown)


PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT Daily living componentEnhanced 81.30 82.30 Standard 54.45 55.10

Mobility component Enhanced 56.75 57.45Standard 21.55 21.80

CARER’S ALLOWANCE 61.35 62.10 ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE Higher rate 81.30 82.30 Lower rate 54.45 55.10

PENSION CREDITStandard minimum guarantee Single 148.35 151.20 Couple 226.50 230.85

Additional amount for severe disability Single 61.10 61.85 Couple (one qualifies) 61.10 61.85 Couple (both qualify) 122.20 123.70 Additional amount for carers 34.20 34.60

STATUTORY SICK PAY Earnings threshold 111.00 112.00 Standard rate 87.55 88.45

DISREGARDS FROM INCOME Housing Benefit Earnings disregards standard (single claimant) 5.00 5.00 couple 10.00 10.00 higher (special occupations/ circumstances) 20.00 20.00 lone parent 25.00 25.00 childcare charges 175.00 175.00 childcare charges (2 or more children) 300.00 300.00


Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance,Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA(IR)) and Pension CreditEarnings disregards standard (single claimant) (not ESA(IR)) 5.00 5.00 couple (not ESA(IR)) 10.00 10.00 higher (special occupations/ circumstances) 20.00 20.00 partner of claimant (ESA(IR)) 20.00 20.00

DEDUCTIONS – rules common to Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit unless stated otherwise Non-dependant deductions from housing benefit and from IS, JSA(IR), ESA(IR) and Pension Credit aged 25 and over in receipt of IS and JSA(IR), or any age in receipt of main phase ESA(IR), aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work 14.15 14.55

aged 18 or over and in remunerative work - gross income: less than £129 14.15 14.55 - gross income: £129 to £188.99 32.45 33.40 - gross income: £189 to £245.99 44.55 45.85 - gross income: £246 to £327.99 72.95 75.05 - gross income: £328 to £407.99 83.05 85.45 - gross income: £408 and above 91.15 93.80

Third party deductions from IS, JSA(IR), ESA(IR) and Pension Credit for: Arrears of housing, fuel and water costs, council tax 3.65 3.70

Child support, contribution towards maintenance (CTM) standard deduction 7.30 7.40 lower deduction 3.65 3.70

Arrears of Community Charge court order against claimant 3.65 3.70 court order against couple 5.70 5.75Fine or compensation order standard rate 5.00 5.00 lower rate 3.65 3.70

Maximum deduction rates for recovery of overpayments (not JSA(C)/ESA(C))Ordinary overpayments 10.95 11.10 Fraud overpayments 18.25 18.50

(maximum) (maximum)

More Information?Contact: James Leathers Neighbourhood ManagerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

Congratulations to R Fitzjohn from Old Town, who was last quarter’s Handyperson winner.

Area Panel calendar of events


Central & Archery Area Panel (CAAP)The Panel meets between 10.00am and 12.00pm on the second Wednesday of the month at Gwent Court in St James Road. All local residents are welcome. The Panel can be contacted at [email protected]

Central & ArcheryArea Panel

The Panel is very excited to be involved in the forthcoming project at Renfrew Court, which aims to invigorate the area to coincide with the works at Coventry Court. The team also funded the food for the fantastic community lunch, where residents and friends gathered for a fun afternoon of food and entertainment (see page 5 for full story).

April3rd Hampden Park Area Panel 10.00am-12.00pm4th Old Town Film Club 11.00am-1.00pm8th Central & Archery Area Panel 10.00am-12.00pm14th Retirement Housing Panel 10.00am-11.30am15th Leasehold Panel 7.00pm-9.00pm18th Old Town Film Club 11.00am-1.00pm21st Residents’ Voice 10.00am-12.00pm28th Old Town Area Panel 6.15pm-8.15pm

May1st Hampden Park Area Panel 10.00am-12.00pm2nd Old Town Film Club 11.00am-1.00pm12th Retirement Housing Panel 10.00am-11.30am13th Central & Archery Area Panel 10.00am-12.00pm16th Old Town Film Club 11.00am-1.00pm26th Old Town Area Panel 6.15pm-8.15pm

28th Langney Area Panel 6.00pm-8.30pm

June5th Hampden Park Area Panel 10.00am-12.00pm6th Old Town Film Club 11.00am-1.00pm9th Retirement Housing Panel 10.00am-11.30am10th Central & Archery Area Panel 10.00am-12.00pm20th Old Town Film Club 11.00am-1.00pm25th Langney Area Panel 6.00pm-8.30pm30th Old Town Area Panel 6.15pm-8.15pm



Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees (HPWT)Panel meetings take place on the first Friday of the month between 10.00am and 12.00pm at Hampden Park Community Centre. All residents from the area are welcome to attend. The Panel can be contacted on [email protected]

Hampden Park &Willingdon Trees

AREA PANEL

Panel projects

Various projects have now been agreed in Hampden Park. A very successful Safety Check Project was funded for Age Concern, where 66 electric blankets were tested, 60% of which were deemed to be unsafe and were replaced.

Funding has been agreed towards the improvements at the Hampden Park Community Association (pictured right), various landscaping projects, a speed bump in the Hydneye, and match funding with Places for People in Willingdon Trees for new drop kerbs to improve access.

Old Town Area Panel (OTAP)The Panel meets at Old Town Community Centre on the last Tuesday of the month between 6.15pm and 8.15pm. We are always happy to meet new members. Please come along to one of our meetings, or contact us by sending an email to [email protected]

Film Club a box office smash

OTAP’s Film Club was launched in November and lots of families have come along to enjoy the films on offer. We’ve been showing films appropriate to the time of year and this has included Halloween and Christmas themed films.

The club runs twice a month in Old Town Community Centre, on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Children aged between 5 and 12 years old are welcome, and parents must complete a membership form on arrival.

Community commitment

The Panel is pleased to have committed to a number of projects and has agreed to fund improvements to the outside area of Lanark Court, Hamsey Close. New planters are being provided by Hope Woodwork, which the Panel has recently supported. The Panel is also supporting St Elisabeth’s Church Hall to enable them to extend and repair the stage in the main hall.

Panto tickets

The discounted tickets were a huge success and everyone enjoyed the show. Roll on next year!

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Ella Kenward, who recently passed away.

Ella (pictured right) served on the Board of Eastbourne Homes from April 2005 until May 2010 as a Tenant Board Director. She was very passionate about her role and served on the Finance and Corporate Services Committee. Ella was a very popular tenant and ran a strong Social Committee at New Derby House where many trips, quizzes and events were put on for the benefit of others.

Ella was a valued member of the Board.

The Chair of the Board, Roger Eastwood, said: “Ella was very meticulous and her eye for detail would often leave our Finance Team blushing if something didn’t quite add up. Ella will be greatly missed by all.”

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Langney Area Panel (LAP)

Langney Area Panel

The Panel meets on the last Thursday of the month between 6.00pm and 8.00pm at the Resource Centre in Etchingham Road. If you would like to have a coffee and chat beforehand, we are there from 5.00pm. All Langney residents are welcome to attend. LAP can be contacted on [email protected]

19www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

The children in their new waterproofs

LAP funds kids’ outdoor gear

Children at Shinewater Primary School can keep warm and dry in brand-new outdoor gear, thanks to LAP.

Members agreed to fund 60 pairs of wellies, 60 waterproof jackets and trousers, plus sweatshirts, hats and gloves to enable all children to learn about their environment whatever the weather.

Candy Vaughan, Chair of LAP, said: “We were delighted to fund these items. I joined a group of children on the Big Tidy in November which involved going around Shinewater Park and they certainly needed the wellies that day!”

Outdoor fun at Owlets Nursery

The outdoor play equipment on offer at Owlets Nursery is better than ever, after LAP donated £1,000.

Before the donation, children at the nursery had to take their own scooters to play on. The funding bought quality bikes, scooters and a tower with a slide and see-saw.

The nursery is based at the football ground in Priory Lane, Langney.

Sam Roddick from the nursery said that the children loved the new play equipment and were grateful for the Panel’s help.

Members of the Tuesday O’Hara Fund were delighted to receive a cheque for £263.50. The money was raised by the Area Panel and Langney Village Hall Association. The Tuesday O’Hara Fund was founded in 2007 after Tuesday lost her four-year battle against leukaemia.

Pictured left: Candy Vaughan and Owlets Nursery manager Sam Roddick with some of the children

(Registered Company Number: 5340097) England and WalesRegistered Office: 1 Grove Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4TW

Eastbourne Homes Ltd is a company wholly owned by Eastbourne Borough Council

Newsletter Production

This newsletter is produced with the help, contributions and support of the Customer Communcations & Editorial Panel (CCEP).

Printed using vegetable-based inks on paper from well-managed forests.

Did you enjoy this issue of Open House? We hope you did, but if you have any comments or ideas on how we can improve

your newsletter then please let us know by telephoning 01323 436436 or emailing [email protected]

(Please recycle when you have read this issue)

Open House - Spring 2015

Documents

Transcript of Open House - Spring 2015