Housing Matters – April 2023
Thursday, 6 April 2023
Our April 2023 newsletter for our housing tenants.
Fraudulent calls to residents
We have been made aware that some of you are receiving calls from agents claiming to be from the council and the housing team.
These callers are asking for pictures of your windows, walls, kitchen and bathrooms and requesting they are sent via WhatsApp text and email.
These types of calls are usually from agents who are paid to get business for no win no fee solicitors. This is not only fraudulent but potentially dangerous if we are not made aware of a repair. If we don’t know about it, we can’t fix it.
How do you know if a call is from us?
Calls from the council will always come from an 0300 300 number, or an email address as follows: firstname.lastname@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
If you notice a problem, what do you do?
It’s very important that if you have any repairs, mould, broken fixtures etc that you contact the housing team via the e-form, and in the case of emergency, call through to the repairs hotline. This is the only way we will know that you have any problems that need fixing.
You’ve already reported a problem and are still waiting
If you feel your request may have been overlooked or the situation has gotten worse, re-report your issue through the repairs e-form. If you feel you are not being listened to, you can make a complaint which is the first step in taking a formal approach to your grievance.
To find out more about how to protect yourself from scams, we have a section on our website about how to spot scams. Remember, if in doubt, check it out.
Are you 55 and over and thinking about buying a shared ownership apartment?
Come and have an informal chat with us about buying an independent living shared ownership apartment. We can show you around and chat to you over a cup of tea and answer any questions that you may have.
Find out more at All Saints View on Thursday 11 May between 10am and 2pm.
You'll need to book - to do so please email home.ownership@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 6144.
Grove View Apartments for those over 55 – applications now open
For those interested in making a move to Grove View apartments, Dunstable, applications to rent are now open! Thinking of shared ownership? Register your interest now.
Moving to Grove View will be an opportunity to live in a brand-new apartment, a chance to start somewhere new with all the benefits of in-town living right on your doorstep.
Construction of the Grove View apartments, located in the cultural centre of Dunstable town, is now complete and available for affordable rent and purchase on a shared-ownership basis.
The housing scheme consists of 88 modern, spacious, and accessible one-and-two-bedroom apartments for rent and 10 apartments for shared ownership for those over 55. The development sits in extensive green space with each apartment having its own balcony or terrace space.
All apartments are built to accessible standards with 6 of the rented two-bedroom apartments specially adapted with adjustable surfaces in the kitchen and are located on the ground floor.
Have you been thinking of rightsizing?
If you are over 55, choosing to “rightsize” your home can be good for both your finances and your wellbeing.
Rightsizing to a smaller home reduces your outgoings and can remove the responsibility for the maintenance and cleaning of your home and garden, eliminates stairs and may reduce loneliness.
And as a Central Bedfordshire Council tenant there are financial benefits. You are entitled to a bonus payment of £500 for every bedroom you free up, and your rent will remain at council rent level with no additional service charges to pay.
Our housing relocation team are here to help and advise you and can also help with aspects of the physical move. So why not call for a friendly no obligation chat to find out more and get your new life started. You can find out more about rightsizing by visiting our website or you can contact the team on 0300 300 8340 or email accommodationservicessociallettings@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit our website to find out more about the apartments on offer at Grove View, and if looking to buy, express your interest by emailing home.ownership@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
We know it can seem a little complicated so, if after viewing the web pages you need a bit of help and support to complete the eligibility check and application process, we are on hand to help, every step of the way. Contact details for support can be found on the website.
We run a number of modern housing schemes for those over 55 across Central Bedfordshire. If you need a little more support why not consider our new development in Houghton Regis, All Saints View, for community living with support and help if needed?
NHS Healthy Start scheme
If you are pregnant, or have a child under four, and you are claiming certain benefits you may be able to get financial help to buy healthy foods and milk under the NHS Healthy Start scheme.
If you’re eligible (find out if you're eligible), then you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use at supermarkets, local shops and markets stocking fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables. You can also take your card to a local children’s centre to collect free vitamins for babies and young children.
It’s much easier to apply, now the scheme has been revised so families can apply online. More information is available on this list of frequently asked questions.
Help us understand more about domestic abuse
We are conducting a survey to better understand public awareness of domestic abuse and effective ways to provide support to those affected by it. Our short survey is designed to gather responses from those who may have experienced, witnessed or perpetrated domestic abuse.
Complete the survey. It will be live until Wednesday 31 May and is completely anonymous.
Give us your feedback
Do you like the news bulletin? What would you like to see included? If you have anything you would like to see on these bulletins, email housinginfo@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and let us know.