News from the December Federation meeting

There was a packed agenda for our December meeting and new Chair, Mary Battye, had her work cut out managing to fit in all of the business and finish by our 9.00pm deadline - we're pleased to report that she managed it and we even had time for mince pies and a glass of sherry to celebrate Christmas!

The first items on the agenda were issues raised by Tenants Associations. These were about: Pennine Housing's recent decision to stop tenants living in Shaw Lodge and St James Court from using the roof space as a communal facility; the new fire safety procedures affecting all communal areas in flats; and about the notification to tenants about work to Pennine properties being carried out by external contactors. Stephen Batley, Operations Manager and Sue Lewis, Head of Supported Housing, answered these agenda items.

Access to Tower Block Roof Space

Stephen Batley informed the meeting that there had been a general review of tower block health and safety issues which had identified that tenants living in St James Ct and Shaw Lodge still had keys to access the roof space, whilst tenants in other high rise flats didn't. A decision was taken to bring Shaw Lodge and St James Ct into line with the other 24 blocks. Stephen explained that it was the number of trip hazards on the roofs, rather than the fear of someone fall off the block (there were adequate barriers in place to prevent this happening) that had led to this decision being taken. If someone fell whilst on the roof, there was no way of letting anyone know. Workmen are always expected to go up in two's and also have to wear hard hats.

Fire Safety in Communal Areas

Last December there was a fatal fire in a Halifax block of flats, owned by another Housing Association, this has led to the tightening up of the Pennine's procedures. Pennine is currently working alongside the fire service to carry out full risk assessments of fire safety in flats, they have been advised that all communal areas have to be hazard free which means removing any mats, tables, plastic flowers, etc. Pennine is caught between a rock and a hard place, they understand that tenants want to make communal areas more inviting but, as a landlord, they cannot disregard advice.

Sue stated that the guidance given to tenants to stay put in their flat in the event of a fire had not changed and that Pennine were currently reviewing the information they give to tenants to make sure it meets with current fire regulations.

Sue was asked if tenants would be allowed to put up Christmas decorations in communal areas? Sue explained that even fire retardant Christmas decorations were out of the question. Pennine are also currently checking fire doors - if they find any faulty doors they will either be repaired or replaced. A newsletter, setting out the requirements, will shortly be distributed to all tenants living in flats.

Homecare communication to tenants

Heptonstall TA explained that Homecare had recently carried out loft insulation work to Pennine properties in Heptonstall. Tenants were concerned that the first they knew about this was a letter from Homecare stating they were going to be doing the work, they felt that this put tenants in a vulnerable position as it could easily have been a scam. The association wanted to know if the letter should have come from Pennine or if there could have been an accompanying letter? They were extremely happy with the work itself, there was a noticeable difference in the warmth of the properties.

Stephen responded by explaining about how Homecare were funded by the utility companies and often get money at short notice which means it is difficult for Pennine to provide advance notification of any proposed work. However, all of the Homecare workers should carry Identification and an article would be going in Homing In informing tenants that Homecare might be doing work to their homes. So far, Homecare have upgraded insulation to 2000 Pennine properties.

Other items discussed

Sue Lewis explained about the new Trans-Pennine Disability Equality Scheme which sets out their commitment to meeting the needs of disabled customers and Val Morris provided information about the new Handy Person Service which will be starting in April, a Digital TV progress update and feedback from Service Charge focus group which had recently been held as part of a wider Service Charge review.

For more information about any of the above contact Val Morris on 01422 284517