HFI NEWS - Islington Council

Home Owner News
Service charges - estate
cleaning
Home Owner News
Small improvements that can
save home owners money
We calculate your service charge bill
based on the services received in the
preceding year.
Caretaking service
This is a regular service provided to clean
estates and blocks. Caretakers will sweep and
mop shared halls, porches, landings and stairs.
They will also clean inside windows on shared
doors, landings and staircases in addition
to other duties such as changing bulbs and
removing litter.
The charge for your caretaking service is
based on the number of caretaking hours
that your block receives plus a proportion of
other caretaking related costs that have been
identified by the area housing office. We
have to factor in the cost of wages, vehicles,
caretaking equipment and cleaning materials
as well as other management costs. A full
breakdown is available on request.
Adjustments are made according to the
property size and the number of units in your
block so that we identify a cost per unit which is what we pass on
to you.
Estate
clearance
service
The team is responsible
for removing bulky
items from land
managed by us. This
is a responsive service
which ensures that flytipped
items are moved
quickly and are not left
to become health and
safety or fire hazards.
You pay for this service
based on the number
of collections to your
block or estate.
Mechanised caretaking
This service uses a mechanised vehicle to sweep estate roads
and other large concrete or paved areas. The caretaker can then
concentrate on other tasks. You pay for this service based on its
use on your estate.
Jet washing
This is a responsive service used to clean off graffiti or spilled
paint. We also use the service to deep clean areas such as the
dustbin chambers when required. You pay for this service based
on its use on your estate.
Estate Services Support
contact numbers
Highbury House East (formerly Upper Street)
020 7527 5371 or 020 7527 5376
Highbury House West (formerly Lyon Street)
020 7527 6875 or 020 7527 6861
Holland Walk 020 7527 7447 or 020 7527 7416
Old Street 020 7527 6205 or 020 7527 6232
Islington Council’s Energy Advice Team
provides information on:
• no cost and low cost ways to save energy
• efficient heating systems
• explaining heating controls
• understanding bills, fuel switching and debt advice
• low energy lighting
• local and national grants and discount schemes
The number to call is 0800 953 1221 or email
energy.advice@islington.gov.uk
Safe and Warm
These grants provided by the council are for 100% of the cost
of heating, insulation and security measures. You qualify for a
grant if you are an owner-occupier or leaseholder, and receive a
qualifying benefit.
Grants are available for the following:
• gas central heating
• replacing old inefficient boilers
• loft insulation
• cavity wall insulation
• locks on external doors and accessible windows
• smoke alarms and other security
• small energy-saving measures, including London bars,
spy-glass, and door chains
Funds are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis.
Energy Doctor in the Home
(Waiting list only)
If you suffer from heart problems, breathing problems or
Parkinson’s disease or if you are over 70 or with a child under 5
years old then a referral can be made through SHINE (Seasonal
Health Interventions Network). Call 0800 953 1221.
The Energy Doctor will be able to talk about your bills and tell
you about small changes you can make to save money, fit small
improvements for free such as basic draught exclusion, hot water
tank jackets and energy saving bulbs, radiator panels, and OWL
energy monitors.
PLEASE
(Private Landlords Energy Award Scheme)
If you are subletting your Islington property this scheme assists
private landlords with the installation of improved heating and
insulation. A grant covering 67% of the costs is available.
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Visit our website at
www.homesforislington.org.uk
Visit our website at
www.homesforislington.org.uk
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IS424-HFI-News-Spring-2012-16pp-HomeOwner-v9.indd 10-11 02/03/2012 15:41