Talkback Spring 2012 - Corby Borough Council

Housing newsletter SPRING 2012
for all tenants and residential leaseholders
DIDN’T WE DO WELL!
Performance
Target Met
Rent collection 3
Reduce number of tenants who owe
more than 7 weeks rent
Level of garage rent arrears 3
Re-letting empty homes 3
Completing repairs 3
Increasing the number of tenants joining
the home contents insurance scheme
Answering emergency alarm calls from
elderly tenants
3
3
3
See pages 12 & 13
for further details
Borough Council
Building a bigger, better, brighter corby...
email: landlord.services@corby.gov.uk website: www.corby.gov.uk

Dear Reader,
Corby Borough Council Housing Services have
had another challenging few months since the
last ‘talkback’ magazine.
We have been preparing how we will proceed in respect
of the changes from the new Localism Act. These
changes will affect Council housing in many different
ways, the first changes are around financing the
housing stock, we can confirm that on the 28th March
2012, Corby Borough Council purchased the housing
stock from the Government, at a cost of £71 million.
This purchase will give the Council much more flexibility
in how it spends its money, doubling the capital
programme this year to £5.8 million. This has allowed
the Council to spend additional money investing in the
housing stock.
In addition, the Council have new powers to decide
who will be eligible on our waiting lists, what type
of tenancies we award, and what type of homeless
accommodation we offer.
Council Elected Members will be making decisions
on these changes during the next few months.
We will be keeping you up to date on the progress
of these changes.
We are also pleased to be working with members of
the ‘tenantsvoice’. Tenant members have put
themselves forward to scrutinise the services we
provide, on your behalf and we look forward to
reporting progress on their work.
Cllr Bob Eyles
Lead Member, Housing
Angela Warburton
Assistant Chief Executive
Contents
Pay To Stay Campaign March 2012 03
New Smart Payment Cards 04
New Repairs Handbook 05
New Housing Officer Patches 06
Succession – Changes In The Law 07
New Leaseholders Billing System 08
The Changing Face Of Housing Regulation 10
The Corby ‘tenantsvoice’ 11
Drugs Conviction Tenant Loses Property 11
How Well Are We Doing? 12
Downsize For A Fresh Start 14
Subletting 16
Corby Foodbank 17
Library Plus In Corby 17
Anglian Water & Meter Campaign 18
Fire Safety In The Home 20
Additional Grant Funding 21
Recruitment For The ‘tenantsvoice’, Empty 22
Homes Inspectors, Community Walkabouts,
Association Meetings
Next Community Walkabouts 23
Different Language, Tape Or Larger Print
24
Versions Available
Tenant Content Insurance Changes 24
Contact The Tenant Involvement Team 24
02/03

CORBY BOROUGH COUNCIL
Firstly, we would like to thank all our tenants who
pay their rent on time and either keep their rent
account clear or in credit, as we value you.
Before the last rent campaign of the financial year
we sent a letter to all our tenants who had a debt
on their rent account telling them to expect a visit,
phone call, email or text during the week of 5th March
2012. This gave the opportunity to clear the debt or
to get in touch with their Housing Officer to make an
arrangement and avoid being contacted during the
campaign. As a thank you all tenants with a clear or
credit balance were entered into a draw with a chance
to win one of three £50 shopping vouchers. Many
tenants did clear their debt or speak to us. However,
as on previous campaigns, those who still owed a
debt were contacted in one way or another by their
Housing Officer.
Landlord Services had set a challenging target to
reduce arrears to £200,000 by 31st March 2012. Halfway
through the year we still had an outstanding debt
of £249,336 and it seemed unlikely that it could be
achieved. However, with a lot of hard work and
commitment from both our staff and our tenants the
end of year figure was £202,848, less than £3,000 over
our target and a reduction of £20,349 on the arrears
from April 2011. At the end of March 2012 there were
3,723 rent accounts either clear or in credit, which
is more than three quarters of all tenants. These are
the accounts which have been entered into the prize
draw. We will announce the winners in the next issue
of talkback.
We understand that people’s circumstances change
and in the current economic climate you may be
struggling to pay your bills. Keeping the roof over
your head is always a priority and it does not help if
you put off contacting us. By talking to your Housing
Officer you will be given advice and help on dealing
with money problems and this will prevent arrears
increasing and reduce the risk of losing your home.
If we don’t know there is a problem, we cannot help.

Payment
Smart Cards
04/05
We are in the process of introducing Payment Smart
Cards to all tenants and leaseholders who pay using
the cashiers service, internet or telephone payment
service for Property rent, Garage rent, Court costs,
Home contents insurance, Leaseholder service
charges and Rechargeable repairs. We’ve taken the
decision not to waste time, card costs or postage if
your preferred method of payment is direct debit
or you are on full housing benefit. You should
have received your Payment Smart Card by now
for property rent, garage rent and home contents
insurance. If you haven’t let us know.
The Payment Smart Cards have replaced the old
paper style payment card. They are easy to use
and more up to date, using modern technology.
They are the size of a credit card and hold your
information hidden in a magnetic strip. You can
pick up a FREE handy wallet to keep your cards
and receipts safe when you make your payments
at the One Stop Shop. If you don’t often use the
One Stop Shop we can send you one in the post,
ask your Housing Officer for further details.
We have introduced this new method as it saves a
significant amount of money. Producing the paper
rent cards annually costs in excess of £8,000 plus the
postage. The new Payment Smart Cards will cost
approximately £5,000 and they should last for several
years if stored correctly.
Payments using a debit card can also be made on
the internet at www.corby.gov.uk or by ringing
our automated telephone service on 01536 464618.
Whichever of these methods you choose, quote your
reference number printed on the front of your new
Payment Smart Card to ensure your payment goes to
the right account.
Property Rent
Account

Repairs Handbook
When reporting a repair by telephone or on-line it is
sometimes difficult to explain what the problem is.
For example a common repair fault is ‘my toilet’s
leaking’ but to make sure that it is repaired by a
tradesman on the first visit we need to know as much
information as possible. The toilet could be leaking
from the flush pipe (the pipe that takes the water
from the cistern to the toilet pan) or it could be
leaking from the soilpipe (where the waste goes from
the toilet pan to the drains). Sometimes the leak is
not a leak at all but just condensation on the cistern.
To help you to get repairs completed on the first
visit we are putting together a repairs handbook. The
book explains the repairs the Council is responsible
for and those that the tenant is responsible for. It
also gives useful advice, what we need to know when
you report a repair and detailed pictures to help you
explain the problem to our repairs team.
The draft Handbook was sent to the managers at the
Depot for their comments and suggestions and it has
now been given to members of the tenantsvoice for
their feedback.
Once the consultation has been completed the
handbook will by updated to include the suggestions
made by the Depot and the tenantsvoice. The draft
Handbook will then go to the printers for them
to design the layout, which will be similar to the
talkback design. All new tenants will receive a copy.
Current tenants will be given one on request and a
copy will be accessible on our website at
www.corby.gov.uk.

Housing Officer AREAS
06/07
Please note that your Housing Officer changed areas with effect from Monday 16th April 2012.
Please find below details of all Housing Officers showing the areas on which they now work
along with a telephone number and an e-mail address that they can be contacted on directly.
Lloyds East, Old Village
and Poets.
Marie Gourlay
T: 01536 464189
E: marie.gourlay@
corby.gov.uk
Danesholme, Steyning,
Gretton, Cottingham
and East Carlton.
Jennifer Mathers
T: 01536 463178
E: jennifer.mathers@
corby.gov.uk
Town Centre
and Weldon.
Jan Swann
T: 01536 464613
E: jan.swann@
corby.gov.uk
Lodge Park Old & New
and Shire Lodge.
Angela Spence
T: 01536 463173
E: angela.spence@
corby.gov.uk
Hazel Leys North,
Kingswood Brooks
and Lincoln.
James French
T: 01536 463182
E: james.french@
corby.gov.uk
Exeter and Stanion.
Danielle Hensman
T: 01536 463181
E: danielle.hensman@
corby.gov.uk
Hazel Leys South and
Kingswood Dunedin.
Jane Rickard
T: 01536 464616
E: jane.rickard@
corby.gov.uk
Lloyds West and
Welland Vale.
Theresia Ellis
T: 01536 464610
E: theresia.ellis@
corby.gov.uk
Beanfield (excluding
Steyning).
Julie Collins
T: 01536 463166
E: julie.collins@
corby.gov.uk

SUCCESSION: CHANGES IN THE LAW
As a result of the Localism Act new tenants taking on a
tenancy after 1st April 2012 were afforded limited succession
rights in the event of a tenants’ death.
In February 2012 recognising that all household members
should get maximum protection in the event of being left in
a property after the tenant dies Elected Members made the
decision to give back the right of contractual succession to
specific household members in certain circumstance.
If you were a tenant or joint tenant prior to April 2012 your
rights remain unchanged and the policy approved in February
gives you/your family members added protection.
WHO CAN CLAIM SUCCESSION
Tenant Pre April 2012 Tenant After April 2012
Husband or Wife (Spouse)
Co-habs: living together as man and wife
Civil Partnerships
Son / Daughter / Grandchild / Brother / Sister / Uncle /
Aunt / Nephew/ Niece
Persons who are family members who have given up their
Council tenancy or tenancy with another social landlord to
move in with and care for the tenant until death and the
property they gave up was of the same size or larger
Remarried couples or couples living as man and wife who
have already succeeded to the tenancy and they then die
Combining two Council tenancy households into one
tenancy on the death of the tenant
Other permanent family or household members who
have lived together for social/economic/support, or
companionship
Husband or Wife (Spouse)
Co-habs: living together as man and wife
Civil Partnerships
Sons and daughters of adult age if they have continually
lived in the family home
Persons who are family members who have given up their
Council tenancy or tenancy with another social landlord to
move in with and care for the tenant until death and the
property they gave up was of the same size or larger
Remarried couples or couples living as man and wife who
have already succeeded to the tenancy and they then die
Combining two Council tenancy households into one
tenancy on the death of the tenant
Other permanent family or household members who
have lived together for social/economic/support, or
companionship
In all cases except tenancies which existed under the old rules i.e. pre April 2012 or are the husband or wife (spouse) of a
deceased tenant, consideration will be given to the size and type of home and length of time any household member left
in occupation has lived with the deceased. A family member is defined as a member of the deceased tenants’ family who
is related by blood, marriage or adoption.

LEASEHOLDERS
billing arrangements
08/09
You will have received by now your annual bills for ground rent,
building insurance and, where applicable, stairwell lighting/
caretaking services and grounds maintenance.
As you are aware the Council do not send you your bill for
any everyday repairs or major repairs until mid way through
the next financial year following the year in which the repair
was undertaken. The reason for this is because our system for
recording and proportioning bills as repairs are completed is
not capable of that function and we have been using a manual
billing system for some years.
However, we have now invested in a new accounting software package
which links in with our old system and will have the ability to raise bills
for every day repairs or major repairs on a quarterly basis.
This should help you budget for your share of the repairs you are
responsible for as near as possible to when the repair actually took place
and enable the Council to recoup the cost from you more quickly.
Example: Mr Smith’s bill for 3 repairs during 2010/11 was £165.00.
Apr May June Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
£58 £32 £75

Mr Smith received his “Notification of our Intention” to recharge letter for his proportion of the repair costs in
July 2011 and was sent his Final Bill in October 2011. This is because we wait until year end to look at all repair
service charges to leaseholders and send firstly a “Notification of our Intention” to recharge letter which allows
time for any queries to be answered or disputes to be settled before the Final Bill is sent.
This year 2012/13 will be different. All leaseholders will receive a quarterly bill in July/October/January/April
outlining any repairs costs in the year they actually happen.
Example using the details above
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4
Bill date for above period
Jul 1st 2012 £0.00
Bill date for the above
period Oct 1st 2012 £58.00
Bill date for the above
period Jan 1st 2013 £32.00
Bill date for the above
period 1st Apr 2013 £75.00
We understand that this new billing arrangement could put financial pressure on leaseholders if you had to
repay the previous years bill plus a quarterly bill for the current year. Therefore we will send you a bill quarterly
for the current year during the course of 2012/13 and you will also receive a quarterly bill for the previous year.
By the beginning of 2013/14 the only bills for everyday and major repairs you will receive will be the quarterly bill.
The new accounting software will also be used to collect the annual
service charges at the beginning of each financial year. Instead of
having separate invoices for ground rent, building insurance, stairwell
caretaking and grounds maintenance, (where applicable) you will
receive one bill and have a unique account number for that bill.
You will shortly be receiving a Payment Smart Card with your unique
account number. All charges we make annually or quarterly will be
added to this account and any historic debt from unpaid invoices (if
they are still outstanding) will be transferred into your account.
If at anytime you find you cannot pay your bill, please contact the
Leasehold Housing Officer who will be happy to discuss an affordable
and reasonable repayment plan.

The Changing Face Of
Housing Regulation
10/11
The Tenant Services Authority, set up on 1st April 2010 has been replaced.
The new regulator for social housing providers in England is The Homes &
Communities Agency from 1st April 2012.
The new Regulator is responsible for maintaining the
register of social housing providers and for setting
out the regulatory framework within which housing
providers must operate. The amended Regulatory
Framework includes both the regulatory standards
which all social housing providers must meet, and
how the new Regulator will carry out its functions.
Economic Standards
The main focus of the activity of the new Regulator
will be on the new economic standards for
governance and financial viability, value for money,
and rent, as the basis for robust economic regulation.
Consumer Standards
The Homes & Communities Agency sets consumer
standards for tenant involvement and empowerment,
home, tenancy, neighbourhoods and communities.
The primary responsibility for resolving issues
associated with these standards lies between
landlords and their tenants at a local level. The Homes
& Communities Agency will only intervene if these
standards are not being met and in cases where
serious detriment has caused, or is likely to cause,
harm to tenants including:
• Health and safety concerns
• Loss of home
• Unlawful discrimination
• Loss of legal rights
• Financial loss
Regulation Committee
The Homes & Communities Agency can only
exercise its regulatory functions through a newly
created independent Regulation Committee
within it. This is to ensure that the regulatory
function is independent of the other roles of the
Homes & Communities Agency.

The Corby tenantsvoice
Is Getting Stronger
As part of the Council’s commitment to set
up a tenant scrutiny group members of the
tenantsvoice have met 14 times since September
2011 to help equip them with the necessary
tools so that they can effectively bring about
improvements to the services that the Council,
as a landlord, provides to tenants.
Members have attended a residential course at
Trafford Hall and conferences in Birmingham and
London, as well as regional seminars in Melton
Mowbray to increase their knowledge about recent
changes to legislation and housing regulation
which will develop their future role. The group
have also toured the Council’s Depot where the
Council’s tradesmen are based. Regular training to
understand our business has taken place.
Watch this space for news of the work that they
have been involved with and the progress that is
being made.
If you would like to become a member of the
tenantsvoice contact
Derek Young, Tenant
Participation Officer,
whose contact
details are on
the rear cover.
DRUGS CONVICTION
TENANT LOSES TENANCY
Corby Borough Council were awarded possession of
a property in Constable Road by the County Court.
Information in the Evening Telegraph and evidence
from the Police confirmed that the tenant had been
charged and convicted of supplying illegal drugs.
Drugs had been found at the property.
We will investigate any breach of tenancy and if this is
found to be the case it will result in:
• A Letter being sent to tenants to inform them that
there is evidence of a breach of tenancy
• A Home visit will be carried out and there will be
an Inspection of the property
• The landlord will request a police disclosure for
information to use as evidence in the County Court
• Legal Action will be taken and the tenant will incur
costs which are currently £175
• A warrant to evict will be obtained if tenants do
not leave voluntarily and will incur costs of £110.
Let this be a warning to tenants that Corby Borough
Council will not tolerate drug dealing and it is a serious
breach of your tenancy conditions. Housing Officers
do carry out routine visits to properties without an
arranged appointment to ensure our properties are
being maintained to a satisfactory standard and there
are no breaches of tenancy.

Performance
Performance
How Well Are Are We We Doing? Doing?
12/13
Below is a selection of Performance Indicators that we collate showing us and you where we are making progress and
where we need to concentrate more effort in order to improve the services you receive.
Below you will find performance information for the year 2011/2012 in some of the key areas associated with the services
your receive from your landlord.
INCOME COLLECTION AND ARREARS RECOVERY
What we are measuring Our target was... Year end performance was... How did we perform?
Arrears outstanding on house rents
The % of rent collected compared to what we would
collect if all rent was paid on time by all tenants
To have less than
£200,000 at the 31.03.2012
£202,848
To collect at least 99% 99.71%
Arrears outstanding on garage rents To have less than £2,500 £2,382
The % of tenants who owed us more
than 7 weeks gross rent
How many tenants we evicted as a
result of rent arrears
Number of secure tenants we served a notice
seeking possession on during the year to ensure
the obligation to pay rent is taken seriously
Numbers attending Neighbourhood
Association meetings
To have less than 3.5% of
tenants owing 7 weeks
or more rent
To evict less than
12 households per year
To serve less than 80
tenants with a notice
each month
More than 216 on
average each month
2.3%
14 households have been evicted
so far this year
On average we served
86 each month
143 people attended Neighbourhood
Association meetings on average
each month

REPAIRS and EMPTY HOMES
Average repair and re-let time
for an empty property
% of repairs where the job is not
completed in target time
% of emergency repairs jobs
completed in target time
Not to have properties empty for
long or in large numbers
The number of empty garages
MISCELLANEOUS
Number of tenants taking up the option to join
the home contents insurance scheme
% of Faulty Vita link equipment repaired or
replaced within 24 hours
Number of Emergency Alarm calls answered
in less than 20 seconds from elderly tenants
connected to the alarm centre
To re-let in less
than 26 days
25.7 days
Less than 5% 0%
100% 100%
30 or less 29
To have less than 940
empty at year end
1188 garages were empty at 31.3.12
350 412
99% 98%
98% 99%
Status Guide
This is significantly below target
This is slightly below target
Target met
Corby Borough Council
has in the region of
4817 properties
Other information about us
Corby Borough Council
has in the region of
560 leaseholders
Corby Borough Council
has in the region of
3447 garages

downsize for a
Fresh Start
CHOICE BASED LETTINGS
On August 13th 2012 we will be launching our incentive to downsize scheme. It will be known as
“Fresh Start”. We have a particular shortage of larger houses and bungalows suitable for families
and the scheme is aimed at those tenants currently underoccupying them. It will be available to
all new Applicants registering an application for a move on the Keyways allocation scheme and in
some cases to those who have already applied to downsize.
CORBY BOROUGH COUNCIL
14/15
As your landlord we make use of all of our stock wisely and to the best
advantage for all current tenants who want to or need to move to
another home and applicants waiting for one. In this current economic
climate some tenants may be put off moving due to the expense and
upheaval involved. They may also be daunted by the process and work
they may need to do. Therefore this scheme has been designed to
help you by giving cash incentives as a “thank you” for downsizing,
and a dedicated officer who will assist you through the entire process.
You will also be offered additional help and will be able to choose
which options would best suit you, things like disconnection and
reconnection of your cooker, skip hire or removal costs.
We are particularly interested in tenants who wish to downsize from
their current homes and demonstrate the “empty nest syndrome”.
Have your children all flown the nest leaving you with spare rooms
unused, rooms you have to heat and maintain or gardens you are
struggling to maintain due to their size or your age or mobility
issues? Other households may have had costly adaptations for a family
member who no longer resides in your property also interest us as we
have lots of applicants and current tenants who could make good use
of an adapted property.

Did you know that you can reduce your utility bills
by moving to a smaller home? If money’s tight this
may be one way to help you maximise what you
have to spend. If you want to move from a house or
bungalow to a flat, or from a house or bungalow to
a flat in one of our sheltered and supported housing
schemes designated for the over 60’s, we will offer
an additional cash bonus. If your property has been
adapted to meet the needs of a household member
who no longer resides in it we will offer an additional
cash incentive.
Look out for full details on Launch Day.
Examples:
What’s your
current
Property Size
and Type ?
2 bed house
or bungalow
3 bed house
or bungalow
4 bed house
4 bed house
5 bed house
5 bed house
Property
size
you are
moving to
1 bed
property
1 bed
property
2 bed
property
1 bed
property
2 bed
property
1 bed
property
Cash
“thank
you” for
giving
up your
current
home
Any
House or
Bungalow
to a flat
(gen
needs)
Bonus 3/4/5
house or 3
bungalow
to flat in a
sheltered
court
Bonus for giving
up a property
suitable for a
disabled person
(i.e. has a stairlift
and floor draining
shower)
Additional
incentive
*choose
from a list
of options
how best to
use this
Maximum
package
which
can be
achieved
£200 £50 Or £100 & £100 £200 £600
£500 £50 Or £100 & £100 £500 £1,200
£300 £50 Or £100 & £100 £350 £850
£400 £50 Or £100 & £100 £550 £1,150
£400 £50 Or £100 & £100 £450 £1,050
£500 £50 Or £100 & £100 £600 £1,300

Subletting – Another
Housing Cheat Caught!
16/17
We have had another success as
a result of combined efforts of
neighbours who first alerted us of
a possible sublet property and other
council departments and the police
BLOW THE
which led to a property being relet
by
WHISTLE
the Council.
ON
FACT: Neighbours, who wished to
remain anonymous, raised concerns
HOUSING
to the Housing Officer that a 3 bed
property on Welland Vale Road was
being sublet.
FACT: They advised that they hadn’t
seen the original tenant and had
CHEATS
witnessed lots of different people
going in and out of the property and
staying there for weeks at a time.
FACT: The tenant who was supposed
to be living there was claiming
Housing Benefit and had indicated
they were the sole occupier.
WHAT WE DID: An investigation
took place and several visits were
made to the property to establish
what was going on. The tenant was
never at home.
By chance we received information
as to the whereabouts of the current
tenant. The tenant was visited and
eventually admitted they were not
using the property as their main
and principal home and were
subletting rooms.
FACT: A Notice Seeking Possession
was immediately served. Our
intention was to get a possession
order in the County Court for breach
of tenancy conditions. Unlawful
subletting amounts to fraud. We
didn’t need to, the tenant knew the
game was up and our Housing Benefit
Fraud Investigation Unit would be
wanting to talk to them too, so they
surrendered the tenancy and gave us
back the keys.
FACT: Good result for us but even
better for the family who were
allocated the property and who
really needed it.
If you suspect someone of subletting
a Council property please let us know
by telephoning 01536 463175
or emailing us at:
landlordservices@corby.gov.uk

Corby foodbank has been operating since the end of
March this year. The aim of the foodbank is to provide
3 days emergency food to families and individuals at a
time of crisis.
People can be assessed and referred to the foodbank by
a number of different agencies. If appropriate a voucher
for food will be issued which can be exchanged at one
of the foodbank distribution centres.
For more information about the
work of the Corby foodbank,
or how you can get involved,
contact The Corby Foodbank,
Hope Centre, 8 Princewood
Road, Corby, Northants,
NN17 4AP by letter or e-mail:
info@corby.foodbank.org.uk.
Alternatively you can telephone
01536 737588 or visit the website
at www.corby.foodbank.org.uk
Welcome To
Library Plus
Membership of the library is free. We have books for all
tastes and ages, including large print and audio books.
Or rent the latest DVDs and CDs for one week. Adults
and children can borrow books for up to 3 weeks. Items
can be returned to any library in Northamptonshire.
You can renew or reserve your books by phone, online
or in person. Activities and services for children include
homework clubs, free bookstart bags, rhymetimes and
the Summer Reading Challenge. They also offer free
access to 1000’s of internet sites through the e-library.
For a nominal fee you can hire a computer with full
access to the internet along with word-processing and
scanning capabilities.
On Fridays all access to computers is FREE!
Corby Library The Corby Cube, Parklands Gateway
Tel: 0300 126 1000
E-mail: corlib@northamptonshire.gov.uk
Danesholme Library 14, Neighbourhood Centre
Tel: 01536 742862
E-mail: danelib@northamptonshire.gov.uk
If you are unable to visit a library for reasons of age,
health or disability, you are entitled to the Home
Library Service. For more information about this service
telephone 0300 126 1000.
For more information on Northamptonshire Libraries
and Information Service can be found at
www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/libraries

18/19
We were recently contacted by Anglian Water who advised us of concerns with
reference to Corby being a “Drought Area”. They told us the last 18 months have
been the driest in over 100 years. Rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels are at
very low – and as we move into the even drier spring/summer months, there is
no sign of the situation easing.
Anglian Water’s main concern is to conserve
dwindling water resources for the benefit of all Corby
borough residents and they asked if we would help
them get the message across to our tenants.
They also told us that across the borough many
residents did not have a water meter and may be
paying more than they would be if they had one.
Once you are on a meter you only pay for what you
use so you can really influence your bill. By conserving
water you can also save on your energy bill. On
average 25% of your energy bill relates to heating
water. They also believe that residents with water
meters conserve more water and can gain financially
by having a lower bill than those that don’t.
If you live in a home which isn’t fully occupied and
have low usage you may be better off.
Anglian Water in the coming months will be
contacting households across the borough who do
not already have a water meter to encourage them to
consider installation. They will undertake a survey and
consider how your household uses water, offer advice
on lower usage and a free “Bits and Bobs” water
saving kit which contains water saving devices which
they will install free of charge for you. If you decide
that a water meter is for you they will also give you a
two year switch back guarantee if you’re not getting
the benefits you expected.
Below are some average prices based on high,
medium or low usage and household sizes. For more
information and guidance visit Anglian Waters website
at www.anglianwater.co.uk. Match your water usage
to the number of people in your household.

Per Year
Number of people
in property
Low User
yearly bill (£)
Average User
yearly bill (£)
Above average user
yearly bill (£)
1 195 273 413
2 264 396 562
3 328 471 697
4 384 582 766
5 433 600 893
Per month
Number of people
in property
Low User
£ per month
Average User
£ per month
Above average user
£ per month
1 16.25 22.75 34.42
2 22 33 48.83
3 27.33 39.25 58.08
4 32 48.50 63.83
5 36.08 50 74.42

DO YOU HAVE A WORKING
SMOKE ALARM AT HOME?
IF NOT YOU ARE FOUR TIMES AS LIKELY TO DIE IN A FIRE
20/21
Around 250 people die each
year in fires in their homes,
caused by smoking materials,
candles, and other factors
such as cooking appliances.
You can reduce the risk of fire
in your home by following
some simple fire safety steps.
1
Fit smoke alarms
on each level of
your home.
2
Test your smoke
alarms weekly.
Never remove the
batteries.
3
Put it out. Right
out! Make sure you
put cigarettes out
properly and never
smoke in bed.
4
Plan an escape
route and make sure
everyone knows it
and where door and
window keys are kept
Social Housing landlords have a responsibility
to you and your home and must ensure that
gas and electrical appliances they supply are
safe and in good working order. Your
landlord may also fit smoke alarms in shared
accommodation and communal areas.
Speak to your landlord if you have any
questions or concerns.
In the event of a fire
Get out, stay out and call 999
Don’t attempt to tackle a fire yourself
www.facebook.com/firekills

Your Neighbourhood Association
Additional Grant Funding
The Council supports a number of neighbourhood associations across the borough with a small separate
pot of money to help them with their running costs and expenses. Your Association works hard to secure
any additional grants and raises funds itself in order that it can make a difference to your community.
This year we had a small underspend on the pot of
money we keep to support associations and were
aware there were a number of associations who were
feeling the added pinch and pressures associated with
community events to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee
as well as other events and priorities they wished to
address. A decision was made by the Chairs Group to
allow the underspend to be used by associations.
Applications were sent out to all associations and a
panel looked at each application and awarded sums
of money for specific purposes in the coming year.
The panel was made up of Councillor Bob Eyles, Cath
Maglone (LLSM) and Alan Blowes the Chairman of
Lloyds West Neighbourhood Association.
Here is a list of Associations who applied successfully, what they intend using it for and what was awarded:
Shire Lodge &
the Chestnuts
£300 – part fund a fun day and teddy bears picnic activities
£420 – additional bin to address a littering hotspot
£720
Lloyds West £800 – 2 additional bins to address littering hotspots £800
Oakley Vale £500 – part fund Diamond Jubilee Family Fun Day £500
Hazel Leys
£250 – part fund a Community Fun day
£420 – additional bin to address a littering hot spot
£670
Kingswood £300 – part fund a Diamond Jubilee Community Fun Day £300
Corby Leaseholders Association £435 – sponsor a local ladies hockey team for a season with shirts £435

Fancy Joining
The tenantsvoice?
There are currently places
available for tenants to become
a member of the tenantsvoice.
The tenantsvoice is open to all
tenants and is the tenant chosen name for the tenant
scrutiny panel. They will be helping to improve the
Council’s performance as a landlord by:
• Giving an independent view of the Council’s
procedures and performance as a landlord
• Highlighting what is good and what needs to
change; and
• Making evidence based recommendations to
change things for the better
Wanted – More Empty
Homes Inspectors
Empty Homes Inspectors spot
check the condition of empty
homes by ‘reality checking’ their
condition when tenants leave
a property, and they also make
sure that the properties meet
the property letting service standards before the next
tenants sign their tenancy agreements.
FREE training will be offered in all aspects of the work
you will undertake. You just need to be willing and able
to learn.
Interested?
If you are interested in this tenant involvement
opportunity please contact the Tenant Involvement
Team now. Details on the rear cover.
22/23
Community Walkabouts
Every 3 months we conduct community walkabouts and invite you to take part.
Together we look at all sorts of issues that may affect your estate or your village.
We want to ensure that your estate or village is a more pleasant place to live in
by addressing the issues that you think are important. Mobility scooter users
are welcome to attend. You can find our walkabout schedule on our website at
www.corby.gov.uk. Further details are available by contacting a member of the
Tenant Involvement Team. Details on the rear cover.
C
W
Association Meetings
If you would like to attend a neighbourhood association
meeting where local tenants, residents and leaseholders
meet on a regular basis we will be happy to tell you when
and where your local association meets. You can also find
these details on our website at www.corby.gov.uk.
Interested?
If you are interested in taking part in a walkabout,
attending an association meeting, or would just
like further information, please contact the Tenant
Involvement Team. Details on the rear cover.

Your Next Community Walkabouts
WALKABOUT DATE, TIME & MEETING POINT WALKABOUT DATE, TIME & MEETING POINT
Beanfield – Becks Green
& Mantlefield
Beanfield – North Lawns
& Wedmore Court
Beanfield – Steyning &
Woods End
Danesholme
Exeter
Hazel Leys North
Hazel Leys South
Kingswood – Brookside
& Lincoln
Kingswood – Dunedin
Lloyds East
Lloyds West Area 1
Lloyds West Area 2
Wed 1st August at 1.30pm
Beanfield Community Centre
Wed July 18th at 10.00am
Beanfield Community Centre
Wed 27th June at 2.00pm NEW TIME
Bodiam Place entrance to Steyning Close
Tue 7th August at 10.00am
Boden Close shops
Wed 22nd August at 2.00pm
Autumn Centre, Counts Farm Road
Wed 20th June at 2.00pm
Gainsborough Road shops
Mon 25th June at 2.00pm
Gainsborough Road shops
Tue 17th July at 10.00am
Lay-by on Spalding Road at the bottom of
Sturton Walk
Tue 3rd July at 10.00am
Canada Square shops
Thur 12th July at 10.00am
Stephenson Way Community Centre
Tue 3rd July at 6.00pm NEW TIME
Studfall Shops newsagents
Tue 17th July at 6.00pm NEW TIME
Water Tower on Tanfields Grove
Lodge Park New
Lodge Park Old
Old Village
Poets Old & New
Shire Lodge
Town Centre
Welland Vale &
The Chestnuts
Cottingham
East Carlton
Gretton
Stanion
Weldon
Wed 25th July at 1.30pm
Arran Community Centre, Mull Drive
Mon 16th July at 10.30am
Pytchley Court shops
Tue 11th Sept at 2.00pm
The Jamb car park
Mon 9th July 9.30am
Water Tower, Willow Brook Road
Tue 3rd September at 10.00am
Shire Road flats opposite Tay Close
Tue 24th July at 1.30pm. Elizabeth Street
flats opposite Crown House
Tue 21st August at 2.00pm
Velbert House, Ennerdale Road
Wed 5th Sept at 2.00pm
Ripley Road/Rockingham Road junction
Wed 5th Sept at 3.00pm
East Carlton Park Café
Wed 5th Sept at 1.00pm
Outside Kirby Road barbers shop
Wed 11th July at 10.00am
Stanion Village Hall, Old Brigstock Road
Tue 10th July at 10.00am
Weldon Village Hall, Bridge Street
Changes to an evening start time for the Lloyds West Walkabouts have been made in the hope that more residents will attend.
Come and tell us what your concerns are and show us where the problems are near to your home and the area that you live in.

Having difficulty reading
this newsletter?
Prefer to receive a talking newsletter
on tape or CD, or a larger print
version FREE of charge? If so contact
Derek Young on 464605 or e-mail him at
derek.young@corby.gov.uk.
The paper which is used for this
newsletter is from a sustainable
source. Please recycle it in an
appropriate way.
If you would like information in another
language please ask us.
Tenants Contents Insurance
Peace of mind at an affordable cost.
Corby Borough Council does not insure your furniture,
belongings or decorations against theft, fire, vandalism,
burst pipes and other household risks. You need to take
out your own insurance.
With effect from 9th April 2012 the Tenants Contents
Insurance provided through the Council for tenants is now
underwritten by Allianz. The new and improved cover is
available at a competitive price and there is still no excess
to pay. The weekly premium can be paid at the same time
as your rent using a separate payment card.
If you would like more information on this comprehensive
insurance cover, please contact the Housing Finance Team
on 01536 463183, e-mail housing.finance@corby.gov.uk, or
visit the Council’s website at www.corby.gov.uk where you
can download a prospectus and an application form.
Contact the Tenant Involvement Team
Derek Young:
Peter Byrne:
464605 • derek.young@corby.gov.uk
463167 • peter.byrne@corby.gov.uk
Landlord Services, Neighbourhood Pride, Corby Borough Council,
Deene House, New Post Office Square, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 1GD
Borough Council
for all tenants and long-term residential leaseholders
email: landlord.services@corby.gov.uk
website: www.corby.gov.uk