Hertsmere News Summer 2012 - Hertsmere Borough Council

Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hertsmereHelping handsfor housingThe continuing economic uncertaintyhas seen more and more people askingfor help with their housing needs.More than 1,800 people are currently onour housing register – that’s 1,800 peoplethat need help finding somewhere to livebecause they can’t afford to buy or rentthrough the private sector.Kim Harwood, the council’s HousingNeeds Manager, explained: “Because ofthe current economic climate, we haveseen many more people needing help.We do not own any houses, so we relyheavily on the private rental sector, andthe housing associations that we work inpartnership with.”So what is the council doingto help?Affordable homes: The council worksclosely with developers to ensure at least35 per cent of homes on any newdevelopment is made available to thecouncil to use for those in need, known asaffordable housing. Strong partnershipworking with developers means thatdespite a general ongoing slump in thebuilding industry, 138 affordable homeswere built in the borough last year.Hertsmere Homes: The council teamedup with propertymanagementcompany Genesis138affordablehomes werebuilt in theboroughlast yearHousing to launch Hertsmere Homeswhich aims to encourage privatelandlords to lease their properties to thecouncil for three to five years.The properties will be used totemporarily accommodate families inneed of housing, so they do not have tomove out of the borough. In exchange,the landlord gets a guaranteed rentalincome with competitive rates, and theday-to-day responsibility of managing atenancy is taken off their hands.Empty homes: The Private LeasingAgreements Converting Empties (PLACE)scheme was set up as a way of bringingempty homes back into use.Private landlords, who sign up to thescheme, can get funding to refurbishtheir homes. In exchange, the council willlease the property for three years, tohouse people in genuine housing need.If you are a landlord with an emptyhome or have a private property youwould like to lease to the council call thehousing unit on 020 8207 7420 or emailhousing@hertsmere.gov.ukMakeyourblindssafeCommunity newsA campaign to raise awareness ofthe dangers of looped blind cordsand chains has been launchedfollowing the death of two toddlersin Hertfordshire.The Safe Blinds campaign is beingpromoted by Hertfordshire SafeguardingChildren Board after two year oldsArthur Winfield and Emily Warner diedin separate, but similar, incidents. Mostaccidental deaths involving blind cordstake place in a bedroom with an averageof two children in the UK dying each yearin blind cords or chain related accidents.A device known as a cleat – smallplastic fixings that attach to the wallto keep the blind cord out of reach ofyoung children – are being distributedby volunteers and Hertfordshire Fireand Rescue service staff when theycarry out home safety checks in a bidto prevent a further tragedy.Get a free ‘Make it Safe’ pack,including a cleat, by emailingtradingstandards@hertscc.gov.ukor call 0845 404 0506.Takingcentre stageIt’s been a booming year for thecouncil-owned Elstree Studios.Most recently Elstree Studios has beenthe home of the BBC’s The Voice, whilerecent feature films include King ofSoho with Steve Coogan, and Underthe Skin with Scarlett Johansson.Two other feature films are currentlyin production at Elstree and Big Brother,now on Channel 5, has renewed itscontract for another two years.Stars from The VoicePhoto © BBC-Wall to Wall-Guy Levywww.hertsmere.gov.uk Hertsmere News Summer 2012 11