InTouch - March 2021
Welcome to another edition of InTouch.
Roadmap out of lockdown
On 22 February, the Government announced their roadmap to bring us out of lockdown restrictions, hopefully for the last time.
The first stage of the roadmap has already been reached with schools reopening on 8 March and we’re heading towards more restrictions eased today with the ‘stay at home’ rule being lifted, and limited outdoor gatherings being allowed.
You can visit the GOV website to see each step of the roadmap in detail.
Our services
We’ve continued to run most services as normal during lockdown and are finalising our plans to restart non urgent and emergency repairs.
We are keen to do this in a planned way so that we can get your repair scheduled as soon as we can.
We had to put major works on hold over the last year including replacing bathrooms and kitchens and we’ll be looking at how we can restart these in a safe way.
Our office is still closed to customers and we ask that you contact us in the usual way if you have any queries.
Rent and Service Charges 2021/22
In February, you will have received your rent and service charges 2021-22 letter which sets out your new weekly rent and service charges from 5 April 2020.
It’s important to let any relevant agencies know your new rent amount, especially if you’re on Universal Credit or if you receive Housing Benefit and live outside North Somerset.
You can read more on these letters and find our FAQs on our website.
If you’re having issues paying your rent, please contact us.
Join HIVE today
If you haven’t heard of it already, HIVE is our online community that makes it easy for you to share your views and tell us what you care most about.
Since it started in October 2019, customers have supplied feedback to help us improve our services including our approach to managing anti-social behaviour, repairs appointment scheduling and their experience of becoming an Alliance Homes tenant.
Coming soon we’ll be asking for feedback on how we handle complaints. If you haven’t joined already, why not head over to our website to find out more.
Automated payment line
With many customers already using automated payment lines to pay bills, we’re making it easier for you to pay your rent when you call us.
In May, we’re putting in a new payment line which means you can pay your rent at any time, without needing to speak to a customer advisor. If you pay your rent by direct debit, there won’t be any changes to how you pay.
Keep an eye out for more information closer to the time.
Need some help or support?
The last year has, for many, been a real challenge.
If the pandemic has caused you to have financial worries or concerns, we may be able to help. We can offer personalised payments plans, advice on managing your finances and debt through to offering immediate support to those in need.
We also offer a range of other care and support services and you can find out more by visiting www.alliancehomes.org.uk
If you’d like to speak to someone, why not get in touch with one of our advisors.
