Nottingham

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

December 2020

You said: Due to the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus, we were unable to hold the usual AGM and pre-budget meetings face-to-face with residents on this leasehold scheme.

We did: Instead of cancelling or postponing the meeting, we held it online. In advance of the meeting, the local Homeownership Specialist recorded a presentation of the annual accounts, explaining any variations in charges. A recording of the meeting was posted online for the benefit of residents who had not been able to attend.

April 2020

You said: In the grip of the coronavirus crisis, some residents at this Independent Living scheme were concerned about the maintenance and upkeep of the estate.

We did: As the ground maintenance contractors were unable to attend, residents worked collectively to keep the grass cut and, while maintaining social distancing, were able to maintain their community allotment. The sense of community at Milton Court is as strong as ever, even in these uncertain times!

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

March 2022

You said: Residents were concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living.

We did: With shortages of labour and materials driving up the costs of repairs and maintenance, rents and some service charges were set to increase in April. We held a residents' meeting to hear residents' concerns and offer them any assistance we could. Most residents had expected the rents to increase and had no major concerns, but were grateful for the explanation and the offer of support.

However, residents indicated that they would like to see the the Scheme Manager on site more often and would like greater involvement in monitoring the performance of the estates services contractors. We agreed to carried out a joint inspection of the estate to identify any problems and hold an annual meeting to discuss such matters. We communicated the outcomes of the meeting to all residents by means of a newsletter.

May 2022

You said: Residents would like help to get online and improve their digital skills.

We did: We partnered with Ability.Net to deliver digital skills workshops to residents at this Independent Living scheme. Ability.Net has volunteers across the country who give up their time to offer advice and help to novices. Six residents attended the first session and they all really enjoyed it.

August 2019

You said: Residents had raised various enquiries and complaints about the grounds maintenance service.

We did: The Customer Partner addressed residents' concerns about grounds maintenance and related charges. Moving forward, we aim to be clearer about the when the grounds maintenance service providers should visit, how they should carry out their work and the level of service residents should expect. We will be working with our contractors to make sure they adhere to the standards specified the service agreement. We may carry out further events and consultations with residents, to hear their views about how they would like the landscaped areas to be maintained and improved.

August 2019

You said: Residents raised complaints about incorrect use of the communal laundry facilities.

We did: The Customer Partner arranged a meeting to give all residents the chance to express their views. Residents had a clearer understanding of their responsibilities once the meeting had taken place. Residents agreed that it would be useful to have a regular surgery, so they could raise concerns in confidence and prevent rumours from circulating. We are also considering the possibility of hosting an evening surgery, for the benefit of residents who are not available in the daytime.

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

March 2022

You said: Residents were concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living.

We did: With shortages of labour and materials driving up the costs of repairs and maintenance, rents and some service charges were set to increase in April. We held a residents' meeting to hear residents' concerns and offer them any assistance we could. Most residents had expected the rents to increase and had no major concerns, but were grateful for the explanation and the offer of support.

However, residents indicated that they would like to see the the Scheme Manager on site more often and would like greater involvement in monitoring the performance of the estates services contractors. We agreed to carried out a joint inspection of the estate to identify any problems and hold an annual meeting to discuss such matters. We communicated the outcomes of the meeting to all residents by means of a newsletter.

December 2019

You said: Residents would like to support the homeless in the local community.

We did: Residents worked together with their Scheme Manager and local Customer Partners to collect (and knit) scarves, socks, hats, coats, jumpers, coats and sleeping bags. The items were distributed to local homeless people in time for Christmas.

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

March 2022

You said: Residents were concerned about the impact of the rising cost of living.

We did: With shortages of labour and materials driving up the costs of repairs and maintenance, rents and some service charges were set to increase in April. We held a residents' meeting to hear residents' concerns and offer them any assistance we could. Most residents had expected the rents to increase and had no major concerns, but were grateful for the explanation and the offer of support.

However, residents indicated that they would like to see the the Scheme Manager on site more often and would like greater involvement in monitoring the performance of the estates services contractors. We agreed to carried out a joint inspection of the estate to identify any problems and hold an annual meeting to discuss such matters. We communicated the outcomes of the meeting to all residents by means of a newsletter.