Teignbridge District Council and Sovereign Living have launch today the 'Open Market HomeBuy scheme'. Open Market HomeBuy can provide a Teignbridge resident with the funding to purchase a new home and enable them to take out a mortgage which they can afford.
Follow this link to the Teignbridge District Council web site:
http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?ArticleID=16935
Wednesday 30 January 2013
Teignbridge District Council - Cold Weather Plan for Rough Sleepers
Recently I have been asked to give details of Teignbridge District Council's Cold Weather Plan for Rough Sleepers: I hope the detail below explains this and is helpful.
The Council’s cold weather plan for rough sleepers kicks in when it is predicted that the temperature will fall below 0 degrees on 3 consecutive nights.
We contact all support agencies who work with rough sleepers to offer them accommodation over this period and encourage them to access service and support and not return to the streets after the three-day period has lapsed.
We put the plan into action on 11 January and it continues to be in operation.
Teignbridge estimate we have approx between 4 and 6 rough sleepers at any one time. We have recognised there is a lack of support services for rough sleepers and there is no supported housing for homeless individuals with complex needs. In order to address this, we are working with partners in the voluntary sector to provide accommodation and support for those who wish to come off the streets.
This work includes outreach work where support workers go out to places including Newton Abbot, Dawlish and Teignmouth and look for people sleeping rough and giving practical support to help them come off the streets.
This is an interim arrangement while we procure a new service in partnership with South Hams and West Devon to provide an outreach and support service to people sleeping rough in the area.
The aims of this new service are to assist rough sleepers in accessing accommodation and/or employment opportunities and to assist rough sleepers to engage in services such as health and drug and alcohol services and mental health services.
Rough Sleepers can come to our Housing Options service for a homelessness assessment. If they are deemed to be in priority need under the Housing Act they have a right to be provided with emergency accommodation and have their longer term housing options assessed.
Teignbridge is also part of the Devon and Cornwall ‘No Second Night Out initiative’ which aims to put an end to rough sleeping across the counties.
There is 24-hour telephone hotline as part of this initiative which people can now report a rough sleeper by phoning 0800 151 3441 or completing an online referral form by visiting http://tinyurl.com/
Once this is done, help is then offered in an attempt to prevent them returning for another night outside.
Once this is done, help is then offered in an attempt to prevent them returning for another night outside.
We would urge anyone who sees a rough sleeper to report it either directly to the Council or by using this outline so we can make contact with them and offer support and assistance.
Wednesday 16 January 2013
Ashburton & Buckfastleigh 'Shaping community services for the future'
Torbay and Southern Devon Health Care NHS Trust is consulting on 'options for care in Ashburton, Buckfastleigh and Bovey Tracey communities'
Last night the Trust together with the Shadow Chair of the local shadow Clinical Commissioning Group held a public consultation meeting in Ashburton Town Hall for local residents, to discuss the proposals contained in the Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust consultation document, which can be found at www.tsdhc.nhs.uk
Of concern to me and doubtless readers of this Blog is Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Community Hospital and its past, present and future. This is because this hospital was, as we heard last night, originally paid for by private subscription, the land given for the purpose, and for 50 years was funded by the two communities. It has survived a number of attempted closures, but despite all of this, it is still there, and its 10 beds and unique local flavour evoke passionate responses in residents. It has a strong League of Friends and its physical siting in the Town means that it is accessible both by the Number 88 bus (which I have Blogged about previously - a grant service) the X38 and it lies just off the A38 and has free parking.
So why the fuss and emotional angst?
Basically my understanding after last night's meeting - and I do very much suggest readers download and see the whole document for themselves - is the the Trust believe that our hospital will not be fit for purpose in the future and that they consider that with an aging population and the requirements of the older population these 10 beds should be transferred to Newton Abbot Hospital, and the monies saved invested in Community Care and treating residents in their own homes including end of life.
The meeting was told that the responses that will be received by the Trust, (to be considered by the Board in March - currently 27th but may be subject to change) will be listen to - it was a consultation.
Not to repeat last night's arguments for and against the proposals, I would though like to highlight some themes from last night that have been raised about the both the process of the consultation and the options being offered.
Last night's meeting raised both procedural and content questions, and in this we as a community are grateful to our Mayor Cllr. Elaine Baker for the time, research and her focus to pursue issues, about the validity of the dates between which the consultation was due (resulting in an extension to the 24th Feb); the papers associated with the consultation not being associated with the consultation (the Estates review has still to be completed as per NHS guidelines); and the non-supplying of specific date for the Ashburton/Buckfastleigh hospital and the running costs of the Newton Abbot PFI hospital. The distribution of the savings being made between Ashburton/Buckfastleigh and the rest of the Trust area, and the increase costs to be generated by community care outside the in patient beds system currently available. And some of the statements about the physical attributes of the building verses Newton Abbot hospital and home care.
Many speakers were concerned about the distribution of leaflets and information about the consultation process and this is leading to a distribution by the Royal Mail of further leaflets to the moorland areas.
Respondents should either complete the on-line form, email: consultation.tsdhc@nhs.net or use the freepost leaflet when it drops through the door or picked up in the Towns.
One thread throughout last night's meeting, echoed by residents young and old, was not only the professional way in which staff & volunteers carry out their duties at the Hospital, but also the caring nature, and the passion which staff have for their work and patients and the community in which they serve.
Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Community Hospital is surely an example of what we should expect from the NHS - when we need acute beds we go to a specialist hospital, but when we need intermediate care or just plain TLC.
It was nice to see Buckfastleigh residents present including the Mayor Cllr. Rudgley and Chair of the League of Friends Dr Peter Edwards. Buckfastleigh residents have the same meeting on Tuesday 29th Jan.
Exactly what is wrong, (I being one of aging residents for whom this is designed), with being able to be restored to full health, or ending our days, within a community context, near our family and friends, in a ward in which we can speak with other patients who we have probably known for years, with family and friends being able to pop-in?
Hey ho, but what do I know!
Last night the Trust together with the Shadow Chair of the local shadow Clinical Commissioning Group held a public consultation meeting in Ashburton Town Hall for local residents, to discuss the proposals contained in the Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust consultation document, which can be found at www.tsdhc.nhs.uk
Of concern to me and doubtless readers of this Blog is Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Community Hospital and its past, present and future. This is because this hospital was, as we heard last night, originally paid for by private subscription, the land given for the purpose, and for 50 years was funded by the two communities. It has survived a number of attempted closures, but despite all of this, it is still there, and its 10 beds and unique local flavour evoke passionate responses in residents. It has a strong League of Friends and its physical siting in the Town means that it is accessible both by the Number 88 bus (which I have Blogged about previously - a grant service) the X38 and it lies just off the A38 and has free parking.
So why the fuss and emotional angst?
Basically my understanding after last night's meeting - and I do very much suggest readers download and see the whole document for themselves - is the the Trust believe that our hospital will not be fit for purpose in the future and that they consider that with an aging population and the requirements of the older population these 10 beds should be transferred to Newton Abbot Hospital, and the monies saved invested in Community Care and treating residents in their own homes including end of life.
The meeting was told that the responses that will be received by the Trust, (to be considered by the Board in March - currently 27th but may be subject to change) will be listen to - it was a consultation.
Not to repeat last night's arguments for and against the proposals, I would though like to highlight some themes from last night that have been raised about the both the process of the consultation and the options being offered.
Last night's meeting raised both procedural and content questions, and in this we as a community are grateful to our Mayor Cllr. Elaine Baker for the time, research and her focus to pursue issues, about the validity of the dates between which the consultation was due (resulting in an extension to the 24th Feb); the papers associated with the consultation not being associated with the consultation (the Estates review has still to be completed as per NHS guidelines); and the non-supplying of specific date for the Ashburton/Buckfastleigh hospital and the running costs of the Newton Abbot PFI hospital. The distribution of the savings being made between Ashburton/Buckfastleigh and the rest of the Trust area, and the increase costs to be generated by community care outside the in patient beds system currently available. And some of the statements about the physical attributes of the building verses Newton Abbot hospital and home care.
Many speakers were concerned about the distribution of leaflets and information about the consultation process and this is leading to a distribution by the Royal Mail of further leaflets to the moorland areas.
Respondents should either complete the on-line form, email: consultation.tsdhc@nhs.net or use the freepost leaflet when it drops through the door or picked up in the Towns.
One thread throughout last night's meeting, echoed by residents young and old, was not only the professional way in which staff & volunteers carry out their duties at the Hospital, but also the caring nature, and the passion which staff have for their work and patients and the community in which they serve.
Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Community Hospital is surely an example of what we should expect from the NHS - when we need acute beds we go to a specialist hospital, but when we need intermediate care or just plain TLC.
It was nice to see Buckfastleigh residents present including the Mayor Cllr. Rudgley and Chair of the League of Friends Dr Peter Edwards. Buckfastleigh residents have the same meeting on Tuesday 29th Jan.
Exactly what is wrong, (I being one of aging residents for whom this is designed), with being able to be restored to full health, or ending our days, within a community context, near our family and friends, in a ward in which we can speak with other patients who we have probably known for years, with family and friends being able to pop-in?
Hey ho, but what do I know!
Thursday 10 January 2013
Major boost for first time buyers after new HomeBuy scheme is launched in Teignbridge
I reproduce below the Teignbridge District Council & Sovereign Housing Press Release regarding the new HomeBuy scheme following requests.
Major boost for first time buyers after new HomeBuy scheme is launched in Teignbridge
First-time buyers in the Teignbridge area now stand a better chance of acquiring the keys to their first home following the launch of an equity loan scheme.
People who want to own their own home in Teignbridge but have struggled to raise the deposit now have the opportunity to apply for a loan under the Open Market HomeBuy scheme, which is being run by Teignbridge District Council and Sovereign Housing Association.
The flexible and innovative initiative - often referred to as a shared equity scheme - is open to people in housing need who have a local connection, are in a household earning less than £60,000 and are unable to buy a suitable home without the help of the equity loan.
Buyers can look around for any home worth under £190,000 being sold on the open market in any part of Teignbridge. It can be a new build or a house that is already for sale, meaning people have the freedom to chose from any property on offer.
A mortgage or savings can be used to fund an agreed percentage of the purchase price for the home and Teignbridge District Council and Sovereign will then provide a loan on the remaining cost, up to a maximum value of 25%, depending on the buyers’ financial circumstances.
The Council is providing £300,000 for the scheme and Sovereign is contributing £100,000.
The scheme is aimed at helping a minimum of 10 local families buy their own home. Priority will be given to first-time buyers, key workers or housing association residents looking to move into home ownership.
Teignbridge District Council is holding a drop in event in Old Forde House, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot, on 30 January from 1pm until 6pm so people can find out more.
Tony Quigley, Sovereign’s Director of Home Ownership, said:
“We have funded Open Market Home Buy in other parts of the country and have found it to be a very successful initiative that meets a very real housing need. We are delighted to be able to work with Teignbridge District Council to help local households meet their aspiration to purchase their own home.”
Cllr Philip Vogel, Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Spokesperson for Housing and Planning, said:
“We are very pleased that together with our partners Sovereign Housing Association, we are able to offer residents who wish to remain living in Teignbridge the opportunity to do so.
“Through HomeBuy, residents will be able to get a secured loan so they can buy their first home, whether it is a new build or a property that is already for sale on the open market. It gives people the freedom to make their own choice about where they want to live without having to worry about saving a hefty deposit.”
“We have always said that we want to make it as easy as possible for first time buyers to get the best and most affordable opportunities to invest in bricks and mortar and this scheme gives a great opportunity to get that first foot on the ladder.
“Housing remains a major issue for many residents. It is one of the top priorities in our Council Plan and we have been looking at many ways of tackling the issue of how we provide affordable homes - whether it’s through investigating self build or shared ownership - as it’s what people tell us is one of the important things to them.
“This innovative scheme also allows the Council, in time, to recycle the capital benefiting from any uplift in house prices. It keeps families together and helps our local communities continue to grow and thrive.”
Loans of up to £47,500 are available and will be secured against the value of the property. No interest is charged for the first three years of the loan, and the loan itself is only paid back when the property is sold, when the final mortgage instalment is paid or at the end of 10 years.
Interested buyers must first register with the HomeBuy agent for the area, South West Homes, and be on the Teignbridge District Council housing list. To do so visit:www.southwesthomes.org.uk/ or contact 0300 100 0021.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information contact Teignbridge District Council’s Communications Officer Emma Pearcy on 01626 215164 or email: Emma.Pearcy@teignbridge.gov.uk
· Sovereign Housing Association is one of the largest housing associations in the south and south west of England, owning and managing more than 34,000 homes. We work in over 50 local authority areas and employ over 1,000 people. We offer a wide range of affordable housing options, as well as now adding private market rent and outright sale to our portfolio.
· Sovereign Housing Association is charitable and includes the non-charitable Sovereign Living Limited, one of the south’s leading affordable home ownership providers.
· If you would like more information about Sovereign Housing Association, please contact Roy Probert, Public Relations Manager, on01635 277406 or 07827 356479, or emailroy.probert@sovereign.org.uk.
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