Local offers to residents
Arcon has been consulting our residents on the type of service they want to receive and also used the results of the recent status survey where we asked you what was most important to you. While most residents are very happy with the current service we provide, we have been trying to find out if there are ways that we can shape local service delivery and identify local priorities. In this way we can tailor the right service to the right people.
Some of the local offers we have developed are geographic and relate to specific areas or schemes. Others are demographic and relate to a certain age group who may require an enhanced service. Either way we will try to improve the service that we provide to you. If you would like to take up one of the Local Offers listed below, please contact your Housing Officer. Alternatively if have an idea for a new local offer in your area we would like to hear from you. Please contact David Lovelady on 0161 214 4120.
Local offers
- We currently provide a mobile warden service on three schemes for our residents who are over 55 years of age. We will offer this service to our other over 55 schemes, and aim to expand this across our stock where the service is required.
- On schemes with communal gardens and entrances we offer a gardening, cleaning and window cleaning service. We will consult with residents on the type of service they require and ensure that they receive the results of all satisfactions surveys which they can use to help them choose the contractors they want to provide the service. For example on a couple of schemes the residents have decided to carry out the cleaning of the communal areas themselves.
- Where practical, we will work with the local authority to offer recycling facilities to our residents.
- All tenants have been offered free of charge the message in a bottle that allows residents to keep medical information in a container in case of an emergency.
- We have provided employment and training support to our Manchester residents via a company called Blue Orchid. We will continue to look for similar opportunities for all residents in the future.
- Arcon contribute towards the running costs of the East Manchester Wardens scheme. They help to combat anti social behaviour and crime and also provide re-assurance visits and advice on security. This service is available to our residents in Gorton only.
- After consultation with residents, car parking permit schemes have been introduced at Mill Court, Blackley and Larkhill Court to stop none residents using the car park.
- We have worked with Manchester Housing Benefits team to allow Arcon staff to validate benefit claims. This will ensure that claims are processed quickly.
- Following consultation with residents we have identified specific local priorities which we have agreed to introduce. They include the following: setting up of a neighbourhood watch scheme, extending the CCTV system and holding regular meetings with the neighbourhood police officer at our Blackley estate. On other schemes we have increased security by providing extra lighting, gates to drying areas and bin stores, and work with external agencies to combat anti social behaviour.
- Our Tenant Scrutiny Committee will continue to scrutinise areas of Arcon’s work and make recommendations for improvement. In the last twelve months they have reviewed the day to day repairs service, and how we deal with empty properties. They are currently looking at tenants’ satisfaction and our complaints procedure. They aim to complete two reviews per year and make recommendations to improve the service provided to all Arcon residents.
Added 12th April 2011
