Archive for April, 2010
Former MP’s ‘Heartfelt’ Letter of Thanks Following WERA Surprise Presentation
Apr 30th
The Former MP for the Streatham constituency, Keith Hill has sent an open and sincere letter of ‘heartfelt thanks for the kindness and generosity’ after WERA presented a certificate of acknowledgement and appreciation following his retirement as our MP after 18 years.
Keith Hill who had been MP for Labour in the constituency covering Weir Estate, attended a recent meeting where he was presented with the framed certificate by members as well as a bottle of champagne in recognition of his service as the MP which in his time saw him taking sledge hammer to the former two storey laundry building, which used to be sited on Weir Estate and is now the thriving Weir Link Centre and Nursery. Furthermore, Keith had visited numerous estate fun days as well as a walkabout just before he retired before the forthcoming General Election.
Mr Hill who also held many high profile positions within the Government has sent a letter to Chair Dave McEvoy in which he writes ‘I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for your kindness and generosity in presenting me with the a certificate and good bottle of champagne, I shall always treasure the certificate”
The now Chair of Lambeth Living’s board goes on to suggest the champagne may not last as long saying ‘…I mean to drink the champagne on an early and appropriate occasion…’
Keith Hill will now take up the post of Chair to Lambeth ALMO, Lambeth Living for the next 2 years, over seeing the changes to thousands of residents homes using his knowledge and expertise to help guide Lambeth Living to the two star rating needed to gain over 200 million pounds of capital funding to improve homes across Lambeth.
In his open letter, Mr Hill who lives in the borough adds ‘It has been my privilege to serve the Weir Estate over many years and to work with its highly committed and able representatives. I expect we shall continue this relationship in my new Lambeth Living Capacity and this will be a happy relationship. I wish WERA every success for future.’
Chair, Dave McEvoy who received the letter said “I am honoured and grateful that our gesture of friendship in recognising Keith’s efforts as MP over nearly two decades, that he has taken the time to send such a lovely and kind letter. I would like to take this opportunity to give WERA’s sincerest thanks for his time as MP and hope we can continue to work together in his new role.”
The candidates to succeed Keith as the next MP including Mr Hill’s Labour Party Candidate Chuka Umunna are locked in a race to take the Streatham seat on May 6th at the General Election.
At the same time Lambeth residents will have their say on who will be the next Lambeth Council administration and councillors in local elections.
The letter will be read out at WERA’s next general meeting, on Tuesday 11th May.
WERA Asks…Robert Gardner
Apr 30th
Please introduce yourself, and what your role is.
My name is Robert Gardner and I manage the trading standards team for the London Borough of Lambeth. I qualified as a Trading Standards Officer in 1991 and have worked in Wandsworth, Southwark, and for a short while in Croydon. I also worked in the Financial Services Authority before coming to Lambeth in 2000. I am also a Borough resident and have been for 28 years.
Can you explain what Trading Standards is?
We are a statutory service, which means the council is obliged to operate a trading standards team, concerned with the prevention and detection of crime. In the past we were primarily concerned with weights and measures but over the years we have been given more and more legal responsibilities and now enforce over 70 Acts of Parliament with attendant regulations. For example we might be enforcing simple price marking one day, to raiding a factory turning out counterfeit DVD’s the next, whilst advising a trader on how they can make their products safer. It’s an incredibly varied job and can be fantastically rewarding in terms of job satisfaction.
In what way does your department directly affect residents?
It’s a tough job to deal with all the demands of a borough the size and complexity of Lambeth. To make sure that we make the best use of resources we have chosen 4 themes that we have prioritized and focused on over the last 2 or 3 years. In short these are to tackle rogue traders, deal with unsafe products, thwart counterfeiting and reduce the level underage sales of knives, alcohol, cigarettes and fireworks.
How big of a role does Trading Standards have within Lambeth?For a small team I believe we have a big impact. Residents can often find stories related to the work we are doing in Lambeth Life whether it is arranging free food deliveries to a homeless charity in exchange for counterfeit materials ( to be reprocessed for more legitimate uses) or reporting on undercover test purchase activities in the bars and cafes in Clapham. We often work with Police and we have a reputation for delivering results.
What is the best way for residents to report concerns to Trading Standards?
All our complaints are first referred to Consumer Direct who offer free expert individual consumer advice. We are notified of all complaints and if it is a serious criminal matter we will investigate further. To contact Consumer Direct ring 08454 040506, there is also a link and further information on the Council’s website.
What advice would you give to residents before purchasing a high value item?
It depends somewhat on the item. If you log onto to the councils website and find the trading standards section you will find a selection of information and advice pages which will give step by step advice. The link is: http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Lambeth.WebApps.TradingStandards/AdviceConsumers.aspx
What does community mean to you?
The oxford dictionary defines community as: A group of people living together in one place. 2 (the community) the people of an area or country considered collectively; society. 3 a group of people with a common religion, race, or profession: the scientific community. 4 the holding of certain attitudes and interests in common.
On this basis I belong to several different communities all at one time but the most pertinent for me is the first part of the definition.
Can you explain what rights consumers have after purchasing goods, and the statutory guarantee which comes with all goods.There is no statutory guarantee that comes with the purchase of goods, other than that offered by a manufacturer as an inducement for a sale. However in every normal retail purchase the consumer has certain statutory rights the most of important of which is that the item must be of ‘satisfactory quality’. There is more at our website which goes into far greater detail:
http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Lambeth.WebApps.TradingStandards/Detail_AdviceConsumers.aspx?DocumentNo=122526&Classification=Goods_leaflets
In your opinion, what benefit does a No Cold Calling Zone (NCCZ) bring to a community?
The principal benefit to setting up a ‘no cold calling zone’ is that raise awareness of some of the most pernicious crimes that are committed in the Borough. Every so often we receive reports of elderly or otherwise vulnerable people who have been robed of almost every penny by bogus traders in their own homes. It is a common story; the trader door stepping a victim, gaining their trust, asking for huge sums in cash for minor shoddy repairs or sometimes no work at all and then disappearing. It is the cruelest of crimes leaving victims debilitated and isolated, whilst the perpetrators frequently get away never to be traced or brought to justice. We hope that in setting up the zones people are forewarned of the dangers and have the courage and support of community to say no to cold callers.
What CD would you have at home in your CD player at the moment?
Selected tracks from Ennio Morricone’s film scores (e.g. “For a fistful of dollars”, “The Mission” etc). Do you think enough is being done by trading standards to ensure that weights and measures are fair and legal?The importance of weights and measures cannot be overestimated everything we buy from food to fuel is either weighed or measured – just imagine if it wasn’t! In the UK I think we can be assured that almost all bona fide traders will weigh and measure fairly and accurately, but as raw materials get scarcer and more expensive there will always be a temptation to cut corners. However, currently we get very few complaints of short measure in the Borough.
What do you think is the most important aspect to be a Trading Standards Officer?
I think it is the ability to listen.
If you could adapt your role or trading standards, what would you introduce?
If money was no object I would like to reintroduce a comprehensive consumer and business advice service that could give deeper levels of advice and support to residents, particularly those who are more vulnerable and a service that could provide quick and assessable advice free to traders.
Do you think Trading Standards Officers have enough power to tackle product counterfeiting?
Yes, I think we do, we have very significant powers of entry and inspection and should we really need we can search computers, filing systems bank accounts etc. Counterfeiting is often associated with serious organized crime and we cannot operate against it without sufficient powers, which we only use legally and proportionately.
If you could choose any other department with Lambeth Council to work in, what would it be and why?
I think the role of Town Centre Manager is one that I would really enjoy.
At what point should members of our community contact Trading Standards?
Whenever they have a consumer law related matter
How important do you feel it is to educate the community in understanding their consumer rights?I think it is very important the more people know the less likely it is that rogues will exist. We want to see educated consumers and safe prosperous businesses.
How many people are in the Trading Standards Team?
8, including me.
Can you give your top five tips that are relevant to residents for ensuring they are getting a good service from local businesses? Shop around, always look for the best deal but never go solely on price.
For big purchases think about after sales service.
Check the small print, if it’s too good to be true then it probably isn’t.
Do some research, the web can be a wonderful thing, if you use Google remember to get a specific search to put “-” around the term or name.
Don’t be reticent about coming forward we can only act if we have the information.
Can you explain what TrustMark is?
Trustmark is a not for profit, government backed, initiative to help consumers find reliable and trustworthy tradesmen to carry out repairs inside and outside the home. It is widely supported by consumer protection organisations and the building industry.
Lambeth trading standards are proud to support the initiative and consumer can find further information on our website entry.
http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Lambeth.WebApps.TradingStandards/
Ofcom to Carry Out Phone Masts Output Audit
Apr 29th
Telecommunication regulator Ofcom has agreed to carry out a survey of the levels of radiation being omitted from mobile phone masts and base stations situated on two blocks following a request by WERA.
The association is under taking its biggest single investigation into the masts and has asked Ofcom to carry out the audit to assess the level of radiation from the masts situated on Jewell and Dan Bryant Houses. The masts which are operated by T-Mobile and Orange, have raised concerns by some residents over fears they could have effects on human health, which studies have shown are currently unfounded.
Ofcom monitor masts across the country, as well giving out guidance on the acceptable levels of radiation.
WERA will compile a report and present to members before a vote is taken on the future of the masts.
WERA’s Chair Dave McEvoy explains “We must ensure that we have as much information as possible as well as covering all possibilities, one way of doing this is for Ofcom to carry out an independent audit, which I am pleased to confirm will be taking place in the near future”
The masts and base stations were erected nearly twenty years ago and following pressure of WERA members, the funds now come to the association for estate improvements.
Several studies have taken place over many years and so far all say there is not any known connection to increased cases of cancer or other health problems, the latest study is due out later this year.
Ofcom will be sending a field engineer who will record the levels of radiation at ground level and should provide its findings both online and to the association. WERA will use this information to then give its recommendations on the future of the masts.
Mr McEvoy gave this assurance to residents “We will look at all possibilities before deciding if the masts can stay or should be removed, at a recent meeting, I assured residents that if there is any risk we will do all we can to see them removed. However we must ensure we base these decisions on fact and assess all the evidence available, this audit will give us a pretty clear answer.”
Other external organisations such as the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and British Medical Association have also been contacted for their views on the issues relating to masts output, particularly as they are close to residents homes.
The masts which stand 19 metres tall on the roofs over the blocks are said to give out a diagonal signal which is also weakened by materials such as brick and glass.
WERA expects to publish its findings later this year when residents will be invited to discuss and give their views on the future of the masts.
NCCZ Scheme delayed until early May
Apr 21st
Plans to introduce a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ on Weir Estate and surrounding areas, has stalled due to the impending local and general elections. Trading Standards had been set to introduce the scheme during April, which will prevent nuisance and unwanted cold callers to residents properties.
Weir Estate has been included in the scheme which was meant to have been introduced by Lambeth’s Trading Standards but following intervention from Lambeth Councils legal department who scuppered the roll out over concerns it could interfere with law surrounding local elections which are due to take place on 6th May.
Local councillors, who campaigned to secure a no cold calling zone for the area, would be involved in its introduction across the ward and due to strict ‘purdah’ guidance to local councils under the Local Government Act 1986.
The zone will principally prevent elderly and vulnerable residents from being victims of cold caller’s intent on committing crime while also giving all residents peace of mind from disturbance at their homes by any cold callers from energy suppliers, to people selling goods. Residents will receive a pack informing them how to report breaches of the zone which will take in Weir and Radbourne Roads as well as connecting streets.
Trading standards supported by the local police and Lambeth Council will carry out sanctions against offenders breaching the zone which will also be signalled by signs in the area.
Trading Standards Manager, Robert Gardner explains “We were due to launch the scheme in early April but have had recent legal advice to delay the scheme until after the election. I hope this does not cause too much inconvenience but we are ready with the signs prepared and advice packs and will launch in early May.”
The plans were formulated following concerns raised by local residents to Labour’s Thornton Councillors who then had to ensure Weir Estate was included in the scheme as it was initially left out of the original designed area. The support for the scheme across the affected area in the zone is said to be ‘high’ and therefore will be rolled out following the elections.
There are already two No cold Calling Zones working well in Lambeth in Streatham Vale and parts of the Thurlow Park Ward.
Weir Estate Residents Association supports the scheme and the association will make every effort to ensure that residents are well informed of how it works as well as ensuring the scheme is enforced by the authorities. Residents can also inform trading standards over cold callers in the interim period and should report anyone mis-selling goods on the doorstep as well as the usual safety advice provided by the police particularly to elderly such as using door chains, not letting people in, checking ID with any company or organisation who they claim to belong to and not buying goods unless you are absolutely sure.
WERA Asks…Chris Hunter
Apr 16th
Can you please tell us who you are and what you do?
I’m Christopher Hunter, Director of Improvement at Lambeth Living.
Can you give a brief description of what your role involves?
My role is to lead the development and improvement of services within Lambeth Living for the benefit of residents.
Specifically I am the lead at Lambeth Living for: Service improvement and change management, Performance management, Resident engagement and TMO liaison, Communications, Policy development, Customer care, complaints and members enquiries, Equality and diversity in customer services.
How long have you been doing this role?
3 months
How do you feel residents could be encouraged to get more involved in local organisations?
Residents are more likely to get involved in issues if they can see their involvement leading to positive changes. Traditionally most housing organisations have not been good at feeding back how residents views have led to improvements to services.
Who or what inspires you and why?
Nelson Mandela. He has demonstrated amazing courage, humility, wisdom and generosity. He is an inspiration to us all.Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?Still living in London, still working in housing. Apart from that, I don’t really know!
Do you feel there is enough communication between Lambeth Living and the community?
I think there is a lot of communication between Lambeth Living and its residents, and our residents groups are very active. However there is definitely room for improvement in this area. I hope that the communications review we are carrying out will deliver this improvement.
Do you ever get the time to leave the office, and visit estates?
Would you like to do this more often?I have visited some of our estates, such as Ethelred and I took a very enjoyable stroll along the lambeth walk just before christmas. I look forward to seeing more estates over the next few months.
What is your favourite place within the Borough of Lambeth?
Lambeth Palace. A beautiful building and a magnificent view of the Thames and London.
Unfortunately Lambeth Living often gets bad press, how do you feel Lambeth Living as an organisation is improving?
I think Lambeth Living is trying to improve in very difficult circumstances. It has inherited substantial legacy problems from the Council that date back several years, and below standard housing services. Added to this were substantial budget cuts in its first year and a half of operation.There have been some improvements despite these challenges, such as bringing 150 empty properties back into use, and maintaining a 90+ per cent satisfaction with repairs that are carried out. However we do know there is still a lot of work to do to get our services to where residents want them to be.
What improvements are you hoping to bring that will particularly benefit residents?
I will be overseeing the implementation of new and updated tenancy conditions, improving information provision to residents by developing new tenant and leaseholder handbooks, and improving customer care by learning more about our customers and then shaping our services around them.
What immediate improvements do you feel can be made in your role for the benefit of Weir Estate residents?
Improving Lambeth Living’s communications and the amount and quality of information available to residents. The recent local newsletters and soon to be consulted on customer care standards are examples of this.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
People who always focus on or chase what they don’t have and do not appreciate or are not thankful for what they do have will never be truly happy and content with life.
What role do you think residents have in shaping Lambeth as a Borough?
The residents are Lambeth! They are what makes it such a unique and exciting place. One thing that has struck me since I started working in Lambeth is the pride people take in their local area and its history. And this is right across the borough, from North Lambeth to Streatham. The number of TMOs in Lambeth is an example of this.
Do you think more can be done to listen to residents views?
Always. One thing I have implemented recently is the idea of service user consultation, as opposed to just resident consultation. This is very important as a service user will have recently experienced a service such as repairs and will have a more up to date view of what could be done to improve it. Another resident may not have experienced that service for some years. It’s also important to offer more ways to become involved. Telephone based focus groups, online surveys, community events etc are new ways to consult people that compliment traditional ways.This is an area that will always be crucial to an organisation’s success.
What was your first job?
I worked in my local supermarket as a cashier and stacking shelves to support myself through university
What steps could be taken to get the youth more involved in residents associations?
This is a difficult one, but it can be done. It needs a different approach, and one that does not patronise young people or try to ‘get down’ with them. One initiative I have previously involved in provided 10 and 11 year olds with disposable cameras and asked them to take photographs of their estate. it taught us a lot about how they see their estate.
Who would you most like to meet and why?
My Irish Grandfather. I was born on his birthday, but unfortunately he died when I was very young. I would have liked to have got to know him when I was old enough to have known him.
What aspect of your role do you most enjoy, and why?
I enjoy improving things, so the most enjoyable part of my role is seeing something working much better than before.
How and when should residents contact you?
Residents can contact me through the call centre, or by using our feedback@lambethliving.org.uk email address.
