Hull City Council tenants are being updated on how changes to the authority’s neighbourhoods and housing service could affect them during the coronavirus outbreak.
Services are being affected in areas such as rent payments, housing repairs and homelessness.
Here are how some of the services will be affected:
Repairs and planned improvements
The council will continue to carry out emergency repairs where the problem poses a health, safety or security risk to property, occupiers or visitors. Gas servicing in homes will continue to be carried out. Tenants are asked to report emergencies by calling the council call centre on 01482 300300. Contractors will employ safe working practices while in homes. Any planned works due in homes will be postponed and tenants will be contacted in the future.
Paying rent
The council has issued a Council Home Guarantee, meaning no tenants will lose their home as a result of Covid-19. Those financially affected by this crisis should call the call centre. Residents and leaseholders are expected to continue to pay their rent or charges, but the council has been forced to shut Information Points. Council customer service points at Bransholme and Orchard Park are closed.
Tenants can still pay rent in a number ways including online through the council’s website, by direct debit, standing order or bank transfer, by telephone or post. Those still visiting the supermarket or post office may also be able to pay using swipe cards, though some outlets may be closed.
Housing applications
Housing application forms can be found on the council’s website, or queries about current applications can be made by calling the call centre.
The council is prioritising people who could be made homeless as a result of effects brought on by the outbreak, with only emergency rehousing likely to continue. The council will contact residents if they are matched to a property and in an urgent housing need category. Tenants can discuss whether applicants wish to proceed or wait until the Government’s advice has changed, or they are no longer self-isolating.
Sheltered accommodation
Services are still being offered to those who live in sheltered accommodation, who will be contacted through the intercom system wherever possible to minimise face-to-face contact. Hull City Council’s Lifeline service continues to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, accepting new referrals for the installation of lifelines, but will not be carrying out any non-essential maintenance checks at this time.
Homelessness
Anyone who needs advice about homelessness should call 01482 612040 during office hours or 01482 300304 outside office hours.
Adaptations
For adaptations to people’s homes, the council will prioritise visits to those households where the occupational therapist has determined the home adaptations required to be fast-tracked. The authority will liaise closely with residents, colleagues in Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and the NHS. Surveyors and visiting staff will be undertaking Covid-19-specific risk assessments for all future visits and will have personal protection equipment to limit the spread of the virus.
Find more information on anything related to the council’s neighbourhoods and housing services at hull.gov.uk.
Those who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or need housing options advice should call the council on 01482 612040 or 01482 300300.
