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This area is dedicated to our customers who rent homes from us. 

Here you will find useful information about the services we provide along with answers to commonly asked questions and advice on how to deal with any problems you may experience.

Welfare Reform

What you need to know...

Bedroom Tax Calculator              

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Walsall’s Big Community Energy Switch

Why pay more than you need to for your gas and electricity bills? Thousands of people have already saved money by joining collective energy switch schemes and you could join them by signing up to Walsall's Big Community Switch.

By allowing customers to join together to form a single powerful buying unit, cheaper energy bills could be the result for each household that signs up.

Once you have registered your interest, the council will go to auction along with other councils across the country to see which energy company will offer the best tariff. The more people who register for the auction, the more incentive there is for the energy companies to offer a better deal.

Walsall Council is looking to take part in regular auctions allowing its residents to take advantage of this proven method of getting cheaper bills.

A recent auction by Wolverhampton City Council took place on 9 April 2013, on average people were offered a deal from the energy companies that would save them £114 off their annual bill for gas and electricity.

The next auction will take place on June 3 2013.

Interested? All you need to do is complete the quick registration process, there's nothing to lose.

 

How to register

Registering is easy, it is free and only takes a few minutes.

This is available to all householders, including people living in rented accommodation and those with a prepayment meter, even those with a debt of up to £500 are able to switch supplier.

Simply supply your contact details along with information about your current energy supplier, the current tariff plan and how much you are currently spending on energy. You will find this information on your recent bills.

All you need to do is register your details which can be done online at www.walsall.gov.uk/bigswitch

Up to five people can be registered on one email address, so why not register a relative or neighbour who does not have internet access?

If you don’t have an email address and want the council to help you register phone us on 01922 652500.  

 

What happens next?

After the auction is held, you will receive a personal offer and will be able to see how much money you could save. You can then decide whether or not to accept the no-obligation offer.

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Protecting your home from the extreme cold weather

Extreme Cold can cause internal and external water pipes and drainage systems to freeze up. When this happens the water in the pipes expands and can cause the pipes and fittings to split or burst open. When the frozen water melts any damage will become obvious as water leaks out of the system. Leaking water can cause sever damage to properties and must be stopped as soon as possible.

Stopping pipes from freezing

The following is a guide to limit the potential of frozen pipes and what to do in preparation;

  • Lag exposed pipes with insulation
  • Install loft and cavity wall insulation (special attention should be taken over pipes in loft spaces)
  • Stop any dripping taps and valves, the water could freeze in the waste or overflow pipe and cause a blockage
  • Keep the property warm, and if you are going away consider leaving the heating on low and ask a friend or relative to inspect periodically
  • Try to stop any draughts
  • Know where to turn the water off
  • Keep the phone number of a reliable plumber and electrician to hand
  • Get suitable insurance cover and now what the policy requires you to do and what it will cover

If you get a frozen pipe or suspect a frozen pipe

If you turn a tap on and only a trickle of water comes out, you may a frozen pipe.

Try to locate if safe to do so the suspected area of the frozen pipe. Likely places include;

·     Pipes running against outside walls where your water supply enters your home through the foundation and pipes in loft spaces.

 If you find a frozen pipe try to gently and slowly thaw it out. There are a number of ways including;

  • Keeping the tap open (with a bucket or similar underneath to collect any water i.e. so you don’t cause a flood etc.) As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.
  • Apply heat gently to the section of pipe using for example a hot water bottle, wrapping pipes with warm towels or towels soaked in hot water (you may need to keep replacing the towels to keep them warm.
  • Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a plumber.
  • Be prepared for the pipe to leak after you have thawed it out (buckets, bowls, towels etc) as it may have either hairline cracks or have expanded and damaged a joint.
  • Check all other taps in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

If in doubt always contact a plumber.

  • DO NOT use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

If you get a burst water pipe.

  • Turn your electrical system off (there is the potential that water could have got into the system and could cause electrical shock) straight away.
  • Turn the mains water supply off.
  • Inform your insurance company, they will instruct you what to do next
  • If you live in rented accommodation contact your landlord
  • If you have no insurance contact your plumber and electrician, you may also have to do this if you have insurance
  • Water may have caused damage to ceilings and these could have bowed and be holding water, enter these rooms carefully as the ceiling could collapse at any time.
  • Textured coatings (Artex and similar), there is the possibility that some ceiling with this type of decorative finish may contain asbestos, before carrying out any work on these they need to be checked

This will take you to South Staffs Water’s web site:

http://www.south-staffs-water.co.uk/your_home/winter_emergencies.asp

Empty Properties

There has been a spate of boiler, radiator and pipe work thefts out of properties that are vacant.  Long term and short term vacant properties have been targeted. If you are going away or have an empty property make sure you have the correct insurance and that the property is adequately secured. In some circumstances it could also be advisable to inform your neighbours.

 

Are you entitled to Housing and /or Council Tax Benefit?

If you live in Walsall and wish to find out if you may be entitled to housing and Council Tax benefit please follow the link below to Walsall Councils ‘Instant on-line benefits estimate’ service.

   Benefit cap calculator

Benefits calculator

      Benefits calculator
 

If you are having problems email us at info@watmos.org.uk

 










 
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