A BID for cash to build new council houses has been turned down by the Homes and Communities Agency – but there’s still hope yet.

Crawley Borough Council’s bid to the HCA for £1,040,000 from a dedicated Challenge Fund to help pay for the building of 16 new council homes was submitted in October 2009.

Unfortunately, despite the HCA’s regional office commending the plans, the bid has been turned down on the basis the council is not in debt. The bid, which is based on the principle of match-funding with the HCA, required the council to borrow the remaining amount rather than use its own savings.

But in a bold move, the HCA has invited the council to bid for the funds through the conventional route called the Continuous Market Engagement (CME), making the scheme possible once again.

The CME is the pot of money normally set aside for registered social landlords to bid against and as yet has not been made available to councils.

Councillor Jennifer Millar-Smith, Portfolio holder for Housing, said: “It was initially very disappointing for our bid to be rejected after our approach showed so much promise. I think it’s short sighted that the government guidance was to strictly only fund councils who happened to be in debt.

“I’m pleased we’re in discussions with the HCA as it means we may still be able to secure funding for this project. The need to deliver affordable housing during the recession and the recovery has increased, with few private developers showing interest in new schemes at the moment.

“This bid was one example of how we’re taking a proactive approach to Crawley’s housing issues; providing the housing solutions our community needs – something we can all be proud of.”

If the next bid is successful the council will continue to work with Moat as its approved development agent in appointing contractors to build the new homes.

The project would also provide an important ongoing benefit as any money generated through the scheme, for example renting, is intended to be reinvested to enable the provision of further affordable housing.

AN online poll is being held by West Sussex County Council Community Safety Unit to find out how anti-social behaviour is affecting residents.

The Unit leads on a number of countywide crime tackling priorities and supports the work of partner agencies, including the seven Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships in West Sussex.

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Crime and anti-social behaviour are high priorities for West Sussex residents.  

“We would like to know more about what concerns you locally as an individual.

“We want to hear your views about the way the police and local authority deal with crime and anti-social behaviour.
 
”Your views will help us to understand what issues residents are most affected by and help us to improve our communications on crime and anti-social behaviour.”

To take part in the poll, click on ‘Have Your Say’ on the homepage of the County Council website – www.westsussex.gov.uk – then click on ‘consultations’, then on ‘current consultations’ and ‘Community Safety Consultation’.

The poll is being held until February 19.

Crawley Borough Council is offering its emergency alarm system, Lifeline, free for a month to all new customers.

Lifeline is a personal alarm system that links customers to people they can rely on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s for people who have a disability, a medical condition or are retired and may need assistance in an emergency.

The Lifeline consists of a base unit and pendant that links to your phone line. The pendant can be worn around your neck or on your wrist enabling you to call for help from anywhere in your home or garden.

If you need help, you simply press the large red button on your pendant or the base unit, which puts a call through to our Care Centre where an operator will talk to you through the powerful speaker in your base unit. The Care Centre will have your named contacts and will call them in an emergency and they can also call your doctor or the emergency services.

Lifeline can help in any emergency, whether it’s a fall, a medical problem or bogus caller.

And now the council is offering the Lifeline system free for a month, giving you a saving of more than £15. The offer is available until the end of March 2010.

Lifeline is a rental service which costs £3.89 per week + VAT (for 48 weeks of the year) for council tenants and £3.57 per week + VAT (for 52 weeks of the year) for homeowners, privately rented or housing association tenants. The charge includes all servicing and maintenance costs, replacement of pendant batteries and the monitoring services of the Care Centre. These prices will rise in April.

Councillor Jennifer Millar-Smith, Cabinet member for Housing, said: “Lifeline is a tremendous system, benefiting some of the most vulnerable people in Crawley.

“Of course, we hope you never have to use it but it is peace of mind for those who have it. I hope this offer will encourage more people to take advantage of Lifeline.”

To get Lifeline installed in your home or for more details call 01293 438468, email lifeline@crawley.gov.uk or visit www.crawley.gov.uk/lifeline. To take advantage of the offer quote code LL03.