Summer Newsletter 2008
www.thethla.co.uk
The Tower Hamlets Leaseholders Website
LOG ON!
We have it on good authority that you can’t make bricks without straw! The bricklayers for the THLA website are you the members. And we can’t do without you! Please log on and make your mark.
1. All you have to do is this:
2. Visit the site: www.thethla.co.uk
3. Open an account by sending us your name and email address
4. Provided you are a fully paid up THLA member we will email you back a password, which gives you full access to the site.
5. Then Log on!
Now you’re there you can, for example:
Do your own blog and tell people about the way the council is managing your estate.
Tell a story about an extraordinary happening in your block which could only happen in Tower Hamlets. Take part in a discussion forum about a service charge problem or a housing policy issue or a dispute. Make a complaint so that other leaseholders can compare with their own experiences and give you support.
Get guidelines and/or mentoring so that you can prepare to dispute a service charge because either the standard or the cost of the service is totally unacceptable.
Rattle the cages of elected councillors who are not representing you or protecting your interests.
Read all about the efforts of the THLA to get justice and power for leaseholders.
Read about the challenges and opportunities for leaseholders right across the social housing sector in London and nationwide.
THE NEW DEAL FOR OUR MEMBERS
At the Annual General Meeting of the THLA on 12th June members voted for change. This is your new deal.
A new annual subscription will be introduced on 1st September 2008. From that date the cost of joining the THLA or renewing membership will be £30:00 per annum, or £25:00 per annum for leaseholders on a state pension.
Fully paid up members will be entitled to the following services:
· Information, advice, support, guidance at our Tuesday and Saturday surgeries.
· A quarterly newsletter with the best up to date information about our campaign, our progress our achievements with all you need to know to defend your corner.
· Access to the THLA Web Site.
· Quarterly teach-ins to debate your issues and answer your questions about housing and leasehold.
· THLA Guidance notes about disputing service charges & preparing disputed service charge claims.
· Training
· An effective housing lobby which will challenge the landlord on costs, standards housing policy and strategy especially the existing LBTH Housing regime which continues to undervalue and exploit homeowners.
Additional services such as assistance with service charge disputes, detailed case preparation, advocacy, representation at meetings with council employees, statement of claims to mediators arbitrators or tribunals, will be chargeable. The cost will be calculated on the basis of time spent dealing with the problem. The money will go into a fighting fund to cover overheads and professional services, and will be accounted for with absolute transparency. Members who want these additional services will be informed about the likely cost in detail, and if they decide to go ahead, they will be expected to settle their account after each advice session.
THLA members who have joined or renewed within the last 12 months at the old rate will receive all of the benefits as currently offered, but the THLA has a reasonable expectation that they will contribute to the fighting fund if their cases require special or additional assistance as outlined above.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Surgeries: Saturdays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm 6 Watney Mkt Commercial Rd E1 2PR
Tuesdays 6:30 am - 8:30 pm 6 Watney Mkt Commercial Rd E1 2PR
Training Session* September 13th 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
September 20th 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Leaseholder Lobby of Full Council October 15th 7:00 pm
THLA Management Meeting September 11th 7:15 pm
NOTE: Please check our web site and local press for other key dates
*