Newyddion: Your May newsletter

Welcome to Newyddion. Here's a sneak peek into what you'll find inside this newsletter:

1. IMPORTANT: RTS meters are ending soon
2. Contractor changes in the Vale & Valleys
3. What is the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS)?
4. Do you need help using your computer or smartphone?
5. Bright Sky app - help for domestic abuse

IMPORTANT: RTS meters are ending soon

RTS meters are old technology, and the systems are due to be turned off at the end of June 2025. After this date, homes with RTS meters could lose heating, or have it stuck on constantly.

How to find out if you’ve got an RTS meter:

• There may be a separate switch box near your electric meter with a Radio Teleswitch label on it
• Your property is heated using electricity or storage heaters
• There is no gas supply to your home
• You get cheaper energy at different times of day

If you already have a smart meter, you don’t need to do anything.

Here’s what to do if you have an RTS meter:

• Contact your energy supplier
  Energy suppliers are responsible for upgrading your meter and many offer this service for free.
• Check your mail or messages
  Keep an eye out for letters or emails from your supplier about replacing your meter.
• Contact us for assistance
  If you need help contacting your energy supplier, get in touch and we can offer assistance.
• Upgrade to a smart meter
  Having a smart meter provides more accurate energy usage readings.

More information

Call us

Contractor changes in the Vale & Valleys

Countrywide Grounds Maintenance has taken over the grounds maintenance contract for Vale & Valleys for Newydd starting April 1st. This contract will initially last for five years.

Countrywide Grounds Maintenance will handle all the duties previously carried out by their predecessors. They will set their own schedules, but the frequency of their visits will remain the same.

Additionally, there will be monthly tenant engagement events at various sites. These events will be advertised by Newydd and will provide an opportunity for you to share your opinions on the service levels and standards.

To report any maintenance issues or leave any feedback, please contact our customer service team on 0303 040 1998 or e-mail customer services at enquiries@newydd.co.uk

What is the Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS)?

The Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) was updated in 2023 and was created to ensure that all social housing meets a common standard regardless of who the landlord is.

The standard aims to ensure that all homes are:

• In a good state of repair
• Safe and secure
• Adequately heated, fuel efficient and well insulated
• Contain up to date kitchens and bathrooms
• Located in attractive and safe environments
• As far as possible suit the specific requirements of the household (e.g. specific disabilities)

We’re launching our WHQS animated videos to support tenants through the WHQS journey!

A huge thank you to our tenants, TPAS Cymru and the LENS partners (Hafod Housing, Bron Afon Community Housing, Beacon, Cadwyn Housing Association, Cynon Taf Community Housing Group, Vale Homes, V2C, Cardiff Community Housing Association and Trivallis for their invaluable contributions.

Special thanks to Turnip Starfish for the amazing animations!

More information on WHQS

Do you need help using your computer or smartphone?

Since June 2023, we've proudly supported 412 tenants referred through to our Digital Inclusion Team!

If you’d like support from our digital team, please get in touch with Scott at scott.tandy@newydd.co.uk

The team have helped tenants with:

• Setting up computers and mobile devices: Ensuring tenants can get started with their new technology.
• Training: Teaching tenants how to use computers, smartphones and apps.
• Access to digital devices: Thanks to our amazing partners, we've been able to loan devices to those in need.

Bright Sky app - help for domestic abuse

The Bright Sky app is a free, UK-based resource offering support, information, and tools to help anyone affected by domestic abuse.

Features include:

• Short quiz to assess safety and information about signs to look out for
• Practical advice on how to safely support a friend or family member, including conversation starters
• A directory of specialist support services and helplines

Please only download the app if it is safe for you to do so and if you are sure that your phone isn’t being monitored.

Download Bright Sky on Apple

Download Bright Sky on Google