T.A.N.T. Newsletter #7

TANT Newsletter – Summer 2023

Hi,

We hope you are enjoying your summer.

Thank you everyone who contributed brilliant photos for this newsletter via our Facebook Page. There were too many to use them all this time, but we will save some for the next one. Do please keep them coming.

TANT AGM – a Date for Your Diary

The next TANT AGM will be at 10.30am on Sunday 15th October 2023, Allerford and Selworthy Community Hall, Allerford, West Somerset, TA24 8HL.

We’ll have guest speakers from the National Trust on the Let Estate, and a presentation on the local nature programme.

New NT Complaints Procedure

The new Complaints Procedure is now available through our website and linked to that of the NT. At our behest, it is much improved with easier instructions to follow.

However, it is a last resort and TANT always seeks to help resolve your problems. In the first instance, try to do so with your local NT Rural Surveyor but, if that fails, please go to our website and complete a Request for Assistance. If you know of a tenant who does not use email/the internet, please ask them to call our help line 0845 463 3563.

Most tenants will now be aware of the new NT repair line contacts which are for any routine repairs plus emergency and out-of-hours repairs:

• Online at Fixflo: https://nationaltrust.fixflo.com
• By email: tenantrepairs@nationaltrust.org.uk
• By telephone: 0345 646 1311

Empty NT Properties

A number of tenants have been in touch expressing concerns about the number of empty NT properties in their area. They are worried because they are often deteriorating and could be occupied by people who need homes.

If there are empty NT properties near you, please can you contact us and let us know where they are (ideally the address), how long they have been empty for and the number of properties.

Tenant Satisfaction Survey

Following our campaigning, the NT carried out a Tenant Satisfaction survey in 2015. The survey was repeated at the end of last year. It showed improvement in some areas but highlighted common problems such as heating costs, damp, etc. We will continue to campaign for improvements to properties especially to heating, insulation and windows.

The survey identified that around 80% of respondents now know of TANT with more than 20% using our services. We would like 100% of NT tenants to know about us so, please ask your NT neighbours and friends to join our email list.

NT Rent Reviews

Energy prices reducing will bring some relief to everyone ready for the autumn. However, TANT continues to stress to the National Trust the heavy burden of heating old properties. Following the 2 year freeze on NT rent increases, for which we successfully campaigned, rent reviews have been re-introduced and mostly these seem to be reasonable. If you have any concerns, please look at the advice here on our website and complete a Request for Assistance.

We always welcome news from all areas and volunteers who can help our cause which includes improving housing conditions, amenities, and the environs of NT tenants throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Our help is provided by volunteers free of charge to everyone who lives under a NT roof.

Everyone, please do have a lovely Summer.

Peter Bate, Chair

Special thanks for photos to:

• Peter Nutting – Cottage with flowers
• Alan Waywell – Ducks in a row
• Cerys Purser – Lime Tree Avenue, Hidcote
• Andrew Lamont – Sheep at Lower Halsdon Farm