Kings Crescent

Beautiful Breath October
2022-10-25 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
THE BEAUTIFUL BREATH
With AJ
In person on the last Tuesday of every month 7.30-9pm
This is a soothing session that combines Wim Hof inspired breathing techniques with ancient Qi Gong practices that will leave you feeling deeply relaxed and at peace.
Cost £5 per session (all profits going to charity*)
Click here to book: The Beautiful Breath
More details:

The breath is a beautiful and powerful tool that if given awareness too, can sooth our nervous systems and leave us with a sense of calm and fluidity even in the most stressful of situations.
In this session you will be guided through a Wim Hof inspired breathing technique breath by breath, in a tribal- inspired gathering, in time with calming music, which will leave your body and mind in a state of complete calm and relaxation. We will then take this peaceful energy you have created and using a very simple Qi Gong form, send it to every cell in your body removing any blockages, creating a sense of fluidity and flow in and around you.
The session runs for approx 50 minutes and a little longer sometimes if people are keen to ask questions at the end. Please wear loose comfortable clothing to the class and I look forward to meeting you.
AJ x
BREATH, FEEL, FLOW.
*The £5 charge for the class is to cover the cost of hiring the venue, book here, after that any profit will go to the Ukraine crisis appeal.

***POSTPONED*** ETRA Meeting 19 October
2022-10-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
***POSTPONED***

Message from Hackney Council:

We have decided to postpone the Kings Crescent ETRA meeting tomorrow.

Unfortunately, Steve Waddington is unwell and we are not aware when he will return to work. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. I will be in touch with you as soon as Steve returns to work to reschedule the meeting.

A NEW DATE WILL BE COMMUNICATED ONCE IT IS DECIDED.

This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
ETRA meetings happen on a quarterly basis in January, April, July & October
This meeting will ideally be held in-person but we are awaiting confirmation from Hackney staff that will be attending. If senior staff not present the meeting will be postponed. Details below will be updated as they become available.
The minutes from the previous ETRA meeting in July can be found here.
ETRA Agenda (version 5)

19 October 7:00-8:30pm
Meeting is ideally in person at Hackney Showroom N4 2BN
But also accessible via Zoom (email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com for link)

Kings Crescent ETRA Meeting (‘Enhanced’ Tenants & Residents Meeting)

Agenda Item
Suggested Timing
Lead

1.
Welcome, Introductions, Apologies
5 mins
Emley (TRA Chair)

· Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (13 July 2022)
· Background to new format for meeting and request for ideas on a new way forward

2.
Wider Estate Issues
10 mins

· Update on new systems – digital noticeboard and repairs reporting system
· Weston Court intercom
· Theobalds Court bin drawer and lights
· Theobalds corridor lights malfunctioning
· Cleaning of bin areas and regular chute checks
· General cleaning not happening to good standard, cobwebs increasing etc
· Drains backing up in Weston, Datchworth, Bramfield
· Recent hot water outage across New Build highlighted 2 key issues:
o time taken to resolve – what is the SLA for water outage?
o Incorrect information being given to residents (eg. Hackney telling residents it was their own responsibility or that they should call Thames Water – these are factually incorrect)

Anthony Ramsay (Housing Officer)

? invite cleaning team, repairs rep

3.
ASB
10 mins

· Ongoing damage to allotments in courtyard – how can Hackney support a resolution?
· Sainsburys staff smoking by Kimpton entrance
· Clarification regarding CCTV usage (has been refused or useless when ASB has occurred)

ASB team
Anthony

4.
Landscape Questions
10 mins

· Fruit maze (allotment courtyard)
· Willow structure (Play Street)
· New play structure to replace white circle that was removed (images below)
· No entry signs for Play sections of Murrain Road
· Replacement of small bollards on Play Street that are difficult for van drivers to see

Emley/Ron
Anthony

5.
Update on next phases of regeneration
5 mins

· Source Partnership will no longer be attending ETRA but minutes of recent RSG meeting outlining updates can be found here: https:/calendar/rsg-meeting-13-oct/

Emley/Ron

6.
Any other business
5 mins

· Dates of next meetings and events

New Block issues update meeting
Steve Waddington to lead on updates and Ron Greenwood to provide historical context

Agenda Item
(Ongoing issues awaiting long-term resolution or progress report)
Suggested Timing
Lead

1.
Fire Safety Update
7:50pm

Update on what has been done from last ETRA. (July)

○ PAS 9980 results & when these will be shared with residents
○ What are next steps?
15 min
?fire safety team

2.
Energy issues and heating charges

· Are all meters now fixed and on new tariff?
· Some residents have reported that the new account does not reflect the money shown on meter, when will this be resolved?
· Will the energy rates be going up given the national energy issues? How much notice will be given?
5 min
?energy team

3.
Lifts

· Recent issue again in Wallington court with delivery driver stuck and bell not working
· Update on investigation into cause of lift issues.
· Next steps to provide a long-term fix to the lift issues.
10 min
?lift team or those responsible for supervising contractors

4.
Complaints Procedure
5 mins

· Still no resolution to the complaints raised by Wael as discussed in last meeting.

5.
AOB & close
5 min

Ideally the meeting will be in person in Hackney Showroom N4 2BN. If Zoom link needed please email kingscrescentn4@gmail.com
Suggested new ‘stepping stones’ installation for Play Street:

Previous information:
Agenda will be posted here 1 week before the meeting. If you have any items to add to the agenda please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com by 10 October

Meditation Workshop October
2022-10-15 11:30 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
ENERGY-LIFT GUIDED MEDITATION WORKSHOP

& Community Connection

with Aimee Sri Laxmi & Laura Vasu Devi

In-person every month!
The class from 11.30am to 1.30pm offers guided meditation practice, insight and breathwork to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Re-charge your energetic batteries and feel uplifted!
Different topic each month – see below for details

1.30-2pm will be a time to relax with a cuppa, chat to the facillitators and connect as a community.

BOOK HERE

Hands up if you’d like a better relationship with MONEY

Money for many of us is a tricky thing to talk about, and yet like anything else, money is energy, it is a currency we use to exchange for goods and services.
When we hold shame, guilt, or lack of worthiness around money it can be harder to manifest the life we desire.
This means we have to work on our thoughts and beliefs, many of which will be unconsciously affecting our life, before we can use affirmations and will to create.
In this 2-hour workshop we will get curious about, money & our cultural & societal programs & views
We will explore money as energy
Clear blocks to receiving abundance
Participate in a meditation
And I will share practical steps to prioritise the energy of abundance including affirmations.
Join me to explore this topic and create a life you love
15th October
11.30 – 1.30 pm workshop
1.30 – 2 pm tea & cake

Hackney Showroom
4 Murrain Rd
N4 2BN

£30 (£20 Concession)
To book your place send payment with ref: Abundance
PayPal
or contact me for bank details: hello@laurahamblyn.com

Resident Steering Group Meeting 13 Oct
2022-10-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the ‘residents steering group’ (RSG).
It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership.
The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com

Notes of Kings Crescent Steering Group Meeting held on 13th October 2022

Those Present:
Cllr Clare Potter (CP) (Chair)
7 Residents:
EP, JWM, KH, PS, PA, ES, PD

In Attendance:
Ron Greenwood (RG)
Carol Squires (CS)
Menekse Saitoglu
John Morris (minutes)
Brian Bell
LB Hackney
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Source Partnership (ITLA)
Guest

1.0
Introductions and apologies
Action

1.1

Apologies were received from residents KM, NJ, & AF and Cllr Soreya Adejare

2.0
Notes of previous meeting held 21st July 2022 and any Matters Arising not elsewhere on the agenda

2.1

The minutes were agreed as a true record

3.0
Phase 3&4 update

3.1
RG confirmed the successful contractor is Mulalley. LBH hope to sign a contract with them in December or January. CP noted that no communication has gone out to residents formally announcing this and it would be prudent to wait until the contract is signed. However, RSG members are under no obligation to keep this confidential.

RG explained the actions over the next year. These include ensuring the development is compliant with new building regulations coming into force next June; these cover provision of ventilation, energy, electric charging points for vehicles and fire safety. There is also the need to get any blocks over 18m high signed off by the new Building Safety Regulator which takes 12 weeks. During 2023, there will also be a value engineering exercise carried out to try to achieve approx. 10% savings. LBH will explore with Mulalley the possibility of starting the refurbishment works while awaiting the Building Safety Regulator sign off.

KH asked if the designs were based on the old building regs.
RG – yes, but now there is a definite implementation date for the new regulations, LBH cannot now avoid the requirement to redesign in order to comply with them.

ES suggested that the benefits of 10% savings could be wiped out by inflation.
RG acknowledged this but LBH are committed to achieving savings in e.g. sub and superstructure of the new buildings, looking at off site construction, possibly standardising some components such as windows. ES noted that off site construction can create a higher quality product. CP added that there have been constant reassurances that quality will not be compromised.

PA asked if changing the use of the proposed workspaces under Weston Court had been considered. RG explained LBH doubts that creating residential units here might not provide sufficiently high quality accommodation and floor to ceiling heights could be an issue. PA noted that the phase 1 garage conversions had worked well. CP’s understanding is that if the commercial units do not work out, there is the option to convert them to residential. It was agreed that it would be worth exploring a residential use as an option.

KH asked about phasing; will the new build be linked to the refurbishment?
RG replied that as they are signing one contract, the two will be linked and Mulalley have said they will try to stick with the proposed programme of starting at Bramfield Court and working round the south side blocks from there.

KH asked about viability in terms of achieving good sales value when marketing flats. RG replied that the time it will take to complete new homes for sale will probably extend beyond the current economic cycle, so current market conditions are not necessarily an indicator for the viability of the sales.

PA mentioned the Mulalley’s site on Highbury New Park which seems to have stalled. RG – this is in Islington and there may be many reasons why the programme has been delayed. Mulalley have done a lot of work in Hackney and are committed to continuing work in the borough.

PA and JWM thought that the internal Decent Homes work that Mulalleys did was not very satisfactory. RG acknowledged that at the site visits, residents preferred Durkan but this tender has been won fairly and represents the best value for residents and the borough.

ES asked about checking the quality of work. RG responded that there will be Clerks of Works by trade and the LBH in-house design team are also a resource to ensure high standards.

ES asked about the extent to which architects KCA and HHB will be involved. RG replied that Mulalley are being strongly encouraged to retain their services.

CP raised the positive feedback from other existing and more recent Mulalley schemes in Hackney. CS referred to the good tenant feedback from Bridge House. It was agreed to work towards a site visit here on a Saturday morning in January 2023. CS to suggest possible homes to visit and to make initial approaches to residents.

RG showed slides of Mulalley’s tender introduction to illustrate their approach to resident engagement (using Newman Francis as engagement specialists). There was evidence that they had looked carefully at lessons from phase 1&2 and future involvement with the RSG.

KH emphasised the importance of making communications easy if things are not looking right. RG highlighted an example of Mulalley’s approach: when arranging the works in south side rear gardens, they will have block meetings and 1:1 meetings with ground floor residents, a condition survey will be completed, secure storage for items that need to moved will be arranged and good notice of the start of works given.

JWM asked about how concrete posts for the balconies will be installed in ground floor rear gardens; the pocket park and other features on Queens Drive must be preserved. RG indicated that Mulalleys will be aware of all the constraints and suggested that they be invited to an RSG meeting soon to explain their access management plan.

RG talked through slides reminding the meeting of the design principles and illustrating Mulalley’s approach. It was agreed to look at the second half of the presentation at the December RSG meeting which showed elements of Mulalley’s Invitation to Tender response.

CS

4.0
Phase 1& 2 update

4.1
RG introduced a post-occupancy evaluation exercise to concentrate on the heating, ventilation, energy efficiency and comfort of flats. A survey will be carried out between 25th October and 27th November. In addition, volunteers are sought for a data logging exercise to gather more detailed information. ES and KH volunteered and JWM suggested that Julie, a ground floor tenant in the northside blocks might also be willing to put herself forward.

4.2
RG introduced the proposal to replace an item of equipment on the play street with stepping stones (images were circulated before the meeting). JWM reported a lack of enthusiasm from members of the youth club. No decision could be made on this at the meeting.
[See images below of suggested ‘stepping stones’ for Play Street]

4.3
Ongoing defects in the new northside blocks was discussed. RG reported that the LBH lifts team have a proposal that Steve Waddington (the director responsible for this service area) is committed to implementing. CP reported that she and Cllr Adejare have received a lot of casework on this issue. She has asked for data on each breakdown and is pressing to get someone to speak to this at the ETRA on 19th.

KH wished to emphasise the importance of communication from LBH; the service from the operational teams has been unacceptable. He also cited the failure of the main door to his block. JWM added that southside residents have also been dissatisfied with the service they receive. CP re-stated that she is working to get someone to address these issues at next weeks’ ETRA meeting. KH also asked for someone to attend to deal with fire safety issues.

CP suggested that EP email her with anything else that needs to be raised at the meeting.

EP

5.0
TRA update

5.1
EP gave an update.
i) The AGM was held on 14th Sept. The committee is largely the same; EP still Chair.
ii) A trip to the beach was organised for 10th Sept.
iii) The committee had decided to issue a newsletter update instead of the next community & social TRA meeting
iv) A winter market is planned for 3rd December
v) Hackney Showroom’s next Kings Feast is on 19th November
vi) JWM reported that the Youth Club is getting stronger. A small group of older ‘young’ people approached her to ask about a youth club for their age group, so she is meeting them again to explore this

6.0
ITLA update

6.1

CS reported that Source are now halfway through their 5 year contract but are not halfway through their budget. We have met RG to discuss a revised work programme to be established early in 2023 so that it links with Mulalley’s work programme. CS encouraged the RSG to let us know if there’s anything else we could be doing.

6.0
Any urgent business

6.1
None

7.0
Date of next meeting

Tuesday 6th December, 7.30 pm start to allow for yoga class in the HS Studio to finish.

Suggested new ‘stepping stones’ installation for Play Street:

September Beautiful Breath
2022-09-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

September Meditation
2022-09-17 11:30 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
ENERGY-LIFT GUIDED MEDITATION

& Community Connection

with Aimee Sri Laxmi & Laura Vasu Devi

In-person every month!
The class from 11.30am to 1pm offers guided meditation practice, insight and breathwork to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Re-charge your energetic batteries and feel uplifted!

1-2pm will be a time to relax with a cuppa, chat to the facillitators and connect as a community.

Click HERE to pay and confirm booking

More about this topic:

Sometimes the people we love the most can be the ones that seem exceptionally good at pressing our buttons! And yet we can learn so much about ourselves from the mirror that relationships with others provide. It’s easy to love and accept people who think like us and agree with us but what about when they don’t?
Ram Dass is often quoted as saying:
If You Think You’re Enlightened, Go Spend a Week with Your Family

Saturday 17th September we are kicking off again with our half day meditation playshops working on a relationship that we would like some inner lift and shift around.

We will be looking at Shadow work – what we disown in ourselves and project onto others can be a key to our own healing.

We will have a group energy healing on the energy of the relationship we are working on. We will be cleaning up our side of the energetic ‘jam jar’ that holds the energy of the relationship we wish to transform

Forgiveness and unlocking the heart! The heart is the gateway to more love, ease and grace in life. when we hold grudges and resentment we block lifes flow.

This meditation workshop is for you if:

You have a person in your life who triggers anger or frustration regularly

You notice that there is particular issue you can not talk about with a member of your family without getting into an argument

You feel criticized or judged by a person in your life
You are blocked by a work colleague who never seems to like your ideas

Click HERE to pay and confirm booking

Aimee & Laura also offer weekly meditation class via Zoom on Monday evenings (Aimee) and Thursday evenings (Laura).
Contact them for Zoom link or to request free place at in-person event: Aimeehamblyn@gmail.com hello@laurahamblyn.com

September community meeting & AGM
2022-09-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
If you live in Kings Crescent, you are a member of the resident’s association and are warmly invited to all Tenants & Resident Association events
September Community Meeting & AGM
14 September 2022 7.00-8:30pm
Venue: Hackney Showroom space, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN

Meeting Minutes:

Agenda Item
Lead
Actions

1
Welcome

Welcome & Introductions, including apologies for absence
Emley (TRA Chair)
Agreed

2
Formal TRA AGM

a. Approval of minutes from the last AGM (Sept 2021)
b. Election of New TRA Committee
c. Treasurer’s Report
d. Chair’s report
e. Any other business related to AGM
f. close of AGM

Anthony Ramsay (Hackney -LBHC)
Emley (TRA Chair)
&
Treasurer for 2021 (Alice)
Previous Minutes Approved
TRA Committee elected in accordance with LBHC Regulations. Full list of Committee Members and positions to be released shortly. Including New elected board members
Treasurers report -committee approved
Chair report – EP gave her annual report of activities and events TRA have been involved with.
AOB.

3
Community Meeting

Approve minutes from last community meeting (June 2022)
CDF update

TRA Chair
Meeting Minutes Approved

4
Open Conversation

Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for activities and events on Kings Crescent:
· What have you enjoyed about previous events/activities?
· What else would you like to see happening?
Residents & Hackney Showroom
Residents have enjoyed the activities over all, but would like to see more inclusion. e.g events especially to target single people -Cheese and Wine evening

5
Update from Source Partnership
John/Carol

6
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & Events
Close
TRA Chair
Meeting closed.
Next Meeting 16.11.22 @
7pm

Social time and raffle after the meeting, all welcome!

Everyone

Previous information:
AGM
This meeting will start with the ‘Annual General Meeting’ (AGM) where the new resident’s group committee will be voted in.
Everyone living on Kings Crescent Estate is automatically a member of the TRA and a committee of residents is elected at the AGM to lead the group. All KC TRA committee members contribute their time and skills on a voluntary basis.
If you are interested in joining the committee please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com or call 07926568497

Community Meeting
This community meeting is hosted by the Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) committee aims to celebrate the community which already exists on Kings Crescent and look for ways to develop this further.
It’s a chance for residents to discuss what events and activities we want to have here, meet your neighbours etc.
Let us know if you have any ideas!
Drinks and nibbles will be provided!
(See full agenda below)

Why be involved in the Tenants & Residents Association (TRA)?

contribute to taking action on issues which affect Kings Crescent
meet your neighbours
improve our community
decide how we spend funds available for community activities
represent residents and make your voice heard
get involved in projects (e.g gardening club, youth club)

Agenda

Agenda Item
Suggested timing
Lead

1
Welcome
5 mins

Welcome & Introductions, including apologies for absence

Emley (TRA Chair)

2
Formal TRA AGM
30 mins

a. Approval of minutes from the last AGM (Sept 2021)
b. Election of New TRA Committee
c. Treasurer’s Report
d. Chair’s report
e. Any other business related to AGM
f. close of AGM

Anthony Ramsay (Hackney)
Emley (TRA Chair)
&
Treasurer for 2021 (Alice)

3
Community Meeting
20 mins

Approve minutes from last community meeting (June 2022)
CDF update

TRA Chair

4
Open Conversation

Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for activities and events on Kings Crescent:
· What have you enjoyed about previous events/activities?
· What else would you like to see happening?

Residents & Hackney Showroom

5
Update from Source Partnership
5mins
John/Carol

6
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & Events
Close

TRA Chair

Social time and raffle after the meeting, all welcome!

30 mins
Everyone

Beach Trip
2022-09-10 08:45 - 19:20
BOOK HERE
Need a little break from London? We’ve got just what you need. The Kings Crescent Tenants & Resident Association annual beach trip is back! Come join us on Saturday 10 September for a day trip to the seaside town of Walton on the Naze in Essex.
Walton on the Naze is a family seaside resort with sandy beaches, seafront gardens, quaint narrow streets and fossil hunting! The pier is the second longest in England, offering fairground rides and ten pin bowling. Just to the north is The Naze, an unspoilt headland of heath, saltmarshes, beaches and 70 feet high cliffs.
Spend the day exploring, making new friends or simply relax on the beach with your fish and chips, it’s completely up to you.
Please note, all children need to be accompanied by an adult. You can book for up to 3 children per adult. Book your tickets below (booking shuts at 7am on 10 September). This event is for Kings Crescent residents.
£6 per adult and £3 per child – great value for a whole day out to the seaside!!
(The majority of the cost is funded by the ‘Community Development Fund’ via the Residents Association)
Timings

9am: Coach pick up Kings Crescent Estate PJ bus stop – opposite Estate by Clissold Park. You must be at pick up point no later than 8.45am.
11.15am: Arrive at Walton on the Naze.
5pm: Leave Walton on the Naze, pick up at Kumfi, 175 Clays Road, Walton on the Naze, Essex, CO14 8UA. Must be at pick up point no later than 4.45pm.
7.20pm: Return to Kings Crescent.

BOOK HERE

Regeneration Design Refresher Event
2022-09-06 10:30 - 19:00 | Vince Murrrain Community Centre, N4 2GD

August Beautiful Breath
2022-08-30 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

July Beautiful Breath
2022-07-26 19:30 - 21:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

Steering Group 21 July 2022
2022-07-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
RSG

This is a closed meeting for those who have applied to be part of the ‘residents steering group’ (RSG).
It is mandatory to have attended the steering group training provided by Source Partnership.
The steering group comprises of residents from both the old and new blocks and provides resident input into the next stage of new build and refurbishment of Kings Crescent.
For further information on joining the ‘Resident Steering Group’ please email john@sourcepartnership.com or carol@sourcepartnership.com

(Minutes of the meeting will be posted here when they are available)
Agenda

Agenda item
Lead

1
Introductions and Apologies

Cllr Potter (Chair)

2
Notes of previous meeting held 28th February and any matters arising not elsewhere on the agenda

Cllr Potter (Chair)

3
Phase 3 & 4 update

Ron (LBH)

4
Phase 1 & 2 update

Will (LBH)

5
TRA update

Emley (TRA Chair)

6
ITLA update
Source

7

Any urgent business

Cllr Potter (Chair)

8
Date of next meeting

Cllr Potter (Chair)

Service Charges meeting 20 July
2022-07-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This meeting is only relevant to leaseholders of properties on Kings Crescent
Minutes
Meeting held: 6pm – 7:30pm
In person Hackney Showroom, 4 Murrain Road, N4 2BN

Attendees:
Hackney Representatives:
Led by Judith Morrison (LBH Head of Leasehold & RTB Services)
Gilbert Stowe – LBH Head of Tenant & Leasehold services
Angela Okoh – LBH Energy Team
Darren Attreed – LBH Waste Management
Residents:
Co-chaired by Phil M
Emley (minutes & Chair of TRA)
Along with 15 other residents (names removed for web version)

Item
Person
Comments from agenda, notes of meeting and actions

Welcome & introduction
Hackney Rep/
Phil M
Reminder of scope of the meeting & that specific queries will be more effectively discussed in surgeries.
…..

Phil intro – today is to discuss wider issues but then there will be individual surgeries available next week for residents to discuss specific points relevant to their property

Hackney staff invited to introduce themselves:

Judith’s team deals with purchasing of properties, ongoing service charges and section 20 notices, billing and other sales type activities.
See letter for details of surgeries. Make appointment for 1:1

Angela – energy team

Gilbert – gave into to his role leading various teams involved in housing

Darren – role covers refuse, street cleaning. Happy to answer questions in early part of meeting but then will need to leave.

(Anthony Ramsey was not present but his role was referred to in the meeting – he is Annette’s replacement and the new Housing Officer for Kings Crescent anthony.ramsay@hackney.gov.uk to contact him directly but usually best to address queries to the team email: neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk)

Focus on questions to Darren relating to waste management:

Chutes – report any issues to cleaner.estates@hackney.gov.uk Anthony to check in with cleaners on regular basis
Report to Anthony and cleaning team. If repairs team is needed to unblock, then cleaner estates team will bring in repairs team.

Bins sometimes not left under the chute after being emptied, so rubbish goes on the floor of the bin store

Bin store not getting cleaner, used to be power washed fairly regularly. Stairs not been cleaned regularly.

Service level agreements are different between older and newer blocks (newer blocks pay more and have a more regular schedule)

Older blocks
20-day ‘check and rectify’ cleaner with agreement on the older blocks – stairs, walls, communal windows etc (residents pointed out this is not happening, Darren will look into the issues)

Darren discussed various statistics for the items reported by cleaners: Over the last year 1800 reports of drugs, urine, vomit etc takes up 20% of time, plus waste bags, furniture dumpling. Plus contractor waste, lights not working, rough sleepers etc.

How do you look into what happens next e.g. if an issue is reported, how is it dealt with? Some can be cleaned at the time, some have to be reported e.g. to contractors that leave a mess or to the repairs team. Trying to gather more data to keep track and target. Free bulky waste service

On corner of Dathchworth/Weston, have been boxes there for weeks.

Darren will look into standards. Can contact him directly and please report issues to cleaner.estate email. Darren left at 18.28

1
Discussion of annual rising service charge costs / variation between estimates and actuals.

To specifically cover – given challenges residents will have with rising living costs, what is Hackney doing to avoid costs spiralling up unnecessarily and what help is available for residents if leaseholders are struggling to afford increases service charges.
What actions do Hackney Council take to ensure residents get value for money from their service charges? (eg. When choosing repair companies, checking quality of work)
…..

Phil introduction – how are service charges decided and managed. On the ground residents feel and can see levels of service going down across the board, on all line items. Yet the charges increase each year. Residents have been questioning this.

Judith – various heads of charge (cleaning, energy etc). One issue is that estimates are issued in March, but actuals come in September for the previous April to March), so always an 18 month lag. Use average of 3-5 previous years for each head of charge for the fixed costs. (Billing cycle). Plus repair costs will vary from year to year as they are responsive and it depends on what happened and what repairs were needed.

Can only charge up to £250 for a repair without consulting leaseholders (section 20).

Reminder to attend 1:1 surgery if you have specific questions about your service charges. Time to pay and hardship can be discussed there if needed.

Resident question: – would it not be fairer if all the blocks paid the same for communal cleaning rather than the newer blocks getting a better service than the older blocks?
Judith: Units within each bloc spreads the cost differently. Can get a more detailed breakdown. But ultimately residents just want the standard of service that they pay for.

Resident: Main entrance door is broken in Weston – apparently this invalidates home insurance. Judith states that is news to her, but Emley noted this issue has been raised many times previously when the newer block doors have broken. Also, Weston’s intercom system is still broken. TRA raised this issue via Anthony several weeks ago, he acknowledged seeing the issue for himself and raising the repair request. EP to follow up on this with Anthony

Phil – we are doing our bit as residents to report issues but then things don’t happen, don’t see results. Need to ask for case number and to ask how long things take. Residents spend hours on the phone on hold, but then no follow up or acknowledgement that the repair is fixed. Overall, we just want to know what’s wrong!

Gilbert response – housing offers should be overseeing this
Various contractors involved in repairs, various departments involved. Disappointed his team is not delivering on that. Mayor and Steve Waddington now involved to help ensure obligations are met. There are ‘contractor managers’ in Hackney, they need to be managing. There has been a breakdown in the lines of communication. They are given a date that a repair will be done, but don’t get told if it has been done or not, have to chase etc so know what residents are going through. Will hold counterparts to account to ensure adequate responses.

Service charges – invoices collated by finance team, calculated. If it is obvious that things shouldn’t be paid, they won’t charge it or address it on the actuals. They recharge what they are given by the other teams.

Group of leasehold have an advance copy of the actuals prior to release to double check. Looking for new people to join this group. Alice was part of this group before but didn’t receive it last time. Previously she did give feedback and it wasn’t acknowledged for 12 months. The resident review would be for the resident’s block and the estate charges in general. Judith looking for volunteers. Alice also proposed that resident’s shouldn’t be having to do that. We are paying for this service! Other residents reiterated this point.

Wael – value for money is the question.

Emley – 2 issues. One issue is that there are mistakes that happen on the SC bills, one example is older blocks being charged for heating, however we are not on the central system like the newer blocks. So limited faith in the actual numbers that are being produced by the Leasehold team. Plus, there is the wider concern around value for money as we are paying for services that are not being adequately provided.

Gilbert response – housing manager will be following up. One potential solution would be to ask housing officer (Anthony) to be involved in checking the final bills as he will have familiarity with the issues that have taken place.

Having to rebuild everything since the cyberattack. New system will be able to check repairs in real time. Inform residents in real time so there will be a chance to challenge in the moment. But the system is not up and running yet.

There have been a few instances of overcharging – a resident stated that she has been paying her service charges but also receiving threatening letters from Hackney and solicitors stating she is in arrears. Judith acknowledges that this has happened to some people. Will be addressed and can be discussed in individual 1:1 surgery appointments.

Resident: why has it been given to external solicitor to deal with arrears – especially if the data is wrong. Judith: There are 3 stages of arrears before going to external solicitor. Systems are not fool proof at this time.

Question – if a repair has not been carried out properly does Hackney pay muntiple times for repeated call outs and pass that on to us, or do they challenge the contractors and refuse to pay for the work that was not done properly?
Gilbert – Contract manager does challenge contracts, but he will check that this is happening.

2
Specific concerns on costs in service charges:

2 (a)
Problems with lift maintenance & associated costs

There have been issues with the lift (and entrance doors) over many years – are Hackney comfortable the original lift was of an appropriate quality?
The lease arrangement requires Hackney to keep the building in “good and substantial repair & condition”. How does Hackney define what good and substantial repair and condition look like?

Lifts not installed properly. Plus window next to lift panel, when heats up the lift shuts down. Known about this since 2018.

Challenging Hackney on the 9th schedule of the Leaseholder agreement (originally raised Nov 2021)– does Hackney fulfil the contractual safety and security with regard for the lift and main doors.
Hackney staff decline to answer this and say they are looking into solutions.
Wael challenges this and says that a solution has been known for a long time but nothing done. The windows next to the top of the lift and control panel need a covering to reflect the light and stop the temperature of the control panel rising when it is sunny. Why has this not been done?

Residents did some calculations and found that the total cost to repair lifts is way more than to just buy new ones.

Emley – it is frustrating because these issues were being raised in Resident Steering Group with the Regeneration Team years ago, while the lifts were still in the defects period and should have been resolved by Higgins.

Hackney needs a culture of responsibility.

Angela: it is evident as officers that we have missed some areas. Need to go back and have a look. Mayor, Steve and Gilbert have promised to take action with regard to the systemic issues, email void, contractor repeated visits, costs escalating, value for money etc. Action: e.g if contractor has to reattend, Hackney (and residents) should only be charged once. More actions needed.

Gilbert: Anthony Ramsey is our housing officer, will be writing out to residents to introduce himself. Setting up a new system to track repairs. Will be increasing presence on estate. Officially should be here monthly but will be coming weekly. Gilberts team are ultimately responsible for managing the estate. Other estates have been removed from Anthony’s remit so that he can focus on KC.

Steve Waddington is ultimately responsible and committed to making things better. Repairs team do have to contract out certain things e.g. security doors, intercom etc where the Hackney team don’t have expertise. Large doors in new blocks are an issue – look nice but break easily.

Resident challenge: Hackney doesn’t manage contractors, doesn’t manage your management team. Then residents pay the price for that. Does Hackney feel it meets it’s contractual obligation towards Leaseholders?

Judith: 9th schedule are things that are done at homeowner expense.

Wael: The Service Charges are the homeowners expense!!

Gilbert: says that Hackney does meet it’s contractual obligation – eventually! But acknowledges things need to be better.

Phil: All sick of words – need actions now!
What are the actions:
· TRA pass repairs onto Anthony so he can chase
· Anthony to touch base regularly with TRA (Emley, David etc)

Challenge – contractors are not good
Question regarding when input might be needed by residents to check actuals, if they are due out in September presumably the checking will need to be done soon?
6 months April to September to gather all of the data regarding invoices etc. Chance to check what has been done.
Residents can help with that additional layer of scrutiny. Judith to confirm when draft estimates will be available to check

Any residents wanting to be involved in checking actuals email judith.morrison@hackney.gov.uk

Solutions:
Co-actively work together
Possible to put the draft actuals on the website and offer a chance for feedback to leasehold team – EP to follow up with JM

2 (b)
New hot water/heating energy charge

JS – raised with senior management and hope to sort out before meeting

2 (c)
Inadequacy of repairs descriptions

JS – currently subject to a formal complaint by a KC leaseholder and being investigated

3
LBH disputes and escalation procedure

(Discussed within previous topics)

4
Discussion of new procedures by LBH to improve leaseholder services

(Discussed within previous topics)

5
Any other business

Surgeries: book a 1:1, in person in the service centre or virtual. Asked LBH for option to attend in person in H.S – this is a possibility.
Neighbours in the same block are welcome to have an appointment together if that is wanted by residents.
Can leave name and contact details with Judith to arrange a surgery.

Finish

Meeting closed at 7.40pm

(Minutes taken by Emley and approved by Phil, Wael and Judith prior to wider circulation)

Details of the surgeries from the letter sent to Leaseholders:
We are also offering homeowners the option of booking a 30 minute surgery appointment with Leasehold Services between 25th and 30th July 2022 to discuss any individual service charge queries.
To book a surgery appointment, please write to Joseph Starkey on joseph.starkey@hackney.gov.uk or by phone on 020 8359 2299. Please ensure the following details are provided in your email:

Your name
Your address
Your availability between 25th and 30th June 2022.
A brief summary of the issues you wish to discuss

Previous Information
Agenda
Meeting to be led by Judith Morrison (Head of Leasehold & RTB Services)
Co-chaired by Phil McKee (Leaseholder on Kings Crescent Estate)

Item
Time
Person
Comments

Welcome & introduction
18:05
Hackney Rep/
Phil M
Reminder of scope of the meeting & that specific queries will be more effectively discussed in surgeries.

1
Discussion of annual rising service charge costs / variation between estimates and actuals.
18:10

To specifically cover – given challenges residents will have with rising living costs, what is Hackney doing to avoid costs spiralling up unnecessarily and what help is available for residents if leaseholders are struggling to afford increases service charges.
What actions do Hackney Council take to ensure residents get value for money from their service charges? (eg. When choosing repair companies, checking quality of work)

2
Specific concerns on costs in service charges:

18:30

2 (a)
Problems with lift maintenance & associated costs

There have been issues with the lift (and entrance doors) over many years – are Hackney comfortable the original lift was of an appropriate quality?
The lease arrangement requires Hackney to keep the building in “good and substantial repair & condition”. How does Hackney define what good and substantial repair and condition look like?

2 (b)
New hot water/heating energy charge

JS – raised with senior management and hope to sort out before meeting

2 (c)
Inadequacy of repairs descriptions

JS – currently subject to a formal complaint by a KC leaseholder and being investigated

3
LBH disputes and escalation procedure
19:00

4
Discussion of new procedures by LBH to improve leaseholder services
19:10

5
Any other business
19:20

Finish
19:30

Information from Hackney about the meeting:
Dear Homeowner,
We are writing to invite you and all Kings Crescent Estate leaseholders to attend a general meeting with senior Council Housing Services staff on 20th July 2022 to discuss service charge related matters.
This email also invites you to book a surgery appointment with Leasehold Services during the week commencing 25th July 2022 if you wish to discuss your personal service charge account with an officer one-to-one.

The general meeting with senior Council Housing Services staff will take place from 6pm to 7:30pm at Hackney Showroom, 4 Murrain Rd, London N4 2BN and will be co-chaired by the Kings Crescent Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association (ETRA).This meeting has been arranged further to the ETRA notifying us of issues of concern to Kings Crescent Estate homeowners in relation to the services we provide on the estate for which charges apply. This meeting will provide an opportunity for you and other homeowners to discuss these issues directly with senior staff.

We are also offering homeowners the option of booking a 30 minute surgery appointment with Leasehold Services between 25th and 30th July 2022 to discuss any individual service charge queries.

To book a surgery appointment, please write to Joseph Starkey on joseph.starkey@hackney.gov.uk or by phone on 020 8359 2299. Please ensure the following details are provided in your email:

Your name
Your address
Your availability between 25th and 30th June 2022.
A brief summary of the issues you wish to discuss

Please note that surgery appointments will take place virtually over Google Meet. If you are unable to participate in a surgery virtually, please notify us when making your appointment and we will arrange a telephone appointment.

We very much look forward to hearing from you.
—
Please note you must respond to service.charges@hackney.gov.uk and not my personal email to ensure you receive a response to your enquiry.

Kind regards,

Leasehold Services and RTB
London Borough of Hackney
Tel. No. 020 8356 2299
service.charges@hackney.gov.uk
www.hackney.gov.uk

ETRA Meeting July 2022
2022-07-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
ETRA meetings happen on a quarterly basis in January, April, July & October

Kings Crescent ETRA Meeting Minutes
13 July 2022 7:00-8:30pm
‘Enhanced’ Tenants & Residents Association Meeting
Zoom and in person (Hackney Showroom – Murrain Road 4-6)

Minutes
In Attendance
13 Residents including Meeting Chair David B and TRA Chair Emley P

London Borough of Hackney (LBH) Staff members:

Philip Glanville (PG)
Mark Amos
Anthony Ramsay (AR)
Ron Greenwood
Angela Okoh
Cllr Clayeon McKenzie (CM)
Will Owen
John Morris (JM)
Andrea Scott (AS)
Gilbert Stowe (GS)
Cllr Clare Potter
Steve Waddington (SW)
LBH Mayor
Mayor and Cabinet Caseworker
Housing Officer
Project Manager
Senior Energy & Sustainability officer
Ward Councillor
Regeneration Team LBH
Source Partnership
BH Area Housing Manager
LBH Divisional Head of Tenant and Leasehold Services
Ward Councillor Brownswood
Strategic Director of Housing

(Please note there are gaps on the page that I don’t know how to remove so keep scrolling though to point 9!!)

Agenda Item
Lead
Actions

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

● Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (April 2022)

● approval of the last ETRA minutes (April 2022) – approved by Remi and Jill
● DB thanked Mayor PG, and other officials, especially Gilbert, Andrea and Anthony for their efforts and involvement in helping us solve issues
● Introduction by DB stating that “good progress since last meeting. moving in the right direction, especially regarding fire safety, but there is a lot to do regarding the services LBH provides”
● DB asked attendants to type their names

David (TRA Chair)

2
Fire Safety

● DB acknowledged LBH having sent the letter where LBH committed to do any remediation work and to pay for it. Further questions from residents below
● Update on what has been done from last ETRA
○ Risk assessment / inspections
○ GS confirmed that through a procurement process, a contractor has been selected to carry out the assessment (Orsa fire consultancy, part Orsa project limited. An experienced company with customers such as Aviva and Tesco).
■ They are already working on reviewing some information such as design elements, construction materials and so forth.
■ Next steps are to begin an intrusive survey, in early August. It will take 2-3 weeks to be completed. Residents will receive letters with the steps very soon.
■ any findings from the assessment will be presented to residents as soon as these are made available. GS would not want to commit to an ETA as he doesn’t know much of the process himself, in response to DB’s question whether we should expect results in early September. SW said that it is expected to have the PAS 9980 assessment by mid-September.
■ Since April, residents have received letters from Steve Waddington stating LBH commitment to cover any work that comes out of these findings. GS thinks this is a huge step forward in reassuring residents.

○ When will PAS 9980 survey be done?
■ will be included in the survey mentioned above
○ Balcony decks – are these fire-proof?
■ AH – her exit of the flat is over a wooden deck that has been deemed as flammable in the original fire safety assessment. She wants to have it repainted, but she was told that deck was treated with a special material upon construction to avoid being flammable.
■ She asked LBH whether she is restricted to paint her deck, but she has not had any answers so far. It is very work out, and some of her neighbours have already treated/painted it. Her concern is whether the deck would lose any of its anti-flammable properties in case she paints over it. If there is a fire in the building, that is her only exit.
■ GS said that LBH head of safety, Michal Jankowski. AH to send GS an email, and he will pass it to Michal.
■ SW. It is true the decks were treated upon construction which made them have little combustibility and made them meet the building fire regulations at the time. At this point in time, these decks do not meet such regulations and will be considered in the PAS 9980 fire assessment. He advised not to treat/paint them at the moment.
■ AH asked whether those decks that have been painted/treated by residents (after construction) posed any threat. SW does not think it poses any further threat.

Resident from Therfield (who was in the Hackney Showroom) had additional questions; some residents have been having BBQs in the balconies, with the subsequent danger it entails. He suggested LBH send notification letters as soon as possible.
● GS said to consider it done. It is a general rule to not have any BBQs on balconies. AR to deal with it. People should have individual responsibility here, not only LBH.
● In case residents see anyone doing BBQs, the best way to report is to let LFB know so they can have a conversation with the residents.

David
LBH – clarification needed re deck painting options
LBH: Letters to be sent our re BBQs on balconies

3
Next phase of the KCE regeneration

Views of Mayor on the next phase
● Any timeline about work starting (rumours it has been postponed)?
○ LBH chose a contractor. But they are unable to hold the bidding price considering the current market conditions as opposed to back in December. LBH then went to the other bidders, and saw that across all the tenders there had been a higher cost due to inflation, Ukraine war, etc. LBH is now working with original choice of contractor, who is also working on other different projects (other development site), and are trying to improve the costs. It has proved very difficult to carry out this work, but the long-term project, the commitment, the vision has not changed. At the time they cannot commit to a timeline for when the construction works will begin. At the moment, LBH keep working with that bidder to carry out work across the borough.
● How confident do LBH feel about delivering a good service considering the failures managing old blocks +3 new blocks?
○ LBH always want to manage blocks in a good way. They must keep working with GS and SW to ensure the estate management is adequate.
○ SW; LB H is committed to improve the service delivered over the last few years, that has not been good enough or as it should be. But there are a lot of things happening behind the scenes that will improve that service; how the service has been delivered, how resources have been deployed, access to repairs, how repairs are reported and delivered.
David

4
Estate management – repairs

● DB acknowledgement and thanked for the step in the right direction when AS and AR met residents in person in the estate at the end of April (after last ETRA). The relationship has improved with LBH officials. Also GS steps right in when he is cc’d in emails, which speaks of his commitment to assist us with the current problems we are facing. However, there are still issues (cultural, systemic) within LBH that do not allow for a smooth service delivery; residents do not feel listened to, do not feel their requests are being taken seriously, and in order to achieve something, it must be done by pushing, chasing and challenging. Not all issues from the southern blocks have been addressed, and these were pointed out when AS and AR came to the estate.
complaints from South blocks
● Some complaints are still not being addressed.
● Theobald’s court chute is not working. It took 6 weeks to be cleared by LBH, which is not acceptable. On the second floor, the chute drawer falls out and can damage residents and children.
● there are issues with flies; can’t leave windows or doors open. it smells. These three issues were raised in an email by Remi (June the 9th), and we only received an email (June 16th) only stating that the chute had been unblocked but ignoring the other issues.
● New issues are the lights of the balconies that stay on all day and sometimes from very early in the morning, but they go off when it gets dark in the evenings. This has happened since the pandemic. They have been told that someone would come and repair it. Someone comes, but it stops working again within a few days. It is an ongoing issue that must be looked into deeper. DB suggested to follow up with AR in the email mentioned above. Other residents have followed up by phone but no luck.
● Jill admitted that the issues with the chute are up and down, and are linked to residents not using it properly (entering items that do not fit and block the chute).
● issues with the chute in Theobald and Bramfield.
○ GS will wait to receive the email, and will investigate why these issues have not been addressed (chute, the drawer, smells, lights).
○ SW offered to be cc’d in the email as strategic manager for recycling services and admitted that 6 weeks to be un-blocked is not good enough. He asked GS and AR to get the drawer repaired first thing on Friday morning.
Several reports of drains backing up – tried to contact Anthony but no success.
● could there be a regular drain clearing each 6-12 months to prevent the issue building up?
● Some residents, particularly senior ones, would like AR to be introduced to them, as they used to have a personal relationship with Anette Reid.
○ drain issue in Bramfield court, flats above the archway. It had been cleared in March but it has been backed up again recently. and the same happened in Datchworth in the past (every two years). She asked whether the clearouts should happen more regularly, but she doesn’t know what the policy is. Some residents have tried to contact AR by phone as they do not have internet
■ AR acknowledged that the Bramfield drain had been reported in early May and on June 20th, and both were completed. If a senior resident cannot log in the repair (online) they can contact the repairs phone line. AR suggested that they can also raise these issues through Emely and suggested to use the form AR provided by email which he believes would improve the communication between residents and AR. AR has already been in some flats, and he will be updating the service board with his contacts and further meetings.
■ Emley asked whether there will be more surgeries in the future to meet in person with residents.
● AS responded they are rolling out surgeries throughout the borough, and this will start in the autumn.
● GS added that there is a request for AS and AR to visit the estate on a weekly basis, to increase presence in the estate. AR contact details will be posted on the board, and will be appearing on the BBQ letter to be sent out. On surgeries, more will occur on a weekly basis, but it will be ruled out in the autumn.

● Any update from new computer systems including reporting a repairs service online?
○ Any alternative for residents without internet/email?
○ AR; it will be in the poster,. it will come with a QR code for those residents who know how to use it. it will have a link to a form that will populate a spreadsheet where the repair will be recorded/logged.
○ DB interrupted and asked whether AR was referring to the google docs previously provided, and questioned whether these work as there is no email acknowledging the submission, or any follow up, or interaction etc. It does not improve anything. AR said that that link was the TRA version, but that the new one will contain more features like application forms, or tenancy terms and conditions, freehold terms and conditions, how to report ASB, etc
○ Jill asked that rubbish bags outside the community centre have not been cleaned since two weeks ago. One day, a cleaner walked by, saw the bags but did not act upon them. Whose responsibility is it? The community centre to communicate and request bags to be picked up, or up to the cleaners?
○ the community centre is part of the estate and so should have been picked up by the cleaners. AS to have a conversation with colleagues in the community centres team. rubbish should not be ignored by a cleaner; must clean it or report it to another team
● Anthony – updates
○ Gates to communal areas – making them impossible to climb.
○ bollards on the play street
○ both issues above to be taken offline due to time-constraint.

DB stated that there are movements in the right direction, specially by individuals (GS specially, AS, AR), but things are very far from perfect. ie issue in Wallington court this week
David

Anthony to follow up with South block issues

JWM to email GS etc outlining issues

5
Estate Management – Escalating issues / heating costs

● In particular, one resident who has escalated an issue regarding heating charges, and it has taken one year with more than 30 chasers
● Energy prices charged – (ref: 1986845)
● Issues regarding heating maintenance costs, the choice of communal boiler is not beneficial to residents in terms of cost, services being paid for no value in return
Wael wanted to tackle the issue more broadly; when residents try to rise a complaint/issue to LBH there are four type of answers residents receive:
1.- “it has been passed to Sr management”, which means that it has been lost in bureaucracy. ie, the solar panel [film covering on window next to lift control panel to reflect heat] on the lift in Kimpton suggestion to prevent overheating. It was first discussed in July 2019. residents were told it had been passed to sr management, it is july 2022 and it has not been fixed, and today that it is a hot day, the lift is out or work again.
2.- “if you are not happy, raise a complaint”. one raised in April 2021, and it raised stage 2 in May 2022. and it happened after battling, chasing, and challenging. The issue had been raised through ETRA meetings many times, in front of Will Owen, in front of the Mayor, In front of GS. We always receive reassuring words but nothing ever happens. The way these complaints work is that on state 1, residents receive an answer from the same team we raise the complaint against, without any form of challenge which is a waste of time. And in order to get an answer one has to chase and chase, despite LBH policy is to give an answer within 15 days.
3.- “it is written in the leasehold agreement” especially when residents challenge anything to do regarding service charge. It is normally used when LBH is short of excuses, they hide behind it. ie when Wael challenged the heating costs and maintenance. Instead of having a constructive conversation, the answer is that. It is true, but Wael challenged the schedule on the leasing agreement in November 2021, to GS in last ETRA, and no answer…which leads to the last point
4.- “no answer” and wait for the resident to give up.
Wael has had issues with the new build team, and with the service charge team. Wael addressed the Mayor stating that in the last meeting with PG (February 2022) he reassured us about how the service should be provided, etc. Wael would like PG to justify LBH behaviour, the silence after Wael raised the schedule to the service charge team and GS, the absence of justification on the added value of the communal boiler which have been on for a year, the fact that some residents are so upset with LBH that have stopped paying service charges.
GS responded. He thinks LBH are meeting their obligations, however these could be met on a more timely basis, and improving the answers given. He stated that LBH is moving in the right direction, and acknowledged how unsatisfied Wael has been in the past. LBH is trying to take strides in being more responsive and to deal better with stage 1 and 2 complaints. He apologised and said that Wael is right to be angry and upset, but their commitment to maintain their homes is unequivocal. The issue is about the time and they are working to be improved.
Wael. The solar panel [film] takes 3 years. He gets that there is not a schedule for their obligation set for these types of repairs, but all this time taken for a repetitive issue is not acceptable. GS admitted it is not reasonable and understands how frustrating it is for residents.
Emley (lives in older southern blocks) added that her lift has been out of work once in 10 years, while lifts in new blocks are out of work all the time. There is something bigger going on with new blocks. and LBH fails to connect the dots, and to tackle this long-term issue. Residents should not have to keep raising these issues. LBH should spot them and tackle them directly, rather than stating that complaint teams should be given a more timely answer.
DB highlighted a short term issue with LBH when it comes to issues; lift in Kimpton, main door in Wallington, boiler when it gets cold (it broke twice last winter) drains in Bramfield, etc. it should not be just a short term repair for the next few months. At the end of the day, the contractors are changing LBH every time they come, that charge is passed to residents. But contractors are not incentivised to do a good job. LBH must step in and get a long-term solution rather than temporary patches. That is the expectation from a modern management company (private or public) from the residents.
PG understands the frustration. He highlighted the relationship between residents and a manager/contractor/agent (private or public) and a landlord all completely correct. Is it a construction fault or something that has to be repaired? In the case of the lifts, he was briefed that it is a construction error therefore, a contractor cannot solve those issues permanently, they can only temporarily get them up working but it will reoccur unless LBH deals directly with Higgins for a structural solution. This is a more strategic issue, not down to better reporting or to the call centre. In regard to the service charge, PG understands there is a meeting coming (next week). The meeting that was initially due to take place never happened as very short notice was given to residents.
DB said that if it is a construction issue, it is beside the point. If Higgins handed the building to LBH with failures, it is LBH responsibility to tackle those, not residents. When residents raise those issues, it should not be our problem whether these are strategic or not. It should be up to LBH staff to figure this out. Residents do not feel we get value for money, we are doing the job of raising these issues regardless of the nature of those.
Wael understand some structural/strategic issues might take for longer, but another issue is the quality and the honesty of the repair; lift, new build states that it has been repaired when residents keep sending proof it has not. The same with the Kimpton main door. There are also issues with the repairs jobs that are not being supervised by LBH who only take the contractor’s word for it. In terms of the lift, Wael has challenged for two years that the alarm is not working (nobody at the other end) where we must call LFB, is a breach of the schedule and affects the resident’s security.
Note in chat: Mayor Philip Glanville: Totally agree with that assessment Wael on resident vs contractor voice and this must be fixed.
Wael on the point of the energy cost, which is split in 3; 1 is a standing charge, 2 is unit price and LBH price charging residents is in the average any other provider would charge. No issue there. The issue is the maintenance of the communal boiler which is a cost to residents without any visible benefits to us. He has been challenging the benefit for the resident and could not get to the bottom of it. And when the boiler breaks, the maintenance team needs at least 20 complaints to look into it. What is the benefit of the communal boiler? PG said that policies around energy are normally dictated by the London plan and planning policy. Communal boiler was decided when the blocks were initially constructed as the most efficient way for residents, the environment and the borough. Communal boilers are almost the default in planning policy. The scheme had to be bound to those policies. Wael asked about the benefit for residents. PG said it is more efficient, it is easier to repair (he also said that the extent to which it can be repaired and the requisites for it, that is where LBH can improve the service). Wael said that we pay for our individual boilers as well as for the communal one. PG said there is not another legal way to build it without a communal system. Wael accepted it is a legal matter, but was surprised that after over a year raising complaints nobody has ever mentioned that to him.
Wael to follow up with service charge teams about whether this is the most efficient way. Now that the answer about why a communal boiler has been given. Wael highlighted that in order to get LBH answers we must fight for everything.
Note in chat: Mayor Philip Glanville: I will provide the rationale in writing coming out of this meeting
CM added that the delivery of the services should not take for that long, and that this is a conversation to be taken internally to solve this. Issues must be tackled when they arise. A commitment and apology and an acknowledgement of it having to be improved were given.
KM said that one of the challenges the residents face is that everything is received as a single issue. But if you think about all the teams involved in the answers, etc how do we get to the strategic answers when everything is presented as a single issue. It is only when the Mayor is here with his understanding of the bigger picture can provide long term answers. The challenge is about how different individuals and different departments can work together and to provide a single answer to a single issue that requires inputs from different teams and a more cohesive but complex answer (i.e. the communal boiler). Someone in LBH has to do the thinking and not just bat it back to residents.
SW thinks that LBH as a service must put it together and respond to it as if it was a single issue (how it is raised by residents).
PG hopes that GS, SW, and can provide a sense of broader commitment from LBH in PG’s absence (he cannot be in every meeting). These individuals can provide high-level views on broader and strategic issues. LBH should be able to provide that strategic view in meetings or surgeries like this ETRA.
DB stated that there is no question on LBH officials present in the meeting about their desire and willingness to resolve issues, but there are cultural or traditional elements within the departments with which residents have to deal closely, that do not allow an efficient resolution. It is frustrating for residents who pay their monthly fee, and who are only asking for a functioning boiler, lift or main door to experience LBH failing in resolving those in an efficient manner. And most of the time it is after chasing, pushing and challenging.
Reminder that there is a Service Charges meeting next week, on July the 20th at 6pm. AH has been organising the meeting, and Phil McKee will chair it.
Wael

Mayor to provide rationale in writing

6
TRA

● TRA treasurer has chased Oliur seven times over the past four months for the grant money to cover our insurance.
● AH confirmed it has been resolved, but it took 6 months for the money to be sent to the TRA. We could only absorb that delay because the TRA had the cash to do so, but TRA had to chase for 6 months. It will hopefully not happen again.

David

7
Source Partnership

Update from John
● nothing to add except that they are administering the steering group next Thursday July 21st). They are looking into resolving some issues that have already been discussed in this ETRA (phases 3 and 4 of new developments).
Bianca Canberg, who is a student doing research on the estate, wanted to be introduced by JM, but she had already left the meeting.
John Morris

8
Any other business
● Resident raised the issue of people smoking cannabis in the estate. Issue should be flagged alongside the prohibition of doing BBQs on balconies. The recycling bins by the car park do not shut properly since construction. There is always rubbish outside where the rubbish chute is. It does not look clean around the area. These issues had been raised 18 months-2 years ago. He was promised that signs would be put out. Also the house next door has a huge bag of sand which has been sitting there for 2 years. Also people get there to do drugs and has requested to have gates to prevent people from entering the premises.
● he also requested to have better communication with AR (since the estate management has changed). He was disappointed that nobody had notified him about the change in management.
● AR provided contacts of the neighbour contact centre neighbourhood@hackney.gov.uk 02083563330 and can contact AR directly anthony.ramsay@hackney.gov.uk
● AS firstly apologised and communicated that LBH had been in constant contact with the TRA, they have been visiting the estate once a week, but she acknowledged that there have been no posters advertising the change, which should be in the estate within a couple of weeks.
● Wael wanted to mention that the Service charge meeting that is taking place next week was promised by Dona Bryce and Judith Morrison over a year ago. He flagged to PG and GS that LBH should have serious considerations about their senior management. Wael expressed his lack of trust in LBH.
● PG asked if that meeting that he guaranteed after February never took place? The notification about the meeting that was supposed to take place a few weeks ago was sent with short notice to residents and the meeting never took place. GS and PG only learnt about it now. DB also flagged the need to let residents know with enough notice about these meetings because residents are already very disengaged with LBH; people are busy, and people pay their fee so they do not feel obliged to have to get involved to improve that service, and DB understand other residents’ standpoint.

● Before the meeting ended, it was announced that GS is retiring which was a huge surprise and huge disappointment to some of the residents that have been working closely with GS lately. He will leave in 2 months, and a replacement will be put in place.
● the next ETRA date (October) was discussed. It is important to have senior staff, and SW will be attending. SW offered himself to be cc’d and mediate if any issues arise in the future that are not being resolved.
● DB closed the meeting saying that there is a feeling amongst residents that the relationship has improved but it is not enough. There is a will from LBH, but residents need that will not be materialised in facts.
David
LBH: Letters to be sent our re BBQs and smoking

9
Dates of next meetings/activities
– Gardening gathering on 16th July at 10:30am
– service charges meeting on 20th July at 6pm (in Hackney Showroom)
– Resident steering group – 21st July at 7pm (in Hackney Showroom)
– Annual General meeting at next Community Meeting on 14th sept 7pm
– Next ETRA – 19th October, SW will attend and PG has put in his diary in case he is still needed.
David

Previous Information:
If you have something to add to the agenda please email it to KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com before 4th July 2022 as the agenda will be published 1 week in advance.
Kings Crescent ETRA Meeting Agenda
13 July 2022 7:00-8:30pm
‘Enhanced’ Tenants & Residents Association Meeting
Zoom link will be provided – please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com

(A committee member will be present in the Hackney Showroom space with Zoom access for anyone not able to join online meetings)

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies
5 mins

● Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (April 2022)

David (TRA Chair)

2
Fire Safety
20 mins

● Update on what has been done from last ETRA
○ Risk assessment / inspections
○ When will PAS 9980 survey be done?
○ Balcony decks – are these fire-proof?

David

3
Next phase of the KCE regeneration
10 mins

● views of Mayor on the next phase
○ Any timeline about work starting?
○ How confident do LBH feel about delivering a good service considering the failures managing old blocks +3 new blocks?

David

4
Estate management – repairs
15 min

● complaints from South blocks
○ some complaints are still not being addressed
○ Several reports of drains backing up – tried to contact Anthony but no success
■ could there be a regular drain clearing each 6-12 months to prevent the issue building up?
● Any update from new computer systems including reporting a repairs service online?
○ Any alternative for residents without internet/email?
● Anthony – updates
○ Gates to communal areas – making them impossible to climb.
○ bollards on the play street

David

5
Estate Management – Escalating issues
10 min

● In particular, one resident who has escalated an issue regarding heating charges, and it has taken one year with more than 30 chasers

Wael

6
Estate Management – Heating costs
10 min

● Energy prices charged – (ref: 1986845)
● Issues regarding heating maintenance costs, the choice of communal boiler is not beneficial to residents in terms of cost, services being paid for no value in return

Wael

7
TRA
5 min

● TRA treasurer has chased Oliur seven times over the past four months for the grant money to cover our insurance.

David

8
Source Partnership
10 mins

● Update from John

John

9
Any other business
2.5 mins
David

10
Dates of next meetings/activities

2.5 mins
David

July Coffee Hour
2022-07-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Anyone is welcome to pop in for a cuppa from 1-2pm after the meditation session.
Emley, the Chair of the Residents Association will be there to answer any questions you may have about events and activities happening on Kings Crescent.

July Meditation
2022-07-09 11:30 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
ENERGY-LIFT GUIDED MEDITATION

& Community Connection

with Aimee Sri Laxmi & Laura Vasu Devi

In-person every month!
The class from 11.30am to 1pm offers guided meditation practice, insight and breathwork to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Re-charge your energetic batteries and feel uplifted!

1-2pm will be a time to relax with a cuppa and connect as a community.
There will be time to chat to the facilitators as well as being open for local residents to pop in to say hello.

Click HERE to pay and confirm booking

Aimee & Laura also offer weekly meditation class via Zoom on Monday evenings (Aimee) and Thursday evenings (Laura).
Contact them for Zoom link or to request free place at in-person event: Aimeehamblyn@gmail.com hello@laurahamblyn.com

Become Your Own Best Friend
A Workshop with Aimee Sri Laxmi

Life is a beautiful and wonderful thing but, from time to time, it can also be full of challenges and the goals, hopes and dreams we have for our lives don’t always go to plan.
Sometimes things seem to flow effortlessly and we get what we want and other times we are thwarted in our efforts.
So how do we meet ourselves in the ups and downs of life?
Are we friendly towards ourselves in a loving, accepting and encouraging way?
Or
Do we fall into self-depreciation and blame?
Maybe we keep ourselves very, very busy, spending a lot of energy not going where we want despite our best efforts and not slowing down to notice what is going on inside?
How can we change these habits and move towards developing a practice of loving self-acceptance and self-compassion?
In our session ‘Become your Own Best Friend’ we will;

Meet the inner voice that shows up to ‘motivate us’

Cultivate an inner friendliness, a gentle curiosity, and a loving encouragement

Explore the Buddhist practice of metta – unconditional loving-kindness

Use body awareness practice to become aware of what is going on emotionally and help support you to ground and find a deeper sense of safety

Use sound to shift the energy that is holding patterns of resistance to become more friendly to ourselves

You will be able to use what you discover to cultivate an ongoing practice of inner friendliness towards yourself. You will receive a self-reflection workbook and recording to use at home.
To book your place, please make your contribution through PayPal here: BOOK marked with BecomeYourFriend reference.
(£30 / £20 Concession)
I’m really looking forward to seeing you there!
With love, Aimee

Vince Murrain Memorial Party
2022-06-26 14:00 - 19:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Vince Murrain Memorial Party – 10 years
It is 10 years since Vince sadly passed and his family, friends and community will be honouring his memory with a party.
There will be food, drinks, bouncy castle and fun.
Vince was a treasured member of the Kings Crescent community for many years. He was Chair of the Resident’s Association, led the Youth Club and much more.
His was memorialised in the name of the Community Hall on Kings Crescent and the Play Street – Murrain Road.
All welcome!

June Coffee Hour
2022-06-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

June Meditation
2022-06-18 11:30 - 14:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
ENERGY-LIFT GUIDED MEDITATION

& Community Connection

with Aimee Sri Laxmi & Laura Vasu Devi

In-person every month!
The class from 11.30am to 1pm offers guided meditation practice, insight and breathwork to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Re-charge your energetic batteries and feel uplifted!

1-2pm will be a time to relax with a cuppa and connect as a community.
There will be time to chat to the facilitators as well as being open for local residents to pop in to say hello.

Details for this session below.
Please book your place HERE, using the reference IGNITE.

Aimee & Laura also offer weekly meditation class via Zoom on Monday evenings (Aimee) and Thursday evenings (Laura).
Contact them for Zoom link or to request free place at in-person event: Aimeehamblyn@gmail.com hello@laurahamblyn.com

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
My amazing sister and I have decided to upgrade our offer at the Hackney Showroom!
We know many of you travel for this time of connection, meditation and community meet-up and so we wanted to offer you something that would really, deeply support you each month.

June 18th 2022
IGNITE YOUR INTUITION WORKSHOP
with Vasu Devi
11.30am to 2pm
Do you ever feel like your life isn’t going where you want it to?
Like you’re always pushing and working hard but not making any progress?
Do you struggle to make decisions?
You are not alone. At times, life can be so busy, that we fall out of sync with our natural patterns and ways of being, and we become cut off from our innate sense of self and our intuition.
We are all intuitive beings.
However, most of us have learnt to ignore this innate part of self.
The part that knows we are divine, the art that knows we are connected to everyone and everything.
The part that is connected to our soul, our path and our mission here on earth.
In this half day work shop, Laura Vasu Devi, will teach you how to connect to your intuition and show you how to build the strength of your ajna chakra so that you can reduce the veils between the worlds, and have a deeper connection with your soul.
Laura Vasu Devi is an intuitive healer, who has an ability to perceive energy, past lives and spirits. She is a shamanic healer, that has been initiated as a crystal dreaming teacher, and advanced practitioner. Laura is passionate about helping others to connect more deeply to themselves.
Please book your place HERE, using the reference IGNITE.
We look forward to seeing you in June,
With Love Aimee and Laura, Vasu Devi x

Community Meeting June 2022
2022-06-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This community meeting is hosted by the Tenants & Residents Association (TRA) committee aims to celebrate the community which already exists on Kings Crescent and look for ways to develop this further.
It’s a chance for residents to discuss what events and activities we want to have here, meet your neighbours etc.
Let us know if you have any ideas!
KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com
Featuring:

Updates from the TRA committee
Updates from Hackney Showroom & Source Partnership
An opportunity to share your opinion and ideas

Minutes

Agenda Item
Lead
Actions

1
Welcome, Introductions and apologies
· In attendance:
Emley (chair), Jill WM and 11 other residents (names removed for web version)
John Morris (Source Partnership),
Nina (Hackney Showroom)
· Approve minutes from March 2022
Alice – proposed, Jill and Remi seconded
Emley

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates
Planned events & activities:
· Youth funding – extra £2k for us and Hackney Showroom to run projects. Figuring out what to do with that.
· Youth Club running but Jill on jury duty. Nina has been helping and has recruited new helpers from youth team
· Emley asked about some activities that appeal to adults
· Family fun mornings continued until weather got nice at end May. Might revisit in winter.
· Remi’s charity event 2 April – raised over £600 for Autistic children. Hoping for a different charity event in August. Ideas for which charity welcome – send to Remi!
· Hackney Herbal also attended and put together list of Gardening ideas. There are lots of ideas, info and tips on the Facebook group
· Ellie, Sarah and Kathy have taken over running of group (other welcome to join if interested)
· Following presentation at last community meeting, held litter picking event, gathering rubbish dumped in New River. Will be a regular twice-yearly event.
· Wellbeing classes continuing for another 10 – 12 weeks. Well attended but not enough to pay for itself. Will need more funding if we want to continue. Most people who attend Zumba class are her own clients. When more people did come were put off by size of space. Can’t do evening time. Pilates is on Sat mornings.

Community Development Fund spend/activities
· Emley showed breakdown of Community Development Fund (money available to claim from council) spend for 21/22 (see below)
· Has also done proposed spend for 22/23 (see below). Process for claiming funds is laborious and slow. So this time have agreed with council that we have a rough overall breakdown of £3.5k and we keep in bank account rather than seeking approval for every bit each time. Any slight differences in spend can be reflected in reporting afterwards
· (£3,500 available):
o Gardening activities £350
o Youth Club £500
o Community trip e.g. trip to beach £700
o Support for wellbeing activities e.g. yoga £600
o Cultural activity e.g. art project or theatre trip £700
o Community parties £650
· Emley asking for approval of spend/anything else people would like to spend money on? There are some ideas here: https://www.facebook.com/KingsCrescentN4/photos/pcb.440920377474927/440920194141612/
· Community trip Coaches for community trip are now very expensive – over £1k). Suggestion that we run a subsidised trip/voluntary extra payment. Hackney Showroom could run ticketing so people could book through website. Jill volunteered to organise for Saturday 3 September.
· Cultural activity Hackney Showroom have already booked some tickets for Sleeping Beauty at Sadler’s Wells on Sun 11 December (matinee). Nina suggested using some of £700 cultural money to subsidise this.
· Jill knows someone, Dura, on Queen’s Drive who has lots of experience applying for funding and is willing to help us.

Emley
· Jill to organise community trip to seaside
· Schedule discussion about community trip for March community meeting next year

3
Hackney Showroom Update
Update on existing community programme and upcoming plans
Hackney Showroom will be publishing a new brochure in a couple of weeks for July – Dec. All residents should get a leaflet through their door (also see https://www.hackneyshowroom.com/whatson/)

4 summer activities for children and young people:
· Lookout – 2-week theatre project. Trailer on website. Workshop then performances at end. Is free but you need to book. Performances in English and Turkish. Give leaflets out to neighbours! 25 July – 1 Aug for 8-13s with performances for all 6&7 August
· Futurehead summercamp 8-13 year olds. Free, lunch provided 8-12 August
· DJing for girls (age 13-19) 25-29 July
· Rebel print making for protest etc (age 13-19) 1-5 August

Regular events
· Disco loco library- multicultural children’s books Tuesdays
· Easy Rollers – soft play disco for under 5s – Wednesday
· Youth Club (age 8-12) – Thursdays
· Friday lunch club – aimed at over 60s but all ages welcome

Other events
· Sat 8 Oct – disco loco literature – lots different events – whole day family event
· Sat 19 November – next King’s Feast community meal. Food from Otantic, dancing, games – all ages

Nina

4
Open Conversation
· Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for community building activities and events on Kings Crescent.
(Conversations can be continued informally after the meeting closes)
Residents

5
Update from Source Partnership
SP core activities still on hold. Not much of an update on development programme. In meantime, open offer for ongoing support from John and Carol. Inc for community development (outside of what community development team at council do)
Carol/
John

6
Any other business
Service charge
· Have been having conversations about service charges with council.
· There is a meeting next week for all residents to learn about the service charge. A letter should have gone to all residents across the estate today.
· Following week there will be a range of dates and times. Residents can book a session to go through questions.

Football club
· Remi knows a professional coach in Datchworth Court. Need to speak to him about activities/funding/support. May need some of £3.5k funding.

Winter market in December
Remi happy to run this with Nina from Hackney Showroom. Agreed to have community meeting separately. Doesn’t need any of the CDF money.

Place for messages and notices from residents
Nina drew attention to tickertape message at bottom of Hackney Showroom screen. This is for anybody to put any message to anyone. Please just send them to Hackney Showroom

hello@hackneyshowroom.com
General TRA drop in
On the Saturdays when there is meditation, there’s a general resident coffee hour after (run by Emley) for anyone to drop in. Next dates: 25 June, 2 July, 16, 23 30 July

Community event
Next activity is Vince Murrain memorial party. 10 years since Vince died. Big Lunch funding used for this. Sunday 26 June 2pm-7pm.
There will be a memorial book for Vince for anyone who wants to sign.

Dates of next meetings & close
· ETRA 13 July
· Next community meeting 14 Sep and our AGM. Anthony (new estate manager) will come to that
Emley

Remi to look into football coaching

Agenda

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome, Introductions and apologies
· Approve minutes from March 2022
5 mins
Emley

2
Residents Group (TRA) Committee Updates
· Planned events & activities
· Planning for AGM in September/October
· Suggestions for what to spend 22/23 CDF grant on
See suggestions for discussion in graphic below
10 mins
Emley

3
Hackney Showroom Update
· Update on existing community programme and upcoming plans
10 mins
Nina

4
Open Conversation
· Opportunity for residents to share ideas and suggestions for community building activities and events on Kings Crescent.
(Conversations can be continued informally after the meeting closes)
20 mins
Residents

5
Update from Source Partnership
5mins
Carol/John

6
Any other business
Dates of next meetings & close

10 mins
Emley

Please note these community focused meetings take place in March, June, September and December each year.
There are separate meetings to discuss estate related issues (with Hackney representatives attending) in January, April, July, October.

Here is how we spent the ‘Community Development Fund’ last year.
Come along to share your ideas for what we do this year!

Source Advice Drop in 8 June
2022-06-08 16:30 - 18:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom

June Street Party
2022-06-04 14:00 - 20:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Kings Crescent Street Party
4 June | 2-8pm | Murrain Road
Neighbours, loved ones and friends, the time to get out and celebrate the beginning of summer is here… and we are bringing the party right to your doorstep!
Join your neighbours for a day full of food and music with DJs and live music
Get ready for family day like no other! Hosted by pioneering theatre mavericks Nigel Barrett & Louise Mari + special guest dog hypnotist Guy Hargreaves.
From a Squeaky Toy Orchestra to Portrait with your Pooch, a bouncy castle, bar & food, DJs, puppy face painting, ice cream & more. We’ve got everything to help you celebrate the beginning of summer!
4pm Main Stage: ‘Alternative Dog Show’ with categories including: Dog That Looks Most Like The Queen, Best Beard & Fastest Sausage Eater.
Paws mean Prizes!
This event is FREE and is for Kings Crescent residents, surrounding neighbours and friends of Hackney Showroom. Book below for yourself and/or your household to let us know you are coming. As always donations are greatly welcomed and help us to keep events like this free.
BOOK HERE to let us know you are coming.

Gardening Gathering 28 May
2022-05-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Allotment Courtyard, Between Therfield, Barley, Chipping & Redbourn Courts, Access via Sim Street or Casbeard Street, N4 2GD, United Kingdom

CANCELLED May Family Fun Morning
2022-05-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
We have decided to postpone these events now that the weather is getting nicer.
We will likely resume these in the winter but will announce details closer to the time.
There is also a Street Party on 4th June so see you there!!
For further information or to share ideas for community events please contact KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com

Previous information:
Family Fun Morning
This is an opportunity to meet your neighbours and for the kids to have some fun together!
Anyone is welcome to pop in for a cuppa and say hello (you don’t have to have kids with you!)
Last Saturday of every month
We have sports equipment, giant board games, colouring, kinetic sand, etc.
The event is free to attend and open to everyone.
If you can, please bring some refreshments to contribute e.g. box of juice, some fruit, a cake, packet of biscuits etc.
(Don’t worry if you can’t though or if you forget!!)
If anyone has any ideas for kids activities or wants to volunteer please come along.
All Welcome!!!
Please note that parents/carers will need to supervise their children during the event, thank you.

New River Walk community clear up
2022-05-25 09:30 - 11:30 | Park View Cafe, 327a Green Lanes, Manor House, N4 1BZ, United Kingdom
The New River Walk, Environmental Visual Audit and Community Clear up day
28 May 9.30-11.30am

Volunteers needed to help clean up the New River Walk area
In partnership with the local Police and Hackney’s Community Safety Team
Schedule:

8.30: A spot of Breakfast at Park View Cafe to fuel up (optional)
9.30: Meet and Greet at Park View Cafe (debrief, assign roles & give out equipment).
11.30am: finish up at The Coal House Cafe (Woodberry Wetlands).

**Please contact Bianca if you would like to attend***
Email: bianca.rembrandt@hackney.gov.uk
mobile: 07483 328331
This initiative was prompted by the action of a local resident to raise awareness of the build up off litter and larger items in the New River waterway and surrounding area. For more information see his Facebook pages documenting the issues he has found:

Waterway Walk Watchers May 2022: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10158073636867574&type=3
Waterway Walk Watchers April 2022: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10158019683997574&type=3

May Meditation
2022-05-07 11:30 - 12:45 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
ENERGY-LIFT GUIDED MEDITATION

with Aimee

In-person every month!
This class offers an hour of guided meditation practice and breathwork to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Re-charge your energetic batteries and feel uplifted! Time at the end for a cuppa and community connection.

Cost: £7-16 – pay what you can afford. 2 free spots for any Kings Crescent residents in financial difficulty

Aimee also offers a weekly meditation class via Zoom on Monday evenings.
Contact Aimee for Zoom link or to request free place at in-person event: Aimeehamblyn@gmail.com

This months in person meditation we will be utilising the May energy of High Spring to bring more joy to our lives. We will be focusing the meditation around the energy centre that is connected with creativity, located in the pelvis. This is not just connected to the conception and birth of human babies and children but also is the energy centre that holds all the creative potency for every aspect of our life. Its connected to our sense of fun, wellbeing, joy and play.

We often hear a lot of critical comments that dampen our natural curiosity and ability to create.
We get told that we cant sing, or our painting or poetry isnt very good – and we disconnect from the natural human act of joyful creation
In the west we have this idea of ‘excellence’ art becomes exclusive and we loose the joy connected to art for everyone
our sacral chakra is connected to our ability to relate, be engaging and charismatic
Our life force and vitality is connected to the flow of energy around the sacral energy centre when we have blocks in this centre it can really impact our ability to enjoy life fully

You can book your space by making a payment to paypal srilaxmi.shanti@gmail.com and send me an email to let me know you are coming!
looking forward to seeing you there!
love Aimee Sri Laxmi

Family Fun Morning 30 April 2022
2022-04-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This is an opportunity to meet your neighbours and for the kids to have some fun together!
Anyone is welcome to pop in for a cuppa and say hello (you don’t have to have kids with you!)
Last Saturday of every month
We have sports equipment, giant board games, colouring, kinetic sand, etc.
The event is free to attend and open to everyone.
If you can, please bring some refreshments to contribute e.g. box of juice, some fruit, a cake, packet of biscuits etc.
(Don’t worry if you can’t though or if you forget!!)
If anyone has any ideas for kids activities or wants to volunteer please come along.
All Welcome!!!
Please note that parents/carers will need to supervise their children during the event, thank you.

April Meditation
2022-04-23 11:30 - 12:45 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
ENERGY-LIFT GUIDED MEDITATION

with Aimee & Laura

In-person every month!
This class offers an hour of guided meditation practice and breathwork to support your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Re-charge your energetic batteries and feel uplifted! Time at the end for a cuppa and community connection.

Cost: £7-16 – pay what you can afford. 2 free spots for any Kings Crescent residents in financial difficulty

Aimee also offers a weekly meditation class via Zoom on Monday evenings.
Contact Aimee for Zoom link or to request free place at in-person event: Aimeehamblyn@gmail.com
Aimee is a Doula and will be on call for a birth client so her lovely sister Laura will be filling in this month as she is also an amazing healer and meditation teacher. To book a place or for more information please contact hello@laurahamblyn.com

ETRA meeting April 2022
2022-04-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
This ‘Enhanced Tenants & Residents Association’ (ETRA) ‘meeting is a chance for residents to speak to Hackney representatives about issues on the estate e.g. cleaning, repairs, antisocial behaviour.
Minutes:
In Attendance:

Residents: 16

David B (DB)
TRA committee member & meeting Chair

Kathy M
TRA committee member & note taker

David S
Zoom host for TRA

Wael D (WD)
Karsten H (KH)
AH
EV
SH
PF
PM
CE
YM
MM
AA
HC
SB

Staff members:

Annette Reid
Will Owen
John Morris
Andrea Scott
Guy Shackle & Angela Okoh
Gilbert Stowe (GS)
Cllr Clare Potter
Housing Officer for Kings Crescent LBH
Regeneration Team LBH
Source Partnership
BH Area Housing Manager
L B of Hackney – PAM
LBH Divisional Head of Tenant and Leasehold Services
Ward Councillor Brownswood

Apologies:
Residents: EP, AM, JWM

Agenda Item
Lead
Actions

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies

● Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (January 2022)
No objections. Approved by David B, Kathy and Ellie.

Annette Reid announced this week that she is leaving her role as our Estate Officer. David thanked for all of her work on behalf of the TRA.

Update on Energy meters
New routers are being installed that will allow Hackney to read all meters by end of April, early May. (Insite have not had access to meter data for the past 18 months due to faulty lines). From that data they will let leaseholders know if they are owed or owe money.
Any meters found to be faulty will be replaced by the council.
New supplier from June 1. Want to have all assessed and agreed by then.
Contact Angela or Guy with concerns angela.okoh@hackney.gov.uk or heatmeters@hackney.gov.uk
Issue about overall heating charge raised (fairness of rates being charged and additional costs of maintenance on service charges) – outside remit of Angela and Guy – this is a leaseholder service charge issue.

Note in chat: “In the first instance once Insite have access to the data they should be able to reconcile your account by the end of May – Any further question about heat meters OR billing – do contact us via the email” If a meter is found to be faulty then it will be replaced but if not faulty then no changes needed to meter in resident’s property. So far 10-15 meters have been found to be faulty. Any refunds due will come directly from Insite to residents and will be agreed before the change of provider. Residents will be getting a welcome pack from new provider Sycous.
Once the new lines are active then the new rate can be charged. Was supposed to be changed last April (2021), there was a reduction in rate that will be backdated, so residents should be in credit. However, all of the data needs to be analysed before any promises can be made. Letters will be sent to residents once this has been done.

David (TRA Chair)

Angela Okoh
angela.okoh@hackney.gov.uk or heatmeters@hackney.gov.uk

2
Bollards on the Play Street

Agenda points:
● delivery trucks stranded in the play street bollards
● engine oil leeks on the street
● lorry drivers get their workday interrupted
● past meeting responses given- bollards will be replaced when a good replacement is found (July 2021)
Minutes:
Lots of accidents recently. Were never fit for purpose. Lots of complaints raised about them and concerns flagged at various meetings over the past few years.
Gilbert acknowledged the issue and will work with the rest of the team to find a resolution.

Will: LBH looking at a longer-term solution for the bell bollards

David

3
EWS1 – update from LBH – standing questions

Agenda points:
● Where is the Letter of Guarantee that was promised to leaseholders?
● Email correspondence with Hackney on the letter of guarantee – why have we only received one response to the 4/5 emails sent over the last 2/3 months?
● Shift in focus of some – but not all – lenders away from EWS1.
● The new fire assessment survey – update
Minutes:
Letter from Hackney to Leaseholders was promised on the call with the Mayor back in February but there has been no update since then and no letter to guarantee that Hackney will cover the costs of the remedial work to ensure fire safety. Several sales have fallen through and leaseholders still unable to sell or remortgage due to this issue.
Gilbert has seen draft of letter to be sent out in the next few days. Mayor made a commitment in the meeting but it needed to be confirmed by Cabinet. That has now happened during March which is positive news so it has been confirmed that leaseholders will not be charged for the remedial work that Hackney will do.
Hackney will not use EWS1 again (as withdrawn by the government) only PAS 9980
Hackney is procuring contractors to roll out inspection of properties and expect to appoint in the next two months. They are aware of concerns at KC which may mean the inspection happens sooner rather than later but no promises.
Gilbert suggested Hackney and the lenders may need to communicate directly and also that lenders can get in touch with his team for advice and support: gilbert.stowe@hackney.gov.uk
Also, for any leaseholders with problems arising from B2 to get in touch with him, or to contact the below email which was provided by Gilbert in a follow-up email to David firesafety@hackney.gov.uk
Comment from resident in the chat “I have spoken to a Fire Safety consultancy today, who suggested that they were able to conduct a Fire Risk Assessment in accordance with PAS 9880, including a EWS1, by a chartered fire engineer (MiFIRE) within two weeks. What timeline do hackney have for finding a surveyor? He also said that as leaseholders were able to conduct private assessments. is there any reason you can see that a leaseholder would not be allowed to conduct their own survey?” Gilbert responded that this is a huge project for Hackney so they legally have to go through a procurement process to appoint a contractor. He is not sure if leaseholders can have their own assessment done but will find out.
It was noted that the detail that the lenders are looking for are not necessarily in line with what Hackney is proposing to do, timelines etc. Gilbert responded that we may need further input from resident safety on this. Perhaps lenders need to be able to contact Hackney directly for reassurance.

Karsten (KH), asked whether LBH was going to assess fire risk in the same way lender do? Gilbert agreed to respond to that in a followup email (6 May 2022), in which Gilbert stated: “Up until recently EWS1 surveyors would carry out a survey of the facade but not take into consideration mitigating measures in place for example a sprinkler system, alarms or fire barriers. Also, the EWS1 surveys to date did not look into configuration of the cladding materials and how these can add (or not) to uncontrollable spread of fire. On one hand this was a result of indemnity insurance limitations for surveyors but also the process lacked a suitable risk assessment methodology.

Therefore in January 2022 the government published the long awaited PAS 9980 assessment methodology which offers a more holistic approach but please note: this assessment has not replaced EWS1 valuation survey as lenders and RICS ignored government calls to abolish it. However it does but supplement it.

As of 16 March 2022 the EWS1 form has been updated and includes specific reference to the PAS 9980 fire risk assessment of the external wall.
It now specifically asks surveyors assessing buildings particularly those who issue B ratings to ensure that assessment of the fire risk should be in accordance with the PAS 9980.

Therefore, for buildings such as Kings Crescent which were initially rated B2 it may be possible under the new PAS 9980 to achieve a B1 rating or at least identify a defined scope of works which would enable B1 rating in the view of the competent assessor. Currently the EWS1 survey recommends remediating all of non compliant materials but this opinion is not based on the holistic assessment of risk and mitigating measures already in place. Our aim is to clarify this by implementing PAS 9980 assessment.

It is our opinion that the result of the PAS 9980 will enable either direct route to B1 or if not immediately possible, such rating could be achieved following localised remedial works for which our leaseholders will not be charged as approved by the Councils Cabinet. We have committed to undertaking any works recommended in the PAS assessment regardless of the rating it gives. “

One of the residents, Sam, asked in the chat: What timeline do hackney have for finding a surveyor? He also said that as leaseholders were able to conduct private assessments. is there any reason you can see that a leaseholder would not be allowed to conduct their own survey?
In the followup email (6 may 2022), Gilbert stated: We are still going through the procurement process and we anticipate that it will be completed by the end of May/ early June 2022, with the assessments taking place soon after.
If the council was approached by a surveyor commissioned by a resident(s) to do the assessment, we would want to be satisfied as to their competency to carry out the work, the level of the their professional indemnity and the methodology they would employ including the degree of intrusiveness they would employ. We also would reserve the right to disagree/challenge the conclusion of any assessment.

Sophie Bryson

Gilbert Stowe

Gilbert to follow up on needs of lenders vs what Hackney is proposing and committing to.

Gilbert to find out if residents appoint their own contractor to assess fire risk?

4
Escalations process

● escalations process LBH have in place is not appropriate

Complaints
Issues have been going on for more than a year, then the complain process went on for another year, yet issue still not resolved. Seems like no accountability or responsibility from Hackney for the ongoing reoccurring issues and no respect for the residents.
Gilbert apologised for unacceptable delays in dealing with complaints – he will come to every ETRA meeting
Question raised about Hackney’s legal obligation to deliver services to leaseholders and whether they deliver it. Gilbert acknowledged that Hackney is not meeting its own service standards.
Another resident shared her example or poor service and poor accountability with ongoing mould issues (in new block) for over 3 years, still unresolved.

Wael/
David

Gilbert to follow up with the original issues in Wael’s complaint

5
Service Change

● Wide issue with service charge is that residents do not see value for the money we pay
● Lack of communication, organisation, and accountability with LBH towards tenants and residents
Minutes:
Residents want to be treated as customers, with honesty and respect. Some residents are now refusing to pay their service charge because they don’t feel they are getting a decent standard of service. At this point residents feel they would not recommend friends move into Hackney properties due to the ongoing issues and time-consuming process of dealing with those issues.

No one is holding contractors accountable, jobs not done well, and costs of repeated visits are being passed onto residents. No information about when things are getting fixed, if they have been fixed etc. Serious when it is to do with the lift and there are parents, elderly residents etc living in the blocks. Residents have to spend hours on the phone to report issues, chase up what is happening as no communication with residents. Just asking for basic safety and accountability. No more apologies and excuses, just need actions.

Hackney needs to address the big organisational change and culture shift. Residents have reasonable expectations but the frustrations of living here are overshadowing what should be a good experience. Hackney needs to have an expectation of excellence that it is accountable for.

Gilbert and senior management team do recognise that a culture shift is needed, and that process has begun. Wants the service delivered to be the best and all staff need to adopt that approach. Gilbert acknowledged that residents are just asking for Hackney’s own service standards to be met. Will be focusing on improving this across Hackney in the coming weeks and months. Want customer experience to be the best it can be. Gilbert has committed to attending all ETRA meetings as a senior presence to ensure issues are being resolved.

Resident noted that there is a legal obligation to comply to standards. Not just because residents ask for it but because they are legally obliged to provide the service that they are charging leaseholders for.
David

Gilbert committed to attending future ETRA meetings

Gilbert to answer: What is Hackney’s official position on whether Hackney fulfils the 9th schedule of the leasehold agreement. If yes, what is the evidence?

6
Courtyard maintenance

● Weeds by the wall
● slippery mould
● black powder on the bonded rubber mulch matting in the courtyard.
Courtyards
Issue of the black paint coming off onto children from the flooring in the courtyard. Complaint over a year ago that has never been acknowledged.

The rubber surface in Kimpton etc block has been assessed and two solutions offered. Hackney going to try on small areas to see if it solves the issue.

Will Owen

Will to update on progress with courtyard issues

7
Updates regarding action points from the last meeting
David

Note in advance from Emley:
· Digital skills – Jackie attended the over 60s lunch club on Friday 25th March and is in ongoing conversations with Emley and Nina regarding setting up regular digital support on Kings Crescent

The pharaoh ants situation is now much better in Bramfield Court following the pest control’s intervention

Annette

8
Source Partnership

· Update from John
Phases 3 and 4:
Council had to retender for the the next phase of the regeneration project.
The preferred contractor will be appointed in May. Source has started monthly drop-in sessions to remind residents what the plans look like. Next sessions are 11 May and 8 June in Hackney Showroom.

Source are still running the Steering Group and supporting the TRA but role has been quiet in recent months. Will be more involved again once contractors are appointed.

John Morris

9
Any other business

Andrea Scott said a new estate officer (to replace Annette) will be starting on Monday and that she would come to ETRA meetings from now on along with the new officer. Andrea also thanked Annette for all of her hard work over the years. Andrea is keen to introduce the new Estate Manager to key residents next week.

Andrea struck by the comments in the meeting regarding expectations of service. Agrees that residents deserve a good standard of the services they are paying for and will be working to meet this. Building a new IT system that will help and Hackney is changing its culture.

David

David and Andrea to arrange meeting.

Andrea and new housing officer also commit to attending all ETRA meetings to get issues resolved.

10
Dates of next meetings/activities
● June Street Party – June 4 @ 2pm
● Community meeting June 2022 – June 8 @ 7pm
● ETRA July 2022 – July 13 @ 7pm
David

Previous information:
If you have something to add to the agenda please email it to KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com before 10 April 2022 as the agenda will be published 1 week in advance.
ETRA meetings happen on a quarterly basis in January, April, July & October
This meeting will be taking place on Zoom. Please email KingsCrescentN4@gmail.com for the Zoom link (prior to 4pm on 20th April, thanks).

Kings Crescent ETRA Meeting Agenda (updated)
20 April 2022 7:00-8:30pm
‘Enhanced’ Tenants & Residents Association Meeting

Agenda Item
Suggested
Timing
Lead

1
Welcome, Introductions & Apologies
5 mins

● Approval of minutes from last ETRA meeting (January 2022)

David (TRA Chair)

2
Bollards on the Play Street
10 mins

● delivery trucks stranded in the play street bollards
● engine oil leeks on the street
● lorry drivers get their workday interrupted
● past meeting responses given- bollards will be replaced when a good replacement is found (July 2021)

David

3
EWS1 – update from LBH – standing questions
15 mins

● Where is the Letter of Guarantee that was promised to leaseholders?
● Email correspondence with Hackney on the letter of guarantee – why have we only received one response to the 4/5 emails sent over the last 2/3 months?
● Shift in focus of some – but not all – lenders away from EWS1.
● The new fire assessment survey – update

Sophie Bryson

4
Escalations process
15 mins

● escalations process LBH have in place is not appropriate

Wael/David

5
Service Change
12.5 mins

● Wide issue with service charge is that residents do not see value for the money we pay
● Lack of communication, organisation, and accountability with LBH towards tenants and residents

David

6
Courtyard maintenance
12.5 mins

● Weeds by the wall
● slippery mould
● black powder on the bonded rubber mulch matting in the courtyard.

Ashley McFarlane

7
Updates from me regarding action points from the last meeting
7.5 mins
David

Digital skills – Jackie attended the over 60s lunch club on Friday 25th March and is in ongoing conversations with Emley and Nina regarding setting up regular digital support on Kings Crescent
The pharaoh ants situation is now much better in Bramfield Court following the pest control’s intervention

Annette

8
Source Partnership
7.5 mins

· Update from John

John

9
Any other business
2.5 mins
David

10
Dates of next meetings/activities
● June Street Party – June 4 @ 2pm
● Community meeting June 2022 – June 8 @ 7pm
● ETRA July 2022 – July 13 @ 7pm
2.5 mins
David

April Coffee Hour
2022-04-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Hackney Showroom Space, 4 Murrain Road, London, N4 2BN, United Kingdom
Kings Crescent Coffee Hour
2-3pm on the first Tuesday of every month
Let us know what you want to see from Hackney Showroom how we can support you, how you can get involved as a volunteer, or just come and say hi!
Members of the TRA committee and Hackney officers are usually there too.
No need to book ahead of time, just drop in to our home on Kings Crescent Estate.
