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Tenant consultation is an important part ofour rent review process and must takeplace whenever we are proposing anincrease in our rent. For this reason, wewould encourage as many tenants aspossible to be involved in our consultationprocess as we start to review our budgetsfor 2024/25.We are planning to host some drop-inevents in Cardenden, Lochgelly and Lochorein November and every tenant will receive aconsultation form to be completed andreturned to us either by post, in person oronline so that every tenant can have theirviews heard by our Board.This year we are proposing to consult withtenants on a proposed rent increase ofbetween 5.0% -7.0% and we would like tohear from as many tenants as possible.OVHAAutumn/Winter 2023N E W S L E T T E RRent ReviewConsultation 2024-25With the latest reported CPI inflation rate at 6.7% (September2023), this is the lowest inflation rate we have seen sinceFebruary 2022, down from a recent peak of 11.1% in October2022. However, with the recent inflationary increases we have allbeen experiencing, the Association is still very much exposedto higher staff costs, increased office overheads and increasedcosts for repairs and planned maintenance.Since CPI inflation rose above 5.0% in November 2021, wehave taken the decision throughout the coronaviruspandemic and the cost-of-living crisis not to link our proposedrent increases to inflation as we have previously done.In April 2023 after consultation with our tenant’s, our Boarddecided to increase our rents by 5.35% which was significantlybelow the November 2022 CPI inflation rate (see Table 1.1). Thismeans that even though your rent has been increasing, due toincreasing costs over the same period, just like your householdbudget, our own budgets have been squeezed and arereducing in real terms.The Cost of Living and RentAffordabilityThroughout the consultation process we willneed to ensure that our rents remainaffordable for our tenants, however withcosts remaining high we must also ensurethat our planned expenditure for the comingyear can be sustained and delivered. With inflation now returning to the levelspreviously reported in Nov 2021,it is now our intention to consult with tenantson a proposed rent increase that is likely tobe closer to the reported CPI figure forNovember 2023, based on an assumed figureof between - 5.0% - 7.0%Benarty Centre 4pm-6pm on 27/11/23Ore Valley Business Centre 4pm-6pm on 28/11/23Cardenden Office 4pm-6pm on 29/11/23 Rent Consultation Drop-in eventsCPIInflationRateRentIncrease+/- CPINovember20200.3%April 2021-1.0%+0.7%November20215.1%April 2022-4.0%-1.1%November202210.7%April 2023-5.35%-5.35%Rent Increases compared to CPI April 2021 - April 2023

Families with a child under the age of 1Families where mum is under the age of 25Lone parent familiesFamilies where a parent or child has a disabilityFamilies with 3 or more childrenEthnic minority families & families who live in any of the following ward areas:Cardenden, Lochgelly and BenartyKirkcaldy CentralKirkcaldy EastMethil, Buckhaven & WemyesEmpowering families to overcome barriers on their journey towards flexible, healthy and wellpaid employment. Family Approach is a partnership project with staff from Fife Gingerbread &Citizens Advice and Rights Fife. Fife Gingerbread will be supporting families across three specific areas of Fife. Offering the wholefamily holistic support to help maximise their income, build confidence and overcome barriers tosecure and maintain sustainable education, training or employment. Family Approach is deliveredat a pace that meets the needs of each individual family member. The project is centred around a tailored support on a one-to-one basis which will include familylearning skills, benefits & money advice, group work and employability support. Additionally, wehave a network of volunteers who can provide buddy support to families in order to help themgrow in confidence and overcome isolation. Who will Fife Gingerbread support

Provide one-to-one support, and family learning opportunities within and out with thefamily home.Work together to create an action plan.Provide holistic support through the ups and downs of family life from our experiencedskilled workers and ‘buddy’ volunteers.Offer a wide range of opportunities to meet new people and experience new situationsthrough a range of groups and activities, Help families build their confidence, skills andbecome a part of their local community.Help parents remove barriers to becoming employed including traditional help with CV’sand interview skills or help find more suitable or better employment. Help connect families with specialist support agencies and community activities.Offer a Financial Inclusion worker who will support families with benefits advice, moneymanagement, income maximisation, budgeting and debt.Provide opportunities for families to help improve and shape the Family Approachproject going forward. For more information or if you would like us to make a referral for youplease contact your Housing Officer or Danielle Porteous who is ourTenant Sustainability and Wellbeing Officer on 01592 721 917 orEmail: housing@orevalleyha.org.uk What will Fife Gingerbread do?

Fife Women’s Aid on 0808 802 5555Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 027 1234 FRASAC 01592 642336Police on 101 or in an emergency 999The exhibits were located over the four main Fife Collegecampus locations at different dates and times. FRASAC: Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre is an independent voluntary organisation that offers a range of free and confidential time limited support to anyone12+ who have been affected by rape and sexual assault. Even if you think you’re experiencing mildabuse, it’s important to recognise it. If you are a victim of domestic abuse it is not your fault.There are people who can help you and we will provide a sensitive service to ensure privacy,confidentiality and reduce the risk of further harm. You can speak in private to a female memberof staff at Ore Valley Housing Association; or anyone else you trust or use one of the contactsbelow, who will - Give you information and support, help you consider your options and help youcontact other services you may need like the Cedar Network or one of the following supportnetworks:As part of our staff training to raise awareness about Domestic Abuse & Violence against women and girls some of our staff recently attended the'What Were You Wearing' Exhibit 2023Over the past 6 months FRASAC has taken part in the'What Were You Wearing' exhibits in partnership withFife College and Fife Violence against WomenPartnership. Violence Against Women and Girls

Do you Want a Sayin your future?Tenant ParticipationDo you want a say in how services are delivered inFife for people over 55. Then come along to yourlocal Forum and meet liked minded people. Wecampaign for better rights, services and resourcesfor older people.Meetings are held on the third Thursday of everymonth from 11:00AM at the Corrie Centre, CardenAvenue, Cardenden, KY5 0EL For more information Janet@fifeforum.org.uk 01592 724 873 Tenant Participation - Are you interested in yourviews being heard? Do you ever feel that somethingwe do could be done better? If the answer is Yes orare you just interested in knowing more about thedecisions we make and why we need to makethem, then maybe you would like to be part of ourTenant Forum. Being part of our Tenant Forum gives you theopportunity to give feedback and discuss issuesthat affect housing before any decisions are madeand will allow you a better understanding of thework we do and the cost implications whensomething goes wrong. If this is something that you are interested inknowing more about please contact: Vicky Murdoch our Tenant and CommunityEngagement Officer on:vmurdoch@orevalleyha.org.uk or call us on 01592 721 917

In the New Year we will be working in collaboration with WEA – WorkersEducational Association to bring educational opportunities for all. Thecourses we will be offering are free for all to attend and will include thefollowing two courses:Science for a Successful Scotland - The aim of the course is to promoteSTEM in Scotland through the introduction of science topics in aninteresting, inspiring, and engaging way in community settings, colleges, andschools. They wanted to raise awareness of Scotland’s ‘growth sectors’ areidentified by the Scottish Government’s Economic Strategy and show thatthere are a variety of pathways into STEM related careers.The resource was designed for use with learners who are likely to facebarriers to learning or want to return to learning. It was also developed withFamily Learning in mind to help parents help their children with their ownlearning in sciences and increasing science capital. The second course option is Supporting Children's Numeracy – Numbers areeverywhere! If you struggle with numbers or know someone who does, youare not alone. Did you know that 8 out of 10 adults feel negative aboutnumbers? Studies prove that math skills can be learned at any age, with theright support. This course provides an opportunity to help your child withtheir homework, understand how paying bills can make for a betterunderstanding of budgeting, improve your health, and help you get a betterjob. Understanding numbers can do all this for us and more, if this issomething that you would be interested taking part in or you would likemore information about please contact: Vicky Murdoch on vmurdoch@orevalleyha.org.uk or 01592 721 917Course start dates will be from the end of February 2024 with more information available in our January newsletter.

Ore ValleyHousing’s Big SummerSit Doon 2023Ore Valley hosted its ‘Big Summer Sit Doon’event for our tenants on Wednesday the 24th ofAugust, at Auchterderran Church Hall inCardenden. The theme for the event was ‘Healthy Homes -Healthy Lives’ looking at what makes a homehealthy from both the tenant and landlord’sperspective. There was a great turnout with lots of positiveand constructive conversation on topics such asrepairs, mould/dampness, the cost of livingcrisis, renewables, mental health & physicalwellbeing. This helped give great insight into tenantexpectations and what is important to them.Suggestions were discussed on what wouldmake their home work better for them and their family. The Association will use theseideas to drive future plans and activities andencourage positive changes that will benefittenants and the local community. The event marks the first in a number of widerengagement activities set to be undertaken bythe Association across the coming month.

We will use Investing in Communities funding from the Scottish Government to empower tenants and other residents to take control of theirfinances by creating a one-stop advice service offering income maximisation, financialcapability, debt and home energy advice.Fuel poverty is a real and persistent problem in Fife and social landlords like Ore Valley HAare dealing with an increasing number of tenants who are struggling to pay their rent andbills.Beverley Graham, Director of Housing at Fife Housing Group, commented 'The Big IDEA(Income, Debt, Energy Advice) project will take a holistic person-centred approach tosupport individuals, households and families, offering energy advice and incomemaximisation together to increase tenant income, promote financial inclusion andsupport them out of poverty.’In-depth advice and one-to-one support will be provided through telephone advice,virtual appointments, home visits and workshops. In addition, a programme of outreachwork, events and training will be delivered to reach those households who will mostbenefit from the project. These sessions will cover basic household money managementand information about the sources of advice and support available.Financial advice will also be available through two new Income Maximisation Officerswho will provide information and advice on all aspects of welfare rights, benefitassessments and tax credit checks to maximise income, give debt advice, supportparticipants to apply for eligible benefits and help with benefit appeals.Greener Kirkcaldy’s Cosy Kingdom Energy Advisors will offer advice tailored to eachhousehold’s needs, helping them to stay warm and get energy bills under control andprovide a single point of contact for Housing Officers to make referrals. In addition, theproject will train Housing Officers and volunteers to enable them to spot and refer peoplefor support, act as project champions, engage their peers, promote climate awarenessand act as trusted local connectors in the community.The Big IDEA project, running from 2023-2026, will also increase community resilienceand raise awareness of the climate emergency, highlighting practical steps people cantake to reduce their carbon footprint. Big Idea ProjectWorking in partnership with Greener KirkcaldyFife Housing Group and Glen Housing Association.

Warm SpaceOre Valley wish to welcome you through the doorto our warm space. Our space this year is withinour warm, friendly reception area. We have acomfy sofa, magazines, access to the Internet, hotdrinks and biscuits too. Please don’t suffer withthe cold this year, pop in and see us any dayMonday - Friday from 10am - 4pm. If we can helpwith any information or resources to make thingseasier for you we will. Or if you just want to comein and have a hot drink and a blether with amember of staff that is ok too.Winter Warmer Event in partnership with December 6th between 10am – 12pm withinAuchterderran Church Hall, Please join us for ourannual Winter Warmer Event, Cosy Kingdom willbe on hand to provide you with some hints andtips on how you can save money and energy andcan also provide you with equipment that cansupport you to stay well and warm this winter. We will be joined by Janet from Fife Forum, CosyKingdom, Fife Council Housing Services, FifeGingerbread, Julie McDougall - Fife CouncilTenant Participation officer along with arepresentative from FFOTRA (Fife Federation ofTenants and Residents Association) andmembers from Cardenden Tenants andResidents Association. Please come along for acatch up and chat all things energy saving andhow to keep warm this winter. Refreshmentsand cake will be provided.

Further support from CosyKingdomAs the days grow shorter and theweather starts to turn colder, it istime to start thinking aboutpreparing our homes for winter. Withenergy prices remaining high thisyear and the cost-of-living crisis on allof our minds, it has never been moreimportant to take control of yourenergy at home.Cosy Kingdom is a free and impartialenergy advice service available toanyone living within Fife and this yearwe are working with Ore ValleyHousing Association to provideadvice and support to their tenantsthrough the Big IDEA project. Our energy advisors can visit you inthe comfort of your own home, or ifyou prefer, provide advice bytelephone instead. We can help you to: Manage your bills, understand your meters anddeal with fuel debt Find practical & affordable ways to save energyaround your home Use your heating controls and appliancesAccess support such as the Warm Home DiscountProvide free energy saving measures through ourHandy Service & much more!If you are interested in booking a free appointment, you can get in touch by: Calling 01592 807930 or Text ‘Cosy’ and a short message including your name to 88440Email info@cosykingdom.org.ukComplete the form on www.cosykingdom.org.uk/get-advice

The Warm Home Discount is a rebate of £150 you may be eligible to claim from your energysupplier. It’s a UK Government scheme obligating energy suppliers to provide assistance tocustomers who may need extra support to heat their homes during the cold winter months.Last year the Warm Home Discount changed. The scheme will be run separately in Scotlandto the rest of the UK. In England and Wales, the scheme will now be automatic and youwon’t need to apply. If you’re in Scotland you will still need to apply and the process issimilar to previous years.The Warm Home DiscountWho is eligible?The Scottish Scheme is split into two groups :Core GroupThe Core group is made up of those who receive Pension Credit. If this is you, the WarmHome Discount will be paid automatically.If you don’t receive it, firstly check that your supplier offers it and that your name andaddress are the same on your energy bills as they are with the Department for Work andPensions (DWP).You should usually have received a letter during the summer if you’re going to be given theWarm Home Discount automatically. If you receive Pension Credit, and you’ve not had aletter from the DWP, it’s important to get in touch with your energy company to let themknow.Scottish Broader GroupThe broader group criteria can differ slightly between suppliers. However, you will mostlikely qualify if you receive some sort of means-tested benefit and/or are on a low income. Ifyou’re in the Scottish Broader Group you will need to apply for it each year. Each supplierwill list their own criteria on their website or application form.How will I get it?Energy suppliers will have until the end of March 2024 to pay it to you. If you have aprepayment meter you will usually receive a voucher in the post. If you have a standardmeter you will see it added to your winter bill as a credit.How do I apply?You can apply on your supplier’s website, details of participating suppliers are belowSupport from Cosy KingdomWould you like some more advice on the Warm Home Discount? Cosy Kingdom is a free and impartialenergy advice service available to everyone living in Fife.Our energy advisors can be contacted by:Calling 01592 807930Texting COSY then YOUR NAME to 88440Emailing info@cosykingdom.org.ukRequest advice online

The cost of electricity is significantly higher than in previous years due to theongoing energy crisis but taking control of the appliances in your home is a greatway to start saving energy and money.Here is a small list compiled by Cosy Kingdom with a few of the energy costs of someeveryday housing appliances.Watt Does it Cost?ApplianceWattageKWH RatingCost per HourElectric shower10.00010£3Kettle3000390pElctric Oven2000260pHairdryer2000260pWashing Machine14001.442pIron14001.442pVacuum12001.236pToaster11001.133pMicrowave8000.824pPlasma TV4500.4514pFridge Freezer4000.412pIf you would like further advice on saving energy on running your appliances you canarrange a free and impartial advice call with Cosy Kingdom on - 01592 807930 or Email: info@cosykingdom.org.uk or contact your Housing Officeror Danielle Porteous on - 01592 721 917

How do I apply?You can apply on your supplier’s website, details of participating suppliers are below SupplierApplication StatusBoost EnergyOpen for applicationsCo-operative energyOpen for applicationsE (Energy Supply)Opening Soon…EDF EnergyOpen for applicationsE.ON NextOpen for applicationsOctopus EnergyOpen for applicationsOVOOpen for applicationsPark HomesOpen for applicationsSainsbury’s EnergyOpen for applicationsScottish GasOpen for applicationsScottishPowerOpening Soon…Shell EnergyOpen for applicationsSo EnergyOpen for applicationsSSEOpen for applicationsUtilitaCLOSEDUtility WarehouseOpen for applications

1. Reduce MoistureCondensation is caused by excess moisture in the air hitting colder surfaces, inorder to reduce the likelihood of it appearing, try to reduce moisture levels at home. When you cook, put a lid on pans and keep the kitchen well ventilated by using anextractor fan or keeping the window open. If windows are difficult to open pleaselet us know.Similarly, when you take a bath or shower, keep the room well ventilated to allowsteaming air to escape through a window or vent. When filling the bath always putthe cold water in first as this will reduce the amount of steam generated by up to90%.To stop condensation forming, bathroom and kitchen windows should be opened,and extractor fans turned on. Try to keep the bathroom and kitchen door shut asmuch as possible when these rooms are in use, so that moisture does not escapeinto other parts of your home. Wet surfaces attract moisture, so wipe them down to get rid of the excess water. Dryoff windows, shower screens and kitchen splashbacks to remove moisture when itforms.2. Dry clothes outsideDuring the winter, it is tempting to dry wet clothes indoors on radiators but doingso creates higher moisture levels in the air, contributing to condensation. If you aredrying clothes indoors please be sure to ventilate as much as possible.Try to hang your washing outdoors as much as possible during winter. If you use atumble dryer to dry clothes, make sure that this is vented to the outside to allowmoisture to escape.3. Allow Air to circulateAllow air to circulate in parts of the home where it may otherwise remain stagnant.Regularly open cupboards, drawers, and wardrobes, for instance, to give them anairing and do not overfill them. Create a gap between furniture and walls to stop airfrom getting trapped and causing condensation to form.4. Effective InsulationOVHA will ensure that your home is properly insulated and that it has an effectivedamp-proof course. Seal up or report any cracks or gaps in structures, and reportany damage to gutters or roofing, sooner rather than later. If you think that yourhome does not have sufficient insulation please let us know so that we can check.5. Adequate HeatingAdequately heating your home can help to reduce condensation and damp, sokeep temperature levels consistent, especially in those rooms that you may not useoften. A heating thermostat can be useful for this. Avoid using calor gas or other fuelburning heaters in your home as these may create additional moisture.6. Home VentilationKeep window vents open to allow air to circulate and moisture to escape. Also useextractor fans provided in kitchens and bathrooms, we may consider other homeventilation systems, if damp or condensation is a particular problem. Our homes arebecoming increasingly airtight and less draughty and the need to ventilate isbecoming more important in order to reduce condensation and mould andimprove our health.A guide to tackling Condensation & Mould

7. Removing MouldMix up a solution of 2 parts bleach with 10 parts water in a spray bottle (an empty cleaningspray bottle will do) and spray the bleach water onto the walls to kill the mould. Leave for 10minutes and wipe away with a damp cloth. Or if you prefer not to use bleach Combine a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda with water in aspray bottle and shake until it has dissolved. Spray it directly onto the mould and leave for afew minutes. Use a scrubbing brush or sponge to remove the mould, then wipe the solutionoff with water. Spray the solution on the area again and let it dry.Be sure to always stand on a secure platform e.g.. a chair or step ladder when working atceiling height, understand your own limitations and seek assistance if needed.8. DecorationWhen decorating bathrooms and kitchens use specialist emulsion paints specificallydesigned for bathrooms and kitchens, which helps to reduce the growth of mould,especially on ceilings.Ore Valley Housing Association114-116 Station RoadCardendenFifeKY5 0BW01592 721 917www.orevalleyha.org.uk

We are giving away Book Buggoodies for our youngest readers (birth to 5 years) and 6 x£10 National Book Tokens forreaders from 5 upwards.There is a belief that a love ofreading from an early age has many lifelong benefits. It inspirescreativity, improves employmentopportunities, mental health andwellbeing and is one of the mosteffective ways to help break thepoverty cycleFor a chance to win, all you have todo is let us know what yourfavourite ‘word’ is. You can eithercall us on 01592 – 721 917 or pop intothe office in Cardenden or ‘text’your word along with your name,age, address to 07387416586 .Winners will be announced onFriday 24th November. Good luck CompetitionTimeImportant ContactsFacebook: /orevalleyhaTwitter: @orevalleygroupWebsite: www.orevalleyha.org.ukAddress: 114-116 Station Road, Cardenden, Fife KY5 0BWTel: 01592 721 917Hours: Mon-Fri, 09:00 to 17:00Switchboard: 03451 55 0000Environmental Health (Rubbish collection, dog foulingetc): 03451 55 0022Antisocial Behaviour: 03451 55 0033Fife Council Welfare Fund Team: 0300 555 0265 or email:welfare.fund@fife.gov.ukNational Grid: 0800 111 999Scottish Water: 08000 778 778NHS 24: 111Homeless Emergency Number (Free): 0800 028 6231Citizens Advice & Rights Fife: 0345 1400 095Ore Valley Housing associationFife Council:Advice and Help: