Coronavirus (Covid-19) information and updates

Welcome to our dedicated Coronavirus page.

This is where we will post regular updates and advice on the coronavirus including information on the measures, we are putting in place to protect our customers and colleagues.

Our services

The safety of our customers and colleagues is our number one priority.

In these unprecedented times, like other public services, we are trying to continue to deliver as many services as we can for customers in the safest way possible both for colleagues and customers. We have developed a number of risk assessments to support us in doing so.

Our services fully resumed on Monday 1st June 2020.

In line with government guidance, the majority of our colleagues are working remotely at home. However, they are still fully contactable by phone and email.

Please note there are revised arrangements in place for the following:

• Ending a tenancy – Revised arrangements will remain in place for dropping keys and paperwork.
• Investment work – We will be in contact with customers directly who are due to have investment work take place in their home.
• Rent payments – Halton Direct Link (HDL) remains closed. All other methods to pay your rent remain unaffected.
• Waterfront Point reception – Revised opening times and enhanced safety measures.

As advice is changing regularly, we’ll be updating this page with how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting our services, and the measures we are putting in place to protect our customers and colleagues.

Halton restrictions

From 14th October, Halton, along with other areas across the Liverpool City Region, has been placed by the Government into the ‘very high’ Covid alert level of the new three-tier system of interventions to tackle the spread of COVID-19.

These changes are in addition to the previous local restrictions (from 3 October) which mean that colleagues and customers must not meet anyone outside their household or bubble in any indoor setting, including private homes and gardens. These measures are enforceable by law and subject to fines.

For the latest measures, advice and updates specific to Halton visit: https://hbcnewsroom.co.uk/coronaadvice/

Home visits

Please do not be offended if we ask you a few questions before visiting your home and work with us to answer these honestly. This is for everyone’s safety.

We are currently asking the following questions before we visit:

1. Is there anyone in your household who has tested positive for the Coronavirus?
2. Is there anyone in your household who is now self-isolating (persistent cough and high temperature)?
3. Is there anyone in your household who has had flu-like symptoms (within the last 14 days?)
4. Are you aware of any reasons why we should not complete this work in your home today?”

We will also reinforce the 2-metre rule in the workplace and when we are speaking with customers, including in their homes. If we are unable to observe the 2-metre rule, for example where a customer does not adhere to the guidance, we are asking our colleagues to leave the situation.

If customers are self-isolating or have symptoms, we will need to postpone the appointment until a later date or find another way to contact you, such as by phone.

Repairs

We are currently carrying out non-essential repairs and gas safety checks and you can raise these in the normal way. We are adhering fully to government advice and guidance on working safely and colleagues are following safe systems of work protocols and will wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Colleagues working in any communal areas of our properties will be wearing a face covering. Our staff will also be wearing a face-covering whilst carrying out work in a customer’s home. A new face-covering will be applied to every home our staff visit.

Reception and visiting Waterfront Point

Our reception at Waterfront Point is open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.

Anyone who attends Waterfront Point, whether colleagues, customers, contractors, or other visitors must have their temperature taken. Anyone with a temperature above 38 degrees C, will not be allowed to enter and will be advised to take a test and self-isolate for 10 days from date of test (if positive).

In addition, we have protective screens in place in interview rooms and the reception area, to protect colleagues and customers.

Do not attend if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, or have tested positive in the last 10 days. For information and guidance, please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/.

Estate walkabouts

Following the changes in government guidance, we wanted to provide some reassurance to our customers about our scheduled estate walkabouts.  

Our estate walkabouts involve colleagues from Halton Housing walking around the estates where our homes are located and identifying issues that might need to be tackled. 

Officers from other organisations, for example the police or council, are also invited to attend to ensure that the correct organisation can investigate and deal with the issues as quickly as possible. 

The estate walkabouts are an essential part of the service we provide to you. However, your safety and that of our colleagues are a priority, so as long as they are managed safely, and in accordance with government advice, we are pleased to confirm that our colleagues and partner organisations can continue to carry out this important service. 

As the current advice across Halton specifies that people should only meet in groups of up to six people outdoors, we would encourage customers who would have liked to join us on a walkabout, to instead speak to us face to face, whilst maintaining social distancing as we make our way around the roads and streets we will be covering. Alternatively, please email involved@haltonhousing.org with details of the issue(s). This will help us develop a plan to address any concerns and find solutions together. 

View our upcoming estate walkabouts.

Rent and money worries help and support

This is a difficult time for many people and we understand that this may be the first time you have had to claim benefits. We’ve tried to answer some questions you might have if you’re in employment and are ill or affected by coronavirus and where possible provide signposting and guidance to help and support that is available to help you claim. Find out more here.