New Accommodation Offer: Tri-Service Roadshow, RAF Wyton on 7 Feb

On 7 Feb 2024 the New Accommodation Offer team will run sessions at 10:00 & 14:00 hosted by UK Strategic Command from RAF Wyton, followed by an evening event at 18:00 from the Community Learning Centre, RAF Wittering. 

For more information on how to attend, either in person or via livestream, please go to this SWAY.

SSAFA Short Breaks 2024 - Applications are now open

 

Find out more here 

Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Compensation Schemes

When things go wrong​

Pinnacle administer the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) compensation schemes. You may be entitled to compensation under one of DIO’s compensation schemes if you have experienced;

• ​Missed appointments
• Incorrect Tradesperson
• Failed move in
• Total loss of heating/cooking facilities
• Hotel subsistence

Claims must be submitted within 28 days of the date the issue occurred.

​More information is available HERE​

DIO Families First newsletter - issue 11

 Link for the Newsletter 

Civilian Housing: An update on the MOD Referral Scheme Service

 

Last year, the services provided by the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) were transferred to the Defence Transition Service (DTS), part of Defence Business Services (DBS), to deliver. 

This followed a review as part of the MOD’s ‘Strategy for Our Veterans’ to bring efficiency to the co-ordination and delivery of housing services.

The MOD Referral Scheme provided advice and guidance on accessing social housing and has now become part of the existing services provided by DTS and Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). 

This has been done to simplify and widen access and eligibility across serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families.

Saving Energy, Money and the Environment

Saving energy is not only good for the environment; it also saves you money. 

DIO Service Delivery (SD) aims to procure properties that have good energy efficiency ratings or improve the energy efficiency of our own properties in the last few years; including installing energy efficient boilers, improving loft insulation and adding insulated exterior cladding.  

ENERGY SUPPLY

DIO SD will pay the utility bills for your SFA. You will be charged the equivalent UK rate for the type of property that you require.

The Fuel and Light and XY schemes are designed to reward you for energy efficiency but ensure that any excessive use is paid back to the MOD.

If your property is supplied by Oil or LPG using local tanks then please ensure that you arrange for supplies to be topped up through your local repair helpdesk.

However, you can still do a lot yourself to save energy.  Follow these simple tips to ensure you aren’t wasting energy - and more importantly money.

Winter Prepardness Announcement SFA

Earlier this week, Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps outlined the steps being taken to ensure DIO and our suppliers are prepared to provide the right level of service for families over the colder months, recognising the challenges we faced last winter. 

Full details of the announcement can be found here.

Families First newsletter – issue: 10

Families First newsletter – issue: 10

Issue 10 of the Families First newsletter was published on 31 October. You can find it on Defence Connect or GOV.uk It includes:

Performance update on accommodation contracts

• Tackling Damp and Mould Programme in SFA – an update
• Winter safety guide
• Key dates to note
• Useful links

Accommodation Provided by MOD for ARAP Afghan Families

Vice Admiral Phil Hally

Chief of Defence People..

"You may already be aware that the MOD is supporting the relocation and resettlement of Afghan nationals who, due to their support to the UK over the past 20 years, now face threats to their lives in their home country. As a result, some of you may observe Afghan families moving into some Service Family Accommodation (SFA) where it is located ‘outside of the wire’. 

2024 Civilian Housing Briefs from Defence Transition Services

 

Register for the briefing here

Visit the help for se4rvice leavers web page from DTS

Updated Tri-Service Accommodation Regs (TSARs) JSP 464

The recently updated Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations, (JSP 464) are available on .Gov at the following Link:

Tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) NEW Allowances

The Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) SWAY now includes information on NEW Allowances.

Widening Accommodation Entitlement Limited Locations (WAE(LL)) now including NEW Allowances. If you are being posted to one of the limited locations use this link to find out more.

Ripple Pond Oct 2023

 The Ripple Pond October Newsletter: Now With A New Look! 

Families First newsletter - issue 10

 Read the newsletter here.

Clearing Leaves ASP Paderborn Director Explains You Responsibilities

For UK families in Sennelager. Waste and garden maintenance rules can seem confusing at first. 

Dr. Dietmar Regener, operations manager at ASP explains what householder responsibilities are now the leaf fall has started. 

MOD Accommodation Team Furniture Research - Register Interest

The MOD Accommodation Team are reviewing what items of furniture are provided to you in SFA and how furniture provision could be improved for you and Defence.

Please email people-accommodation-research@mod.gov.uk by the 31st October 2023 if you would like to take part, or if you would like further information.​

Pinnacle Group SFA Winter Tips: Going Away for October Half Term

If you're going away over half term, why not leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbour so they can check on your home to reduce the risk of something going wrong?

​If any issues do arise, contact the Helpdesk on 0800 031 8628 or use this link.

​

New Accommodation Offer: Third Roadshow on 25 Oct at HMS Collingwood and via Livestream

 

If the .PDF is not displaying correctly, please email:

RC-Pers-HIVE-sennelager-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk for your copy.

Learn more here

Defence Infrastructure Organisation: Communications Update (UK)

Winter Guide for Service Family Accommodation

A guide to help families get their homes winter ready can be found here.

Improved Compensation System

Pinnacle has now introduced a new improved compensation system making the process much easier for families to claim.

Families will see the new forms on the Pinnacle website, will be required to validate their email address (to ensure this is correct and vouchers are sent to the correct place) and will receive regular emails to update them on their claim's progress. All communications from the new system will be received from no.reply@pay729.net.

Pinnacle is aware of several legacy claims still in the previous system. The team is working hard alongside Amey, VIVO and voucher providers to process these claims as quickly as possible.

If families haven't heard back on a claim that pre-dates the new system (submitted before 1 Aug 23), they are requested to contact: compensation@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk.

Candy Tumble Dryer Fire Risk

It has been identified that there is a potential safety hazard associated with 'Candy Smart' and 'Candy Smart Pro' tumble dryers. There have been several instances of plugs catching fire.

Please do check plugs regularly and contact the manufacturer if you have any concerns.​

SFA Winter Tips

Check your boiler is working 

 

 

Autumn is here and there’s no better time to check your boiler is working correctly:

• The pressure should be between 1 and 1.5
• Amend your thermostat, check the boiler fires up properly and radiators are warming up

If you’re having problems with your boiler, contact us on 0800 888 4242.