Accord Group customer magazine
Summer 2016
3
The latest content from our
social media channels...
facebook.com
/accordgroup
Shelby the Digital Tortoise is here to help you understand the benefits of
being online and how to make life easier by using the internet for everyday
tasks. He has his own Facebook page (facebook.com/digitaltortoise) where
you can post questions about anything digital and get hints and tips about
getting online in general.
> The Starts at Home campaign is about people
who have gained independence through supported
housing. startsathome.org.uk
Shelby will also be introducing our new online application tool for new
customers, and introducing older customers in some of our residential schemes
to world of the internet... but for now, here’s some pearls of digital wisdom to
think about:
Have you thought about an online Customer Account?
With an online Customer Account, you can pay your rent, check your rent
statements and report a repair all with a click of a mouse (or a tap of the finger!)
Visit accordgroup.org.uk/customers/customer-account for details.
Have you thought about Direct Debit?
We know you like to put your rent first, but did you know that with a Direct
Debit, your rent is paid on time, every time (so long as there is money in
your account - if not, you may incur charges)? There are so many benefits to
setting up a Direct Debit to pay your rent:
l
l
l
l
It’s free and easy to set up
Direct Debits hit the rent account the more quickly than cash
No need to visit a shop or the office to make payments
Direct Debits can be set up to suit you needs, weekly, fortnight or monthly.
> Old Tree Nursery had a very special visitor this
summer. HRH The Duke Of Kent dropped by to
officially open Ruth’s Kitchen. oldtreenursery.co.uk
instagram.com/
theaccordgroup
Your Housing Officer or Bank can support you in setting up a Direct Debit,
leaving you to enjoy the summer knowing your rent payments are under control.
Have you got a Basic Bank Account?
To set up a Direct Debit and with the introduction of Universal
Credit, it is important to have a bank account. A basic
bank account is a good option if you haven’t had
an account before, or if you have concerns about
your credit rating. This free account provides
all of the usual banking facilities such as paying
money in/out and setting up Direct Debits, and
you’ll get a debit card (which can be used to pay
for goods as long as there is money in the account).
Basic accounts are particularly useful as they have
no overdraft facility, meaning you can get into the
habit of managing your money without getting into
debt. A well-managed account will usually lead to your
credit rating improving too.
For more information about basic bank accounts, including
details of identification required to open an account, speak to
your housing officer or visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk.
#Urban180 is coming
along nicely. #westbrom
More investment
in #Wolverhampton
twitter.com
/theaccordgroup
@RoyalFamily The Duke of Kent meets people
@Oldtreenursery learning ‘Skills for Life’ growing
produce for housing schemes
@LoCaL_Homes Beautiful day in West Bromwich.
Eastern Gateway Phase 3 is close to completion and
#lookingfab
@theaccordgroup National Awards success for
Heantun Chief Executive: http://tinyurl.com/
hmd3lbs