Tenant newsletter July 24

News and updates

Moving from analogue to digital telephone lines

Do you have a landline telephone in your home? If so, read on!

All telecommunication providers across the UK are replacing the technology they use to provide landline telephones.

The current system works on copper wires and analogue signals, which have been in operation for many decades and have now reached the end of their serviceable life, so the system will be retired over the next few years.

The industry will upgrade landline services to digital technology, using an internet connection to transmit landline telephone calls.

For most people, this change will be straightforward although it will depend whether you have the internet at home. If you don't and you don't want a high speed connection, some providers will offer a simple internet connection so you can still make calls from a landline. Your landline phone provider will contact you in advance of the migration taking place, so you don’t need to do anything yet, other than be aware that this change is coming.

If the council provides a Lifeline in your home, this will also be affected by the change, but rest assured that we are taking steps to ensure that the system will still work after the switchover, and that tenants are not left without a working Lifeline at any point.

We are working on a project to replace the “hardwired” system (such as those in most of our Independent Living schemes) with a new digital system and if this affects you, we will keep you updated on what work will be taking place, and when.

Mobility scooters

If you are thinking about getting a mobility scooter, or any other type of plug in electric scooter or bike, please remember that you need to ask our permission before buying one. This is so we can make sure that there is somewhere appropriate where you can store and charge it, without it being a fire hazard to you or to anyone else.

Let us know by emailing housing.service@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or by calling us on 01303 853300.

Report tenancy fraud

Tenancy fraud is a crime. If you suspect that a council tenancy is being sub-let or has been abandoned, please contact us in confidence at housing.service@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or on 01303 853300.