Updates on
accommodation contracts
For updates on the accommodation contracts, please go
to Service Family Accommodation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) where you can subscribe
for update notifications.
Compensation
for emergency accommodation stays
Families may
be entitled to compensation if you experience inconvenience such as missed
appointments, total loss of heating or cooking facilities, or having to move
into emergency accommodation if a major repair needs to be carried out in your
home. More information on the rates and types of compensation can be found here.
In the case
of emergency hotel stays, families can claim compensation to cover subsistence,
including food. The rate of compensation in this instance is a £25 voucher per
person (13 years or above) per night and a £10 voucher per person (under 13
years) per night. Pinnacle will administer the compensation automatically on
behalf of Pinnacle, VIVO or Amey.
Once details
such as the number of people, ages and email addresses have been agreed by the
family and Pinnacle, compensation will be sent to you via email within five
working days.
Compensation
is paid in the form of Love2Shop vouchers. The e-vouchers can be used at a wide
range of retailers and now includes supermarkets including ASDA, Morrisons and
Sainsbury’s. The full list of retailers where vouchers can be redeemed can be
viewed here.
Installing
smart meters in SFA homes
If you would
like to install a smart meter in your home or change the existing smart meter,
you can make a request directly to your utility supplier. You don’t need to
seek permission from DIO.
There is also
no need to remove the smart meter when you move out of your SFA home. Please
leave the digital display unit for the next family to use.
If you live
in a home where your electric and/or gas is supplied by the MOD, you cannot
request to change the meter. However, DIO is planning a programme of meter
replacements to these homes to be delivered when other significant electrical
works are also carried out in the SFA.
Combined
Accommodation Assessment System (CAAS) Surveys
CAAS surveys
of your home are important and we are grateful for your cooperation in allowing
these surveys take place. DIO will write to you in advance to inform you when a
survey needs to take place. It is important you allow the surveyor access to
your home. If the date of the CAAS survey isn’t convenient for you, please
rearrange at the earliest opportunity using the contact details in your letter.
We can then agree a time that works for you.
CAAS surveys
are important as they ensure service family homes are safe for occupation and
that the correct CAAS Band charge is being applied. The data gathered at CAAS
surveys will also identify what works are required at that address and will
inform future upgrade and improvement programmes.
Further
information about CAAS can be found here.
