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AUTUMN 2015

Building a world-class city for everyone

Feedback from TPAS National conference

Meet our new Energy Advice Officers

Free Training Opportunities for you

2 Building a world-class city for everyone Tenants in Touch

Welcome to the autumn edition of Tenants in Touch

ContentsNews from your TMO ��3

Online Repairs Portal ��5

July Budget ��6

Rents Matters ��7

The Rental Exchange ��8

Anti subletting campaign ��9

Tenant Involvement ��10

For young people ��15

Energy Saving Advice ��16

Tower Block Update ��19

Direct Services ��20

Gardening Updates��21

Tenants’ Cookbook ��22

How to contact our Housing Service teams

You can contact any of these specialist teams though the Customer Services Contact Team on 01865 249811 or drop in to one of our Customer Services Centres at St Aldate’s Chambers or Templars Square.

To use our online services visit www.oxford.gov.uk

To talk to our Customer Services Team:

01865 249811 from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Our Editorial Panel have approved this edition and have been involved in its production.

If you want to join the editorial panel email [email protected]

The Council has two Customer Services Centres.

Call ahead to make an appointment on 01865 249811 or drop in and wait to see a Customer Services Officer.

We are open; 9am - 5pm Monday - Thursday and 9am - 4.30pm Friday.

Other formats...If you require this publication in large format, braille or translated, or if you could offer your services as a translator, please contact [email protected] or call 01865 252374.

CONGRATULATIONS!HAVE YOUR SAY winners from the summer edition

l Ben Churchill, Littlemore.

l Francesca Purcell, Rosehill.

l BiBi Hajirah Shah, Horspath.

It has been a busy summer in the Housing and Property services.

After five years as a Councillor and three years as portfolio holder for Housing, Councillor Seamons has stood down to pursue his career.

Councillor Scott Seamons said, ‘It’s been a really fascinating and rewarding role to have, and I believe whilst we have faced enormous challenges, they are equalled by the opportunities we have created and embraced.

When I have been called upon to represent you I have tried to do justice to the pride I feel at the excellent work done by the Housing and Property service that undoubtedly has the deepest impact on our residents’.

Councillor Mike Rowley has been appointed as new portfolio holder for Housing.

Adnan ChaudhryLeasehold Management Officer

[email protected]

[email protected]

01865 252 045

Hello! Meet the TMOs

I would like to introduce myself to you as your new Leasehold Management Officer. My background in housing covers 19 years and I started work as

a Housing Officer and managed a mixed tenure portfolio which

included homeowners who had exercised their Right to Buy.

Homeowners have always been an integral part in all my roles.

In my last role I managed the whole spectrum of services to

homeowners including leaseholders, freeholders and residents living

in leasehold schemes for the elderly.

Firstly I am considering how best I can engage with you as no doubt

there may well be situations you would like to discuss with me from

time to time either individually or collectively.

Our aim is to provide a high quality, customer focussed service to you

in accordance with your lease terms, legislation, regulation and best

practice.

I will be your first point of contact regarding service charge queries

for repairs and services provided by us. Any query regarding payment

of your service charge will be handled by the Rent team.

I will also be working towards making sure effective collaboration

between areas across the council relating to service charges, repair

and service contracts, major works, estate management and the Right

to Buy.

As well as co-ordinating the preparation, management and

administration of estimated and actual leaseholder service charge

accounts that will include consultation with leaseholders on major

works and standards of service delivery. I will be co-ordinating

responses to complaints or service charge disputes that may arise.

If you wish to discuss any situations with me or have any suggestions

about improvements to the service then please contact me by writing

to me at our St Aldate’s Chambers or using the contact information at

the top of the page.

Adrian Stone, Blackbird Leys

[email protected]

Anthony Webber, Jericho, Walton, Grandpont

[email protected]

Alex Morgan, Kidlington, Templar Road, Wolvercote, Cutteslowe, Marston, Old Marson, Northway, Osney, Botley

[email protected]

Ian Preedy, Rose Hill Estate, Littlemore, New Hinksey, Abingdon

[email protected]

Tony Nanton, Horspath Road, Lye Valley, Town Furze, Wood Farm, Cowley Airfield

[email protected]

Louise GallagherBarton, Risinghurst, Quarry, Headington, Gipsy Lane Road

[email protected]

Eunice Mubi, East Oxford, Cowley, Hockmore, Boundary Brook, Donnington Bridge, Central

[email protected]

Jeannie Sheridan, Sheltered Accommodation

[email protected]

Tenants in Touch @OCC_Involve Oxford City Tenant Involvement 3

Here are the basic guidelines:l Make sure children are accompanied to make sure that they

stay safe.

l Parents should identify neighbours who are willing to have trick or treat calls and not people unknown to you.

l Make these neighbours aware of what time you plan to call and what treats are appropriate.

l Discuss what ‘tricks’ are acceptable with your children – egg and flour throwing are not!

l Discourage older children (teenagers) from trick or treating.

Advice if you feel unsafe:

l Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there.

l Use your spy-hole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.

l Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour to hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.

l If you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you will be on your own at Halloween. If you are a coordinator, please identify people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance.

We do not tolerate any Anti-social behaviour any time of the year.

To report Anti-social behaviour to the Police, call 101, the 24-hour Thames Valley Police non-emergency number.

If you feel threatened, it’s an emergency, or a crime is in progress, call 999.

More advice and guidance is available at www.thamesvalley.police.uk/home

Halloween should be a fun time for young children, not an excuse to make other people’s lives a misery.

If you do not wish to be disturbed by trick or treaters display the poster on the back cover of Tenants in Touch in your window.

Trick, treat or trauma?

Home Choice: LANDLORDS WANTED

Halloween can be harmless fun but sometimes people can be distressed by unexpected callers. The behaviour of some trick or treaters has been intimidating and can cause misery and even criminal damage. Sorry Trick or TreatNO

PLEASE RESPECT OUR WISHES

ENJOY YOUR EVENINGBuilding a world-class city for everyone

Over a number of years working with the Home Choice Team, I have always received professional service and the satisfaction of helping families in Oxford from being homeless.

E Aldworth, landlord to Home Choice tenants

I was able to choose my own home with a great landlord. What more can I ask for. The Home Choice Team and landlord were easily accessible making the whole process simple and stress free.

S Gray, Home Choice tenant

CHOOSE an ethical way to invest for income on capital gain.

CHOOSE to have no rent loss time with a long term tenant.

CHOOSE to have an honest, knowledgeable and dedicated account manager.

CHOOSE to have low risk return with repair, rent and damage.

CHOOSE to help a family in need.

Contact Home Choice today on

01865 252501

Mr M Lenthall with his tenant celebrating their 9th contract renewal



You can:l Log in 24 hours a day seven days a week.

l Report a repair.

l Report more than one repair at a time

l Accurately diagnose the right repair

l Input information.

l Select a preferred appointment time.

l See your repair history.

If you do not use a smart phone or computer at the moment, you will still be able to call our customer service department to report a repair.

If you are not sure how to use a computer and the virtual world horrifies you, don’t worry you are not alone.

If you would like to learn how to use the new online repairs portal, there are opportunities for you to learn the basics through our FREE Tenant Involvement IT courses which run across the city. You can learn as a family or with friends, develop job skills and gain new experiences.

See page 14 for training dates

Repairs to your home With the launch of our online repairs portal, we asked our customer service operatives what are some of the queries that come from you the customers about who is responsible for repairs in your homes.

Kimberley Nash, who works in our Customer Services, says, ‘We are really pleased we can offer our customers the ability to report repairs online. You will be able to process your own repair from start to finish 24 hours a day without having to call in.

To help you on your way to reporting and booking your own repairs online here is a simple view of common repairs which we receive the most phone calls about’.

Please be aware this is not a full list of responsibilities.

We are responsible for:l Front and back doors (not keys or glazing).

l Electrics, plumbing and drainage throughout.

l Main fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen.

l Roof, guttering and the structure of the building.

l Heating and hot water appliances.

l Gas and electric systems.

You are responsible for:l Internal door repairs, locks and handles.

l Changing batteries in smoke alarms.

l Changing the kitchen fluorescent tube and starter.

l Your own appliances (fridge, washing machine).

l Changing the 2D bulb in the sealed bathroom light unit.

Other factors that can affect responsibility l If there has been a disabled adaptation.

l If you are exempt.

l If you have altered any fittings.

l If damage has been caused by you, your family, pets or friends. This includes lost keys and broken glass.

Online Repairs PortalWe are proud to launch our new online repairs portal. This will allow you to have more control on how you report repairs you need us to work on.

Tenants and Leaseholders are jointly

responsible for maintaining our

properties alongside Oxford City

Council

Leaseholders are responsible for all repairs in

their own property.

We are responsible for the communal areas and

structural elements of the building

The interface for the Online Repairs Portal is still in development and this not the final design.


Over the next few years, this means big changes that might affect you if you are working age and getting housing benefit, other benefits and tax credits. You can find more details at

www.oxford.gov.uk/julybudget2015

One change that will affect a lot of families in Oxford is the government’s plan to reduce the benefit cap. The benefit cap limits the total amount of benefits that you can get by cutting your housing benefit.

At the moment, the benefit cap is set at £500 per week for families and the government’s plan is to reduce this amount to £385 per week.

The table below gives you an example of what this might mean for you.

We do not know when the benefit cap will be reduced in Oxford, but we are expecting this to happen from April 2016, and for the new cap to be rolled out over several months.

Although it will depend on your circumstances, the lowering of the benefit cap means that your housing benefit may be cut if you have three or more children. This means that you will have to pay some of your rent out of your other benefits.

We can help!The benefit cap does not apply to everyone on benefits, and you can get an exemption if someone in your family gets certain disability benefits or your family gets working tax credit.

So far, our Welfare Reform Team have worked with and helped around 30 families get an exemption from the benefit cap and more than 70 families into work and claiming working tax credit.

Our team is now looking at who we think is likely to be affected by changes to the benefit cap. If this includes you, we will be in touch to offer our help and support.

If you are worried that you might be affected by the budget changes and the benefit cap in particular, contact the Welfare Reform Team, on 01865 252755 or drop into customer service centre at St Aldate’s Chambers. Alternatively you can email us: [email protected]

July Budget 2015As part of emergency budget delivered back in July, the government said that it

would cut £12 billion from benefits paid to working age people.

Per week Now New benefit cap

Rent £140 £140

Jobseekers Allowance*

£75 £75

Child tax credit* £150 £150

Child benefit* £62 £62

Housing benefit £140 £98

Rent you have to pay yourself

£0 £42

* Benefit amounts are approximate and given for example purposes only


WWW.OXFORD.GOV.UK/HOUSINGRENT

DON’T LET IT GET OUT OF HAND CALL US: 01865 249811

PUT RENT FIRST THIS AUTUMNRemember to keep your rent account up to date. If you’re struggling with rent, talk to us today.

The last thing we want to do is evict tenants, but if we really have to we will.

The Government’s extension of Right to Buy to housing association tenants will be funded by the sale of higher value Council houses as they become void. The Chancellor’s July Budget Statement also announced that Councils will be required to reduce rents by 1% each year for the next four years, a change to previous Government policy that rents should rise gradually over the next ten years.

The Council estimates that the combined effect of these policies could amount to a £36.5 million shortfall in its housing revenue account budget over the next four years to 2019/20, and £136 million over 10 years.

If the changes get the go-ahead, they will severely impact the Council’s planned four-year £116m Housing Ambition programme.

As a result, the Council has agreed a review on all non-essential larger capital works in order to consider the impact of the proposals while the Government clarifies the detail of their policies.

However, many projects will go ahead, including those that have started or are about to start, such as the £20m Tower Block refurbishment scheme for which a contractor has already been selected. See page 19.

The recently announced Oxford Standard homes improvement scheme will also go ahead, as will the planned £23m for essential health and safety, energy efficiency and decent homes investment.

Give us your views on this article by using the Have Your Say form.

Oxford City Council leaders have expressed serious concern about the potential impact of the Government’s proposed changes to housing legislation on the Council’s future investment programme.

IN THE NEWS

Universal Credit UpdateWe now have 24 customers who are claiming Universal Credit.

It is very important that you contact us if you make a claim for Universal Credit so that we can help you through the process.

The Rents team celebrate receiving the Customer Excellence Award. Excellent customer service is at the heart of what we do in all our services we provide to you. Part of the requirements was to hold a focus group with tenants. This was a confidential session with tenants and the external assessor where tenants were asked to give their feedback.

®

Having a home is more important than any Christmas present.Prioritise rent over Christmas – don’t spend beyond your means.

We know it’s difficult for many households at this time of the year. It’s easy to overspend with tempting offers and pressures to buy, but you should remember to prioritise paying your rent and utility bills.


The Rental Exchange will look at your rent payment history in the same way mortgage payments are viewed for homeowners. This will give you online proof of identity, which is essential when applying for goods and service as well as building a positive credit history to help increase access to mainstream credit.

Lenders use your credit rating to;

l Decide whether to lend you money.

l How much to let you borrow.

l How much interest to charge you.

Having a strong and positive credit history helps demonstrate to lenders and other providers of goods and services that you can be trusted to repay what you borrow.

In order to help you and encourage safe and responsible credit, we will work with The Rental Exchange in sharing your rent history.

This will make it easier to open or change bank accounts, shop online, receive better mobile phone rates, receive better electricity and gas rates as well as cheaper credit.

The good thing is that if you pay your rent regularly and on time every week or month, your credit rating will grow increasing your chances to receive these services.

More information will be sent to you before we go live in the New Year.

If you require more information please contact the Rents Team on 01865 252880.

The Rental Exchange We are always seeking new initiatives to help you in these times of austerity.

We have now agreed to join The Rental Exchange, a joint initiative between The Big Issue and Experian which has been set up to help tenants within the UK to tackle financial exclusion.

Having read the documents, this is a really good idea. If you have a credit rating it will stop you having to pay high interest when you want to buy things.

Sue Stocking, Tenant Scrutiny Panel member


The series follows investigators as they track down social housing tenancy cheats, reclaim homes and give them to people in need.

Due to the shortage of social housing, we have to place some families in temporary accommodation. The cost of this to us and the taxpayer is around £18,000 per family.

We know that some of these properties are at risk of being sub-let due to the high demand for rented accommodation. Sub-letting of Social Housing properties is a criminal offence.

Any Oxford City Council tenant found guilty of subletting could:

l Go to prison for up to two years.

l Receive a fine of up to £5,000.

l Be asked to pay back any profit made from sub-letting.

If you know of any illegal sub-letting contact the Investigation Team on:

• [email protected]

• 01865 252222.

• www.oxford.gov.uk/reportit

All information provided is treated with the strictest of confidence.

Council House

Crackdown!Our Tenancy Fraud Team are starring in a new BBC 1 series...

TACKLING TENANCY FRAUD

In partnership with:

Building a world-class city for everyone

If you know of any illegal sub-letting contact the Investigation Team on:01865 252025 | [email protected] | www.oxford.gov.uk/reportitAll information provided is treated with the strictest of confi dence.

If you are sub-letting your social housing property you will:

• Face a two year prison sentence.

• Face a £5,000 fi ne.

• Be asked to pay back any profi t made from sub-letting.

Come clean on Tenancy Fraud today.

OWN UPLOCK UP

OR

TENANCY FRAUD:

If you are sub-letting your social housing property you will:




Come clean on Tenancy Fraud today.If you are sub-letting your social housing property you will:




Come clean on Tenancy Fraud today.

OWN UPOWN UPLOCK UPLOCK UP

OROR

TENANCY FRAUD: TENANCY FRAUD:


The Human Library: Volunteers needed!Tenant Involvement is looking for volunteers to create a Human Library as part of our Equality and Diversity programme.

In two ways the appointment of a new council officer with responsibility for all leasehold matters signals a new dawn. It is the first time that Oxford City Council has made such an appointment and it is one of the rare occasions that the City has invited any resident to participate in an interview and selection process.

Interviews were held over two days, some only by council officials, to assess the more ‘technical’ and legal skills needed to perform the role. Responsibilities include preparation of accounts, presentation to leaseholders of programmes of major building works such as repainting, roof replacement and general refurbishment. It also involves meeting leaseholders, listening to and hopefully solving difficulties whether with service charges or with poor workmanship.

But, in a new initiative, three leaseholders were invited to join officers in an interview designed to reveal how the candidate would develop this new post and how he saw himself relating to a puzzled or angry leaseholder.

If you would like to become part of the tenant interview panel contact [email protected] or call 01865 252374.

For me personally I thought it would be good experience as I have only once been involved in the interview process from the side of the employers rather than being interviewed for a job myself. I hoped I might learn the sort of things interviewers look for and also what can put them off candidates, this might come in handy in the future when I go for interviews!

Joanna Pavelin, Member of the Tenant and Leaseholder Interview Panel

The Human Library challenges prejudice and discrimination that can challenge the prejudices we have or assumptions we make through respectful conversations.

It is also an incredibly powerful resource for our teams that work with our customers as it gives a real life insight into people’s situations and backgrounds.

The reasons why stereotypes and prejudices exist and why people hold them are numerous and wide-ranging. Likewise, there are many different people in any given community who could experience prejudice, stigma and discrimination.

Prejudices are based on stereotype or lack of knowledge. Sometimes our opinions and attitudes are based upon stereotype and prejudice and we might be unaware that we respond in such a way. Think about the first thing that comes into your mind when you encounter terms such as ‘Schizophrenic’, ‘Drug Addict’, ‘Chav’, ‘Transgender’, ‘HIV+’, ‘Asylum Seeker’, or ‘Old Person’. It is likely that all of our responses will be influenced to some degree by stereotype or prejudice.

It is only by reflecting the diversity of our communities that the we can effectively challenge prejudice, stigma

and discrimination. We take pride in our principles of inclusion and choice and these are the foundations and most important factors that will make our Human Library work.

If you have a story to tell and would like to become part of our Human Library, we would be interested in hearing from you.

For more information email: [email protected]

Appointment of Leaseholder Officer signals new dawnBy Hilary L Turner, Member of the Tenant and Leaseholder Interview Panel.


We had a good response and our first team have already been out visited two new housing developments at Bradlands and Denny Gardens.

The team collated valuable feedback on both developments which will be fed back to the Housing and Property Development team.

Housing Development Review GroupIn our last edition we were looking for volunteers to work closely with us on the planning, design, consultation and construction of our new homes programme.

BRADLANDSOverviewBradlands is a redevelopment site which provides 49 modern flats for older tenants over 60 years old. There are 46 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom flats offering modern facilities including: walk-in shower rooms, individual heating systems and excellent communal facilities.

DENNY GARDENSOverviewDenny Gardens in Minchery Farm consists of 48 affordable family homes with a mix of flats, two, three and four bedroom houses. The homes are set around a communal green space. The homes have been built with high quality insulation to help keep fuel bills down.

The overall feedback from the group was that it was a very positive and interesting experience. There are many ways that you can be involved that can influence future housing developments.

If you would like to get involved in this area of work, we will provide you all the training and support you need.

Register your interest by emailing [email protected]

NOT SURE IF THERE IS ENOUGH

PARKING

GOOD TO HAVE BIKE SHELTER &

RACKS

NOT ENOUGH PARKING SPACESSPACIOUS, WITH

GOOD HEATING, LIGHT &

VENTILATION

WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE GARDEN ONCE

COMPLETED

BUILDING LOOKS NICE!

NO BATH AND TOILET ROLL IS IN THE

WRONG PLACE GOOD ACCESS AND

SECURITY

LOOKS OK, DON’T LIKE ALL THE

FLATS & HOUSES HAVING THE SAME COLOUR

FRONT DOORS

GOOD THAT THERE ARE HOLES UNDER

THE ROAD SURFACE TO AVOID FLOODING

KITCHEN SINKS ARE NOT UNDER

THE WINDOW

PLAY PARK FOR CHILDREN NEEDED


TPAS hold an annual conference where members can, for example, meet and share ideas and learn about new policies. We took four tenants along this year; Brenda Walton, Geno Humphrey, Hashim Ahmed and Steve Speight.

Here is the diary that was taken whilst at the event.

l Day 1.

The venue was welcoming and the registration process was smooth and efficient. This was the first conference for all four tenants and their initial impression was extremely positive.

One session attended was, “Does Sheltered Housing have a future?” which was hosted by John Richardson of Sheltered Housing UK. John explained that the sheltered housing initiative is a much needed service that gives social housing residents the confidence

to downsize. Studies have shown that sheltered housing residents are able to live independent lives for much longer which relieves the pressure on the overstretched care homes and avoids the extra expense. However due to a lack of funding, this service is under threat and John told the story of how, in his case, the residents got together to run their particular scheme with great success.

l Day 2.

The opening session on day two was thoroughly enjoyable and in particular the presentation by the Youth Mayor of Lewisham (Liam Islam) was enlightening and an inspiration to all.

We also talked about the budget outcomes and what impact that had on tenants.

The first workshop of the day turned out to be the most rewarding, both personally and professionally. It was led by Alison Inman, a TPAS Board member and Rob Gershon, an activist and blogger. The two met via twitter and now campaign for social housing by supporting the organisation named SHOUT (Social Housing Under Threat). Alison clearly demonstrated, via the use of documented cases, how tenants are routinely shown in a negative light just because they are tenants. In differing cases picked up by the press and regardless of the issue, the claim is always made that the problem arises from the fact that the defendants are social housing tenants. The ensuing debate was lively and passionate and extremely well informed. Geno took a leading part in the discussion and his contribution was well regarded due to his obvious depth and breadth of knowledge in the areas of social media and the press.

To find out more about SHOUT visit www.4socialhousing.co.uk

Geno Humphrey, chair of the Tenant Scrutiny Panel, said, ‘Being newly involved I feel I’ve gained so much from the conference, it’s given me the building blocks to get more involved. At no stage did I feel that we were tenants and the Tenant Involvement Team were officers’.

The final session attended was introduced by Carole Halfacre, a TPAS Associate. Carole introduced David Yates a tenant and volunteer with Community Gateway Association. David is a highly enthused and engaging character who is clearly dedicated to tenant involvement in general and Community Gateway Association in particular. He gave a very entertaining account of what success looks like and how it was achieved at his housing association.

TPAS Conference 2015Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) are a national organisation who inform tenants on how to challenge, influence and control how their housing services are delivered. This can improve tenants’ quality of life and help us operate more effectively and efficiently.

THE OXFORD STANDARD


TPAS Conference 2015Brenda Walton, Tenant Involvement member, said, ‘I would like to thank Tenant Involvement for giving me the opportunity to go to the TPAS conference. I found the experience very interesting and it certainly broadened my horizon I hope this leads to my being able to contribute more in my tenant participation role’.

The TPAS Conference 2015 was a well-run and well executed event which was of great value to officers and tenants alike. We have come away with lots of new ideas and inspiration. We are hoping that we could even put on a session at the 2016 conference… watch this space!

If you would like to become an involved tenant email: [email protected]

What is Secret Shopping?

Secret Shopping is when you test our services without us being aware.

When you become one of our ‘insiders’ and take part in Secret Shopping, you are providing us with incredibly important information and feedback on how we run our organisation.

Secret shopping is a valuable service we can offer within the organisation as it not only helps us shape the services we provide but also how you are treated as c ustomers when speaking and interacting with our staff; calling us on the phone, face to face contact or receiving written confirmation from us.

After attending our initial training session in which we give you an insight into the world of Secret Shopping, you will be put onto our database and then when we have a service area that needs ‘shopping’ we will invite you

back in and brief you fully on requirements.

Secret shopping may involve coming in and talking to our staff, making a series of phone calls, writing an email or letter or a combination of all these.

You can earn up to £40* in High Street Vouchers for each Secret Shop you take part in.

If this is something you would be interested in taking part in,

contact Tenant Involvement : tenantinvolvement@

oxford.gov.uk or call 01865 252374.

*Once final reports have been submitted you will

receive a voucher for your involvement.

Secret Shopping TrainingTenant Involvement have written and delivered a new Secret Shopping training session as part of the Tenant Insider programme.


Basic emergency first aid courseThis course is 2 hours long and covers the following subjects

l Role of the first aider.

l Scene and personal safety.

l Recovery position.

l CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

l Choking.

l Serious bleeding.

l Shock.

l Spinal injury.

l Burns.

l Electrical injury.

l Anaphylactic shock.

l Seizures and epilepsy.

At the end of the course you will receive a booklet with first aid tips and a certificate.

‘We have done a few sessions with Thames Training to deliver Family First Aid to our residents in local community settings. Our trainer instantly put our residents at ease and got to know everyone by their first name. The training was thoroughly engaging and everyone enjoyed all aspects of discussion and practical elements with residents freely able to ask questions throughout. I would not hesitate to recommend the course’.

Sam Stronach, Community Investment Officer, Cottsway Housing

Dates:

• Friday 27 Nov 10am – 12pm Wood Farm, Community Hall, Children’s Centre

• Monday 7 Dec –10am – 12pm Blackbird Leys Community Centre, Jack Argent Room

• Monday 18 Jan 2016 10am – 12pm Rosehill (exact location TBC)

We are limited to 15 spaces per course.

Don’t miss out, book now. Book deadlines for each course are:

• For Friday 27 Nov: Friday 13 Nov

• For Monday 7 Dec: Monday 30 Nov

• For Monday 18 Jan: Monday 4 Jan

Once you have booked you receive all booking information including location.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESIntroduction to Tenant Involvement and Equality and Diversity training:Come along and find out what it is all about and how you can get involved.

• 27 Oct, St Aldate’s Chambers 10am – 12pm

• 19 Nov, St Aldate’s Chambers 10am – 12pm

• 26 Jan, 2016, St Aldate’s Chambers 10am – 12pm

Secret Shopping(See article on page 13 for full details)

• 10 Nov, St Aldate’s Chambers, 1-3pm

• 20 Jan 2016, St Aldate’s Chambers, 1-3pm

Christmas Craft Sessions:Come along to this creative workshop; enjoy some delicious homemade cake and tea served in vintage china, quiet moments and inspiring people. We are limited to 15 people per session so email your interest by Friday 27 Nov to [email protected] or call 01865 249811 and specify your preferred date.

• 1 Dec Wood Farm, Children’s Centre, Community Hall 10am – 12pm

• 9 Dec Rosehill Community Centre, Day Room 10am – 12pm

Are you on a pre-payment (key) meter? If so you could be paying a lot more on your energy bills than you need to.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is offering free local advice sessions to those of you who are using key meters. They will give different options to pay for gas and electricity, appropriate tariffs, info on grants and funding, debt support available as well as helpful energy saving tips. This will help you reduce your energy bills. Please email [email protected] to register your interest.

Online Repair Portal Training (See page 5 for full article)

If you would like to learn how to use the new online portal training we have training sessions:

We are limited to 8 people per session so email your interest by Friday 30 Oct to [email protected] or call 01865 249811 and specify your preferred date.

Blackbird Leys Community Centre 12 - 3pm on

• Mon 16 and Tue 17 Nov 2015

• Mon 18 and Tue 19 Jan 2016


If you are aged 14 – 21 get active at one of the great Youth Ambition multi-sport sessions on offer. A full list of sessions can be found at www.oxford.gov.uk/communutysport or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oxfordyouthambition.

Sessions offer a huge range of activities such as football, basketball, dodgeball, table tennis, fitness and more! We also offer a cool learn to skateboard session at Meadow Lane Skate Park and female only sessions where you can have a fun Girls’ Night Out.

We have tunes playing at most of our sessions and there is a great vibe, so round up your mates and join us.

Youth Ambition inspires young people with trip to Olympic Park!Our Sport and Youth Team took a group of 26 young people to the Olympic Park as part of the Youth Ambition Programme. As a reward for the young people who have shown commitment by attending the sessions regularly and illustrated positive behaviour, they were offered the opportunity to attend the StreetGames Festival in the Copper Box within the London Olympic Park.

Once the competitions were announced, the 50m sprint proved a proposition. Although one of our leaders Daley struggled for form, Owen stepped up to the mark and set the fastest time of the day which netted him a shiny new pair of Adidas sneakers!

England star Darius Knight was putting the boys through their paces in table tennis, although this proved valuable, only Udoka managed to cause Youth Ambition Activator Conor any real problems on the table.

Finally it was basketball that proved a striking proposition for the Blackbird Leys boys. The Oxford contingent certainly laid down the gauntlet against their London peers in a game of ‘Killer’.

As the day came to a close it proved difficult to pull the boys away as they were submerged in the huge range of sports StreetGames had on offer.

The day proved to be a huge success with the boys enquiring about opportunities to become Sports Leaders, and other opportunities for the next generation.

Contact Youth Ambition [email protected] or call 01865 252491.

Things to do - at your fingertips!Are you a young person in the city looking for something to do in your spare time? If the answer is ‘YES’ download the free Bungee* app (found at the app store).

The app lists all activities taking place for young people in the city and lets you know what’s happening right on your doorstep!

The app has been designed, developed, tested and presented by young people.

Everyone can use Bungee; from bored teenagers through to parents looking for something to do with the kids.

There are over 2000 individual and unique activities on Bungee advertising one-off fun days through to all year round drama clubs.

We are on a mission to keep boredom at bay with a great range of sports activities for young people to get stuck in to!

Your Views Matter!We are looking to recruit a team of young advisers to become part of Tenant Involvement.

You will need to be between the age of 13 – 18 years old. You may already be involved in youth and community projects, specialist groups, neighbourhood forums, volunteering initiatives and school or college councils. However, experience is not necessary.

You may be interested in a career in politics or just want to get involved in the community.

What do young advisers do?

Young advisers will be involved in many areas of our involvement work including becoming involved in our Tenant Scrutiny Panel.

If you are interested email: [email protected]


Once an appointment has been made with you, Jackie or Daniel will visit your home. The visit will take approximately one hour and you will receive simple tips and advice that could potentially save you hundreds of pounds per year. Where applicable, they will refer you to additional support groups.

If visiting your area the EAOs may just knock on your door to see if it is convenient to talk with you then.

The visiting EAO will:l Undertake a basic assessment of the building to see what

energy efficiency measures are required, e.g. loft insulation.

l Evaluate your energy use, particularly electricity using appliances and your heating system. They can then advise and give information on what you can do to reduce your energy use whilst still keeping warm.

l Look at your energy bills (if you have them), and your meters, and will discuss the best energy tariffs and eligibility for Warm Homes Discount. Different meter types and their benefits and drawbacks can be discussed.

l If you are really struggling with energy bills and/or other debt issues, the EAOs will refer you onto a designated service by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) offering energy and other debt support.

FREE Energy saving advice

Jackie Williams and Daniel Welch are our new Energy Advice Officers (EAOs).

They will be available for home visits to discuss your energy issues, questions and queries for the next two years.

Tailored to suit you and your home

Julian Stern started work at Oxford CAB in September. His post of Fuel Poverty Money Advice Caseworker is funded by Oxford City Council as part of the strategy to tackle fuel poverty in the city. Julian will be working two days a week in close liaison with the Council’s EAOs to provide a specialist money advice service to help with energy and other debt which may be contributing to difficulties keeping warm. Julian will also be able to help with other energy related topics such as getting the best deal from your current supplier, considering switching, and taking accurate meter readings.

You can also contact the EAOs particularly if you are concerned about any of the following:

l You believe that your health is being negatively affected, especially if you can’t afford to keep your home warm enough (recommended temperatures are: 21ºC in living room and 18ºC in other rooms).

l You’re over the age of 65, disabled, long- term sick, you


FREE Energy saving adviceTailored to suit you and your home

Case study.. .Margaret Brazier of Cosin Close asked the EAOs to visit as she knew that her loft insulation was very thin and was concerned about the amount of heat escaping from her home. Ms Brazier explained that she was very pleased with her very efficient new gas boiler and the double glazed windows that were doing a good job of keeping the heat in but she felt that there were still opportunities to reduce her heating bill. The EAOs visited and did find that the loft insulation was thinner than the current recommendations; this information was passed to Direct Services to arrange for Ms Brazier’s home to be added to the loft insulation top-up programme.

During the visit, the EAOs discussed the heating controls to make sure Ms Brazier was confident in their use. They

also contacted Ms Brazier’s current energy company to make sure that she was on the best tariff. Although Ms Brazier had already been registered for the £140 Warm Homes Discount, the EAOs identified a cheaper tariff for Ms Brazier, which saved her over £50 per year simply by switching from a quarterly direct debit to a monthly direct debit.

have cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, you have a low household income, you have very young children, or you are a pregnant woman.

l You regularly struggle to keep the home warm, or choose to reduce the heating to save money, especially in winter.

l You are struggling to pay for energy bills due to high costs and/or a low income.

How will you benefit?l You may be able to significantly

reduce your energy bills.

l EAOs can help to find the most appropriate tariff(s) for your particular situation.

l You will have a greater understanding of how the heating system and controls work.

l Your comfort and warmth can be improved.

l The risk of cold-related illness can be reduced.

l Advice, support and guidance on dealing with energy payments and debt, resulting in benefit maximisation, debt reduction and resolving finance issues.

How to contact the Energy Advice OfficersEmail Jackie or Dan at [email protected]

Or call Jackie Williams: 07710 125957.

Daniel Welch: 07920 157566.

Older people are a hugely diverse group. Some older people are amongst the most vulnerable and isolated in society.

People over 65 are more likely than those from other age groups to have contact with friends or neighbours less than once a month. However, the majority of people over 65 lead independent, active lives.

Older people are more likely than those in younger age groups to participate actively in their communities for example through volunteering.

There are big differences in the income levels of older people. People with private pensions and savings generally have much higher incomes than those who rely solely on state pensions.

In the UK 22% of people aged 65 and over rent their home from a local authority or housing association. This represents a third of tenants in the social sector. According to Age Concern, many older people in the social rented sector seldom have the option to move to another accommodation. One factor relating to this is that a lack of quality housing discourages older tenants in larger houses from moving to smaller properties.

The Council needs to increase its understanding of the impact that our ageing population will have on the demand for housing and housing related services.

Back in the summer, we asked residents who were over the age of 55 to take part in a consultation.

Results from this consultation will be published in the next edition of Tenants in Touch.

We would be interested to hear from you if you have any views on older person’s housing especially if you are in the age bracket of 45 -55 years old as your future needs may be even more different and we need to make sure we prepare now.

Email: [email protected]



The towers originally built in the 1960’s comprise a total of 348 flats housing around 900 people.

They include Evenlode and Windrush in Blackbird Leys, Foresters in Wood Farm, Hockmore in Cowley, and Plowman in Northway.

The proposed works include repairs to the communal structure; over-cladding and additional insulation; replacement of windows; new heating systems; upgrading of the communal electrics and fire safety systems, and refurbishment of lifts. There will also be work to improve the grounds, car parks, fencing, landscaping and front entrances.

When completed the work will extend the life of the flats by a minimum of 30 years, improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss, cut fuel bills, and reduce fire risk. The quality of life for residents will also increase with the improved look and feel of the tower blocks.

Willmott Dixon were selected through a rigorous tender process that included interviews with residents, our officers and expert external consultants.

We will now be consulting tenants and leaseholders on the the programme of works. Works are due to start on the first two blocks at Blackbird Leys in early 2016.

If you are a resident of the Tower Blocks and would like to become more involved in the project contact [email protected]

Evenlode Tower

Plowman Tower

Windrush Tower

Hockmore Tower

Foresters Tower

Tower Block refurbishment project UPDATEWillmott Dixon Energy Services Ltd have been appointed to undertake the £20m refurbishment of the five high rise residential tower blocks.

I found the sessions very interesting and informative.Gerry Ives, Hockmore Tower

STREETSCENE SERVICES

nWinter Garden Clearance 2015 Is your garden out of control? We might be able to help with a one off visit to help bring it back to a level you are able to continue to manage. This will start in November 2015 and will run over the winter period.

This offer has limited availability so don’t miss out.

If you would like more information on this service contact;

[email protected] or call 01865 249811.

n Summer Garden Scheme open for 2016 Applications.

This service is operated by Streetscene and can entitle you to a maximum of one hour’s work which equates to two gardeners for 30 minutes once a month. (At the discretion of the Garden Scheme smaller gardens may receive fewer visits or less time per visit). We maintain lawns, hedges, shrubs, and borders in that priority within the time allowed.

This scheme will start in April 2016 and will run over the summer months.

To qualify, you must meet the qualifying criteria listed below and provide medical proof of being in receipt of one of the following: Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment when applying to join the Scheme:

You must be:

l Physically unable to cope with your garden.

l In receipt of Housing Benefit (full or partial).

l Have no one living at your property or family living in Oxfordshire who are capable of maintaining your garden.

If you would like more information on this service or to download our 2016 Summer Scheme application visit www.oxford.gov.uk or call 01865 249811.

Please note the closing date for applications will be the Friday 18 March 2016.

Places are limited.

Direct Services


l 99.89% of emergency repairs, 99.30% of urgent repairs and 96.52% of routine repairs have been completed on time. There has been 6,346 repairs and over 99.3% of appointments kept.

l 99% of gas services are in date and 99.12% of emergency, 98.82% of urgent repairs and 97.90% of routine repairs have been completed on time. There have been 2,407 gas repairs.

l 60 new bathrooms and 124 new kitchens have been installed. As part of the programme of replacing kitchens and bathrooms.

l Over 96% of inspections on communal area cleaning passed internal inspection.

l All targets were achieved for the cleanliness of streets with regards to litter, detritus, graffiti and fly-posting. All incidents of fly tipping and posting were removed in target time.

l 100% of abandoned vehicles investigated within 24 hours and 1,340 abandoned vehicles have been investigated.

l 100% of abandoned vehicles removed within 24 hours (where applicable to remove). 38 abandoned vehicles have been investigated.

l 100% of road defects have been fixed within target times.

l Recycling rate is 46.64%.

We value customer feedback and make changes to improve the service where applicable. Some changes made as a result of your comments are:

l Continuing to put in car parking schemes as part of the Greater Estate Programme.

l Continuing to implement food waste collections for all flat sites.

l Changes to the repairs satisfaction survey.


Gardening updatesThis time of the year is a good time to begin general maintenance on the lawn, along with tidying borders and containers so they will be ready for planting spring flowering subjects.

Also a number of vegetable and flower seeds can now be sown outside and inside.

Gardening tips for AutumnOctober is an ideal time to move trees and shrubs, and plant hedges.

l Plant bulbs such as daffodil, tulip and allium or spring bedding such as wallflowers, Bellis, Primulas and winter pansies for a glorious spring display.

l Prune climbing roses and rambling roses once they’ve finished flowering and tie in the stems before autumn winds cause damage. Clear up fallen rose leaves to prevent diseases such as black spot from over-wintering - don’t compost the leaves.

l If you have a greenhouse now is a good time to clean and disinfect it. This allows more light in and prevents pests and diseases. Insulate the greenhouse with sheets of bubble wrap attached to the inside of the frame, to reduce heat loss.

l Plant raspberry canes now for a delicious home grown crop.

l Now the garden beds are clear, try edging your lawn. Lawn edging creates a neat and tidy appearance and makes maintenance easier.

l Dig over garden beds and pile manure on top - let the worms and frosts break up the clods of soil.

l Using a garden fork, spike your lawn - this helps improve drainage and aeration.

HerbsGarden, deck, balcony or windowsill – there are plenty of places you can grow herbs.

So get growing now and save £££s!

Autumn Leaves…l Leafmould adds structure and organic matter to your soil. Most leaves

from deciduous trees and shrubs will rot down to make lovely leaf compost in a couple of years, although some leaves will take longer than others. Oak, alder, beech and hornbeam rot fairly quickly while sycamore, walnut, horse chestnut and sweet chestnut may take a little longer. Shredding the leaves first will help to speed things up. Evergreens are best shredded and added to the compost heap as they are very slow to decompose.

l Construct a large bin out of wire mesh in a sheltered spot to collect your leaves in, or if space is limited simply use plastic bin liners with holes punch through the sides to let in the air. Fill the leaf bin/ bags with leaves and sprinkle with water. Tie the tops of bags and give them a good shake before stacking them out of sight and forgetting them for two years. If you are using a leaf bin you will need to remember to dampen the leaves occasionally if they become too dry. Once the leaves reach a crumbly texture they can be spread as a mulch throughout your borders.


There are lots of green spaces in and around the city where you can go and pick wild fruit.

Take a basket with you, wear sensible clothing as some plants can be quite prickly and if you don’t know what it is; DON’T pick it!

l Blackberries:

As well as tasting fantastic, blackberries are good for you. Anthocyanin isn’t just a pigment, it’s a flavonoid, a heroic antioxidant! The stuff of superfoods! Get out there and brave the brambles! Gorge yourself on those beautiful, bountiful blackberries. They’re wild, they’re free and they’re good for you.

l Apples:

Most apples you see are crab apples. Crab apples are generally too tart to eat raw. They’re more commonly made into a sweet jelly to accompany sweet breads or roasted meats and game.

l Plums:

Wonder round footpaths you will see cherry plums – little plums; red and yellow in colour. You can eat these or you could make a delightful crumble!

Find out where you can forage in Oxford by visiting goo.gl/NKKbeX

Edible OxfordIt has been a particularly bountiful autumn, with bumper crops of apples, pears and plums, blackberries and other fruits.

Lake Street

I approached Tenant Involvement at Oxford City Council as I wanted to see if our community garden could be made into a private space for residents to enjoy being outside. At the moment the general public use the path through the garden and this means it is not really used by the residents. Neighbours were asked if they would like the garden to be developed and made into a private space for us to enjoy and they agreed. I hope it means we can get to know each other more, rather than sitting isolated in our individual flats. I also hope we can get together to learn more about gardening once the major work has been completed.

Sue Funge, Resident of Pegasus Rd flats

Pegasus Road FlatsWe have been working closely with the residents at the flats. We were approached to see if we could stop the gardens being used as a through way and turned into a place where residents could meet each other and enjoy the garden. A series of consultations took place and work has now been started.

l Raised beds will be introduced to the front and the rear of the flats.

l A secure gate put at entrances.

l New washing areas.

l Fruit trees.

l Wildflower gardens.

l New paving installed.

Richmond RoadAlthough a small space, the communal gardens at Richmond Road have been landscaped after working with the residents.

UPDATE

Before After

Ingredients:900g firm cherries.

150ml water.

Finely grated zest and juice of two lemons.

500g jam sugar.

Instructions: Remove the cherry stones from the cherries.

Place the cherries in a large pan with the water, lemon zest and juice.

Heat gently until almost boiling then simmer for 15-20 mins until the cherries are just soft.

Add the jam sugar and stir over a gentle heat until dissolved. Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for about 10 mins.

Remove the pan from the heat and test for setting point by spooning a little of the hot jam onto a chilled saucer. Leave for 2-3 mins then push your finger through the jam - if it wrinkles it is ready. If the jam is still runny, boil for a further few minutes then test again.

Cool for 10 mins then skim any scum from the surface with a slotted spoon.

Pour the hot jam into warm clean jars and seal and label.

Store the jars of jam in a cool dark place and once opened, keep in the fridge and use within one month.

Cost: £1.60 to make (approx £2 per jar to buy in the supermarket).

Cherries were free as I picked them on a walk.

Lemons: 60p

Jam sugar: £1.99 for 1kg so total cost for this recipe (£1.00)


By Sophie Hearn, Highways Contacts Manager, Oxford City Council.Sophie has been managing our Garden Revival projects:

“By planting seeds, watching them grow and producing your own food can be eye-opening and satisfying.”

This is an easy, delicious fresh flavoured, chunky cherry jam recipe.

You can have it on toast or on ice cream or stirred into plain yoghurt.

Cherries don’t have a very high pectin content so you’ll need to use sugar jam which is simply granulated sugar with added pectin – it’s available from most large supermarkets.

Cherry Jam

Sorry Trick or TreatNOPLEASE RESPECT OUR WISHES

ENJOY YOUR EVENINGBuilding a world-class city for everyone

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