Orchard Gate - Kingston Bagpuize ...independence, support, security, care & quality - that’s extra care
Computer generated images (CGI) have been created from an imaginary viewpoint within an open space area. Its purpose is to give a feel for the development, not an accurate description of each property.
Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
RIGHT TO BUY
DigIt!
REPORTING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR GETS RESULTS
Page 8
Page 12
Page 15
independent living for the over 55’s Are you over 55 and thinking of buying a property that’s easier to run?
Extra Care offers: • Independence with support security, care & quality • 1 & 2 bedroom apartments with own kitchen, lounge, bathroom and range of built in appliances
Would you like to be able to maintain your independence for as long as possible? Call us about our new scheme in Kingston Bagpuize today
• On site Care Team for peace of mind • Good access to local facilities
Apartments available for outright or Shared Ownership sale or rent
Tel: 01235 515900 Email: homebuy@soha.co.uk Web: www.soha.co.uk
GET READY FOR WINTER! Page 4
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
How we’re doing Our performance for 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015 Performance Key: Achieved
| Nearly Achieved
I
Repairs
Overall tenant satisfaction with Soha’s services
Tenants satisfied that Soha listens to their views and acts upon them
Target: 93% Actual: 90%
8 Days
P4 Get ready for winter!
However, I‘m disappointed that Soha had its Governance rating downgraded from the best (G1) to second best (G2) by our regulator. This means we are still compliant with their standards, but that they think we have some work to do. This was because we found a problem with the rent setting of some new build properties. We’ve put this right, informed all tenants affected, and got an auditor to check our work.
Average time to complete repairs
Target:
It’s been an eventful few months!
In this issue...
t’s great to hear from many residents that the new grounds maintenance contract is working well and that standards this summer were good. I’m also very pleased that we’re completing repairs more quickly and keeping more appointments.
| Not Achieved
Satisfaction
Welcome to Hometalk
Actual:
9.6 Days
Repairs fixed at the first visit
Actual:
Target:
98%
97%
On a more positive note, I’d like to congratulate involved residents in the Tenant Scrutiny and the Inspectors groups. They won two national awards for their work to check and challenge how Soha runs and makes decisions. This is testament to the quality of their work. Thanks to all involved.
P6 Diary dates
P8 Right to buy
Richard Peacock, Chief Executive
Target: 81% Actual: 77%
Arrears
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
Arrears for current tenants
ASB case resolution rate
Tenants satisfied with the way Soha handled their ASB case
Actual:
Target:
1.9%
2.6%
Target: 98% Actual:
97%
Target: 82% Actual:
P10 Out & About with Soha
Contact us
P12 DigIt with Damien
The Editor, Hometalk magazine, Soha Housing, Royal Scot House, 99 Station Road, Didcot OX11 7NN
93%
Call 01235 515 900 or free on 0800 014 15 45 Email housing@soha.co.uk Join the conversation on Twitter @SohaHousing Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SohaHousing
Letting Homes Average re-let time for all homes
Sub-editor: Sue Grief of Write Away! Designed by: Toast Design www.toastdesign.co.uk
New Homes Rent lost due to empty properties
Print managed by:
New homes built or acquired 2015-2017
P13 Making Changes No fuss, fast turnaround, print, 1!-£ { 639;!+' 93£<;-329
Actual:
Target: 20 Days Actual:
26 Days
Target:
0.68%
0.74%
Target: 550
Audio services by Transcriptions Direct www.transcriptionsdirect.co.uk Hometalk is also available in large print, audio and electronic formats. If you would like to receive a different version, or unsubscribe from receiving Hometalk altogether, please email lizroberts@soha.co.uk or call us on the telephone number above.
P14 £250 thank you!
P15 Anti-Social Behaviour
On track 2
www.soha.co.uk
www.soha.co.uk
3
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
How we’re doing Our performance for 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015 Performance Key: Achieved
| Nearly Achieved
I
Repairs
Overall tenant satisfaction with Soha’s services
Tenants satisfied that Soha listens to their views and acts upon them
Target: 93% Actual: 90%
8 Days
P4 Get ready for winter!
However, I‘m disappointed that Soha had its Governance rating downgraded from the best (G1) to second best (G2) by our regulator. This means we are still compliant with their standards, but that they think we have some work to do. This was because we found a problem with the rent setting of some new build properties. We’ve put this right, informed all tenants affected, and got an auditor to check our work.
Average time to complete repairs
Target:
It’s been an eventful few months!
In this issue...
t’s great to hear from many residents that the new grounds maintenance contract is working well and that standards this summer were good. I’m also very pleased that we’re completing repairs more quickly and keeping more appointments.
| Not Achieved
Satisfaction
Welcome to Hometalk
Actual:
9.6 Days
Repairs fixed at the first visit
Actual:
Target:
98%
97%
On a more positive note, I’d like to congratulate involved residents in the Tenant Scrutiny and the Inspectors groups. They won two national awards for their work to check and challenge how Soha runs and makes decisions. This is testament to the quality of their work. Thanks to all involved.
P6 Diary dates
P8 Right to buy
Richard Peacock, Chief Executive
Target: 81% Actual: 77%
Arrears
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)
Arrears for current tenants
ASB case resolution rate
Tenants satisfied with the way Soha handled their ASB case
Actual:
Target:
1.9%
2.6%
Target: 98% Actual:
97%
Target: 82% Actual:
P10 Out & About with Soha
Contact us
P12 DigIt with Damien
The Editor, Hometalk magazine, Soha Housing, Royal Scot House, 99 Station Road, Didcot OX11 7NN
93%
Call 01235 515 900 or free on 0800 014 15 45 Email housing@soha.co.uk Join the conversation on Twitter @SohaHousing Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SohaHousing
Letting Homes Average re-let time for all homes
Sub-editor: Sue Grief of Write Away! Designed by: Toast Design www.toastdesign.co.uk
New Homes Rent lost due to empty properties
Print managed by:
New homes built or acquired 2015-2017
P13 Making Changes No fuss, fast turnaround, print, 1!-£ { 639;!+' 93£<;-329
Actual:
Target: 20 Days Actual:
26 Days
Target:
0.68%
0.74%
Target: 550
Audio services by Transcriptions Direct www.transcriptionsdirect.co.uk Hometalk is also available in large print, audio and electronic formats. If you would like to receive a different version, or unsubscribe from receiving Hometalk altogether, please email lizroberts@soha.co.uk or call us on the telephone number above.
P14 £250 thank you!
P15 Anti-Social Behaviour
On track 2
www.soha.co.uk
www.soha.co.uk
3
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
TOP ENERGY SAVING TIPS Follow these top energy saving tips to start saving money today:
01 02
GET READY FOR WINTER!
03
With chilly days and frosty nights upon us, does the thought of your winter heating bill leave you feeling cold? The Affordable Warmth Helpline can help.
T
he Helpline offers impartial and expert advice on cutting energy bills and getting the most out of every penny you spend on energy. The advice is free. Experts at the end of a line can help you if you’re worried about heating bills. You can check with them if you’re on the best energy tariff and they will advise you on any financial 4
www.soha.co.uk
help you could be entitled to. You can also claim a free thermometer card to check your home is warm enough.
You can claim a free thermometer card to check your home is warm enough
Call 0800 107 004 (freephone) or email awn@nef.org.uk Lines are open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
AffordableWarmth @AffordableWarmth
Thick curtains keep heat in better than thinner ones. In winter, close your curtains as soon as it starts getting dark. Tuck them behind the radiators to stop heat escaping and reduce draughts. Understand how your heating system works so you only use heating where and when you need it. Check your energy tariff – you can save up to £300 a year by switching to a different energy provider. Call the Affordable Warmth Helpline for advice.
04
Switch off appliances like TVs and games consoles when not in use – don’t leave them on standby.
05 06
Only boil the amount of water that you need – remember if you only use half the water you boil, that’s cost you twice the price!
07
Choose the right size pan for the food you’re cooking and for the hob. Put lids on saucepans to keep heat in the pan and to cut condensation in your kitchen.
08
Next time a light bulb goes, replace it with an energy saving one.
09 10
Regularly defrost your freezer so it’s working at maximum efficiency.
When using your washing machine, wash a full load each time – or, if you can’t wait for more dirties to need washing, use a half load or economy programme. The same goes for the dishwasher: get together a full load before you turn it on. Turn all the lights off when leaving a room. www.soha.co.uk
5
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
TOP ENERGY SAVING TIPS Follow these top energy saving tips to start saving money today:
01 02
GET READY FOR WINTER!
03
With chilly days and frosty nights upon us, does the thought of your winter heating bill leave you feeling cold? The Affordable Warmth Helpline can help.
T
he Helpline offers impartial and expert advice on cutting energy bills and getting the most out of every penny you spend on energy. The advice is free. Experts at the end of a line can help you if you’re worried about heating bills. You can check with them if you’re on the best energy tariff and they will advise you on any financial 4
www.soha.co.uk
help you could be entitled to. You can also claim a free thermometer card to check your home is warm enough.
You can claim a free thermometer card to check your home is warm enough
Call 0800 107 004 (freephone) or email awn@nef.org.uk Lines are open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
AffordableWarmth @AffordableWarmth
Thick curtains keep heat in better than thinner ones. In winter, close your curtains as soon as it starts getting dark. Tuck them behind the radiators to stop heat escaping and reduce draughts. Understand how your heating system works so you only use heating where and when you need it. Check your energy tariff – you can save up to £300 a year by switching to a different energy provider. Call the Affordable Warmth Helpline for advice.
04
Switch off appliances like TVs and games consoles when not in use – don’t leave them on standby.
05 06
Only boil the amount of water that you need – remember if you only use half the water you boil, that’s cost you twice the price!
07
Choose the right size pan for the food you’re cooking and for the hob. Put lids on saucepans to keep heat in the pan and to cut condensation in your kitchen.
08
Next time a light bulb goes, replace it with an energy saving one.
09 10
Regularly defrost your freezer so it’s working at maximum efficiency.
When using your washing machine, wash a full load each time – or, if you can’t wait for more dirties to need washing, use a half load or economy programme. The same goes for the dishwasher: get together a full load before you turn it on. Turn all the lights off when leaving a room. www.soha.co.uk
5
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Diary dates December 2015 Tuesday 8 December AM visit: Estate inspection, Van Diemans Road & Broadwaters Avenue, Thame PM visit: Estate inspection, Medill Close, Woodcote Tenants’ Forum portfolio holders follow-up training, Soha Housing, Royal Scot House 11am – 12pm: FREE get started online session, Old School Place, Watlington Wednesday 9 December AM visit: Estate inspection, Fleet Meadow, Didcot 11am – 12pm: FREE get started online session, The Acreage, Chalgrove
Training |
Thursday 24 December
Thursday 4 February
Soha offices are closed for Christmas from midday on 24 December through to 8.30am on Monday, 4 January, but our out of hours colleagues will be on the end of the phone in an emergency or if you have an urgent repair need. Just call the usual number – 01235 515 900 (or 0800 014 15 45 which is now free from most mobile providers as well as on landlines).
AM visit: Estate inspection, Gainsborough Estate, Henley
January 2016
Tuesday 16 February
Tuesday 5 January PM visit: Estate inspection, Medill Close, Woodcote Wednesday 6 January AM visit: Estate inspection, Fleet Meadow, Didcot
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Drive, Didcot Tuesday 9 February AM visit: Estate inspection, Van Diemans Road & Broadwaters Avenue, Thame AM visit: Estate inspection, Swindon Tuesday 23 February AM visit: Estate inspection, Luker Avenue, Henley AM visit: Estate inspection, Sherwood Place, Barton PM visit: Estate inspection, Mount View, Henley Thursday 25 February
March 2016
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Drive, Didcot
Tuesday 12 January PM visit: Estate inspection, Van Diemans Road & Broadwaters Avenue, Thame Thursday 14 January
AM visit: Estate inspection, Gainsborough Estate, Henley
AM visit: Estate inspection, Gainsborough Estate, Henley
PM visit: Estate inspection, Medill Close, Woodcote
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Drive, Didcot
PM visit: Estate inspection, Van Diemans Road &
Monday 18 January
Broadwaters Avenue, Thame
AM visit: Estate inspection, Sherwood Place, Barton
Wednesday 9 March
Tuesday 15 December
Thursday 21 January
AM visit: Estate inspection, Fleet Meadow, Didcot
AM visit: Estate inspection, Swindon
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Park, Didcot
Thursday 10 March
PM visit: Estate inspection, Mount View, Henley
6pm – 8.30pm: Tenants’ Forum meeting, Royal Scot House
AM visit: Estate inspection, Gainsborough Estate, Henley
Tuesday 26 January
Thursday 17 March
AM visit: Estate inspection, Luker Avenue, Henley
6pm – 8.30pm: Tenants’ Forum meeting, Royal Scot House
PM visit: Estate inspection, Mount View, Henley
Monday 21 March
Tuesday 22 December
Wednesday 27 January
AM visit: Estate inspection, Sherwood Place, Barton
AM visit: Estate inspection, Sherwood Place, Barton
AM visit: Estate inspection, Swindon
Tuesday 22 March
Wednesday 23 December
AM visit: Estate inspection, Ock Bridge Place, Drayton Road & Caldecott Chase, Abingdon
AM visit: Estate inspection, Luker Avenue, Henley
11am – 2.30pm: Seniors’ Group Christmas party, Didcot, booking essential Thursday 10 December
Monday 14 December 10:30am - 12:30pm: FREE get started online session, Lee Court, Thame
AM visit: Estate inspection, Luker Avenue, Henley Thursday 17 December 10am – 12pm: FREE get started online session, Towse Court, Goring
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Park, Didcot
February 2016
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Drive, Didcot
PM visit: Estate inspection, Mount View, Henley Wednesday 23 March AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Park, Didcot
PM visit: Estate inspection, Medill Close, Woodcote
AM visit: Estate inspection, Ock Bridge Place, Drayton Road & Caldecott Chase, Abingdon
AM visit: Estate inspection, Fleet Meadow, Didcot
www.soha.co.uk
Tuesday 8 March
Tuesday 2 February Wednesday 3 February
6
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Park, Didcot
Wednesday 30 March AM visit: Estate inspection, Swindon
Estate inspections and surveys |
Resident Involvement
If you’re interested in attending any of the events listed here, or joining one of our estate inspections, please call us on 01235 515 900 or 0800 014 15 45 (free from landlines and mobiles) for more information. Even if where you live isn’t on our calendar, you can still arrange to meet your Neighbourhood Officer to chat about any concerns in your area.
News in brief This year we received 162 individual pieces of feedback about the tenant-produced Soha annual report and films. Whether they came in by email or on the response card inside the report, we put them all in the hat so one person could win £100 in Amazon vouchers. Congratulations to Miss CB of Didcot! Hayley and Claire, two Soha residents from Cholsey Meadows, represented Soha at a glamorous ceremony in Coventry in October. Both ladies had been part of the Cholsey Mixers project that was shortlisted for a housing award. There have now been Mixers courses in Thame and Didcot as well as Cholsey and there are plans for one for Wallingford, too. The aim is to teach cookery and nutrition skills in a fun atmosphere. There’s a crèche alongside so that young families can attend. October was also a big month for several staff who won awards for exceptional customer service. Senior Management said that Jon Pepper (Leasehold Officer), Zoe Finch (Customer Service Manager), Rebekah Kent (manager of Towse Court Extra Care), Adela Miencilova (Digital Inclusion Officer responsible for Get Online with Soha) and Chris Kitchen (Quality Assurance Manager for aids and adaptations) had all gone the extra mile in helping customers in the last year.. Soha’s latest Extra Care housing – Towse Court in Goring - was opened by MP for Henley, John Howell, in October (pic on page 10). The next Extra Care scheme off the blocks is in Southmoor. If you would like to know more about Extra Care housing, take a look at our website at www.soha.co.uk/ extracare or call us on 01235 515 900 (or free on 0800 014 15 45) for an application form.
www.soha.co.uk
7
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Diary dates December 2015 Tuesday 8 December AM visit: Estate inspection, Van Diemans Road & Broadwaters Avenue, Thame PM visit: Estate inspection, Medill Close, Woodcote Tenants’ Forum portfolio holders follow-up training, Soha Housing, Royal Scot House 11am – 12pm: FREE get started online session, Old School Place, Watlington Wednesday 9 December AM visit: Estate inspection, Fleet Meadow, Didcot 11am – 12pm: FREE get started online session, The Acreage, Chalgrove
Training |
Thursday 24 December
Thursday 4 February
Soha offices are closed for Christmas from midday on 24 December through to 8.30am on Monday, 4 January, but our out of hours colleagues will be on the end of the phone in an emergency or if you have an urgent repair need. Just call the usual number – 01235 515 900 (or 0800 014 15 45 which is now free from most mobile providers as well as on landlines).
AM visit: Estate inspection, Gainsborough Estate, Henley
January 2016
Tuesday 16 February
Tuesday 5 January PM visit: Estate inspection, Medill Close, Woodcote Wednesday 6 January AM visit: Estate inspection, Fleet Meadow, Didcot
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Drive, Didcot Tuesday 9 February AM visit: Estate inspection, Van Diemans Road & Broadwaters Avenue, Thame AM visit: Estate inspection, Swindon Tuesday 23 February AM visit: Estate inspection, Luker Avenue, Henley AM visit: Estate inspection, Sherwood Place, Barton PM visit: Estate inspection, Mount View, Henley Thursday 25 February
March 2016
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Drive, Didcot
Tuesday 12 January PM visit: Estate inspection, Van Diemans Road & Broadwaters Avenue, Thame Thursday 14 January
AM visit: Estate inspection, Gainsborough Estate, Henley
AM visit: Estate inspection, Gainsborough Estate, Henley
PM visit: Estate inspection, Medill Close, Woodcote
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Drive, Didcot
PM visit: Estate inspection, Van Diemans Road &
Monday 18 January
Broadwaters Avenue, Thame
AM visit: Estate inspection, Sherwood Place, Barton
Wednesday 9 March
Tuesday 15 December
Thursday 21 January
AM visit: Estate inspection, Fleet Meadow, Didcot
AM visit: Estate inspection, Swindon
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Park, Didcot
Thursday 10 March
PM visit: Estate inspection, Mount View, Henley
6pm – 8.30pm: Tenants’ Forum meeting, Royal Scot House
AM visit: Estate inspection, Gainsborough Estate, Henley
Tuesday 26 January
Thursday 17 March
AM visit: Estate inspection, Luker Avenue, Henley
6pm – 8.30pm: Tenants’ Forum meeting, Royal Scot House
PM visit: Estate inspection, Mount View, Henley
Monday 21 March
Tuesday 22 December
Wednesday 27 January
AM visit: Estate inspection, Sherwood Place, Barton
AM visit: Estate inspection, Sherwood Place, Barton
AM visit: Estate inspection, Swindon
Tuesday 22 March
Wednesday 23 December
AM visit: Estate inspection, Ock Bridge Place, Drayton Road & Caldecott Chase, Abingdon
AM visit: Estate inspection, Luker Avenue, Henley
11am – 2.30pm: Seniors’ Group Christmas party, Didcot, booking essential Thursday 10 December
Monday 14 December 10:30am - 12:30pm: FREE get started online session, Lee Court, Thame
AM visit: Estate inspection, Luker Avenue, Henley Thursday 17 December 10am – 12pm: FREE get started online session, Towse Court, Goring
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Park, Didcot
February 2016
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Drive, Didcot
PM visit: Estate inspection, Mount View, Henley Wednesday 23 March AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Park, Didcot
PM visit: Estate inspection, Medill Close, Woodcote
AM visit: Estate inspection, Ock Bridge Place, Drayton Road & Caldecott Chase, Abingdon
AM visit: Estate inspection, Fleet Meadow, Didcot
www.soha.co.uk
Tuesday 8 March
Tuesday 2 February Wednesday 3 February
6
AM visit: Estate inspection, Great Western Park, Didcot
Wednesday 30 March AM visit: Estate inspection, Swindon
Estate inspections and surveys |
Resident Involvement
If you’re interested in attending any of the events listed here, or joining one of our estate inspections, please call us on 01235 515 900 or 0800 014 15 45 (free from landlines and mobiles) for more information. Even if where you live isn’t on our calendar, you can still arrange to meet your Neighbourhood Officer to chat about any concerns in your area.
News in brief This year we received 162 individual pieces of feedback about the tenant-produced Soha annual report and films. Whether they came in by email or on the response card inside the report, we put them all in the hat so one person could win £100 in Amazon vouchers. Congratulations to Miss CB of Didcot! Hayley and Claire, two Soha residents from Cholsey Meadows, represented Soha at a glamorous ceremony in Coventry in October. Both ladies had been part of the Cholsey Mixers project that was shortlisted for a housing award. There have now been Mixers courses in Thame and Didcot as well as Cholsey and there are plans for one for Wallingford, too. The aim is to teach cookery and nutrition skills in a fun atmosphere. There’s a crèche alongside so that young families can attend. October was also a big month for several staff who won awards for exceptional customer service. Senior Management said that Jon Pepper (Leasehold Officer), Zoe Finch (Customer Service Manager), Rebekah Kent (manager of Towse Court Extra Care), Adela Miencilova (Digital Inclusion Officer responsible for Get Online with Soha) and Chris Kitchen (Quality Assurance Manager for aids and adaptations) had all gone the extra mile in helping customers in the last year.. Soha’s latest Extra Care housing – Towse Court in Goring - was opened by MP for Henley, John Howell, in October (pic on page 10). The next Extra Care scheme off the blocks is in Southmoor. If you would like to know more about Extra Care housing, take a look at our website at www.soha.co.uk/ extracare or call us on 01235 515 900 (or free on 0800 014 15 45) for an application form.
www.soha.co.uk
7
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
RIGHT TO BUY THE STORY SO FAR... Which former Prime Minister said: ‘a week is a long time in politics’? There’s a £25 voucher for the first Soha tenant to tell me the name of that Prime Minister!*
properties sold with a new home for the many people in this area who need housing. However, the National Housing Federation (NHF), who represent most housing associations, have negotiated with Government to agree a deal which means that:
W
• Housing associations will voluntarily give the Right to Buy to all their tenants who meet the criteria (panel on the right).
ell, it turns out that a week can be long enough for a major change in housing in this country. It’s hardly surprising that we have seen a lot of change since the election of a new Government in May this year. What is surprising is the speed of change. During the week starting 25 September the policy of extending Right to Buy to all housing association tenants was largely decided. I have always been opposed to the Right to Buy with discounts for tenants. This is because the discounts mean that we cannot replace 8
www.soha.co.uk
• The Government will give us back the discount that we give to tenants. • They will also allow us to provide an alternative home for sale if there is a good reason not to sell a home (e.g. a sheltered housing flat). The major advantage of all this is that Soha can replace homes sold with new ones. In other words, the Government, not Soha, will pay for the discount given to tenants.
This is why I recommended to Soha’s Board that we accept the voluntary Right to Buy deal, rather than waiting for our hand to be forced through legislation.
RIGHT TO BUY IN SUMMARY There are still details to be confirmed, but what we understand at the moment is that from some time in 2016 (date to be confirmed):
I did this with a heavy heart as I personally do not see this as the priority for increasing the number of affordable homes, or as the best use of public money at a time when cuts are being made. Why am I going on about a week? Well, the NHF needed to know whether housing associations would agree to this deal. We had just one week to decide! This is clearly a ridiculously short timescale for such a major decision, but we believe it was to meet Government deadlines. As I hope you know, we at Soha take involving tenants very seriously.
The major advantage of all this is that Soha can replace homes sold with new ones
• Any Soha tenant can apply to buy their home after three years of residency. • We will usually sell that home to the tenant. • If we decide not to (there may be cases where we feel it would be a bad idea) we will help them find another home to buy. Normally we would want to talk to tenants about such a major issue. We did our best in the timescale and emailed 35 of our tenants who are very involved. More than half replied within four days. Most said they supported our decision to accept the deal on offer, although many were still concerned about whether we would have enough cash to replace the homes.
Much of the detail is still to be worked out. I will keep you up to date as things become clearer. You can find out more about this, and any other issues on housing, by looking at our new website – www.soha.co.uk Richard Peacock, Chief Executive *Email Richard directly on chiefexec@soha.co.uk or contact using the usual number.
• The tenant will pay the market value of the home, but with a discount of up to £77,900 off the price. • The size of discount will depend on how long they have been a tenant. • If they then sell the home within a period of time (probably five years), they will have to repay some of the discount they had.
www.soha.co.uk
9
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
RIGHT TO BUY THE STORY SO FAR... Which former Prime Minister said: ‘a week is a long time in politics’? There’s a £25 voucher for the first Soha tenant to tell me the name of that Prime Minister!*
properties sold with a new home for the many people in this area who need housing. However, the National Housing Federation (NHF), who represent most housing associations, have negotiated with Government to agree a deal which means that:
W
• Housing associations will voluntarily give the Right to Buy to all their tenants who meet the criteria (panel on the right).
ell, it turns out that a week can be long enough for a major change in housing in this country. It’s hardly surprising that we have seen a lot of change since the election of a new Government in May this year. What is surprising is the speed of change. During the week starting 25 September the policy of extending Right to Buy to all housing association tenants was largely decided. I have always been opposed to the Right to Buy with discounts for tenants. This is because the discounts mean that we cannot replace 8
www.soha.co.uk
• The Government will give us back the discount that we give to tenants. • They will also allow us to provide an alternative home for sale if there is a good reason not to sell a home (e.g. a sheltered housing flat). The major advantage of all this is that Soha can replace homes sold with new ones. In other words, the Government, not Soha, will pay for the discount given to tenants.
This is why I recommended to Soha’s Board that we accept the voluntary Right to Buy deal, rather than waiting for our hand to be forced through legislation.
RIGHT TO BUY IN SUMMARY There are still details to be confirmed, but what we understand at the moment is that from some time in 2016 (date to be confirmed):
I did this with a heavy heart as I personally do not see this as the priority for increasing the number of affordable homes, or as the best use of public money at a time when cuts are being made. Why am I going on about a week? Well, the NHF needed to know whether housing associations would agree to this deal. We had just one week to decide! This is clearly a ridiculously short timescale for such a major decision, but we believe it was to meet Government deadlines. As I hope you know, we at Soha take involving tenants very seriously.
The major advantage of all this is that Soha can replace homes sold with new ones
• Any Soha tenant can apply to buy their home after three years of residency. • We will usually sell that home to the tenant. • If we decide not to (there may be cases where we feel it would be a bad idea) we will help them find another home to buy. Normally we would want to talk to tenants about such a major issue. We did our best in the timescale and emailed 35 of our tenants who are very involved. More than half replied within four days. Most said they supported our decision to accept the deal on offer, although many were still concerned about whether we would have enough cash to replace the homes.
Much of the detail is still to be worked out. I will keep you up to date as things become clearer. You can find out more about this, and any other issues on housing, by looking at our new website – www.soha.co.uk Richard Peacock, Chief Executive *Email Richard directly on chiefexec@soha.co.uk or contact using the usual number.
• The tenant will pay the market value of the home, but with a discount of up to £77,900 off the price. • The size of discount will depend on how long they have been a tenant. • If they then sell the home within a period of time (probably five years), they will have to repay some of the discount they had.
www.soha.co.uk
9
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Out & about with Soha
Friday 19 June
DAAG event
Saturday 11 July
Didcot Town Fayre
Tuesday 14 July
Pearce Way family event
Monday 20 July
Freemans Park family event
Thursday 23 July
Gainsborough CAP event
Saturday 25 July
Thame Playday
Wednesday 5 August
Launchpad
Wednesday 12 August
Wallingford Playday
Thursday 10 September
Seniors’ Health & Wellbeing Day, Lee Court
Wednesday 23 September
Cholsey Meadows CAP event
Thursday 27 August
Great Western Park family fun day
Wednesday 9 September
Tenants’ Thank You event
Friday 16 October
Opening of Towse Court Extra Care, Goring
Throughout the summer, tenants filmed Soha services for SohaShorts
10
www.soha.co.uk
www.soha.co.uk
11
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Out & about with Soha
Friday 19 June
DAAG event
Saturday 11 July
Didcot Town Fayre
Tuesday 14 July
Pearce Way family event
Monday 20 July
Freemans Park family event
Thursday 23 July
Gainsborough CAP event
Saturday 25 July
Thame Playday
Wednesday 5 August
Launchpad
Wednesday 12 August
Wallingford Playday
Thursday 10 September
Seniors’ Health & Wellbeing Day, Lee Court
Wednesday 23 September
Cholsey Meadows CAP event
Thursday 27 August
Great Western Park family fun day
Wednesday 9 September
Tenants’ Thank You event
Friday 16 October
Opening of Towse Court Extra Care, Goring
Throughout the summer, tenants filmed Soha services for SohaShorts
10
www.soha.co.uk
www.soha.co.uk
11
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
DigIt!
Ending Domestic Abuse YOU CAN:
Many congratulations to the winners of our summer garden competition, “Prettiest Pots and Plots”: Gill Sykes Best garden in a sheltered scheme Connie Vickery Best back garden John Johnson Best front garden Mrs D Spiers Best hanging basket
Mrs Jensen Most improved garden Leon Kent Best children’s plot Tenants Gill Sykes and Paul Chandler shortlisted entries, with the Soha Estates team making the final decisions.
If you want to be as good a gardener as our winners, here are some winter tips from Soha’s expert gardener Damien: • Take your Christmas tree to the tip or garden centre for recycling (or watch the press for more local opportunities – some councils send round a mobile shredder in January). • If you have a greenhouse, let the air in on sunny days. • Keep your borders clear of leaves – but don’t just bin them! You can create nice leaf mulch for use next year by shredding dry leaves and putting them in something tall and clean – a composter is ideal and often available at a good price from your District Council. Pile them in and, every 18 inches/30cm or so, add a layer of grass clippings and some water. The nitrogen in the grass helps break down the leaves. You’ll have mulch for protecting the base of plants within a year or leave the mixture for longer till it’s crumbly and you’ll have some really good soil conditioner. • Repair and re-shape lawn edges. • Turn the contents of your compost bin occasionally to get fresh oxygen into the mix and promote the rotting process. • Remember food and fresh water for the birds. If you have a bird table, wash it and move food around on it to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria.
• speak to us at Soha on 01235 515 900 or 0800 014 15 45 (free) or email us at housing@soha.co.uk (remember there will be a message in your ‘sent mail’ unless you delete it) • call the National Domestic Violence 24-hour helpline 0808 2000 247 (it won’t show on your home telephone bill but may appear on your itemised mobile phone bill) • find more information on www.reducingtherisk.org.uk In an emergency, always call 999.
Soha takes a victim-centred approach to domestic abuse. We want all our tenants to feel safe in their homes and communities. Our specially trained staff can offer confidential support, advice and practical help to anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, whether physical, verbal or emotional.
Making changes – a new service for abusive partners
makes them react, and gives them strategies for coping with that stress, to avoid the cycle of violence, bullying or manipulative behaviour.
Soha is offering Making Changes – a programme for men who have been abusive to their partners, but who want to break the cycle.
The Making Changes scheme lasts 27 weeks and takes place in Oxford on a Tuesday evening or Didcot on a Wednesday.
Liz Jones, the coordinator, explains it helps men understand what Any man can refer himself to Making Changes, or get a referral from his GP. Discuss what’s involved in confidence by calling 07775 030523 or emailing admin@making-changes.org.
Get ready with Soha
Launchpad! Looking for work or volunteering? Interested in free training? FREE fork lift licence training FREE customer services training FREE confidence building sessions Information on volunteering If you’d like to know more, please contact Lynn at Soha on 01235 515 900/0800 014 15 45 (free) or lwignall@soha.co.uk
12
www.soha.co.uk
www.soha.co.uk 13
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
DigIt!
Ending Domestic Abuse YOU CAN:
Many congratulations to the winners of our summer garden competition, “Prettiest Pots and Plots”: Gill Sykes Best garden in a sheltered scheme Connie Vickery Best back garden John Johnson Best front garden Mrs D Spiers Best hanging basket
Mrs Jensen Most improved garden Leon Kent Best children’s plot Tenants Gill Sykes and Paul Chandler shortlisted entries, with the Soha Estates team making the final decisions.
If you want to be as good a gardener as our winners, here are some winter tips from Soha’s expert gardener Damien: • Take your Christmas tree to the tip or garden centre for recycling (or watch the press for more local opportunities – some councils send round a mobile shredder in January). • If you have a greenhouse, let the air in on sunny days. • Keep your borders clear of leaves – but don’t just bin them! You can create nice leaf mulch for use next year by shredding dry leaves and putting them in something tall and clean – a composter is ideal and often available at a good price from your District Council. Pile them in and, every 18 inches/30cm or so, add a layer of grass clippings and some water. The nitrogen in the grass helps break down the leaves. You’ll have mulch for protecting the base of plants within a year or leave the mixture for longer till it’s crumbly and you’ll have some really good soil conditioner. • Repair and re-shape lawn edges. • Turn the contents of your compost bin occasionally to get fresh oxygen into the mix and promote the rotting process. • Remember food and fresh water for the birds. If you have a bird table, wash it and move food around on it to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria.
• speak to us at Soha on 01235 515 900 or 0800 014 15 45 (free) or email us at housing@soha.co.uk (remember there will be a message in your ‘sent mail’ unless you delete it) • call the National Domestic Violence 24-hour helpline 0808 2000 247 (it won’t show on your home telephone bill but may appear on your itemised mobile phone bill) • find more information on www.reducingtherisk.org.uk In an emergency, always call 999.
Soha takes a victim-centred approach to domestic abuse. We want all our tenants to feel safe in their homes and communities. Our specially trained staff can offer confidential support, advice and practical help to anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, whether physical, verbal or emotional.
Making changes – a new service for abusive partners
makes them react, and gives them strategies for coping with that stress, to avoid the cycle of violence, bullying or manipulative behaviour.
Soha is offering Making Changes – a programme for men who have been abusive to their partners, but who want to break the cycle.
The Making Changes scheme lasts 27 weeks and takes place in Oxford on a Tuesday evening or Didcot on a Wednesday.
Liz Jones, the coordinator, explains it helps men understand what Any man can refer himself to Making Changes, or get a referral from his GP. Discuss what’s involved in confidence by calling 07775 030523 or emailing admin@making-changes.org.
Get ready with Soha
Launchpad! Looking for work or volunteering? Interested in free training? FREE fork lift licence training FREE customer services training FREE confidence building sessions Information on volunteering If you’d like to know more, please contact Lynn at Soha on 01235 515 900/0800 014 15 45 (free) or lwignall@soha.co.uk
12
www.soha.co.uk
www.soha.co.uk 13
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
TOP TIPS FOR MOVING 01 03
Redirect your post – don’t forget to give your new address to friends, family and companies you want to stay in touch. Royal Mail do a redirection service for after you’ve moved.
Register to vote – you won’t get automatically registered to vote at your new address. Each person needs to register. The easiest way is online www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
02 04
When packing, label each box with the room you want it to end up in – it’ll simplify things the other end!
Check out free sites such as Freecycle and Freegle for household goods that people are giving away – or to give away things you no longer need!
AND YOU COULD BE QUIDS IN… 1. We have a Transfer Incentive Scheme to say thanks to people moving from a bigger property they no longer need. 2. From 1 January 2016, our pilot project, Good Move!, will pay £250 to tenants leaving their property and sticking to a set of criteria (e.g. giving notice, allowing viewings, returning the keys on time). Call or look at the website for full information on both schemes.
14
www.soha.co.uk
reporting Anti-Social Behaviour GETS RESULTS Housing associations like Soha take reports of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) very seriously. Hometalk looked into a recent case and found that ASB can even lead to eviction.
B
ut first: what is ASB? It might be violence or threats of violence; some form of harassment; verbal abuse; public bullying; noise … even dumping rubbish.
Extreme Solution Jo Douglas, Soha Neighbourhoods Manager, says that an eviction is an extreme solution which shows that everything else that Soha has tried has failed. If you, as a Soha resident, make an ASB complaint, the first thing we do is ask you to keep an accurate record of what is happening - we give you a diary to use. “We would also talk to neighbours on your behalf. We work closely with District Councils and other agencies to get problems sorted and there are a variety of steps we can take. So we might use an Acceptable Behaviour Contract, or noise monitoring equipment/CCTV; or we might make joint visits with Police or Environmental Services. We also work with mediation services.
“If things escalate, we work with the police who can make Criminal Behaviour Orders or Community Protection Orders amongst other things. Someone who doesn’t comply with one of these faces a fine, homelessness or even imprisonment.”
Tell Soha Soha relies on our customers reporting problems and incidents because we simply can’t be in your community all the time. If you have a concern, you can: • telephone us on 01235 515 900 (or 0800 014 15 45 free) and speak to Customer Services who who will take a report • use the ASB reporting form on our website: www.soha.co.uk and type ASB into the search box top left • email us at housing@soha.co.uk • write to us at Royal Scot House, 99 Station Road, Didcot OX11 7NN.
It’s important to remember that we cannot act on anonymous reports. If you put your name to a complaint, though, we will make sure that the person you’re saying has committed ASB does not know who it was who reported it. “We lived a nightmare for years: our neighbour was bellowing across the road at all times of day and night. We were afraid to go outside because the family and their visitors were just as aggressive. We reported every incident to Soha, using the log book they gave us. Along with the rest of our street, we met Soha’s solicitors who told us how Soha could make a case for an eviction with our support. Now the whole atmosphere is lighter, the neighbourhood is calm and we are no longer scared to live in our own homes.”
www.soha.co.uk 15
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
Hometalk | Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
TOP TIPS FOR MOVING 01 03
Redirect your post – don’t forget to give your new address to friends, family and companies you want to stay in touch. Royal Mail do a redirection service for after you’ve moved.
Register to vote – you won’t get automatically registered to vote at your new address. Each person needs to register. The easiest way is online www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
02 04
When packing, label each box with the room you want it to end up in – it’ll simplify things the other end!
Check out free sites such as Freecycle and Freegle for household goods that people are giving away – or to give away things you no longer need!
AND YOU COULD BE QUIDS IN… 1. We have a Transfer Incentive Scheme to say thanks to people moving from a bigger property they no longer need. 2. From 1 January 2016, our pilot project, Good Move!, will pay £250 to tenants leaving their property and sticking to a set of criteria (e.g. giving notice, allowing viewings, returning the keys on time). Call or look at the website for full information on both schemes.
14
www.soha.co.uk
reporting Anti-Social Behaviour GETS RESULTS Housing associations like Soha take reports of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) very seriously. Hometalk looked into a recent case and found that ASB can even lead to eviction.
B
ut first: what is ASB? It might be violence or threats of violence; some form of harassment; verbal abuse; public bullying; noise … even dumping rubbish.
Extreme Solution Jo Douglas, Soha Neighbourhoods Manager, says that an eviction is an extreme solution which shows that everything else that Soha has tried has failed. If you, as a Soha resident, make an ASB complaint, the first thing we do is ask you to keep an accurate record of what is happening - we give you a diary to use. “We would also talk to neighbours on your behalf. We work closely with District Councils and other agencies to get problems sorted and there are a variety of steps we can take. So we might use an Acceptable Behaviour Contract, or noise monitoring equipment/CCTV; or we might make joint visits with Police or Environmental Services. We also work with mediation services.
“If things escalate, we work with the police who can make Criminal Behaviour Orders or Community Protection Orders amongst other things. Someone who doesn’t comply with one of these faces a fine, homelessness or even imprisonment.”
Tell Soha Soha relies on our customers reporting problems and incidents because we simply can’t be in your community all the time. If you have a concern, you can: • telephone us on 01235 515 900 (or 0800 014 15 45 free) and speak to Customer Services who who will take a report • use the ASB reporting form on our website: www.soha.co.uk and type ASB into the search box top left • email us at housing@soha.co.uk • write to us at Royal Scot House, 99 Station Road, Didcot OX11 7NN.
It’s important to remember that we cannot act on anonymous reports. If you put your name to a complaint, though, we will make sure that the person you’re saying has committed ASB does not know who it was who reported it. “We lived a nightmare for years: our neighbour was bellowing across the road at all times of day and night. We were afraid to go outside because the family and their visitors were just as aggressive. We reported every incident to Soha, using the log book they gave us. Along with the rest of our street, we met Soha’s solicitors who told us how Soha could make a case for an eviction with our support. Now the whole atmosphere is lighter, the neighbourhood is calm and we are no longer scared to live in our own homes.”
www.soha.co.uk 15
Orchard Gate - Kingston Bagpuize ...independence, support, security, care & quality - that’s extra care
Computer generated images (CGI) have been created from an imaginary viewpoint within an open space area. Its purpose is to give a feel for the development, not an accurate description of each property.
Soha Housing’s residents’ magazine | Winter 2015
RIGHT TO BUY
DigIt!
REPORTING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR GETS RESULTS
Page 8
Page 12
Page 15
independent living for the over 55’s Are you over 55 and thinking of buying a property that’s easier to run?
Extra Care offers: • Independence with support security, care & quality • 1 & 2 bedroom apartments with own kitchen, lounge, bathroom and range of built in appliances
Would you like to be able to maintain your independence for as long as possible? Call us about our new scheme in Kingston Bagpuize today
• On site Care Team for peace of mind • Good access to local facilities
Apartments available for outright or Shared Ownership sale or rent
Tel: 01235 515900 Email: homebuy@soha.co.uk Web: www.soha.co.uk
GET READY FOR WINTER! Page 4