WINTER 2015 Rent Matters - Oxford · copywriting, printing and distribution. Some of the things we look at are: If you are interested contact Justine Longford, Tenant Involvement

WINTER 2015

In this issue...

Building a world-class city for everyone

Rent Matters

lHave your Say on our Rent Survey – see page 10

lTenant and Leaseholder Conference

lBecome a Mystery Shopper

lMeet some of our teams in the Housing and Property

Welcome to the winter edition of Tenants in Touch I hope you all had a peaceful break and would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy new year.

We are looking forward to another busy year in the Housing and Property Services here at Oxford City Council.

There are lots of exciting new projects this year including the start of the Tower Block refurbishment project.

We had a successful Tenant and Leaseholder Involvement conference and would like to thank you for attending.

It is really important that we get to hear your views and included in this edition is the Rent Survey. Take your time to read this and make sure you send your response back. Your views are important.

Scott SeamonsCouncillor Scott Seamons Board Member for Housing and Estate Regeneration.

ContentsNews from your TMO ��3

Meet some more of our teams ��4

Your views on the next

Housing Strategy ��5

Tenant and Leaseholder Conference ��6

Tenant and Leaseholder Involvement ��8

Rent Matters ��10

Pull out Response form

– complete and return ��11

Rent this winter ��15

Eco updates ��16

Direct Services ��18

Get Crafty ��19

Tenant Cookbook ��20

Welfare Reform ��21

Calling all 18-30 year olds! ��22

You will see the stamp of approval throughout this publication. This means that tenants have been involved in the editorial from writing, developing or approving the content and given it the thumbs up.

If you want to get involved email tenantinvolvement@oxford�gov�uk

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.

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.

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

There are eight Tenancy Management Officers (TMO) looking after areas in the city.

Your TMO is: Alex Morgan

[email protected]

[email protected]

01865 249811

Wishing you a happy and peaceful new yearl A number of tenants have asked me about how

they can downsize to a property that is more suitable for their needs. If you would you like to know more, please contact me to arrange a visit.

l We are striving to make the City a greener place to live and many of you have had a visit from our Recycling & Waste Community Engagement Team.

l We are currently rolling out Green Food Bins across the City. If you want more information contact 0800 227676

l No matter what the age of a property, condensation is a seasonal issue that can affect us all. If you would like further advice about controlling condensation please contact me to provide you with an advice leaflet.

l There are exciting times ahead for the residents of Plowman tower. The refurbishment of the five tower blocks in the city starts in the spring. Once the works start, send in your photographs as this will be an important part of our history.

Tenants in Touch Building a world-class city for everyone 3

l Purchase a 24-hour segment timer costing about £5 (use with an energy efficient bulb). The timer can be set so that a light will come on just as it is getting dark giving the impression someone is at home.

l Take a minute to register your valuables free on www.immobilise.com TVP use this site to trace lost and stolen property.

l Keep valuables out of sight.

l Double check that you have locked all doors and windows whenever you leave your home or retire for the night.

During the winter months there is an increased risk of burglaries. Thames Valley Police (TVP) has a useful list of precautions to follow:

Send back your views by Sunday 25 January 2015. See the full article on page 10.


Do you need extra advice or support with your tenancy?If you are struggling to manage your tenancy, the Tenancy Sustainment Team can provide assistance.

l We can help in a crisis when your personal circumstances change which affect your housing or your ability to remain in your home.

l We can help you access specialist services and other organisations for example; help with substance misuse and mental health issues.

l We can help and support you with your tenancy agreement and help if you are at risk of being evicted.

l We support new tenants.

l We can help maximise your income. Help with debt; benefit claims and changes to the welfare and benefits system.

l We can support with improving and maintaining the condition of your property.

l We can assist if you are moving to a new home either through Home Swapper or through a transfer.

To find out more call us on 01865 249811 Housing Needs option or email [email protected]

We would also like to hear from you if you have already worked with our team. It is important to get your feedback or suggestions as this helps to shape our services we provide to you. Please use the ‘Have Your Say’ form on page 13.

Make a difference!There are many ways you can make a difference in the Northway by supporting your local community and help us to meet the communities’ needs.

Why not become an Active Resident and work closely with other residents, partners and councillors to solve local issues and deliver hands on improvements to local communities. There are a number of different roles you can get involved in.

The Northway Community Partnership holds meetings four times a year in the Northway Centre at 6pm. The meetings rotate between daytime and evenings to give as many residents as possible the opportunity to attend and have their say.

The Community Partnership is made up a variety of organisations, agencies and residents. All services are committed to improving and promoting the area and work together to overcome issues and gaps in local needs.

The Northway Community Partnership has three themed sub-groups (community safety, youth and older people). These sub-groups meet on a regular basis and focus on one area of work and devise a work plan to address specific issues. The sub-groups report directly to the community partnership.

The Northway Community Partnership is currently focusing on youth activities, the development of a new community centre and producing a community newspaper.

If you are interested in attending a partnership meeting, come along or contact Phil Jones on 07712 922091 or [email protected]


The draft Housing Strategy for 2015 - 2018 has been approved by the Council Executive Board� This document is about our strategic housing priorities; how we plan to provide our housing services to you, between April 2015 and March 2018.

Before we finalise the strategy we are inviting you to let us know what you think of it.

l Do we have the balance right?

l Do you think we have chosen the right priorities?

l Do you think we have missed anything?

The consultation documents are available on our website www�oxford�gov�uk/consultation until 18 January.

The Housing Strategy will be published in April 2015.

If you’d like to complete a paper copy of the survey call: 01865 2529811

Email Nicky Griffiths at [email protected] or write to The Housing Strategy and Performance Team, Housing and Property Services, Oxford City Council, St Aldate’s Chambers, Oxford OX1 1DS.

We want your views on our next Housing Strategy

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Stop Press. . .

Editorial PanelIf you have a creative flair and are interested in helping us to review our communications we send out to you – this could be an ideal opportunity for you to get involved. There will be FREE training offered to you as well as learning industry processes such as concept design, copywriting, printing and distribution.

Some of the things we look at are:

If you are interested contact Justine Longford, Tenant Involvement Officer on 01865 252108 or email jlongford@oxford�gov�uk or use the ‘Have Your Say’ form on page 13.

l Websites�

l Social Media�

l Leaflets�

l Posters�

l Newsletters�

l Reports�

l Brochures�


It was also an opportunity to launch our plans for next year which include:

l The Tenant Review Group for Repairs�

l The Tenant Review Group for Planned Maintenance�

l A recruitment drive to appoint Anti-Social Behaviour Champions�

l The plan to launch Virtual Involvement (so you can still be involved from the comfort of your home)�

l An Editorial Process (help us design housing literature & communications)�

l Plans to open more local resource venues�

l Local road shows to promote how you can get involved�

During the two sessions held, there

were; keynote speakers, workshops

and award ceremonies� Staff were

available throughout the day to answer

questions and there was a ‘Big Brother’

video booth in which attendees could

be filmed in confidence, giving their

views on the council�

Tenant and Leaseholder Conference a roaring success

Awards were presented to tenants for their contributions to ‘Involvement’

l Allison and Eileen Connell for ‘Garden Revival’�

l Rose Hill Tenant’s & Resident’s Association for ‘Services to the Community’�

l Val Foster for ‘Contributions to Tenants in Touch’�

We decided to hold the conference to show case all the good work that has been achieved in partnership between you and us. This included:

l Introduction of the Tenant Scrutiny Panel�

l The introduction of three Local Offers: Repairs, Planned Maintenance and Anti-Social Behaviour�

l The Tower Block Refurbishment Consultations�

l The Oxford Standard Consultation�

l The new Tenant Resource Centre at Blackbird Leys�

l The introduction of our new branding�

l The launch of our Social Media platforms; Facebook and Twitter and our New Tenant Involvement Training Programme�


Tenant and Leaseholder Conference a roaring success

l Lloyd Barrett for ‘Youth Involvement’�

l Audrey Baughan for ‘Long Service’�

l Steven Speight for ‘Dedication and Enthusiasm’�

Simon Warde, Tenant Involvement Manager, said: “We had a fresh approach to the conference. It ran very well and it was clear that everyone enjoyed it from all the positive feedback we received.

We will be using the results from the workshops to feedback to service areas and we hope that the tenants who attended will join us in our various areas of Involvement. The conference has also provided us with a good platform for next year’s event”.

We asked attendees to describe the conference

in one word��


Tenant Involvement is about starting a conversation between you and us, about shaping the services we provide to you�

This can be achieved by you:

l Making decisions�

l Helping to shape and develop services�

l Checking of our performance�

Simon Warde, Tenant Involvement Manager, says, “We are a team that deliver involvement activities to our tenants and leaseholders. Our key role is to develop and improve the way in which we engage and empower you to work with us to help shape and develop the services we provide to you. Tenant Involvement gives you a voice and gives you confidence in us”.

Discover a new hobby, learn as a family or with friends, develop job skills and gain new experiences. Tenancy Involvement offer free courses that help you discover and develop your talents. Including:

l Gardening�

l Computer skills�

l Money management�

l Life skills (CV’s, job applications)�

l Equal opportunities�

l Public speaking�

l Influencing and negotiation skills�

l Effective communication�

The next time you have any suggestions or ideas about your Housing Service contact Tenant Involvement, get involved and have a say in how we can:

l Improve services so that they meet your needs�

l Make sure we spend your money wisely�

l Make sure we listen to your views�

l Offer effective and open monitoring of our performance�

l Improve community relationships�

l Improve relationship with you�

If you have any thoughts for future training programmes, let us know by filling in the ‘Have Your Say’ section on page 13 and return to us.


You need to make sure that you’reon the updated register, or youmight not be able to vote in future.

For more information please go towww.gov.uk/yourvotematters

OCCIERflyerA5_Layout 1 20/06/2014 13:07 Page 1

Stay connected while you travelOxford City Council has announced the arrival of Wi-Fi on Oxford buses as part of its Super Connected Oxford initiative.

The city’s two main bus operators, Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach, have installed Wi-Fi on virtually all buses within the Oxford Smart Zone.

Tenant Involvement InductionOur induction course goves you a real insight into what we do as a team, how you can get involved and a brief run through on Equality and Diversity. Training takes a full day and refreshments and lunch are provided. Places are limited, so get in touch now to book a place. Next dates: Thursday 22 January, Friday 30 January and Monday 2 February

Call: 01865 252374

Virtually there!Following your feedback from the Tenant and Leaseholder Conference, we know you want us to produce more of our communications online�

Tweet us: @OCC_Involve

Follow us on Facebook: Search for Oxford City Tenant Involvement

Our Tenant Involvement Facebook page and Twitter account is

building momentum. We are using social media as another way

to communicate and to keep you informed of the work we are

doing; it is another way of having a conversation. We also post

information on what our other services are doing plus we post

links to our latest job vacancies on there too.

We monitor our accounts Monday to Friday and

always try and get back to you as soon as we can.

If you have any good local stories, any ideas, any

comments, please post them on these platforms.

Your views matter in all forms of medium.


We collect rent and other charges to fund the work programmes set out in the housing and property plan. We want to get the balance right between affordable rents and high-quality services, meeting your expectations and getting good value for money. We are now considering the budget and charges to be applied from April 2015.

Up until 2012, the Council had to follow a government set formula for rent increases which was the RPI (Retail Price Index) plus 0.5% plus a maximum of £2.00 per week. We continued to follow that formula in 2013 and 2014.

The formula guidelines also provided a formula for calculating a “target rent” for each property to reach based on the size and type of the property in the area. The £2.00 per week part of the formula was included so that the rent for each property would move up towards the “target”. Up to now, almost half of our properties have already reached that target rent.

Our intention is that for the next four years, our rent increases should continue to move towards the target rent for each property until it is reached. We are therefore proposing that our rent will be calculated using a revised formula of the September CPI (Consumer Price Index) plus 1% plus a maximum of £2.00 per week if below target rent.

CPI is a different and much lower measure of inflation than RPI. In September 2014, the CPI rate was 1.2% and the RPI rate was 2.3%.

Using the new formula, the average rent increase across all properties this year will be 3�49% (£3�59)� This is lower than last year’s increase of 5�42% (£5�25)�

This means that Oxford City Council properties will continue to be the most affordable and cost effective to rent within the County compared to all other major housing providers�

We are already progressing well with a previously agreed programme of improvements over the next four years which includes:

l Major investment to existing properties�

l Tower Block refurbishment project�

l 113 new homes in 2014/15�

l 354 new homes Barton Park�

Included in the Council’s draft budget we are proposing to spend an additional £96 million over the next 10 years on:

l The Oxford Standard (higher property standards for tenants) which includes improved standards for kitchens and bathroom replacements, replacing bathrooms every 25 years rather than 30, a range of energy efficiency measures such as insulation, heating system replacement and solar PVs and improved security, parking and waste management on estates�

l A free energy audit for every council property�

l Estate regeneration and redevelopment�

l A further 485 new Council homes across Oxford�

What we want you to do is give us your views on the above proposals using the form in the following pull out section by Sunday 25 January.

Service ChargesWherever possible, we will aim to limit service charge increases to CPI plus 1% however some service charges may be higher depending on the actual costs. As in previous years, we will continue to phase out the service charge subsidy system and where it still applies, we will reduce it by £1.00 per week.

We are now in the third year of a 30-year plan for the housing service which aims to improve and increase the Council housing stock across Oxford�

Pull out this section, complete and return by

Sunday 25 January 2015.

Rent matters - your views are importantWrite your comments here (full article on page 10)�

MOISTEN GUMMED EDGE TO SEAL

Name:

Telephone:

Email:

Address:

Have Your SayTell us what you think and you could win a £25 shopping voucher!

Our free prize draws are open to all Oxford City Council tenants and leaseholders aged 18 years or over, but not to Oxford City Council employees. The draw will be conducted under independent supervision. The lucky winners will be personally notified and announced in the next issue. The promoter’s decision is final; no alternative prize will be offered.

Congratulations!Have your say winner:

Lynda Whiting-Jones, Rose Hill

Conference Video Booth winner:

Anne Brown

STAR Survey winners:

Mrs Hastings, £100

Mr Mosbury, £50

Mrs V Simpson £50

Please tick the box if you want us to contact you.

Tell us below what you think about our services – good or bad!

n

Make our communications ‘greener’. Tick here if you would like to receive TiNTS and any other communications by email.

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Why have I received an arrears letter? I do not want to lose my homeIf there is a problem with your account and the Rent Team has not been able to contact you then they will send a letter. Our team will be available to answer any queries and agree a sustainable payment plan if required. If you experience a change in your circumstances it is important to contact us as soon as possible.

PUT RENTFIRST THISWINTER

FAQ

Remember 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�

How can I pay my rent?Paying your rent by Direct Debit is the easiest and most convenient. Contact us and we will discuss a payment plan that is suitable for you. There are other methods such as Standing Order and Rent Payment Card.

I thought Housing Benefit was paying my rent?You may have had a change in circumstances that has resulted in a change or suspension to your benefits. The Housing Benefit department will write to you to inform you of any change and any additional information they may require in order to assess your eligibility and pay you any benefit you are entitled too as soon as possible.


Many of our properties are solid wall or built in the post war period. This means that they are both difficult and expensive to insulate. Not all homes are eligible for funding from Energy Company Obligation and/or Green Deal Home Improvement vouchers which means we have had to put some properties on the backburner for a while.

Working with funders, we recently contacted and surveyed 60 new rendered solid wall homes. We now have a contractor, SERS Energy Solutions Ltd, who will be getting out on site and insulating these homes this winter.

Tenants who have had this work carried out have said that the completed work looked really smart and they were impressed by how the works had been done. Any minor disturbance that had been felt during the works was outweighed by the benefits from cheaper utility bills and warmer homes.

Cavity Wall Insulation

Following our stock conditions survey, our contractors having been carrying out numerous surveys on properties we thought didn’t have cavity wall insulation. Some of these already had full insulation so they don’t need any further work.

We are also surveying in all other areas of the city and hope to carry out as many cavity wall insulations as we can during spring/summer 2015.

Loft insulation

A number of you have contacted us to request loft insulation. Direct Services are currently carrying this work.

Bright Lights for Rose Hill, Barton and Blackbird Leys

Following the successful solar PV pilot on five properties in Blackbird Leys last year, we are taking the power of the sun further afield to Barton and other areas of Blackbird Leys.

This brings free daytime electricity to more council homes helping our tenants pay their energy bills.

We will be working with Bioregional and Moixa in the Rose Hill area to additionally install battery electricity storage and low energy LED lighting. This will hopefully save even more valuable pounds on electricity bills as it means free electricity at night as well as in the day.

Mr and Mrs Parrot of Blackbird Leys are very pleased with their new solar panel system.

Before After

Keep warm this winterWe are currently running a number of insulation projects and solar panel installations around the city to help you feel warmer in your homes�


Fair play for prepay

Getting a fairer deal for the 7.6 million energy customers with a prepayment meter.

Citizens Advice wants:

● A smarter prepay offer that works for consumers.

● A fair choice of tariffs in line with other payment methods.

● Better customer service and support with easier top ups.

Sign the Citizens Advice petition today and help get a smarter prepay offer for energy customers.

Find out more at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/fairprepay

This service offers:

l Dedicated 24 hour priority services phone number�

l Priority updates during a power cut�

l Nominate someone for us to contact on your behalf

l Provide information in the format you need, for example Braille or audio CD�

l Security password to keep you safe�

You are eligible to join our Priority Services Register if you

l Are dependent on electricity for home medical care, for example a kidney dialysis machine or ventilator�

l Have a chronic illness or short term medical condition; for example you are recovering from a major operation�

l Are disabled�

l Have special communication needs; for example because you are blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing�

l Have a young baby�

l Receive a state pension�

How to register

We can’t promise your electricity will never go off, but when it does, we want to do what we can to make sure you have the support you need, when you need it.

From a landline: 0800 294 3259

Call from a mobile: 0345 072 1900

Or register online at:

www�ssepd�co�uk/PriorityServicesRegister/

Don’t be left in the darkWe all rely on electricity day to day for various things, but for some, a power cut can be distressing and difficult� Scottish and Southern Energy are offering vulnerable tenants access to join the Priority Services Register


After we have investigated a complaint, we record any areas that we can make improvements, so we can decide where to focus our attention�

Last year we used the information to provide you with updates on overdue fencing repairs, and details on how to manage damp and mould in your home.

We sometimes hear that you are unsure of what is happening while you are waiting for a repair to take place.

Often we are behind the scenes working hard to get the repair carried out, but you may not be aware of this.

In 2015 we are going to be looking at how we can improve our communications with you. Please make sure that we have up-to-date contact details for you so that we can stay in touch during the course of your repairs.

It is really important that you fill in and

return the Repairs Satisfaction Surveys after work has been completed in your home. We take all your comments on board.

Remember that if a surveyor is attending to inspect, the survey should be answered based on the inspection; and not the repair that has yet to take place.

If you would like to take part in Mystery Shopping our services contact us. Another area you can be involved in is the Tenants Scrutiny Panel. This is a group of tenants who take an in depth look at the various services provided by us in running and maintaining our homes and services.

If you are interested in finding out more contact Tenant Involvement on 01865 249811 or email tenantinvolvement@oxford�gov�uk

It’s time for feedbackHave you ever wondered what happens after you make a comment or complaint?

Oxford City Council’s Local Offers are agreed by tenants and leaseholders and Council officers who are members of the Local Offer Working Group (LOWG).

The volunteer tenants serving on the LOWG have had negotiation training which enables them to monitor and annually review Oxford City Council’s service standards.

Repairs



UPCYCLING

Create a lovely vintage runner made up of taping the pages together from an old book

and then create a border by cutting down one edge or just add some decoration.

To add to this simple but effective table decoration, up-cycle old placemats and

coasters by painting on chalk paint.

You will be able to leave a personalised message for your guests!

Ingredients:1 large onion

2 large potatoes

2 cloves of garlic

Butter

Flour

Milk

1 egg

Cheese (optional)

ALL COOKS WHOSE RECIPES

ARE INCLUDED IN THE BOOK WILL GET A

£30SHOPPING VOUCHER

The cost of food is on the up, tightening the purse strings means getting creative with your weekly meals�

It’s good to get into the practice of batch cooking enough for two or more meals - preparing a dinnertime dish that also makes a great leftover dinner the next day is a bonus.

This edition, we have challenged tenant Steven Speight to prepare a budget family meal. This one stretches leftovers you can make for lunch the next day.

Steve cooked a roast chicken and had left over; cabbage, carrots and mushrooms. Steve says, ‘you can use any leftover meat so instead of chicken you can use: poached smoked fish, lamb or minced beef’.


Squeaky Chicken & Bubbly PiePreparation time: 10 minutes. Baking time: 15-20 minutes

Instructions:l Dice your left-over meat

l Melt butter

l Dice onion and fry on a medium heat

l Crush garlic and add to onions

l Mix in flour to make a roux (a mixture of equal quantities of melted butter and flour that is used as the base for thickening sauces)

l Add milk to make a sauce

l Put the leftover chicken in

l Season to taste and put into an oven proof dish.

l Boil potatoes and mash

l Add in cabbage, carrots and the egg and mix

l Spread over the chicken mixture and smooth over the chicken and sauce

l Add cheese as an additional extra

l Bake in the oven at 200 degrees for 15-20 mins


Our team help people who have been affected by the Government’s welfare reforms.

By working with you individually, we can look at your situation in detail and work out how we can best help you to get training and work experience that could lead to getting a job.

We will support you through these and offer advice on your benefits and housing. We can offer other support services such as mental health support.

By addressing all these things that affect your life, you are able to afford your rent, feel more confident about finding work and less worried about the changes to your income, the team have helped over 90 people get into work, and have issued over 400 DHPs.

The team work with each customer individually to find the best solutions for them. They have strong connections with organisations in the city, such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Crisis and Oxfordshire MIND so that customers get expert advice locally.

Struggling to pay your rent?Don’t know what to do next?We can help.

01865 252755

[email protected]

@OxWelfareReform

Welfare Reform TeamBook an appointment with the team today and get:

• Expert benefits advice

• Flexible and personal service to suit you

• Help to find work, training courses plus support to clear debts

Welfare Reform Team helps Oxford residents

In October, the team worked with Jobcentre Plus to deliver a Job Fair in the Town Hall. Over 650 people from across the city came along and many found work as a result.

If you would like support from the Welfare Reform Team, please call them on 01865 252755 for an informal chat or email welfarereform@oxford�gov�uk

You can also follow them on Twitter @OxWelfareReform or search ‘Welfare Reform’ on the Oxford City Council website for more information.

The Welfare Reform Team’s work is part funded by the European Social Fund.

Tower block refurbishments��Works are due to start on the tower block refurbishment this spring�

We would like to invite residents of the tower blocks to become part of the evaluation and selection process so you can give your views and opinions on the suppliers we use. There will be a FREE training day on Thursday 15 January which you need to complete to be able to do this.

The evaluation day will be held late January (date to be confirmed) in Oxford Town Hall.

If you are interested please call on 01865 252108 or email jlongford@oxford�gov�uk by Friday 10 January.


Calling all 18-30 year olds��

WE NEED

YOU!We are looking to recruit some Mystery Shoppers who are aged between 18-30 years old� You can do this on your own or with a group of friends�

Mystery shopping is the process in which you are trained to test, evaluate and report on our services we provide to you.

You act as a customer and, using a set of scenarios, make contact with us and ask us a set of questions. You then send us back the results and get paid for doing so!

What does it involve? l You attend some free training�

l You complete a round of mystery shopping and give us feedback on how we did�

l You can meet with other Mystery Shoppers to discuss your experience�

If you want to do more…

l You can attend further training to enhance and maintain mystery shopping skills�

What are the benefits? It can get you involved in our work, give you a voice and it helps us shape the services we as your landlord, provide to you. If we are getting it wrong we need to know!

You can receive up to £40 shopping vouchers of your choice per round of mystery shopping you do.

If you are interested in becoming a Mystery Shopper, contact [email protected] or call 01865 249811

Tweet us: @OCC_Involve

Follow us on Facebook: Search for Oxford City Tenant Involvement

TACKLING TENANCY FRAUD

In partnership with:


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:

Or write to:Tenant InvolvementOxford City Council. 109 St Aldate's Chambers,St Aldate's, Oxford. OX1 1DS

Tenant involvement is about starting a conversation between you, the tenant or leaseholder, and us, the Council, about shaping the services we provide to you.

By getting involved, tenants and leaseholders are able to:•Review, shape and monitor how services

are delivered.

•Help us identify what works well, not so well and where we need to improve services.

•Have a say in what is important to you.

There are many ways you can be involved from the comfort of your home to running your own community group.

A range of free training and funding opportunities to support tenant involvement is also available.

OXFORD CITY COUNCILTENANT INVOLVEMENT

Find out how you can get involved with Oxford City Council:Telephone: 01865 249811Email: [email protected]: www.oxford.gov.uk/getinvolvedFollow us on Twitter: @OCC_InvolveLike us on Facebook: Oxford City Tenant

Have

CHANGE

YOUR sayand make the

a4 poster-advert2.indd 1 03/03/2014 11:39

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WINTER 2015 Rent Matters - Oxford · copywriting, printing and distribution. Some of the things we look at are: If you are interested contact Justine Longford, Tenant Involvement