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Summer edition - July 2025 |
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LATEST NEWS FROM COTTSWAY |
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It feels like the year is flying by! I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the recent warm weather.
Although the end of the financial year back in March might feel like a distant memory, the months that follow are an important time for us to reflect on what we’ve achieved and where we can continue to improve. As always, your feedback helps guide that journey.
We’ll be publishing our full Annual Report and audited financial statements for 2024-25 before the end of September. In the meantime, I’m pleased to report that our Tenant Satisfaction Measure (TSM) results are among the strongest in the sector, with 85% of customers expressing overall satisfaction. Even more encouraging are the areas that relate to how we treat you: - 89% said we provide a safe home
- 88% said we treat you fairly and with respect
- 87% were satisfied with the repairs service over the past year
All of our homes meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard, and we’ve completed 100% of required health and safety checks. Over the past year, we invested £10.3m in refurbishing and improving homes and we continue to work to make homes more energy-efficient for the future.
Of course, these are just a few of the headline figures and while these numbers help us track how we're doing, the best way we can improve is by listening to you - and making changes where needed. We’ve recently published a summary of last year’s complaints and feedback, and how we’ve responded. You can read it and share your own feedback - good or bad - at www.cottsway.co.uk/feedback |
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 | I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer, and I’ll be back in touch again before the end of the year.
Richard Reynolds Chief Executive |
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TENANT SATISFACTION MEASURES 2024-25 |
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The following annual results are from surveys carried out among customers by independent market research agency Acuity: |
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We also completed 100% of required safety checks in 2024–25, and all our homes meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard. Later this year, the Regulator of Social Housing will publish our performance results alongside those from other landlords, so you can see how we compare nationally. |
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COME AND SEE US AT SUMMER EVENTS |
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We'll be at free community events this summer, so please come along for a chat at: - Oxfordshire Play Association’s Play and Activity Day from 11am-3pm on Thursday 7 August at Burwell Meadow Recreation Ground in Witney. We're proud to once again be supporting this year's play and activity days through grant funding.
- Heart Safe's Family Fundraiser, with children’s craft activities from 11-4pm on Saturday 9 August at Chandlers House, Cirencester.
- Learn to Sustain’s mini play day from 11am-3pm on Tuesday 12 August at Cotswold Crescent Play Area, Chipping Norton.
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DAMP AND MOULD - AWAAB’S LAW |
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Awaab’s Law comes into effect in October, setting clear rules and timeframes for how landlords must deal with issues like damp and mould.
It follows the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, caused by prolonged exposure to damp and mould in his home in Rochdale.
This sad case has rightly drawn national attention to damp and mould and we have received an increase in reports. We’re committed to providing safe, quality homes and have worked hard to respond.
Since the 2022 inquest, we’ve shared advice with customers and reviewed our procedures to meet required standards, assessing ourselves against Housing Ombudsman recommendations. We’re now working to make sure we fully meet the requirements of Awaab’s Law.
If you have an issue with damp and mould, please contact us immediately: It is important that you notify us of anyone in the home who has a health issue or vulnerability. It is also useful for you to send photos of the issues you are reporting to help us to respond. You can do this by email or via our website. |
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INTERESTED IN MOVING HOME? |
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Did you know it can be quick and easy to swap your rented home?
If you have an assured tenancy, you might be able to move by swapping homes with another housing association or council tenant. This is called a mutual exchange.
There are some rules, so make sure to read all the conditions first. You can find more information on our website to see if it’s the right option for you. |
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HELP TACKLE TENANCY FRAUD |
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Social housing is in high demand, so it’s vital that only those with a legal right live in our homes. If someone is living in a property without the right to, that’s tenancy fraud.
As a member of your local community, you know your neighbourhood best. If you suspect tenancy fraud, please report it. Types of tenancy fraud include someone: - Not living in the property as their main home
- Making false claims, such as saying they’re homeless, to get a tenancy
- Claiming unauthorised or fraudulent succession
- Sub-letting the whole property to someone else
- Using false documents or identity to get a home
We take this seriously and work with other agencies to investigate. Recently, we stopped a fraudulent claim for succession of a home following the death of a tenant. After gathering evidence that the person was already living elsewhere, we successfully challenged the application, and the house will now go to a family in need on the council waiting list.
To find out more or report fraud, visit our website or call us. |
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AWAY FOR MORE THAN 4 WEEKS? |
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If so, it might affect your contents insurance.
Whether it’s for work or caring for someone, don’t forget to: - Let your insurer know
- Tell us who has a key in case of emergency
Contents insurance isn’t compulsory, but it is recommended. It can protect your belongings if they’re affected by fire, theft and water damage - giving you peace of mind. |
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Be BBQ and firepit savvy
BBQs and firepits are fun but can be risky. Stay safe with these tips: - Always watch them and keep them away from flammable items
- Use them on flat, fireproof surfaces
- Never use them on balconies
- Let ashes cool fully - disposable BBQs stay hot for hours
- Put cool ashes in a metal bin and wait 12 hours before moving
- If a fire spreads, call the fire brigade right away.
Be fire risk aware when charging items Lithium-ion batteries - used in mobility scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters, laptops, phones, and vapes - can catch fire if not used or stored safely.
These fires can cause serious damage. Always follow the charging and storage instructions. Don’t charge or store your mobility scooter, e-bike or e-scooter in habitable areas in your home or in shared areas of flats. Use a safe location and keep all escape routes clear. |
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STRUGGLING WITH HOARDING? |
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We’re offering a free monthly support group in Witney, thanks to grant funding.
Whether you're just starting to seek help or have been managing hoarding for a while, everyone is welcome. You don’t need to be a Cottsway customer and our staff don't attend, or know who is attending - so don’t be afraid to go along and get support if you need it.
The next session is Tuesday 5 August and then there’ll be monthly meetings: - Time: 6-8pm, every fourth Tuesday of the month
- Where: The Winchester Room, St Mary’s Church, Witney, OX28 4AW
- With: Vi Barling - hoarding specialist and declutter therapist
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This has been sent to you as a Cottsway customer. We follow data protection regulations and you can view our full privacy statement on our website. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter you can unsubscribe at any time. Click here to unsubscribe. |
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