rent increase

If you need support as bills rise this April

We have written to all of you with details of your rent and charges for the next financial year. These changes will come into effect from Monday 6 April. If you’re looking for support, we can help with:

•  checking you get the benefits you’re entitled to
• accessing funding
• setting up a direct debit
• budget planning
• free specialist debt management advice

If you’re looking for free, impartial Government approved advice:

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How to report a hazard to us (even when we’re closed)

What’s a hazard?
Hazards are housing issues that put the resident health or safety at risk. You can read the full list of the 29 hazards on the government website.

Awaab’s Law covers hazards that pose an imminent and significant risk of harm to the resident. These are significant or emergency hazards, such as:

• gas or carbon monoxide leak
• a broken boiler
• total loss of water
• electrical, such as exposed wiring
• flooding
• major leak (water or sewerage)
• damage to doors or windows that makes your home unsecured
• prevalent damp and/or mould that is having a material impact on a your health, like difficulty breathing
• significant structural damage.

If you see any of these hazards in your home, please report them to us immediately.

How can I report a hazard?
To make sure we can act as soon as possible, please call us at any time, day or night.

Call 01235 515 900 (or 0800 014 15 45 Freephone) (or 0800 014 15 45 Freephone) or 0800 014 15 45 (Freephone). Phone is the only way to report a hazard to Soha, as our social media, app and emails aren’t monitored over evenings, weekends or bank holidays.

What should I say when I call?
Simply say, “I’d like to report a hazard in my home”, and we will ask you some questions to start building a report. So that we can triage your report properly, we might ask questions like:

• Are there any special circumstances, or changes in circumstances, in your household?
• Are there any children, older adults, or people with health conditions in your household?
• Does anyone in your household have mobility needs, or require adaptations?
• Are you currently receiving any support or treatment from health or social care services?

What happens when I report a serious housing issue?

Here’s what you can expect from us:

• If it’s an emergency, we’ll be there within 24 hours
• We will investigate within 10 working days
• After the investigation has ended, we will send you a written summary within 3 working days.

If repairs are needed:

• We’ll start works within 5 days of the end of the investigation
• If more work needs to be done for a long-term fix, this will take place within 12 weeks.

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Members of Soha

It’s almost time to vote for your Members’ Forum!
If you’re a Member, keep your eyes peeled for candidate information and how to cast your votes.

Did you know that all residents and staff at Soha can become Members?
Being a Member of Soha you can get involved with making some of the biggest decisions about our future. Some Members join the Members Forum and can become Portfolio Holders. These are residents that select one area of the business to have a better understanding of. They generally meet quarterly with staff to be updated on the current performance of that department and they then report back to other Members, at Forum meetings.

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We want to hear from you

Thank you to all those who responded to our wide-ranging communications consultation. Many of you had very strong views about our website and you’re right – it’s definitely due an overhaul. We’ve got as far as identifying suppliers, so what we really need now is YOU! Please contact the communications team if you fancy sharing your experience as a user with us in a focus group (both in person and online). We’ll give you a shopping voucher as a thank you. Email communications@soha.co.uk or call us on 0800 014 15 45 at no cost to you.

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Join the Easter family fun!

Our Engagement and Communities team will be hosting an Easter family event in Benson Community Hall, China Piece, OX10 6FY on Tuesday 31 March from 12 til 1.30pm.

You can expect:

• Easter egg hunt
• egg and spoon race
• fancy dress
• crafts and competitions
• bunny headband decorating
• free snacks and soft drinks

Unaccompanied children and adults will not be permitted to enter the event.

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Walk with us in your neighbourhood

Get in touch so we can tell you where and the exact time to meet us for our walkabouts.

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Talk with us in your community

March

Monday 2 11.30am-1.30pm John Hampden Hall, High Street, Chalgrove, OX44 7SS	Friday 6 9.30-11.30am Benson Parish Hall Lounge, Sunnyside, Benson, OX10 6LZ	Monday 9 9.30-11.30am The Great Hall, Cholsey, Wallingford, OX10 9GW	Monday 9 11am-1pm Merry Bells, Wheatley, OX33 1XP	Wednesday 11 1.45-3.45pm The Community Larder Cholsey Pavillion, Cholsey, OX10 9PT
Friday 13 11am-1pm Old School Place, Watlington, OX49 5QH	Friday 13 1-3pm Holy Trinity Church, Charlton Village Road, Wantage, OX12 7HE	Tuesday 17 10.30am-12.30pm Barton Neighbourhood Centre, Underhill Circus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9LS	Wednesday 18 12-3pm St Mary & St Berin Church, Fane Drive, Berinsfield, OX10 7NE	Friday 20 11am-1pm The Village Centre, High Street, Chinnor, OX39 4DH
Monday 23 11am-1pm Little Milton Village Hall, Thame Road, Little Milton, OX44 7PZ

April

Thursday 2 10-11.30am d:two cafe, 55 Market Place, Henley,  RG9 2AA	Monday 6 11.30am-1.30pm John Hampden Hall, High Street, Chalgrove, OX44 7SS	Wednesday 8  1.45-3.45pm The Community Larder Cholsey Pavillion, Cholsey, OX10 9PT	Friday 10 11am-1pm Old School Place, Watlington, OX49 5QH	Monday 13 11am-1pm Merry Bells, Wheatley, OX33 1XPT
Friday 17 11am-1pm The Village Centre, High Street, Chinnor, OX39 4DH	Monday 20 1-3pm The Great Hall, Cholsey, Wallingford, OX10 9GW	Wednesday 22 12-3pm St Mary & St Berin Church, Fane Drive, Berinsfield, OX10 7NE	Wednesday 22 April 12-3pm St Mary & St Berin Church, Fane Drive, Berinsfield, OX10 7NE

No appointment needed, just drop in!

All events are subject to change, check our website for the most up to date information.

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