Cottsway

23/03/2026

Need help decorating your home?

If you’re a Cottsway customer with a disability or over the age of 70, and you receive disability benefit, housing benefit, or universal credit, you may be eligible for support to decorate up to two rooms in your home.

🕣 Applications open at 8:30am on Wednesday 1 April
⏳ It’s first‑come, first‑served, so please be ready to apply!

We will try to help as many people as possible, but please be aware spaces are limited.

You won’t be eligible if you have received help from this scheme in the last five years, are a shared owner or leaseholder, have applied for Right to Buy or Right to Acquire, or have someone aged 18–60 living with you who is able to do the decorating.

You'll be able to apply from 1 April online via our website or by calling our customer services team and we'll post another reminder on that day when applications open. See: https://orlo.uk/nuA3Y

20/03/2026

🏠 New affordable homes for over 55s in Woodstock 🏠

Yesterday, we took handover of 37 new apartments for rent, built on the site of our former Ryegrass housing scheme in Woodstock. Supported by a grant from Homes England, we've created modern apartments with larger living spaces and features like balconies, solar panels, air source heating and electric vehicle charging points.

People will be moving into these homes from early April and we hope they'll be very happy!

For more information, including details of how to apply for a Cottsway home, please see: https://orlo.uk/qDob1

17/03/2026

We’ve recently refreshed our Customer Charter and Home User Guide (HUG) to make them clearer and easier to use.

The Customer Charter explains the service standards you can expect from us and how we’ll work with you.

If you've moved or are moving in to a new-build home, our Home User Guide will help you through your first 12 months.

For more information, see: https://orlo.uk/vHljG

16/03/2026

We’ve launched our new Customer Engagement Plan 2026-2029 - and it’s been shaped by you.

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback during our recent consultation. We received 49 responses, and there was strong agreement on the three areas that matter most:

✔️ Clearer communication
✔️ Better maintained communal areas
✔️ Stronger contractor management

We’ll be focusing on improving these areas and sharing progress updates every six months so you can see what’s changing.

This plan has been developed with customers, for customers - and we’ll continue to listen and involve you along the way, including publishing regular updates on our website.

🔗 For more information see: https://orlo.uk/UIV9R

12/03/2026

Do you know anyone who could benefit from this opportunity? Why not get them to apply...

🌟 Exciting opportunity for young people living in a Cottsway home 🌟

We’re offering three young people aged 14-21 living in our homes the chance to take part in the Oxfordshire Youth Young Leaders Programme this May.

This is an amazing opportunity to:
✨ Try exciting new activities like zip wiring and climbing
✨ Build confidence
✨ Develop valuable life and leadership skills
✨ Boost your CV and future career prospects

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, meet new people and grow your potential, this could be for you!

📲 For more information and to apply, see: https://orlo.uk/TbZLD

09/03/2026

Thinking about moving home can be stressful.

That’s why our Cottsway Scrutiny Group, a small team of customers, reviewed the whole process of ending a tenancy - speaking to other customers, staff, and looking at real experiences.

They’ve made 13 recommendations to help make things clearer and more supportive for everyone. These are now being looked at by managers so we can make changes where possible.

👉 Read their summary report: https://orlo.uk/MlgDA

05/03/2026

Thames Water website is being updated regularly if you are among those affected by no or low water supply at this time. This includes details of bottled water collections and how to join its Priority Service Register if you or someone you know needs extra support with getting water delivered

02/03/2026

🌟 Exciting opportunity for young people living in a Cottsway home 🌟

We’re offering three young people aged 14-21 living in our homes the chance to take part in the Oxfordshire Youth Young Leaders Programme this May.

This is an amazing opportunity to:
✨ Try exciting new activities like zip wiring and climbing
✨ Build confidence
✨ Develop valuable life and leadership skills
✨ Boost your CV and future career prospects

If you’re ready to challenge yourself, meet new people and grow your potential, this could be for you!

📲 For more information and to apply, see: https://orlo.uk/TbZLD

27/02/2026

✨ Free Storytime magazine subscriptions! ✨

We still have a number of annual subscriptions to the fun-packed, advert‑free Storytime children’s magazine available for Cottsway customers!

Perfect for ages 3–9, Storytime is designed to boost literacy while supporting children’s health, wellbeing, and imagination through beautifully illustrated stories. 📚🌈

👉 Want to claim a FREE 12‑month subscription?

Just email your name, address, and contact details to: communities@cottsway.co.uk

19/02/2026

We’re looking for an experienced Painter and Decorator to join our Property Services Team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who takes real pride in delivering high-quality workmanship across painting, decorating, wall tiling, and general domestic repairs and maintenance. A flexible approach and willingness to support other trades when required are key to this role.

A full UK driving licence is essential.

If you feel like you might be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Find out more and apply here: https://orlo.uk/3Au2m

17/02/2026

Have your say on local government changes

You may have seen in local news that Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is currently consulting on proposed plans for the reorganisation of local government. This includes proposals for Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire.

There’s a separate consultation for each area, and residents are encouraged to share their views on where they live.

🗓️ The deadline to take part is 26 March 2026.

Your responses will help inform the government’s decision on whether - and how - any changes move forward.

👉 For more information and to take part, see the consultation details, or look out for updates from or contact your local council.

Proposals for local government reorganisation:

- Oxfordshire: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/oxfordshire/

- Gloucestershire: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/gloucestershire/

-Worcestershire: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/worcestershire/

17/02/2026

Unsure how to support a young person who is self-harming?

Oxfordshire Discovery College’s Parent Toolkit can help, and we have 8 FREE places available for our customers.

This 5-week online course will help you understand self-harm and feel more confident supporting your young person.

Supporting a young person who self-harms can feel scary, overwhelming, and lonely. This course gives you practical tools, knowledge, and support - and a chance to connect with other parents who understand.

WHEN: Wednesdays, 22 & 29 April, 6, 13 & 20 May (2 hours per week)
TIME: To be confirmed based on what works best for attendees.

If you’d like to take part, please email communities@cottsway.co.uk with your full name, address, contact details, and the times that work best for you BEFORE Monday 16 March 2026.

Places will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and all Cottsway customers, regardless of where you live, can apply.