Housing news

• Council calls on owners to bring empty properties back into use in National Empty Homes Week

  Published: Friday, 19th February 2021

  Oxford City Council is marking National Empty Homes Week by urging the owners of empty homes to bring them back into use.

• Oxford City Council to invest over £50 million to retrofit and improve council houses

  Published: Thursday, 18th February 2021

  In accordance with its Local Plan, Oxford City Council will spend over £50 million in retrofitting and improving its council housing stock.

• Building better, bit by bit

  Published: Tuesday, 16th February 2021

  Oxford City Housing Ltd (OCHL) has launched a procurement process for contractors to help it deliver more than 2,500 high quality, sustainable homes across Oxfordshire in the next 10 years.

• Emergency beds will stay open this weekend for people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Friday, 12th February 2021

  Oxford City Council has extended its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) again to keep emergency beds open for people experiencing rough sleeping.

• Emergency beds stay open for people experiencing rough sleeping due to severe weather forecast

  Published: Monday, 8th February 2021

  Oxford City Council has extended its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) to keep emergency beds open for people experiencing rough sleeping.

• Extend the eviction ban to prevent a surge in homelessness

  Published: Friday, 5th February 2021

  A partial government eviction ban should remain in force to help prevent a potential surge in homelessness for renters this year, says Oxford City Council.

• Emergency beds open for people experiencing rough sleeping due to severe weather forecast

  Published: Friday, 5th February 2021

  For the third weekend in a row, Oxford City Council has activated its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) to make emergency beds available for people experiencing rough sleeping.

• Emergency beds activated over the weekend for people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Friday, 29th January 2021

  Oxford City Council has activated its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) to make emergency beds available this weekend for people experiencing rough sleeping.

• Emergency beds remain open tonight for people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Monday, 25th January 2021

  Emergency accommodation for people experiencing rough sleeping will be available again tonight as Oxford City Council has extended its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP).

• Emergency shelter for people experiencing rough sleeping open over the weekend

  Published: Friday, 22nd January 2021

  Oxford City Council has activated its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) to make emergency shelter available this weekend for people experiencing rough sleeping.

• Council provides 20 additional hotel rooms for people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Tuesday, 19th January 2021

  Oxford City Council is providing more help for people experiencing rough sleeping to protect them from the pandemic this winter.

• Emergency accommodation opens tonight for people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Tuesday, 12th January 2021

  Emergency beds for people experiencing rough sleeping will open again tonight as Oxford City Council has activated its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP).

• Emergency accommodation for people experiencing rough sleeping will remain open for 19th night

  Published: Thursday, 7th January 2021

  Oxford City Council has extended its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) again for people experiencing rough sleeping.

• 4 January 2021: Emergency accommodation remains open for people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Monday, 4th January 2021

  Oxford City Council has extended its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) again for people experiencing rough sleeping.

• Emergency accommodation to remain open into New Year for people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Thursday, 31st December 2020

  Oxford City Council has extended its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) into the New Year for people experiencing rough sleeping.

• Emergency accommodation to remain open for people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Monday, 28th December 2020

  Oxford City Council has extended its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) for people experiencing rough sleeping.

• 23 December: emergency accommodation activated for people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Wednesday, 23rd December 2020

  Oxford City Council has activated its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) for people experiencing rough sleeping.

• ‘Everyone in’ response to rough sleeping during pandemic means 44% increase in homeless prevention spend

  Published: Friday, 18th December 2020

  Oxford City Council is increasing its investment in preventing homelessness and rough sleeping to £9.1m in 2021/21 – 44% higher than before the pandemic struck.

• Independent study shows that Redbridge Paddock can be used for housing development

  Published: Thursday, 17th December 2020

  Oxford City Council has released the results of an independent feasibility study showing that the brownfield site at Redbridge Paddock can be used for housing development.

• Oxford’s homelessness services will not cooperate in deporting people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Monday, 14th December 2020

  Oxford City Council has restated a promise made last year that Oxford’s homelessness services will not cooperate with the Home Office over immigration enforcement.

• Oxford City Council’s Home Improvement Agency scoops Home Adaptation Service of the Year award

  Published: Monday, 14th December 2020

  Oxford City Council’s Home Improvement Agency (HIA) has scooped the Home Adaptation Service of the Year award at Foundations’ National Healthy Housing Awards 2020.

• Housing company seeks development contractors to deliver 2,500 factory-built low carbon homes in Oxfordshire

  Published: Thursday, 10th December 2020

  Oxford City Housing Ltd (OCHL) is looking for high quality, sustainable contractors interested in helping it to deliver more than 2,500 low carbon homes across Oxfordshire in the next 10 years.

• Council extends consultation on proposals to improve private renting in Oxford

  Published: Thursday, 3rd December 2020

  Oxford residents now have four more weeks to have their say on proposals to improve conditions in private rented housing in the city after the consultation period was extended until 31 December.

• New arrangements for offering emergency winter beds to people experiencing rough sleeping

  Published: Thursday, 3rd December 2020

  The pandemic means there will be new arrangements for offering emergency beds to people sleeping rough in Oxford this winter.

• Housing company lets 19 new homes for social rent at Barton Park

  Published: Thursday, 3rd December 2020

  Oxford City Housing Ltd (OCHL) is letting 19 new homes for social rent as the first phase of the Barton Park development – known as Mosaics – is completed.

• 100 years of council housing in Oxford

  Published: Monday, 30th November 2020

  As November draws to a close, so too does the 100th anniversary of council housing in Oxford.

• Oxford needs homes: housing company acquires land in Iffley for housing development

  Published: Thursday, 19th November 2020

  Oxford City Housing Ltd (OCHL) has acquired land in Iffley for housing development that will help meet the city’s need for new homes.

• Two weeks to have your say on proposals to improve private renting in Oxford

  Published: Thursday, 19th November 2020

  Oxford residents have two weeks left to have their say on proposals to improve conditions in private rented housing in the city.

• Statement on the deaths of homeless people

  Published: Wednesday, 11th November 2020

  A statement from Cllr Mike Rowley, cabinet member for affordable housing and housing the homeless:

• Take part in online consultation over plans to redevelop Blackbird Leys

  Published: Wednesday, 11th November 2020

  Next week, Oxford residents will be able to take part in consultation webinars over a £100m masterplan to redevelop Blackbird Leys by building 281 new homes – including 167 new homes for social rent.

• Oxford City Council and Aspire win long term funding to help ensure no return to the streets

  Published: Thursday, 5th November 2020

  Oxford City Council and Aspire have been awarded nearly £1 million in long term government funding to help ensure no return to the streets for vulnerable homeless people.

• Work set to start to replace cladding at Hockmore Tower

  Published: Thursday, 29th October 2020

  Work is set to start to replace some of the cladding on Hockmore Tower.

• Consultation opens on plans to build 79 new homes in Marston

  Published: Tuesday, 20th October 2020

  Oxford City Council has started public consultation on plans to build 79 new homes on land west of Mill Lane in Marston.

• City Council shares how to make green improvements to your home’s energy efficiency

  Published: Friday, 16th October 2020

  Oxford residents can take action to help improve the energy efficiency and warmth in their homes with the launch of the Government’s Green Homes Grants, as well as local initiatives across the city.

• Providing access to carry out your annual gas service check

  Published: Friday, 16th October 2020

  Gas safety checks are a legal requirement that ODS, Oxford City Council’s wholly owned company, carries out on behalf of the Council. But more than that – checking the safety of gas equipment saves lives.

• Oxford City Council secures extension of closure order to stop anti-social behaviour and drug dealing

  Published: Thursday, 15th October 2020

  Oxford City Council has secured the extension of a closure order against a property in Eastern Avenue, Littlemore to stop anti-social behaviour and drug use at the property.

• Council issues coronavirus advice for houses in multiple occupation

  Published: Wednesday, 14th October 2020

  Oxford City Council has written to tenants of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) with advice on suppressing the spread of coronavirus.

• Oxford City Council calls on UK Government to follow Scotland’s lead and empower councils to tackle short-term lets

  Published: Monday, 28th September 2020

  Oxford City Council has called on the UK Government to follow Scotland’s lead and empower local authorities to crack down on short-term lets.

• Oxford City Council and Aspire win £1m to help ensure no return to the streets

  Published: Wednesday, 23rd September 2020

  Oxford City Council and Aspire have been awarded £1 million in government funding to help ensure no return to the streets for vulnerable homeless people.

• Oxford Home Improvement Agency offers free electric blanket testing to Oxford residents

  Published: Friday, 18th September 2020

  Oxford City Council’s Home Improvement Agency (HIA) is teaming up with Oxfordshire County Council to offer free electric blanket testing to Oxford residents.

• Work starts to build new homes in Elsfield Way

  Published: Friday, 18th September 2020

  Work will start next week on a new development of 26 flats that will include six homes for social rent and three shared ownership homes.

• Consultation starts on plans to improve Oxford’s private rented sector

  Published: Thursday, 10th September 2020

  Oxford City Council has launched a public consultation on two licensing schemes aimed at improving conditions in the private rented sector.

• Council proposes consultation on housing licensing schemes

  Published: Thursday, 27th August 2020

  Oxford City Council is proposing to launch public consultation on two licensing schemes aimed at improving conditions in the private rented sector.

• Statement on extension of the eviction ban

  Published: Friday, 21st August 2020

  This afternoon the government announced a one month extension to the eviction ban for renters. Here is our statement in response:

• Council urges government to extend eviction ban

  Published: Thursday, 20th August 2020

  Oxford City Council is calling on the government to extend the temporary eviction ban to protect private tenants and prevent a surge of homelessness in Oxford.

• Council wins planning appeal against short let property

  Published: Wednesday, 19th August 2020

  In the first action of its kind in the city, Oxford City Council has won a planning appeal banning the use of a property for short lets.

• Detailed site investigations begin on project to build more than 200 new homes in Oxford

  Published: Tuesday, 11th August 2020

  Oxford City Council is beginning detailed site investigations on a project that will see more than 200 new homes – including vital new council homes – in Abingdon Road.

• Oxford City Council lets six new homes for social rent

  Published: Friday, 7th August 2020

  Oxford City Council is letting six new homes for social rent in the first phase of a development that will include 45 council homes.

• No return to rough sleeping

  Published: Friday, 31st July 2020

  Oxford City Council has secured 124 rooms of interim housing for the next year; that means there need be no return to the streets for former rough sleepers currently housed in hotels and student blocks.

• Work set to start on 35 new homes, including new council homes, in Oxford

  Published: Friday, 24th July 2020

  Work is set to start on plans to build 35 new homes, including new council houses, in Oxford.

• Blooming marvellous: making estates great again

  Published: Wednesday, 1st July 2020

  Oxford City Council is set to start work next week on four projects making improvements to council estates as part of its Great Estates programme.

• Oxford City Council adopts Oxford Local Plan 2036

  Published: Wednesday, 10th June 2020

  Oxford City Council has adopted its Oxford Local Plan 2036 after councillors voted to ratify the plan at full Council on Monday night (8 June).

• Life after lockdown: council letting new Barton Park homes

  Published: Monday, 8th June 2020

  As Oxford begins to emerge from lockdown, Oxford City Council is letting eight new homes for social rent on the Barton Park development.

• Work starts to build zero carbon council homes in Oxford

  Published: Friday, 15th May 2020

  Work has started to build eight zero carbon council homes across three sites in Oxford.

• Help with gas and electricity prepayment meters during the coronavirus outbreak

  Published: Monday, 11th May 2020

  Oxford City Council is providing advice and practical help to Oxford residents struggling to top up prepayment meters for gas and electricity during the coronavirus outbreak.

• Statement on coronavirus and protection for tenants

  Published: Thursday, 19th March 2020

  A statement from councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council:

• Coronavirus: letter to council tenants

  Published: Wednesday, 18th March 2020

  Letter to residents of council homes in Oxford about the coronavirus outbreak.

• £100m redevelopment of Blackbird Leys will feature around 275 new homes, a new community centre, new shops and new public spaces

  Published: Thursday, 12th March 2020

  The £100.6m redevelopment of Blackbird Leys will feature around 275 new homes – including new social housing – a new community centre, new shops, and improved green and public spaces.

• City Council to take on powers to improve energy efficiency standards

  Published: Thursday, 27th February 2020

  Oxford City Council has taken on powers to improve the energy efficiency standards of commercial and private rented properties across Oxford.

• First chance to see housing plans as part of East Oxford Community Centre redevelopment

  Published: Thursday, 20th February 2020

  Oxford City Council is holding a community engagement event on the 25 February 4-7pm at East Oxford Community Centre to discuss new housing development proposals with residents and stakeholders.

• Council to increase annual investment on preventing homelessness and rough sleeping to £7.4 million

  Published: Thursday, 13th February 2020

  Oxford City Council is increasing its investment on preventing homelessness and rough sleeping to £7.4 million in 2020/21.

• City Council to build new social housing at former Royal British Legion club site in Barton

  Published: Monday, 27th January 2020

  Oxford City Council has secured planning permission to build seven homes, including new social housing, in Barton.

• Biggest change to private rented accommodation in a decade: City Council sets out wide-ranging plans to support vulnerable tenants, improve safety and energy efficiency standards, and crack down on rogue landlords

  Published: Monday, 20th January 2020

  Oxford City Council sets out wide-ranging proposals to support vulnerable tenants, improve safety standards, crack down on rogue landlords and upgrade the energy efficiency of private rented houses.

• Statement on bringing empty homes back into use

  Published: Monday, 6th January 2020

  Statement on bringing empty homes back into use from councillor Mike Rowley, cabinet member for affordable housing:

• City Council set to redevelop Lucy Faithfull House to create 36 new flats – including new social housing

  Published: Friday, 22nd November 2019

  Oxford City Council’s housing company has submitted plans to redevelop the former Lucy Faithfull House site in Oxford city centre to create 36 new flats – including new social housing.

• City Council sets out draft proposals to build new social housing and children’s play areas around Bertie Place

  Published: Friday, 8th November 2019

  Oxford City Council has set out draft proposals to build new social housing and children’s play areas around Bertie Place off Abingdon Road.

• City Council to provide land to pilot community-led housing project in Oxford

  Published: Friday, 8th November 2019

  Oxford City Council is set to provide land to pilot a community-led housing project in Oxford.

• Work starts on 18 new flats for social rent in Rose Hill

  Published: Tuesday, 15th October 2019

  Work started yesterday to build 18 new flats for social rent in Rose Hill.

• City Council backs plans to name and shame rogue landlords on national database

  Published: Tuesday, 8th October 2019

  Oxford City Council has backed proposals to name and shame rogue landlords on a national database.

• Don’t miss out! Save £140 on your electricity bills this winter through Better Housing Better Health

  Published: Tuesday, 1st October 2019

  Oxford City Council is urging Oxford residents to contact Better Housing Better Health to help get £140 off their electricity bills this winter.

• Statement regarding Foresters Tower

  Published: Wednesday, 25th September 2019

  Oxford City Council housing officers have visited Foresters Tower in Wood Farm today to reassure residents following last night’s tragic events.

• National Empty Homes Week: Council calls on owners to bring empty properties back into use

  Published: Monday, 23rd September 2019

  Oxford City Council is marking the start of National Empty Homes Week by urging owners of empty homes to bring them back into use.

• Work starts on new social housing in Rose Hill

  Published: Wednesday, 18th September 2019

  Oxford City Council has started work on 43 new genuinely affordable homes on two sites in Rose Hill.

• Oxford-Cambridge Arc growth only possible if government increases support for affordable housing delivery

  Published: Monday, 16th September 2019

  Leading housing sector figures are gathering tomorrow at a roundtable organised by the Fast Growth Cities Network and Centre for Cities to set out a new plan to tackle the affordable housing crisis.

• Oxfordshire blazes the trail for homelessness prevention

  Published: Tuesday, 30th July 2019

  Early intervention to help people before they reach crisis point has prevented homelessness in up to half of completed cases referred to new support services launched last year.

• Council wins funding to improve energy efficiency in the private rented sector

  Published: Wednesday, 24th July 2019

  Oxford City Council has won £150,000 from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to improve energy efficiency in the private rented sector.

• Oxford City Council to replace cladding at Hockmore Tower

  Published: Thursday, 11th July 2019

  Oxford City Council has made the decision to replace some of the cladding on Hockmore Tower while, with the fire service, providing assurance to residents that their homes are nonetheless safe.

• Residents to see how their views are helping shape the future of Blackbird Leys

  Published: Friday, 14th June 2019

  Residents will get to see how their views are helping to shape the future of Blackbird Leys at an event next week.

• Residents to help plan the future of Blackbird Leys

  Published: Thursday, 9th May 2019

  Blackbird Leys residents will get a chance to help plan the future of the neighbourhood during two community planning days of workshops, walkthroughs and brainstorms.

• Oxford City Council becomes third local authority to make entry to Rogue Landlords Database

  Published: Tuesday, 2nd April 2019

  Oxford City Council has become the third local authority in the country to make an entry onto the new Rogue Landlords Database.

• City Council and Catalyst to ask residents for their views on plans to bring new homes, shops and community facilities to Blackbird Leys

  Published: Monday, 1st April 2019

  Oxford City Council and Catalyst Housing Ltd ask residents for their views on a development that will bring new shops and community facilities, and at least 250 homes to the heart of Blackbird Leys.

• Barton Park shortlisted for planning partnership award

  Published: Wednesday, 27th March 2019

  Oxford’s Barton Park housing development has been shortlisted in the Partnership Working category at the national Planning Awards 2019.

• First council tenants move into new homes at Barton Park

  Published: Thursday, 14th February 2019

  The first council tenants have started moving into their new homes at Barton Park following the handover of completed properties to the City Council by housebuilders, Hill.

• Oxford City Council activates emergency beds for rough sleepers

  Published: Monday, 28th January 2019

  Oxford City Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for the fifth time this winter.

• Council awarded government funding to tackle rogue landlords

  Published: Tuesday, 22nd January 2019

  The City Council has been awarded £40,492 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help tackle the minority of irresponsible landlords who make tenants’ lives a misery.

• Council steps up social housing delivery with two new schemes

  Published: Monday, 7th January 2019

  The City Council has submitted planning applications to deliver 35 new homes, half of which will be affordable and supported by funding from the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal, across two sites at Elsfield Hall and Cumberlege Close in the northern part of Oxford.

• Council activates emergency beds for rough sleepers

  Published: Wednesday, 2nd January 2019

  Oxford City Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers. 

• Council submits planning application for Between Towns Road site to deliver new housing

  Published: Thursday, 20th December 2018

  The Council has submitted a planning application to deliver 38 housing units, including homes for social rent, at a site on Between Towns Road in Cowley.

• Council agrees in principle to commit £18.85 million for Northern Gateway infrastructure works

  Published: Tuesday, 4th December 2018

  Funds will support key infrastructure works at Northern Gateway.

• Council to deliver social housing in Rose Hill development

  Published: Thursday, 1st November 2018

  The City Council is progressing plans to deliver 43 new homes, including 18 for social rent and 25 for low cost home ownership, at two sites in Rose Hill. 

• Cross-Party Council review highlights issue of rough sleepers with “no local connection” to Oxford

  Published: Tuesday, 30th October 2018

  A cross-party group of Oxford City Councillors have completed their review of a key homelessness policy, and are preparing to make recommendations to council decision makers.

• Growth Board Says Let’s Build Affordable Homes

  Published: Tuesday, 16th October 2018

  Oxfordshire Growth Board is holding an event this week for developers and registered providers of social housing to invite them to help deliver new affordable homes across the county, supported by funding from the Housing and Growth Deal.

• Council is bringing a home back into use that has been empty since 1989

  Published: Tuesday, 16th October 2018

  Oxford City Council is refurbishing a four bedroom home in Rose Hill which has been empty since the death of its owner in 1989.

• City Council appoints Catalyst as development partner for Blackbird Leys regeneration

  Published: Monday, 8th October 2018

  The City Council has appointed Catalyst Housing Ltd to take forward the master-planning and development of council-owned sites in Blackbird Leys.

• National Homelessness Property Fund receives further £5.2m investment

  Published: Wednesday, 22nd August 2018

  The National Homelessness Property Fund (NHPF), managed by social impact investment company Resonance and homelessness charity St Mungo’s, has received an investment of £5.2m from Oxford City Council, Project Snowball and the Treebeard Trust.

• Council’s Home Improvement Agency shortlisted for two national awards

  Published: Tuesday, 17th July 2018

  Oxford City Council’s, Oxford City Home Improvement Agency (HIA) Team has been shortlisted for two Foundations HIA Awards.

• Help shape the future of Blackbird Leys – get involved!

  Published: Friday, 6th July 2018

  Blackbird Leys residents and businesses will get a chance to help shape plans for the redevelopment of their district centre when a developer is appointed and starts work in the autumn.

• City Council invests over £2 million improving social housing stock for tenants

  Published: Tuesday, 3rd July 2018

  The City Council spent £2.3 million replacing 227 kitchens and 240 bathrooms in its social housing stock over the 2017-18 financial year to improve the quality of housing for its tenants.

• Oxford among first to complete replacement of cladding on tower blocks

  Published: Monday, 18th June 2018

  The City Council has completed the replacement of rain screen cladding on Evenlode and Windrush tower blocks in Blackbird Leys, putting it among some of the first local authorities in the country to do so. 

• Council welcomes government commitment to fund tower blocks re-cladding

  Published: Thursday, 17th May 2018

  This week the Prime Minister announced in the House of Commons that the government will fully fund the removal and replacement of dangerous tower blocks cladding for councils and housing associations.

• Townsend Square improvement works gather pace

  Published: Thursday, 17th May 2018

  New parking bays for cars and bikes have now been completed at Townsend Square as part of the City Council’s ongoing £800,000 programme to refurbish the estate and benefit over 70 households.

• Rogue landlord sentenced to six months in prison for unlawful evictions

  Published: Thursday, 26th April 2018

  An Oxford landlord with a history of criminal and non-compliant behaviour was given a six-month custodial sentence for a series of housing offences at Oxford Magistrate’s Court on 25 April 2018.

• Oxford landlord issued financial penalty of £15,624 for HMO offences

  Published: Friday, 20th April 2018

  An Oxford landlord has been issued a financial penalty of £15,624 for controlling an unsafe House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in the Cowley area of Oxford.

• Demolition of Lucy Faithful House commences

  Published: Monday, 16th April 2018

  The demolition of the former homeless shelter, Lucy Faithful House, to make way for housing development on the site has begun.

• Rogue landlord prosecuted for the second time in six months for HMO offences

  Published: Monday, 26th March 2018

  An Oxford landlord with a previous conviction for housing offences was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay the City Council £1,535 in costs when he appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 20 March 2018.

• Council activates emergency beds for rough sleepers due to freezing weather forecast

  Published: Thursday, 15th March 2018

  Oxford City Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers. This means that the council and local homelessness organisations will make extra bed spaces available for rough sleepers in the city from tomorrow night (Friday 16 March) until Monday morning.

• Oxford Student Union are working to improve renting for their students

  Published: Friday, 9th March 2018

  Oxford Student Union are collaborating with Marks Out Of Tenancy to help change the private rental experience for the better.

• City Council to consult on a new draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 

  Published: Friday, 9th March 2018

  The City Council has developed a new draft Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy 2018-2023 to replace the existing one which expires this year.

• Additional government grant award frees up extra City Council funding to support benefits and homelessness services

  Published: Friday, 16th February 2018

  In a last minute addition to its draft budget for 2018/19, Oxford City Council has been notified of an extra £193,000 in funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

• Social housing fraudster deprived those in genuine need

  Published: Monday, 12th February 2018

  Oxford City Council’s Investigation team provides tenancy fraud investigations on behalf of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White District Councils.

• Housing loans scheme for teachers up for review to improve take-up

  Published: Friday, 9th February 2018

  The City Council will consult with school heads over the coming weeks to review a housing loan scheme to help local teachers purchase homes in Oxford and continue working in the city.

• ​​​​​​​Oxford City Council secures £20m from Housing Infrastructure Fund bids  

  Published: Wednesday, 7th February 2018

  Three Oxford housing developments have been granted £19.84m of funding from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).

• Council activates emergency beds for rough sleepers due to severe weather forecast

  Published: Friday, 2nd February 2018

  As sub-zero overnight temperatures are forecast for Oxfordshire in the next week, Oxford City Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers.

• Council rent guarantee pilot scheme benefits landlords and tenants

  Published: Friday, 26th January 2018

  Oxford City Council has completed the first year of its pilot Rent Guarantee Scheme (RGS), with 40 tenancies already signed up to the scheme.

• Statement on national rough sleeping figures

  Published: Thursday, 25th January 2018

  Councillor Mike Rowley, Board Member for Housing, said: “Rising homelessness is a national issue and the latest street count figures show the devastating impact of the housing crisis and the government’s austerity measures on the streets of our city.

• Executive Board recommends new housing and homelessness strategy

  Published: Wednesday, 24th January 2018

  At its meeting this week, Oxford City Council’s Executive Board recommended that the council adopts the new Housing and Homelessness Strategy 2018–2021, following six weeks of public consultation.

• Council begins re-cladding of Windrush and Evenlode tower blocks

  Published: Monday, 22nd January 2018

  The City Council has started the removal of the existing rain-screen cladding at Evenlode and Windrush towers in Blackbird Leys to make way for its replacement with improved non-combustible material.

• Council funds day services for rough sleepers

  Published: Monday, 22nd January 2018

  Oxford City Council spends more than £143,000 a year to help provide day services for rough sleepers in Oxford.

• Council activates emergency beds for rough sleepers due to severe weather

  Published: Wednesday, 27th December 2017

  As sub-zero overnight temperatures are forecast for Oxfordshire over the next few days, Oxford City Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers.

• Oxford City Council proposing to extend Syrian Refugee Housing Scheme

  Published: Tuesday, 19th December 2017

  Oxford City council is proposing to extend involvement with the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, Vulnerable Childrens Relocation Scheme and to approve involvement in Community Sponsorship.

• Council gains compulsory purchase order for property which has been unoccupied for 28 years

  Published: Tuesday, 19th December 2017

  The government has confirmed a compulsory purchase order (CPO) which will allow Oxford City Council to buy a Rose Hill property that has been empty since the death of its owner in 1989.

• Response to Homes4all - Lush announcement on housing the homeless in Cornmarket

  Published: Tuesday, 12th December 2017

  Statement from Oxford City Council in response to Homes4All-Lush announcement on housing homeless people in the former Lush shop on Cornmarket Street:

• Council extends emergency accommodation provision for rough sleepers due to severe weather

  Published: Monday, 11th December 2017

  With temperatures in Oxford due to fall to -9 this evening (Monday 11 December) and -3 on Tuesday night, Oxford City Council confirms it is extending its activation of its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers for at least two further nights.

• Council opens emergency accommodation for rough sleepers due to severe weather

  Published: Friday, 8th December 2017

  As snow and sub-zero overnight temperatures are forecast for Oxfordshire over the next few days, Oxford City Council has invoked its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers, in consultation with key local partners St Mungo’s and Homeless Oxfordshire (formerly Oxford Homeless Pathways).

• Rough Sleeping: The City Conversation

  Published: Tuesday, 28th November 2017

  Today more than 100 stakeholders met to discuss rough sleeping and homelessness in Oxford.

• Council invests millions improving estates and housing stock

  Published: Thursday, 23rd November 2017

  The City Council is investing over £3.68 million in the current financial year to improve its housing stock and residential estates, including replacing bathrooms and kitchens, providing new car and bike parking spaces, and communal gardens.

• City Council to host all-stakeholder City Conversation on rough sleeping and homelessness

  Published: Thursday, 23rd November 2017

  Oxford City Council will host a citywide ‘Conversation’ with a wide range of individuals and groups who have an interest in helping to find solutions to the increase in rough sleeping in the city.

• Council wins government funding to help communities receiving migrants

  Published: Thursday, 9th November 2017

  Oxford City Council has been successful in a bid for government funds to ease pressures on local education, health and housing services because of recent migration.

• ‘One-stop’ shop helpline available for Oxford residents to keep homes warm

  Published: Monday, 6th November 2017

  Residents in Oxford concerned about keeping warm in their homes this winter are being encouraged to contact the free helpline for advice.

• New Housing Assistance and Disabled Adaptations Policy out for consultation

  Published: Tuesday, 31st October 2017

  Our Home Improvement Agency (HIA) has a new Housing Assistance and Disabled Adaptations Policy now out for consultation.

• Oxford City Council agrees support to tackle rough sleeping

  Published: Monday, 23rd October 2017

  Oxford City Council has agreed up to £1.5 million in funding to support former rough sleepers in the city over the next six years.

• Barton hosts workshop for learning about building for a healthy environment

  Published: Friday, 20th October 2017

  On Thursday 28 September, 50 delegates from 20 organisations gathered in Barton to learn and understand what makes a healthy and viable housing development.

• Oxford landlord convicted of repeat HMO offences

  Published: Wednesday, 18th October 2017

  An Oxford landlord has been convicted for the second time in 12 months for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and ordered to pay a total of £6,146 in fines and costs. The investigation followed a fire in the house which had a faulty fire detection system.

• Council secures winter overnight accommodation for rough sleepers

  Published: Tuesday, 17th October 2017

  Oxford City Council has secured overnight accommodation for rough sleepers over the winter months.

• Council works with landlords to bring empty homes back into use

  Published: Monday, 16th October 2017

  Oxford City Council is marking National Empty Homes Week (16 to 22 October 2017) with a call to all Oxford landlords to help bring more empty properties back into use.

• Oxford City Council plans to improve standards in the private rented sector

  Published: Monday, 16th October 2017

  Oxford City Council has announced plans to tackle poor housing conditions in the private rented sector.

• City Council supports study into community-led affordable housing delivery

  Published: Thursday, 5th October 2017

  The City Council is supporting research by Community First Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Community Land Trust and the Oxfordshire Community Foundation to explore options on how community housing could be delivered sustainably within Oxford.

• Blackbird Leys regeneration to deliver 300 new homes

  Published: Thursday, 5th October 2017

  Oxford City Council has announced it expects to deliver around 300 new homes as part of the regeneration of Blackbird Leys district centre, a significant proportion of which will be affordable.

• Oxfordshire Growth Board backs infrastructure funding bid to support garden towns and villages

  Published: Friday, 29th September 2017

  The Oxfordshire Growth Board has provided unanimous support for an application to the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF).

• Architectural students from twinned city of Grenoble visit Barton housing development

  Published: Monday, 25th September 2017

  Architectural students from Oxford’s twinned city of Grenoble in France have visited Barton to learn how new housing developments can encourage healthy lifestyles.

• Oxford HMO landlord fined £7000 for housing offences

  Published: Tuesday, 19th September 2017

  In two legal cases taken by Oxford City Council a landlord has been fined a total of £7,298 for operating an unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Oxford that was home to three people with disabilities.

• Council reduces number of people in temporary accommodation to record low

  Published: Thursday, 14th September 2017

  Only 87 households were in temporary accommodation in and around Oxford at the end of August this year, down from 96 recorded at the end of March 2017, and the lowest it has been for over 20 years.

• Council to boost affordable homes development

  Published: Monday, 11th September 2017

  Thousands of affordable homes are in the pipeline for construction in Oxford over the next few years, with Oxford City Council trebling its direct contribution to new build through its new Housing Company.

• Statement regarding Windrush and Evenlode cladding

  Published: Thursday, 3rd August 2017

  Oxford City Council confirms it will proceed with the replacement of the rain-screen cladding on Evenlode and Windrush Towers, following the outcome of the Government’s latest large-scale tests.

• Update on Oxford City Council Tower Blocks

  Published: Tuesday, 18th July 2017

  The Government has written to councils with revised guidance over the safety of aluminium composite (ACM) rain-screen cladding and announcing a new programme of large-scale testing.

• Council takes precaution to replace cladding on Evenlode and Windrush towers

  Published: Monday, 26th June 2017

  The City Council will replace the rain-screen cladding on Evenlode and Windrush Towers with improved non-combustible material in line with the requirements of the new central government guidance.

• Statement regarding cladding used on Oxford's tower blocks

  Published: Friday, 16th June 2017

  The following statement is a response to specific questions from residents about the type of cladding and insulation used on Oxford City Council's five tower blocks.

• Oxford landlord fined for letting unlawfully sub-divided, poorly managed property 

  Published: Monday, 15th May 2017

  In the first prosecution of its kind in the city, a landlord of unlawfully converted flats has been convicted of managing an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in a case heard before Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 11 April 2017.

• Rogue landlords to face tougher crackdown under new rules

  Published: Monday, 15th May 2017

  Oxford City Council has welcomed new powers recently announced by the government to help crackdown on rogue landlords that flout the rules and improve safety and affordability for renters.

• Council to seek development partner for Blackbird Leys regeneration

  Published: Friday, 28th April 2017

  The City Council has appointed property consultants CBRE to go to the market in the next couple of months to seek a development partner for the regeneration of Blackbird Leys district centre.

• Tower blocks residents to get free digital technology lessons

  Published: Thursday, 16th March 2017

  The City Council and its tower blocks repairs project contractor Fortem have launched Smart4Life Day, a free event to encourage local residents to familiarise themselves with digital technology.

• Council maintains commitment to homelessness prevention with £1.7 million budget approval

  Published: Wednesday, 15th March 2017

  The City Council will continue to maintain its support for services that work to prevent homelessness as well as assisting people off the streets and into accommodation. 

• The easy way to book repairs

  Published: Monday, 30th January 2017

  There is now a quick, simple and more convenient way for people who rent their homes from Oxford City Council to arrange a repair for their properties – online through a new area on the City Council’s website: Repair My House.

• Improvements made to flats and car parks as Barton regeneration gathers pace 

  Published: Tuesday, 24th January 2017

  The City Council has carried out improvement works on flats in Stowford Road and Bayswater Road and also refurbished several car parks in Barton as part of its £3.9 million ‘Investing in Barton’ regeneration programme.

• Tower blocks contractor changes name as improvement works progress

  Published: Thursday, 12th January 2017

  Willmott Dixon Energy Services Limited, the City Council’s contractor on the £20 million tower blocks refurbishment project, has changed its name to Fortem with effect from 3 January 2017. 

• Oxfordshire’s city and district councils win £790,000 to help tackle homelessness

  Published: Wednesday, 21st December 2016

  Oxfordshire’s city and district councils have won £790,000 of government funding to help tackle homelessness across the county.

• Oxford landlord fined £9,000 for housing offences

  Published: Thursday, 15th December 2016

  An Oxford landlord was convicted of multiple housing offences when her case was heard before Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 13 December 2016.

• Oxford marks National Empty Homes Week

  Published: Friday, 2nd December 2016

  Figures released by the City Council to coincide with Empty Homes Week show that Oxford has 505 empty dwellings, with 247 having been empty for more than six months while 76 have been unoccupied for more than two years.

• Street count confirms rough-sleeping remains a challenge in Oxford

  Published: Tuesday, 29th November 2016

  Rough-sleeping continues to be a serious challenge in Oxford. 

• House-building on the rise in Oxford

  Published: Wednesday, 23rd November 2016

  House-building in Oxford improved significantly over the past year, rising to 383 new homes completed from 332 in 2014/2015.

• City Council agrees pooled budget arrangement for adult homeless housing in Oxfordshire

  Published: Monday, 19th September 2016

  The City Council will enter into a pooled budget arrangement with partners across the county to fund adult homeless supported accommodation in Oxfordshire.

• Launch event marks start of repairs at Hockmore Tower

  Published: Monday, 8th August 2016

  An event to mark the start of repairs at Hockmore Tower under Oxford City Council’s £20 million tower blocks repairs project will be held at [email protected] on Barns Road from 3-6pm on Tuesday 2016.

• Three Oxford landlords fined £11,000 for housing offences

  Published: Monday, 25th July 2016

  Three Oxford landlords were fined a total of £11,000 after being convicted of housing offences when their cases were heard before Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 18 July 2016.

• Survey shows more residents satisfied with their neighbourhood

  Published: Thursday, 7th July 2016

  Oxford City Council’s programme to improve its housing estates is making a positive impact on communities, with more residents reporting satisfaction with their neighbourhood.

• Repairs gather pace at Blackbird Leys tower blocks

  Published: Wednesday, 22nd June 2016

  High level works have started at Evenlode and Windrush towers in Blackbird Leys as preparations to commence repairs at Hockmore Tower in Cowley gather pace.

• Rogue landlord ordered to refund £2,934 in rent to tenants

  Published: Wednesday, 15th June 2016

  A legal tribunal has ruled that an Oxford landlord must refund his tenants rent totalling £2,934 because he housed them in unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

• Oxford HMO landlord fined £11,135 for housing offences

  Published: Tuesday, 14th June 2016

  In a prosecution taken by Oxford City Council, the landlord of an unlicensed HMO was ordered to pay fines of £9,390 and costs of £1,745.

• Oxford City Council concerned with obstacles to provision of affordable homes

  Published: Friday, 13th May 2016

  The Court of Appeal has restored a ministerial statement which excludes sites of 10 or fewer homes or 1,000m2 and less from making affordable housing contributions.

• Oxpens development a step closer as City Council and Nuffield College sign historic deal

  Published: Tuesday, 29th March 2016

  The Council and Nuffield College have formed a joint venture company to bring together the land in the Oxpens area in preparation for a comprehensive redevelopment of the site.

• Oxford landlord ordered to pay over £25,000 for housing offences

  Published: Tuesday, 29th March 2016

  An Oxford landlord was fined £21,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,869 for renting out houses in multiple occupation (HMO) without a licence when he appeared before Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Mon

• City Council to set up housing company to deliver affordable homes

  Published: Friday, 18th March 2016

  Oxford City Council will set up a housing company to deliver new affordable homes with a range of tenures to help address the city’s acute housing need.

• Oxford City Council agrees £1.4m to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping

  Published: Wednesday, 16th March 2016

  Oxford City Council agrees £1.4m to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping in the city.

• Tower blocks leaseholders notified of details of repair works and costs

  Published: Monday, 11th January 2016

  Leaseholders in Oxford’s five tower blocks have been given details of the proposed repair works in their specific blocks.

• Council offers help to access advice on mortgage, debt and housing options

  Published: Wednesday, 30th December 2015

  Avoid a financial hangover this Christmas with advice from Oxford City Council’s homelessness and debt advice services.

• Unlicensed HMO landlord fined nearly £18,000

  Published: Tuesday, 22nd December 2015

  An Oxford landlord was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,692 for renting out four unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMO) when he appeared before Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

• Newly redeveloped Bradlands housing scheme for older people opens

  Published: Thursday, 10th December 2015

  Oxford East Member of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Andrew Smith, will officially open the newly redeveloped Bradlands sheltered housing scheme for older residents at 12.30pm on Friday 11 December 2015.

• Number of empty homes in Oxford declines

  Published: Friday, 4th December 2015

  Figures released by the City Council to coincide with Empty Homes Week have revealed a 67 per cent drop in the number of properties that are unoccupied in Oxford.

• Rose Hill housing development information session

  Published: Friday, 30th October 2015

  Rose Hill residents will be able to get their first look at a proposed housing development on the current community centre site next week.

• Government starter homes policy will mean fewer affordable homes for Oxford

  Published: Wednesday, 7th October 2015

  The Prime Minister's announcement on starter homes will mean fewer affordable homes for rent for people and families on the lowest incomes in Oxford, City Council Leader Councillor Bob Price has said.

• Government's housing proposals risk undermining council's future investment programme

  Published: Thursday, 10th September 2015

  Oxford City Council leaders have expressed serious concern about the potential impact of the Government's proposed changes to housing legislation on the Council’s future investment programme.

• Willmott Dixon proposed as contractor for Oxford tower blocks refurbishment

  Published: Tuesday, 18th August 2015

  Oxford City Council is proposing to appoint Willmott Dixon Energy Services Ltd to undertake the £20m refurbishment of its five high rise residential tower blocks.

Sub–categories of Housing

• Homelessness
• Private Housing
• Council Housing
• Finding a Home
• Tower Blocks Refurbishment
• Oxford Home Improvement Agency

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