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Oxford’s greenest council homes to date
Our greenest council homes to date have been completed!
The eight bungalows are made up of four one-bed and four two-bed homes and are nearly zero carbon. They are all being let at social rent to people on the housing register.
The bungalows are very nearly zero carbon for regulated energy use – that is, space and hot water heating, lighting and ventilation – as this is 96% lower carbon than in a standard home.
They achieve an average of 100 A energy efficiency rating in their energy performance certificates (EPCs). This is the highest possible EPC rating.
This is a fantastic step in our journey to a net zero carbon future and wouldn't have been possible without a partnership between our housing and direct services companies OX Place and ODS.
The two companies teamed up to deliver the new homes, built over three sites in Wood Farm and Marston. The homes have been skillfully built by ODS using OX Place's ‘fabric first’ approach meaning they feature enhanced insulation and air tightness standards.
The homes have all been specially designed and adapted for people with specific mobility and social needs, with new tenants matched directly from the housing register.
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A warm welcome this winter
This winter is going to be hard for all of us. We have been working with partners and community groups to support warm spaces across the city and develop an interactive map of where to find a warm welcome this winter.
Some of our community centres and leisure centres will be part of the network of places where you can join in activities or just drop in to relax and have a chat.
Other venues, such as the Museum of Oxford, will also be part of the warm spaces network with free activities and exhibitions.
An interactive map on our website will help you find a safe, warm place near you. The map will be updated as new places become available.
If you need a warm place this winter, please do join us at any of the locations.
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Flood advice for at-risk homes
Oxford has a long history of flooding. Significant floods in recent years have caused major damage to homes and businesses and closed Botley and Abingdon roads.
We've been working with the Environment Agency, Oxfordshire County Council and ODS on advice for homes that are at risk of flooding.
Leaflets are being hand delivered to homes in Osney Island, and around Botley Road and Abingdon Road with location-specific information. However, we know how devastating flooding can be, so we also have wider advice on our website to help you prepare in case of the worst.
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Too early for Christmas? Look away now
We know it's still November and all, but the festive season kicks off this weekend with Oxford Christmas Light Festival! The popular festival is full of fun, family-friendly events created by artists and residents in locations across the city.
Events start today and will run until Sunday. You can find a full schedule on the website.
This weekend also marks the start of the Hunt for the Lost Toys, a free, interactive trail around the city centre. It is sure to Imp-rove any day out!
Use a smartphone to scan QR codes and find augmented reality Imp's hiding in ten city centre businesses. The trail takes about 90 minutes to complete and can be done in more than one visit. There is also no limit on how many times the game can be played and it will be available until 31 December.
Younger children will delight in spotting the colourful displays in windows and big kids of all ages will engage with the story. Everyone will have fun taking silly selfies in augmented reality. After spotting all 10 Christmas Imps, families will be rewarded with a free, digital fun pack.
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Useful information for Oxford |
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Increase in payments to people hosting Ukrainian guests
Hosts of Ukrainian guests in Oxfordshire who are part of the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme will benefit from an increase in monthly support payments from £350 to £550.
The decision has been made by the county’s partnership of six councils – Oxfordshire County Council; the district councils – Cherwell, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, West Oxfordshire; and Oxford City Council – to financially help support existing hosts as a result of the cost of living crisis and to encourage new hosts to step forward.
The payment increase will be funded using £10,500 that the government is providing to the county council to support every guest.
Existing hosts or potential new hosts can find out more about the scheme and support available online, by phoning +44 1865 966444 / 01865 966444 (8.45am - 5pm, Monday to Friday) or by emailing ukraineresponse@oxfordshire.gov.uk. Anyone who would like to register an interest in hosting can visit gov.uk.
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What do you think of your area?
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) would like to know what you think of your local area and some community activities that you might have noticed recently.
DLUHC has prepared a survey to gather your views. It should only take 10 to 15 minutes to complete, depending on your answers.
All responses are confidential, and the results will be reported in a way that does not identify any individuals.
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Victorian Christmas Market
Take in the sights of yonder years this weekend at Oxford's annual Victorian Christmas Market!
The market will offer a unique mix of products, all in Victorian themed stalls.
You'll find the market on Broad Street until Sunday.
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Stay Connected:
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@OxfordCityCouncil
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@OxfordCity
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@oxfordcitycouncil
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