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Hi Subscriber! We hope you've had a great week.

You may have noticed that yesterday we sent you a press release about free street parties for The King's Coronation. We're sorry you received this and have taken steps to ensure it wont happen again. If you missed the email then don't worry, we'll include the information about street parties in this newsletter as well. 

We have a jam-packed edition, so we'll get to it. 

Housing

Image credit Oxfordshire History Centre

BLOG: Walls come tumbling down

The ninth of March marked the 64th anniversary of the Cutteslowe Walls eventually coming down for good. 

BLOG: “Why can’t you do this all year round?”

When we activate our severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) to make emergency beds available for people sleeping rough, we usually get asked the same question – why can’t you do this all year round?

Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing, discusses the work that we do to support people experiencing homelessness or sleeping rough all year long. 

Climate Emergency

Eco-moorings 

This week we announced that we've been granted £193,000 to work with Canal & River Trust to install six ‘eco-moorings’ on the Oxford canal.

But what are 'eco-moorings' we hear you ask? 

Well, they're electrical power points that will be installed along the canal and aim to give boaters an alternative to diesel engines, generators and wood burners for their day-to-day energy needs.  This will help reduce air pollution on our waterways.

In Oxford, it is estimated that there are around 200 boaters living on the rivers and canals, with half of them visiting boaters. However, across the country, there are limited locations where electrical power is available for boaters – especially for short-stay moorings.

The ‘eco-moorings’ will help us understand how electrical power infrastructure can be used by visiting moorers on the canal. and learnings from the trial will inform future management of our canal.

Climate Action Oxfordshire 

Improving the energy efficiency of your home - ‘retrofitting’ - has so many benefits for you and the planet. But we know it can be hard to know where to start.

Climate Action Oxfordshire's guide to retrofitting is here to help!

Take a look at the latest article on the Climate Action site for more information.

Communities 

BLOG: Inspiring women’s health event from our Community Champions

“This is one of the most inspirational events I have attended that the Council organised”

On Monday, we were joined by over 50 women from underrepresented communities to discuss issues like menopause, Long Covid, HIV and infant feeding and period poverty.

We've written a follow-up blog about the event, you can read it by hitting the button below. 

Organising street parties for The King's Coronation

You've already had the exclusive scoop on this story but, for anyone that missed yesterday's email, we're waiving the usual road closure charge to encourage street parties for King’s Coronation.

Applications are open for street parties (for small community events) on any of the days across the Bank Holiday weekend.

Buckingham Palace is encouraging people across the country to hold street parties and share food and fun as part of the Coronation Big Lunch on Sunday 7 May.

If you are interested in holding a street party you should complete the street party application form and email it to: licensing@oxford.gov.uk.

The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, with a concert at Windsor Castle and the Big Lunch on Sunday 7 May, and the Big Help Out on Monday 8 May 2023.

Economy

International Women's Day 

The 8th of March is International Women's Day. The day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

The Covered Market shared a wonderful tribute to the female owners, co-owners and managers of its shops. 

Out of 53 businesses currently operating in the market 21 of those businesses are owned or co-owned by women.

Of the 12 new businesses that opened in the market during the last two years, seven of them are owned or co-owned by women.

You can find out more about The Covered Market and traders on the website, and don't forget to sign up for its newsletter.

Useful information for Oxford 

A message from Laura Bessell, Revenues and Benefits Service Delivery Manager

If you have contacted the City Council in the last four months to tell us of a change to your circumstances (e.g. that you now live alone or the property is now a student household), this may not be reflected in the letter you receive.

Unfortunately, we have been experiencing extremely high demand over recent months – up to 4,000 requests a week – and we now have a considerable backlog in updating people’s circumstances on our council tax and benefits records.

If this applies to you, you do not need to contact Oxford City Council.

We are working our way through the backlog and will update your records over the coming weeks. You will receive a new letter in the post within the next 12 weeks explaining that we have changed our records for your household and refunding you any money owed.

If you are struggling financially and urgently require us to update our council tax or benefits records, please contact us immediately. You can also find financial advice and support on our website.

If you still need to report a change to your council tax or benefits circumstances (e.g. that you now live alone or the property is now a student household), please use the forms on our website.

If you are on Council Tax Reduction Scheme and you have a received a bill with £165 credit. This is from last year’s energy rebate scheme that was left unclaimed. You will be able to access this by complete a form that requires your bank details. This will be made available in April 2023. Please keep checking the website for more information about this. 

Hinksey pool reopening details 

Hinksey Outdoor Heated Pool is being relined ready for outdoor swimming, thanks to £132,000 investment from Oxford City Council.

The work is taking place in March and April, with the pool aiming to be ready for opening by the end of April, subject to weather conditions.

Oxfordshire County Council

Oxfordshire County Council 

Are you of pensionable age?

If so, you could be eligible for extra money. Attendance allowance is paid to people who struggle with day to day personal care tasks and is not means tested. Age UK Oxfordshire offers advice on applying. 

DIY waste charges to increase

The cost of getting rid of non-household (DIY) waste at our recycling centres will be changing from Saturday 1 April. For a full list of the new charges, visit our website.

Commonwealth Day 

Poetry competition 

The competition is open to anyone who lives in Oxfordshire or in one of Oxford's twin cities and there are three age categories:

🔹11 years old and under

🔹12-16 year olds

🔹Over 16 years

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