It’s been a tough two and a half years and we’re aware that the winter months have brought even greater challenges for many. We would like to remind residents that we remain sensitive to how the economic climate has impacted many of you and we encourage those who are struggling to get in touch with Jane, our Welfare and Debt Advice Officer, on 020 8633 8767 or 07384 255 630 or email JaneW@ccha.biz.
Our financial focus this month is on the Cost of Living Payments and the Energy Grant.
Cost of Living Payments
If you receive certain benefits such as Pension Credit, Income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Tax Credits, you should have received two Cost of Living Payments, from either the DWP or HMRC.
The first payments of £326 were made in Summer 2022 for those who received qualifying benefits between 25th April 2022 and 26th May 2022.
The second payment of £324 was paid directly into bank accounts between 8th and 23rd November unless you received Tax Credits only – in which case you should have received the payment by the end of November 2022. The payments showed as ‘DWP COL’ or ‘HMRC COL’ on your bank statement.
If you haven’t received either payment and think you qualify, it’s not too late – you can report a ‘missing Cost of Living payment’ online.
Energy Grant
The £400 energy grant has been split into payments of £66 in October and November, rising to £67 per month from December until March 2023. Those with a domestic electricity meter point who make payments through payment cards, standard credit and direct debit will receive an automatic deduction on their bill or have the money credited to their account.
Energy providers such as Bulb, E.ON and Octopus Energy are automatically crediting the amount to their customers’ accounts, so the bill amount is reduced.
However, companies such as British Gas, EDF, SSE and Ovo Energy are among a handful of companies charging customers their usual amount via direct debit and then crediting the grant amount into their bank account.
Those who use pre-payment meters and top up their credit before using energy will be provided with discount vouchers in the first week of each month. It is worth contacting your energy provider to confirm how they are handling this process.
Need some support?
Our Welfare & Debt Advice Officer, Jane White, is here to help. If you’d like to find out if you are claiming everything you are entitled to, or need help submitting a form, you can call Jane on 07384 255 630 or email JaneW@ccha.biz.
Update: 27th October 2022
ccha offices at Norfolk House are now closed. While we wait for our new offices to open, staff will be working remotely and in satellite offices and can be contacted through email, phone and mobile. We will update the website when we can share more about our new office.
Update: 26th September 2022
We are pleased to announce we are moving from our Norfolk House office from 31st October 2022. Our new office will be at our new Angel Oak Point development on Sheldon Street in Croydon. Please read on to find out about key dates, our new address and how to find us. You can stay up to date on our move by visiting out website or social media.
Key dates:
14th October 2022
This is the last day residents can visit us at Norfolk House. Please ensure if you need to meet with a member of staff, you are booked in prior to this date.
15th October-31st October 2022
Staff will be working remotely or in our smaller offices to ensure you receive the level of service required. We will be available via email and telephone, and staff will be continuing visits as normal. If you need to visit staff, sign forms, or drop off keys during this time, please speak with a member of staff about how and when this will take place.
1st November 2022
Our registered address officially changes to Sheldon Street. Staff will continue to work remotely while we get the office ready and will be available via email and telephone as above. We will keep you updated on when the new office opens on our website and social media.
New address:
ccha, 29 Sheldon Street, Croydon, CR0 1SS
How to find us:
Sheldon Street is located a 2-minute walk from Croydon High Street.
Public transport:
If coming in to East, West or South Croydon Station, you can walk to Sheldon Street in 15-18 minutes, with East Croydon being the closest. If you prefer to get a bus, there are several services that stop along the High Street, however, do require a 2–5-minute walk to reach Sheldon Street.
Driving & parking:
Sheldon Street can be accessed just off the A232. There are a few parking options in the area:
- Pay and Display: Wandle Surface Car Park – this car park is located opposite the office.
- Prebooked Parking: Wandle Road Apcoa Parking – this car park is a 1-minute walk to the office.
- On road parking: you may be able to find on road, pay & display parking in the area.
Staying updated:
Once we are settled, we hope to invite you for an opening event to meet staff and have a chance to see the new office. Keep an eye out for your invite towards the end of the year.
You can stay updated of our progress on our website or social media.
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www.facebook.com/cchahousing |
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www.twitter.com/officialccha |
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www.ccha.biz |
If you have any questions or would like to contact us, please email customers@ccha.biz or call 0800 054 6710.
We look forward to welcoming you to the new office soon.
Dear Residents,
We recently sent out communications regarding the Council Tax Rebate and how our Debt and Welfare Advice Officer can help. Due to the large volumes of residents getting in contact, please be aware Jane will respond within 5 working days. If you are contacting her about this, please email or leave a message with your contact details and that it is about the Cost of Living.
Thank you for your patience.
The summer edition of the ccha Connections newsletter is here!
In this edition, find out about:
- Service updates, including repairs
- Cost of Living help
- We’re moving!
- And much more…
Want to receive Connections directly to your inbox? Sign up to our email list.
Do you need the newsletter in an alternative format? We can provide print versions, large print, audio tape, Braille and translated versions. Request yours by calling 020 8633 8734 or emailing citeam@ccha.biz.
We recently had our periodic in depth assessment (IDA) from the Regulator of Social Housing and have been re-graded as a V1 G2. Whilst this is still compliant, it is a downgrade in the area of governance.
Heather Thomas, Chair of ccha Board:
“We believe that the judgement is a fair assessment of our current position and we already have improvement plans in place to address some of the areas which the Regulator has highlighted. We are disappointed but feel confident that we can rise to the challenge and return to our G1 status in good time.”
Continuing our pledge to provide more affordable homes, we have completed our first development in Bromley: The Wollaston Collection. Completing in March 2022, this development provides 24 2-bedroom homes for Bromley residents, comprising of discounted London Affordable Rent, London Living Rent, Shared Ownership and Private Sales.
This great location offers nearby retail and transport links, making it an ideal residence for couples, families, and working individuals. Named after a historical scientist from Bromley, the development seamlessly integrates with surrounding areas. It’s an inclusive, exciting, and contemporary addition to the community.
Tracy Cullen, Chief Executive of ccha:
“As an organisation, we want to provide quality, affordable housing. It’s really important to us that you can’t label a ccha home, they’re all different and unique. I’m really proud of this development, it’s our first one in Bromley and we hope that our residents enjoy calling this their home.”
Our upcoming developments in Purley and Croydon will provide a further 41 affordable homes, with Angel Oak Point on Sheldon Street also become our new office.
Watch our Opening Ceremony video to find out more about this development.
The Prime Minister has announced today that the Government will extend the Right to Buy scheme to housing associations. We are waiting for further details to be released on how the scheme will run and eligibility requirements, but if you would like to find out more and stay up to date on developments, please visit https://www.ownyourhome.gov.uk/scheme/right-to-buy/housing-association-tenants/.
If you are interested in this scheme, please contact AmberC@ccha.biz who will note your interest and update you as we know more.
We do offer a Right to Acquire scheme which gives some residents the ability to buy their home if it was built or purchased by a housing association on or after 1st April 1997. You can find out more here https://ccha.biz/we-offer/right-to-acquire/.