SUPPORT & NOTICES:
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Cost of Living payments scam
There are Criminals (scammers) attempting to get personal information from residents by sending out texts suggesting that residents are eligible for Cost of Living payments. If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the Cost of living payment, this might be a scam. If you are eligible for Cost of Living payments: • you'll be paid automatically • you do not need to apply for payment • you do not need to call or speak to anyone • please check spelling , Grammar, punctuation. • The use of Language. An example of the type of text message you may receive. “ Please note that after deliberation by the government, it has been decided that the Living allowance from 2023 to 2024 will be fully applied and issued online. You have met the requirements, but our communications officer could not contact you, please confirm whether you need help or not. If you choose to give up, your place will be left for someone who needs it more. Your confirmation date is November 12 “ . BE AWARE The payment is automatic. DWP will never ask for personal details by text or email. This applies to any council government run scheme. Please contact the DWP /Council on the telephone number on your Council tax bill or letter. Alternatively check on their website for contact details. Do not click into any links or return the call from the telephone number displayed. Do not pass any personal details including bank account sort code and account numbers or credit card details. REMEMBER the Council or DWP will NEVER ask for them. For more information visit the government website • Information on Cost of Living payments • Report internet scams and phishing From Thames Valley Alert
We have continued to see news reports from across England and Wales, sharing accounts of severe weather events and the damage that they have caused in local communities over the past weekend, to homes, businesses, and individuals. We urge everyone to stay safe during these extreme weather events, and to check on vulnerable neighbours or members of your community when possible. Please listen to updates and weather warnings from your local government services to remain informed of the situation in your local area. You can check for flood warnings in England using this Government website, and you can check for flood warnings in Wales using this website. This page from Age UK's website offers advice on how to support elderly residents during a flood crisis, and this UK Government website offers advice on what to do after you've been affected by flooding. |
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL WINTER WARMTH AND WELLBEING
As winter arrives and temperatures drop thoughts may be turning to staying warm and well. There’s a range of support, tips, advice and grants, available in Oxfordshire.
The free, local and independent Better Housing Better Health service is there for residents who may be finding it hard to keep themselves or their family warm and well. For some residents they can offer a home visit to provide more tailored advice and support.
Referrals can be made to grant schemes for new heating or better insulation, making money go further. This year there are grant schemes available for energy efficiency measures like loft and cavity wall insulation and some schemes’ eligibility criteria has changed.
Head over www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/keepingwarm for more information or call 0800 107 0044 for advice on energy saving or bill support.
As winter arrives and temperatures drop thoughts may be turning to staying warm and well. There’s a range of support, tips, advice and grants, available in Oxfordshire.
The free, local and independent Better Housing Better Health service is there for residents who may be finding it hard to keep themselves or their family warm and well. For some residents they can offer a home visit to provide more tailored advice and support.
Referrals can be made to grant schemes for new heating or better insulation, making money go further. This year there are grant schemes available for energy efficiency measures like loft and cavity wall insulation and some schemes’ eligibility criteria has changed.
Head over www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/keepingwarm for more information or call 0800 107 0044 for advice on energy saving or bill support.
SSEN Priority Services Register
By signing up to SSEN’s free Priority Services Register you can access extra support during a power cut. The dedicated Priority Services line is available 24 hours a day.
SSEN’s free Priority Services Register supports those with chronic illnesses, mental health, young children and more. Find out how you can access additional support:
Do you have a neighbour, friend or family members who would struggle if the power was off? By registering for SSEN’s free Priority Services, a dedicated team will contact you, or your nominated contact if they need to switch off your power to carry out essential maintenance.
Click here to register: www.thepsr.co.uk
By signing up to SSEN’s free Priority Services Register you can access extra support during a power cut. The dedicated Priority Services line is available 24 hours a day.
SSEN’s free Priority Services Register supports those with chronic illnesses, mental health, young children and more. Find out how you can access additional support:
Do you have a neighbour, friend or family members who would struggle if the power was off? By registering for SSEN’s free Priority Services, a dedicated team will contact you, or your nominated contact if they need to switch off your power to carry out essential maintenance.
Click here to register: www.thepsr.co.uk
Be aware Rental Scams on Social media Sites
To avoid rental scams, watch out for these common warning signs:
1.
Low rent: If the rent is significantly lower than other properties in the area, be cautious.
2.
Upfront Payments: Be wary of landlords who ask for money upfront before seeing the property, especially if they request payment via a bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
3.
No In-Person Meetings: Criminals often avoid face-to-face meetings. If the "landlord" is unable or unwilling to meet you in person or show you the property, this is a warning sign.
4.
warning consumers of the dangers of rental scams. Action Fraud reports the average rental scam victim in the UK loses £1,400.
To avoid rental scams, watch out for these common warning signs:
5.
High-Pressure Tactics: Criminals may pressure you to act quickly, claiming there are other interested people or that the offer is available for a limited time only.
6.
Incomplete or Vague Information: Legitimate listings provide detailed information. Be suspicious of ads with limited photos, vague descriptions, or typos and errors. If it’s an agent, they must belong to a redress scheme.
Don’t get scammed! Rental scams are on the rise.
7.
Watch out for red flags like too- high-pressure tactics.
8.
Always meet the landlord or agent in person and verify the property details.
9.
Stay smart and rent safely.
10. #RentalScams#MeetTheLandlord.
To avoid rental scams, watch out for these common warning signs:
1.
Low rent: If the rent is significantly lower than other properties in the area, be cautious.
2.
Upfront Payments: Be wary of landlords who ask for money upfront before seeing the property, especially if they request payment via a bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
3.
No In-Person Meetings: Criminals often avoid face-to-face meetings. If the "landlord" is unable or unwilling to meet you in person or show you the property, this is a warning sign.
4.
warning consumers of the dangers of rental scams. Action Fraud reports the average rental scam victim in the UK loses £1,400.
To avoid rental scams, watch out for these common warning signs:
5.
High-Pressure Tactics: Criminals may pressure you to act quickly, claiming there are other interested people or that the offer is available for a limited time only.
6.
Incomplete or Vague Information: Legitimate listings provide detailed information. Be suspicious of ads with limited photos, vague descriptions, or typos and errors. If it’s an agent, they must belong to a redress scheme.
Don’t get scammed! Rental scams are on the rise.
7.
Watch out for red flags like too- high-pressure tactics.
8.
Always meet the landlord or agent in person and verify the property details.
9.
Stay smart and rent safely.
10. #RentalScams#MeetTheLandlord.
Preventing Keyless Car Theft
Don't let thieves get an easy ride. Follow these rules to protect your keyless vehicle from thieves.
Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry.
Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.
Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.
How to protect your keyless entry car:
- When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.
- Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.
- Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.
- Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.
Don't let thieves get an easy ride. Follow these rules to protect your keyless vehicle from thieves.
Cars with keyless entry unlock automatically when the key comes within a short distance of the car. This can be from inside a pocket or bag. If you have to push a button on your car key to open your car, you don't have keyless entry.
Keyless car theft or 'relay theft' is when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the key is close by. This unlocks the car and starts the ignition.
Thieves only need to be within a few metres of your car key to capture the signal, even if it’s inside your home. This means that even if your car and home are secure, thieves can still unlock, start and steal your car.
How to protect your keyless entry car:
- When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.
- Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.
- Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.
- Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.
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Pension Credit: The Vital Benefit Millions are Missing Out On. Click here for more information.
Be aware of Rental Scams on Social media sites. For common warning signs click here.
AGE UK
New partnership with SGN
Age UK has entered into a new partnership with SGN, aimed at providing essential support to older people and their carers, to ensure that they can stay safe and warm in their homes.
With the rising cost of living putting immense pressure on many households, this partnership will focus on delivering vital information, entitlements and tools. SGN, a leading gas distribution company, will work closely with us to offer practical assistance and resources.
Key initiatives of the partnership include:
To access support, people can contact us on 0345 450 1276 or [email protected].
Age UK Oxfordshire.
WINTER FUEL PAYMENT
The Winter Fuel Payment has changed and we are urging older people across Oxfordshire to check whether they are entitled to Pension Credit or any other qualifying benefits.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 23rd September 1958 (for 2024-25) designed to help cover heating costs in winter, with households receiving up to £300.
Previously, the payment was not mean-tested, but changes by the current Government mean that only those receiving certain benefits will receive the contribution to heating costs.
Pension Credit is the primary way older people can continue to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and with an estimate of more than 4,000 older people across the county not claiming the Pension Credit to which they’re entitled, it’s more important than ever that people check their eligibility.
Pension Credit is an income-related benefit that tops up weekly income to £218.15 for a single person and to a joint £332.95 for a couple.
So if you know anyone eligible for Pension Credit, please encourage them to apply online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234.
With the changes to the winter fuel allowance, some pensioners may now find it challenging to stay warm this winter. There are measures they can take to keep warm and safe:
1.
Energy efficiency grants: Oxfordshire County Council offers various grants for energy efficiency measures like loft and cavity wall insulation. Visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/retrofit for more information.
2.
Better Housing Better Health (BHBH): This free service provides expert advice on saving energy, accessing grants, and managing energy bills. They can also offer home visits for eligible residents to ensure suitable housing conditions. Contact BHBH at 0800 107 0044 or visit www.bhbh.org.uk
3.
Warm spaces: Make yourself at home at your local library. Oxfordshire library services are taking part in the warm spaces scheme again this year, offering a heated space, free hot drinks and advice sessions on topics like household budgeting: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries
#WinterWarmth #StayWarm #OxfordshireSupport #BetterHousingBetterHealth
New partnership with SGN
Age UK has entered into a new partnership with SGN, aimed at providing essential support to older people and their carers, to ensure that they can stay safe and warm in their homes.
With the rising cost of living putting immense pressure on many households, this partnership will focus on delivering vital information, entitlements and tools. SGN, a leading gas distribution company, will work closely with us to offer practical assistance and resources.
Key initiatives of the partnership include:
- Community outreach: Organising community events and workshops to raise awareness about energy efficiency and safety.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) safety: Raising awareness of the dangers of CO and distributing free carbon monoxide detectors to the most vulnerable.
- Benefits and entitlements advice: Providing in-depth advice to those living with dementia and their carers.
- Safety devices: Sharing information about a free gas safety device primarily for those living with dementia.
- The Priority Services Register: Ensuring all eligible older people are signed up to the register so that they receive priority support in the event of a power, water or gas outage.
- Home improvement information: Linking people into support service Better Housing Better Health for information about how they can make their homes both warmer and more energy efficient.
To access support, people can contact us on 0345 450 1276 or [email protected].
Age UK Oxfordshire.
WINTER FUEL PAYMENT
The Winter Fuel Payment has changed and we are urging older people across Oxfordshire to check whether they are entitled to Pension Credit or any other qualifying benefits.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 23rd September 1958 (for 2024-25) designed to help cover heating costs in winter, with households receiving up to £300.
Previously, the payment was not mean-tested, but changes by the current Government mean that only those receiving certain benefits will receive the contribution to heating costs.
Pension Credit is the primary way older people can continue to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and with an estimate of more than 4,000 older people across the county not claiming the Pension Credit to which they’re entitled, it’s more important than ever that people check their eligibility.
Pension Credit is an income-related benefit that tops up weekly income to £218.15 for a single person and to a joint £332.95 for a couple.
So if you know anyone eligible for Pension Credit, please encourage them to apply online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234.
With the changes to the winter fuel allowance, some pensioners may now find it challenging to stay warm this winter. There are measures they can take to keep warm and safe:
1.
Energy efficiency grants: Oxfordshire County Council offers various grants for energy efficiency measures like loft and cavity wall insulation. Visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/retrofit for more information.
2.
Better Housing Better Health (BHBH): This free service provides expert advice on saving energy, accessing grants, and managing energy bills. They can also offer home visits for eligible residents to ensure suitable housing conditions. Contact BHBH at 0800 107 0044 or visit www.bhbh.org.uk
3.
Warm spaces: Make yourself at home at your local library. Oxfordshire library services are taking part in the warm spaces scheme again this year, offering a heated space, free hot drinks and advice sessions on topics like household budgeting: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries
#WinterWarmth #StayWarm #OxfordshireSupport #BetterHousingBetterHealth
Help with Broadband Costs
What are Social Tariffs?
Social tariffs are discounted broadband or mobile deals available for certain low-income customers. They’re generally cheaper than typical broadband tariffs and can be very helpful for households that may otherwise struggle to afford broadband services. If you receive means-tested state benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other equivalents, you’re likely eligible. Social tariffs offer fast, unlimited broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s, and they usually don’t have price rises or exit fees.
To find out more and see a list of available social tariffs, visit this link.
For additional guidance and help about the cost-of-living crisis in Oxfordshire, visit this link.
Please note you should always check with your existing provider before starting any new contracts to make sure you don’t incur any early termination charges for your existing contracts.
What are Social Tariffs?
Social tariffs are discounted broadband or mobile deals available for certain low-income customers. They’re generally cheaper than typical broadband tariffs and can be very helpful for households that may otherwise struggle to afford broadband services. If you receive means-tested state benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other equivalents, you’re likely eligible. Social tariffs offer fast, unlimited broadband at speeds over 30 Mbit/s, and they usually don’t have price rises or exit fees.
To find out more and see a list of available social tariffs, visit this link.
For additional guidance and help about the cost-of-living crisis in Oxfordshire, visit this link.
Please note you should always check with your existing provider before starting any new contracts to make sure you don’t incur any early termination charges for your existing contracts.
ADVICE ON LOANS AND LOAN SHARKS
Sadly with a cost of living crisis loan sharks are becoming more prevalent. Stoploansharks gives advice for those needing credit but can't access mainstream credit and also provides a phone line for reporting loan sharks on 0300 555 2222
The latest Stop Loan Sharks newsletter can be read here.
Sadly with a cost of living crisis loan sharks are becoming more prevalent. Stoploansharks gives advice for those needing credit but can't access mainstream credit and also provides a phone line for reporting loan sharks on 0300 555 2222
The latest Stop Loan Sharks newsletter can be read here.
Online map helps people access food support
Good Food Oxfordshire has an interactive map on its website of food support across Oxfordshire that can help residents find a food bank, community larder or fridge near to where they live. Come and take a look and help to spread the word.
Good Food Oxfordshire has an interactive map on its website of food support across Oxfordshire that can help residents find a food bank, community larder or fridge near to where they live. Come and take a look and help to spread the word.
Citizens Advice: fighting negative budgets with positive help
The rising cost of living and debt hardship in recent years is a familiar story, but very recently the issue has become alarming enough to reach the condition of a national emergency. This is why Citizens Advice has brought some entirely new vocabulary into play, declaring in recent publicity that five million people in this country (one in 15 households) are living on “negative budgets” – in other words, they have nothing in the bank and are in permanent debt. Another 2.3 million people only manage to stay out of debt by cutting back even on living essentials. They know that once their bank accounts dip below zero it takes an extraordinary effort to climb out of the pit.
Citizens Advice says that the biggest cause of negative budgets is rising housing costs, but there are other factors such as higher energy bills, and salaries and benefits that cannot keep pace with inflation.
If you are in debt yourself and locked in battle against creditors and the cost of necessities, remember that Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale is there to help you. Our experienced advisers can work through your income and spending and set a personal budget that meets your basic needs while also setting a plan for paying off your debts in the long term. We can find out whether you are entitled to benefits, or enhanced benefits, and discuss whether you could do something to increase your earnings. We can point you in the direction of money helper websites or “breathing space” schemes. So don’t despair, but get in touch with us right away. Call our local Adviceline on 0808 278 7907 or our national Debt Helpline on 0800 240 4420. And have a look at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk Free, confidential and impartial advice is always available.
The rising cost of living and debt hardship in recent years is a familiar story, but very recently the issue has become alarming enough to reach the condition of a national emergency. This is why Citizens Advice has brought some entirely new vocabulary into play, declaring in recent publicity that five million people in this country (one in 15 households) are living on “negative budgets” – in other words, they have nothing in the bank and are in permanent debt. Another 2.3 million people only manage to stay out of debt by cutting back even on living essentials. They know that once their bank accounts dip below zero it takes an extraordinary effort to climb out of the pit.
Citizens Advice says that the biggest cause of negative budgets is rising housing costs, but there are other factors such as higher energy bills, and salaries and benefits that cannot keep pace with inflation.
If you are in debt yourself and locked in battle against creditors and the cost of necessities, remember that Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale is there to help you. Our experienced advisers can work through your income and spending and set a personal budget that meets your basic needs while also setting a plan for paying off your debts in the long term. We can find out whether you are entitled to benefits, or enhanced benefits, and discuss whether you could do something to increase your earnings. We can point you in the direction of money helper websites or “breathing space” schemes. So don’t despair, but get in touch with us right away. Call our local Adviceline on 0808 278 7907 or our national Debt Helpline on 0800 240 4420. And have a look at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk Free, confidential and impartial advice is always available.
New bin collections calendar
The SODC 2024-25 waste collection calendar is now available to download and to sync to your smartphone via Google Calendar & iCal. Just visit southoxon.gov.uk/wastecalendar. There you’ll also find the latest waste information leaflet, including easy-to-read holiday collection changes, information on how to report a missed collection and more.
Waste satisfaction survey
Tell SODC what you think of their waste collections.
The SODC 2024-25 waste collection calendar is now available to download and to sync to your smartphone via Google Calendar & iCal. Just visit southoxon.gov.uk/wastecalendar. There you’ll also find the latest waste information leaflet, including easy-to-read holiday collection changes, information on how to report a missed collection and more.
Waste satisfaction survey
Tell SODC what you think of their waste collections.
Residents urged to ‘Check it before you chuck it’
SODC are urging residents to ‘Check it before you chuck it’ as part of a drive to increase the amount and quality of recycling in the district.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched a new campaign asking people to check before they chuck items in their recycling bins.
An estimated 3,340 tonnes* – the equivalent of just over 200 double decker buses – of items that residents put in their recycling bins during 2022/23 were not actually recyclable – that’s 11 per cent of all the contents of our green bins for the whole year!
It can be very difficult to remove non-recyclable items out of the large loads of recycling in our collection trucks or at the recycling facility; and if it’s food waste or other messy items then it could result in whole truckloads of recycling having to be rejected.
We all need an occasional reminder to ensure we get it right so, this autumn, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils will be placing stickers on all green household recycling bins to encourage people to ‘Check it before you chuck it’.
The sticker features a QR code for people to scan to help them check, along with a reminder that all items in the green bin should be clean, dry and loose.
Even if the label says that something can be recycled, you should still check to make sure – recycling labels on packaging are often incorrect and we may not be able to recycle that item locally.
By ensuring you only put the correct items in your recycling bin, you will play your part in helping to keep us among the top recyclers in the country!
To find out which bin an item should go in, please ‘Check it before you chuck it’ at southandvale.gov.uk/checkit
SODC are urging residents to ‘Check it before you chuck it’ as part of a drive to increase the amount and quality of recycling in the district.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched a new campaign asking people to check before they chuck items in their recycling bins.
An estimated 3,340 tonnes* – the equivalent of just over 200 double decker buses – of items that residents put in their recycling bins during 2022/23 were not actually recyclable – that’s 11 per cent of all the contents of our green bins for the whole year!
It can be very difficult to remove non-recyclable items out of the large loads of recycling in our collection trucks or at the recycling facility; and if it’s food waste or other messy items then it could result in whole truckloads of recycling having to be rejected.
We all need an occasional reminder to ensure we get it right so, this autumn, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils will be placing stickers on all green household recycling bins to encourage people to ‘Check it before you chuck it’.
The sticker features a QR code for people to scan to help them check, along with a reminder that all items in the green bin should be clean, dry and loose.
Even if the label says that something can be recycled, you should still check to make sure – recycling labels on packaging are often incorrect and we may not be able to recycle that item locally.
By ensuring you only put the correct items in your recycling bin, you will play your part in helping to keep us among the top recyclers in the country!
To find out which bin an item should go in, please ‘Check it before you chuck it’ at southandvale.gov.uk/checkit
SSEN POWER CUT HELP AND ADVICE
We all rely on electricity day to day, but for some, a power cut can be worrying or difficult. That is why we offer extra help and support during a power cut.
Registering for our Priority Services helps us to help you when you need it most. The Priority Services Register (PSR) is free to join. It helps utility companies, including energy suppliers, electricity, gas and water networks look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs. It helps us tailor our services to support households who need extra help, and support them during a power cut, gas or water supply interruption.
YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE PSR SERVICES IF YOU:
• Use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water.
• Are blind or partially sighted.
• Are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Are of pensionable age.
• Have a disability.
• Live with children under five.
• Have a chronic illness.
• Have anxiety, depression, or any mental health condition.
• Loss or impairment of smell.
• Need documents translated into another format or language.
• Temporarily need extra support.
To find out more or register click here for England.
LINKS TO OTHER HELPFUL ADVICE FROM SCOTTISH AND SOUTHERN ELECTRICITY NETWORKS:
• Preparing for a power cut - SSEN.
• For free and impartial expert energy efficiency advice Energy advice - SSEN.
Free Priority Services Poster
Free extra support through Priority Services Access
Make a Home Emergency Plan
We all rely on electricity day to day, but for some, a power cut can be worrying or difficult. That is why we offer extra help and support during a power cut.
Registering for our Priority Services helps us to help you when you need it most. The Priority Services Register (PSR) is free to join. It helps utility companies, including energy suppliers, electricity, gas and water networks look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs. It helps us tailor our services to support households who need extra help, and support them during a power cut, gas or water supply interruption.
YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE PSR SERVICES IF YOU:
• Use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water.
• Are blind or partially sighted.
• Are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Are of pensionable age.
• Have a disability.
• Live with children under five.
• Have a chronic illness.
• Have anxiety, depression, or any mental health condition.
• Loss or impairment of smell.
• Need documents translated into another format or language.
• Temporarily need extra support.
To find out more or register click here for England.
LINKS TO OTHER HELPFUL ADVICE FROM SCOTTISH AND SOUTHERN ELECTRICITY NETWORKS:
• Preparing for a power cut - SSEN.
• For free and impartial expert energy efficiency advice Energy advice - SSEN.
Free Priority Services Poster
Free extra support through Priority Services Access
Make a Home Emergency Plan
The Cozens Bequest ...Can we Help??
“The remit of the Cozens Bequest is for "Relieving either generally or individually persons resident in Tetsworth or surrounding villages who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress by making grants of money or paying for items, services or facilities calculated to reduce the need, hardship or distress of such persons."
If you would like to recommend someone who you feel is in need, hardship or distress, please contact the Parish Council.
“The remit of the Cozens Bequest is for "Relieving either generally or individually persons resident in Tetsworth or surrounding villages who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress by making grants of money or paying for items, services or facilities calculated to reduce the need, hardship or distress of such persons."
If you would like to recommend someone who you feel is in need, hardship or distress, please contact the Parish Council.
Oxfordshire air quality website
The Oxfordshire air quality website provides air quality guidance and resources for across the county.
The website (www.oxonair.uk) which has been created in partnership between Oxford City, Cherwell, West Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and Oxfordshire County Council - aims to integrate all relevant air quality-related information from all district councils in Oxfordshire under one single platform.
The launch of the joint website demonstrates each Council’s commitment to tackling air pollution across the county.
In March 2021, Oxford City Council was awarded £162,500 to develop an air quality community website to help raise awareness of air pollution across Oxfordshire. The platform replaces https://oxfordshire.air-quality.info/, and includes several new features, including:
The new website was created by all Oxfordshire Councils in partnership with global strategic environmental and engineering consulting company Ricardo, and Oxfordshire residents were encouraged to share their views on what features they would like to include on the website.
It has been funded through a £162,000 grant from Government’s Air Quality Grant after a successful bid by Oxford City Council.
Dangers of air pollution
Air pollution is chemicals or particles in the air that can harm the health of humans, animals, plants, and can damage buildings. The main pollutants of concern to scientists and health experts are particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) ozone, nitrogen dioxide.
Air pollution has been found to particularly impact the most vulnerable members of society, such as those from minority backgrounds, the young, old and those experiencing health issues.
Across Oxfordshire in 2021, it was estimated that air pollution’s effect on mortality was equivalent to 320 early deaths.
The Oxfordshire air quality website provides air quality guidance and resources for across the county.
The website (www.oxonair.uk) which has been created in partnership between Oxford City, Cherwell, West Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and Oxfordshire County Council - aims to integrate all relevant air quality-related information from all district councils in Oxfordshire under one single platform.
The launch of the joint website demonstrates each Council’s commitment to tackling air pollution across the county.
In March 2021, Oxford City Council was awarded £162,500 to develop an air quality community website to help raise awareness of air pollution across Oxfordshire. The platform replaces https://oxfordshire.air-quality.info/, and includes several new features, including:
- Air pollution forecasts up to five days in advance
- Air pollution alerts for Oxfordshire
- Air quality footprint calculator
- Air quality pledges for individuals
- Information on individual council air quality projects across the county
The new website was created by all Oxfordshire Councils in partnership with global strategic environmental and engineering consulting company Ricardo, and Oxfordshire residents were encouraged to share their views on what features they would like to include on the website.
It has been funded through a £162,000 grant from Government’s Air Quality Grant after a successful bid by Oxford City Council.
Dangers of air pollution
Air pollution is chemicals or particles in the air that can harm the health of humans, animals, plants, and can damage buildings. The main pollutants of concern to scientists and health experts are particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) ozone, nitrogen dioxide.
Air pollution has been found to particularly impact the most vulnerable members of society, such as those from minority backgrounds, the young, old and those experiencing health issues.
Across Oxfordshire in 2021, it was estimated that air pollution’s effect on mortality was equivalent to 320 early deaths.
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Guide to make your homes more energy efficient
SODC has set up a new webpage to help residents who wish to make energy-saving retrofitting measures to their properties but are unsure whether they need planning permission or not. This specially created online guide offers information whether people want to add simple insulation, solar panels, air source heat pumps or cladding to their properties.
They can be found at www.southoxon.gov.uk/retrofitting-rules.
SODC has set up a new webpage to help residents who wish to make energy-saving retrofitting measures to their properties but are unsure whether they need planning permission or not. This specially created online guide offers information whether people want to add simple insulation, solar panels, air source heat pumps or cladding to their properties.
They can be found at www.southoxon.gov.uk/retrofitting-rules.
ROAD CLOSURE NOTICES
Planned capital highway maintenance map:
A map of planned highway maintenance (e.g. surface inlay, surface dressing) shows future road maintenance projects. Proposed (draft) schemes for 2024-2025 can be viewed by pressing the blue button with three lines and selecting the year 2024-2025.
A map of planned highway maintenance (e.g. surface inlay, surface dressing) shows future road maintenance projects. Proposed (draft) schemes for 2024-2025 can be viewed by pressing the blue button with three lines and selecting the year 2024-2025.
The Care Workers Charity
Cost of living grants are available for care workers, available from the Care Workers’ hardship grant – funded by Oxfordshire County Council. Up to £2000 can be applied for.
Attendance Allowance (AA) is not ‘means tested’ or taxed. It is intended to help people over state pension age with an illness or disabilities, who have been having difficulties or needing help with personal care for 6 months or more (but you can claim immediately if you have a terminal illness). The money that Attendance Allowance awards you is to give you the option to get someone to help you if you wish. If you decide not to, then you can use the money for something else – it’s not just help
with personal care that can make life easier.
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates:
Lower rate if you have difficulties during either the day or the night
Higher rate if you have difficulties during both the day and the night.
You can check the current rate at www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
It is possible to move to the higher rate later if needed.
Order an application form by calling 0800 731 0122. You will have six weeks from the day you order the form to fill it in and return it to the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP). If you do this, any payment will be backdated to the date the form was ordered. If you are late in sending it back, put in a letter explaining why it has taken so long to fill in. You can also download a form from www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance but you’ll only be paid from the date that the DWP receive the form.
Better Housing Better Health - Energy Bill Help Service
Free service supports thousands of residents in Oxfordshire with their home energy.
Residents in Oxfordshire can benefit from the advice and support of Better Housing Better Health , a service that helps those worrying about their home energy to create warmer, healthier and happier homes. Last year, through the service’s free helpline and their free home visit service (BHBH+) – their team of trained advisors helped over 2500 residents with the aim this year to help even more.
The service can help:
- Residents who are finding it hard to understand energy bills, pay for fuel or read meters
- Access funding to replace old and broken heating systems
- Access funding for insulation measures
- Reduce damp, condensation and mould by better ways of managing a home
- Understand and programme heating controls
- Making onward referrals to additional support services, such as Benefits advice and debt support
For some residents they may be eligible for additional heating support depending on their situation
To speak to the friendly team, call 0800 107 0044 or visit www.bhbh.org.uk and complete the online referral form or find our email address.
Help is at hand for people finding it hard to pay for food and energy bills
Help is still available
The district council recognises that many residents are struggling due to cost-of-living pressures and support is still available through the councils’ Community Hub team who offer a wide range of advice, including information on free or affordable food banks and council tax support. The Community Hub Team can also help to signpost people for debt advice and other cost-of-living support and provide information on housing support as well as guidance on how people can look after their mental health and wellbeing.
Anyone in need of support can contact our Community Hub team during office hours on 01235 422600 or they can email [email protected]
Help is still available
The district council recognises that many residents are struggling due to cost-of-living pressures and support is still available through the councils’ Community Hub team who offer a wide range of advice, including information on free or affordable food banks and council tax support. The Community Hub Team can also help to signpost people for debt advice and other cost-of-living support and provide information on housing support as well as guidance on how people can look after their mental health and wellbeing.
Anyone in need of support can contact our Community Hub team during office hours on 01235 422600 or they can email [email protected]
Oxfordshire County Council
Expansion of Childcare Support
Starting from 1 September 2024, childcare support will be expanded to include children aged 9 to 23 months.
Currently, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can access *15 hours/ week of funded childcare support. However, from September, this will be extended to include eligible working parents whose children will be aged between 9 and 23 months on 31 August.
Applications can be made via the GOV.UK website. Once an application is approved, you’ll receive a code to share with your childcare provider (do check with them that this is something they’re offering, as not all providers are).
Please note that codes need to be renewed every three months, so those applying close to 12 May will need to renew their code prior to the offer starting in September.
Find out more at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/workingfamilies
*15 hours used per week for 38 weeks of the year.
Starting from 1 September 2024, childcare support will be expanded to include children aged 9 to 23 months.
Currently, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds can access *15 hours/ week of funded childcare support. However, from September, this will be extended to include eligible working parents whose children will be aged between 9 and 23 months on 31 August.
Applications can be made via the GOV.UK website. Once an application is approved, you’ll receive a code to share with your childcare provider (do check with them that this is something they’re offering, as not all providers are).
Please note that codes need to be renewed every three months, so those applying close to 12 May will need to renew their code prior to the offer starting in September.
Find out more at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/workingfamilies
*15 hours used per week for 38 weeks of the year.
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We know this winter will be a challenging time for residents across Oxfordshire. As a county council, we’ve introduced a number of initiatives to help local people – particularly the vulnerable – as they face the combination of inflation and the rising cost of energy. More information about these can be found on our website. https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help/
But on a practical level, we recognise that for many, it’s hard to know where to turn – and they need support in knowing whether they need local, county or even national advice. We’re working with city and district councils to help signpost residents – so they can access the services and organisations that can help.
On our dedicated cost of living page, residents can find out the latest national and county advice and the organisations that can help, as well as information on key district and city support.
But on a practical level, we recognise that for many, it’s hard to know where to turn – and they need support in knowing whether they need local, county or even national advice. We’re working with city and district councils to help signpost residents – so they can access the services and organisations that can help.
On our dedicated cost of living page, residents can find out the latest national and county advice and the organisations that can help, as well as information on key district and city support.
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Fostering in Oxfordshire
Fostering is about providing stability, positivity, and reassurance when a child needs it most. It’s not easy – because many of the children need a lot of support. But we’ve got it covered. With Oxfordshire County Council, foster carers get all the training they need, plus fair pay and so much more besides. • They fit around you. Whether you are single, work full time or have kids – foster carers come in all shapes and sizes. So, Oxfordshire County Council want make sure you get what you need, when you need it. • The county council service is not for profit. Unlike private fostering agencies, everything goes back to supporting you and the child you are caring for. • There is training for everything. From day one you’ll be learning so you’ll feel so much more prepared to adapt to the needs of different children. • You’ll keep Oxfordshire children local. They’ll do better if they stay near to family and friends so the county council do everything they can to keep children in the county. • Mentoring support is available 24/7 so you’ll never feel alone. Sound interesting? Find out more and speak to one of the team. No commitment, just conversation. Find out more on Oxfordshire County Council’s website |
AGE UK Advice on the digital phone switchover
The UK’s telephone network is being upgraded, which means that landline services are changing. You can still have a landline in your home, but the technology that powers it will be different. This means that in future, landline calls will be delivered over digital technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses a broadband (internet) connection. For most, switching over will be straightforward, but some people may need new equipment or support to make the changes.
The decision to upgrade has been made by industry, not Ofcom (the telecommunications ombudsman) or the UK Government. However, Ofcom does have rules that telephone suppliers have to adhere to, in order to protect customers in power cuts, and to require phone companies to provide access to emergency calls.
This change will be happening across the country and for most networks the move to digital landlines will be complete by December 2025 (though this may be delayed to 2027). Your supplier will let you know when they are moving you. For example, BT who are rolling it out region by region, will begin making the change in Oxfordshire in spring 2024. If you already have a broadband connection, you may only need to plug your phone into your broadband router or use an adapter to connect your phone and router together.
Contact your telephone supplier and let them know if you:
• Have a disability or any other needs that mean you will need extra help with this change
• Don’t have a mobile phone or if the mobile phone signal at your home is too poor to ring for emergency services
Your telephone supplier may be able to delay changing your system or provide additional help during the change
You will be able to keep your current phone number. Your supplier will be able to offer you a telephone plan at the same cost you currently pay, or you can choose to upgrade your service, if you wish.
This switchover may affect some telecare devices and other equipment such as pendant alarms. Carium is the supplier for people who have an alarm fitted by Oxfordshire social services. New Carium devices are already digital and will work after the switchover. If you have an older device Carium will get in touch with you to swap it for a digital version. If your device is not from Carium, we suggest that you take the following steps:
• Contact your personal alarm or telecare device supplier to check if your device will be affected. If you need to upgrade your device, they may be able to provide this for free or they may need to charge a one-off fee
• Whoever your telephone supplier is, make sure they're aware that you have a telecare alarm and will need extra support during the switchover
If you have a home-security alarm, such as a burglar alarm, which uses your telephone line to alert you when the alarm is triggered, you will need to contact your alarm provider to check if your device will be affected by the digital switchover. If you need to upgrade your device, they may be able to provide this for free or they may need to charge a one-off fee.
The new digital landline system will rely on electricity from your household electrical socket, so will not work during a power cut. You can use a mobile phone as a ‘back-up’ way of getting in touch with people. Checking your mobile phone signal in various areas of your home would be sensible to ensure you can make a call should you be in bed, for example. You may wish to change your mobile phone provider, if another service has better signal in your area. If you live somewhere where you rely on your landline (for example you may have not have a mobile phone, or experience poor mobile signal), then your landline telephone supplier will offer you a ‘resilience solution’ to make sure you can still make emergency calls during a power outage. Ofcom rules for telephone suppliers currently state they only need to ensure you have access to emergency calls for 1 hour, though most suppliers are providing solutions which will last on stand-by for up to 8 hours. Solutions may be in the form of:
• a basic mobile phone (if you have a suitable signal in your area). You will not need to pay for a separate mobile phone contract. example
• a ‘hybrid’ phone – this looks like a normal landline phone with a plastic aerial on it. The phone detects a power cut and switches to using its built-in SIM and battery, like a mobile phone would. You will not need to pay for a separate mobile phone contract. example
• a backup battery unit, so that your phone will work normally during a power cut for up to 8 hours
When you pick up your phone, you will not hear a dial-tone. When you make a call, you will need to use the full phone number including the area code for all calls. For example, when calling Oxford City Council, you will need to enter 01865 249811, even if you live in Oxford.
Be aware of scams We have been made aware that scammers are calling people claiming they need to hand over bank details as part of the switchover, or they will be disconnected. The digital switchover is free of charge, and councils and their care alarm providers and contractors will NEVER ask for personal or financial information over the phone. If you’ve come across a scam or any fraudulent activity, please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
For more information on the digital switchover please contact your telephone provider. For many telephone providers you can dial 150 from your phone to speak to them, or you will find their contact details on bills and paperwork you have received from them.
This information guide has been prepared by Age UK Oxfordshire and contains general advice only, which we hope will be of use to you. Nothing in this guide should be construed as the giving of specific advice and it should not be relied on as a basis for any decision or action. Neither Age UK Oxfordshire nor any of its subsidiary companies or charities accepts any liability arising from its use. We aim to ensure that the information is as up to date and accurate as possible, but please be warned that certain areas are subject to change from time to time. Please note that the inclusion of named agencies, websites, companies, products, services or publications in this information guide does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Age UK Oxfordshire or any of its subsidiary companies or charities. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is correct. However, things do change, so it is always a good idea to seek expert advice on your personal situation. Age UK Oxfordshire is a local independent charity, working with and for all older people and their carers throughout the county. We are members of Age UK. Age UK Oxfordshire is a Limited Company Registered in England & Wales 4328143 Registered Charity Number 1091529.
The UK’s telephone network is being upgraded, which means that landline services are changing. You can still have a landline in your home, but the technology that powers it will be different. This means that in future, landline calls will be delivered over digital technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses a broadband (internet) connection. For most, switching over will be straightforward, but some people may need new equipment or support to make the changes.
The decision to upgrade has been made by industry, not Ofcom (the telecommunications ombudsman) or the UK Government. However, Ofcom does have rules that telephone suppliers have to adhere to, in order to protect customers in power cuts, and to require phone companies to provide access to emergency calls.
This change will be happening across the country and for most networks the move to digital landlines will be complete by December 2025 (though this may be delayed to 2027). Your supplier will let you know when they are moving you. For example, BT who are rolling it out region by region, will begin making the change in Oxfordshire in spring 2024. If you already have a broadband connection, you may only need to plug your phone into your broadband router or use an adapter to connect your phone and router together.
Contact your telephone supplier and let them know if you:
• Have a disability or any other needs that mean you will need extra help with this change
• Don’t have a mobile phone or if the mobile phone signal at your home is too poor to ring for emergency services
Your telephone supplier may be able to delay changing your system or provide additional help during the change
You will be able to keep your current phone number. Your supplier will be able to offer you a telephone plan at the same cost you currently pay, or you can choose to upgrade your service, if you wish.
This switchover may affect some telecare devices and other equipment such as pendant alarms. Carium is the supplier for people who have an alarm fitted by Oxfordshire social services. New Carium devices are already digital and will work after the switchover. If you have an older device Carium will get in touch with you to swap it for a digital version. If your device is not from Carium, we suggest that you take the following steps:
• Contact your personal alarm or telecare device supplier to check if your device will be affected. If you need to upgrade your device, they may be able to provide this for free or they may need to charge a one-off fee
• Whoever your telephone supplier is, make sure they're aware that you have a telecare alarm and will need extra support during the switchover
If you have a home-security alarm, such as a burglar alarm, which uses your telephone line to alert you when the alarm is triggered, you will need to contact your alarm provider to check if your device will be affected by the digital switchover. If you need to upgrade your device, they may be able to provide this for free or they may need to charge a one-off fee.
The new digital landline system will rely on electricity from your household electrical socket, so will not work during a power cut. You can use a mobile phone as a ‘back-up’ way of getting in touch with people. Checking your mobile phone signal in various areas of your home would be sensible to ensure you can make a call should you be in bed, for example. You may wish to change your mobile phone provider, if another service has better signal in your area. If you live somewhere where you rely on your landline (for example you may have not have a mobile phone, or experience poor mobile signal), then your landline telephone supplier will offer you a ‘resilience solution’ to make sure you can still make emergency calls during a power outage. Ofcom rules for telephone suppliers currently state they only need to ensure you have access to emergency calls for 1 hour, though most suppliers are providing solutions which will last on stand-by for up to 8 hours. Solutions may be in the form of:
• a basic mobile phone (if you have a suitable signal in your area). You will not need to pay for a separate mobile phone contract. example
• a ‘hybrid’ phone – this looks like a normal landline phone with a plastic aerial on it. The phone detects a power cut and switches to using its built-in SIM and battery, like a mobile phone would. You will not need to pay for a separate mobile phone contract. example
• a backup battery unit, so that your phone will work normally during a power cut for up to 8 hours
When you pick up your phone, you will not hear a dial-tone. When you make a call, you will need to use the full phone number including the area code for all calls. For example, when calling Oxford City Council, you will need to enter 01865 249811, even if you live in Oxford.
Be aware of scams We have been made aware that scammers are calling people claiming they need to hand over bank details as part of the switchover, or they will be disconnected. The digital switchover is free of charge, and councils and their care alarm providers and contractors will NEVER ask for personal or financial information over the phone. If you’ve come across a scam or any fraudulent activity, please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
For more information on the digital switchover please contact your telephone provider. For many telephone providers you can dial 150 from your phone to speak to them, or you will find their contact details on bills and paperwork you have received from them.
This information guide has been prepared by Age UK Oxfordshire and contains general advice only, which we hope will be of use to you. Nothing in this guide should be construed as the giving of specific advice and it should not be relied on as a basis for any decision or action. Neither Age UK Oxfordshire nor any of its subsidiary companies or charities accepts any liability arising from its use. We aim to ensure that the information is as up to date and accurate as possible, but please be warned that certain areas are subject to change from time to time. Please note that the inclusion of named agencies, websites, companies, products, services or publications in this information guide does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Age UK Oxfordshire or any of its subsidiary companies or charities. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is correct. However, things do change, so it is always a good idea to seek expert advice on your personal situation. Age UK Oxfordshire is a local independent charity, working with and for all older people and their carers throughout the county. We are members of Age UK. Age UK Oxfordshire is a Limited Company Registered in England & Wales 4328143 Registered Charity Number 1091529.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT - General
SODC/VOWH message on Support for Ukraine
Marking two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, councils reaffirm support for Ukrainian households living in the Vale and South Oxfordshire.
Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said:
“The UK was one of the first countries that started to support Ukraine and welcomed Ukrainians who fled the war zone. Our unwavering support, and our communities’ ongoing welcome and help for Ukrainians seeking refuge is just as important now as the initial response two years ago.
“I’m so proud of the huge efforts from residents, businesses and local communities who provide such heartfelt support for Ukrainian households living in the Vale. It’s been encouraging to see so many hosting arrangements working out well, providing much-needed stability for our guests.
“Over the past two years, we’ve worked very hard alongside our colleagues and communities from across the county to support hundreds of individuals and families from Ukraine who have arrived in the Vale of White Horse.
“As we continue this work, we do all we can to offer the warmest possible welcome and necessary support for those seeking safety here.”
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council, said:
“With heavy hearts on the 24th February we mark two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our thoughts are with the 400 or so South Oxfordshire Ukrainian residents living with loss and uncertainty as to when the war might end.
“We will continue to do all that we can to make them feel welcome and supported. That is why South Oxfordshire District Council passed a motion to call on the Minister for Immigration to remove uncertainty around their ability to remain in the country beyond the three-year temporary visas many of which are due to expire in 2025.”
“I also want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has welcomed and hosted families and individuals from Ukraine, providing vital sanctuary and community during the ongoing conflict.
“Many people who came forward to offer to host guests from Ukraine when war first broke out have continued those hosting arrangements – and we are so thankful for their generosity.
“Over the last two years, we’ve worked with our partners to deliver a co-ordinated county-wide response to provide people seeking refuge with accommodation and safety.”
South Oxfordshire District Council passed a motion on 22 February and resolved to continue to collaborate with Oxfordshire councils, statutory and voluntary sector partners in the development of a strategic approach for supporting people seeking sanctuary from any background which is coherent, effective, and compassionate.
Details of the motion are on the council’s website
Support for Ukrainian guests living in South Oxfordshire and the Vale is co-ordinated by the councils’ Community Hub. People who need help can get in touch with the Community Hub: call 01235 422600 (option 3) or email [email protected]
The councils also work with the wider Oxfordshire Migration Partnership to support both Ukrainian guests and their hosts. This includes initial arrival needs, access to funding, health, language and employment support, and working with our housing team for assistance and advice.
Find out more on our Support for Ukraine webpage Vale / South Oxfordshire
If you’re interested in becoming a host through Homes for Ukraine, please visit the Sponsor Support page on the Oxfordshire County Council website.
Marking two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, councils reaffirm support for Ukrainian households living in the Vale and South Oxfordshire.
Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said:
“The UK was one of the first countries that started to support Ukraine and welcomed Ukrainians who fled the war zone. Our unwavering support, and our communities’ ongoing welcome and help for Ukrainians seeking refuge is just as important now as the initial response two years ago.
“I’m so proud of the huge efforts from residents, businesses and local communities who provide such heartfelt support for Ukrainian households living in the Vale. It’s been encouraging to see so many hosting arrangements working out well, providing much-needed stability for our guests.
“Over the past two years, we’ve worked very hard alongside our colleagues and communities from across the county to support hundreds of individuals and families from Ukraine who have arrived in the Vale of White Horse.
“As we continue this work, we do all we can to offer the warmest possible welcome and necessary support for those seeking safety here.”
Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council, said:
“With heavy hearts on the 24th February we mark two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our thoughts are with the 400 or so South Oxfordshire Ukrainian residents living with loss and uncertainty as to when the war might end.
“We will continue to do all that we can to make them feel welcome and supported. That is why South Oxfordshire District Council passed a motion to call on the Minister for Immigration to remove uncertainty around their ability to remain in the country beyond the three-year temporary visas many of which are due to expire in 2025.”
“I also want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has welcomed and hosted families and individuals from Ukraine, providing vital sanctuary and community during the ongoing conflict.
“Many people who came forward to offer to host guests from Ukraine when war first broke out have continued those hosting arrangements – and we are so thankful for their generosity.
“Over the last two years, we’ve worked with our partners to deliver a co-ordinated county-wide response to provide people seeking refuge with accommodation and safety.”
South Oxfordshire District Council passed a motion on 22 February and resolved to continue to collaborate with Oxfordshire councils, statutory and voluntary sector partners in the development of a strategic approach for supporting people seeking sanctuary from any background which is coherent, effective, and compassionate.
Details of the motion are on the council’s website
Support for Ukrainian guests living in South Oxfordshire and the Vale is co-ordinated by the councils’ Community Hub. People who need help can get in touch with the Community Hub: call 01235 422600 (option 3) or email [email protected]
The councils also work with the wider Oxfordshire Migration Partnership to support both Ukrainian guests and their hosts. This includes initial arrival needs, access to funding, health, language and employment support, and working with our housing team for assistance and advice.
Find out more on our Support for Ukraine webpage Vale / South Oxfordshire
If you’re interested in becoming a host through Homes for Ukraine, please visit the Sponsor Support page on the Oxfordshire County Council website.
SODC Household support fund
SODC has made more funds available to residents through their Household Support Fund (HSF) voucher scheme: Oxfordshire County Council has provided a further £82,500 and SODC has also topped this with £35,000 from one of their Covid funding pots. Demand is high, so they expect these funds to be spent within the next couple of weeks. Since the start of HSF in December, they’ve supported 1,052 households (351 in South and 701 in Vale). They’ve now allocated a total of £391,100 of vouchers to residents in both districts to support them with winter essentials – that’s £256,100 in the Vale and £135,000 in South Oxfordshire.
People who are struggling to pay for food, energy, water bills and other related expenses can contact Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7907 / [email protected] to apply for support. They will refer all successful applicants to receive vouchers from the councils’ Community Hub.
Due to the high demand for support from this fund, please note that Citizens Advice phone lines are very busy and we ask that you leave a voicemail if you don’t immediately speak to an advisor – they will call you back as soon as possible.
Anyone in need of emergency support with food or medication, can contact NHS Volunteer Responders on 0808 196 3646 or the Community Hub on 01235 422600.
ADVICE AND HELP ABOUT DAMP FOR PROPERTY RENTERS
Many households suffer from health-damaging damp and mould in their homes, which during winter often become worse, and at times unliveable. Research from Shelter shows the health of one in five renters (22%) in England – or 1.9 million households - is being harmed by poor housing, with damp and mould affecting 26% of all renters. But what can be done about it?
At the end of the day, your landlord must make sure your home is fit to live in from the start of your tenancy until you leave.
For more information on how to deal with housing issues and your rights:
Visit Shelter's online advice page
Many households suffer from health-damaging damp and mould in their homes, which during winter often become worse, and at times unliveable. Research from Shelter shows the health of one in five renters (22%) in England – or 1.9 million households - is being harmed by poor housing, with damp and mould affecting 26% of all renters. But what can be done about it?
- Mould is caused by damp conditions. The first step is to work out where the problem is coming from. Find out more about the different types of mould, and what you can do about it here.
- Landlords and tenants have different responsibilities. Tenants have a duty to ensure their home is well-ventilated and have a general temperature of at least 15 degrees. Landlords need to take action if the damp or mould is caused by a repair problem or affecting your health and safety.
- Need to report damp and mould to your landlord? Make sure you follow up any initial phone calls to your landlord with a letter or email. Shelter’s website has information on how to report repairs and also a template letter that tenants can use.
At the end of the day, your landlord must make sure your home is fit to live in from the start of your tenancy until you leave.
For more information on how to deal with housing issues and your rights:
Visit Shelter's online advice page
Accessing dental care in Oxfordshire
Access to NHS dentistry has been one of the most significant issues people have raised with us over the last 18 months. We know that many people are still struggling to get the dental treatment they need. Here is a summary of what we know, and our advice to local people.
Why is it so hard to see a dentist?
The last update we had from NHS England and NHS Improvement said that practices were concentrating on providing urgent care and treatment for patients with the greatest clinical need. This does mean that some patients, including those with a regular dentist, may be unable to access routine care. It is also unlikely that dental practices providing NHS care will be able to accept patients for non-urgent care or those not considered as having greater clinical need.
How can I find an NHS dentist?
There is no need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP because you are not bound to a catchment area. You can find a dental surgery that’s convenient for you and phone them to see if there are any appointments available. Dental surgeries will not always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients. You may have to join a waiting list, look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients, or be seen privately.
Where can I find a list of NHS dentists in Oxfordshire?
You can search for a dentist near you using the Find a Dentist tool on the NHS website.
Do I need to be registered with an NHS dentist to get help?
If you’re not registered with an NHS dentist and feel you need urgent help, you can contact any dentist and ask if they can help. You should explain to the dental practice why you urgently need to see a dentist. Even if they’re not taking on new patients, they may still be able to see you as a one-off. However, this will depend on their capacity, and you may need to spend time ringing around many dentists.
What happens if I can’t find an NHS dentist for urgent help?
Call NHS 111 or use the NHS 111 Online service. They may refer you to a local Urgent Dental Centre or advise you about pain relief and self-care.
Can I go to A&E for help with an urgent dental problem?
The NHS website says only for very serious problems. Call 111 if you’re not sure.
Do I have to pay for urgent dental care at a dentist?
Yes. Urgent NHS dental care costs £23.80, under the national list of NHS dental fees, but you can check if you are exempt from paying NHS costs by checking the NHS Business Services Authority’s checker online as well as this online list of those exempt from charges.
Private urgent dental care costs vary and could cost more than £100. Dentists can offer both NHS and private care, so make sure to be clear on which type you want and ask for details of charges upfront.
How do I make a complaint?
NHS dental care is arranged by NHS England so you can raise concerns or complaints by calling them on 0300 311 22 33 or for more information see here
Access to NHS dentistry has been one of the most significant issues people have raised with us over the last 18 months. We know that many people are still struggling to get the dental treatment they need. Here is a summary of what we know, and our advice to local people.
Why is it so hard to see a dentist?
The last update we had from NHS England and NHS Improvement said that practices were concentrating on providing urgent care and treatment for patients with the greatest clinical need. This does mean that some patients, including those with a regular dentist, may be unable to access routine care. It is also unlikely that dental practices providing NHS care will be able to accept patients for non-urgent care or those not considered as having greater clinical need.
How can I find an NHS dentist?
There is no need to register with a dentist in the same way as with a GP because you are not bound to a catchment area. You can find a dental surgery that’s convenient for you and phone them to see if there are any appointments available. Dental surgeries will not always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients. You may have to join a waiting list, look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients, or be seen privately.
Where can I find a list of NHS dentists in Oxfordshire?
You can search for a dentist near you using the Find a Dentist tool on the NHS website.
Do I need to be registered with an NHS dentist to get help?
If you’re not registered with an NHS dentist and feel you need urgent help, you can contact any dentist and ask if they can help. You should explain to the dental practice why you urgently need to see a dentist. Even if they’re not taking on new patients, they may still be able to see you as a one-off. However, this will depend on their capacity, and you may need to spend time ringing around many dentists.
What happens if I can’t find an NHS dentist for urgent help?
Call NHS 111 or use the NHS 111 Online service. They may refer you to a local Urgent Dental Centre or advise you about pain relief and self-care.
Can I go to A&E for help with an urgent dental problem?
The NHS website says only for very serious problems. Call 111 if you’re not sure.
Do I have to pay for urgent dental care at a dentist?
Yes. Urgent NHS dental care costs £23.80, under the national list of NHS dental fees, but you can check if you are exempt from paying NHS costs by checking the NHS Business Services Authority’s checker online as well as this online list of those exempt from charges.
Private urgent dental care costs vary and could cost more than £100. Dentists can offer both NHS and private care, so make sure to be clear on which type you want and ask for details of charges upfront.
How do I make a complaint?
NHS dental care is arranged by NHS England so you can raise concerns or complaints by calling them on 0300 311 22 33 or for more information see here
UNIVERSAL CREDIT - Please use the link to find out all you need to know about Universal Credit
Carers Oxfordshire - Carers Oxfordshire gives support to parent carers, those who are aged 18 and over and care for a disabled child, delivered by Action for Carers and Rethink Mental Illness. The service offers a bespoke training package, A Carers Journey which gives all carers that practical help when they need it. It is a free service for all unpaid adult carers in Oxfordshire.
Their goals are to:
Their goals are to:
- Help people recognise their role as a vitally important carer so that they can access the support they are entitled to.
- Make the caring journey easier by enabling carers to navigate what can be a confusing system.
- Work with carers to help them find ways to care for themselves as they care for someone else.
- Encourage and champion all carers in their caring role.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT - Safety
Thames Valley Police is proud to launch our latest Police Officer recruitment campaign, 'Realise your potential'. Our aim is to reach out to people who want to make a real difference in their community, are passionate about helping people, and who also want to realise their own potential within a policing career.
Thames Valley Police - Realise Your Potential: New police office recruitment campaign
Our force works in partnership with a variety of local councils, charities, community groups etc. As one of our valued partners, we thank you for your continued support and kindly ask you to share any of the below information about the campaign (where appropriate) with your network and contacts. Any support you can provide will go a long way in ensuring that we continue to protect our communities. For more information, visit TVP's Careers site today.
Together, and with your help, we can continue to protect our communities. Please see below for more details and a range of resources.
Thames Valley Police - Realise Your Potential: New police office recruitment campaign
Our force works in partnership with a variety of local councils, charities, community groups etc. As one of our valued partners, we thank you for your continued support and kindly ask you to share any of the below information about the campaign (where appropriate) with your network and contacts. Any support you can provide will go a long way in ensuring that we continue to protect our communities. For more information, visit TVP's Careers site today.
Together, and with your help, we can continue to protect our communities. Please see below for more details and a range of resources.
NHS campaign to support survivors of sexual assault and abuse
The NHS runs a campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) - specialist NHS services that offer specialist practical, medical and emotional support 24/7 to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.
New data published from an England-wide survey has revealed:
The NHS runs a campaign to raise awareness of sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) - specialist NHS services that offer specialist practical, medical and emotional support 24/7 to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.
New data published from an England-wide survey has revealed:
- over half of respondents (56%) who have been sexually assaulted or abused did not seek help from any organisation or service after the incident.
- 44% of people said they don’t know or aren’t sure where to get help if they had been sexually assaulted
- 72% of respondents are currently unaware of the support available via the NHS.
Sessions to help hair and beauty staff support victims of domestic abuse
The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership and Oxfordshire charity Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse are running a series of free online training sessions for people in the hair and beauty industry to raise awareness of domestic abuse. The events called ‘Transformations - changing our response to domestic abuse’ will highlight what staff should do if they suspect a client or colleague is at risk or suffering from domestic abuse.
The sessions are available for anyone working in South or Vale in hair and beauty, including, nail bars, tattooists and ear-piercing establishments.
Domestic abuse affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime, so it’s very important that people know how they can support and signpost those affected.
More information is available on SODC's Eventbrite page.
The South and Vale Community Safety Partnership and Oxfordshire charity Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse are running a series of free online training sessions for people in the hair and beauty industry to raise awareness of domestic abuse. The events called ‘Transformations - changing our response to domestic abuse’ will highlight what staff should do if they suspect a client or colleague is at risk or suffering from domestic abuse.
The sessions are available for anyone working in South or Vale in hair and beauty, including, nail bars, tattooists and ear-piercing establishments.
Domestic abuse affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime, so it’s very important that people know how they can support and signpost those affected.
More information is available on SODC's Eventbrite page.
Help is available for victims of domestic abuse - Stencils raising awareness of the support available for victims of Domestic Abuse have been appearing in public places across South Oxfordshire. South Oxfordshire District Council is working with local charity Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse to highlight the issue. They have stencilled messages in district council car parks as part of the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’, an annual international campaign which began on 25 November with White Ribbon Day – the International day for the elimination of violence against women, and ends on 10 December with Human Rights Day. The stencils ask one of three questions:
The council also has several other schemes and projects that helps residents’ safety and ensures they have access to support should they need it, including Ask for Angela and Safe Places.
All messages will be stencilled in washable chalk spray paint, with permission from South Oxfordshire District Council.
For more information visit southoxon.gov.uk/communitysafety
- Do you feel like you are walking on eggshells?
- Are you afraid of your partner?
- Are you worried about someone you know being controlled?
The council also has several other schemes and projects that helps residents’ safety and ensures they have access to support should they need it, including Ask for Angela and Safe Places.
All messages will be stencilled in washable chalk spray paint, with permission from South Oxfordshire District Council.
For more information visit southoxon.gov.uk/communitysafety
Drink and needle spiking - You may have seen reports in the media recently following an increase in instances of alleged drink and needle spiking. Being spiked with alcohol or drugs can make you seriously vulnerable. If you have any concerns, please take a look at the Talk to Frank website which has some great tips on staying safe and what to do if you think you or a friend has been spiked. Everyone deserves to feel safe while out enjoying time with friends.
Safety and Reassurance for pub-goers - Ask for Angela provides reassurance for pub goers. If you’re on a date or out celebrating Christmas or the New Year in one of the many pubs or bars in our town centres this Christmas, help will be at hand if things take a turn for the worse.
In many licensed venues in South Oxfordshire, if you feel uncomfortable you can now go to the bar and ask; “Is Angela in?”. Staff will then offer discreet help, such as keeping an eye on you, calling a friend, relative or taxi, or the police - or simply help you to leave the building via an alternative exit. To find out which venues are signed up to Ask for Angela visit southoxon.gov.uk/askforangela.
In many licensed venues in South Oxfordshire, if you feel uncomfortable you can now go to the bar and ask; “Is Angela in?”. Staff will then offer discreet help, such as keeping an eye on you, calling a friend, relative or taxi, or the police - or simply help you to leave the building via an alternative exit. To find out which venues are signed up to Ask for Angela visit southoxon.gov.uk/askforangela.
A Safe Place to go - Being in a town centre can be quite a daunting experience, this can be especially true in the run up to Christmas when it’s a lot busier with people trying to find that all-important present. If someone does feel vulnerable it’s important that they have someone to go to for help.
That’s why many of our town centre locations are now registered as Safe Places. This means that if someone does need help then trained staff will be available to offer support and will contact a family member, adult social care, or the police, for assistance and keep them safe until they arrive.
Safe Place locations are identified by a distinctive orange and yellow Safe Place window sticker, you can also find out where they are by visiting safeplaces.org.uk.
That’s why many of our town centre locations are now registered as Safe Places. This means that if someone does need help then trained staff will be available to offer support and will contact a family member, adult social care, or the police, for assistance and keep them safe until they arrive.
Safe Place locations are identified by a distinctive orange and yellow Safe Place window sticker, you can also find out where they are by visiting safeplaces.org.uk.
Laughing gas is #NoLaughingMatter - A campaign has started across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse to highlight the issues and dangers of Nitrous Oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas. The campaign sees #NoLaughingMatter stencils painted across the districts.
Most people will have seen the small silver cannisters discarded in public areas, such as parks and high streets. Perhaps they didn’t know what they were, became concerned about people using them or were annoyed at the litter. Maybe they knew exactly what they were and had used them before. Laughing gas is the second most used recreational drug among young people in the UK aged 16-24. It is sold in small cannisters that can often be found discarded in streets and parks.
Laughing gas is a psychoactive substance – when inhaled it slows down the body’s response time, which can lead to fits of laughter, dizziness and feeling relaxed. However, it can also cause paranoia, hallucinations, and headaches, and if too much laughing gas is inhaled, the user could suffer shortness of breath or even pass out, potentially putting their life at risk. When discarded in public areas, the cannisters also cause a litter nuisance.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched the #NoLaughingMatter campaign to raise awareness of laughing gas and the risks of using it, and are encouraging residents to report any cannisters they find and to seek advice/support where needed.
#NoLaughingMatter – to find out what you need to know about laughing gas visit southandvale.gov.uk/nolaughingmatter
If you see people using laughing gas, or notice cannisters discarded in a public area, please report it by contacting the Community Safety Team at [email protected] or by calling 01235 422590.
For advice and help about laughing gas please Talk to Frank.
Most people will have seen the small silver cannisters discarded in public areas, such as parks and high streets. Perhaps they didn’t know what they were, became concerned about people using them or were annoyed at the litter. Maybe they knew exactly what they were and had used them before. Laughing gas is the second most used recreational drug among young people in the UK aged 16-24. It is sold in small cannisters that can often be found discarded in streets and parks.
Laughing gas is a psychoactive substance – when inhaled it slows down the body’s response time, which can lead to fits of laughter, dizziness and feeling relaxed. However, it can also cause paranoia, hallucinations, and headaches, and if too much laughing gas is inhaled, the user could suffer shortness of breath or even pass out, potentially putting their life at risk. When discarded in public areas, the cannisters also cause a litter nuisance.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched the #NoLaughingMatter campaign to raise awareness of laughing gas and the risks of using it, and are encouraging residents to report any cannisters they find and to seek advice/support where needed.
#NoLaughingMatter – to find out what you need to know about laughing gas visit southandvale.gov.uk/nolaughingmatter
If you see people using laughing gas, or notice cannisters discarded in a public area, please report it by contacting the Community Safety Team at [email protected] or by calling 01235 422590.
For advice and help about laughing gas please Talk to Frank.
CURRENT SCAM ALERTS FROM THAMES VALLEY ALERTS
Great Western Railway have advised that a scam post on Facebook offering UK residents a year’s free travel for £3 is nothing to do with GWR. Do not click on any link.
Dodging scams is a sad part of everyday life. There are constant attempts to dupe us into sharing our personal details, or part with our money, with criminals making a small fortune from victims.
One recent example is fraudsters using QR codes to stick phoney QR codes on parking meters, redirecting people to fake payment apps.
Another scam that has been shockingly effective has centred on the sending of texts or WhatsApp messages to parents, claiming to be from their children and in financial distress. For example, they might claim that they have lost their phone and wallet and so are using a friend’s phone to ask for help. The idea is that the parent is sufficiently panicked by their child being in trouble that they are less likely to ask questions and simply send the money to the requested account as soon as possible. If you receive a message from an unknown number, claiming to be from a loved one in trouble, then it’s important not to panic. Ask questions that only the loved one could answer ‒ even just confirming their name or date of birth ‒ and make clear that money won’t be sent until they are answered.
Paying your tax in iTunes vouchers
Many of us understandably want to keep on the good side of the taxman which is why it is a bit scary if you suddenly get a call supposedly from HMRC warning that you have not paid enough tax, with the Police on the way if you don’t settle your bill. The alarm bells should start going off though when the scammers posing as the taxman say that you can pay that missing sum through gift cards purchasable at your local supermarket. You just have to buy them and then read the codes down the line to the person on the other end of the phone.
The scam has been prevalent enough that HMRC itself has issued warnings about it, to raise awareness.
Turning up on the doorstep
A particularly common scam tactic used against vulnerable people is to turn up on the doorstep and try to talk them into handing over their money. They could pose as representatives of an energy firm and try to talk you into signing up to a cheaper, non-existent deal or they might attempt to push overpriced or fake items onto you, or perhaps even pose as members of the Police.
There is some distrust around receiving unexpected calls supposedly from your bank, so this scam focuses on addressing that trust issue.
The scammer contacts you a few times, posing as your bank, letting you know that they had spotted a suspicious payment on your account and stepped in to prevent it. Over a couple of calls like this, they build trust with you, giving the impression they are on your side. Then there’s another call, where the scammer says they need your help catching a fraudster within the bank, and in order to do that all you have to do is approve a payment. Even if you do find yourself trusting the person on the other end of the line, are they really going to need your help in catching a thief?
To report a scam call received on your iPhone, text the word ‘call’ followed by the phone number to 7726. On an Android phone, text the word ‘call’ to 7726, and you’ll then receive a message asking you for the scam number.
WhatsApp scam calls can be reported by opening the WhatsApp chat with the dodgy phone number and tapping 'block'. You can report the contact by tapping 'report contact' and 'block'.
If you have been scammed, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
If you get a suspicious looking email, you can report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding it to [email protected]. Remember not to click on any links within these emails.
How to report an online advert that you think is trying to scam you.
Many cyber criminals seek to trick their victims using scam adverts. You might see these adverts hosted on websites, Facebook or while using a search engine or other social media. These adverts will often look genuine. They might try to hook you in using false celebrity endorsements, or by offering goods at a discount. But the aim is often to steal money from you, or sell you goods that bear no resemblance to what was advertised.
Report an advert you think is a scam
If you see a suspicious ad in a paid-for space, you can report it to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) (external link)
This includes adverts you see on:
· newspaper websites
· search engines
· social media
By reporting suspicious adverts or websites, you:
· reduce the amount of scam emails you receive
· make yourself a harder target for scammers
· protect others from cybercrime online
If an advert has pointed you to a suspicious website, you think is trying to scam you, you can report it to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as they have the power to investigate and remove scam websites. It's free to report a suspicious website to them and it only takes a minute.
Great Western Railway have advised that a scam post on Facebook offering UK residents a year’s free travel for £3 is nothing to do with GWR. Do not click on any link.
Dodging scams is a sad part of everyday life. There are constant attempts to dupe us into sharing our personal details, or part with our money, with criminals making a small fortune from victims.
One recent example is fraudsters using QR codes to stick phoney QR codes on parking meters, redirecting people to fake payment apps.
Another scam that has been shockingly effective has centred on the sending of texts or WhatsApp messages to parents, claiming to be from their children and in financial distress. For example, they might claim that they have lost their phone and wallet and so are using a friend’s phone to ask for help. The idea is that the parent is sufficiently panicked by their child being in trouble that they are less likely to ask questions and simply send the money to the requested account as soon as possible. If you receive a message from an unknown number, claiming to be from a loved one in trouble, then it’s important not to panic. Ask questions that only the loved one could answer ‒ even just confirming their name or date of birth ‒ and make clear that money won’t be sent until they are answered.
Paying your tax in iTunes vouchers
Many of us understandably want to keep on the good side of the taxman which is why it is a bit scary if you suddenly get a call supposedly from HMRC warning that you have not paid enough tax, with the Police on the way if you don’t settle your bill. The alarm bells should start going off though when the scammers posing as the taxman say that you can pay that missing sum through gift cards purchasable at your local supermarket. You just have to buy them and then read the codes down the line to the person on the other end of the phone.
The scam has been prevalent enough that HMRC itself has issued warnings about it, to raise awareness.
Turning up on the doorstep
A particularly common scam tactic used against vulnerable people is to turn up on the doorstep and try to talk them into handing over their money. They could pose as representatives of an energy firm and try to talk you into signing up to a cheaper, non-existent deal or they might attempt to push overpriced or fake items onto you, or perhaps even pose as members of the Police.
There is some distrust around receiving unexpected calls supposedly from your bank, so this scam focuses on addressing that trust issue.
The scammer contacts you a few times, posing as your bank, letting you know that they had spotted a suspicious payment on your account and stepped in to prevent it. Over a couple of calls like this, they build trust with you, giving the impression they are on your side. Then there’s another call, where the scammer says they need your help catching a fraudster within the bank, and in order to do that all you have to do is approve a payment. Even if you do find yourself trusting the person on the other end of the line, are they really going to need your help in catching a thief?
To report a scam call received on your iPhone, text the word ‘call’ followed by the phone number to 7726. On an Android phone, text the word ‘call’ to 7726, and you’ll then receive a message asking you for the scam number.
WhatsApp scam calls can be reported by opening the WhatsApp chat with the dodgy phone number and tapping 'block'. You can report the contact by tapping 'report contact' and 'block'.
If you have been scammed, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
If you get a suspicious looking email, you can report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding it to [email protected]. Remember not to click on any links within these emails.
How to report an online advert that you think is trying to scam you.
Many cyber criminals seek to trick their victims using scam adverts. You might see these adverts hosted on websites, Facebook or while using a search engine or other social media. These adverts will often look genuine. They might try to hook you in using false celebrity endorsements, or by offering goods at a discount. But the aim is often to steal money from you, or sell you goods that bear no resemblance to what was advertised.
Report an advert you think is a scam
If you see a suspicious ad in a paid-for space, you can report it to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) (external link)
This includes adverts you see on:
· newspaper websites
· search engines
· social media
By reporting suspicious adverts or websites, you:
· reduce the amount of scam emails you receive
· make yourself a harder target for scammers
· protect others from cybercrime online
If an advert has pointed you to a suspicious website, you think is trying to scam you, you can report it to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) as they have the power to investigate and remove scam websites. It's free to report a suspicious website to them and it only takes a minute.