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Easter opening hours
We will close for the Easter bank holiday at 5:30pm on Thursday 6 April and re-open at 8:00am on Tuesday 11 April.
Updating our website - #DrivingImprovement
We've made some changes to our website to make it easier for you to find the information that is relevant to you.
On our website homepage, we now have a homeowners tab that will show you information about your lease, news about rent and service charges, tips for looking after your home, help for moving on or buying more shares and information about your community.
We're always interested in your experience using our website, so if you have any feedback or are struggling to find any information, please email us at communications@paradigmhousing.co.uk.
Alterations
As part of the website update, we have a new online form for you to complete if you want to carry out alterations or improvements to your home. Under the terms of your lease, you must get your landlord’s consent or written permission before you go ahead.
We will give our approval wherever possible, but when it is not possible, we will let you know the reasons why. Works that involve major changes may need to be investigated by our surveyors.
To make an application for permission, complete the form here.
There is an administration fee for the cost of processing your application, which is non-refundable and needs to be received before we can deal with your request.
£120.00 inc. VAT for minor improvements
£180.00 inc. VAT for major improvements plus an additional non-refundable fee of £100 per surveyor visit, which includes a survey and/or licence.
For some major work, such as extensions and alterations to the property, you may need to obtain other approval such as planning permission or building regulations approval in addition to our permission. You will need to speak to your local council for further advice.
Here to help
We joined other housing associations during Debt Awareness week earlier in March to promote what we do for customers who need help managing debt and bills.
If you are struggling, you aren’t alone. We are here to help. Visit our website for tips on managing your money, benefits advice, and support with bills.
StepChange also offers a confidential, free, online debt advice service. You'll be asked to enter details about your income, spending and debts and they will work out a budget and debt advice tailored to your situation.
Win a £50 Love2shop voucher!
Did you know we have a Customer Support Fund to provide extra support during difficult times?
This year we were able to provide support to 1,325 of our customers through our Support Fund. From foodbank referrals to debt advice to financial assistance for families fleeing domestic violence, we are here to help you when you need it most.
We also fund projects and initiatives to support customers by working in partnership with others. Last year we worked with Citizens Advice, Mind, P3 and Oasis to support 965 customers with debt advice, mental health support, helping customers get back to work and with hoarding.
But, we want to make sure that we are providing the right support to you and your community, which is why we're asking for your help to complete a survey to help us prioritise the areas where we can offer the most valuable support.
By successfully completing the survey, you will enter the prize draw for a £50 Love2shop voucher.
Please note there will be one entry per household allowed. Submissions close on 13 April - so don't waste any time!
Pocket Power
We’ve partnered with Pocket Power, a UK-wide service that helps people switch to cheaper deals and apply for discounts on household bills, including water, broadband, phone, car insurance and banking. Through a referral to Pocket Power, customers can save an average of £200 on their bills from your first call!
Bill, Pocket Power customer, saved £535:
''Pocket Power went through all my bills, and got me money off my energy, water and phone. I'd definitely recommend them. People are paying too much on their bills and don't realise they can save money.''
Book an appointment today!
Visit the Pocket Power website or call our Customer Contact Centre on
0300 303 1010 and we can make a referral for you.
Better Housing Better Health
We've also been working with Better Housing Better Health, who can provide you with advice and support to help improve the energy efficiency of your property, save money and stay warm.
If you're worried about your energy bills, want to know how to make your home warmer, or need advice on accessing financial support, Better Housing Better Health is here to help.
How to contact:
Call their free helpline number: 0800 107 0044
Free holiday fun and food!
Looking for something exciting to keep the kids busy during the Easter holidays?
Look no further! Your local authority is offering a fantastic range of free activities and food for children who receive benefits-related Free School Meals. From performing arts and gymnastics to arts and crafts and multi-sports clubs, there is something for everyone.
Click here to see the Buckinghamshire programme.
Click here to see the Milton Keynes programme.
Click here to see the Bedfordshire programme.
Or, type into your search provider ‘HAF near me’ to find your local programme.
A royal celebration
Banners and bunting at the ready – how are you celebrating?
Get your party hats on and your decorations ready because we're gearing up to celebrate a royal event!
On Saturday 6 May, King Charles III is being crowned, and we want to know how you plan on joining in with the royal celebrations.
Whether you're throwing a street party, having friends over to watch the ceremony, or attending a Coronation Big Lunch, we want to hear about it!
We're offering some support with celebrations to a lucky few who share their Coronation plans with us.
What to do: Send us an email (communications@paradigmhousing.co.uk) to let us know what you've got in store, and we could be in touch to support your efforts.
Calling all tradespeople!
We have some exciting opportunities to join our growing Property Services team at Paradigm.
We're looking for tradespeople to deliver quality services to our customers while upholding our high standards of work and customer care.
As a Paradigm Technician, you'll be provided with a fully equipped hybrid van, fuel card, electronic tablet, mobile phone, work clothing, and PPE. You'll be booked for jobs in your local area wherever possible, and we'll take care of your insurance renewals and services.
We offer excellent benefits including a minimum of 25 days holiday (rising to 30 with service), a pension scheme, a car leasing scheme, annual bonus potential, family-friendly policies, a health cash plan, and more.
If you're looking for a company with a track record of promoting talent from within and want to be part of our team, apply today, or pass on these vacancy details to someone you know. Don't miss out on this opportunity! Find out more about careers at Paradigm here.
#WorkingAsOne to improve our service
Our Customer Experience Committee just had their first meeting!
The committee is made up of six members, including two customers, and is all about strengthening customer involvement.
So, what does that mean for you? Well, it means that we're committed to making sure you're happy with the services we provide. The committee will be helping us develop and monitor our Customer Strategy and will be keeping a close eye on our performance against our satisfaction targets.
The committee will be meeting four times a year, and they've got some great topics lined up for future meetings. We’ll share all the latest updates with you when we have them.
Be aware
Be aware that the Government Emergency Alerts system will be tested on 23 April - and all phones will be notified with a sound, even if they are on silent.
We know that having a secret phone is often a lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse, so if this is relevant for you, please remember to deactivate the alert, switch your phone off or use aeroplane mode if you are worried about your phone making noise. Watch the video below to find out more about deactivating the alert if you are a domestic abuse survivor.
Photo ID required at polling stations
Did you know, from 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections?
From October 2023, the requirement will also apply to UK general elections.
If you don't have an accepted photo ID (passport or driving license), you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, which is an accepted photo ID form for voting.
