Your rent

We know that shared owners are challenged by the impact of high inflation on the cost of living, and that this includes concern about future increases to the rent that you will be charged. 

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announced that rent increases for social housing tenants will be capped at 7% in 2023/24 for one year. 

Paradigm, along with most other housing associations that provide shared ownership homes, has made a commitment to also cap the rent increase for shared owners to 7%. This applies to the rent element of the payment, and not to mortgage payments for the share you own, or to service charges.

Even though many of the costs that Paradigm has to pay are also going up, we are working hard on how we will continue to deliver excellent services, build new homes, and invest in existing homes to make sure they are safe and in good condition.

The announcement of this cap for tenants, and the separate commitment for shared owners applies only to the increase for 2023/24.

We will write to all customers confirming the rent you will pay in February 2023, the rent you pay will not change until April 2023.

We know any additional costs will be difficult for you and we will continue to support our customers who are facing financial challenges. If you are in financial difficulty or wish to speak to us about any problems you are facing, our team is available to give confidential advice on issues including benefits and how to maximise your income. You can contact the team on 0300 303 1010 or email the team directly at enquiries@paradigmhousing.co.uk

We're here to help

Did you know, if you are a shared owner, you could get help with all or part of your rent?

If you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work, you may get help with all or part of the rental share of your property. There’s no set amount of housing costs support and what you get will depend on the size of each household and your household income. If you have any questions or if you’re struggling to afford your rent, please speak to your rent officer or our customer services team. We can discuss your options and the support available to you.

Help with interest payments on mortgages or loans

If you’re a homeowner on qualifying benefits, you might be able to get help towards interest payments on your mortgage or loans you’ve taken out for certain repairs and improvements to your home. It is paid as a loan, which you will need to pay with interest when you sell or transfer ownership of your home (unless you are moving the loan to another property).

If you’re struggling with your mortgage payments, please speak to your mortgage provider to discuss options available to you. They may be able to change you temporarily to an interest only mortgage or discuss the options that are available to you.

If you have any questions or you would like to discuss further, please contact 0300 303 1010.

Shared Owners – speak with:

Salma Shah, Senior Rent Officer by calling 01628 811993 or 07725 660399

Leaseholders – speak with:

Annette Benson, Income Recovery Officer by calling 01628 811973

Useful links:

• Find your nearest community fridge, no referral needed.
• Check if you are eligible for Universal Credit
• Find your local food bank, we can refer you with a quick phone call.
• See if you can save money on childcare.
• Check you are receiving all the benefits you're entitled to.
• Mental health support.
• Check if you’re eligible for Support for Mortgage Interest.

Don't miss out - money off your energy bills

Households should have received at least the first instalment of the government's Energy Bill Support Scheme. All households with a domestic electricity connection are eligible for this discount.  

This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in six instalments between October 2022 and March 2023 to help households through winter.

Making it easier for you to contact us

We’ve been listening to your feedback and we’re making it easier for you to contact us.

We have introduced a new phone system with two key improvements, so what does this mean for you?

1. When you are in the queue waiting for your call to be answered, you can now opt to receive a call back while keeping your position in the queue. This means you can carry on with your day while listening out for our call. 
    
2. We will also be introducing an after-call survey to get immediate feedback on how you felt about the service received on the call. If you weren’t satisfied with the service, our team will contact you to find out how we can improve.

Get involved and make a difference

Customer Experience Commitee Board Member

Can you help us improve our services? And make sure we are delivering services that you want; in the way you want them?

We have a team of 12 dedicated Board members who oversee all key decisions and review our performance. We’re setting up a new Customer Experience Committee of the Board to support our decision making and strengthen our customer focus - and we are looking for two customers to join us. 

Committee members will be paid £3,000 a year.

Want to find out more?

We’re holding an open evening on 14 December at our office in Wooburn Green, Bucks from 4pm-5.30pm, where you can meet some of our colleagues and find out more about the role. We will cover your expenses including taxis to the event and any childcare costs. 

If you're interested, or want to find out more, please email rachel.whitrod@paradigmhousing.co.uk

Take our survey and be in with a chance to win a £50 voucher

It is important for us to know how our customers feel about the services we provide, and there are many ways that you can tell us about your experiences and also how we can improve.

The survey is now live - it's time to have your say on how we can improve our services and neighbourhoods.

We hope that you will take part, as your opinion and feedback matter. The survey will close on 31 December, so don’t delay - it takes less than two minutes to complete and up for grabs are four £50 Love2Shop vouchers.

Be sure to encourage your friends, family and neighbours (as long as they live in a Paradigm property and are listed on our system as a member of the household) to have their say!

The prize draw will take place on 4 January 2023, and winners will be contacted by email.

Is our information easy to read?

If you have ever read something from us that's confusing, lengthy or not in 'plain English' and wanted to let us know, now is your time!

If you can work from home, and feedback within two weeks, we want to hear from you.

Email customer.involvement@paradigmhousing.co.uk for more information

Want to work for us?