Author: Sonja Francis

OVER the next few years several large housing development sites will be built in Thame. As part of the deal with the developers, opportunities will arise for people who would otherwise struggle to fund a full mortgage to buy a home through shared ownership. This is where the householder can part-buy and part-rent their home, but with the option of buying more of it over time until they own it outright.

In order to be considered for these homes, an applicant has to be registered with South Oxfordshire District Council. It is they who administer the initial part of the scheme. It is hoped that by encouraging people to register early they will be in the best position for when the qualifying houses are built.

Councillor Bob Austin, the Chair of Thame’s Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Committee, explains the scheme further in the following statement:

“Over the next few years in Thame, 78 homes will become available under a shared ownership scheme. This number represents 10% of the total of homes to be built within the scope of the current Thame Neighbourhood Plan. Unlike social rented housing, which has 20% of its number reserved for qualifying applicants with a close connection to Thame, shared ownership housing does not. Thame Town Council has taken the view that it should publicise the progressive availability of shared ownership houses and encourage Thame residents to apply for them as and when they become available. Shared ownership is not suitable for everybody but it can provide the first step on the housing ladder.

How does it work?

“Applicants can start by buying from 25% to 75% of the value of a property by using a mortgage. The remainder is paid for by a low cost rent which is charged by a Housing Association. By a process called ‘stair casing’ residents can, in the future, buy further shares of the property until they own it all. To start the purchase, you will need to pay relatively modest fees and a deposit, typically set at 5% of the share you are buying. There are certain qualifications required that applicants have to meet but these are now quite generous. For example, applicants can now be considered who have a household income up to £80,000 per annum.

“To start the process, to fully understand it and to ensure a head start, it is important to register your interest early so that when a suitable property is available you are not delayed by form filling – it is already done! Registration can be done online on the South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) website: LINK HERE
or by telephone on 01235 422422. It is SODC’s responsibility to approve applicants for this scheme but thereafter, the administration is carried by an agent (Help to Buy South) and the Housing Association that administers the property.”

Thame Town Council will be encouraging registration by interested Thame residents via:

Print and electronic media including the Thame Town Council weekly newsletter
Posters at multiple sites giving contact details and registration information
A workshop style event in the Town Hall for Thame residents

This event will include exhibitors such as SODC, Housing Associations, Financial advisors, mortgage providers and solicitors. Target date- spring 2017.

Thame Town Council will also be campaigning for local qualification on a percentage of shared ownership properties.

In the meantime a ‘Help to Buy Homes Show’ is being held at The Kassam Stadium from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 22, giving free advice. It will include information on shared ownership and there is no need to book in advance.

LOVERS of local wildlife and history have a treat in store next month as the distinguished academic and TV presenter, Professor Richard Fortey, is giving a talk about the ancient woodland he owns in the Chilterns.

Richard Fortey is best known as an eminent palaeontologist, author and TV presenter who has worked with David Attenborough and presented programmes on BBC4 about ancient life, evolution on islands and other topics. He is also a keen naturalist and a few years ago took the opportunity to buy a few acres of ancient woodland near his home in Henley-on-Thames. His detailed observations of the changing wildlife through the seasons, along with the joys and pitfalls of being a woodland owner, are contained in a book published last May called The Wood for the Trees – a long view of nature from a small wood.

Richard Fortey’s wood is part of Lambridge Wood between Henley and Nettlebed, a classic Chilterns beech and bluebell wood which lies on a section of the prehistoric earthwork Grim’s Ditch. His account of the natural life of the wood month-by-month, paints a vivid picture of one of the best-known and loved natural features of the Chilterns.

The talk is being organised by the Chiltern Woodlands Project and is taking place on November 3, at 7.30pm in Lewknor Village Hall, Lewknor, near Watlington (next to jct. 6 of the M40). To book tickets visit www.chilternsaonb.org/events or call 01844 355503

A local charity, which works closely with police and victim support to deliver restorative justice, wants to reach more victims.

Research and surveys have indicated that few victims know about restorative justice but that over 40% would take up the opportunity to communicate with the perpetrator of the crime committed against them if it was offered. Restorative Justice has been shown to have a very beneficial for victims with an 80% satisfaction rate.

National Restorative Justice week, begins on November 20, and the charity, funded by the Police Crime Commissioner, is keen to increase awareness about what it is and who can be helped by Restorative Justice.

If you have been the victim of burglary, theft, damage to your property or violent attack, and would like to know that the person who did this to you understands how it has affected you, the Restorative Justice Service can help.

What Victims say they want

Greg Smith, Restorative Justice Development Manager for Oxfordshire, told Thame News: “Crime can affect people in different ways. It is not unusual to be left feeling frightened or anxious or suffer a loss of confidence and a sense that you can’t take care of yourself or your family. It is good to know that the police are taking action and that the person has gone to Court. But, sometimes, this just isn’t enough. A voice, the ability to ask questions, being at the centre of things and not just an observer has all helped victims to feel better and to move on.”

What is Restorative Justice?

“It brings those harmed by crime, and those responsible for the harm, into communication,” explained Grgg. “The victim, offender, their family or friends, and the wider community can play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward. It can provide a means of closure and enable the victim to move on with their life. Offenders have the opportunity to take responsibility, to acknowledge the impact of their actions and to make reparation. The result is that there is a very high satisfaction rate for victims and a marked reduction in re-offending for the perpetrators.

“A local crime victim told us: ‘Every single day my PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) and panic attacks get better because I’ve released so much built up emotion. I feel lighter, happier and free because I’m not scared anymore… Thanks to RJ I’m now free from my prison of pain, which I thought would be my life sentence.’

“And another said: ‘Closed my book for me. It’s closed. That’s it, done. He was out last week, didn’t bother me at all.’ ”

Greg urged any victims out there to get in touch with Thames Valley Restorative Justice.

“When the moment is right for you, restorative justice could be the key to help you move on. An initial discussion with a trained facilitator will explore options, guided by the victim’s needs and wishes.

“If you would like to find out more, please get in touch. All information shared will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

www.tvrjs.org.uk
Email: rjenquiries@tvrjs.org.uk  or Telephone:  01844 202001

THE following is an urgent message sent via Thames Valley Police’s Country Watch – “It is that time of year again when rogue traders plan and put their scams in action by targeting elderly and vulnerable consumers by purporting to be a legitimate company and persuading a victim, by the use of high pressure selling tactics, to part with large sums of money to have unnecessary work carried out on their property.

“Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards are appealing for information from anyone who has received a flyer put through their door for gardening, home repairs, roofing, driveways or similar tradesmen. The team would also appreciate a call if you have recently or just been cold called by traders offering to carry out by any of the above services.

“It may be that you know or seen an elderly or vulnerable neighbour having work carried out which is not required and something that does not look quite right, again please contact the Doorstep Crime Team and the team will carry out intelligence enquiries out on the company.

“You can contact the Doorstep Crime Team directly by calling directly on the designated mobile number 07711117455. Your call and information will be treated in the strictest confidence, it can and will remain anonymous.

“It is imperative and the intention of the Doorstep Crime Team working in partnership with Thames Valley Police and other local authorities, to proactively deal with the identified companies in a prompt robust manner.”