Supporting National Apprenticeship Week
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Advance notice of rent increase | As a not-for-profit organisation, the rent we receive is invested in our customers’ homes, our services and in building more affordable homes for people in our communities.
Following our annual rent review, the rent you pay will increase by 4.8% from Monday 6 April 2026. While all rents are different, this will mean an average increase per household of around £6.32 a week.
This excludes any service charges you pay, where any changes will reflect actual costs incurred.
How we calculate rent change
Like all housing associations in England, we work within government policy when setting rent charges.
We calculate your annual rent change using a specific formula. This takes the consumer price index (CPI) from the previous September and adds 1%. The CPI measures how the price of goods and services are changing over time. In September 2025, the CPI was 3.8%. In April 2026, your rent will therefore increase by 4.8% (= 3.8% + 1%).
If all your rent is currently paid by housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, and your circumstances don’t change, this increase will be covered by your benefits.
Available support If you’re worried about paying your rent, there is support available:
What happens next We will write to you later this month to confirm the exact amount your rent will be from 6 April 2026.
This letter will also confirm any related service charges (where these apply), give details of any actions you’ll need to take and answer any questions you may have.
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Do you want to be part of Selwood Housing's group board? |
We have two vacancies for customer board members here at Selwood Housing. Appointments last three years and the time involved is roughly 10 hours a month. Full details, including eligibility, payment information and how to apply, are available on the Selwood Housing website.
If you’re curious and want to learn more, we recommend you join one of our friendly taster sessions. These relaxed sessions are a great opportunity to meet a current customer board member, hear about their experience, and see how customers help make a difference at Selwood Housing:
If you would like to attend a taster session, or have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our customer involvement team by calling 01225 715715.
You could also consider joining the upcoming free webinar hosted by TPAS, tenant engagement experts, on 12 February, 1:00pm - 2:30pm. TPAS have created a practical toolkit to support induction and strengthen customer influence at board level. Find out more on the TPAS website. When you register, you can choose 'Selwood Housing' to be able to sign up for free.
If board membership isn’t right for you, there are plenty of other ways to get involved. |
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Supporting National Apprenticeship Week 2026 |
This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating the value apprenticeships bring in helping people grow their careers and gain real skills. National Apprenticeship Week highlights the opportunities apprenticeships offer across industries and the importance of on-the-job learning.
At Selwood Housing we’re proud to support apprenticeships and to help people build fulfilling careers. One great example is Connor, who completed his IT apprenticeship with us and has now moved into a full-time role as an IT solutions developer. His apprenticeship gave him practical experience, confidence, and the chance to develop skills that have prepared him for a permanent career in IT.
You can find out more about working with us by visiting our careers webpage, where we share our latest vacancies and apprenticeship opportunities, along with stories and updates on our apprenticeships. |
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Funding that makes a difference |
We’re pleased to share how Selwood Housing’s stronger communities fund is helping local charities like Doorway Wiltshire continue their vital work.
Thanks to this support, Doorway has been able to sustain its open-access drop-in sessions, providing practical help, compassion and encouragement to people experiencing homelessness. Over the past three months, 105 individuals have accessed support, from hot meals and clean clothes to showers, internet access and ongoing guidance.
The funding helps Doorway create a safe, welcoming space where people can take small but meaningful steps forward, whether that’s improving their health, rebuilding confidence or moving towards more stable housing.
We’re proud that the stronger communities fund is making a real difference by supporting charities that change lives in our communities. Head to our website for more good news stories. |
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In our flats and sheltered schemes, we have a clear communal areas policy. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Clear communal areas provide escape routes, access for emergency services and stop fires spreading.
If you live in one of our blocks of flats or a scheme with communal areas, we kindly ask that you help by keeping communal areas clear and following this policy.
If our caretakers notice items left in the communal areas, they’ll leave a card and ask that the item is removed. If it isn’t moved within the agreed time, the caretakers will need to remove it to keep the area safe, and a charge will apply for this service. |
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Don't be 'electricked'! |
Shopping online for cheap household electricals might save money, but it can be risky. A survey by Electrical Safety First found that many products sold on online marketplaces can be counterfeit or unsafe, with one in ten Brits experiencing an electrical fire or shock from an online purchase. Common high-risk items include hair stylers, chargers, extension leads and portable heaters.
To stay safe, buy only from trusted retailers or directly from manufacturers. Visit Electrical Safety First’s Don’t be electricked campaign to learn how to spot dangerous products and what to do if you’ve bought one. |
| Find out more about electrical safety
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Council tax help | April often brings higher council tax bills, but you may qualify for a reduction or exemption if you have a low income, are the only adult at home, are a carer, receive certain benefits, or are disabled.
Check your local council website for eligibility: B&NES, Somerset and Mendip, and Wiltshire.
If you can’t pay your bill, you should contact your council immediately. You may be able to set up a payment plan and avoid legal action.
Click below to visit our money advice webpage which includes lots of helpful advice. |
| Money advice
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