Approved date - 26 January 2021

Use the links below to find the information you need:

• Purpose
• Qualifying persons
• Local connection criteria
• Statutory allocations scheme
• Malvern Hills Parish map for the purpose of local connection cascade
• Wychavon map for the purpose of local connection cascade
• Timescales for applying the Local Connection cascade 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that an applicants’ local connection to a parish/grouped parish or adjoining parishes/adjoining grouped parishes within the district is taken into account before allocating rented or intermediate affordable housing in rural parishes.

The policy ensures that applicants with a local connection to the parish/grouped parish and adjoining parishes/adjoining grouped parishes will receive priority when an affordable home is being let or sold there. This will apply on first and all subsequent lettings or sales.

An exception to this is where there is evidence that new shared ownership properties, and also shared ownership properties with existing planning permission, are funded by Homes England grant on a non-rural exception site. These properties will be exempt from local connection criteria in accordance with the Homes England Capital Funding Guide.

The allocation of affordable housing is controlled through a s106 legal agreement.

When affordable housing in a rural area (i.e. not in any of the towns, except Upton upon Severn and Tenbury Wells) is let or sold, first priority will be given to those applicants who can demonstrate a connection to the parish/grouped parish within which the new build affordable housing is located.

If no applicants with a local connection to the parish/grouped parishes apply then priority will be given to those who have a local connection to adjoining parishes/adjoining grouped parishes within the relevant district council area (as shown in maps in Appendices 1 and 2).

Applicants with a priority due to having a local connection to the parish or adjoining parishes will be considered for an allocation through the allocations policy based on their circumstances and housing need.

Grant funded shared ownership properties will be allocated and sold in accordance with the Homes England Capital Funding Guide requirements.

This Rural Lettings Policy will apply to all s106 agreements made after the date when the policy was approved. S106 agreements prior to this date will not be amended and re-lets of existing stock will not be subject to this policy unless it is a requirement of the existing s106 agreement for the site.

This Rural Lettings Policy applies to the following affordable housing tenures:

• Social rent
• Affordable rent
• Shared ownership
• Fixed equity (also known as Discount Market Sales)
• Entry level homes for first time buyers and renters
• Any other intermediate affordable housing products

In the case of shared ownership, the policy ceases to apply in the event a tenant/occupier purchases 100% of the freehold to their property. For most shared ownership properties there will be a limit on staircasing in rural areas.

Urban extensions will not be covered by this policy. Other large sites of over 100 dwellings may also not be covered based on housing needs evidence at the time.

This is to be at the discretion of the Director of Housing and Communities in consultation with the relevant portfolio holder.

Qualifying persons

A qualifying person will:

• be registered on “Housing for You”, the council’s statutory housing register (rented only). Anyone seeking intermediate affordable housing (such as shared ownership or fixed equity) will not be required to register on “Housing for You”. They will only need to complete the relevant applications to the properties they are seeking to buy.
• be in need of affordable housing
• have demonstrated a connection with the parish/grouped parish in accordance with the local connection criteria below (except in the case of grant funded shared ownership properties as these properties will be exempt from local connection criteria in accordance with the Homes England Capital Funding Guide)

Local connection criteria

In order to have local connection applicants will demonstrate one of the following local connection criteria:

• Lived in the parish by choice for 6 out of the last 12 months or 3 out of the last 5 years,
• Have close family (mother, father, sibling, adult son or adult daughter) living in the parish by choice for at least the previous five years
• Be in permanent paid employment in the parish
• A local connection to the parish as a result of special circumstances (subject to approval by the Housing Services Manager).

To the extent that no applications are received from a qualifying person who has a local connection to the parish/grouped parish or the adjoining parishes/adjoining grouped parishes, then any applicant with a connection to the relevant district will be considered.

To the extent that no applications are received from a qualifying person who has a local connection to the relevant district then applicants’ resident in the UK will be considered. (See Appendix 3 for timescales relating to this cascade mechanism).

Please note, sometimes there may be a need to add further layers to the cascade, for example where a neighbouring district is in close proximity to the parish and should be given priority following the relevant district council. If this is necessary it would be agreed by a senior member of the planning team.

Statutory allocations scheme

The allocation and letting of affordable housing in the district is in accordance with the council’s statutory allocations scheme “Housing for You” which has been approved by councillors.

Read Wychavon’s statutory allocations scheme [INSERT LINK].

The statutory scheme is designed to assess housing needs in accordance with the ‘reasonable preference’ criteria set out in section 167 (2) of the Housing Act 1996.

Malvern Hills Parish map for the purpose of local connection cascade

Below is the Malvern Hills Parish map for the purpose of local connection cascade.

Wychavon map for the purpose of local connection cascade

Below is the Wychavon map for the purpose of local connection cascade.

Timescales for applying the Local Connection cascade

Appendix 3 sets out the councils’ expected timescales for moving from one part of the cascade to the next. This will guide council and registered provider officers in terms of operational practice and ensure effective monitoring as follows:

• For initial lets of rented properties, advertising can commence and pre-offers can be made to those with a local connection to the parish/grouped parish prior to handover to the registered provider. In the event that there are not enough applications from residents with a local connection to the parish/grouped parish, then the cascade can not start until handover to the registered provider. This is because it can be a significant amount of time between new properties being marketed and handover and every opportunity to meet the needs of parish/grouped parish residents must be taken.
• For re-lets of rented properties, the property can be advertised via the statutory allocations scheme “Housing for You” when notice to terminate the tenancy is received from the existing tenant.
• For initial sale of intermediate home ownership products, advertising to seek expressions of interest and exchange of contracts can commence prior to handover with applicants who have a local connection to the parish/grouped parish.

In the event that there are not enough applications from residents with a local connection to the parish/grouped parish, then the cascade cannot start until handover to the Registered Provider.

This is because it can be a significant amount of time between new properties being marketed and handover and every opportunity to meet the needs of parish/grouped parish residents must be taken.

The property should be advertised via the statutory allocations scheme “Housing for You” as part of any wider package of promotion as follows:

• For re-sales of intermediate home ownership products, advertising can commence at the point the value has been agreed between the relevant parties, e.g. the council must agree fixed equity valuations. The cascade will start when the property has been advertised. Properties should be advertised via the statutory allocations scheme “Housing for You” as part of any wider package of promotion.
• Properties are to be advertised for a period of 8 weeks after handover, to enable a minimum 2 or 3 bid opportunities for applicants. The adverts can extend to cover the relevant district for the full 8 week period.

During this period, priority will be given to applicants based on the local connection cascade, as follows:

1. Local connection to the parish/ grouped parish that the site falls within
2. Local connection to adjoining parish/adjoining grouped parishes
3. Local connection to the relevant district

It is not expected that registered providers would allocate to those with a local connection to one of the adjoining parishes until week 3 and 4 of advertising. Even then, registered providers are expected to prioritise any applicants who bid, as set out above.

It is not expected that registered providers would allocate to those with a local connection to the district until weeks 5 -8 of advertising. Even then, registered providers are expected to prioritise any applicants who bid, as set out above.

After 8 weeks of advertising, the property may be allocated to an applicant registered on the statutory allocations scheme (where required) who has a need for affordable housing and is resident in the UK.

This policy has been revised and agreed on 26 January 2021.

Analysis of Survey Results

September 2021

Wychavon District Council has undertaken a housing needs survey of the Parish of Dodderhill.  

1142 paper surveys were sent to households within the Parish of Dodderhill. Included was a prepaid envelope, to enable residents to complete and return the survey free of charge. It also provided an option to call and speak to a member of the Housing Services Team or complete online through a web link.

We also promoted the survey through the Wychavon Facebook page run through the Communications Team at the council.

The post stated: We are conducting a Housing Needs Survey in the Parish of Dodderhill, paper surveys including an online link are being sent out to all households within the Parish. We would encourage residents within the Parish to respond to show the true housing need for their area. Closing date for responses is 15 August 2021. Visit https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Dodderhill/ to take part.

Facebook

There were five posts shared on Facebook. They received the following engagement:

2 likes, 0 comments, 2 shares and 2,964 people reached

Twitter

There were five posts shared on Twitter. They received the following engagement:

2 likes, 0 comments, 5 retweets and 2,627 people reached

Response Rate and Reliability

The deadline for responses to this survey was 15 August 2021. In total 186 valid responses were received, showing a response rate of 16.2%.   

With a 95% reliability factor the data is to be true to a margin of error + / - 7.0%.  

To be deemed accurate a plus / minus percentage figure should be between 4% and 8%, this survey has scored +/- 7%, so would be deemed statistically accurate. This means that if the survey was repeated with the same methodology, the results would show within +/- 7% of those which are shown within the results of this survey.

The smaller the margin of error, the more confidence you may have in your results. The bigger the margin of error, the further they can stray from the views of the total population surveyed.

As part of the data cleansing process, we check IP addresses for no duplicates (the link from Smart Surveys is set up to only accept one response per IP address). We also check for duplicate responses to eradicate any duplicates. Following successful checking, no responses were removed as duplicates during this process.

We received 117 postal responses (63% of total responses) and 69 online responses (37% of total responses).  

Analysis

How many bedrooms does your current home have?

The majority of respondents stated that they were currently living in a property with 4 or more bedrooms (41%), then 3 bedroom (37%), 2 bedrooms (16%) and 1 bedroom (6%)

What type of home do you live in?

85% of respondents stated that they lived in a house, 11% stated that they lived in a flat/apartment, 3% bungalow and 1% stated “Other.” Their responses were:

• Barn conversion
• Annexe  

No respondents stated that they lived in a mobile home or static caravan / park home.

Do you...

• 40% of the respondents stated that they owned their home outright, with a further 37% stating that they owned their own home with a mortgage.  
• 1% (2 respondents) stated that they owned a shared ownership.
• 16% stated that they rent from a housing association
• 4% from a private landlord, and 1% stated they are lodging with friends or family.

Three respondents stated “Other” (1 %), one stated the following:

• Live within a trustees property
• Live in an annexe
• Live in a property my daughter owns  

Do any of the following apply to any members of your household?

This question is determined to find a local connection or need to live in the Parish due to immediate family or employment for example. This is line with the South Worcestershire Allocations Policy for the allocation of affordable homes.

One hundred and seventy (170) respondents stated that they currently live in the Parish of Dodderhill (91% of all respondents).

A further 7% of all respondents stated that they had employment within the parish, 2% stated that they cared for a family member in the parish and 13% of respondents stated that they also had immediate family living within the Parish.  

Households were able to select one than more local connection to the Parish.

Your Future Need

Are you or anyone in your household likely to need alternative housing?

Forty-one (41) households stated that they were looking for alternative accommodation within the next five years (22% of all respondents).

All of those respondents who stated that they wished to move in the next 5 years, did meet the local connection criteria of living in the Parish for 6 out of the last 12 months, or 3 out of the last 5 years.

What might prevent you from fulfilling your future need?

Respondents were able to select all options that applied.

• 58% stated that there is a lack of suitable properties
• 24% stated that they are not able to afford suitable properties
• 12% stated that they were saving to purchase a property
• 6% stated “Other” and provided the following responses: (1) medical need, (2) looking to move out of area and (3) cannot secure 2 bed accommodation with our current housing association.

Would you prefer to?  

• 27 households (67%) stated that they would like to buy on the open market
• 10 households (24%) stated that they would like to rent from a housing association
• 3 households (7%) stated that they would like to buy a shared ownership or discount market sales property
• 1 household (92%) stated that they would like to buy a starter home.

No responses were received anyone wishing to private rent, self-build or rent to buy.

What is your total gross annual household income?

• 7 households (21%) stated less than £20,000
• 8 households (25%) stated £20,000 to £29,999
• 2 households (6%) stated £30,000 to £39,999
• 3 households (9%) stated £40,000 to £49,999
• 6 households (18%) stated £50,000 to £59,999
• 7 households (21%) stated £60,000 or over

Eight (8) respondents did not wish to state their household income.

What deposit can you afford?

This question received responses only from those wishing to own their own home, through buying on the open market or affordable home ownership tenures.  

• 5 households (25%) stated £3,000 to £9,999
• 3 households (15%) stated £10,000 to £19,999
• 3 households (15%) stated £20,000 to £29,9999
• 1 household (5%) stated £40,000 to £49,999
• 8 households (40%) sated more than £50,000

Eight (8) respondents did not wish to state their household income.

What deposit can you afford?

This question received responses only from those wishing to own their own home, through buying on the open market or affordable home ownership tenures.  

• 5 households (25%) stated £3,000 to £9,999
• 3 households (15%) stated £10,000 to £19,999
• 3 households (15%) stated £20,000 to £29,9999
• 1 household (5%) stated £40,000 to £49,999
• 8 households (40%) sated more than £50,000

Eleven (11) respondents stated that they did not wish to state the amount of deposit they had available to them as a deposit.   

Five (5) respondents stated that they have under £10,000 deposit, and these responses are based on four (4) respondents wanting to purchase on the open market, and one (1) to buy a starter home. All five respondents stated that they were looking to purchase a home up to the value of £199,999.  

It must be noted that these respondents may have to consider another form of tenure to meet their affordability based on income and deposit.  Some high street lenders are offering a 5% deposit mortgage scheme.

If owner occupier accommodation including low-cost home ownership at what price range can you afford to purchase?

This question received responses only from those wishing to purchase their own home, through the open market, self-build, or affordable home ownership tenures.  

• 11 households (50%) up to £199,999
• 3 households (14%) stated £200,000 to £249,999
• 2 households (9%) stated £250,000 to £299,999
• 1 household (5%) stated £300,000 to £349,999
• 5 households (23%) stated £400,000 plus

Nine (9) respondents stated that they did not wish to state the amount that they could afford.

If rented accommodation is required, what amount can you afford to pay on a monthly basis? This was completed by those seeking rented accommodation only.

Rent from a Housing Association

• 3 households (30%) stated less than £400 per month
• 2 households (20%) stated £401 - £500 per month
• 2 households (20%) stated £501 - £600 per month
• 1 household (10%) stated £601 - £700 per month
• 2 households (20%) stated £801+ per month

Is your Parish….? Respondents were able to select all that applied to their household.

Respondents were asked if the parish was a nice place to live, 176 out of the 183 respondents (96%) stated that it was. Three (3) respondents did not provide an answer to the question.

• 72% of respondents stated it was a friendly Parish to live within
• 46% respondents stated that the Parish had a good community spirit
• 7% of respondents stated that they felt crime was an issue in the Parish
• 41% of respondents stated that they felt the Parish is a sought-after location
• 37% of respondents stated that they felt the Parish has a balanced and varied population

Over the past three years, do you feel that your parish has:

• The majority (60%) stated that the Parish had not changed in the last 3 years
• 30% stated they believed that the Parish had changed for the worse
• 10% felt that the Parish had changed for the better

How much of a problem is traffic congestion?

• 47% felt that it was a regular problem
• 40% stated it was an occassional problem
• 13% of respondents did not feel that traffic caused a problem

How much of a problem is parking?

• 45% felt that parking was not a problem
• 30% stated that they felt parking was an occasional problem
• 25% felt that parking was a regular problem

How much of a problem is speeding?

• 54% felt that parking was a regular problem
• 33% stated that they felt parking was an occasional problem
• 13% felt that parking was not a problem

What is access to public transport like in your parish?

• 54% stated that they believed public transport was regular
• 29% felt that there is no access to public transport
• 17% felt that there was irregular access to public transport

If regular public transport were available how often would you use it?

• 47% stated that they would never use public transport.
• 36% stated that if public transport was available that would sometimes use it
• 17% stated that if public transport was available they would use it frequently

Key Worker Accommodation

Do you meet the definition of a key worker?

Forty-five (45) households (24% stated that they met the definition of being a key worker.

What is your total gross annual household income (including all other benefits)?

• 6 households (17%) stated less than £20,000
• 7 households (20%) stated £20,000 to £29,999
• 2 households (6%) stated £30,000 to £39,999
• 1 household (3%) stated £40,000 to £49,999
• 8 households (23%) stated £50,000 to £59,999
• 11 households (31%) stated over £60,000

Ten respondents did not wish to state their household income.

Do you require alternative key worker accommodation in the future?

Three out of the forty five key workers (7%) said that they would need alternative accommodation in the future.

What type and size of accommodation do you require?

• 1 household required a 3 bed house, buy on the open market to a value of £250,000 to £299,999
• 1 household required a 2 bed house, to rent from a housing association (rent not defined)
• 1 household required a 2 bed house, to rent from a housing association for a monthly rental of £500 to £599 per month.

Affordable Housing

Would you support a small affordable housing development for local people in your parish or surrounding parishes?

Seventy-seven (77) households (41%) said that they would support affordable housing within their parish or the surrounding parishes. A further one hundred and nine (109) 59% stated that they would not support affordable housing.

How many houses do you feel would class as a small affordable housing development?

• 32 households (42%) stated 10 or less
• 21 households (27%) stated between 11 and 20 units
• 9 households (12%) stated between 21 and 30 units
• 15 households (19%) stated more than 30 units

Housing Register

As at 13 October 2021, Housing For You data showed that there were 1373 households registered with a banding which indicates that they have a local connection to the Wychavon District. These households have the following bedroom need:

1 bed – 715

2 bed – 402

3 bed – 193

4 bed – 58

5 bed – 5

As at 13 October 2021, there were 27 households registered with local connection to Dodderhill. These households had the following bedroom need:

1 bed – 11

2 bed – 12

3 bed – 4

Do you currently have a live housing application through Housing For You?

In total 9 households (5%) stated that they had a current application through Housing For You, the remaining 177 (95%) of respondents did not have a current application.

Community Led Housing

Would you support a Community Led Housing development for local people in the parish?

• 74 households (40%) stated that they would support Community Led Housing within the Parish
• 112 households (60%) stated that they would not support Community Led Housing within the Parish

What communal facilities would you like to see included in a development?

• 58 households (23%) said that they would like a garden
• 60 households (23%) stated that they would like car parking
• 10 households (4%) stated that they would like a guest flat
• 14 households (5%) stated that they would like an office or computer facilities
• 29 households (11%) stated that they would like washing / drying facilities
• 22 households (9%) stated that they would like cooking facilities
• 27 households (11%) stated that they would like an indoor area for social events
• 35 households (13%) stated that they would like wifi access
• 2 households (1%) stated “Other” and both stated “Shop.”

What involvement would like you like to have in the project?

• 2 households (10%) would like to be involved in project development
• 2 households (10%) would like to be involved in the design
• 1 household (5%) would like to be involved in construction
• 4 households (20%) would like to be involved in project management
• 1 household (5%) would like to be involved in the legal side of the process
• 2 households (10%) would like to be involved in financial advice / guidance
• 1 household (5%) would like to be involved in marketing / publicity
• 4 households (20%) would like to be involved in property maintenance
• 3 households (15%) would like to be involved in ongoing management after the project completion.
• 16 households stated that they were unsure if they would like to get involved.

Do you have any additional comments about Community Led Housing developments?

• Inadequate facilities at the moment, so insufficient to support such developments.
• We have too many houses already.
• The Parish over the past few years has had more than average housing development with zero infrastructure improvements.
• We do not need any more houses in Wychbold as there have been new estates built already
• No, there seems to be numerous places to rent in the area.
• The roads cannot cope with any more housing
• I do not agree with any housing developments on green belt land such as the Chateau Impney’s latest proposal as there have been far too many houses built in the Droitwich area over the past few years without the infrastructure being increased. No more houses until infrastructure is increased to the level it needs to be for the area.
• There is already enough affordable housing in Wychbold. Wychbold has grown massively over the past 20 years and there are very few employment opportunities or infrastructure. Wychbold consists almost entirely of housing. The fact that it is on junction 5 of the M5 means that far from encouraging sustainable modes of travel, Wychbold encourages people to hop onto the M5 in their cars for work purposes or clog up the A38 that runs through the locality. Community housing would be better placed in town centres where there is an abundance of vacant premises which could be converted and much better local job opportunities and infrastructure, making car usage largely unnecessary.
• I consider that the Parish has ample Community Led housing
• Do not want land built on, area needs to remain green and ensure facilities not overrun and keep its village status. There is enough housing currently.
• In favour of mixed tenancy/tenure developments, not solely for social rent. We already have too many social rented housing in the area of Wychbold
• The one at Bradley Green looks interesting but I would prefer somewhere near to local facilities and not in the countryside.
• Too many houses already in the area. Lots of new houses and lots of houses built that are being used for Air BNB.
• Wychbold has already been over developed. The infrastructure isn’t there to support more housing.
• There would appear to be plentiful community housing already within the village with new stock added in the two recent developments
• Some people who have lived here for a long time are not welcoming to new residents and affordable homes.
• Use homes already in existence before building more and using green space
• If it was along the lines of a retirement village, like the Bromford Housing and Mcarthey and Stone, are strong examples and would free up family housing.
• Wychbold is overpopulated and roads cannot cope, nor can the schools or the doctors.
• I think we have had enough development over the last 3 years
• Infrastructure for schools, doctors, roads to accommodate extra traffic. As long as proper infrastructure is put in place before house building starts. When work started on Weston Hall Road, traffic was awful.
• We have enough new homes in our area which already cause traffic issues and parking problems. We cannot sustain any more development.
• No, this village has become too full of affordable housing. When will enough be enough?
• They lead to more traffic and parking problems.
• Our village is already overpopulated as a village and losing its identity. We also support all ages for social housing right through to bungalows and residential care facilities for the elderly. The village has more than doubled in size and no further facilities doctors etc.
• Need more council houses and less private houses

About the Parish of Dodderhill    

Ward Profile

The Parish of Dodderhill includes the following parishes:

• Dodderhill
• Upton Warren

The total population is 2484, split by 1403 male and 1445 female.

The total population is split 22.3% as under 20, 58.2% aged between 20 and 64 and over 65, 19.5%.

The Parish of Dodderhill has increased by 396 people (+16.2%) between 2011 and 2018.

The housing tenure is split by:

• 324 (33%) homes owned outright
• 406 (42%) homes owned with a mortgage
• 83 (8%) homes which are rented privately
• 152 (15%) homes are rental at an affordable rent
• 22 (2%) are listed as “Other.”

This data is relating to the 2011 Census

The housing type is split by:

• 440 detached homes (43%)
• 286 semi detached homes (28%)
• 178 terraced homes (17%)
• 115 flat/maisonette (11%)
• 10 caravan / mobile home (1%)

This data is relating to the 2011 Census

Housing Market

We assessed the properties purchased on the open market within the Parish of Dodderhill.  

Purchases on the open market in Dodderhill

Within the last 12 months, twenty-one (21) properties have been sold. The average price of these properties sold within the previous 12-month period is £272,857.14. This is slightly lower than the ward profile average of £316,795.00

The property prices ranged from £164,000.00 to £480,000.00.   

Currently on the market

When looking at properties for sale in Dodderhill (within 1 mile of the Parish), as of the 15 October  2021l, 3 properties were listed for sale, with a maximum value of £395,000 and minimum value of £250,000. This provides an average house price of £323,333.33 This is much higher than the average ward sales price of £316,795.00.

Properties available ranged from 4-bedroom house, to a 1 bedroomed cottage.    

Private Rental

When looking at properties for rent in Dodderhill (Within 1 mile of the Parish), as of the 15 October, the following two properties were available. One being a 4 bed semi detached property for £1000 per month and a one bed retirement property for £640 per month.

Conclusion

The survey received a response rate of 16.2% showing a margin of error to 95% as + / - 7.0%.

It is possible that not all residents with a housing need will have responded, although a paper survey was sent to all households within the Parish. A copy of this can be seen in Appendix One.

The survey has identified forty-one (41) households stated that they were looking for alternative accommodation within the next five years (22% of respondents). Of these:

• Twenty-seven (27) stated that they would buy on the open market
• Ten (10) would rent from a housing association
• One (1) stated they would buy a starter home
• Three (3) stated that they would like to purchase a discount market sales or shared ownership property

Three keyworkers confirmed that they would require additional housing:

• 1 x 3 bed house, buy on the open market, with a budget of £250,000 to £299,999.
• 1 x 2 bed house, rent from a housing association (no monthly rental amount disclosed)
• 1 x 2 bed house, rent from a housing association, with rent of £500 - £599 a month

For a full breakdown of the housing requirements by tenure and bedroom need, please request a copy of the full report from the Housing Strategy and Enabling Team by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Apply for energy support if you do not get it automatically on the Government's website.

Alternative Fuels Payment

If your household is not connected to the mains gas grid and you use tank or bottle gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), oil, wood or solid fuel as your main form of heating, then you may qualify for an Alternative Fuels Payment of £200. But hurry as the deadline to apply is 31 May 2023.

Apply for an Alternative Fuels Payment on the Government's website.

Energy Bills Rebate

We have paid out more than £6 million as part of the Energy Bills Rebate scheme to households in Council Tax bands A to D and to households in bands E and above that met the qualifying criteria. Everyone eligible should have received their payment by now, either directly into their bank account or as a reduction in their Council Tax bill. If you have a query about the Energy Bills Rebate please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with Energy Bills Rebate in the subject line or if you do not have access to email call 03004 560560.

Help with energy bills

Act on Energy has money available to support people in certain circumstances with their energy costs. To find out more follow the link or call the Act on Energy free advice line on 0800 988 2881.

Talk to your energy supplier if you are struggling to pay. Certain energy suppliers offer grants to customers to help with their bills.

You can also read our energy saving tips to help cut back on your energy use and save money.

The British Gas Energy Trust supports both British Gas Customers and non-British gas customers to clear energy bills debt. Find out more about grants from the British Gas Energy Trust.

If you receive the guaranteed credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income with high energy bills, then find out if you qualify for the Warm Homes discount. 

Information on energy bills support for people living in a park home, houseboat, off-grid or paying electricity as rent, can be found on the Government's website.

Other sources of additional financial support with energy bills can be found on the Government's website:

• Warm Home Discount Scheme information
• Cold Weather Payment: Overview
• Winter Fuel Payment: Overview
• Cost of Living Payment information

Free home energy efficiency improvements

We are offering to fund energy efficiency improvement work costing up to £25,000 for households with a combined income of £30,000 or less and living in a property with an Energy Efficiency Rating of D or below.

Find out more about free energy efficiency improvements from Wychavon.

Making your home more energy efficient

If you can afford to do so, another way of potentially cutting your energy bills is to improve the insulation of your home or install renewable technology like solar panels. If you do not qualify for help under Wychavon's scheme, then you may still be able to get help from other sources.

The Government is providing funding up until 2025 to replace your boiler with a greener alternative that, depending on your circumstances, could also save you money long-term. The scheme offers £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump or a biomass boiler or £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump.

Act on Energy can offer you advice on what energy efficiency grants you qualify for. You can also find out more about the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme on their website.

The Government has also announced its £1 billion ECO+ scheme. This will fund energy efficiency measures, such as insulation, for those on low incomes living in some of the least energy efficient homes and in lower Council Tax bands. The scheme will run from April 2023 until March 2026. We will update this page with more information when we have it.

Use the Government's energy efficiency calculator to find out how much it would cost to upgrade your home.

Information on how to use central heating controls effectively

Knowing how to use your heating controls effectively could save you money. Quick videos are guides are available using the links below. If you’re still unsure, you can search online for your boiler/heating controls manual for more information. Simply search for the the manufacturer and model to find the manual.

• Watch a video on how to use your gas, LPG and oil boiler heating system controls efficiently
• Watch how to use your room and radiator thermostats efficiently
• Read a guide on how to control your central heating system
• Read an explanation of your heating controls

Help with water bills

Severn Trent offers a reduction on its bills to customers with a household income below £18,278. Other schemes are also available

Find out more about support paying your water bill from Severn Trent or call them directly on 0345 7500 500.

Help with broadband and mobile phone bills

If you struggling to afford your broadband or mobile phone bill, and are you are receiving certain government benefits, you may be able to get a lower cost broadband or mobile phone package, known as a social tariff.

View social tariff broadband and mobile phone offers on the Ofcom website.

Help accessing food

If you are struggling to afford food then please visit the Worcestershire Community Services Directory which can direct you to support available. Additional support is available during the school summer holidays for children receiving free school meals and vulnerable families. Go to the next section on this page information.

Your local food bank may be able to help provide you with an emergency food parcel but you will need to be referred. If you can’t afford food then please call the Trussell Trust’s free helpline on 0808 208 2138 to talk to a trained Citizens Advice adviser. They will talk you through the issues you are facing, provide support and issue you with a food bank voucher if needed.

Community pantries fridges and larders operate in Droitwich Spa, Evesham and Pershore. They offer free or low cost food to people, regardless of their situation, and unlike food banks, you do not need to be referred. The aim of many of these is to stop as much food as possible from going to waste. Find out where they are located and opening times by clicking on the links below.

Droitwich area:

• Droitwich CVS are able to make referrals to Droitwich Spa Food Bank which is open on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons. Please visit Droitwich CVS Website or call into the office at The Old Library Centre, 65 Ombersley Street East, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire WR9 8QS or Tel 01905 779115.
• Moving Forward is a Droitwich CVS project based at Westlands Community Hall, Meadow Way, Westlands, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire  WR9 9BF and can also make referrals to Droitwich Spa Food Bank. A Community Fridge is also operated by Moving Forward and is open Monday and Friday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. No referral is needed. For more information about the Community Fridge or for a food bank voucher please visit the Moving Forward Westlands Community Fridge web page or call 07562 009906.
• Droitwich Community Pantry and Fridge - Visit Droitwich Community Pantry and Fridge Facebook page - Droitwich Baptist Church, Ombersley Street East, WR9 8QS - 07546 553835 - No referral required

Evesham area:

• Visit Caring Hands Food Bank & Food Pantry website - The Lighthouse, Vine Court, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 2RE - 07749 377473 – The Food Bank requires referral, the food pantry does not require a referral
• Visit Evesham Adventure Playground Pantry & Lunches website - Evesham Adventure Playground, Woodlands, Evesham WR11 1XH - 01386 442154 - No referral required
• Visit All Saints Food Bank website - Church House Market Place, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 4RW - 01386 442213 - No referral required
• Visit Wallace House Community Larder Website – Wallace House Community Centre, Oat Street, Evesham, WR11 4PJ – 01386 446580 – No Referral Required

Pershore area:

• Pershore Community Cupboard - Pershore Baptist Church, Broad Street, Pershore, WR10 1AY - 01386 556088 – No referral required

School holiday food and activities

Please visit Worcestershire County Council's Holiday Activities and Food page for more information.

Help with childcare costs

Over a million families in the UK are entitled to support with the costs of childcare from the government, but many are missing out because the childcare providers in their area haven’t signed up to accept the various offers.

See if you qualify for help with childcare costs on the Childcare Choices website.

Welfare Assistance Scheme

The scheme aims to assist vulnerable people where extraordinary circumstances have left them unable to meet their immediate welfare needs, and they require help to maintain their independence or where assistance is required with re-settling into the community.

All applicants fairly and equitably, with full consideration given to their circumstances. Consideration will be given to the nature, extent, and urgency of the need in every case where an application for assistance is made. The scheme will signpost applicants to alternative sources of support where possible to protect the remaining funds for residents in the greatest need.

The fund is limited, and not all eligible applicants will be successful, for example if there is no further funding available for the financial year.

A summary of the changes are below:

Pre 2024/25	Post 2024/25
Resettlement Support (homeless customers only)  £80 furniture grant  Under Counter Fridge & Microwave	Resettlement Support:  Deposit Loans Rent in Advance Essential White Goods Essential Furniture & Starter Packs
	Crisis Assistance: Foodbank Referrals Emergency Food Vouchers Emergency Energy Vouchers Essential Furniture Essential White Goods Help with Rent Arrears

The pdf Wychavon District Discretionary Welfare Assistance Scheme (DWAS) document (416 KB) sets out the eligibility criteria, which is applied when assessing applications for support.

Applications are now by online form or via telephone appointment with customer services.

DWAS Application form

Household Support Fund

We are working with 17 local organisations to distribute the Government’s Household Support Fund. The current fund runs until the end of September 2024. This is aimed at providing essential goods and services to support households. The funding is being distributed locally to support charities to provide food and white goods, fuel vouchers and direct support to families to help reduce poverty through advice and information.

If you need help, contact your local volunteer centre for more information.

Droitwich Spa CVS – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01905 779115.

Evesham Volunteer Centre – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01386 570530.

Pershore Volunteer Centre – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01386 554299.

Low-cost furniture

Roundabout is a furniture reuse charity near Evesham that offers good quality used furniture at affordable prices. If you meet the qualifying criteria you can be referred to Roundabout for free basic furniture to meet your needs by our housing team or another referral agency, such as Worcestershire County Council and South Worcestershire Citizens’ Advice.

Find out more about Roundabout reuse furniture charity.

Advice to help you manage your money

Create a budget

Creating a budget will help you live within your means and avoid getting into debt with loans and credit cards. A budget is a financial plan which lists the money coming into your household (income) against the money going out (expenses). It will also help you work out what you need to spend money on and what you want to spend money on.

To work out a budget for your household follow the steps below:

1. List your monthly income
2. List your recurring monthly expenses
3. Take away your expenses from your income

If your expenses are more than your income, work out how to cut unnecessary spending. You can then develop a savings plan if there is any money left over.

Use the Money Advice Service's online budget planner.

Tips to help you manage your money

• Keep track of your spending. Only spend money you have and avoid getting into debt.
• Plan ahead and protect against unexpected costs or events. Save money if you can.
• Make informed choices. Pay the bills you must pay first (rent/mortgage, Council Tax, living costs).
• Control your spending. Make sure you only buy the important things and don’t buy anything you don’t need. Keep a spending diary.
• Use price comparison websites and switching services to get the best deals on things like your gas and electricity supply, your phone contract and your weekly food shop.
• When you are food shopping, make a shopping list and stick to it.
• Understand what might happen if you lost your job or you got into debt.
• Renegotiate credit card repayments/loan repayments to reduce your monthly out-goings or pay more if you can afford it.
• Do not borrow money from payday lenders with excessive interest rates or Loan Sharks. Try a credit union instead. Visit sixtowns website for more information.
• Look at ways of increasing your income. Sell things you don’t need, check you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to, look for new work or development opportunities with your existing employer.
• Look at ways to cut your expenses. Shop around for the best deals, cook your own food and eat what you buy. The average family household throws £700 of food away every year. Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website for help

Debt advice and other financial support

If you are worried about your finances, then seek help as soon as possible. You can access money and debt guidance for free.

Money Helper UK provides guidance based upon individual circumstances and help to find support in your area.

On the Money Helper UK website you will find information on

• What issues individuals need to deal with first
• Ways of staying on top of bills
• How to find extra support
• Where to get extra help

You can also get help locally.

Call South Worcestershire Citizens’ Advice Adviceline on 03444 111 303.

Call the Government backed Money Advice Service for free and impartial advice on 0800 138 7777.

The Cost of Living Campaign website is a government run scheme with links to a range of support with housing, transport and general living costs.

Worcestershire Here 2 Help offers advice on money matters and other topics. You can also make a request for help to them and they will refer you to an organisation that can offer you support.

The Money Saving Expert Cost of Living Survival Guide has been put together by money saving expert Martin Lewis and his team and includes a range of basic and practical tips to help you during this challenging time.

Credit Unions

Credit Unions are an alternative to high street banks. They are not-for-profit organisations created to support their members rather than shareholders. They can be used by anyone and offer a range of services including current accounts, savings accounts, Christmas saving accounts and loans.

They are a welcome alternative to pay day lenders and loan sharks which we advise you to avoid using.

There are two Credit Unions that offer services to people living and working in Worcestershire. 

• Visit Six Towns website
• Visit Castle and Crystal website

Loan sharks

Have you ever been offered a cash loan? Did they fail to give you paperwork? Did they add huge amounts of interest to your loan? Have they threatened you? Are you scared of people finding out? Have they taken your bank card, benefit card, passport, watch or other valuables from you?

If you answered yes to any of those questions then you could have borrowed money from an illegal money lender, more commonly known as a loan shark. You are not alone. It is estimated  310,000 people across the UK are in debt to illegal money lenders. We support the work of the national Illegal Money Lending Team to raise awareness of what loan sharks are, support victims and direct people to safe and legal alternatives.

If you suspect a loan shark you can report in confidence by calling 0300 555 2222, text 078600 22116 or use the online form on the stop load sharks website

If your income is low, you have a poor credit rating or you only need a small amount for a short period of time then there are alternatives to loan sharks that are legal and safe, such as a Credit Union. If you are in debt and struggling then please seek financial advice.

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s services

Free Home Energy Checks

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s skilled and professional Home Support Team can provide, practical advice and support with making your home more energy efficient. From this assessment they can then install free energy efficient equipment such as:

• Insulation foam for doors and windows
• Letter box seals
• External door brush seals
• Under door internal & round the door draught excluders
• Radiator panels
• Night lights
• Selection of energy efficient light bulbs
• Hot water cylinder jackets
• Chimney pillows
• Remote controls for sockets
• Cold alarms.

If you satisfy any of the following eligibility criteria, then please contact the Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire referral hub on 0800 008 6077 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to organise your visit:

• Over 50
• Long term health condition
• Disability
• Carer

To book your visit, contact the Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire Referral hub on 0800 008 6077 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount is available for people on certain benefits and can result in £150 being deducted from your energy bills.

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire can provide information and check your eligibility for this scheme to ensure that you are maximising your entitlement to support.

Contact the Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire Referral hub on 0800 008 6077 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.

Benefit and Entitlement Checks

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire can ensure that your household is maximising its income and are receiving all entitled benefits. As part of this, they can complete benefit calculations to identify any potential income and support you with any benefit applications.

Last year, Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire identified and supported older adults across the two counties in claiming over £1 million worth of benefits.

Contact the Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire Referral hub on 0800 008 6077 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Information and advice drop-in clinics

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire hold free and impartial information & advice clinics within the local community where you can speak directly with a friendly and trained advisor.

They can provide guidance and support regarding a number of different issues such as benefits/income, later life planning, navigating care options and much more.

Drop in to one of the Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire clinics across Wychavon:

Droitwich Clinic

Location: Droitwich Library, Victoria Square, Droitwich, WR9 8DQ When: Every third Monday of the month – 10.30am-12.30pm

Pershore Clinic

Location: Pershore Wellbeing Hub, 4 High Street, Pershore, WR10 1BG When: Every 2nd Friday of the month – 10am – 12.30pm

Evesham Clinic

Location: Wallace House Community Centre, Oat Street, Evesham, WR11 4PJ When: Every 2nd Monday of the month – 9.30am – 12pm

‘Pay what you can’ at Droitwich Dementia Meeting Centre

The Droitwich Dementia Meeting Centre offers on-going warm and friendly expert support to people with mild to moderate dementia and their families.

As well as providing a social hub for members to have fun and talk, Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire Meeting Centres are based on researched evidence of what helps people cope well and adjust to living with the symptoms and changes that dementia brings.

As a response to the current cost of living crisis, Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be asking members to pay only what they can for their attendance from January until the end of March. All the funds raised will go towards the running costs and continuously improving the experience for Dementia Centre members.

To learn more, contact the Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire Referral hub on 0800 008 6077 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Visit the Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s services website for full services available.

If you are looking for an affordable home to buy or rent, then you can view all of the social housing options across South Worcestershire on our Housing For You scheme.

The scheme allows you to search and bid for suitable properties on our Choice Based Lettings Scheme. Properties are advertised by Registered Providers on a weekly basis.

Housing For You is an online system which means you need to apply online, using a computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone. If you do not have access to the internet; libraries in our local areas have computers with internet access that you can use you may need to contact your local library to book in advance.

You can also call the Housing Options Team on 01386 565 000 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  and we will help you to apply.

 Make your application on the Housing for You website 

We do not own any properties, they are all owned by Registered Providers who allocate homes based on the South Worcestershire Allocations Policy. This policy makes sure people are allocated their home fairly, based on how quickly they need to move.  pdf Read South Worcestershire Allocations Policy (3.60 MB) .

We review our policy regularly to make sure it is fair and meets the needs of people who live in the area. Our latest policy review was in August 2020 and we gave people the opportunity to talk to us about the changes we wanted to make.