Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Sheltered housing

What is sheltered housing?

Sheltered housing is accommodation designed specifically for men and women over the age of 60, although some schemes do considered applicants aged 55 and over.

The accommodation consists of flats and bed-sits, which are fully self-contained with their own front door and are all centrally heated. They are designed to meet the older person’s needs but also allow you to live independently. Occasionally bungalows become available however this is very infrequent.

What does sheltered housing offer?

• Regular visits by a mobile scheme manager
• A 24-hour emergency link to a community alarm
• A communal lounge, usually with a small kitchen, and can be used for most social functions, including private parties when agreed with the scheme manager
• Laundry room with automatic washing machine and tumble dryer for your use
• Furnished guestroom for short stay visitors at a reasonable charge, ideal for family or friend who live out of the area
• Maintained gardens, however tenant participation is welcomed
• Concessionary TV license is available in certain circumstances
• Social committee elected by residents to arrange social evenings.   

Costs

The cost of all communal facilities, cleaning of communal areas, garden maintenance and salary of the scheme manager are all included in your rent, which is called a ‘service charge’. If you are entitled to housing benefit to help pay your rent, the service charge counts as part of your rent. The only exception to this is where the heating and hot water is provided in your home as part of the service charge and housing benefit does not cover that part of the charge. You will still have your own bills to pay for any gas or electricity of any other services that you use in your own flat.