Our anniversary celebrations took place in March at Brize Meadow - our largest ongoing housing development between Brize Norton and Carterton. This also marked the start of a new chapter as we welcomed new Board Chair Anne and said farewell to outgoing Chair Andrew Hall after seven years (both pictured below). Customers and partners joined us to reflect over the past 25 years and look to the future together. Since being established in 2001 following the transfer of 3,643 homes from West Oxfordshire District Council, Cottsway has grown significantly, delivering more than 2,300 new affordable homes and increasing the number of homes we own and manage by around 65%. At year end, we were close to reaching our 6,000th home milestone. To mark the anniversary, we've added an extra £25,000 to our Community Fund for 2026-27, enabling us to support more projects and customers. We'll also be working with a local community to plant new trees.
Since being established in 2001 following the transfer of 3,643 homes from West Oxfordshire District Council, Cottsway has grown significantly, delivering more than 2,300 new affordable homes and increasing the number of homes we own and manage by around 65%. At year end, we were close to reaching our 6,000th home milestone.
To mark the anniversary, we've added an extra £25,000 to our Community Fund for 2026–27, enabling us to support more projects and customers. We'll also be working with a local community to plant new trees.
In the lead up to taking over as Chair on 1 April 2026, Anne has been meeting customers, visiting homes and developments, and talking to our Scrutiny Group. She believes everyone deserves a safe, secure and decent home, and says one of the most rewarding moments in social housing is handing someone the keys to their first home.
For Anne, being a landlord that people trust and choose is vital: one that listens to customers, keeps homes safe and well maintained, and is committed to supporting strong communities. She's excited to join Cottsway and get to know more of the customers and communities we serve.