Council Tax Guide 2014/15

YOUR GUIDE To local Council spending and Council Tax 2014 - 2015

www.bathnes.gov.uk

Foreword

Contacting the Council Council Tax and Benefits For Council Tax enquiries including benefits, exemptions and discounts: l Visit www.bathnes.gov.uk and follow the links to Council Tax and Benefits l Email us about your Council Tax: counciltax@bathnes.gov.uk l Email us about Benefits: benefits@bathnes.gov.uk l Tel: 01225 47 77 77 (during office hours) Fax: 01225 47 78 09 l Post: Customer Services, PO Box 2797, Bath, BA1 1WF l Visit us in person at Council Connect.

Reporting suspicions of benefit fraud All reports are treated confidentially. Call us on 01225 47 77 77 (during office hours) or the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440. You can also email: investigations@bathnes.gov.uk

Council Connect Report It online – use our web form to report issues about litter, graffiti, broken paving slabs, missed waste collections, abandoned vehicles and more.

Go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit You can also contact us by phone or email with enquiries relating to waste, recycling, transport, roads, general planning applications and libraries. This service is available Monday - Friday, with some self-service options out of hours.

Tel: 01225 39 40 41 Text (SMS): 07797 80 65 45 Twitter: @ccbathnes Email: councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/contactus In person Most of the above services are available at Council Connect in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton. Opening times of our offices may vary. Please visit www.bathnes. gov.uk/contactus or call 01225 39 40 41 for more information.

This publication can be made available in a range of languages, large print, Braille, on tape, electronic and accessible formats from the Communications & Marketing Team on 01225 477495 or email communications_marketing@bathnes.gov.uk

Welcome to your Council Tax Guide and Services Directory for 2014/15.

Dear Resident Bath & North East Somerset Council is striving to deliver excellent services to local people and make our area the place to live, invest, and visit in the UK. This is a challenging target given the national economic downturn, demographic change and increasing demand for our services. It requires us to manage our finances sensibly on behalf of local taxpayers.

We have a good track record of balancing our budgets and not over-committing on our spending plans.

The second year of our three year budget plan reflects what matters most for local people as we plan for an area which offers opportunity and positive lives for everyone. In putting people first and communities at the heart of everything we do, our priorities are: l Protecting services to the public; l No increases in Council Tax; l Investing in homes and jobs; You can find more information about our priorities at www.bathnes.gov.uk/budget2014 Whilst the Council does all it can in partnership with the private sector and other Government agencies to create new places to live and work through investment in our communities, we will not forget how important it is to support the most vulnerable people and families to improve the quality of their lives.

The Council values the views of local people when making decisions about the services we provide. We listen and act upon the things residents tell us are important. If you have any views about what services we should make a priority, or improving services at lower cost I’d be keen to hear them by writing to me at the Guildhall or emailing paul_crossley@ bathnes.gov.uk

Cllr Paul Crossley, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Follow me on Twitter: @BathnesLeader

Photography courtesy of Bath News and Media Group 2

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Go Digital in 2014/15 If you are accessing this Guide, you are probably doing so via www.bathnes.gov.uk Over the coming years, even more information and services will become available digitally; there are already many ways in which you can access Council information and services – 2014/15 really is the year to Go Digital.

There is lots of information about our services at www.bathnes.gov.uk

1. Report It – people can report all manner of issues like missed waste collections, potholes, litter grot spots, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, and broken street lights quickly and conveniently.

Website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit 2. Get Tweeting – access and share the latest news and information, or use Twitter to get in contact with Council Connect instantly. Share your photos and experiences instantly.

Tweet us: @ccbathnes to get in touch with Council Connect Follow us: @bathnes for News, Events, Information

4. Email & Text SMS – Contact Council Connect 24 hours a day with reports, concerns, and issues – you can also obtain information about services like local libraries, public transport and waste facilities.

Email: councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk Text SMS: 0779 7806545 5. What’s On – Find out about the latest events going on in your community all year round and add them completely free of charge.

Website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/events 6. View Planning and Licensing Applications – anybody can view planning and licensing applications in their communities online swiftly and easily. Can’t find what you are looking for? Email or Text SMS Council Connect.

Website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/planningapps www.bathnes.gov.uk/licensingapps 7. View Cabinet Meetings Live – Watch Council meetings live via computer, tablet or smartphone, from the comfort of your own home.

Watch the latest meeting www.bathnes.gov.uk/webcast.

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Access services on the move!

You can access www.bathnes.gov.uk via a mobile website on your phone or tablet computer. Our website will detect what gadget you are using and automatically switch to a mobile site specially designed for mobile devices. Alternatively, you can bookmark the mobile site on www.m.bathnes.gov.uk

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3. Pay for it – 24 hours, pay online payment service for Council Tax, Business Rates, Council Invoices, Commercial Rent, Mortgages, PCN - Penalty Charge Notices, Annual Garden Waste subscriptions, FPN Fixed Penalty Notices and Business Improvement District bills.

Website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/pay 4

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Contents

Council Tax information

Council Tax information.......................................................7 What if your circumstances change?....................................8 Council Tax appeals.............................................................9 Your Council Tax bill explained..........................................10 Living within your means - delivering value for money......12 Why spending has increased/decreased.............................13 Reserves & Council debt...................................................13 Where each £1 of your Council Tax will go in 2014/15......15 Summary of average Band D charge..................................15 Further information............................................................15 Parish & Town Councils - Precepts....................................16 Services Directory.............................................................18 Environment Agency South West Region...........................23 Avon & Somerset Police....................................................24 Avon Fire Authority............................................................26

Some Council spending is financed by Central Government and the balance is raised through the collection of Council Tax. The money we collect goes towards the cost of services provided by the Council, Avon & Somerset Police Authority, Avon Fire Authority and Parish and Town Councils.

Your Council Tax bill is the legal notice that details the amount you need to pay.

Could you reduce your Council Tax bill?

The following sections provide an introduction to Council Tax discounts, exemptions and other help available to reduce your bill. Get in touch with Customer Services if you need more advice. Our contact details are provided on page 2.

Council Tax discounts Your Council Tax bill is based on two or more adults living in a property. If you are the only adult living in your home, your bill may be reduced by 25%.

There are also some people we don’t ‘count’ when looking at the number of adults in a property. A discount may apply if someone who lives with you is:

This document is published on the Council’s website at www.bathnes.gov.uk Bath & North East Somerset Council will not use or disclose your Council Tax information for a purpose that falls outside the limits of its statutory responsibility, unless you give your consent. The only exception to this is where the disclosure of Council Tax information is required or permitted by law.

l

a full-time student

l

in prison

l

a person who is severely mentally impaired

l

a care worker, depending on certain conditions

l

an 18 - 19 year old school leaver

l

a religious community member

l

a member of visiting Forces

Published by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Print Services, Dartmouth Avenue, Oldfield Park, Bath BA2 1AS DP 3716 03/14 SC

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From 1 April 2014, the Government is introducing a new discount for family annexes.

If you have an annexe which is lived in by a family member, a 50% discount can be applied to the Council Tax bill for that annexe from 1 April 2014.

This new discount is based on occupation of the annexe by a resident of the main building, or by a family member. If a non-family member occupies the annexe the discount will not apply.

Property & student exemptions Some properties are classed as ‘exempt’ and this means that you will not have to pay any Council Tax. For example this includes: l a granny annexe occupied by a dependant relative over 65 l properties occupied wholly by students l properties left unoccupied, under certain circumstances.

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Council Tax appeals By law, you must continue to pay your Council Tax as normal until your appeal has been resolved. You can appeal if you think that: l l

Council Tax reductions for people with disabilities

Help paying Council Tax for people on a low income

Do you, or someone who lives with you, need extra space in your property to meet the special needs arising from a disability? For example, you might qualify for a reduction if this included using a wheelchair indoors, or needing an extra room, bathroom or kitchen.

If you’re on a low income, you might be entitled to some help towards paying your Council Tax. Council Tax Support reduces the amount you have to pay and is taken straight off your bill. To apply, you’ll need to give us information about your income and any savings, and details about the people who live with you.

What if your circumstances change?

If your bill shows you are receiving a discount or you apply in the future, any change in your circumstances could affect your entitlement. You have a legal duty to tell us within 21 days, or you may incur a penalty charge. This authority is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes. For further information, see the Council’s website (www.bathnes.gov.uk under National Fraud Initiative) or contact the Information Compliance Manager.

Paying your Council Tax – 12 month option If you haven’t already asked us to spread your payments over 12 months, your annual Council Tax bill will automatically have been broken down into 10 monthly instalments, payable between April and January. You now have the option to ask us to spread your payments over 12 months instead of 10. If you wish to take up the option of 12 monthly instalments, please write to Customer Services (see page 2). The number of instalments you pay will depend on when we receive your request to extend your payments.

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we have made a mistake in the calculation of your Council Tax bill you think that you are not liable to pay the bill

In these cases, please write to Customer Services (see page 2).

If you disagree with the valuation banding for your property, you need to contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Their contact details are provided on the right.

The grounds of appeal are restricted to specific circumstances.

More information about valuation bands and when you can appeal are available at www.bathnes.gov.uk in the Council Tax section.

For further information and appeals about valuation bands contact: The Listing Officer, Council Tax West, Overline House, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, SO15 1GW Telephone: 03000 501 501.

Council Tax valuation bands The amount of Council Tax you pay depends on your property band, which is included on your bill. The VOA, which is part of H.M. Revenue & Customs, puts every property into one of eight valuation bands according to its open market value at 1 April 1991.

All the bands are shown in the table below: Valuation band

Ranges of values

Proportion of Band D

A

Up to and including £40,000

6/9

B

£40,001 - £52,000

7/9

C

£52,001 - £68,000

8/9

D

£68,001 - £88,000

1

E

£88,001 - £120,000

11/9

F

£120,001 - £160,000

13/9

G

£160,001 - £320,000

15/9

H

More than £320,000

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Your Council Tax bill explained This is the number you need to quote when making a payment or contacting us about your Council Tax account Name of liable person(s)

Council Tax Bill 2014-2015 CS596677 Face

Customer Services, PO Box 2797, Bath, BA1 1WF Telephone: 01225 47 77 77 Web: www.bathnes.gov.uk 1234567890

Account Number

Date of Issue

Date your Council Tax bill was issued

14th March 2014

Property for which bill is due if different from the correspondence address:

MR A SAMPLE 1 ANY STREET ANY DISTRICT ANY TOWN BA1 XX2

MR A SAMPLE 1 ANY STREET ANY DISTRICT ANY TOWN BA1 XX2

Billing address C

Your property has been valued in Band

The general charge by the Council - this is the amount which the Council needs to raise from the Council Tax in order to provide its main services Charge set by Avon Fire Authority Charge set by a Parish or Town Council - if you live in a parish or town area, your Parish or Town Council may issue an amount to finance its expenditure

Reason for Bill

How the tax is arrived at for your band

Amount for 2014/2015 %change £ from 2013/2014

Bath & North East Somerset Bath & North East Somerset Combined Fire Authority Combined Fire Authority Town/Parish of Town/Parish of Avon Somerset Police Avon& & Somerset Police

£879.48 £5.16 £43.32 £116.75 £1044.71

0.0 5.7 0.0 0.0 0.0

YOUR COUNCIL TAX BILL IS MADE UP AS FOLLOWS:-

Charge for period Band C Less Void Property Relief

01-Apr-2014 01-Apr-2014

31-Mar-2015 31-Mar-2015

£1044.71 -£1044.71

Charge set by Avon & Somerset Police Authority Charge for the year Details of any exemptions or discounts you are receiving Notes to inform you of any credits or debit from previous financial years

The Council Tax Band for your property which is set by the Valuation Office Agency

Total due for the year before any reductions for discounts or exemptions The adjustments made as a result of any exemptions or discounts

Total amount payable AMOUNT PAYABLE BY YOU £

£00.00

If this bill shows you are receiving a discount or you apply in the future, please read the important message overleaf.

INSTALMENT DETAILS As at 22-Feb-2014 your 2013/2014 Council Tax a/c is in credit by This has reduced your 2014/2015 account to leave a balance of The credit from 2013/2014 has been used to reduce your 2014/2015 instalments First instalment due 01-Apr-2014 9 other instalments due on 01-May 2014 to 01-Jan 2015 Instalments to be paid by: Cash Payments Monthly

Dates of instalments

12 month payment option – see overleaf for details.

Method of payment

10

Address of property if different from billing address

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Number of instalments and amounts due

-98.50 19.03 1 x 1.03 9 x 2.00

Please Note: This is a fictitious Council Tax bill made up for explanatory purposes

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Why spending has increased/decreased

Living within your means – delivering value for money The following information shows where every £1 of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Council Tax is spent. This is based on net spend after deducting income generated by services and grants including the dedicated schools grant.

Children’s Services 23.7p The Council ensures school places for around 25,000 pupils in 78 schools and Academies locally and funds home to school transport and support services for schools. Funds and provides youth services and children’s centre services plus social care and support for 750 of the most vulnerable young people.

Adult Social Services 44.1p Each year Adult Social Services provides around 2,200 care packages for elderly and disabled people, supports 1,100 people to use our Personal Budget programme giving them choice over their care, and home improvement services to around 2,000 people.

lighting, winter gritting and traffic signals. We also improve network safety and manage public rights of way.

Transport, Planning & Economic Development 4.6p Over 50 supported bus services, around 7,000 parking spaces, three Park & Ride sites. Deal with around 3,000 Planning & Listed Building Applications each year. Development of the planning policies and visions for Bath, Keynsham and Radstock / Midsomer Norton.

Housing & Environmental Services 6.2p

We provide a weekly kerbside collection of domestic food waste, small electricals and other recyclables, a fortnightly collection of garden waste and a weekly collection of general waste. We run three Recycling Centres and over 170 communal mini recycling centres for flats. We recycled and treated 58% of household waste in 2012-13.

Responsible for undertaking the Council’s strategic housing role to assist over 5,000 households each year, inspections and interventions in 2,000 food businesses and over 3,400 licences.

Funding Capital Projects and charges 2.5p Payment of debt charges on loans to fund spending on current and previous capital schemes and payment of debt charges on the Council’s allocation of debt inherited from the former Avon County Council.

Highways 7.4p Over 960 miles of highway maintenance, surfacing, gullies, street

The remaining 2.1p funds services including libraries, cemeteries, recreation, tourism and cleansing.

Refuse Collection & Disposal

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9.4p

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The Council has set its net revenue budget for 2014/15 at £120.386m This represents a decrease of £3.064m. The build up is shown below.

Net Revenue Base Budget rolled forward 2014/15

£m 123.450

One-off Allocations

1.145

Contractual and Unavoidable Inflation

3.457

New Legislation / Government Initiatives

0.443

Increased Service Volumes

1.532

Other

1.238

Total including Growth

131.265

Change Programme and Efficiency Savings

-6.263

Increases in Income from fees, charges and other grants

-2.070

Service Reduction

-2.546

Council’s Net Revenue Budget 2014/15

120.386

Reserves & Council debt At the start of 2014/15, the Council is expected to have unearmarked reserves of £9.3m against a risk assessed target level of £10.5m. The difference of £1.2m relates to the temporary use of reserves for invest to save schemes which pay back reserves in the future. The Council’s risk assessed minimum level of unearmarked reserves is set at £6m.

In addition to these reserves, the Council has provision in earmarked reserves, including for affordable www.bathnes.gov.uk

housing of £3m, supporting costs of change and restructuring of £3.7m, financial planning and contingency of £5.0m, and £3.6m to support the Council’s transformation programme.

These reserves are anticipated to be fully utilised over the medium term.

The Council has £14.5m of debt that is managed by Bristol City Council and relates to the former Avon County Council. The estimated level of the Council’s own borrowing at the start of 2014/15 is £70m 13

Revenue Budget 2014-15

Where each £1 of your Council Tax goes in 2014/15

Where the Council spends money 2014/15 - £315.5m - gross spend before taking account of income Funding Capital Projects Charges £3.57m 1.1% (13/14 £4.57m) Refuse Collection & Disposal £13.80m 4.4% (13/14 £13.89m)

Retained Business Rates Tariff Payment £9.65m 3.0% (13/14 £9.47m)

Other Services and Balances £29.81m 9.4% (13/14 £27.65m)

Housing, Environmental & Consumer Services £9.76m 3.1% (13/14 £9.71m)

Children’s Services £40.93m 13.0% (13/14 £45.05m)

Libraries, Recreation & Tourism £15.91m 5.0% (13/14 £17.00m)

82p 12p 4p 2p

Dedicated Schools Grant Spend £77.80m 24.7% (13/14 £75.66m)

Planning, Transport & Economic Development £18.49m 5.9% (13/14 £18.77m) Highways £9.42m 3.0% (13/14 £9.28m)

Bath & North East Somerset Council Avon & Somerset Police Avon Fire Authority Average Parish/ Charter Trust

Avon & Somerset Police 12p

Adult Social Services £78.83m 25.0% (13/14 £85.84m) Public Health £7.48m 2.4% (13/14 £7.28m)

Where the money comes from to pay for all the services 2014/15 - £315.5m Adult Social Services specific grants and charges £25.10m 8.0% (13/14 £27.19m) Children’s Services specific grants and charges £12.09m 3.8% (13/14 £12.09m) Council Tax £72.63m 23.0% (13/14 £71.34m)

Public Health specific grant £7.48m 2.4% (13/14 £7.28) Planning, Highways and Car Parking Charges £13.32m 4.2% (13/14 £13.24m) Museums, Leisure, Recreation & Tourism £14.75m 4.7% (13/14 £14.50m)

Retained Business Rates (Before Tariff Payment) £30.61m 9.7% (13/14 £29.73m)

Property rental and fees income £16.50m 5.2% (13/14 £16.25m)

Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) £77.80m 24.7% (13/14 £75.66m) Government Revenue Support Grant (RSG) £26.47m 8.4% (13/14 £31.11m)

Housing and Environmental & Consumer Services £2.16m 0.7% (13/14 £2.16m) Operational Services and other income £16.54m 5.2% (13/14 £23.62m)

Capital Budget 2014-15 Total Approved Spend £66m Property and Support Services £8.7m 13%

Transport & Highways £17.6m 27% Neighbourhoods (incl Vehicle Replacement) £1.0m 1% Tourism, Leisure & Culture £1.7m 3%

Workplaces Programme (incl Keynsham Regeneration and Office Replacement) £16.1m 25%

Children’s Services £6.0m 9% Other Regeneration Schemes £8.8m 13%

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Bath & North East Somerset Council 82p

Adult Social Care & Housing (incl B WR) £6.1m 9%

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Avon Fire Authority 4p

Average Parish / Charter Trust 2p

Summary of average Band D charge

Band D

% increase

Bath & North East Somerset Avon & Somerset Police Avon Fire Authority Average Parish

£1,201.85 £171.37 £65.30 £35.72

0.00% 1.99% 2.00% 3.69%

Overall Average Band D

£1,474.24

0.40%

(Figures shown are for at least a two person household) The Council’s Council Tax Requirement (excluding Police, Fire & Parishes) for 2014/15 is £72.632m and including Parishes is £74.790m

For further information If you have any questions on the 2014/15 budget for Bath & North East Somerset Council please write to: Divisional Director – Business Support, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or email finance@bathnes.gov.uk or visit our website at www.bathnes.gov.uk. www.bathnes.gov.uk

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Parish & Town Councils - Precepts The Council Tax charges shown below relate to the charge for the Parish Council, Town Council or Charter Trustee element only

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2013/14 Precept £ 190,550 23,000 20,000 17,495 18,750 11,240 1,470 350 21,500 15,000 3,000 17,585 8,500 6,710 8,960 6,900 6,719 8,150 5,028 12,880 10,260 12,920 23,000 4,483 12,432 1,500 409,616 5,120 300,872 3,490 1,700

2014/15 Precept £ Parish 193,843 Bath 23,000 Bathampton 30,000 Batheaston 16,895 Bathford 18,750 Cameley 11,500 Camerton 1,470 Charlcombe 350 Chelwood 21,500 Chew Magna 15,000 Chew Stoke 3,000 Claverton 38,095 Clutton 8,500 Combe Hay 7,011 Compton Dando 8,960 Compton Martin 6,900 Corston 6,860 Dunkerton 9,150 East Harptree 5,651 Englishcombe 13,160 Farmborough 10,260 Farrington Gurney 17,920 Freshford 24,000 High Littleton 6,209 Hinton Blewett 12,432 Hinton Charterhouse 1,560 Kelston 423,953 Keynsham 5,120 Marksbury 308,583 Midsomer Norton 4,890 Monkton Combe 1,000 Nempnett Thrubwell

Band D £ 6.58 32.01 27.83 21.62 43.60 48.49 7.08 5.99 36.53 32.79 43.08 69.50 92.02 24.92 36.87 36.10 30.87 30.38 45.97 31.45 32.09 63.10 30.72 45.18 52.56 19.48 82.26 28.61 86.16 27.67 11.09 www.bathnes.gov.uk

2013/14 Precept £ 4,000 0 3,780 193,175 150,108 4,800 11,000 191,538 750 22,710 6,118 4,680 8,416 16,000 2,800 40,000 6,730 9,368 7,500 152,065 20,000 2,044,718

2014/15 Precept £ Parish 4,000 Newton St. Loe 0 North Stoke 4,000 Norton Malreward 199,810 Paulton 160,967 Peasedown St. John 5,460 Priston 11,000 Publow & Pensford 196,757 Radstock 750 St. Catherine 29,395 Saltford 6,437 Shoscombe 6,680 South Stoke 8,416 Stanton Drew 16,730 Stowey Sutton 2,800 Swainswick 47,000 Timsbury 6,730 Ubley 9,768 Wellow 7,500 West Harptree 158,850 Westfield 20,000 Whitchurch 2,158,571 TOTAL

Band D £ 63.36 0.00 36.51 115.32 77.45 43.99 23.55 133.85 18.54 16.58 39.94 29.13 26.85 28.46 21.79 52.39 40.42 42.06 38.19 96.79 44.41

For information on calculating the charge for different property bands, see the Council Tax Valuation Bands paragraph on page 9. If your parish precept is £140,000 or above in 2014/15, a leaflet which includes details about how the parish money is spent in your area is also available online at www.bathnes.gov.uk/ctaxguide.

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Services Directory Do you need some information about a local service? Help is at hand with this comprehensive guide...

To be put through to someone who can help call the Council switchboard on 01225 477000 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk for further information

Aa n Adoption and Fostering Placements, recruitment of adopters and support services. The team also provides counselling for adopted adults and support in accessing birth records.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/adoption T: 01225 394949 Google Search: Bathnes Fostering

Cc n Cemeteries and Crematoriums Find out about Council-administered cemeteries, when organising a funeral.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/cemeteries T: 01225 396020 Google Search: Bathnes Cemeteries

Bb n Benefits: Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support Visit Council Connect in Bath, Keynsham or Midsomer Norton or contact a Benefits Officer by phone or email W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/benefits T: 01225 477777 Google Search: Bathnes Benefits

n Bus Passes n Dog Warden Service n Fly Tipping n Garden Waste n Grass Cutting

n Curo Curo is the largest provider of affordable housing in the area and offers a range of high-quality care and support services.

Contact us using the details below.

W: www.curo-group.co.uk T: 01225 366000 T: 01225 366111 (repairs) T: 0300 123 2468 (anti-social behaviour) E: hello@curo-group.co.uk (enquiries) E: repairs@curo-group.co.uk (repairs)

n Pavement and Road Maintenance

n Death Registration Register a death, which occurred in our district, at Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DT W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/deaths T: 01225 477234 Google Search: Bathnes Deaths n Disabled Car Users (Blue Badges) The UK-wide Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/bluebadges T: 01225 477133 or 01225 477134 Google Search: Bathnes Blue Badges www.bathnes.gov.uk

Council Connect

n Council Tax Enquiries For account queries about your Council Tax bill, ranging from online payments to exemptions.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/ctaxguide T: 01225 477777 Google Search: Bathnes Council Tax

Dd

n Birth Registration Register a birth, which occurred in the district, at Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DT W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/births T: 01225 477234 Google Search: Bathnes Births

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n Community Meals Service This service provides hot meals to those who have difficulty cooking for themselves.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/mealsonwheels T: 01225 394350 E: access_team@bathnes.gov.uk Google Search: Bathnes Community Meals

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n Graffiti Removal n Gritting of Roads (except motorways) n Libraries n Parks and Open Spaces

n Planning Enquiries n Public Toilets n Public Transport n Recycling and Waste n Road Faults and Potholes n Road Safety n Street Lighting

For all of the above services, contact Council Connect:

Twitter: @ccbathnes Telephone: 01225 39 40 41 Email: councilconnect@

bathnes.gov.uk Monday to Friday 08.00 to 18.00 (except Wednesdays 09.30 to 18.00). Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. At other times, for emergencies or dangerous incidents only, call 01225 477 477 19

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Elections Opening T: 01225 486882 (office hours) s the pro n at any timand ti mes eoratother election W: wwwbathnes.gov.uk/housing For queries on pervoting ty of Barights Tuesday Keynsham Leisure Centre, th & Nor T: 01225 396296 matters.

– Saturd th a Temple Street, Keynsham BS31 1HE il areaW: y Sunday Search: Bathnes Google Housing anwww.bathnes.gov.uk/elections d should 1 T: 01225 395164 0.00–17 be return lders w T:h01225 .00 ed to o move477333 M o n d ay within Ba Bathnes Electoral y CardGoogle 13.30–1 Jj th & Nor EnquiriesSearch: 7.00 South Wansdyke Sports Centre, w th w , Registration Pump Ro w.victor Rackvernal Road, Midsomer Norton BA3 closed e om, iathe gal.Council n Jobs with x o c r e g p .u t F k so2UG ree adm me Bank roof of id issio Up-to-date information about job vacancies, Holidays Ff T: 01761 415522 n entity an to th C e h a p r d addres ermanen and gesopportunities, apply to equal employment s must b t u pstairs g te e allery. n Licensing training initiatives. mporary exhib r thannfoFamily Information Service it io n M s .

Offers a range of information regarding u r uService s W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/jobs The holds up-to-date information e se at the ums an d Gall(24hrs) participa licensing including alcohol, cinemas and e T: 01225 396409 about all Ofsted-registered childcare, as ry are c ting losed 25 taxis.

Google Search: Bathnes Jobs well as information about working with and 26 DeceW: children and family support. mbwww.bathnes.gov.uk/licensing er Shown not W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/fis T: 0800 073 1214 Google Search: Bathnes Fis

to scale

T: 01225 477531 Google Search: Bathnes Licensing

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WHAT IS A DISCOVERY CARD? The Resident’s Discovery Card enables local residents to visit your Council-run museums free of charge.

In Bath & North East Somerset we are fortunate to have two world famous museums on our doorstep. For the benefit of everyone, the Council runs the Roman Baths and Fashion Museum in Bath, together with an exceptionally fine art collection at the Victoria Art Gallery.

The Council’s Heritage Services runs a full programme of adult, children’s and family activities throughout the year, culminating in Heritage Open Week during the autumn half-term.

In Heritage Open Week, dozens of independent organisations join us in providing a programme of heritage-based activities for all ages, most of which are free.

n MOT Testing We offer vehicle MOTs to members of the public and trade for cars, taxis and some coaches. Book today!

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath_mot T: 01225 477314 Google Search: Bathnes Mot Testing n Museums and Art Galleries Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/museums T: 01225 477789 Google Search: Bathnes Museums

BE INSP IR Victoria Art Gallery EXPLOR E T: 01225 477233 L O CAL HE Bath’s Historic Buildings (venue hire)

Roman Baths and Pump Room T: 01225 477785

T: 01225 477786 or 01225 477782

Nn n NHS Service, Bath and North East Somerset Find out how to register with your local GP or NHS Dentitst, plus information on other key services.

W: www.banes-pct.nhs.uk T: 01225 831800

Pp n Parking Services For parking queries, Park & Ride, clamping, fines, permits, Blue Badges, Pay & Display, enforcement of restrictions. Visit the website to download maps.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/parking T: 01225 477133 Google Search: Bathnes Parking n Pest Control The Council offers a comprehensive pestcontrol service for residents.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/pests T: 01225 477551 Google Search: Bathnes Pests

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the laand n Police Service,rAvon tesSomerset t discoun www.what Stay informed about is ts and bathnehappening gov.uk/d in your area, with regular newss.updates, is as well as useful information about crime cove reduction.

W: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk T: 101 (non-emergencies)

Telephone: 01225 477785 24 hour information: 01225 477867 discovery_card@bathnes.gov.uk 20

www.bathnes.gov.uk

www.bathnes.gov.uk

21

Rr n Record Office The office holds a wealth of information and archives.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/records T: 01225 477421 Google Search: Bathnes Records

Ss n School Admissions We deal with applications and can advise about your right of appeal, as well as home-to-school transport.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/admissions T: 01225 394312 Google Search: Bathnes Schools n Sirona Care & Health Providing community health and adult social services in Bath and North East Somerset. For detailed information on the services we offer, as well as online contact forms. Visit our website.

W: www.sirona-cic.org.uk T: 01225 831400 n Social Services Visit the Health and Social Care pages on the website for information and advice.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/adultcare T: 01225 477000 T: 01454 615165 (out of hours emergencies about adults or children) T: 0808 800 4444 (emergency housing advice, contact the Shelter England 24hour freephone advice line) Google Search: Bathnes Social Services

22

Tt n Taxis and Private Cars - complaints If you have a complaint regarding any licensed vehicle contact the Council Licensing Enforcement Officer.

W: www.bathnes.gov.uk T: 01225 477689 ENVIRONMENT AGENCY SOUTH WEST REGION Google Search: Bathnes Taxi The Council Tax (Demand Notices) (England) Regulations 2011.

Complaints The Tax Environment Agency is a levying body for its2011.

Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk The Council (Demand Notices) (England) Regulations Management Functions underthe Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the n Trading Standards Environment Agency (Levies) (England and Wales)Regulations 2011. The Environment The Council is responsible for enforcing a is a levying body for Flood andcoastal Coastalerosion Erosion Risk Management Functions under Agency Agency has powers in respect of its flood and risk management for range of consumer legislation including The Environment the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Environment Agency (Levies) (England and Wales) 2813kilometres of main river and along tidal and sea defences in the area of the misleading advertisements and counterfeitRegulations 2011.

Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. Money is spent on the construction trademarks.

The Environment Agency has powers in respect of flood and coastal erosion risk management for 2813 of new flood defence schemes, the maintenance of the river system and existing flood W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/trading kilometres of main river and along tidal and sea defences in the area of the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal defences the operation of aflood flood warning systemthe and management the T: 0845 396753 Committee.

Money istogether spent onwith the construction of new defence schemes, maintenance of theofriver Google Search: Bathnes Trading system and flood erosion. defences The together with the operation riskexisting of coastal financial details are: of a flood warning system and management of

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY SOUTH WEST REGION

the risk of coastal erosion. The financial details are:

n Travel Information (Traveline) Traveline provides timetables and journey planners for bus, coach and rail services in the South West.

W: www.travelinesw.com T: 0871 200 2233 (7am to 10pm. Calls cost 10p per minute from landlines.)

Google Search: Southwest Traveline

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Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee

Gross Expenditure Levies Raised Council Tax Base GrossTotal Expenditure

Wessex Regional Flood and 2013/2014 2014/2015 Coastal Committee ‘000s ‘000s 2011/2012

£25,861 '000s £3,167

924 £22,810

2012/2013

£36,222'000s £3,325

946£23,234

LeviesThe Raised £3,167 £3,167 majority of funding for flood defence comes directly from the Department for the

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). However, under the1,013 new Partnership n Youth Services 1,027 Total Council Tax Base Funding rule not all schemes will attract full central funding.

To provide ‘matching’ Working with young people aged 11-25. funding the Agency may seek funding from County and Metropolitan Councils, W: www.bathnes.gov.uk/youthservice Unitary Authorities and London Boroughs in the form of a Local Levy. The Local Levy T: 01225 396980 is shared on the basis of Band D Equivalents between all contributing bodies within Google Search: Bathnes Youth The majority of funding for flood defence comes directly from the Department for the Environment, Food and the (Defra).

Committee Area.under the new Partnership Funding rule not all schemes will not attract full central Services Rural Affairs However, funding. To provide 'matching' funding the Agency may seek funding fromthe County and Metropolitan Changes in the Gross Budgeted expenditure between years both reflects Councils, the Unitary Authorities BoroughsSpending in the formReview of a Local Levy.

The Local Levy is shared on the basis of impact ofand theLondon Government and national prioritisation of projects.

Band D Equivalents between all contributing bodies within the Committee Area.

For 14/15 we have included Grant Aided Expenditure on all Risk Management Programs.

ChangesAuthority in the Gross Budgeted expenditure between the years reflects the impact of the Government Spending Review and national prioritisation of capital projects.

The total Local Levy raised has increased by 5%. The total Local Levy raised has from £3,167,000 2013/2014 to £3,325,000 for 2014/2015.

The total increased Local Levy raised has remainedin the same in 2012/2013 as 2011/2012 at £3,167,000.

www.bathnes.gov.uk

www.environment-agency.gov.uk

YOUR

HOW WE SPEND THE BUDGET 2014/15 The chart below shows where the budget goes

P LICING

POUNDS

Police Officers - £142.2m

Despite the financial challenges crime and risk of crime continues to fall. Satisfaction levels amongst victims has increased to the highest level ever recorded in Avon and Somerset and the risk of domestic burglary is now one of lowest in the country.

There is still much more work to do. Domestic and sexual violence, exploitation and hate crime remain significantly under-reported. In 2014/15 Sue Mountstevens will continue to focus on ensuring policing meets local needs, provides value for money and importantly supports you to be safe and feel safe.

Police Staff - £56.0m

Community Support Officers - £10.3m

BUDGET 2014/15

2013/14 £296m £16m £280m

2014/15 £290m £14m £276m

Where does the money come from Funding from central government Amount paid by council tax Government council tax grants Total income

2013/14 £191m £85m £4m £280m

2014/15 £182m £90m £4m £276m

Capital Funding Costs - £4.2m

Community Safety Fund - £2.6m

YOUR AREA NOW HAS ITS OWN POLICE AND CRIME PLAN 2014/15 £276m Total net budget

Police and Crime Plan 2014-17

SUPPORTING YOU TO BE SAFE AND FEEL SAFE

Consultation draft

Bath & North Somerset has its own Police & Crime Plan which sets out the local priorities for your area and tells you what the police are doing to keep you safe and to reduce crime.

It focuses specifically on requirements from our consultation with you, the council and other partners and shows that by working together we can make your streets and homes safer.

CHANGES IN SPENDING The net expenditure for the Police will be £4 million lower in 2014/15 compared to 2013/14 following a 4.5% reduction in central government funding. The PCC has taken the decision to increase the policing part of the council tax by £3.34 a year for the average band D household.

This follows extensive consultation with over 3,000 residents.

Although inflation and other unavoidable spending pressures will increase costs by £8 million, spending will be reduced to balance the budget.

This means that the average band D precept will be £171.37.

Police Pensions - £7.0m

Office of the PCC - £1.4m

The spending plans for 2014/15 are shown below with comparative figures for 2013/14 (in millions) and details of how the budget is financed:

Spending Plans Gross expenditure Specific grants and other income Net Budget requirement

Running Expenses - £52.5m

To read your area’s Police & Crime Plan visit www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk or pick up a copy in your local library or council building.

2013/14 £280m Total net budget

WE ALL WANT TO LIVE IN A COMMUNITY THAT IS STRONG AND SAFE.

Remember call 101 in a non-emergency and always dial 999 in emergency To contact your PCC Sue Mountstevens call 01275 816377 email pcc@avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk 24

www.bathnes.gov.uk www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk

AandSPCC @AandSPCC visit www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk

25

Annual budget Avon Fire Authority has set its net budget for 2014/15 at £44.332 million. This represents a Council Tax level of £65.30 a year for a Band D property, an increase of just below 2%.

The Government has restated the 2013/14 grant settlement, rolling in a number of previously separately identified specific grants, to provide a start-up funding assessment for comparison purposes. The funding assessment for 2014/15 is £22.056m, a reduction of £1.795m (7.53%) compared to the restated start-up funding assessment of £23.851m for 2013/14.

The main changes in spending from 2013/14 to 2014/15 are listed below:

Spending plans

Your fire and rescue service

Inflation etc.

0.801

-1.857

Other

2.898

45.113

46.832

Use of reserves

-2.200

Use of reserves

-0.300

-2.500

Savings

-1.980

Net budget

44.813

44.332

Total

44.332

Funding:

Where does each pound

go?

26

Transport 3p Premises 4p

Premises rationalisation project 5p Other 2p Employees (including pension costs) 71p

(£m)

48.689

Despite the changes, we have made a commitment that our emergency response standards will remain unchanged in areas affected. You can read more about the plans at www. avonfire.gov.uk/investing-for-the-future.

Capital financing 6p

44.813

-1.739

This service costs the average Band D household £65.30 a year – or £1.26 a week.

Supplies and services 9p

2013/14 Budget

46.852

expansion of an existing fire station.

The plans will also see the closure of five fire stations, with their resources amalgamated at the new fire stations.

The ‘Investing for the Future’ programme proposes the building of three new fire stations, the relocation of Headquarters to Keynsham town centre and the major

Main changes in net expenditure

Total fire expenditure

Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) protects the communities of Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

If you would like fire safety advice about your home, or the home of a loved one, find out how we can help. Please call us on 0117 926 2061 or visit our website at www.avonfire.gov.uk

2014/15 (£m)

Income Net budget before use of reserves

Since 2010 our overall budget has been decreasing and in January 2014 we announced plans that will help us achieve £4.5million of annual savings.

2013/14 (£m)

Central Government Revenue Support Grant

14.322

12.342

Business rate - Top-up

5.061

5.160

Local funding Locally retained business rates

4.460

4.541

Collection fund surplus

0.087

0.420

Council tax Total

20.883

21.869

44.813

44.332

Savings This year savings totalling around £2 million have been identified in the following areas: Savings

2014/15 (£m)

Employees

-1.077

Running costs:

Premises

-0.020

Transport

-0.050

Supplies and services

-0.321

Other

-0.512

Total

Capital requirements The capital programme for 2014/15, excluding capital expenditure included within the 2013/14 capital programme but which is anticipated will be delayed or slipped into 2014/15, is shown in the the table to the right:

-1.980 2013/14 (£m)

2014/15 (£m)

Premises

0.500

0.500

Vehicles and equipment

7.000

2.420

Protective equipment

1.765

1.580

IT and communications

0.200

0.200

Total

9.465

4.700

For further information please contact: Avon Fire & Rescue Service, A: Temple Back, Bristol, BS1 6EU T: 0117 926 2061 W: www.avonfire.gov.uk

27

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