Harlow Times Spring 2022 by Harlow Council

Harlow Cutting your Council Tax and investing in your family’s future

Spring edition 2022

The inclusion of free or paid for advertisements does not imply endorsement by Harlow Council of any product or service promoted. Free adverts

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Spring edition 2022

Front cover image: Local residents taking part in a recent community tree planting event.

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In this edition Image: Jacob King/PA Wire/PA Images

pages 20-21 pages 4-7

Volunteering opportunities

Historic budget agreed

The benefits to your wellbeing of volunteering.

Council Leader sets out what our budget means for you.

A year of celebrations The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Harlow is 75.

2-3

News in brief Planting trees, Civic Awards, Harlow spring clean and fighting crime.

8-9

Restoring pride The work taking place to improve landscape maintenance across the town.

11-18

page 22

Housing Annual Report Latest report to council tenants and leaseholders.

24-25

Bin collections Latest information and revised dates for Easter, May and Platinum Jubilee.

29-30

Are you ready to vote? May’s local elections and postal voting application form.

Please recycle this magazine when you have finished reading it. Harlow Times is printed on 100% recycled paper, made from waste paper and old delivery boxes. This not only saves money, but is better for the environment.

Harlow Times is published quarterly by Harlow Council to keep you informed. This magazine is distributed by Royal Mail. In some areas where postcodes overlap the boundaries of Harlow and other councils, a small number of residents outside Harlow will also receive this magazine. We hope our residents will appreciate that this system of delivery is one of the most efficient and that our extra readers on the borders of the town will enjoy their complimentary copies and news about their nearest important town. Copyright for most images owned by Brian Thomas Photography (www.btphotography.co.uk) unless stated. Printed by Swan Print Ltd.

© Harlow Council 2022. You may re-use this information (excluding logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence v2.0. View this licence: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/opengovernment-licence/version/2/ or email psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk Where we have identified any third-party copyright information, you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to Communications, Harlow Council, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG or email communications@harlow.gov.uk

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News in brief

Read more and stay updated

Visit the latest news section of our website at www.harlow.gov.uk/news to read more about these featured stories and other news from the council.

Harlow winning business Do you run a small or medium-sized business in Harlow? You can grow your business by joining the Opportunity Harlow network and it’s free. Opportunity Harlow is a local procurement portal where you can find local business opportunities, promote your services to larger organisations, and benefit from procurement-related support. The six-month pilot programme is funded by the government and is run by the Haven Gateway Partnership on behalf of Harlow Council. Find out more at www. opportunityharlow.co.uk

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Planting trees for Harlow Over 1,400 trees were planted recently as residents, council staff, councillors and local scout and beaver groups teamed up to plant new trees for Harlow. Two community tree planting events saw 850 trees planted alongside Second Avenue and 600 trees planted near Passmores House. The hard work of the community is helping to improve the environment and combat the effects of climate change for future generations. Every tree planted will be supported by a three-year maintenance programme. The council plans to hold further tree planting events next winter as it continues a programme to plant new trees across the town.

Recognising unsung community heroes Every year, Civic Awards are presented by the Chair of Harlow Council. Award nominations are open to the public once again and aim to recognise and celebrate the individuals and organisations who make a huge difference to people’s lives in the town. To nominate, search for Harlow Civic Awards online at www.harlow.gov.uk Nominations close 1 April 2022.

HARLOW

CIVIC AWARDS 2022

Celebrating our community heroes!

News in brief

Join in with Harlow’s big spring clean Residents and groups are encouraged to take part in this year’s Harlow spring clean. The event runs from 9 May to 25 June 2022 and is part of Harlow’s 75th birthday celebrations. The spring clean brings together individuals, community organisations, businesses and schools to make a difference to their local environment. We will provide all the equipment you will need and arrange for HTS to pick up the litter collected. Participating groups will also receive £100 to be donated to a charity of their choice. The clean-ups are in addition to the daily work HTS and volunteers do to clean up the town. For more information and to register visit: www.harlow.gov.uk/spring-clean

Working together to tackle town centre crime The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex came to Harlow recently to meet council officials to discuss tackling town centre crime. Councillor Joel Charles, Deputy Leader of the Council welcomed Roger Hirst to Harlow and they met up with police officers and the council’s community safety team to learn more about crime hotspots in the town. The visit included a walk around the town centre and a discussion between local police and council officials to talk about how to build on the partnership work already taking place to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime. Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Your money, your priorities

What our historic budget means for you

A Council Tax cut this year and hundreds of millions to regenerate our town Dear Resident, When we agreed our budget back in February it was an historic moment for the town and the council. Our budget delivers a one-off cut in Harlow Council’s share of the Council Tax bill. We also plan to further freeze Harlow Council’s share of the Council Tax bill up to 2025. Taken with the reduction this year over the next 3 years residents will pay £67 less to Harlow Council as we are also stopping previously planned Council Tax increases. That is because we will do everything we can to help you and your family with the cost of living. With our reduction and the government’s Council Tax rebate, most Harlow Council taxpayers will pay less Council Tax this year. As well as a Council Tax cut from us, we are also investing in Harlow’s regeneration and renewal with record investments. There’s £26 million towards building new council homes for Harlow families, £122 million for improving existing council homes, £63 million for improving council facilities and a new Estate Renewal Fund to restore pride in our estates and neighbourhoods. We will also spend over £6 million on services to improve the town’s landscapes and environment and we are getting on with regenerating the town centre, with our budget creating a new combined regeneration and planning department to deliver that. We are doing all of this with no cuts to services, no job losses and no detrimental impact on the council’s finances in the future. The money the council has is not our money, it is your money. Therefore we are investing your money into your priorities and getting on with making Harlow the best town in Britain to raise your family, to live and to be.

Councillor Russell Perrin, Leader of Harlow Council. Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Your money, your priorities

£ Your money.

Your priorities. £

Your budget from Harlow Council this year will see:

2022

A Council Tax reduction A one-off £50 reduction from Harlow Council on this year’s Council Tax bills, and we plan to continue freezing our share of the Council Tax bill until 2025. See page 7 for your Council Tax explained.

More for less from Harlow Council Not one single Harlow Council service will be cut as a result of our Council Tax reduction. In fact you will receive better services and there will be more funding for much-loved services such as Harlow Playhouse, Pets’ Corner and Harlow Museum.

More council homes built We will build a new wave of council homes for Harlow families. There will be £26 million towards a new build programme to help get this underway.

Investment in existing council homes We know for our tenants that investing in their homes is important so we plan to spend £122 million over 5 years to improve existing council houses and flats.

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Your money, your priorities

Improvements to the facilities you use There is £63 million over 5 years to improve council-owned facilities across the town including the Playhouse and the Town Park.

A better environment for all There is £6.4 million as we continue to focus on improving landscape maintenance. This includes funding for HTS to maintain landscapes and carry out street cleaning across town, with a further £250,000 allocated to supporting further tree planting over the next 3 years.

Restoring pride A new Estate Renewal Fund has been created to target projects across the town that will make a difference to local areas and restore pride in our estates and neighbourhoods.

A new focus on delivering real regeneration A new combined planning and regeneration department to provide focus on delivering town centre and wider regeneration.

Support for local business We will do everything possible to support the local economy to recover from the pandemic. We want to encourage every resident to shop local so car park charges in all council-owned car parks are frozen again.

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Your money, your priorities

Help with the cost of living We know it is a difficult time for everyone with the cost of living. There is free local and national help and support available if you need it.

Local support

National money and debt advice

Harlow Community Hub Open Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm 01279 927005

Money Helper www.moneyhelper.org.uk National Debtline 0800 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.org

Harlow Citizens Advice Bureau 13-15 East Gate, Harlow 0808 278 7856 www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk

StepChange Debt Charity 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org.uk

Harlow Foodbank 01279 724515 https://harlow.foodbank.org.uk

Debt Advice Foundation 0800 043 40 50 www.debtfoundation.org

Your Council Tax explained Your Council Tax includes a one-off reduction of £50 (or a proportional amount according to the total Council Tax you pay) from Harlow Council. In addition, homes in Bands A to D will also receive a £150 Council Tax payment from the government to help with rising energy costs. This does not need to be paid back and is in addition to the autumn £200 energy bill discount.

What your overall Council Tax bill is made up of from 1 April 2022 Band

Essex County Council

Harlow Council

Essex Police

Essex Fire & Rescue Service

Total bill

Reduced amount after £50 dividend

(where eligible)

£934.08

£192.60

£145.68

£50.22

£1,322.58

£1,272.58

£1,089.76

£224.70

£169.96

£58.59

£1,543.01

£1,493.01

£1,245.44

£256.80

£194.24

£66.96

£1,763.44

£1,713.44

£1,401.12

£288.90

£218.52

£75.33

£1,983.87

£1,933.87

£1,712.48

£353.10

£267.08

£92.07

£2,424.73

£2,374.73

£2,023.84

£417.30

£315.64

£108.81

£2,865.59

£2,815.59

£2,335.20

£481.50

£364.20

£125.55

£3,306.45

£3,256.45

£2,802.24

£577.80

£437.04

£150.66

£3,967.74

£3,917.74

Help with paying your Council Tax bill You can pay over 12 months between April and March rather than over 10 months. Email: council.tax@harlow.gov.uk before 1 May 2022. Visit www.harlow.gov.uk/benefits if you are struggling to pay Council Tax or rent.

You can also manage your Council Tax online. Visit https://selfserve.harlow.gov.uk/MyAccounts For information email council.tax@harlow.gov.uk, visit www.harlow.gov.uk/council-tax or call 01279 446655. Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Restoring pride

Restoring pride in our town When it comes to restoring pride in our town we know that it starts with the work that we do to maintain the town’s much loved landscapes and green spaces. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Russell Perrin, and Councillor Nicky Purse, Cabinet Member for Environment, meet weekly to discuss landscape maintenance issues and how work can be improved. In addition, Councillor Purse has been carrying out town-wide landscape audits by inspecting works that HTS has undertaken as part of its winter programme. The ward-by-ward visits have identified follow-up work that is needed once the maintenance programme work has been completed, and they also ensure that the work meets the expectations of residents and the council. A new landscape Covid Recovery Support Team has also been rolled out to catch-up on work which was delayed during lockdowns. Work carried out by the team has so far included restoring the Holocaust Memorial Garden, landscape works around Sherwood House and improving landscaping around underpasses. The focus for the council and HTS on improving the environment will shortly turn to grass cutting and weeding with this programme due to start at the end of March. Sustaining and improving the cleanliness of the town with the maintenance and protection of open spaces is one of the ambitions in the council’s new Corporate Strategy adopted in December.

Images show before and after at Tripton Road underpass.

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Before and after at the Holocaust Memorial Garden.

Restoring pride

Har low

Before and after outside Sherwood House, Bush Fair.

Councillor Russell Perrin, Leader of Harlow Council, said:

“I am absolutely committed to ensuring you see first-class landscaping for the Council Tax you pay. That’s why we are working hard to restore pride in our town with the highest landscaping standards. To restore pride in it all starts with the work that we do and I am determined that we will lead by example.”

Councillor Nicky Purse, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“We are working hard to restore pride in our town. By working closely with HTS and through the regular walkabouts around the town we are starting to see improvements to the quality of work in maintaining landscapes. However, there is much more work to be done, but we will do whatever it takes to fully restore pride in our wonderful estates and give Harlow the attention and TLC it deserves.”

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Money for council housing

Investing in existing council housing Harlow Council is going to be investing £122 million over the next 5 years to maintain and improve council houses and flats for its tenants. New kitchens, bathrooms, central heating systems, as well as other internal and external improvements, will all be included in the planned improvements. Improving energy efficiency in homes to tackle climate change and fuel poverty will also be a priority, along with disable adaptations in homes. Fire safety in tower and flat blocks is also going to be enhanced with £5.6 million towards improvements to meet changes in legislation. All of this comes on top of a further £26 million towards building new council homes as part of a new build programme. Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

The funding was agreed as part of the council’s 2022 budget in February. Councillor Simon Carter, Harlow Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing:

“This will be one of the biggest investments to improve the council’s over 9,000 properties. We are getting on with improving council homes and ensuring that they remain decent and safe places to live for our tenants. “Money that we collect from rents will go straight into this programme which will help fund a range of different works to improve the lives of our tenants.

“Building new council homes for local families is a big priority for us, but we hear what our tenants are saying too about improving council homes. So we are doing both in our budget – improving our council homes with £122m investment and building new council housing with £26m which will help kick-start a new council house building programme.” These plans are all part of the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, which covers the Housing service’s short, medium and long-term ambitions for the next 30 years. You can read the full plan at https://bit.ly/HRAplan2021

Housing Annual Report to Tenants and Leaseholders 2020/21

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2020/21

Welcome to your twelfth Housing Annual Report from Harlow Council. Last year’s annual report outlined the ongoing challenges faced by the Housing Service at Harlow Council. Whilst 2019/20 was a challenging year, the following 12 months brought even more challenges, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Housing Service continues to confront the impact this has had and will adapt to ensure that the safety of residents and staff remains paramount, whilst following government guidance. The council is continuing to support residents, with councillors working on a cross-party basis to deal with the impact the virus is having on our town and services. Whilst cases continue to rise I believe that, with the support of all residents, we will be able to beat the virus, continue to provide much-needed services and assist our NHS in these difficult times. The council would also like to take this time to remember all those who have been lost to us. Despite these difficult times, I look forward to 2022 and beyond with some optimism. The council continues to work to secure government funding to support regeneration in the town. A local plan and an updated Corporate Strategy is in place which guides the development and growth of Harlow to secure jobs, new housing and further investment. Challenges continue following the report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. More resources have been put into the ongoing challenges and updates that the housing service face with building regulations associated with fire safety, compliance and energy. 1

Fire safety in council homes is something we take very seriously and fire risk assessments are reviewed regularly. Residents will be updated on national changes made as a result of the inquiry. We have received additional funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. The Housing Revenue Account Business Plan outlines the short, medium and long-term priorities for the service with the resources available. I am grateful for the partnership working provided by HTS (Property and Environment) Ltd who support the Business Plan delivery. The feedback the Housing Services receives from its tenants and leaseholders help us improve service delivery. This feedback also assists in providing us with suggestions for improving customer access and contact, which are followed through action plans and priorities. In 2020/21, the council also: • Continued to work hard reducing turnaround times for empty properties; however, the ongoing pandemic has had an impact on this. • Helped residents manage finances by raising awareness of support available, working with agencies to understand and manage the impact of Universal Credit. • Celebrated years of partnership with Essex County Council, providing extra care housing at Sumners Farm Close. The partnership between Agincare and Harlow Council provides a positive environment where tenants can maintain their independence with support.

Our Careline scheme, which offers security to our most vulnerable residents, achieved national accreditation. Income recovery in 2020/21 was a difficult due to the pandemic and the country being in lockdown, which suspended enforcement action through the courts. In addition, a significant impact on arrears over the last 12 months was due to the increase in the number of tenants who lost employment and were required to claim Universal Credit. However, despite this we achieved a strong year end position by exceeding our target for rent collected by 0.69%. Further work is still required on income management due to the continuing uncertainty in relation to the pandemic itself and the risks and pressures that could have an impact on income recovery over the next 12 months. The priorities for housing and what is important locally are: • Making more housing available, with a wider choice of genuinely affordable housing types. • Tackling the growing need for supported housing. • Helping to improve choices for those in housing need. • Improving residents’ health and wellbeing by improving housing conditions. • Improving housing standards with energy efficient, modern home facilities, tackling local priorities and statutory requirements. Councillor Simon Carter Portfolio Holder for Housing

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2020/21

Involvement How did we do in 2020/21? The council continues to work with tenant and leaseholder representatives on crucial projects, gathering their feedback when making important decisions, like monitoring the progress of the internal part of the Modern Homes Programme.

• To continue to provide easy-tounderstand information for tenants and leaseholders, promoting awareness of the Housing Service and providing opportunities to participate and give feedback on future services.

Level of complaints for 2020/21

After meeting the Decent Homes Standard in 2015, we aim to enhance and modernise homes for the future. We will monitor how money is spent on housing, help to improve working practices in line with government changes and inspect empty homes before they are re-let.

• To continue to improve performance and levels for involvement by establishing a successful tenant and leaseholder engagement model.

In its role as a housing provider with over 9,000 properties, each year the council undertakes over 600,000 housing transactions.

• To continue to include residents on the Housing Standards Board, a body linked to the council’s decision making structure.

Complaints 2020/21:

Work on the Rough Sleeper Initiative continues, as well as scrutiny of the leaseholder management fee and a review of Statement of Actuals, expenditures, invoices and estimate enclosers.

• To continue to run annual training programmes for interested tenants and leaseholders to gain a good understanding of current and future challenges faced by the council.

The Housing Service continues to strive to improve tenant and leaseholder satisfaction through these unprecedented and challenging times. What is a Local Offer? The Local Offers initiative was introduced as part of the Regulator of Social Housing Standards. This helps housing providers tailor their services to meet local priorities and needs.

Local offers for involvement • To continue to use the tenant and leaseholder engagement strategy, allowing tenants and leaseholders to examine the performance of Harlow Council. This will increase involvement in decision making and improve communication. To continue to consult and engage during these challenging and unprecedented times by adapting our methods of communication and engagement through social media channels.

• To continue to increase the number of involved residents, especially people from hard-to-reach groups.

Our plans for the future • Further strengthen tenant and leaseholder engagement and awareness through the tenant and leaseholder engagement strategy, using social media to build stronger and more effective means of communication.

Housing Stage 1

240

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

326

HTS Housing Stage 1

323

Stage 2

Stage 3

Total

370

• Continue to publish performance information showing how well we get more people involved and promoting awareness of the Housing Service. • To continue to implement initiatives to help promote how the council engages with all tenants and leaseholders. • To conduct a biennial landlord survey to collect feedback from tenants of how satisfied they are with the Housing Service. The council eagerly awaits the outcomes and recommendations from the up and coming White Paper, following the Green Paper consultation document.

Photo taken in 2019 includes the late Margaret Mackenzie (Leaseholder Representative).

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2020/21

Tenancy How did we do in 2020/21? Between April 2020 and March 2021 the council housed a total of 443 households: Band

Number

Band 1

Band 2

275

Band 3

Band 4

286 applicants were home seekers, 98 were transfers and 59 were homeless. 235 of these were placed in general needs properties, 61 in supported housing and 147 in housing association properties.

Tenancy enforcement Due to the statutory protection for renters, introduced by the Coronavirus Act 2020 and the suspension of possession claims in courts in England and Wales during 20/21, limited enforcement was carried out. Instead, the council worked with tenants to provide guidance and support on financial matters, especially for those affected by Covid-19 which resulted in unemployment. 3

Local offers for involvement • Provide tenants with options through the Choice-Based Lettings scheme. • Make the best use of housing available through our allocations policy. Operate a clear housing application process including decisions and appeals. • Offer financial incentives and other support to tenants wishing to move to a smaller home. • Visit all new tenants within 21 days of the start of their tenancy. • Assess the type of support needed by new tenants and provide relevant advice and information. • Work within the regulatory framework when setting our rents. • Write to all tenants and leaseholders before increases in rents and/or service charges. • Produce a tenant handbook and regularly review to provide the information tenants want.

• Make sure the council has all the information about rent, service charges and any benefits residents may be entitled to when signing their tenancy agreement. • Provide debt advice and make sure that any action the council takes is fair and reasonable. Only where there is persistent nonpayment will the council proceed with enforcement action through the courts, in line with the ‘can’t pay won’t pay’ policy.

Our plans for the future • We will continue to let our homes in a fair, open and efficient manner. • Maintain good performance in income recovery in line with the council’s ‘can’t pay won’t pay’ ethos, by providing support to those tenants suffering general financial difficulty, while taking robust proportionate action to deal with those tenants that have the means to pay rent but choose not to.

• Assess all new supported housing tenants within 24 hours of an application.

• Continue to help and support tenants to manage their financial circumstances during the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

• Offer and issue the most secure form of tenancy compatible with housing and the sustainability of the community.

• We will seek to collect customer insight information to assist in improving future housing services.

• Meet all statutory requirements relating to the use of tenancy agreements. Ensuring antisocial behaviour and conditions of tenancy are managed and investigated in an efficient, effective and impartial manner. • To treat everyone equally - the rights of secure and introductory tenants are made as similar as possible. • Publish the rents of properties so that any prospective tenants can budget responsibly. • Provide support to help vulnerable tenants.

• We will continue to provide recovery services following the Covid-19 pandemic. • We will continue to implement improvements in customer access via the digital tenancy service, allowing tenants to access their rent account details and report repairs. • We will continue to implement the Rough Sleeper Initiative, through a raft of interventions and partnership working.

98.69%

Percentage of rent collected for 20/21.

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2020/21

Leaseholders Local offers for involvement • Maintain a focus on controlling costs to leaseholders, while achieving and maintaining high standards of service. • Continue to ensure that the major works process meets the needs of leaseholders. • Improve the standard of information supplied to leaseholders about major works and monitoring communal repairs.

Photo taken in 2019 includes the late Margaret Mackenzie (Leaseholder Representative).

• Continue and improve two-way communication with leaseholders through the standards panels, leaseholder forums, Harlow Times and other channels of communication. • Continue to deal with leaseholder enquiries and act on their concerns. • Carry out scrutiny on areas within the council and its subsidiary organisations that affect leaseholders.

Our plans for the future • To continue to improve value for money by annually reviewing the management fee, making savings where possible. • To encourage more leaseholders to pay by direct debit and increase the 75.72% that currently pay by this method. • To scrutinise the service provided by HTS and continue to review customer satisfaction on repairs and communal cleaning. • To review all leaseholder information to ensure any changes to current legislation is included. • To examine the feasibility of working with HTS to provide a repair and gas service to leaseholders at the Leasehold Standards Panel meeting.

98.27%

The total amount of annual service charge collected for 2020/21.

How did we do in 2020/21? 75.72% of leaseholders paid by direct debit. 22 complaints were received, 1 complaint was upheld and 1 partially upheld. 24 compliments were received. No survey was carried out for 2020/21 overall satisfaction with the council’s Home Ownership team. No survey was carried out for 2020/21 leaseholder satisfaction (being kept informed of issues that affect them).

85 leaseholders took advantage of the council’s prompt payment discount. 1,475 major works notices were served. 234 leaseholders have applied for a loan

from Harlow Council since the introduction of improved payment options. 4

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2020/21

Property How did we do in 2020/21? 95.48% satisfied with repairs. 99.98% satisfied with gas services. 82.93% satisfied with communal repairs. 90.73% satisfied with street cleaning. 92.86% satisfied with grounds maintenance.

Repairs 2020/21 Bricklaying

170

Garage repairs

720

Minor adaptations Carpentry Door entry

2,517 95

Drainage

703

Electrical

3,668

Fencing

709

Glazing

Gas breakdown

6,641

Plumbing

5,771

Plastering

408

Roofing

1,104

Garage roofing

Damp

Double glazing

246

UPVc windows

800

Total Environment/ refuse

23,830 1,899

Local offers for involvement • Continued delivery of the Housing Investment Programme (HIP) to keep our stock to the highest quality and safe.

• Continue to ensure council flat blocks remain safe and compliant and that changes in building safety/ fire regulation requirements are acted upon.

Our plans for the future

• Continue to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of council homes by building on the council’s climate change declaration, delivering innovation through our Capital Housing and maintenance programmes. Enhancing the efficiency of stock and maximising opportunities to support the use of more renewable energy sources.

• Develop and deliver a sustainable council house building programme.

• Continue to provide an excellent repairs service by working closely with residents and HTS to improve and develop a comprehensive scope of works to provide high levels of customer satisfaction. Continue to offer a flexible appointment system for repairs.

• Ongoing investment and commitment to annual programme of external works, continuing to deliver a comprehensive range of improvement works to properties across Harlow.

• Meet statutory and regulatory requirements for all compliance activities such as gas, electricity and water. • Continue to develop and improve environmental services, including mobile cleaning, street scene, caretaking, and ground maintenance.

Council home improvements Number of properties: 1,349 Tenants who refused work: 15 Additional WC 1* Electric safety inspections 1175*

Bathrooms 108* Gas boilers 30*

Heating distribution 14*

Kitchens 18*

Windows 50

Doors 5 *Excludes Void properties

• Delivery and publication of the annual Housing Capital Programme of council investment in the Modern Homes Programme, which improves the quality of homes and ensures council stock complies with Government Decent Homes Standards.

• Continue to tackle fuel poverty with an ongoing commitment to the energy efficiency programme. Improving the thermal insulation of properties, installation of heat meters and refurbishment of councilowned communal and district heating systems. • Refurbish and redevelop garage sites to improve parking and ease congestion within estates. Redevelopment of low demand sites to create opportunities for additional off-street parking. • Continue to deliver a programme of extensive fire safety works to ensure properties remain safe. • Continue to work with and support tenants with independent living needs by providing a range of housing options supported by the installation of aids and adaptations. • Redevelopment and refurbishment of Sumners Farm Close Barn creating new 1-bedroom properties.

40 days

The amount of time taken to turn around void properties.

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2020/21

Finance and value for money How did we do in 2020/21? Local offers for ﬁnance • Continue to improve services and ensure value for money by learning from other housing providers and developing ways of comparing performance.

HRA year-end ﬁgures Expenditure 2020/21

• Carry out a quarterly progress review on the council’s performance. • Continue to provide an annual report to tenants and leaseholders. • Continue to provide information for tenants and leaseholders in Harlow Times magazine.

Our plans for the future • Continue to monitor the quarterly performance and financial housing reports at the Housing Standards Board with tenant and leaseholder representatives. • To continue monitoring the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan to ensure it is sustainable and fit for purpose.

£ General management 12,804,785 Interest charges 6,927,705 Repairs inc. insurance appropriations 10,230,572 Special management 7,929,174 Major repairs reserve (net depreciation) 10,416,393 Rents rates taxes and other charges 120,641 Provision for bad and doubtful debts 167,257 Debt management expenses 5,108 Supporting people transitional arrangements 3,207 Revenue contribution to capital expenditure 0 48,604,842

Income

£ Charges for services and facilities Garage rents Other rents Interest receivable Dwelling rents

4,966,580 964,672 84,416 (93,951) 42,986,920 49,096,539

Balance in hand at 1 April 2020 Surplus / (deficit) for year Balance in hand at 31 March 2021

15,751,346 491,697 16,243,042 6

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2020/21

Give us your feedback... Your feedback is always welcome. Please complete the form below and return it to Zulfi Kiani-Mackintosh, Community Engagement Co-ordinator, Harlow Council, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG. Alternatively, you can call Zulfi on 01279 446330 or fill in an online feedback form at: www.harlow.gov.uk/housing-and-garages/tenant-and-leaseholder-engagement/annual-reporttenants-and-leaseholders. This document is also available in large print.

Did you find the information in this annual report useful?

 Yes

 No

Do you like the way it is presented?

 Yes

 No

What would you like to see next year?

 More information about how the Housing Service is performing  More comments from tenants and leaseholders  Comparisons with other councils/housing associations  Different layout

What did you find useful?

What would you like to see next year?

All photos in this report were taken before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

A spotlight on maternity services Maternity team rated for improved support and information sharing The feedback also improved and was rated as somewhat better than most trusts for midwives providing relevant information during pregnancy about feeding the baby. Giuseppe Labriola, director of midwifery, said: “We are proud that we have continued to improve the support and information sharing for women, pregnant people and their families.

“We have enhanced the service using the results of previous years through reviewing patient feedback and implementing changes.” The maternity team at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) have been rated for improvements to support and information sharing in the Care Quality Commission (CQC) 2021 Maternity Survey that shows improvements in key aspects of these two areas. In particular, the survey asked people whether they would have liked to have seen or spoken to a midwife more/less/the right amount and if they were given information about physical recovery after birth, the rating improved.

Sharon McNally, director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, added: “It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the maternity team that we have seen these improvements. “We thank women and pregnant people for sharing their feedback - we are committed to developing our maternity service for the future.”

Emma Willis returns to hospital for hit TV show Emma Willis, television presenter, is returning to the maternity unit at The Princess Alexandra Hospital to film the third series of the hit TV show, Emma Willis: Delivering Babies. The first series saw Emma train to become a maternity care assistant in the busy maternity unit at PAH. The series is W’s most-watched series, with almost a million people tuning into the premiere episode, and the show subsequently won Best Popular Factual Programme at the Broadcast Digital Awards. In series two, Emma returned to PAHT and successfully completed her training as a fully qualified maternity care assistant. Filming for the next series will start in May 2022 – stay tuned.

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Volunteering

The wellbeing effects of volunteering

Volunteering provides many benefits to the local community, but it can also provide many personal benefits to your own physical and mental wellbeing. Benefits include: reduced social isolation, being more physically active, making new friends and improved self-esteem. There are many opportunities for people to volunteer around the town which don’t require any experience, just the enthusiasm and willingness to learn new skills.

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Volunteering

Volunteer with the council From helping to conserve our green spaces to looking after the animals at Pets’ Corner, there are various volunteer roles available at many of our council run services. Other opportunities include: helping with social activities at the Leah Manning Centre, assisting the Harlow Playhouse as an Usher, carrying out gardening and landscaping at the Town Park and many more. If you would like to make a very important contribution to Harlow’s community and wildlife, visit www.harlow.gov.uk/volunteering or email volunteering@harlow.gov.uk

Volunteer with Guide Dogs Guide Dogs are looking for volunteers in Harlow and the surrounding areas to provide a loving home and support in raising Guide Dog puppies in their first 12-16 months. All training and ongoing support will be provided, along with food, vet bills and treatments. If you would like to be a part of a life changing journey join the puppy raising community today. For more information email Tyne at Tyne.Samuel@guidedogs.org.uk, call 07423 600020 or visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer

Volunteer with the Harlow Art Trust Harlow Art Trust is looking for new Volunteer Guides and Sculpture Guardians to tell the stories of the artists who created the artworks, learn conservation skills and enable all ages to get out into the fresh air to enjoy seeing the artworks up close. No previous art knowledge or experience is needed and training is all part of the programme. For more information email Project Manager Catherine Mummery catherine@harlowarttrust.org.uk

Volunteer with CanalAbility CanalAbility is a charity dedicated to providing the facilities for disabled people and people with special needs to enjoy boating on the river on specially adapted canal boats. The charity is looking for new people to support their work. There are many different tasks that would suit people with varying time to offer and different skills and interests. Visit www.canalability.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/ or email volunteer@canalability.org.uk or call 01279 424444.

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

What’s on

What’s on in Harlow 2022 - a year of celebrations As we move well into 2022 there are two significant events that will be helping the Harlow community to celebrate. First, Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. Second, Harlow’s 75th birthday. We are designing a programme of events to mark both of these milestone occasions, in a year that we hope people can once again celebrate together.

Elizabeth Way was also officially opened. As part of this year of celebrations the council is looking at ways it can celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s visit to the town.

On 25 March 2022 it will be 75 years since Harlow was designated a New Town. In the same year, Sir Frederick Gibberd was appointed architect-planner to draw up the new town masterplan which was approved a year later in 1948.

If you are organising an event as part of this year of celebrations, we want to hear from you. Email us at communications@harlow. gov.uk Stay updated on our plans at www.harlow.gov.uk and in forthcoming editions of Harlow Times .

Funding for your event If you are running a project, activity or event you can, from April 2022 also apply for funding from the Harlow Civic Pride Community Fund.

On 6 February 2022, Her Majesty The Queen became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service. To celebrate this anniversary, events and initiatives will take place throughout the year across the country, culminating in a four-day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June.

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

It was just over 10 years after the birth of the new town that The Queen and Prince Philip came to Harlow in October 1957 and visited Hughs Tower, The Hides and the newly-built town centre.

This can provide funding from £50 up to £500. The fund was originally set-up by the council following Harlow’s 70th birthday in 2017. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/CPCFund

Listen to music

Discuss songs and ar�sts with other music lovers Parndon Wood Nature Reserve

A musical community – combatting isolation through music Thursdays 1pm – 3.30pm Phoenix Live, The Terrace 3rd Floor, the Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XR This music project is a place to enjoy music and make new friends in a friendly, relaxed and welcoming environment. Sessions are free and there will be light refreshments.

What’s on

Parndon Wood Road, Harlow www.ecco.org.uk 07802 237440 Open 11am to 4pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays and 9am to 6pm Saturdays. Check out Facebook for latest events.

Begin to learn an instrument or bring yours if you already play

This music project is a place to enjoy music and make new friends in a friendly, relaxed Harlow Town PlayPark and welcoming environment

To register, please contact: Community Music Leader, Marc Balkham at mbalkham@vaef.org.uk

ParkPlay is a 2-hour long play session of fun and games for everyone.

place at the Town at and there will be light ·Sessions take Sessions arePark free 9.30am every Saturday morning.

refreshments to keep the music and chat ﬂowing

No kit, expense or skill required, kids and adults welcome. Please register at www.park-play.com

Tuesdays 4:30pm to 7:00pm Chair-based yoga sessions Moot House, The Stow, Harlow, CM20 3AG beginning 11th January 2022

Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens Muskham Road, Harlow www.harlow.gov.uk 01279 446222 Open 9.30am to 3.30pm (last entry 3pm) every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Check out the museum Facebook page for latest events.

Thursdays 1pm to 3:30pm beginning 13th January 2022

Sessions take place every Tuesday at Epping Forest District Museum 10.45am to 11.30am, starting from 19

Phoenix Live

The Space (li� access to 1st ﬂoor)

Harlow Town Park The Terrace 3rd Floor www.harlow.gov.uk

39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey

The Harvey Centre Check out the website and Pets’ Corner

EN9 1EL

Harlow CM20 1XR

April to 24 May.

Six weeks of ‘gentle’ yoga using a chair for support to build strength, flexibility, mind-body wellness and health. A single payment of £15 for a 6-week term (£2.50 per class)

Pets’ Corner

01279 422790

Facebook page for visiting information.

Ghana Union Harlow – Keep Fit Club

For more information and to book please email: vickysmathieson@gmail.com, phone: 07837 984 067 or visit: www.victoriamathieson.yoga

10K wellbeing health walk We interact and socialise through conversation, we motivate each other, listen and share ideas.

parkrun

Harlow parkrun is a 5k event which To register, please contact: takes place every Saturday from 9am

and starts close to the Greyhound Car

Sunday 8am-9.30am Park. It is free to take part, but please Marc Balkham, Community Every Music Project Leader, Voluntary Ac�on Epping Forest Meeting point is at Staple Tye shopping centre car park.

mbalkham@vaef.org.uk Harlow Town Park www.harlow.gov.uk/town-park Home to Pets’ Corner, 5 unique gardens, the bandstand, adventure playground and inclusive play area, outdoor gym, skate park, marshes and meadows and Spurriers House Café.

CHAIR YOGA with Vicky Mathieson

Harlow junior parkrun is a 2k event for 4 to 14 year olds. It takes place every Sunday from 9am in the Harlow Showground. It is free to take part, but please register before your first run at www.parkrun.org.uk

Event and activity information is correct at time of going to press. Please always check first with the event organiser by calling their contact number or by visiting the relevant website.

Funded by Active Essex

6 weeks of ‘gentle’ yoga using a chair for support to build strength, flexibility, mind-body wellness & health.

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Bin collections

Bin collection days changed in bid to improve service Earlier this year, most residents may have seen changes to their waste and recycling collection day. The changes are due to an uneven expansion of the town which has led to a heavier workload in some areas, making it difficult for the crews to collect the recycling or waste in those areas on the scheduled day.

Veolia, Harlow Council’s waste collection partner, has been working on improving the reliability and consistency of the service for every household.

If your household bin date has changed you would have received a new service leaflet through your door with details about your new collection day.

This includes new routes which have been carefully planned to ensure each crew can cope with the number of households due to be collected on each collection day.

For all your waste and recycling information and to stay updated on your latest bin dates please visit: www.harlow.gov.uk/bins

Book your slot to visit a recycling centre in a van Essex County Council have a new booking system at all recycling centres (tips) in Essex, for people visiting in a van, pick-up truck or a vehicle towing a trailer.

Vans and large trailers take up a lot of space at recycling centres and often take a long time to unload. This can lead to long queues and waiting times to access sites.

If you want to dispose of your household waste in these types of vehicles you will need to book a slot in advance.

The introduction of a booking system for these types of vehicles will help reduce queuing at peak times and manage congestion.

There is no charge to book, but you need to make a booking each time you visit. Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

For more information and to book, visit: www.loveessex.org

Bin Collections

Bank holiday waste and recycling bin collections Easter bank holiday Normal date Fri

Revised date

15/04/2022 Sat 16/04/2022

Mon 18/04/2022 Tue 19/04/2022 Tue 19/04/2022 Wed 20/04/2022 Wed 20/04/2022 Thur 21/04/2022 Thur 21/04/2022 Fri

Fri

22/04/2022

22/04/2022 Sat 23/04/2022

May bank holiday Normal date

Revised date

Mon 02/05/2022 Tue 03/05/2022 Tue 03/05/2022 Wed 04/05/2022 Wed 04/05/2022 Thur 05/05/2022 Thur 05/05/2022 Fri

Fri

06/05/2022

06/05/2022 Sat 07/05/2022

Spring bank holiday Normal date

Revised date

Thur 02/06/2022 Sat 04/06/2022

Green Waste Subscription Service renewal If you are subscribed to the Green Waste Subscription service, you should have received a renewal letter. If you have not renewed yet you can still do this. It is quick and easy to renew your subscription online at www.harlow.gov.uk/green-waste The cost of the service for the year 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 per subscription is £42.

Platinum Jubilee bank holiday Normal date Fri

Revised date

03/06/2022 Mon 06/06/2022

Mon 06/06/2022 Tue 07/06/2022 Tue 07/06/2022 Wed 08/06/2022 Wed 08/06/2022 Thur 09/06/2022 Thur 09/06/2022 Fri

Fri

10/06/2022

10/06/2022 Sat

11/06/2022

You can also check your bin collection dates online at

www.harlow.gov.uk Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Claim your free training

Claim your free training voucher up to £1,000 from Harlow College Am I eligible? Harlow College has been awarded funding by the Government to invest in skills, local business, the local community and to support people back into employment or help to further their career prospects. The project is for adults wishing to develop their skills to gain employment, for those already in employment looking to progress their career or for individuals looking for more stable, better paid employment. The project, which runs until June 2022, is unique to Harlow residents. It aims to improve the prosperity and productivity of Harlow and support the town’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

You are eligible if you meet the following criteria: • Aged 19+ • Resident of Harlow • Unemployed or employed • The course(s) you wish to study must be Level 3 or above, although we can include Level 2 courses in areas of skills needs such as HGV Book a free Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) appointment with Harlow College’s guidance experts to find out more. To book an appointment please visit www.harlow-college.ac.uk/trainingvoucher or phone 01279 868100. Don’t delay, book today. We have limited training vouchers available.

The College will manage a training voucher scheme providing up to £1,000 for each learner, making training available to many people who would otherwise have been unable to access it due to the cost of tuition fees. This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Councillors Councillor Eugenie Harvey Labour

Councillor Dan Swords Conservative Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07568 193081 Portfolio Holder Email: dan.swords@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Mark Wilkinson Labour 56 Sakins Croft, CM18 7BP Tel: 07718 696429 Email: mark.wilkinson@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor James Leppard Conservative Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07454 686809 Portfolio Holder Email: james.leppard@harlow.gov.uk c/o

Councillor Simon Carter Conservative

Little Parndon & Hare Street

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07908 518862 Email: nancy.watson@harlow.gov.uk

c/o

Councillor Colleen Morrison Conservative

Councillor Bob Davis Labour

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 422339 Email: john.steer@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Sue Livings Conservative 15 Seeleys, CM17 0AD Tel: 422339 Email: sue.livings@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Michael Garnett Conservative Brook House, Wyldwood Close, CM17 0JD Tel: 437401 Email: michael.garnett@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Nick Churchill Conservative

Councillor Tony Edwards Labour

227 Longbanks, CM18 7PB Tel: 07850 667900 Email: clive.souter@harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07544 374168 Email: tony.edwards@harlow.gov.uk c/o

Vacant Seat

Councillor Russell Perrin Conservative

Councillor Ash Malik Conservative

c/o

c/o Harlow Council,

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Email: russell.perrin@harlow.gov.uk

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07761 780856 Email: ash.malik@harlow.gov.uk

Cabinet Members Councillor Russell Perrin - Leader of Harlow Council Councillor Joel Charles - Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community and Business Resilience Councillor Simon Carter - Portfolio Holder for Housing Councillor Alastair Gunn - Portfolio Holder for Governance Councillor Michael Hardware - Portfolio Holder for Strategic Growth Councillor James Leppard – Portfolio Holder for Finance Councillor Nicky Purse – Portfolio Holder For Environment Councillor Dan Swords - Portfolio Holder for Regeneration

c/o Harlow Council,

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07749 393037 Email: bob.davis@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Matthew Saggers Conservative c/o Harlow Council,

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07305 777819 Email: matthew.saggers@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Michael Hardware Conservative

86 Jocelyns, CM17 0BU Tel: 07752 096765 DEPUTY LEADER Email: joel.charles@harlow.gov.uk

Toddbrook

Sumners & Kingsmoor

Councillor Jean Clark Labour

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07445 390675 (Text only) Email: colleen.morrison@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Clive Souter Conservative

LEADER

c/o Harlow Council,

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07729 406011 Email: chris.vince@harlow.gov.uk

215 Brockles Mead, CM19 4QA Tel: 621094 Email: nick.churchill@harlow.gov.uk

CHAIR

329 Rundells, CM18 7HN Tel: 414357 Email: anthony.durcan@harlow.gov.uk

c/o

Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative

Councillor John Steer Conservative

Councillor Chris Vince Labour

Old Harlow

Netteswell

Councillor Nancy Watson Labour

23 Greygoose Park, CM19 4JL Tel: 420340 Email: david.carter@harlow.gov.uk

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 312195 Email: eddie.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Joel Charles Conservative

65 Tunnmeade, CM20 3HN Tel: 425934 / 07398 160081 Email: mike.danvers@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor David Carter Conservative

Councillor Tony Durcan Labour

4 Rushmead Villas, CM20 2QE Tel: 423474 Email: jean.clark@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Mike Danvers Labour

78 Mallards Rise, CM17 9PL Tel: 865673 Email: shona.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

c/o Harlow Council,

12a Hart Road, Harlow, CM17 0HL Tel: 07775 925274 Portfolio Holder Email: michael.hardware@harlow.gov.uk

Staple Tye

Harlow Common

VICE CHAIR

330 Carters Mead, CM17 9HA Tel: 452252 Email: maggie.hulcoop@harlow.gov.uk

78 Mallards Rise, CM17 9PL Tel: 865673 Email: andrew.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

71 Mark Hall Moors, CM20 2NF Tel: 429443 Portfolio Holder Email: simon.carter@harlow.gov.uk

c/o

Councillor Maggie Hulcoop Labour

Councillor Andrew Johnson Conservative

Great Parndon

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07378 879710 Email: jodi.dunne@harlow.gov.uk c/o

Church Langley

Bush Fair

Councillor Jodi Dunne Labour

98 Coalport Close, CM17 9QS Tel: 07838 238573 Portfolio Holder Email: nicky.purse@harlow.gov.uk

Mark Hall

Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07966 014122 Email: eugenie.harvey@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Shona Johnson Conservative

Councillor Nicky Purse Conservative

c/o

Councillor John Strachan Labour c/o Harlow Council,

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 323656 / 07941 829965 Email: john.strachan@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Alastair Gunn Conservative 11 Penshurst, CM17 0BP Tel: 07850 261771 Portfolio Holder Email: alastair.gunn@harlow.gov.uk

Essex County Councillors County councillors can help with services like libraries, transport, roads and highways, social care for adults and children, education and schools. Harlow North Councillor Michael Garnett Conservative Email: cllr.mike.garnett@essex.gov.uk

Harlow West Councillor Michael Hardware Conservative Email: cllr.michael.hardware@essex.gov.uk Harlow West Councillor Clive Souter Conservative Email: cllr.clive.souter@essex.gov.uk

Harlow South East Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative Email: cllr.eddie.johnson@essex.gov.uk

Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Essex Police

Harlow Police Station is open Monday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm Tell us what matters to you. Email the team at HarlowCPT@essex.police.uk • Call 999 (emergencies) Report online: www.essex-police.uk or call 101 (non urgent enquiries)

#protectingandservingHarlow Public Engagement

You can forward the scam message on to @ActionFraud by sending it to 7726. For advice on protecting yourself against fraud, or for information on what to do if you think you have been a victim of fraud please visit www.essex.police.uk/fraud

Following on from many well received and well attended events across the town, Harlow’s Community Safety Engagement officer, Pc Brad Hall has started some more small engagement events. Look out for ‘Coffee with Cops’ and ‘Street Meets’, taking place around Harlow. For further event details please visit and follow our Facebook and Twitter pages. If you would like us to be part of a local event that you are organising please contact us at HarlowCPT@Essex.Police.uk Crime Prevention Fraudsters continue to target people on social media platforms like WhatsApp. A message appears from an unfamiliar number, claiming to be a family member who has a new phone number as their phone has been damaged or lost. The victim is then asked for money. If you get an unexpected message like this, take steps to protect yourself by calling your family member on the old phone number you have for them, and not the new number, in case this is a fraudster. Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Be careful when selling items online We have been made aware of an app being used on popular auction and marketplace websites that makes it look like a bank transfer has taken place when in fact it hasn’t. The app creates an image confirming a successful payment for the correct value. This is fake and no money will have been sent. Take steps to protect yourself by making sure you receive payment confirmation from your online banking account or check with your bank before posting any goods. You could also take a photo of items before posting them so you have proof of condition in case of a fraudulent claim. Protecting and serving Harlow On Friday 28th January 2022, our EP Roads Policing team and EP Motor Cycle Unit had had a busy day around Essex and a number of stolen cars were recovered; a Mercedes, a Puma (which resulted in an arrest), a BMW - with the help of Essex Police Harlow District and an Evoque.

Fraud Talk In January, our fraud prevention officer was invited by members of the Magazine Club to give a talk on frauds and scams. This was well attended and many topics were discussed, ranging from changing passwords, courier fraud, loans sharks, and the latest WhatsApp scams. Road Safety Our children and young person’s officer PC Armor recently visited Harlowbury primary school to speak to students about road safety. PC Armor took the children out in groups and conducted practical road safety exercises. The children were well behaved and a credit to the school. We want to speak to this man in connection with the theft of fishing equipment from Greenway Business Park in Harlow between 6am and 7am on 28th December last year. If you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm. Quote the crime reference number 42/301486/21. You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Local elections

Are you ready to vote in May? The next Harlow Council elections take place on Thursday 5 May 2022. The list of candidates for these elections will be published on Wednesday 6 April 2022.

Polling station changes If you do not have access to the internet you can request a paper application form to be posted to your address by calling 01279 446042.

To be able to vote, your name must be on the electoral register. The last day to register to vote is Thursday 14 April 2022 and it is quicker and easier to register online at www.gov.uk/ registertovote

If you are registered you will receive your poll card, which will be hand delivered between 25 March and 1 April 2022. You do not need to re-register unless you have changed any of your details.

Polling stations will be open 7am to 10pm on Thursday 5 May 2022. However, if you would prefer you can apply for a postal or proxy vote: • Postal Vote – where we send the ballot papers for you to complete in the post. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 19 April 2022. Ballot papers will be sent out on Wednesday 20 April. You can complete and return the form on the back of this magazine if you wish to apply. • Proxy vote – where you can appoint someone to go to your polling station to vote on your behalf. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 26 April 2022. If you wish to apply you can download the application form from https://www. electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/apply-vote-proxy or contact us on the number below.

Following a recent polling district review there will be some changes to polling stations used in May: • CA – Great Parndon East Great Parndon Community Association • DB – Harlow Common West - The Royal British Legion • EB – Little Parndon & Hare Street South - Harlow Youth Centre • EC – Little Parndon & Hare Street West - St Thomas More Church Hall • GA – Netteswell North Our Lady of Fatima Church Hall • GB – Netteswell South YCT House Where you can vote will be on your poll card and you can also look up your polling station using our online service: https://selfserve. harlow.gov.uk/service/ Find_my_polling_station

For more information on how to vote please visit: http://www.harlow.gov.uk/voting-and-elections/how-vote email: registration@harlow.gov.uk, or call: 01279 446042. Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk

Register for a postal vote Application Form to Vote by Post Please complete in BLACK INK and BLOCK CAPITALS and return to Electoral Services, Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow, Essex, CM18 7BL. If you need help filling in this form please phone 01279 446042.

About You

Address for postal ballot paper(s) My address where I’m registered to vote OR The following address:

Surname

First Name (in Full) and Initial

Reason for sending ballot paper(s) to a different address: 4

Your Address (where you are registered to vote):

Declaration As far as I know, the details on this form are true and accurate. I understand that to provide false information on this form is an offence, punishable on conviction by imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine.

Date of Birth _______________________________________ Contact Telephone no / Email (optional):

Day

Month

Year

Signature - Keep within the border and use BLACK INK.

Providing an email and telephone number gives a quick and easy way to contact you about your application.

For how long do you want a postal vote? Date of Declaration (i.e. Today’s date):

Until further notice

_________________________________

For election(s) to be held on 2 Day

Month

Signature Waiver

Year

If you are unable to sign you must provide the name and address of your helper and the reason for not signing.

For election(s) until 2 Day

Month

0 Year

Please return this form to Electoral Services, Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow CM18 7BL

Reason : (i.e. medical condition):

____________________________________ Harlow Times | spring 2022 www.harlow.gov.uk