Your Guide to
Council Services
2019/20
@KetteringBC /ThisisKettering Forkettering.gov.uk Customer Service Centre opening hours visit www.kettering.gov.uk/openinghours
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Your guide to Council Services Contents Our Services
02
About Your Area
03
Business in the Borough
04
Council Tax & Benefits
06
About Your Council Tax
07
Council & Community
08
Housing
10
Planning & Building Control
11
Leisure & Culture
12
Waste & Recycling
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Customer Service Centre
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Transport & Streets
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What do you get for your money? Here are some of the services that Kettering Borough Council provide. • • • • • • • • • • •
Leisure facilities and Leisure Pass Museum, Art Gallery and cultural facilities Playschemes, sports activities, health and wellbeing advice Parks and children’s play areas Refuse and recycling Street cleaning Environmental Health services Removal of graffiti and fly-tipping Planning services Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support Homelessness and housing options support
For Customer Service Centre opening hours visit www.kettering.gov.uk/openinghours
About Your Area T
he borough of Kettering is at the heart of North Northamptonshire providing a mix of 4 vibrant market towns and numerous quaint villages. Kettering is part of the largest growth area outside of London with excellent transport links and is in reach of 75% of the country’s population within 2 hours.
Kettering
Desborough
Desborough is a rapidly expanding and changing town characterised by its roots in the spinning and weaving industry.
Rothwell
Kettering is a town rich in heritage with a warm and welcoming environment for people to live, work and explore. Popular attractions within the town include Wicksteed Park, one of the UK’s first amusement parks, the Manor House Museum and the Alfred East Art Gallery.
Burton Latimer
A quaint, historic, bustling market town. Renowned for landmarks such as its Market House and the Arts and Heritage Centre, Rothwell attracts numerous visitors to the town each year.
Burton Latimer has a range of shops, restaurants and small businesses catering for the needs of the local community and beyond.
Burton Latimer is the location of the first wind farm in Northamptonshire which consists of more than 20 turbines.
Follow @KetteringBC on Twitter for all the latest news
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Business in the Borough Enterprise Kettering is a ‘one stop shop’ for local people and businesses to find information, funding, workshops, events and support to help them grow and progress. As part of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) Kettering
benefits from a wide range of business and employability support from the regional Growth Hub to local service providers. For more information visit
www.enterprisekettering.co.uk
Enabling local people and businesses to grow and progress ENTKettering
Do you need advice on: Food Safety
Did you know it’s a legal requirement for anyone who sells food (on the high street or from home) to register at least 28 days before opening? For more information visit www.kettering.gov.uk /foodsafety
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Licensing
If your business involves alcohol, entertainment, gambling, cat or dog boarding, pet sales (eg cats, dogs, fish, reptiles etc) cosmetic piercing or street trading we can help you identify what licences you may need. www.kettering.gov.uk/licences
Could an apprentice boost your business? Find out at www.ketteringtrainingservices.co.uk
Business Rates
To pay business rates, find information on reliefs or to tell us you’ve moved, visit www.kettering.gov.uk/ businessrates or call 01536 534 235
KETTERING TRAINING SERVICES
REACH YOUR POTENTIAL Looking for an apprenticeship, work or training? Not sure what to do next? Kettering Training Services could help you! We have excellent success rates delivering apprenticeships in Business Administration,Team Leading, Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Printing and Manufacturing Sewn Products We care about your success! Call 01536 535 900 or email KTS@kettering.gov.uk
If you’re not quite ready, our Study Programme can help with your first steps into employment by improving your English, maths and employability skills.
www.ketteringtrainingservices.co.uk Kettering Training Services @KTServices
Business Centre
trial your business venture
Pitches from
£10
General markets on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Specialist flea market on Wednesday
We have specialist markets running throughout the year such as Christmas Markets, Foodie Fridays and the Teenage Market.
Find out more:
markets@kettering.gov.uk | 01536 535 913 www.kettering.gov.uk/markets | ketteringmarkets
Flexible and affordable office space! Prime town centre location
24 hour access
Internet, electric & water included
Onsite parking
Find out more 01536 527 420 cheshamhouse@kettering.gov.uk enterprisekettering.co.uk/chesham-house
Are you looking to develop yourself or your business? Visit www.enterprisekettering.co.uk or follow @ENTKettering
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Council Tax
& Benefits
Council Tax
Pay your Council Tax, tell us you’ve moved, find details of discounts or exemptions and find how to get help if you’re in arrears by visiting www.kettering.gov.uk/counciltax Alternatively you can email counciltax@kettering.gov.uk or call 01536 534 235
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Reduction
Claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax reductions, check eligibility and advise us of any changes of circumstance at www.kettering.gov.uk/benefits email benefits@kettering.gov.uk or call 01536 410 333
Financial Help and Budgeting Support
If you need help managing your money, access to a bank account or you need a low cost loan we can help you. Contact us on 01536 534 247 or email creditunion@kettering.gov.uk
Council Tax Support
Details of the scheme can be found at www.kettering.gov.uk/LCTS
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Did you know? You can view your Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates online. Log on to www.kettering.gov.uk/connectonline and access your accounts, view balances, make payments, view correspondence sent to you and lots more.
To find out more about claiming Housing Benefit visit www.kettering.gov.uk/benefits
About Your Council Tax Average Council Tax Bill in 2019/20
For around £3 per week, the average Council taxpayer in the borough has access to over 100 different services provided by the Council.
For details on how the policing part of your Council Tax is spent please visit www.northantspfcc.org.uk The Council Tax attributable to Northamptonshire County Council includes a precept to fund Adult Social Care. For details on how the Northamptonshire County Council and Adult Social Care part of your Council Tax is spent, please visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/counciltax
Average Council Tax Bill (Charge Per Annum, Band D Equivalent)
11.8%
3.5% FIRE
14.0% POLICE
70.7%
2018/19
2019/20
£ 1,146.63
£ 1,146.38
£ 89.72
£ 89.72
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner – POLICE
£ 221.04
£ 245.04
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner – FIRE
n/a*
£ 60.76
£ 205.39
£ 205.39
£ 18.92
£ 14.55
£ 1,681.70
£ 1,761.84
Northamptonshire County Council
Adult Social Care
Kettering Borough Council
Parish / Town Council TOTAL Bill
* The fire service was included within the Council Tax bill for Northamptonshire County Council, from 2019/20 the fire service forms part of PFCC. The Band D for the fire service in 2018/19 was £59.00
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Council & Community Spot It, Report It!
Anti-Social Behaviour
We work hard to ensure our Borough is a pleasant place to live and work. You can report the following issues to us:
Find out how to report and take action against anti-social behaviour at:
• • • • • • •
Fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles Dog fouling and littering Food safety concerns Noise complaints Public safety issues Lost, found, stray or dangerous dogs Pest problems
www.kettering.gov.uk/ environmentalhealth customerservices@kettering.gov.uk 01536 410 333
www.kettering.gov.uk/ antisocialbehaviour
Community Safety Report incidents online and find out more about Public Space Protection Orders by visiting: www.kettering.gov.uk/ communitysafety
Are you registered to vote? Individual electors are responsible for their own registration, rather than having one person in each household complete the annual registration form. You can register online at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote For further information, election results or to take part in an election visit: www.kettering.gov.uk/ electionsandvoting elecreg@kettering.gov.uk 01536 410 333 Please be aware that no local borough elections are taking place in May 2019.
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To find your local Borough Councillor or to see a schedule of forthcoming meetings visit www.kettering.gov.uk/decisionmaking
Bereavement Services Bereavement Services cares for the crematorium at Warren Hill as well as the eight cemeteries within the borough. Information can be given regarding these sites as well as pre-purchase cremations, cremation memorials, family-led funeral services and more. Please contact: www.kettering.gov.uk/ crematorium bereavementservices@ kettering.gov.uk 01536 525 722
Pest Control We specialise in Commercial and Domestic Pest Control Services and are committed to ridding your premises of unwanted pests. We cover the full range of pest control services including moles, squirrels and wasps. For further information and details of call out charges please visit: www.kettering.gov.uk 01536 410 333
Please remember, dog owners – Bag it, bin your dog waste – any rubbish bin will do!
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Do you have difficulty accessing your home?
Disabled Facilities Grants
Could you benefit from a Disabled Facilities Grant of up to £30,000 to make adaptations to your home?
What can a grant be used for? A grant of up to £30,000 (based on the recommendations of an Occupational Therapist) could be used towards making changes to your home to help a person with disabilities live as independently as possible, including: • widening doors and installing ramps • improving access to rooms and facilities including extensions • installing a hoist system • installing stair lift systems • adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use
Am I eligible for a grant? A member of our Private Sector Housing team will arrange to visit you in your home to discuss your needs and if appropriate, they will refer you to the Community Occupational Therapy team for an assessment. The Occupational Therapist recommends the necessary work and supports your application to Kettering Borough Council.
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Does the grant depend on my income? The value of the grant is means tested for adults but there is no means test for disabled children.
How do I apply? Contact 01536 535 617 or privatesectorhousing@kettering.gov.uk to see how we can help.
Grant funding is available for eligible households to install first time central heating within the borough. Visit www.northantswarmhomes.com or call 01536 535 617.
Planning & Building Control For information on making a planning or building control application, to check progress and comment on an application, search for planning applications, decisions and appeals, book a building control site visit and information on demolition and dangerous structures.
For Building Control:
www.kettering.gov.uk/buildingcontrol Email: buildingcontrol@kettering.gov.uk Call: 01536 534 250
For Planning:
www.kettering.gov.uk/planning Email: planning@kettering.gov.uk Call: 01536 534 316
BUILDING CONTROL PRE-APPLICATION SERVICE ADVICE SERVICE Our team of qualified Building Control Surveyors offer a local, impartial and highly competitive professional service. We can offer: • Free technical and pre-application advice • Competitive prices via free individually tailored quotations • Same day inspections • Assigned case surveyors who work with you • Friendly, experienced surveyors with local knowledge • Close working with the Council’s planning service For further information visit www.kettering.gov.uk/buildingcontrol or contact us by email buildingcontrol@kettering.gov.uk or by phone on 01536 534 250
Would you like advice before you submit a formal planning application? The pre-application advice service offers planning advice before you submit a formal application. Our experienced officers will be on hand to: • Ensure consistency in dealing with your pre-application advice • Provide information on key planning policies • Provide advice in relation to all relevant planning applications • Offer informal comments and guidance For further information, please visit www.kettering.gov.uk/planning or contact us by email planning@kettering.gov.uk or by phone on 01536 534 316 There is a cost associated with this service.
There are roughly 45,500 homes in the borough
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Leisure & Culture Museum and Art Gallery
Find out more about the exhibitions, events and activities at the Manor House Museum and Alfred East Art Gallery by visiting www.kettering.gov.uk/ museumandgallery or call the Museum on 01536 534 219 or the Art Gallery on 01536 534 274
What’s On in Kettering Borough
Have you seen the latest issue of Kettering’s What’s On guide, a booklet to show what’s happening in your local area? View it online at www.kettering.gov.uk/whatson
Community Centres & Pavilions
Kettering Borough Council hire out a variety of community centres and pavilions for parties, meetings and events. Visit www.kettering.gov. uk/communitycentres or call on 01536 410 333 for further information.
Sport Clubs and Centres
Legacy Leisure manages Kettering Swimming Pool, Expressions Gym, Desborough Leisure Centre, Corn Market Hall and the Track and Pitch on Thurston Drive. If you are interested in joining the gym, looking for a fitness class or hiring the Corn Market Hall please contact Legacy Leisure on 01536 410 253.
Healthy Activities
There are a number of healthy activities that take place weekly across the Borough, including walking football and free health walks. Find out more at www.kettering.gov.uk/leisure
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Did you know the Manor House Museum won the Best Exhibition for the RA250 exhibition at the Northamptonshire Heritage Forum Awards?
Did you know? The Council runs activities during Easter and summer school holidays. Find out more at This is Kettering
Eating Out? Getting Food In? Find out if a restaurant, takeaway or food shop you visit has good food hygiene standards at www.kettering.gov.uk/foodsafety You can also see if they have healthier menu options through our Eat Out Eat Well Award for businesses scheme at www.kettering.gov.uk/ eatouteatwell
This is Kettering For latest news, events & information on what’s happening in and around Kettering head to our website promoting the delights of the local area: www.ThisisKettering.com You can also keep up with the latest news and events on social media This is Kettering
Parks and Open Spaces
There are a number of play areas and outdoor gyms across the borough. For a list of parks, gardens and open spaces visit www.kettering.gov.uk/ parksandopenspaces
For details on local attractions visit www.thisiskettering.com
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Waste & Recycling Waste & Recycling
Shared Service
www.kettering.gov.uk/rubbishwasteandrecycling
Kettering Borough Council and Corby Borough Council are excited to introduce their new shared street scene service which incorporates recycling and refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance. For more information please visit www.kettering.gov.uk/shared-service
Find out when your collection day is, where your nearest recycling site is, order new bins or boxes and read information about recycling at
Kettering Household Waste Recycling Centre Your local centre provided by Northamptonshire County Council is based on Garrard Way, Kettering and is open 5 days a week (closed Monday and Tuesday).
Did you know? The Council offers a Commercial Waste Collection Service? For further Information or to request a quote visit www.kettering.gov.uk/commercialwaste There is an online form for customers to access prices.
Free Recycling Talks
Waste Ted Says
Minimising Waste
Make more room in your bin by squashing plastic bottles/drink cans and flattening cardboard. Don’t forget to rinse your recycling to keep your bin smelling fresh and clean. Plan your meals so you only buy what you need and find recipes to use up those lovely leftovers at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
Did you know? Recycling one drinks can could save enough energy to power a TV for 4 hours!
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Do you belong to a school, community group or association, or live in sheltered housing and would enjoy a talk on recycling issues? If yes, then find out more by emailing refuseandrecycling@kettering.gov.uk
We are committed to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. All new replacement black bins are now 180 or 140 litres and you can have as many recycling bins as you need free of charge.
Bulk Rubbish Collection If you have bulky items you need to dispose of, why not make use of our removal service? Collection dates will be agreed upon booking. Bulk items must be presented on the kerbside where your bins are usually collected. We can take away up to 6 items for ÂŁ23 - discounts are available in certain circumstances. To arrange a collection call 01536 410 333.
Book a bulk collection online at www.kettering.gov.uk/bulkcollection
What goes where? Recycling Success Residents in the borough now recycle 50% of household waste
• • • • • • • • •
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All food waste Bagged cat & dog waste Nappies/pads Plastic bags Polythene/ cling film Polystyrene Bubble wrap Crockery/ pyrex, ceramics & pottery Hard plastics
• • • • • • • •
ALL CARDBOARD Juice cartons Milk cartons Aerosols Cans/tins Metal foils Small metal items Glass bottles and jars Plastic bottles, trays, punnets, yoghurt pots & margarine tubs
• • • • • • • •
Grass Hedge cuttings/ leaves Twigs/small tree cuttings Plants/weeds Hutch bedding/straw Wood shavings Cold ashes NO CARDBOARD
All new or replacement garden waste bins will be green. Grey bins will continue to be collected and will only be exchanged for a green bin when they are damaged beyond repair.
• • • • • • • •
Letters/bills Envelopes Leaflets/junk mail Greeting cards Newspapers/ magazines Phone books/ catalogues Shredded paper Wrapping paper (non foil)
For further information on recycling visit www.kettering.gov.uk/recycling
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Customer Service Centre You can access all these services in one place!
Come and see us weekdays 8:30am – 5.30pm and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays at the Council Offices on Bowling Green Road, Kettering, NN15 7QX. You can also call us on 01536 410 333 from 8:30am - 5pm, Monday - Friday, email us at customerservice@kettering.gov.uk or use webchat at www.kettering.gov.uk
Citizens Advice Services Corby and Kettering(CASCK)
CASCK offer free, confidential, impartial and independent advice on anything, including debt, benefits, housing, legal matters, employment, immigration and consumer issues. Open: Monday - Friday, 9am - 2pm. Appointments: 01536 482 281
Sunflower Centre Sunflower Centre offer support, advice and safety planning for those experiencing domestic abuse. The service offers flexible appointments in your local area at venues and times convenient for you. Services are free and provided in a non-judgemental manner. Call for support or signposting on 01604 888 211
NHS Blood Testing Centre You can get your blood tests taken at the Council offices in Kettering. Open: Monday - Friday, appointments available 8am - 11.30am. To book an appointment call 01536 535 600 between 8am - 5pm
Northamptonshire Police Northamptonshire Police have an enquiry desk situated within the Kettering Borough Council offices, so please visit them there during their office hours. For further information visit www.northants.police.uk Open: Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm Saturday, 10am - 1pm
Connexions in partnership with Prospects Age 16-19? Not in Education, Employment or Training? Drop in for advice, guidance and support. Open: Monday 1:30pm - 3.30pm
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Please note opening hours are subject to change. For further information on our partner services, visit www.kettering.gov.uk/partners
East Midlands Credit Union The East Midlands Credit Union offer financial and money advice, access to basic bank accounts and an opportunity to learn basic IT skills. Open: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Voice If you or someone you know has been affected by crime, Voice will give you, or help you to find the advice and support you need. The service is free, impartial and available to everyone, whether a crime has been reported to the Police or not. For appointments call 0300 303 1965
Kettering and District Car Sharing Scheme
Helps promote the wellbeing of the elderly, the disabled, the non-car owner and other residents in the borough of Kettering by assisting them with voluntary transport to and from all their medical appointments. This also involves trips across the country. Open: Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 8.30am - 11.30am Appointments: 07941 355268
The Royal British Legion The Royal British Legion is a UK charity providing lifelong support for the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, reservists, veterans, and their families. The Royal British Legion has a drop in session once a month. Drop In: 4th Tuesday of every month, 11am - 1pm. Call 0808 802 8080
NHS Mental Health Navigators provides support in the community to help people improve their general wellbeing. Drop in sessions are being piloted in the Council Offices. Further information is available at www.nhft.nhs.uk/navigators
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Transport & Streets Parking
To find out more about parking, the location and prices of car parks, how to pay parking fines and locations of residents’ parking schemes visit www.kettering.gov.uk/parking or email parking&permits@kettering.gov.uk or call 01536 410 333.
Transport and Streets
For links to public transport information and concessionary travel details provided by Northamptonshire County Council, visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk
Need to report a faulty street or traffic light or a pothole in the road?
Did you know that Northamptonshire County Council manage and maintain the roads, paths, street lighting and other highway problems across the borough? To report a problem please visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/ streetdoctor or call 0300 126 1000
Useful contacts National Grid – report gas leaks for free on 0800 111 999
Environment Agency – for general enquiries call 03708 506 506 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Anglian Water – for water & sewerage problems call 03457 145 145 or for general enquiries visit www.anglianwater.co.uk
Police – Non-emergencies call 101 and emergencies call 999
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All of the council car parks have achieved the Park Mark Safer Parking Award
WARREN
HILL
Wedding Ceremonies
Modern ceremony room for135 guests
Beautiful gardens
Introductory Offer - 30% off your wedding ceremony!*
New garden pavilion for outdoor ceremonies
Accessible location on Rothwell Road
Free on-site parking
Licensed for weddings, civil ceremonies & partnerships
Contact us:
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t. 01536 535 991 | e. warrenhill@kettering.gov.uk warrenhillweddings.co.uk For Customer Service Centre opening hours visit www.kettering.gov.uk/openinghours a. Warren Hill, Rothwell Road,Kettering NN16 8XE *T&Cs apply - visit warrenhillweddings.co.uk
www.kettering.gov.uk/save
Residents saved £132 on their energy bills per year, on average. Sign up to Kettering Borough Council’s Switch2Save scheme today!
Kettering Borough Council Call us on 01536 410 333 from 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday Write to us at Kettering Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Bowling Green Road, Kettering, NN15 7QX Come and see us in one of our customer service centres in Kettering, Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer Please call 01536 410 333 for opening times of Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer centres. Kettering Customer Service Centre is open weekdays 8:30am - 5:30pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturdays. Text us – if you see a problem when you are out and about remember you can text or send a picture message to 07824 451 281. Email us at: customerservices@kettering.gov.uk