Your District Council Matters 2014 by Lancaster Council

LANCASTER

CITY COUNCIL

Your District Council

Promoting City, Coast & Countryside

Matters Lancaster City Council’s Community Magazine

Issue 31 • Spring/Summer 2014

Inside Your guide to Council Tax Latest regeneration news Keeping homes affordable Win Dukes park tickets

Show some love for our beaches – we need your help to improve water quality.

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www.lancaster.gov.uk

Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Tough times ahead for local government

A shore way of keeping our beaches clean

YOU may be aware, though articles in the media, both locally and nationally, of the tough decisions that councils across the country are having to make.

COULD you help to make a difference and keep our coastline clean for generations to come?

Since 2010, the city council has seen its funding reduce by more than £4million. Other income has also reduced due to the effects of the recession. Overall this means a bleak financial picture and there is a very real likelihood that the Government will reduce the council’s funding again in the future. This all means reducing the range and quality of services to balance the books. We are currently reviewing everything that the council does and changes are already underway as we continue to improve efficiency, reduce lower priority services and provide good value for money services that are important to our communities.

DID you know that the Council Tax you pay to Lancaster City Council only represents 13% of the overall bill? The majority is passed on to Lancashire County Council (73%) with the Police and Crime Commissioner receiving 10% and the Fire Authority 4%. In addition, some parish and town councils in the district levy a charge for their own expenses.

To reduce the level of savings that have to be made, and therefore the potential for reducing services, this year the council has decided to increase its portion of Council Tax by around 2%. In real terms the increase will mean that households will pay an average of an extra £3.92 a year – or 8p a week – to the city council from April 2014.

Have your say WOULD you like to have your say on Lancaster City Council services?

Join our ‘Voice Your Views’ panel to receive email alerts when consultations of interest to you go live. To sign up simply visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/ haveyoursay or contact the council’s Consultation and Engagement Officer by email: haveyoursay@lancaster.gov.uk or contact us on 01524 582000.

Then why not join the increasing number of residents and businesses who are pledging their support to the LOVEmyBEACH campaign. Last year both of Morecambe’s beaches passed water quality tests but there is much more that needs to be done. Tougher European standards are due to come into force in 2015 so we all need to do our bit to make sure our beaches meet the new standards too. Here are some simple measures you can take which will help to contribute to improving water quality: • Check your drains are connected to the right drainage system – visit www.connectright.org. • Pick up after your dog and put it in the bin. • Don’t drop litter, put it in the bin. • Come along to a local beach clean. • Catch your rainwater in a water butt to help reduce the amount of water running into surface water drains • Think before you pour – only pour things down the sink you would be happy to swim in. • Think before you flush – only the three 3Ps go down the toilet - pee, poo and paper. Bag and bin wet wipes and sanitary towels.

Emma McColm (LOVEmyBEACH coordinator), Sharon Wilson from Lancaster City Council and Steve Moore from the Environment Agency

Businesses can also get involved by signing up to pledge their support to the campaign and commit to minimising the pollution that ends up in the sea. To get involved visit www.lovemybeach.org/business-pack, complete at least 5 actions and submit the checklist. To say thank you and show customers they’re helping the beach, each organisation will receive a LOVEmyBEACH window sticker and certificate. For more information visit www.lovemybeach.org. You can also follow the campaign on Twitter @ LOVEmyBEACH_NW and on Facebook at Facebook.com/lovemybeachnw

Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Connecting Victoria Street PROPOSALS to kick-start private investment in Morecambe by improving a key part of the town will take place later this year. As part of the Morecambe Area Action Plan (MAAP), an area of the town including Victoria Street, Euston Road and upper Market Street has been identified as ripe for change. Euston Road, in particular, has not seen any investment since it was pedestrianised in the early 1970s and the new plans seek to improve the area and provide a better experience for traders, shoppers and visitors. In turn this will provide the conditions to encourage local people to take pride in their town and encourage the private sector to invest in Morecambe. A new street layout with improved paving will create an environment better suited to pedestrians and encourage people to spend more time in the main shopping area. Linked to these improvements is new surfacing for the seaward end of Euston Road through to Marine Road Central and also other improvements down Victoria Street. Funding for these improvements will come from a variety of sources including Lancaster City Council and also the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of Morecambe Townscape Heritage Initiative 2: A View for Eric.

Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Work begins on M6 link road WORK has begun on the Heysham to M6 Link Road, a 4.8km dual carriageway linking the Heysham and Morecambe peninsula to Junction 34 of the M6.

A LANCASTER City Council scheme to encourage local residents and businesses to take pride in the appearance of their properties continues to show positive results.

The link road has long been one of Lancashire County Council’s top priority transport projects and will complete the long awaited connection from the Heysham and Morecambe peninsula to Junction 34 of the M6.

The council is encouraging property owners to undertake important maintenance and repair work to their properties. In turn this has helped to make the centres of Lancaster and Morecambe more appealing to both residents and visitors.

The project will also see a fully remodelled junction 34, with new slip roads, a new bridge over the River Lune and a 600 space park and ride site.

More than 50 properties have now completed works, with the majority agreeing to do so voluntarily.

It is anticipated that the link road should be open to the public in the summer of 2016 and during the construction phase there will be a number of changes and closures to the highway network.

Property scheme reaps rewards

Although the council wants residents and business owners to take responsibility for their properties voluntarily, it does have the ability to take enforcement action if the condition and appearance of their properties is considered to have an adverse affect on the amenity of the area. For more information visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/215.

For more details and updates visit Lancashire County Council's Heysham to M6 link website at www.lancashire.gov.uk/heysham. You can also phone the 24 hour customer helpline on 01524 542111.

What are the benefits of the M6 link? The Heysham to M6 Link was originally identified in the document ‘Road Plan for Lancashire’ as long ago as 1948. Lancashire County Council’s aim in building the road is to: ✓ Reduce delay on journeys to the Port of Heysham ✓ Support the local economy ✓ Improve access to businesses north of the River Lune ✓ Take through traffic out of residential and commercial areas ✓ Reduce road casualties and improve air quality ✓ Allow reallocation of highway space to walking, cycling, public transport and the public realm. The county council also says that it will bring ongoing regeneration benefits, with 3,000 people due to be employed during construction alone. Up to 100 local unemployed people will receive training and jobs during construction. A study has predicted that every £1 invested in the link road will earn £4.40 for the economy.

Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Lancaster is in the market for change! WORK has started on the next phase of Lancaster Square Routes, a multi-million pound project to revive the heart of Lancaster city centre. Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council are working with partners to reinvigorate Market Square and surrounding streets to strengthen the city centre’s position as a quality destination for visitors, residents and traders. In turn this will boost the local economy, increase income and profit for local business and lead to more jobs for local people. Due to be completed by the end of July, the latest stage in the project will include: • New street surfaces, seating and lighting for the length of Cheapside, Horseshoe Corner and Penny Street and also new surfacing for the length of Market Street. • New surfacing, seating and a centrepiece for Market Square. • Improved signs and way finding information. The Charter Market will continue but in alternative locations as necessary for the works to proceed. A new better long term layout for the Charter Market will then be introduced. Lancaster Square Routes is led by the city council in close partnership with the county council and are co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme 2007-2013 and both councils. For more information on Lancaster Square Routes visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/squareroutes.

LANCASHIRE County Council has reviewed its decision to introduce new traffic arrangements for the city centre pedestrian zone.

The Experimental Traffic Regulation Order was due to come into effect on Monday March 3. However the county council has decided not to bring in these plans and to carry out more in-depth consultation before deciding how to proceed. The county council will now form a consultation group made up of partner organisations, representatives from local groups and businesses, to discuss what form future traffic plans in the city centre will take.

Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Support your local businesses On Saturday December 7 2013 the council supported the first ever Small Business Saturday UK, a nationwide event to champion local independent businesses. The council supported the event by encouraging as many small businesses as possible to offer special promotions, and new start-ups were offered a free market stall for the day. A number of local businesses from across the district offered discounts and giveaways on the day. Residents were challenged to 'keep it local' by doing all or most of their shopping with independent small businesses. Small businesses are really important in our district, offering exceptional customer service and knowledge, as well as some unique and exclusive products, but they need our support every day, all year round, so please keep using these vital shops and services. To find out more about Small Business Saturday visit the Facebook page: www. facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturdayUK.

Support for the armed forces Community representatives have pledged their support for the armed forces, veterans and their families. Lancaster City Council brought together a broad range of organisations from across the public sector and community to sign up to the Armed Forces Community Covenant. The Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between civilian communities and their local armed forces community. It aims to reinforce the principles of the national Armed Forces Covenant made by central government, which recognises the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces. It seeks to ensure that there are no disadvantages as a result of service in the armed forces, and that special consideration is given where justified.

Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Morecambe bottles up a fine Vintage THE Hemingway family’s Vintage By the Sea Festival, led by Wayne, Gerardine and Jack Hemingway, is to return to Morecambe for a second year this September. In 2013 the Festival marked the Midland’s 80th anniversary and attracted more than 7,000 thousand visitors to the town.

Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Affordable housing WORK has started on the district’s latest affordable housing scheme. Impact Housing Association is developing 26 new affordable homes for rent at Factory Hill in Lancaster to help meet the need for both family-sized and smaller homes in the area.

The Hemingway team has since been working towards returning for another successful event this year and are already programming a weekend extravaganza, taking place from 5-7 September 2014.

The homes will be a mix of 14 two and three bedroom houses and 12 one bedroom flats, and will be let to tenants at an affordable rent.

Backed by Lancaster City and Morecambe Town Council, the festival will offer a packed weekend, with something for everyone, combining a mix of dancing, music, fashion, glamour, film, classic cars, street food, creative workshops, kid’s activities, and even a vintage airplane fly past.

The 12 flats are designed to help meet the needs of people with disabilities, and will be wheelchair accessible.

New events for this year include a vintage cycle ride and a Vintage Pooch Parade! In addition to the free programme, this year will see the return of some of the popular ticketed events including The Torch Club, an unforgettable night of 1930s and 40s glamour and afternoon tea at the Midland Hotel. Tickets for many of the events are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting the Vintage website www.vintagefestival.co.uk. The festival organisers are calling on local people and businesses to get involved to make it bigger and better than last year. They are looking for local artists, vintage traders, classic vehicle owners, market & food stallholders and community groups to be involved. Local crafters are also on the wish list to help advise and run creative classes and workshops so that visitors can learn a new skill or develop a creative talent or revive an old one. Interested parties are asked to send their details to info@ vintagebyhemingway.co.uk so that organisers can contact them and discuss how they might become involved.

Development work is now underway and the scheme will be completed in December 2014. Lancaster City Council has part-funded the development of the scheme as part of its commitment to increasing the number of affordable homes in the district. The provision of new affordable housing is a key priority and the council works in partnership with a number of partner "Registered Providers", also known as Housing Associations. To support new affordable housing schemes, the council has provided free land or grant funding, and also supports funding bids made to the Homes and Communities Agency, who provide central government funding to support new housing schemes and projects. Recent completed schemes include 27 units at Ashbourne Road, 12 units at Pinfold Lane, Lancaster (Guinness Partnership), 10 units at Strands Farm, Hornby (Adactus Housing Association) and eight units on River Street, Lancaster (Places for People). Other schemes that are under construction or planned include: 21 units at Mossgate Heysham, 18 units at Brindle Close Lancaster, 53 units at Riverview Hostel site, Lancaster, 18 units at Long Marsh Lane Lancaster, 24 new units at Luneside East and 17 units at Cockerham. For full details of new affordable housing schemes visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/affordable-housing.

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Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Put the lid on lost bins and boxes

Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Food waste – let’s recycle more SPRING is here and with lots of work to do in the garden it’s likely our green waste bins will soon be filling up. However, don’t forget that your food waste can go in the green bin too, not just now, but all year round.

Did you know that last year it cost the council more than £113,000 to replace wheelie bins and recycling boxes that were reported as lost, stolen or damaged?

The council often gets queries from households that have overflowing grey bins because they have difficulties managing their waste. When we see how we can help, we often find that these households are not using their green bins or caddies for their waste food.

Between April and September alone we made a staggering 12,152 deliveries of replacement boxes, lids and caddies. With council budgets being squeezed tighter than ever, we need your help to reduce these costs so we can continue to provide a quality recycling and refuse collection service across the district.

Top tips to reduce your bins from being lost or stolen: • Mark them clearly with your house number and street name using either durable paint or stickers. • If your collection is from the rear alley to your property make sure your back gate is also clearly numbered to help our collection crews return your bin to the right property. • Return your bins and boxes to your property as soon as possible after collection has taken place.

If you live in a house without a garden, you should have a small green caddy for food waste, instead of a green bin. Almost any food can go in the green bin or caddy – cooked or uncooked. Meat, fish, bones, fruit and vegetables, bread, tea bags, coffee grounds and dairy products can all be included. The only things that cannot be disposed of in this way are liquids, oils, or liquid fats.

Together with the garden waste, the food waste we collect is turned into high quality compost. So when you’re tidying up your garden this spring and filling your green bin with garden and food waste you’ll know that every scrap will be put to good use.

Get environmentally friendly this year – help us recycle your food waste by depositing it in your green bin or food caddy.

• Do not leave bins or boxes out permanently on the highway or in the alleyway.

Sponsor a tree in your favourite park

• Do not take your bins and boxes with you when you move.

Lancaster City Council's Tree Sponsorship Scheme is offering you the perfect opportunity to leave a living legacy in a number of its public parks. The cost of £150 covers the supply, planting and maintenance of the tree whilst it becomes established and a replacement tree if it fails within the first five years. Planting takes place from November – March. For an application form visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/trees or call 01524 582407. Copies are also available from Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls.

On windy days, make sure your lids are securely attached. Lost recycling lids can be replaced with tie-on lids that when securely attached do not blow away in windy weather. The 'shower cap' style recycling box lids are available to pick up from the town halls and visitor information centres. If you currently have more bins and boxes than you need, please let us know. Call Customer Services on 01524 582491 to arrange for any spares to be collected so they can be used elsewhere.

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LANCASTER

Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

CITY COUNCIL

Promoting City, Coast & Countryside

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS April – August April Until 23: Human Elements exhibition – The Storey 4: Big Red Bath – The Platform, 12pm and 3pm, £7/£6/£24

4: Litfest (Performance Storytelling) – The Storey, 8pm, £10/£8 (not recommended for under 18s)

10: Litfest (April Poets) – The Storey, 7.30pm, £4/£2

18: Voulez Vous (40 years of Waterloo) – The Platform 8pm, £16/£15 19: Easter Concert by Morecambe Brass Band Association – The Platform, 7.30pm, £10/£8/£6

19-10 May: The Life and Times of Mitchell and Kenyon – The Dukes (Check www.dukes-lancaster.org for times/ prices)

26: Spring Concert by Lancaster and District Male Voice Choir – The Platform, 7.30pm, £8/£1 26-5 May: Wray Scarecrow Festival

May 2-31: Exhibition by Lou Morton and Karen Miller – The Storey 4: Morecambe Carnival 6: World War One Home Guard Talk – Meeting Room, King's Own Royal Regiment Museum, 7pm, £3 16: Talon (Best of the Eagles – The Platform, 8pm, £18.50 16-18: North Lancs Soul Festival – Various venues 17: Billy Pearce – The Platform 7.30pm, £14/£12

21-23: Studio Footlights present Look Back in Anger – The Storey, 7.30pm, £6 24: Showaddywaddy – The Platform, 7.30pm, £17

26: Dotty the Dragon – The Platform, 11.30am and 2.30pm, £7/£6/£24

30: Mike McGear McCartney (18+) – The Platform, 8pm, £17 31: Steampunk Festival – The Platform 12.30pm to 4.30pm and 7pm to midnight. (Evening event 18+.) Tickets £8

June 6: Litfest (Mr Sandmann with Ben Haggarty) – The Storey, 8pm, £10/£8 (Not suitable for under 14s)

7: John Coghlan’s Quo – The Platform, 7.30pm, £18.50

7: Bare Village Fest 13: Litfest (SIXFOLD - A City and a River) – The Storey, 7.30pm, £5/£3 14: The Reflections in Concert – The Platform, 8pm, £17.50/£15 15: Aquaducked Duck Race and Dragon Boat Races – Halton Army Camp (Check www.aquaducked.co.uk for details)

21 & 22: Catch the Wind Kite Festival – Morecambe beach, promenade and The Platform 28: Armed Forces Day

City | Coast | Countryside

About your Council Tax

2014/15

2 | About your Council Tax 2014/15

About your Council Tax 2014/15 | 3

About your Council Tax COUNCIL Tax is charged on most homes, whether rented or owned, lived in or not. There’s one bill per home, whether it’s a house, bungalow, ﬂat, maisonette, caravan or houseboat. Each home is in a Valuation Band, A-H, based on what it would have sold for on 1st April 1991. The Valuation Office Agency, not the council, allocates a valuation band to every home. The council uses this to work out your Council Tax bill. You may be able to appeal against the valuation band if: • You have moved into the property in the last 6 months; or • There has been a change in the building, or the physical state of the local area, which could reduce the value of your dwelling. For more information write to: The Listing Officer, Council Tax North, Valuation Office Agency, King William House, Hull, HU1 1RT Phone: (03000) 501501 or visit www.voa.gov.uk. The law requires that you must continue to pay your Council Tax until a decision has been reached.

Second Homes Second homes (furnished dwellings in which no one resides) in this district are charged full Council Tax. If your second home is job-related (unoccupied because you are required to live elsewhere in a property provided for you as a result of your employment), you will be charged 50% of the full Council Tax.

Properties that don’t have to pay Council Tax Council Tax is not charged on homes which: • Only students live in; • Only people under 18 live in; • Only people who are severely mentally impaired live in; • Dependent relatives live in as an annexe to the main property (granny ﬂats); • Unfurnished empty homes for up to two months; Council Tax is not charged on empty homes which: • A charity owns (exempt for up to 6 months); • The person who lived in it is in prison, in hospital or in a residential home; • The person who lived in it has gone to live with someone else to receive care, or has moved to care for someone else; • The trustee of is waiting for probate or letters of administration to be granted; • Is subject to repossession proceedings; • A student owns it and was the last person to live in; • A trustee in bankruptcy is responsible for; • Nobody can live in by law; or • A minister of religion is waiting to occupy.

Discounts The council is required to make sure discounts are being granted to the right households, in the right circumstances. We may do this by sending out forms asking for information. If you get a form asking about discounts, you don’t have to return it, but if you think you’re eligible, returning the form may speed up the decision. When we send your Council Tax bill to you, unless we have information that a discount should apply, we will assume that two or more adults, none of which come under any of the disregarded groups listed below, are resident in the property and issue a bill for full Council Tax. Alternatively, if we have made the assumption that a discount does apply, your bill will state the amount and reason for the discount, and whether this is due to there being only one resident, or because all except one resident is not counted for Council Tax purposes. In all cases, we will continue to assume that a discount does, or does not apply on every day of the period stated on your bill. You must tell us if this assumption is wrong. If there is no discount and you think you should get one, you should write to us explaining why. We will tell you what evidence you may need to provide in support of your claim. If we have given you a discount but you have reason to believe that you are no longer entitled to one, or believe a discount of a smaller amount should apply; you must notify us within 21 days of this belief. Failure to do so could lead to a penalty of £70 being imposed.

Who is not counted? • A student or student nurse; • An apprentice or youth training trainee; • An 18-or 19-year old who is at or has just left school; • A long-term hospital patient; • A permanent resident of a care home, nursing home or hostel; • Severely mentally impaired; • A care worker on low pay (usually working for charities); • A carer for someone with a disability who is not their husband, wife, partner or child under 18; • A member of a religious community; • In prison; or • A member of visiting forces. Most of these categories have conditions which must be met and verified to qualify to be discounted, therefore we may need to request certain information before any discount is applied. In the absence of such information and verification, the council may assume that a discount does not apply, so we would recommend that you contact us to check individual circumstances.

4 | About your Council Tax 2014/15

About your Council Tax 2014/15 | 5

Discounts for Empty Dwellings:

Other Discounts/Reductions

What if I don’t pay on time?

Previously certain types of empty homes were exempt from paying Council Tax, but the Government made changes to regulations which abolished these exemptions from 1st April 2013, and gave councils powers to decide on local discounts instead.

The council has discretionary power to award a discount, subject to application, if special or exceptional circumstances apply.

If you don’t pay your instalments on time we will send you a reminder. This will tell you to bring your payments up to date within seven days.

Your council decided to apply the following discounts:

• A room other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet, needed by the disabled person; • A second bathroom or kitchen for the disabled person; or • Sufficient space to use a wheelchair indoors.

• Empty and unfurnished properties; 100% discount for the first two months; 50% discount for a further period of up to four months, then full council tax; • Empty and unfurnished properties which need major repairs or structural alterations to render them habitable; 50% discount for a maximum 12 months.

Empty Property Premium Properties which have been empty and unfurnished for two years or more will be charged an additional 50% premium on top of the full Council Tax. Exceptions may apply for empty annexes and property left empty by service personnel. Further details can be obtained from the Council Tax section.

If someone in your home is disabled and the property has facilities to specifically meet their needs, you may be entitled to pay less Council Tax. These facilities are:

If you can’t bring your payments up to date then please contact us and we will try to help you. We might be able to make an arrangement with you to pay what you owe. If you: • Make an arrangement but don’t keep to it;

From 1st April 2014, annexes that meet certain conditions will qualify for a 50% discount.

• Don’t pay anything; or

If our assumption about the Council Tax liability is wrong, or you think you may be entitled to any discount, exemption or relief, please contact us.

We will send you a summons for the Magistrates Court, and costs will be added to your account.

• Pay something but not all of it.

Paying Your Council Tax

If you are no longer entitled to a discount, exemption or relief, or a smaller discount should apply; you must notify us within 21 days or may face a penalty of £70. This penalty may also apply if your property is subject to a premium and you fail to notify us that it should not apply, or the amount is incorrect.

The bill we send you will tell you how much you have to pay, how much your monthly instalments are and how many instalments we have given you to pay the bill in. Details of how to make your payments are on the back of your bill or can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/counciltax. It’s important that you pay the instalments on or before the day they are due.

Appeals

Bills issued at the start of the financial year will show payments in 10 monthly instalments. If you wish to pay over 12 months instead you must contact us in writing before 15th April 2014 to make this request. Our contact details are on your bill.

If you have been refused a discount, exemption or relief or do not think you should be responsible for paying Council Tax, you can appeal to us in writing telling us why you think we have got it wrong. Our contact details are on your bill. We will look at your case again and might ask for more information. If we don’t change our decision and you still don’t agree, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. See www.valuation-tribunals.gov.uk

Applications received after this date will have their instalments extended until March 2015. If you wish to receive your council tax bills by email, please see back page for more information.

You must pay the full amount shown on the summons, plus the costs, before the date of the hearing or contact us to make an arrangement for payment if you can’t pay the full amount. Before we will make an arrangement with you, we will ask you about your financial situation and who you work for and look at your previous payment record. You will still have to pay the summons costs and we will not cancel the court hearing, but you will not have to appear at court. If you don’t pay the amount shown on the summons in full, plus the costs, before the hearing we will ask the Magistrates to grant a liability order against you, and additional costs will be added to your account. This order shows that you’re liable for the amount of Council Tax shown on the summons and allows us to take further action to recover the money from you.

6 | About your Council Tax 2014/15

If you have made an arrangement with us we will still ask the court for the order, but we will not use the powers it gives as long as you keep to the arrangement. Once we have a liability order from the court we may write to you and ask you for financial information. If there is no contact or arrangement to pay, we can take action against you including: • Make deductions directly from your wages/salary; • Make deductions directly from your Income Support; Employment Support Allowance or Job Seekers Allowance; • Pass your account to our enforcement agents to recover full payment. This will mean more costs being added to the debt; • Take bankruptcy proceedings against you. You could have to pay additional costs of up to £20,000 or more and lose your home; • Obtain a charging order against your property and ask the court for an order for sale. You would have to pay the council’s costs and may lose your home to pay the debt; • Ask the court to consider sending you to prison for non-payment. We always prefer to make suitable payment arrangements, but if you don’t contact us we will be forced to choose one of the above actions to recover the debt. However, it is the council’s policy to use committal to prison as a last resort. If you are having difficulty paying your bills and need independent advice, we can refer you to money advice worker at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau or you can contact them direct:

About your Council Tax 2014/15 | 7

Lancaster Citizens Advice Bureau 87 King Street, Lancaster, LA1 1RH Tel: 01524 400400 email: enquiries@northlancashirecab.org.uk Morecambe and Heysham Citizens Advice Bureau Oban House, 87-89 Queen Street, Morecambe, LA4 5EN Tel: 01524 400400 Email: enquiries@northlancashirecab.org.uk You can also get independent advice from the Welfare Rights Service: Welfare Rights Service Lancaster and Wyre Area Team, White Cross, South Road, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ Tel: 08450 530013 email: lancasterwrs@lancashire.gov.uk

Financial Information Information regarding gross expenditure and Council Tax requirements of the billing authority can be found on the council’s website: www.lancaster.gov.uk/counciltax A hard copy of this information can be sent to you free of charge on request. A separate leaﬂet containing the information for Lancashire County Council was included with your bill. Relevant financial information for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire can be found at www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/Budget2014-2015 A hard copy of this information can be downloaded from the website or sent to you free of charge on request. Please telephone 01772 533587. The financial information for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service can be found at www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/council-tax

How we can help you pay your Council Tax From April 2013, the national Council Tax Benefit Scheme was abolished and a new Local Council Tax Support Scheme was introduced, through which we may be able to provide help for you to pay your Council Tax. The scheme has now been reviewed and details of the scheme for the year starting 1st April 2014 are shown on our website. Please note that the Second Adult Reduction previously allowed in the scheme no longer applies for working age people from 1 April 2014 and any current claims for this reduction will end on 31st March 2014.

New Claims from 1st April 2014 If you are on a low income, you should make a claim directly to the council. The amount of support you are entitled to will depend on your income and household circumstances. You cannot receive localised council tax support if you have savings or other capital of more than £16,000 unless you are receiving Guarantee Credit from the Pension Service. Child Benefit, War Pensions, War Disablement Pensions and some other social security benefits such as Disability Living Allowance (and Personal Independence Payment) and Attendance Allowance will be ignored when we calculate council tax support. It is important that you claim as soon as possible as delays in claiming may mean that you lose out on any support you may be entitled to. If you are in any doubt as to whether you can claim, please seek advice using the contact details shown. If you are of pension age, you may still be entitled to up to 25% off your council tax bill if other adults (not partners) live with you and they are in receipt of a low income, claiming Job Seekers Allowance or claiming Income Support. The other adults must not be paying rent to you. The council is keen to ensure that people claim the support to which they are entitled. In particular, the council is keen to offer advice to those people who are currently out of work and who would like to know more about the support they may be entitled to should they have the opportunity to return to work.

Access your Benefit, Business Rates or Council Tax account online

You can contact the Benefits Team in any of the following ways: • By post to: Revenue Services, P.O. Box 4, Lancaster LA1 1QR • By telephoning the Benefits Team on (01524) 582965 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday • By personal visit to the Customer Service Centres at Lancaster or Morecambe Town Halls between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday • By email to benefits@lancaster.gov.uk • Customers with hearing difficulties who have a minicom machine can contact us through Typetalk on 18001 01524 582965. Alternatively, you can visit the benefits page of the council’s website at www.lancaster.gov.uk/benefits for further information. Did you know that you can register to receive future council tax bills and benefit letters by email? It costs the council at least 33p to print and post bills and letters. Sending them by email is free and the most efficient and cost effective way for us to contact you. If you would like to receive your bills and letters by secure e-mail please let us know by sending an email to customerservices@lancaster. gov.uk with your name and address and the email address you would like us to use. We will then contact you with further information and instructions.

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Within the next few months we will be introducing an online service so that you can securely view your Benefit, Business Rates or Council Tax account via our website. Landlords can also check details of payments of benefit for their tenants. What information can I check? You will be able to check how much Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support you are receiving and how it has been worked out. The system will show tenants and landlords when payments were made and how much they were for. You will be able to view details of overpayments and copies of letters we have sent to you. You will see how your Business Rates or Council Tax bill has been calculated and your outstanding balance. The system will also show when your payments are due and you can set up a direct debit to pay your bill. The website is available 24 hours a day and it is updated regularly so will be able to check on the progress of changes you have told us about. How do I access my account? You will first need to register with us using your email address and like most online services, you will need to create a username (this can be your email address) and a password to register. The registration process is completed with us asking you to answer some security questions and to enter the reference numbers of the accounts you want to view. You will find your account reference number on your Benefit award letter or Council Tax or Business Rates bill. If you are a landlord registering for access to your tenants’ payment details you will need your payment reference number (creditor number) to complete your registration. You can find this on the payment schedule that we send you showing details of your payments. You will find the online service at www.lancaster.gov.uk/counciltax and if you need any help with the registration process, you will be able to email revenuessupportteam@lancaster. gov.uk where someone will be happy to help.

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS April – August cont... Competition 2014 will be a fairytale summer in Williamson Park courtesy of The Dukes.

July 3 & 4: Chris Packham – The Platform, 7.30pm, £15.50/£10.50

5 & 6: Family fun weekend Morecambe Festival Market 4-16 August: Hansel and Gretel (Dukes walkabout theatre) – Williamson Park (Check www.dukes-lancaster.org for times/ prices)

5: Worbey and Farrell (Deviations on a piano) – The Platform, 7.30pm, £15/£13 19: West End Festival – Regent Park Morecambe 12: Three Bonzos and a Piano – The Platform, 7.30pm, £16/£15 25 & 26: Tutti Frutti – The Platform 7pm, £16 single night or £26 weekend

27: Horrible Histories (Barmy Britain part two) – The Platform, 2pm and 4pm, £16/£12/£52

August 2: The Johnny Cash Roadshow – The Platform, 7.30pm, £18 23: Marty MacDonald’s Farm – The Platform, 11.30am and 2.30pm, £9/£8/£32

Lancaster’s awardwinning theatre will be presenting Hansel & Gretel And More Tales From The Forest from July 4-August 16. The story of Hansel & Gretel will be central to the park show which will also feature other familiar fairytales providing a treat for all the family. To book ring The Dukes box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org.

For a chance of winning a family ticket for two adults and two children to see Hansel & Gretel, answer the following question: Which Lancaster park will host The Dukes outdoor production this summer? Email your entry to communications@ lancaster.gov.uk by April 30.

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Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Have your say on councillor expenses LANCASTER City Council is inviting local people to have their say on councillor allowances by becoming members of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP). The IRP recommends the level of allowances and expenses paid to city councillors under the Members’ Allowance Scheme. There are up to three vacancies on the panel, so it’s an ideal time to volunteer and be part of the panel that make recommendations on allowances and expenses your city councillors receive. On average meetings take place three or four times a year at Lancaster Town Hall but will be held more frequently in years when a full review of the scheme is to take place. The next review is due this year, to take effect in May 2015. Members of the IRP must not be employees of, or current elected members of the city council or a parish or town council within its district. They must also not be disqualified from becoming a councillor. The duties of the post may require travelling and if so, travelling expenses will be reimbursed. Further information and an application form is available to download from the city council’s website at www.lancaster.gov.uk, by writing to Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ, or by emailing STaylor@lancaster.gov.uk. If you would like to know more about the appointments, please telephone the council’s Chief Officer (Governance), Mrs S Taylor, on 01524 582025. Completed application forms must be received before 5pm on Wednesday April 30 2014.

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Dog tags

Pest control

Lancaster City Council is working in partnership with the Dogs Trust to help dog owners avoid breaking the law.

THE city council’s pest control team is spreading its wings with delivery of new equipment to deal with pigeon problems.

In April 2016 the Government is introducing a law making it compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped. In readiness for the new legislation the city council, in conjunction with the Dogs Trust, is arranging microchipping days across the district to ensure as many dog owners as possible are able to comply with the new legislation Microchipping involves painlessly inserting a chip the size of a grain of sand under the dog’s skin which will electronically identify the owner and address of the dog if it were ever to become lost and found by dog wardens or other animal welfare organisations. The first free microchipping session will take place on Wednesday April 16 at Marsh Community Centre, Willow Lane, Lancaster between 11am and 3pm. The council’s dog warden service is also asking residents for their help in identifying other areas where similar events should take place. Anyone interested in having their dog microchipped for free should email dogwardens@ lancaster.gov.uk with their name and address or telephone 01524 582935 with their details. The information will help to determine where the events will be held.

The team, made up of four fully qualified and highly experienced pest control operatives, is now the proud owner of a new tower scaffold system along with special pigeon repellant gel. It was put to good use for the first time up at Lancaster’s Ashton Memorial, dealing with pigeons roosting in the upper reaches. Pigeon prevention is just one of the services provided by the pest control team. Others include dealing with rats, mice, wasps, bees, fleas, cockroaches, squirrels and moles.

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Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Lancashire Constabulary West Division are Recruiting now! Special Constables are Volunteer Police Officers – We are looking for keen and enthusiastic people who are seeking a sense of personal fulfilment and who want to develop their personal and professional skills. As a Special you will receive the same training as a Regular Police Officer and will be issued with the same equipment, have full Police powers and perform the same duties as a Regular Officer. In your role you will have the chance to get involved with the community and make a real difference to the people living in Lancashire. So, whether you are looking for a career as a Police Officer and want first-hand experience of what the job really entails – or maybe would just like to do something challenging and worthwhile with your spare time. If you have a minimum of 4hrs spare each week and are interested, get in touch. We are recruiting now for opportunities at Morecambe, Lancaster, Fleetwood and Blackpool Stations.

Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Make your mark - don't forget to register to vote TIME is running out for anyone not yet registered to vote to make sure they can make their mark in this year’s European elections on May 22.

The deadline for applications to be included on the Register of Electors in time for the election is Tuesday May 6. Anyone registering after this time will not be able to vote in the elections for the European Parliament. If you would like a registration form, or are not sure whether you are registered to vote, call the elections helpline on 01524 582905. You can’t vote if you’re not registered, and contrary to popular belief, you won’t be automatically registered even if you pay council tax. This is particularly important for anyone who has recently moved home – if they do not register at their new address they risk falling off the electoral register. The deadline for registering for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday May 7. For an application form to vote by post email elections@lancaster.gov.uk giving your name and address, or telephone the elections helpline on 01524 582905, to have one posted out to you.

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Scrutinising the decision makers IS there an issue affecting you and your community that you would like to see Lancaster City Council to look into? Scrutiny is important to local democracy and exists to hold decision-makers to account and ensure that issues of concern to local residents and visitors are addressed. It could be a problem in a local area, a council service or an issue which you feel the council, using its community leadership role, should take a lead on improving. If there is a particular issue that you think should be scrutinised, let us know by writing to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, c/o Democratic Services at Lancaster City Council, Town Hall, Lancaster LA1 1PJ. Alternatively, email scrutiny@ lancaster.gov.uk or telephone 01524 582065.

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Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Can you fill a gap in your local market? There are currently a number of stalls available for rent on the Charter Market, Assembly Rooms and Festival Market. If you’re interested in taking up space with something that isn’t currently available to shoppers, simply complete the online registration of interest form at www.lancaster.gov.uk/ traderinterest or telephone the markets office on 01524 414251. More information on the sort of commodities the markets might be looking for can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/markets.

We’re on Facebook All three markets are now on Facebook. For all the latest news on new traders, events and offers why not check them out and give your local markets the thumbs up at: /morecambefestivalmarket /lancasterchartermarket /lancasterassemblyroomsmarket

Success in an eggshell AN influx of new traders have been welcomed to the markets in Lancaster and Morecambe. They include young entrepreneur Billy Howard from Carnforth who is trading at Lancaster’s popular Charter Market. At just 17, Billy is enjoying success and a fan base of regular customers by selling free range eggs laid by hens on his grandfather’s farm. ‘Billy’s Eggs’ has extended its offer to include duck, quail and goose eggs, home made preserves and chutneys, and locally produced honey and butter.

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Planning for the future THE Lancaster district needs an additional 12,000 homes over the next 20 years to meet housing needs fuelled by an increasing population and growing econmy. That’s the verdict of an independent consultant who last year conducted a housing requirements study on the district. Lancaster City Council is looking to address these needs through the preparation of a land allocations plan, which will identify and allocate sites that are suitable for employment, retail and housing development. In the spring there will be a consultation on the approaches to finding new sites for new homes and the accompanying infrastructure. The Land Allocations document is one of the documents that make up the new Local Plan. This is a document which sets out how planning applications should be decided and identifies areas for development and areas which should be protected for their environmental, social and/or economic value and is made up of five documents: • Land Allocations • Development Plan • Morecambe Area Action Plan • Arnside and Silverdale AONB Plan • Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Plan If you would like to receive email updates on upcoming consultation, Local Plan documents and other planning policy matters, please email planningpolicy@lancaster.gov.uk or call Planning Policy Team on 01524 582383.

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Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

What’s the Storey?

Nikki’s a shining star

JUST a minute’s walk from Lancaster train station, The Storey is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city and is home to a thriving community of creative industries as well as hosting an array of arts events from workshops and exhibitions to performances and recitals.

A NEW support group is offering help to women who have suffered abuse.

The public spaces can also be hired for business conferences, seminars and networking events. The NICE restaurant and bar is also located inside The Storey. There is also workspace available for creative businesses and The Storey is also offering a Virtual Office facility for those who need a professional business address without the commitment or cost of renting an office. Virtual tenants can benefit from: • Use of The Storey’s postal address for incoming mail • Staffed reception during office hours • Presence on The Storey website. • Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the building • Discount on the use of public rooms: the Lecture Theatre, Auditorium, Music Room, the Gallery, and the Reading and Drawing Rooms. • Support in the promotion of events through the Storey website, mailing list and social networking sites. • A reception facility to field calls and forward messages. Businesses locating in The Storey can benefit from networking and business support events as well as the opportunity to network and collaborate with other tenants, whether on a formal basis, or informally over a drink in the bar. For more information on what’s on offer at The Storey visit www.thestorey.co.uk.

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The Shining Stars Support group meets every second Friday and enables people to meet others in similar situations and discuss as much or as little as they want about their experiences in a safe and confidential environment. It also provides the opportunity to share information about resources and services. Shining Stars has been set up and is run voluntarily by Nikki, who herself has suffered abuse, with help from Lancaster City Council’s vulnerable households project. The project provided a support worker to help her to access counselling and then training from Strawberry Fields Training and Help Direct to help establish the group. Nikki explained: “The help I have received so far has been invaluable to me and I want to be able to share that with people who have experienced similar situations. Shining Stars provides the opportunity for people to get together and share experiences with other people who understand the issues that they are facing and can help to support each other. “We also hope to build a system so members can ‘buddy up’ with someone they trust within the group who may be willing to receive a phone call if either one of them is having a particularly bad day and offer support that way too.” The course that Nikki completed through Strawberry Fields Training and Help direct was funded by Lancashire Adult Learning. Since completion of the course and the setting up of her own support group Nikki has been nominated for a Lancashire Adult Learning award. Shining Stars meets every second Friday between 11am and 1pm at either Balmoral Children’s Centre Westminster Road in Morecambe or Help Direct on Chapel Street in Lancaster. For more information telephone Nikki on 07538 073 479 or email shiningstarssupport@hotmail.co.uk Above photo shows from left to right: Janet Atkinson – Balmoral Children’s Centre, Ellie Barnes – Counsellor, Birchall Trust, Claire Crook – Vulnerable Household Officer, Lancaster City Council, Nikki – Shining Stars Support Group, Paul Ireland – Director, Strawberry Fields Training Services, Helen Quinn – Helpdirect, Social Prescribing

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Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2014

Sport on your doorstep The University of Cumbria and Lancaster City Council have joined forces to deliver a new Doorstep Sports Club at Salt Ayre Sports Centre. A doorstep sports club provides numerous sports and free coaching to young people aged 13 to 19 and has proved popular across the UK. The two hour sessions led by qualified coaches includes sports such as football, dodgeball, cricket, hockey, rounders, netball and basketball. Other sports are also available on request from the young people taking part. Lancaster’s Doorstep Sports Club started on Friday January 31 from 5pm to 7pm and is free for all young people. There’s no need to book, just turn up and join in the fun.

Holiday fun WITH the school holidays just around the corner, Lancaster City Council is once again ensuring there’s plenty of fun activities for the district’s youngsters to enjoy. This year’s activities programme will take place at various venues throughout the district when children can enjoy the wide variety of sports and arts activities. To find out what’s on offer visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/holidayprogramme

Olympic star dives into Carnforth Pool AN Olympic gold medallist surprised swimmers at Carnforth Pool when she popped in for a dip. Rebecca Adlington, winner of two Olympic Gold medals, visited the pool on New Year’s Eve with her fiancé Harry Needs. She posed for a picture with Philippa Darlington who was also swimming that morning. Philippa swims for Carnforth Otters and won an award at their annual presentation for best newcomer. Carnforth Pool is situated in the grounds of Carnforth High School, off Kellet Road. For more information on session times and prices visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/carnforthpool.

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Exercise on prescription THE Active Health Team, based at Salt Ayre Sports Centre operates an exercise referral scheme for NHS patients who have risk factors for coronary heart disease. Individuals who meet the scheme's criteria are referred to the team by their GP or practice nurse and are assigned an Active Health Officer, who will work closely with them to develop a 12-week individuallytailored programme of physical activities. Each officer also provides support and guidance throughout the individual’s time on the scheme as well as post scheme follow-ups.

Case Study Geoff Powell, a current simple circuits class member from Morecambe has seen an amazing difference in the quality of his life since he started attending the class in June last year.

Activities available on the scheme include swimming, gym programmes, walking, exercise classes, gym, chair based exercise classes, low level circuits and aqua mobility. The Active Health scheme has been running for more than five years and has helped hundreds of people improve their lives by adopting a healthier lifestyle. As well as this referral scheme, the Active Health Team provide activities that anyone can enjoy: • Healthy walks, Wednesdays at 11am, Salt Ayre Sports centre – FREE • Simple circuits, Wednesdays at 12.30pm, Salt Ayre Sports Centre - £2.20

For more information visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/activehelp

How to contact us Did you know that information on all the services provided by the council can be found online at www.lancaster.gov.uk?

Below is an at-a-glance guide to our most frequently used telephone numbers. Customer Services

01524 582000

You can make payments, report issues and make applications for a number of council services using our website too.

Domestic Waste and Street Cleaning

You can also email us with your comments and queries at customerservices@lancaster.gov.uk.

Council Tax

However, if you don’t have access to the internet or need to speak to one of our advisers you can contact us: ✓ In person at Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). ✓ By telephone: 9am to 5pm weekdays (10am to 5pm on Wednesdays). Please note that our customer service centres are closed on all bank holidays.

Location, Location, Location At the touch of a button, and at any time of day or night, you can find out when your bins are collected, when your street is cleaned, where you can recycle things, where the nearest public toilet is, and much more. Just visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/mylocation and enter your address. Our My Location service covers every address in the district and gives you 24/7 access to a wide range of location-based information.

01524 582491 01524 582900 Elections

01524 582905 Residents Parking

01524 582972 Housing Standards and Homelessness

01524 582257 Ideal Choice Homes

01524 582005 Council Housing

01524 582929 Tell Us Once

01524 582000 Out-of-hours Emergencies

01524 67099 Markets

01524 414251

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