YOUR
Peterborough
Contents
Council tax freeze agreed Find out what makes up our budget School expansions gather pace £26 million in this year’s budget Sign up for the Perkins Great Eastern Run! What’s on this spring – find out inside
Your Peterborough
Contents First World War centenary events
P3
We will remember them
P4 and 5
P6
P7 to 17
Find out where we get our funding and how it will be spent
Peterborough schools Millions invested in education and best ever exam results
P18 to 21
Your fire service
P22 to 25
Your police service
P27
Perkins Great Eastern Run
Bin collections
New brown bin collection service launched
Your council tax
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority’s budget and priorities for your fire service for 2014/15 Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner sets out the police service’s priorities and budget for 2014/15
On your marks for the big race
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Heataborough
P30 and 31
What’s on
Getting help to heat your home
What’s on in Peterborough this year. Check out the city’s events for 2014
5 Special Deal Tuesday - £9.9 Business Lunch - £7.95
Roundabout sponsorship
TAKEAWAY & FREE DELIVERY SERVICE
Businesses are being offered a highly effective way of raising their company profile to millions of people per year, whilst making a positive contribution to the local community.
(Monday to Saturday)
OPENING TIMES:
12:00PM - 2.30PM & 5:30PM - 11:00PM
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P28 and 29
Businesses are able to sponsor one or more of the 80 roundabouts across Peterborough and the surrounding area. It provides a rare opportunity for businesses to have their name on show in a highly visible location which is passed by thousands of vehicles every day. For further information contact the Marketing team on (01733) 747474 or email marketing@peterborough.gov.uk
First World War centenary events
We will remember them... This year marks the centenary of the war that was meant to end all wars. The First World War was, at the time, without parallel. More than ten million men lost their lives on the battlefield and double that number were wounded, some terribly. The city council is currently in the process of organising a series of events starting later this year to mark the centenary, which will culminate on Armistice Day 2018. Peterborough was greatly affected by the war. In 1914, the city had a population of around 30,000 people, of which 1,177 lost their lives. Around one in six of the city’s working age men did not return from the front. Seventy-eight sets of brothers were killed including four sets of three brothers. The heaviest losses were felt down Gladstone Street, where 41 households lost their men. At the Battle of Aubers Ridge, a British offensive on the Western Front in May 1915, 46 men from the city lost their lives on a single day. If you have ideas on how Peterborough can mark the centenary, please call (01733) 452304 or email emily.scott@peterborough.gov.uk. Peterborough resident David Gray has written a book about how the city played its part in the First World War. You can order copies of the book Peterborough at War, 1914-18 - by emailing david.gray50@ntlworld.com.
The Guildhall during the First World War when it was the recruiting office
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www.storetown.net Peterborough
Buy Local, Sell Local, Love Local 3
An artist’s impression of the expansion of Ravensthorpe Primary School
Peterborough Schools
Millions of pounds on education Giving our children a good education is one of our top priorities – that is why we have invested so heavily in schools in the past few years.
This investment sees no sign of slowing pace with £26 million set aside in this year’s budget to expand six primary schools, creating an additional 1,500 places.
Between 2007 and 2012 we spent £60 million creating an additional 5,000 places at 19 primary schools and £210 million rebuilding or refurbishing every secondary school in the city.
Many of these projects are already underway, including a £7 million expansion of Gladstone Primary School to provide an additional 480 places and a £7.2 million new school on the Thomas Deacon Academy site.
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An artist’s impression of the new Gladstone Primary School
and best ever exam results The new Gladstone site will open in September and will include a new 16-classroom block next to Gladstone Community Centre, creating a second site for the school. Pupils will also use the community centre for sport and dining. The new Thomas Deacon Junior Academy, which will provide 360 new places, is now being fitted out to take its first pupils in September. In the south of the city additional classrooms are being built at Woodston Primary and Orton Wistow Primary ready for September. The £1.2 million Orton Wistow scheme will increase the number of places from 315 to 420, whilst at Woodston Primary the £2.5 million scheme will create space for an additional 210 pupils and a second school hall. Work is set to begin soon on a £3.35 million expansion of Ravensthorpe Primary School and a £3.5 million extension of Fulbridge Academy, both of which will create an additional 210 places. However, spending money on school buildings is only one part of giving children and young people a first class education. What’s more important is ensuring we have the best quality teachers and a good curriculum to ensure children get the grades they need to progress into further education, training or employment. In the past year, Peterborough has risen up the education league tables after pupils achieved some of the city’s best ever exam results. The number of pupils gaining five or more A* to C GCSE grades including English and maths increased to 56.2 per cent - up from 49.3 per cent in 2012 - meaning Peterborough rose 18 places in the
GCSE league tables and was the 6th most improved authority in the UK. Peterborough also achieved its best ever Key Stage 2 results, rising 11 places in the national rankings, and A-Level students secured Peterborough the 64th spot out of 151 local councils Councillor John Holdich, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and University, said: “Offering all our children and young people the very best start in life with a great education is our number one priority, so I am delighted that the money we have spent is starting to show real improvement in the attainment of our young people. “By 2015 we will have created about 8,500 additional primary school places in Peterborough over a tenyear-period. We have a high number of young families moving to the city and England’s second highest birth rate, however, through our meticulous planning we have responded well to the pressures on our school system. “This year work will begin on the specialist education and skills centre at the Peterborough United ground which will provide vocational training in areas such as electronics and plumbing, as well as apprenticeships and undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The first students will be training to become teachers here in Peterborough this autumn. “I am committed to continue our investment in schools and education, with the firmly held belief that if we can give all our children and young people a great education, they are more likely to do well in life and become happy, healthy and successful adults. Surely that is what every parent wants for their children?” 5
Bin Collections
Garden waste collections have resumed – but become an optional, paid-for service soon The garden waste collection service has now resumed, following its winter suspension. The service remains free until 27 May, when it becomes an optional, paidfor service. Brown bins are currently collected for nine months of the year. The new service will pick up brown bins throughout the year, with fortnightly collections from February to November and monthly collections in December and January. If you wish to use the service and sign up by 20 May it will cost £36 for the year, which equates to around 70 pence per week. The first 1,000 homes to sign up will also receive a token to receive a free bag of compost worth £3.50 (RRP). After 20 May the standard rate will be £39 for the year, which includes FREE collection of additional
brown bin(s) that have been supplied by the city council. This rate is fixed until at least 2017. Peterborough joins more than 100 other councils that already charge to cover the cost of this discretionary service, which costs the city council £800,000 a year to run. Residents that do not wish to join the new paid-for service may continue to take their garden waste to the Household Recycling Centre in Welland Road, Dogsthorpe. Alternatively, watch out for details of a special offer on home composters, which will be delivered to all homes in Peterborough in the coming weeks. The city council will also be sending you more details about how to sign up, payment methods and answer the most often-asked questions.
The city council will NOT, under any circumstances, introduce a charge to collect either household waste (black bins) or recycling (green bins).
6
YOUR
Council Tax
Your Council Tax
Peterborough is the UK’s best kept secret Last year was one of the most difficult and challenging times for us, yet it was perhaps the most exciting and fruitful year in our city’s recent history. More than 3,500 new jobs were created, the transformation of the city centre gathered pace with the completion of Bridge Street and Cowgate, more than 700 new firms were set up in the first half of 2013, our investment in schools continued and we achieved some of the city’s best ever exam results. We also began the redevelopment of the London Road football stadium, brought free Wi-Fi to the city centre, and a proposed £30 million investment by CityFibre kick-started plans to bring some of the fastest internet speeds in the world to Peterborough. In addition, Peterborough was heralded as the fastest growing city in the UK by think-tank Centre for Cities, which also revealed that we have the second highest private sector employment growth in the UK. As you can see, there have been some real achievements here in the past year and I believe these are just some of the reasons that Peterborough is the UK’s best kept secret. Looking ahead to the coming financial year we have had to make some incredibly difficult decisions. This is because from 2010/11 to 2015/16 we will have seen a 40 per cent cut in government funding (£44 million).
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For 2014/15 our government funding has been reduced by £9 million. We have also seen an increased demand for services that has created £10 million worth of pressures on our budget, so we’ve had the unenviable task of trying to bridge a £19 million gap to balance the books. However, we have still been able to invest in a number of really important areas, including: • £ 26 million in education to provide new school places for children • A n additional £1 million in adult social care services • A n extra £1 million to pay for the growing number of children in care I’m also pleased that we have been able to freeze council tax for the next two years. If we are to keep our local economy buoyant, it’s more important than ever that we keep council tax low to give you more money in your pockets. This decision means you continue to pay one of the lowest rates of council tax in the country. We believe this year’s budget provides a balance between making savings and efficiencies, while also continuing to invest in the city to ensure we continue to attract new investment and jobs. Despite the huge financial pressures, Peterborough had a great 2013/14. Let’s hope this year is just as good.
Your Council Tax
Where council funding comes from The council sets its budget each year to establish how much it needs to spend in order to provide services to the community within the resources available. A significant proportion of the total expenditure is met from general and specific government grants, including grants for schools. The council also retains a proportion of business rates and receives other income such as fees and charges and the remainder (13%) is met from council tax. The total amount we need to spend in 2014/15 is £439.8 million including precepts from parish councils and levies from levying bodies. This is shown in the table below which compares this year’s figures to those of 2013/14 . To arrive at the amount of money the council needs to raise from council tax payers (£58 million), income from government grants, business rates and other service income needs to be deducted. The table shows an increase in the amount raised from council tax which is due to increases in the taxbase and does not result in an increase in the basic amount of council tax. The increase in gross expenditure includes an increase for schools of £4.4 million and additional housing benefit payments of £2.4 million, both of which have matching increases in government grant.
The amount of money the council receives from government will reduce by about 40 per cent during the course of this parliament. For 2014/15 the council needs to bridge a gap of £19 million in order to deal with service pressures and remain within its funding levels. Peterborough currently has one of the lowest council tax levels in the country and the council is maintaining this position by freezing council tax for 2014/15 and 2015/16. In deciding where the savings will be made the council has maintained its commitment to its priorities of keeping children and vulnerable adults safe, improving educational attainment, promoting growth, regeneration and economic development, keeping our communities safe, cohesive and healthy and supporting culture and the environment. Prior to the approval of the budget the proposals went through a period of public consultation.
2013/14
2014/15
Change
£m
£m
%
438.0
439.8
0.4%
Service income
148.7
152.1
2.2%
Government support - revenue support grant
55.8
46.0
-17.6%
Locally retained business rates
43.1
45.9
6.4%
Schools grants
133.4
137.8
3.3%
Council tax requirement
57.0
58.0
1.9%
Cost of services Gross expenditure Less:
9
Your Council Tax
Balancing our books Where does the £439.8 million (£438.0 million) come from?
What will be provided for £439.8million (£438.0 million)?
An analysis of the gross income for 2014/15 is shown on the chart below.
An analysis of the gross expenditure for 2014/15 is shown on the chart below 2%
6%
6%
Less than 1% 14%
Less than 1%
19%
7%
31% 4%
10% 2%
33%
9%
10% 13%
17% 17%
*Note: Figures in brackets represent the corresponding values for 2013/14
Schools funding £137.8m (£133.4m) Housing benefit subsidy £72.6m (£70.2m) Council tax £58.0m (£57.0m) Revenue support grant £46.0m (£55.8m) Locally retained business rates £45.9m (£43.1m) Specific grants £29.0m (£28.1m) Income from fees and charges £25.0m (£25.1m) Other income £25.5m (£25.3m)
The majority of the council’s funding (65%) comes from the government and comprises specific funding for schools, revenue support grant (RSG) and individual grants for specific purposes, such as housing benefits. The council’s other main sources of income are council tax and a proportion of the business rates collected. The council has committed to a council tax freeze for 2014/15 and 2015/16 of £1,128.03 for a Band D property (excluding fire, police and parish precepts). Peterborough currently has one of the lowest council tax levels in the country.
A dult Social Care Health and Wellbeing £59.8m (£60.8m) Chief Executive £3.9m (£3.9m) Children’s Services £146.9m (£145.3m) Housing Benefit £72.6m (£70.2m) Communities £37.8m (£39.9m) Governance £8.5m (£8.5m) Growth and Regeneration £18.3m (£19.9m) Resources £84.4m (£82m) Business rates tariff £6.6m (£6.4m) Levies and precepts £1m (£1m) The main expenditure is incurred in Children’s Services (including schools), Adult Social Care Health and Wellbeing and Communities which includes the commissioning function for Children’s Services. Growth and Regeneration covers planning, transport, engineering and highways. Governance includes legal services and the licensing function. Resources includes major external contracts for waste management, cultural services, support services and capital financing costs. Chief Executive’s includes commercial operations such as parking services.
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Your Council Tax
Levies paid to other organisations by Peterborough City Council Levies are statutory payments made to other organisations who are funded by local taxpayers. The total levy issued is shared in proportion to the taxbase of all contributing local authorities. The Environment Agency has powers in respect of flood and coastal erosion risk management for 2,292 kilometres of main river and tidal and sea defences in the area of the Anglian Northern Region. Money is spent on the construction of new flood defence schemes, the maintenance of the river system and existing flood defences. It is also spent on the operation of a flood warning system and management of the risk of coastal erosion. The majority of the funding for flood defence comes directly from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). However some
schemes do not attract full funding and to ensure the scheme’s completion the Environment Agency may seek match funding from councils in the form of a levy. Changes in the gross budgeted expenditure between the years reflects the impact of the Government Spending Review and national prioritisation of capital projects. The total levy raised by the Environment Agency has increased by 3.5 per cent. Internal drainage boards manage an extensive network of watercourses, embankments, pumping stations and other water control assets within the local area in order to maintain water levels and mitigate the risk of flooding. Under the Land Drainage Act 1991 the boards can raise income from the areas for which they provide water level management to maintain and improve their assets, this is partly achieved by a levy on local authorities.
2013/14
2014/15 Levy raised
Gross exp
Total
Council share
£m
£m
Environment Agency Anglian Region
33.1
Welland and Deepings Drainage Board North Level District Drainage Board
Levying bodies
Ferry Meadows
Levy raised
Change in council levy
Gross exp
Total
Council share
£m
£m
£m
£m
%
1.6
0.2
44.7
1.7
0.2
4.0%
2.1
1.4
0.2
2.1
1.5
0.2
1.9%
1.5
0.7
0.3
1.5
0.7
0.3
0.9%
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Your Council Tax
How much is council tax? We set the council tax by adding together the amounts needed by Peterborough City Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority and your parish council, if you have one.
We collect the total tax on behalf of the other organisations. We set the charge for band D properties. We then set the charges for the properties in other bands in proportion to this, as set by an Act of Parliament. Band D Charge 2013/14
2014/15
change
Peterborough City Council
£1,128.03
£1,128.03
0.00%
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire
£177.93
£181.35
1.92%
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority
£64.26
£64.26
0.00%
Total
£1,370.22
£1,373.64
0.25%
Plus the parish council charge, if you have one - see below:
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Precepts 2013/14 £
Precepts 2014/15 £
Parish
Band D Parish charge 2014/15 £
Band D Total Charge 2014/15 £
5,474 3,881
4,412
Ailsworth
19.30
1,392.94
5,309
Bainton & Ashton
36.33
1,409.97
5,348
9,108
Barnack
22.47
1,396.11
49,866
72,457
Bretton
24.28
1,397.92
9,877
17,336
Castor
48.27
1,421.91
-
2,436
Deeping Gate
11.83
1,385.47
1,780
1,858
Etton
36.96
1,410.60
41,301
42,154
Eye
30.60
1,404.24
11,428
12,243
Glinton
20.86
1,394.50
63,009
65,047
Hampton
19.05
1,392.69
511
8,272
Helpston
20.51
1,394.15
733
733
Marholm
9.98
1,383.62
2,429
3,063
Maxey
10.05
1,383.69
16,758
12,498
Newborough & Borough Fen
22.14
1,395.78
11,202
16,795
Northborough
34.87
1,408.51
20,766
23,838
Orton Longueville
7.92
1,381.56
45,806
44,735
Orton Waterville
13.80
1,387.44
4,974
4,896
Peakirk
29.57
1,403.21
479
470
Southorpe
6.52
1,380.16
-
-
-
1,373.64
St Martins Without
2,729
2,472
Sutton
36.83
1,410.47
34,200
34,017
Thorney
44.95
1,418.59
4,588
4,585
Thornhaugh
52.17
1,425.81
4,299
5,181
Ufford
41.98
1,415.62
-
-
Upton
-
1,373.64
8,877
9,050
Wansford
38.30
1,411.94
40,799
42,061
Wittering
57.71
1,431.35
-
-
Wothorpe
-
1,373.64
Your Council Tax
Council tax discounts If only one adult lives in a home, we reduce the bill by a quarter. In some cases, we do not count some groups of people when adding up how many adults live in a property. These groups of people include students, apprentices, some student nurses, certain care workers and carers, youth trainees and people with severe learning disabilities. Annexes occupied by family members may also receive a discount. You have to claim the single person’s discount as it is not automatic. So, if you think you should receive a discount that is not shown on your bill, please contact us. If you already receive a discount, you must tell us within 21 days about changes to the people living in your home affecting your discount (for example, someone who lives with you becoming 18 or someone else coming to live in your home). If you do not tell us, you may have to pay a £70 fine. Who pays council tax? There is a council tax bill for all homes. The person who has to pay council tax is usually the adult householder. The amount of council tax you pay reflects the value of your home, so the more expensive your home the more council tax you have to pay.
TOP TIPS This list helps us decide who is the liable person: • The resident owner (freeholder) • The resident leaseholder • The resident tenant • The resident licensee • The resident
The person who is highest up this list is the person who has to pay. If there are two or more people at the same level for example - joint owners or joint tenants - they are all responsible for payment. Husbands and wives and couples living together are also both responsible for paying the bill. If nobody is living in a domestic property the owner has to pay.
The owner also has to pay if the property is: • A residential home • Lived in by religious communities (for example a monastery or convent) • A house in multiple occupation – occupied by persons who do not constitute a single household • The main home of someone employed by the owner in domestic service • Lived in by certain ministers of religion • Provided under Section 95, Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Council tax instalments are usually payable over 10 months You now have the right to request your instalments over 12 months and to do so you must apply in writing to the council by 8 April 2014. Any written applications received after this date will be entitled to be spread over the number of full months remaining in the year. Council tax support If you are having difficulty paying your council tax there is a chance you will be entitled to some help. Many people may be entitled to reduced council tax, for example those receiving Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (income based), Employment Support Allowance (income related) or Pension Credit (guaranteed). If you receive one of these incomes please contact us as soon as possible. The amount of council tax support may be reduced if there are other adults living in your home. • Even if you qualify for only £1 per week this will reduce your bill by £52 that year • You may qualify if you are working or unemployed • Both tenants and owner occupiers can apply • People of state pension age can get up to 100 per cent reduction in their council tax. Those of working age can get up to 70 per cent reduction. • If you pay for childcare, up to £175 a week for one child, or £300 for two or more children, this can be disregarded from your earnings 13
Your Council Tax
Council tax exemptions Exempt homes Some homes are ‘exempt’ from council tax, meaning that no one has to pay. This includes homes: • Lived in only by students • Where all the residents are under 18 years old • Where all the residents have severe learning disabilities • That are owned or leased by a diplomat or a member of visiting armed forces • That are empty, including the following:
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On 1 April 2013 some council tax exemptions and discounts changed. These changes are highlighted below for 2014/15. Substantially unfurnished and unoccupied: Changed from a six month exemption to a one month discount of 100 per cent. Undergoing structural alteration or major repair: 12 month exemption removed in full. Second homes: 10 per cent discount removed in full.
- substantially unfurnished (discounted for up to one month)
In addition to the above a 50 per cent premium will be applied to those properties which have been empty for more than two years.
- are owned by a charity (exempt for up to six months)
Help with council tax for disabled people
- left empty by someone who has gone to prison, hospital or a nursing or residential home
- left empty by someone who has died (exempt up to six months after grant of probate)
- have been repossessed, or are the responsibility of a bankrupt’s trustee
- awaiting to be lived in by a minister of religion
- empty caravan pitches or boat moorings
If you, or an adult or child who lives with you, has a room, an extra bathroom or kitchen or extra space in your property to allow the use of a wheelchair that is needed to meet the special needs of the disability, we may be able to reduce your bill. Please contact us for more information.
TOP CONTACT If you are unsure about whether you can get help, please contact (01733) 452258 and ask us to check for you. The quicker you ask, the less you may have to pay.
Your Council Tax
Valuation bands The government has put all homes in one of eight bands depending on their open-market value as at 1 April 1991. This cannot take account of any changes in the price of property (either up or down) since April 1991. The council tax is set at the level of Band D properties. Other bands pay in proportions of ninths, as shown below. Council tax banding appeals The listing officer of the valuation office agency (part of HM Revenue and Customs) values a home for banding. If you think that your valuation band is wrong, you must contact the listing officer, not us. The address is: The Listing Officer, Council Tax East, Valuation Office Agency, Ground Floor, Ferrers House, Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham, NG2 1AB Fax: 03000 500975 Email: cteast@voa.gsi.gov.uk National helpline: 0845 602 1507
Values
Proportion of band D payable
A
Up to £40,000
6/9ths
B
£40,001 to £52,000
7/9ths
C
£52,001 to £68,000
8/9ths
Valuation band
D
£68,001 to £88,000
9/9ths
E
£88,001 to £120,000
11/9ths
F
£120,001 to £160,000
13/9ths
G
£160,001 to £320,000
15/9ths
H
More than £320,000
18/9ths
Council tax liability appeals You can appeal if you think your bill is incorrect – for example, if you are not the resident, if you think you should have an exemption, or there is a mistake in working out your bill. You may appeal by writing to us, giving your reasons so that we can look at your case again. Please note: Making an appeal does not allow you to stop paying council tax. If your appeal is successful, you will be entitled to a refund of any council tax you have overpaid. If you would like more details of the appeals procedure (including the role of valuation tribunals), please contact us on (01733) 452258.
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Your Council Tax
Do it online You can set up direct debit payments for council tax and get information about benefits and business rates in a matter of minutes - if you do it on-line. The self-service function of our website allows residents to pay council tax online. These services are improving the lives of Peterborough residents. There’s an online housing benefits and council tax support application form. This means: • No more having to phone and wait for a form to arrive in the post • No more having to trek into town to just pick up or drop off a form • No more endless pages of forms to fill in For more information visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/getbritainonline
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Get in touch There are a number of ways you can contact Peterborough City Council. If you can’t find the answer to your question on our website – www.peterborough.gov.uk – you can send us an email using the ‘contact us’ page on the website or send an email to ask@peterborough.gov.uk. You can also call (01733) 452258. How you can sign up Sign up for self service and access information about your benefits, council tax or business rates. You will be provided with a secure login to ensure that the confidentiality of information is not breached. To find out more information or to sign up for any of the self service options visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/doitonline
Your Council Tax
Benefit self service In addition to now being able to claim benefits online, you can also sign up to benefit self service. This will allow you to view the following information about your claim: • Benefit payments • Calculations • Household members • Income used in assessment • Overpayments/invoices
TOPSITE It’s all done and dusted in three simple steps:
1
Step one – log on to www.peterborough.gov.uk, click do it online and apply OR even easier, scan the QR code and you’re on your way! You will need a QR reader app on your smart phone to do this – there are many free reader apps available online.
Benefit landlord’s self service Once signed up you will be able to view the following information about your tenant’s claims if being paid direct: • Summary of claim details • Payment details • Overpayments/invoices • View correspondence Council tax self service
2
Step two – answer a few questions then click submit.
3
Step three - scan and email the documents the form asks for.
That’s it - you’re done. Any time, night or day.
Once signed up you will be able to view the following information about your council tax account: • Payment details • Account and property details • Correspondence sent • E-billing sign up • Set up a Direct Debit Business rates self service Once signed up you will be able to view the following information about your business rate account: • Account details • Bill details • Rateable values
17
Your Fire Service
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority is responsible for providing an efficient and effective fire and rescue service. It does this by balancing resources across fire safety in the home and at work, and responding to 999 emergencies. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service continues to be one of the lowest financing fire and rescue services in the country, yet continually strives to improve the service it provides to the public.
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Background Local government as a whole is faced with an unprecedented set of financial challenges and the fire authority is no exception. The government grant to the authority was reduced by 22.7 per cent over the past three financial years. The reduction for the forthcoming year is 6.8 per cent.
What does it mean? The budget has been prepared for the medium term (the next five years) after making a number of assumptions, which are: • A freeze in council tax for 2014/15 following a pay award of one per cent, then a two per cent increase in 2015/16 onwards; • N on pay inflation will track government inflation projections, with the exception of fuel. In summary, the authority will receive a total grant, including council tax benefit grant, of £12.4 million. This is a reduction of £900,000 from the grant received in 2013/14, equivalent to 6.8 per cent. The indicative grant figure for 2015/16 is £11.4 million. This is a further reduction of £1 million or 8.4 per cent.
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Your Fire Service
Budget
Reserves
The fire authority has approved a budget of £29.1 million for 2014/15. This is equivalent to a Band D council tax contribution of £64.26, which equates to £1.24 a week – a freeze in line with last year’s rate.
The fire authority will have estimated general reserves of £2.2 million (7.4 per cent of net budget) at the end of 2013/14, to fund excessive operational costs that might arise from extreme weather conditions or to mitigate against business continuity events (eg pandemic flu).
Capital spending The fire authority’s capital programme includes: • T he purchase of fire appliances and other operational vehicles
Information You can see copies of the fire authority’s priorities for 2014/15 and Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) on its website www.cambsfire.gov.uk.
• Property maintenance and improvements • Operational equipment • I nformation technology and communications equipment
For the latest information about CFRS, follow us on @cambsfrs and Facebook/cambsfrs 20
Your Fire Service What is the money spent on 2013/14
Inflation
Other variations
2014/15
£m
£m
£m
£m
Employees
22.2
0.3
-0.9
21.6
Premises
1.1
0.1
0.0
1.2
Supplies and services
5.5
0.1
0.1
5.7
Transport
0.6
0.0
0.0
0.6
Agency costs
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.1
Capital financing
2.0
0.0
-0.1
1.9
Gross expenditure
31.5
0.5
-0.9
31.1
Income
-1.7
0.0
-0.3
-2.0
Net expenditure
29.8
0.5
-1.2
29.1
2013/14
Inflation
Other variations
2014/15
£m
£m
£m
£m
3.4
0.0
0.1
3.5
Where does the money come from?
Business rates Non-ringfenced government grant
10.0
0.0
-1.1
8.9
Council tax requirement
16.4
0.4
-0.1
16.7
Total
29.8
0.4
-1.1
29.1
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Your Police Service
Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Graham Bright is elected by you, the public, every four years. He has been in post for 18 months. Police and crime commissioners have responsibility for delivering an efficient and effective police service in their area. Commissioners set police and crime objectives, the police budget and issue crime and disorder reduction grants through the Police and Crime Plan. Commissioners hold the police to account, making them answerable to the public. They must also work with other local agencies to ensure there is a joinedup approach to preventing and reducing crime. More information on Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is available by visiting www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk
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Your Police Service Crime prevention and reduction in Cambridgeshire Building on the historical good work of the constabulary, the following police and crime objectives will continue to form the basis of efficient and effective policing in Peterborough in the year ahead: • Maintaining local police performance • D elivering policing in Cambridgeshire within the available budget • C ontinuing to tackle crime and disorder including anti-social behaviour and burglary • Keeping people safe • Maintaining the resilience of protective services An important part of policing in Peterborough includes working with other forces nationally to protect communities from terrorism, secure the public’s involvement in cutting and preventing crime and delivering value for money. In addition to the objectives above, Sir Graham has made a series of personal pledges in response to what members of the public have told him they have concerns about. These are included in the plan on the website.
Protecting the frontline a ‘priority’ Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner will increase the policing part of council tax by a modest amount to protect the front line in 2014/15, after Cambridgeshire’s force received £1.2 million less than expected in police grant for 2014/15. Significant savings had been made to balance the 2014/15 budget, but the government grant settlement announcement revealed that forces, including Cambridgeshire, had been ‘top sliced’ to fund national initiatives and consequently received less than anticipated. The 7p per week (1.92 per cent) increase on the average property (band D) means that the frontline continues to be protected. That would take the total cost for a Band D property to £181.35. Cambridgeshire is one of the lowest costing and most productive police workforces in the country with the highest percentage of officers on frontline duties. The number of police officers working in local policing will have increased from 988.5 at the start of the year to 998 at the start of this coming year, despite having also made savings of £4.9 million within 2013/14.
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Sir Graham has been listening to what the public have told him, balancing their expectations of police visibility with affordability of tax increases. Engagement with the public has taken place throughout the year in numerous ways. Sir Graham’s Outreach Worker for Peterborough and Fenland has played an instrumental role in listening to the public, acting on their concerns and, when necessary, enabling the commissioner to hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public. The precept will provide a £131.1 million budget for policing in 2014/15. This will allow Sir Graham to continue to deliver against his pledges as set out in the Police and Crime Plan. Partnership working In the commissioner’s first year much work has been undertaken to influence how partners approach problems which impact on all agencies. Responding to and preventing problems caused by alcohol misuse, working together on mental health, addressing antisocial behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable people remain high on the commissioner’s list of priorities.
Victims The commissioner’s role, and the operation he is now running, is completely different to the one he inherited and it is increasing all the time. Responsibility for commissioning support services for victims will transfer to the commissioner in October. The commissioner wants to put the victim in the driving position, ensuring they receive the necessary help and support to cope, recover and, where possible, return to the life they had before the crime occurred. The commissioner is also championing work with offenders to prevent people becoming victims in the first place. Capital programme The commissioner has a capital programme (premises and other assets) for 2014/15 of which £4.6 million includes historical and new commitments such as: • ICT and communications projects to replace current systems with updated and integrated ones (£2.4 million) • Major repairs to buildings (£0.7 million) • Replacement of vehicles (£1.4 million) • Collaborated Unit projects (£0.1 million)
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Your Police Service Where the money comes from
Workforce As stated previously, the number of officer posts within local policing will be 998 by the start of 2014/15. The total number of officers budgeted for will be 1,341 in 2014/15. A total of 819 staff and 150 PCSOs have been included in the budget. Reserves
Council tax Council tax freeze grant
£m
%
47.2
36
1.2
0.9
Police grant
77.3
59
Other grants
5.2
4
Reserves
0.2
0.1
131.1
100
Total
What the money is spent on
General reserves are held in the event of the occurrence of any unforeseen high impact policing operations. The commissioner will have estimated general reserves of £9.2 million (7 per cent of net budget) at the end of 2013/14. The commissioner also maintains earmarked reserves for capital financing, potential risks, new initiatives and to deal with insurance claims. These are expected to be £15.4 million at the end of 2014/15. Contacts If you need to contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, please write to: The Chief Executive Office of the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner South Cambridgeshire Hall Cambourne Business Park Cambourne Cambridge CB23 6EA Telephone: 0300 333 3456 Email: cambs-pcc@cambs.pnn.police.uk Website: www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk
£m
%
Employees
77.8
59.3
Police officer pensions
12.2
9.3
Premises
4
3.1
Transport
1.7
1.3
Supplies and services
13.8
10.5
Collaborated units
19.4
14.8
1.8
1.4
PCC Grants Capital financing Income Total
2.2
1.7
-1.8
-1.4
131.1
100 25
Did you know? Peterborough has more than 150 miles of cycle routes connecting the whole city waiting to be explored. With our safe on road and off road cycle routes which include the Green Wheel, there is nowhere you can’t get to on a bike – while having fun, getting healthy and saving money. For more information please visit www.travelchoice.org.uk
Your
CYCLE MAP
Peterborough £1.50
The Official Peterborough Cycle Map • The Green Wheel
• Local attractions
• Commuter Routes • Nature Sites • The National Cycle Network • Cycling Information
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Did you know? Peterborough has an innovative Brompton Dock bike hire scheme. Just hire a bike from the railway station from £2.50 per day and use it to go anywhere you wish. Just fold it up and take it with you on the train or to work then unfold it and ride it back to the station to return…or don’t…keep it for as long as you like! What’s more, Peterborough has a number of electric vehicle charging points throughout the city. For a small annual sum of £10 you can charge your electric car free of charge whilst you do your shopping or visit friends. For more information please visit www.travelchoice.org.uk
Perkins Great Eastern Run
Get set for this year’s Perkins Great Eastern Run Since its return to the city’s calendar back in 2006 the Perkins Great Eastern Run has grown in popularity year on year. Last year’s half marathon attracted its highest number of runners with almost 5,200 people entering the race and a record 1,700 people signed up for the Anna’s Hope fun run. This year’s race will take place on Sunday 12 October and organisers are hoping it will be another record breaker. The course is popular with runners because it is largely flat and gives them the best chance of beating their personal best. It also passes through the historic core of the city centre, making it an attractive route for runners, and there is prize money on offer for the winners. Entrants can also choose to raise money for the charity of their choice. If you would like to sign up to this year’s event, entry forms are available at the Visitor Information Centre on Bridge Street, Peterborough, or online at www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk
Get in shape for the big race If you’re thinking about taking part in the race, but need a little extra help to get you prepared, put the free training evenings in your diary. Runners of all abilities can attend the training sessions at Peterborough Athletics Track organised by Advance Performance. The training sessions, which are held in conjunction with experienced runners and coaches from local running clubs, start in July. They take place at 7pm on the following dates: • 9 July • 23 July • 6 August • 20 August • 3 September • 17 September • 1 October For more information email perkinsgreateasternrun@peterborough.gov.uk 27
Heataborough
Warming your home and saving you money
Dogsthorpe resident Anthony Cooke knew that his boiler was on borrowed time, after all it was almost 30-years-old.
“As they often say in life, you rarely get something for free, so I never thought I’d qualify for help,” said Anthony.
But saving a couple of thousand pounds for a new boiler was easier said than done.
“We had been saving up for a new boiler, but it would have taken a while to save up the full amount and we were conscious that the old one could stop working at any time.”
So when Anthony (64) heard about the Heataborough scheme run by Peterborough City Council and British Gas he was keen to see whether he would qualify for help. Heataborough offers free cavity wall and loft insulation, as well as boiler repairs and replacements, to residents who own their own home, or rent privately, but are in receipt of benefits or the state pension.
Anthony got in touch with British Gas and to his surprise was told that he qualified for a free boiler. An engineer carried out a survey at his house then at the next visit he got his 28-year gas-guzzling boiler replaced with a brand new model.
“Cross Keys Care have helped me keep my independence, my friends and my home.” A care service that’s as unique as you are. From a discreet personal alarm to a full home care service, let us take care of things. Call today to find out more on 01733 396484, email val.stokes@crosskeyshomes.co.uk or visit www.crosskeyscare.co.uk Cross Keys Care is part of Cross Keys Homes and is fully registered with the Care Quality Commission 1-541301229. Cross Keys Homes, Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough PE2 7BZ. Cross Keys Homes is registered charity number 1104746.
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Heataborough “It has made such a difference to my energy bills,” said Anthony, “I now use half the gas that I did before and my house is so much warmer. “If you’re in a similar situation to me, faced with expensive fuel bills and an out-of-date boiler, I’d recommend that you find out about Heataborough. I’m certainly glad that I did!” To qualify for the scheme a member of the household must be in receipt of; • Child tax credit and have income below £15,860 • State pension credit • I ncome related employment and support allowance (plus the support or work related element) You may also qualify, if you receive; • W orking tax credit (and your income is £15,860 or less) • Income support • Income-based jobseeker’s allowance Councillor Nigel North, Cabinet Member for Environment Capital and Neighbourhoods, said: “It’s staggering to think that a new energy efficient boiler can save you up to £300 a year and something as simple as loft insulation can save up to £180 every year. “Heataborough allows us to support residents to heat their homes in a safe and affordable way. In turn it will also reduce the city’s carbon footprint and help make Peterborough a healthier and greener place to live, which is great for everyone.” To apply for the scheme people can complete an application form at www.heataborough.co.uk or call 0800 316 4247.
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What’s on
March Lambing event - until 27 March
Welcome the new arrivals to Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre at Thornhaugh. Call (01780) 782254 or visit www.sacrewell.org.uk
April Treasure from Trash exhibition
See the weird and wonderful things that can be made from rubbish at this exhibition at Peterborough Museum, Priestgate. Call (01733) 864663 or visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com
Beastly Boring Burghley Tour - 5 to 17 April
Be guided around by costumed guides and find out all the grizzly, gruesome and horrible history associated with Burghley and the people who have lived here. Admission is free with a house and gardens ticket for the day. Call 01780 752451 or visit www.burghley.co.uk
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Easter bunny hunt - 20 April
Join the Easter bunny hunt at Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre, Thornhaugh. Call (01780) 782254 or visit www.sacrewell.org.uk
Uncle Sam’s American Circus - 25 April
The circus rolls into town to set up home at the Peterborough Embankment for a fortnight. Shows run daily until 5 May. Visit www.americancircus.co.uk
Last Night of the Proms - 27 April
The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor June Stokes, will host the annual Last Night of the Proms at the Key Theatre. All proceeds to the Mayor’s charities. Call (01733) 207239 or visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com
May Truckfest - 4 and 5 May
The original road haulage and trucking event in the UK is at Peterborough Arena, East of England Showground. Call (01733) 363500 or visit www.truckfest.com
What’s on
Stilton Cheese Rolling - 5 May
Stilton’s cheese rolling competition and May Day village fair. Visit www.stilton.org/cheese-rolling
BMF - 16 to 18 May
The BMF May show in Peterborough is the season ‘opener’ for motorcycle enthusiasts. Call (01733) 363500 or visit www.peterborougharena.com.
John Clare 150th Anniversary Concert 17 May
This evening concert in St John’s Church, Peterborough, will mark the 150th anniversary of the poet’s death. Tickets are available from the Visitor Information Centre in Bridge Street.
Peterborough Playgoers - 15 to 18 May
Peterborough Playgoers presents The Nightingales at the John Clare Theatre in Broadway. Visit www.peterboroughplaygoers.org.uk
Tour series - 20 May
Tour series cycle race through Peterborough city centre.
June Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival - 15 June The race takes place on the River Nene near The Embankment. For details call 01780 470718 or visit www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/Peterborough
The Sixteen: Choral Pilgrimage - 16 June
7pm pre-concert talk, 7.30pm concert at Peterborough Cathedral. The Sixteen and Harry Christophers revisit the golden age of renaissance polyphony with a programme of music by English composers John Sheppard, Richard Davy and William Mundy. Visit www.thesixteen.com/page/thechoral-pilgrimage-peterborough
Peterborough Heritage Festival 21 and 22 June
Celebrate Peterborough’s rich heritage when the city’s past is brought to life in the city centre. Expect costumed re-enactors and period displays. Full details will be available nearer the time at www.vivacity-peterborough.com.
Peterborough Artists’ Open Studio 28 and 29 June
Artists and craftspeople will open their studios, workspaces and homes to the public. Full details at www.paos.org.uk
September Italian Festival - 20 and 21 September Two day festival in Peterborough city centre celebrating Italian culture and traditions.
Peterborough Classic and Vintage Vehicle Show - 13 and 14 September
The Embankment will host an array of cars, motorcycles, tractors, commercial and other vehicles combined with family entertainment, music and arts and crafts. To register your vehicle or business email city.centre.services@peterborough.gov.uk
October Be A Chorister for a Day - 4 October
9.30am and 1pm in the Becket Chapel and the Cathedral. A great opportunity for girls and boys in school year 2 (as at September 2014) to experience singing with Peterborough Cathedral Choir. Call Penny Wood on (01733) 355318.
Perkins Great Eastern Run - 12 October
Sign up for the 13.1 mile half marathon or 5km fun run. Entry forms are available at the Visitor Information Centre on Bridge Street or sign up online at www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk
Peterborough Diwali Festival - 18 October
Peterborough’s Indian, Nepali and Sri Lankan communities will be celebrating the annual festival of Diwali in Cathedral Square. The city centre will be transformed with activities and exhibitions that reflect the festival of lights.
November Christmas lights switch-on - 15 November City centre lights switch-on in Cathedral Square.
To keep up-to-date with events happening in Peterborough visit www.idea1.org.uk 31
Could you offer the city’s most vulnerable children a safe place to call their home? There are over 300 children in care in Peterborough and we’re looking for people from all backgrounds who can provide a safe and loving home for young people who are unable to live with their own families. We offer on-going professional support, personal development opportunities and a a spare bedroom and a genuine interest in supporting children and young people, then we’d love to talk to you about fostering.
01733 317427 • wanttofoster@peterborough.gov.uk www.peterboroughfostering.co.uk