Your Peterborough by Peterborough City Council

The Difference of a Decade A cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story in ten years Pg 2 to 3

ents for Spring into spring! Ev 41 everyone! Pg 5 and 40 to

Spring Issue 2013

Your Council tax 2013/14 Council tax freeze agreed Pg 9 to 32

Electric Vehicle Trial Day Returns! Saturday 25 May - Queensgate Shopping Centre Come along for:

• Test drive a range of electric vehicles (between 11am to 2pm) and speak to industry experts • Learn about the benefits of electric vehicles and the grants / support available to help you switch to electric • Learn how to use Queensgate’s brand new electric charging posts • Get involved with the Green Festival in Cathedral Square afterward Confirmed dealers and vehicles for the event are; Smiths Renault, Smiths Nissan, Goin Green and Zero Motorcycles To book a test drive, or to find out more about the Electric Vehicle Trial Day visit www.travelchoice.org.uk Don’t forget to bring both parts of your driving licence to test drive the vehicles!

Renault Twizy Z.E

5 H s

Are you looking for a new challenge? Peterborough Citizens Advice Bureau is currently looking for volunteers to join the service as Telephone Assessors. If you’re looking to put something back into your local community, we want to hear from you. If you have spare time and want to learn new skills, we want to hear from you. If you enjoy working in a team and helping others, we want to hear from you. For more information and an application pack please contact us on (01733) 887923, via email: aipadmin@peterboroughcab.org.uk, via our website: www.adviceintegration.co.uk or visit us at: 16-17 St. Mark’s Street, Peterborough, PE1 2TU Applications to be returned by 12 noon on 13 May

You can MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE to people in your community

4 S S

· Registered with Ofsted · Outstanding building · Parental CCTV webcam system for extra security · Registered for children

Special rate only £150 per week!

aged from 3 months to 8 years

· Exclusive offer until December 2013

• Full time fee of £150 per week any age group (conditions apply) • £117 per week full time with funding Please bring this voucher to get the discounted rates. Cedars Nursery School 16 Aldermans Drive Peterborough PE3 6AR Tel: (01733) 555 463

Email: cedarsdaynursery@hotmail.co.uk

60 Innovation way Lynch Wood Lynchwood Business Park PE2 6FL Tel: (01733) 361 290 Email: brightkidsdaynursery@hotmail.com

Website: www.brightkidsnursery.co.uk

Contents

2 to 3

Your Council Tax Book 9 to 20 Your Council Tax 2013/14 21 Peterborough Online

Census 2011 – Peterborough in numbers

Heritage and Culture

22 to 25 Cambs and Peterborough Fire Authority 26 to 29 Police and Crime Commissioner 30 to 31 Safer Peterborough

4 Spit and polish for St Peter’s Arcade

Environment

What’s up with the flags?

People and Places 36 Stuck for inspiration this Father’s Day? Eggs-citing facts about Easter 37 Stylish Scarves at City Market Get the Big Picture on Down’s Syndrome

5 History comes alive this spring

Health and Fitness

Willow Festival returns in July

6 Stay sun safe this summer Vivacity launches new Lifestyle Membership

Get a plot! Ready to Switch

34 Green news shoots straight to your inbox Green Festival 25 May to 2 June

7 A run for everyone

Your Economics, Business and Government

38 New Care Directory goes digital Girls – Doing it for themselves 39 What is a Community Health Champion? 40 to 41 What’s on Spring 2013

35 Enjoy spring colour in the city’s parks Hungry Harry hits 2,500 tonnes Turning our waste into energy

Back Cover Win a meal at Carluccio’s

8 The Mayor - bringing a smile to Peterborough

Advertising Enquiries If you’re interested in advertising in Your Peterborough please call 01733 452693

YOUR CENSUS 2011

Census 2011:

Peterborough in numbers Every ten years the Office for National Statistics (ONS) carries out a census to find out more about the people who live in England and Wales. The latest census took place on Sunday 27 March 2011 and results are just being released.

One of the main reasons for this population growth has been inward migration into the city since 2001.

Over the last decade the city’s population has increased by 27,570 people to 183,631. That means Peterborough is the 9th fastest growing local authority in England and Wales. One of the main reasons for this population growth has been inward migration into the city since 2001; however people have been migrating to Peterborough since the Second World War: • T here are 37,892 people who live in Peterborough who were not born in the UK – that’s about 1 in 5 of the city’s population • A lmost 18,000 of those people arrived in Peterborough between 1941 and 2000 • I n recent years we have seen the pace of migration increase and between 2004 and 2009, 16,948 migrants arrived to live, and stayed, in Peterborough

9 local authority th

fastest growing

in England and Wales

TOPSITE Find out more about how

Peterborough is changing: www.peterborough.gov.uk/census

Barnack and

Northborough

wards have the most married residents

(both 63.3 per cent).

Other key facts about the city: • 4 2.9 per cent of people (aged 16 to 74) are employed in full-time work (national average is 38.6 per cent)

63.3%

• 3 out of 5 people in the city are part of a couple – higher than the national average • 81.6 per cent of Peterborough residents say they’re in good or very good health, 13.3 per cent being in fair health and 5.2 per cent in bad or very bad health • There are 8,643 more households in Peterborough than in 2001 - now totalling 74,023 • 75% more adults have more qualifications in Peterborough • 19 wards noticed an increase in population from 2001 – however five wards have decreased including Orton Longueville that has 257 fewer residents than a decade ago

41.7%

Fletton

and Woodston

has the highest proportion of singletons (41.7 per cent).

YOUR HERITAGE AND CULTURE

What’s up with the flags? A dash of colour has been added to the city centre with flags displaying historical figures from Peterborough’s past now flying on Church Street and Cathedral Square.

New flags have been installed in celebration of Peterborough’s history and also in support of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

T V

Spit and polish

for St. Peter’s Arcade

There are a total of nine columns with two flags to each column, each displaying the coat of arms of key people from the city’s past. Five of the flags represent crests found near the Guildhall on Cathedral Square (Charles II, Bishop Henshaw, Dean Dupont, and the Montaque and Orme families) with the other four representing celebrated figures and standings in Peterborough.

IMPROVING

OUR CITY CENTRE

Following the completion of improvement works in Cathedral Square and St John’s Square, the focus has since moved to Bridge Street and Cowgate. Next up in the coming months will be Long Causeway after funding was agreed in the 2013/14 budget. For more information about the city centre works visit www.peterborough.gov.uk and search ‘public realm works’ or call into the Ringway shop on Bridge Street.

T i t É 1 m t b G I m A

T V

One of the gateways to the city is having a facelift. A refurbishment project is underway to create extra retail space in St Peter’s Arcade and transform the area into an impressive entrance into the city centre. The alteration work includes new lighting and flooring cleaning of stonework, improvements to the access ramp and steps and replacement of the existing pigeon deterrent. For more information, telephone (01733) 747474 and ask for the Commercial Operations department.

! s k o o z d Ga

History comes alive

this spring La Belle Époque: Edwardian Fashion 1900 to 1914 Times: 2 March to 6 May Venue: Peterborough Museum This spring, the Museum is delving deep into its fabulous costume collection to bring you the very best Edwardian Fashion from La Belle Époque (French for “the beautiful era” between 1900 to 1914). Rarely-seen items from the museum’s collection will be elegantly displayed to create a snapshot of Peterborough life before the Great War changed the city forever. Guest-starring the wardrobe of award-winning ITV drama, Downton Abbey, high fashion will meet the work-wear of the masses. Free entry. Admission charges apply for special event days.

Roaming Romans Times: 4 to 6 May, 10am to 5pm Venue: Flag Fen The Romans are invading Flag Fen! Try Roman army drills, watch bloody Gladiator fights, cookery demonstrations and much more – a real Bank Holiday adventure. Admission prices apply.

Museums at Night Times: 16 to 18 May Venue: Peterborough Museum See your local museum in a different light during this national festival. Try a candlelit ghost tour, stay until the small hours hunting for ghosts in the most haunted building in the city, or bring the family to a ‘Night at the Museum’ sleepover. Special event prices apply.

I’m a Bronze Age Person, Get Me Out of Here! Times: 28 May to 2 June Venue: Flag Fen Experience life 3,000 years ago as re-enactors live as Bronze Age people for the week in our reconstructed prehistoric village. Discover the stories of these prehistoric people and how they lived day-to-day - including ancient technology demonstrations. Admission prices apply.

Space: Fact and Fiction Exhibition Times: June to end of September Venue: Peterborough Museum The museum presents a family-friendly introduction to space and exploration. Linking popular science fiction to science fact as well as busting myths it will showcase the UK’s role in our understanding of space. Admission charges apply for special event days.

TOPCONTACT Peterborough Museum, Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF T: 01733 864663 E: museum@vivacity-peterborough.com Flag Fen, The Droveway, Northey Road, Peterborough, PE6 7QJ T: 01733 313414 E: flag.fen@vivacity-peterborough.com www.vivacity-peterborough.com 5

YOUR SPORT

Stay sun safe this summer

N DAMAGE – WATCH OUT FOR SU (MAY 2013) SUN AWARENESS WEEK

VIVACITY SPORTS

We all love a little spring sunshine, but remember before you get those legs out, exposure to the sun is fine in moderation, but beware the pitfalls of taking in the rays. The sun is a great source of vitamin D, it improves mood and energy levels and even strengthens bones. However its effects are not all positive. If you like spending time outdoors here are some things you need to know. It doesn’t take long for the sun to harm your skin. The symptoms of sunburn vary depending on length of exposure to UV rays and skin type and can lead to skin cancer. In severe cases it is advised you seek professional advice. Find out more about how to be sun smart and watch some helpful videos at www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sunburn

DID YOU KNOW? 6

You can order a free sun awareness pack from the British Association of Dermatologists as part of Sun Awareness Week which takes place from 6 to 12 May. Visit www.bad.org.uk for more information.

Vivacity launches

new Lifestyle Membership Are you suffering from diabetes, weight issues, arthritis or other health problems? Are you struggling to keep active and reduce the impact of illness on your life? Then you may be interested in a new Lifestyle scheme from Vivacity, which you can now get through your GP or healthcare professional. The Vivacity Lifestyle membership includes: • T hree month programme of specialist support and guidance • ‘ Vivacity Voyage’ a four-step programme tailored to your specific health needs • A personal induction with full access to two pools, four gyms and over 90 classes Your GP can refer you to the Vivacity scheme which then provides specialist support and guidance to improve the lives of people at risk from chronic illnesses. To find out more, ask at your GP surgery or see www.vivacity-peterborough.com/ lifestyle.

New Website For Half Marathon Entries Online entry to one of the flattest and fastest half marathons in the country couldn’t be easier following the launch of its brand new website www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk

Spring has finally arrived. The days are longer, the temperature is rising, we’re all starting to get active outdoors and there’s no better time to sign up for the Perkins Great Eastern Run.

Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the half marathon, fun run and wheelchair race. Entry to all three events is slicker than ever before and the website also includes details of the Junior Challenge and information about free training sessions. You can also browse through photos of last year’s event and watch the video to see if you were caught playing a starring role! In 2012 the Perkins Great Eastern Run attracted more than 5,500 competitors and this year the running action takes place on Sunday 13 October.

For details visit www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk or follow us on www.facebook.com/ ThePerkinsGreatEasternRun or Twitter @PerkinsGER

We asked you on Twitter to tell us what unusual sports you enjoy in Peterborough. Here is what you said: @RuthBaldry: Feb 05, 4:24pm from Twitter

for iPad @PeterboroughCC ice dan cing, not so unusual but great fun!

@pboropixie: for Feb 06, 1:50pm from Twitter roid And uld feature @PeterboroughCC You sho all Club. eyb Voll riers Har Peterborough teams, a V successful male and female club e usiv incl friendly and

@PeterboroughHC for iPhone Feb 06, 5:42pm from Twitter is a great ll @PeterboroughCC handba the from s ces suc real a sport and featured :) Olympics. It’d be great to be @dammothesetter: Feb 08, 10:35pm from Twi tter for iPad @PeterboroughCC Defo feature @PBOROHARRIERSVC we have sessions three nights a week at Voy ager Academy

www.peterboroughharriersvo lleyb

allclub.org.uk

YOUR ECONOMICS, BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT

TOPMAN A YEAR IN LIFE OF THE MAYOR – COUNCILLOR GEORGE SIMONS

Bringing a smile to Peterborough

Throughout the year the Mayor has been raising money for his charities which are The Rudolf Fund and Supporters of Combat Stress.

It’s been a jam packed Jubilee year for Councillor George Simons since being elected Peterborough’s first citizen in May 2012. As Mayor of Peterborough Councillor George Simons has had so many proud and memorable moments that it is near impossible for him to limit it to a top five. After lots of deliberation, these were his pick of the bunch.

Two months after Councillor Simons took part in the Olympic torch relay through Peterborough, he was accompanying silver medallist Louis Smith on a brilliantly British open top bus parade to welcome him home.

Six royals in one year! Thanks to several momentous occasions for Peterborough, the Mayor had the honour of shaking hands with Prince Charles, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess of Wessex, not to mention lunch with the Queen!

October saw the official opening of the Bridge Fair, with Councillor Simons taking a turn on the bumper cars before hosting the traditional sausage supper at the Town Hall.

A subject close to the Mayor’s heart is showing respect for the commitment of the armed forces. In the past year we have seen a number of events take place, expressing gratitude and pride for our troops and to honour the memory of soldiers lost, including the dedication and unveiling of the new war memorial, Armistice 8 Day and the homecoming parade for the 1st Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment.

By November, Christmas preparations were in full swing and our fun-loving Mayor agreed to be lifted into the air on a cherry picker to place the star on the Cathedral Square Christmas tree.

Councillor Simons pledged to make Peterborough smile when he was elected Mayor and he’s certainly done that. From rubbing shoulders with the Royals to riding bumper cars at the fair, he’s seen and done it all, and in George’s words, “What a year I’ve had, I’ve loved every minute.”

Do it online Sign up for self service and receive access to 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.

TOPSITE Do it online.

www.peterborough.gov.uk

2013 / 14

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, or alternatively send an email to: ask@peterborough.gov.uk You can also telephone (01733) 747474 to speak to Peterborough Direct our call centre.

I am proud of Peterborough “We are undeniably in difficult financial times but I want to start by saying how proud I am of what the city is achieving.”

We had to find a way of saving £17m from our budget. This has been the biggest challenge my colleagues and I have had to address. But we are also making key investments: • £42m on school places • I nvestment in extra care provision housing and a dementia resource centre

These are just a few of the many successes and highlights we’ve seen in the past year:

• I nvestment in regeneration projects such as the South Bank

• 4,500 new jobs created

• Renewable Energy and Energy from Waste

• M ore University Centre Peterborough students than ever before

• Major road improvements

• H uge investment in our schools - with some of our best results ever • R ecognised as one of the top ten areas for economic activity in England • S tart of work on Gateway Peterborough – which is set to provide 8,000 jobs • O ver 900 homes either built or brought back into use • R apid improvement in the city council’s Children’s Services department • T he Olympic Torch Relay and other city centre events and festivals ..and some fantastic new businesses and restaurants coming to our growing city. I believe that Peterborough is bucking the national trend and when the wider economy recovers this city will be in an excellent position to grow and become bigger and better. However, the reality is that at the moment we are forced into making some very difficult and unpopular choices. Our funding has been cut by a third by the Coalition Government, and this is combined with pressures from a growing 10 population and an increasing demand on our social care services.

• A dditional cleansing of the city centre and other grime hot spots My Cabinet colleagues and I are very proud to have confirmed that there will be a Council Tax freeze in 2013/14. At a time when residents are continuing to feel a squeeze on their incomes, we believe that freezing council tax is the right thing to do. I’m also pleased that the vast majority of savings have been found through efficiencies, although we have been forced to look at service reductions including free-of-charge open-access play centres and subsidised bus travel as well as our charging and eligibility policies for adult social care. I believe that the budget proposals strike the best possible balance between protecting and supporting those that need our help most, while still investing in our city to create jobs and attract new investment for the future.”

T i p T c w f p

T n i r d a a t i t e a h w

T b t r t g b a f

Total cost of services and council tax requirement The total amount the council needs to spend in 2013/14 is £434.9m including precepts from parish councils and levies from levying bodies. This is shown in the table below. This table compares this year’s figures to those of 2012/13, which have been adjusted to reflect the new funding system for local government in order to provide a more meaningful comparison. To arrive at the amount of money the council needs to raise from council tax payers (£57.0m), 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 an increase in the number of new houses and the removal of discounts and does not result in an increase in the basic amount of council tax. The main reasons for the increase in gross expenditure are an increase for schools of £5.7m and the transfer of responsibilities for public health services from the NHS of £8.5m both of which have matching increases in grant income. The council sets its budget each year by balancing 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 Government grants including grants for schools, retained business rates and other income such as fees and charges. The remainder (13 per cent) is met from council tax.

The amount of money the council receives from Government will reduce by a third during the course of the spending review. For 2013/14 the council needs to make £17m of savings in order to deal with service pressures and remain within its funding levels The Government continues to reduce the overall level of funding for Peterborough in order to redistribute funds among other councils. Although the Government did take into account the strenuous lobbying from the council on the treatment of population data and the use of census information the amount held back in 2013/14 is still £5.1m.

bu ho to

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 2013/14. In deciding where the savings will be made the council has maintained its commitment to its priorities of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, improving educational attainment, promoting growth, regeneration and economic development, keeping our communities safe and cohesive and supporting culture and the environment. Prior to final approval, the budget proposals went through a period of public consultation.

Cost of services Gross expenditure Less: Service income Government Support - Revenue Support Grant Locally retained business rates Schools grants Council tax requirement

2012/13

2013/14

Change

£m

418.4

434.9

3.9%

136.0 58.4 42.2 127.7 54.1

146.2 55.2 43.1 133.4 57.0

7.5% -5.5% 2.1% 4.5% 5.4%

Benefit Claimant’s Self Service Once signed up for self service you will be able to view the following information about your claim: • Benefit payments • Calculations • Household members • Income used in assessment • Overpayments/invoices

The city’s money

YOUR COUNCIL TAX

*Note: Figures in brackets below represent the corresponding values for 2012/13.

Where does our funding come from?

What do we spend the money on?

An analysis of the gross income for 2013/14 is shown on the chart below.

An analysis of the gross expenditure for 2013/14 is shown on the chart below.

Where does the £434.9m (£418.4m)* come from?

What will be provided for £434.9m* (£418.4m)?

13%

15%

10%

31%

Schools Funding £133.4m (£127.7m) ousing Benefit Subsidy £70.2m (£68.3m) H Council Tax £57.0m (£54.1m) Revenue Support Grant £55.2m (£58.4m) Locally Retained Business Rates £43.1m (42.2m) Specific grants £30.2m (£19.0m) Income from fees and charges £29.0m (£28.7m) Other income £16.9m (£20.0m)

The majority of the council’s funding (67 per cent) comes from the Government and comprises the 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 Government has changed the method of local government funding for 2013/14 by replacing the previous formula grant system (all provided by the Government) to a system where the council now retains a proportion of the business rates.

14%

13%

16%

43%

hildren Services £186.6m (£182.1m) C Housing Benefit £70.2m (£68.3m) Strategic Resources £63.3m (£59.0m) Adult Social Care £61.3m (£60.8m) Operations £37.8m (£32.2m) Chief Executive’s £8.3m (£8.7m) Business Rates Tariff £6.4m (£6.3m) Levies and Precepts £1.0 (£1.0m)

The main expenditure is spent on Children’s Services (including schools) and Adult Social Care Services. Operations includes planning, environmental, transport and engineering, parking and licensing. Strategic Resources includes major external contracts for waste management, cultural services and support services and capital financing costs. Chief Executive’s includes legal and democratic services as well as growth and regeneration activities.

L P

L o t p c

T o f a N c m fl o o

T c E H f D i b t a T

I n p w

Levies paid to other organisations by Peterborough City Council

Money is spent on the construction of new flood defence schemes...

Levies are statutory payments made to other organisations which are funded by local taxpayers. The total levy issued is shared in proportion to the Band D equivalents of all contributing local authorities. The Environment Agency has powers in respect of flood and coastal erosion risk management for 2,292 kilometres along 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 the management of risk around coastal erosion. The majority of the funding for flood defence comes directly from the Department for the Environment, Flood and Rural Affairs (Defra). However some schemes do not attract full funding and to ensure the schemes completion Defra may seek match funding from councils in the form of a levy. Changes in the gross budgeted expenditure between the years reflect the impact of the Government Spending Review and national prioritisation of capital projects. The total levy has increased by five per cent.

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. During the year the North Level Drainage board merged with the Nene Washlands Commissioners, and the levy for 2012/13 has been amended for comparative purposes.

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 2012/13 Levying bodies

Environment Agency Anglian Region Welland and Deepings Drainage Board North Level District Drainage board

2013/14

Levy Raised

Gross Exp

Total

Council Share

£m

Levy Raised

Gross Exp

Total

Council Share

£m

Change in Council Levy %

38.6

1.5

0.1

35.6

1.6

0.2

5.4%

2.1

1.4

0.2

2.1

1.4

0.2

0.0%

1.4

0.7

0.3

1.5

0.7

0.3

2.2%

Benefit Landlord’s Self Service Once signed up for self service you will be able to view the following about your tenants’ claims if being paid direct: • Summary of claim details

• Payment details • Overpayments/invoices • View correspondence

YOUR COUNCIL TAX

How much is council tax? We set the council tax by adding together the amounts Peterborough City Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority and your parish council need, 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. Peterborough City Council is freezing council tax for 2013/14. Band D Charge 2012/13

Peterborough City Council Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority Total

2013/14

change

£1,128.03

0.00%

£174.51

£177.93

1.96%

£59.31

£64.26

8.35%

£1,361.85

£1,370.22

0.61%

PRECEPT TABLE

Plus the Parish Council charge, if you have one - see below:

Precepts 2012/13

Precepts 2013/14

3,746

5,474

3,538 5,544

Parish

Band D Parish charge 2013/14

Band D Total Charge 2013/14

Ailsworth

23.76

1,393.98

3,881

Bainton

27.01

1,397.23

5,348

Barnack

14.17

1,384.39

91,733

49,866

Bretton

16.55

1,386.77

10,444

9,877

Castor

27.66

1,397.88

1,744

1,780

48,399 9,560

Deeping Gate

1,370.22

Etton

34.85

1,405.07

41,301

Eye

29.88

1,400.10

11,428

Glinton

19.23

1,389.45

49,703

63,009

Hampton

18.97

1,389.19

5,211

511

Helpston

1.38

1,371.60

360

733

Marholm

9.73

1,379.95

2,070

2,429

Maxey

8.31

1,378.53

11,758

16,758

Newborough & Borough Fen

29.35

1,399.57

11,186

11,202

Northborough

22.94

1,393.16

23,600

20,766

Orton Longueville

6.96

1,377.18

37,196

45,806

Orton Waterville

14.18

1,384.40

5,034

4,974

Peakirk

28.89

1,399.11

479

Southorpe

6.51

1,376.73

1,370.22

St Martins Without

2,764

2,729

Sutton

39.50

1,409.72

34,200

Thorney

44.69

1,414.91

4,715

4,588

Thornhaugh

51.88

1,422.10

3,977

4,299

Ufford

35.44

1,405.66

Upton

1,370.22

8,900

8,877

Wansford

36.99

1,407.21

41,840

40,799

Wittering

56.42

1,426.64

Wothorpe

1,370.22

Council Tax Self Service Once signed up for self service 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

YOUR COUNCIL TAX

Council tax discounts

If only one adult lives in their 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. 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.

You have to claim the single person’s discount as it is not automatic. 16

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 • L ived 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 • T he main home of someone employed by the owner in domestic service • Lived in by certain ministers of religion • P rovided 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 2013. Any written applications received after this date may be entitled to be spread over the number of full months remaining in the year.

Business Rates Self Service Once signed up for self service you will be able to view the following information about your business rates account: • Account details • Bill details • Non-domestic rates rateable values

YOUR COUNCIL TAX

Council tax support

Council tax support replaces council tax benefit from 1 April 2013. All residents in receipt of council tax benefit will automatically be transferred across to council tax support from this date. Please note that there will be a 30 per cent reduction for those deemed to be of working age. Council tax support is paid by a reduction to your council tax bill and is available to those on low incomes.

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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 • Y ou may qualify if you are working or unemployed

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If you are having difficulty paying your council tax there is a chance you will be entitled to some help.

• B oth tenants and owner occupiers can apply

• P eople of state pension age or who are disabled can get extra help

TOPCONTACT

• I f 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

If you are unsure about whether you can get help, please contact (01733) 452241 and ask us to check for you. The quicker you ask, the less you may have to pay.

Exempt Homes Some homes are ‘exempt’ from council tax, meaning that no one has to pay. This includes homes: • Lived in only by students • W here all the residents are under 18 years old • W here all the residents have severe learning disabilities • T hat are owned or leased by a diplomat or a member of visiting armed forces

From 1 April 2013 some council tax exemptions and discounts are changing and these changes are highlighted below. Residents currently in receipt of one of these will have the change reflected in their 2013/14 council tax bill:

Substantially unfurnished and unoccupied: Changing from a six month exemption to a one month discount of 100 per cent.

• That are empty, including the following:

Undergoing structural alteration or major repair:

- s ubstantially unfurnished discounted for up to one month.

Second homes:

- a re owned by a charity (exempt for up to six months) - l eft 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) - h ave been repossessed, or are the responsibility of a bankrupt’s trustee - awaiting to be lived in by a minister of religion - e mpty caravan pitches or boat moorings

12 month exemption being removed in full.

10 per cent discount being removed in full. 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.

TOPCONTACT Further information is available online at www.peterborough.gov.uk/ counciltax including an online calculator which allows you to enter all your details to see if you qualify for council tax support and/or housing benefit. Alternatively please telephone (01733) 452258, fax (01733) 452579, or visit our Customer Service Centre, Bayard Place, Broadway

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.

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Valuation band 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.

Help with council tax for disabled people 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.

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:

Values

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Proportion of band D payable

Up to £40,000

6/9ths

£40,001 to £52,000

7/9ths

£52,001 to £68,000

8/9ths

£68,001 to £88,000

9/9ths

£88,001 to £120,000

11/9ths

£120,001 to £160,000

13/9ths

£160,001 to £320,000

15/9ths

More than £320,000

18/9ths

Council tax liability appeals

The Listing Officer, Council Tax East, Valuation Office Agency, Ground Floor, Ferrers House, Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham, NG2 1AB

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.

Fax: 03000 500975 Email: cteast@voa.gsi.gov.uk National helpline: 0845 602 1507

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) 747474.

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Together we are getting Peterborough Online

The Government Initiative to “Get Britain Online” is gathering speed and pushing the boundaries of contemporary living to furthest reaches of the World Wide Web. As more and more government services go online they are freeing the people of Britain and Peterborough from the restraints of inconvenient, time-restricted and time-consuming services and embracing the concept of modern living for a modern society.

These services are improving the lives of Peterborough residents so it’s time to take that next step. By October 2013 the new Universal Credits will be introduced as an online service and Peterborough City Council wants to make sure the people of Peterborough are 100 per cent ready.

TOPSITE It’s all done and dusted in three

The council already offers a host of services online like the self-service function of the website and the ability to pay council tax online. These services are improving the lives of Peterborough residents so it’s time to take that next step to enhance our customer service even further.

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 any many free reader apps available online.

That’s why we are introducing an online housing benefits and council tax support application form. This means: • No more having to phone and waiting 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 on how these changes can benefit you, visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/getbritainonline

simple steps:

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Step two – answer a few questions then click submit. Step three - scan and e-mail the documents the form asks for.

That’s it - you’re done. Any time, night or day. 21

YOUR FIRE AUTHORITY

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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 through agreeing a dynamic annual plan balancing resources across all areas of Prevention, Protection and Response. 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.

£1.2m

reduction

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Background Local Government as a whole is faced with an unprecedented set of financial challenges and the authority is no exception. The Government grant to the authority was reduced by 12.58 per cent over the last two financial years. The reduction for the forthcoming year is 10.2 per cent. There has also been significant changes to the funding formula for 2013/14 and beyond. The key changes that impact on combined fire and rescue services are: • Localisation of business rates • Council tax benefit localisation • R elaxation of capping regime for authorities with the lowest council tax.

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What does it mean? The budget has been prepared for the medium term (the next four or five years) after making a number of assumptions, which are:

The Government grant to the authority was reduced by 12.58 per cent over the last two financial years. The reduction for the forthcoming year is 10.2 per cent. • A £4.95 increase (8.3 per cent) in council tax for 2013/14, followed by 2 per cent increase 2014/15 onwards • A pay award will be received in 2013/14 of 1 per cent, and • N on pay inflation will track Government inflation projections, with the exception of fuel. This has been reflected separately at 1.5 per cent. In summary, the authority will receive a total grant, including council tax benefit grant, of £13.3m. The revenue support grant and business rate grant represents £11.7m of this total. This is a reduction of £1.2m over the grant received in 2012/13, equivalent to 10.2 per cent. The council tax benefit grant is £1.6 milion. At this stage it is not possible to predict whether this grant will be sufficient to cover the reduced taxbase and collection rates. The significant challenges for this authority occur in 2014 and 2015. The indicative grant figure for 2014/15 is £12.5 million. This is a further reduction of £824,000 or 6.16 per cent.

YOUR FIRE AUTHORITY

Budget The fire authority has approved a budget of £31.5m for 2013/14. This means a Band D council tax of £64.26 for the year, equating to £1.24 a week. 2012/13

Inflation

Variations

2013/14

£m

Employees Premises Supplies and Services Transport Agency Costs Capital Financing Gross Expenditure Income Net Expenditure

22.4 1.1 5.2 0.6 0.1 2.1 31.5 -1.7 29.8

0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.4

-0.7 -0.1 0.5 0.0 0.0 -0.1 -0.4 0.0 -0.4

22.0 1.1 5.7 0.6 0.1 2.0 31.5 -1.7 29.8

Financed by: Business Rates Non-ringfenced Government Grant Use of Reserves

12.8 0.2

0.0 0.0

-7.5 7.8

5.3 8.0

0.2

0.0

-0.2

0.0

Council Tax Requirement Total

16.6 29.8

0.4 0.4

-0.5 -0.4

16.5 29.8

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Capital spending The fire authority’s capital programme includes: • T he purchase of fire appliances and other operational vehicles

TOPSITE Find out more:

www.cambsfire.gov.uk.

• Property maintenance and improvements • Operational equipment

Information

• I nformation technology and communications equipment

You can see copies of the fire authority’s priorities for 2013/14 and Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) on its website www.cambsfire.gov.uk.

Reserves The fire authority will have estimated general reserves of £2.114m (7.1 per cent of net budget) at the end of 2012/13, to fund excessive operational costs that might arise from extreme weather conditions and to mitigate against business continuity events (e.g. pandemic flu).

TOPCONTACT If you need more information about the fire authority, please contact: Director of Resources Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service Fire Headquarters Hinchingbrooke Cottage Brampton Road Huntingdon PE29 2NA Telephone: 01480 444619 Email: budget@cambsfire.gov.uk 25

YOUR POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

Your council tax,

your police service

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Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is elected by you, the public, every four years. Sir Graham Bright was declared Cambridgeshire’s first Police and Crime Commissioner on 16 November 2012. Police and crime commissioners have responsibility for delivering an efficient and effective police service in their area.

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TOPSITE Find out more:

www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk

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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 joined-up approach to preventing and reducing crime. More information can be found on the Commissioner’s website.

Crime prevention and reduction in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 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:

However, it would not only lead to a funding gap next year, but also an even steeper ‘cliff edge’ end to funding the year after next of £1.7m. This would either have a profound impact on policing performance or require a far greater increase in council tax in 2014/15 to compensate for the loss. A £1.7m gap equates to the loss of 43 constables.

Where the money comes from

• Maintaining local police performance • Delivering policing within the available budget • C ontinue to tackle crime and disorder, including anti-social behaviour and burglary • Keeping people safe • M aintaining the resilience of protective services An important part of policing in Cambridgeshire and 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.

Budget The Commissioner’s budget is financed from locally raised council tax and from Government grants. Cambridgeshire’s Commissioner will receive £1.3m less cash from Central Government in 2013/14. The former Police Authority had been planning for significant cuts in grant support since the summer of 2010 and the Commissioner continues to work with the Chief Constable to make further savings.

Council Tax Home Office (Police) Grant Other Non-Ring Fenced Grants Other Income Reserves Total

33.4 24.9 1.5 1.1 0.1 0.1 134.1 100.0

What the money is spent on

The costs of policing the county are forecast to increase by £2.9m next year and to balance the budget the Chief Constable has identified savings of £3.7m. The Commissioner concluded that it would be unwise to accept the council tax freeze grant offered by the Government to encourage all local authorities not to increase their council tax in 2013/14. This one-off additional grant would be £0.5m, but would have left a £0.5m funding hole in the 2013/14 budget.

£m % 45.4 33.9 53.7 40.0

£m

Local Policing 82.1 61.2 Collaboration (Services provided jointly with Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire) 18.5 13.8 Business Support - staff costs 9.3 6.9 Premises 3.9 2.9 Transport 2.4 1.8 Supplies and Services 13.4 10.0 Community Safety Grants 0.9 0.7 Capital FInancing 2.7 2.0 Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner 0.9 0.7 Total 134.1 100.0 27

YOUR POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

The voice of the public Sir Graham wants to be the voice of the public, not the police. During his election campaign the public told him that they want to see officers on the streets. While this is becoming more difficult with the financial constraints in Cambridgeshire the Commissioner is committed to protecting the frontline and providing value for money. The Commissioner has listened to what people have told him, balancing their expectations of police visibility with affordability of tax increases. The below inflation increase strikes that balance. The Commissioner has continued to listen to the public since his election and has attended public and Community Safety Partnership meetings, as well as meeting individual members of the public at his regular surgeries.

W Workforce The increase in the policing part of council tax will provide for an increase by ten in the number of local policing constables since his election. The budget provides for a total of 1,349 police officers, 180 Police Community Support Officers and 834 staff. Plans in the future seek to protect and, where possible, increase local policing, which is at the heart of the reason for increasing the precept.

Capital Programme The Commissioner has a capital programme (premises and other assets) for 2013/14 of ÂŁ4m which includes ICT and communications projects to replace current systems with updated 28 and integrated ones; major repairs to buildings; replacement of vehicles.

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The budget provides for a total of 1,349 police officers, 180 Police Community Support Officers and 834 staff. Your views wanted The Commissioner wants to hear the views of the public on his Police and Crime Plan. Protecting frontline policing, growing the number of special constables and tackling anti-social behaviour, burglary and drug misuse are just some of Sir Graham’s personal pledges in the Plan. Visit the website to read the plan or contact his office for a copy. You can send your feedback to the Commissioner by letter or email.

Reserves

Want to meet the Commissioner? Sir Graham Bright holds regular ‘surgeries’ for members of the public to raise issues or concerns relating to policing and community safety. The surgeries take place across the county and Peterborough. Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner offers one-to-one appointments with members of the public. Sir Graham said: “I was elected to represent the views of all communities, including those in the city of Peterborough. In order to be the voice of the public I am keen to meet and listen to as many people as possible. The surgeries ensure members of the public can raise any concerns they have so I can work with relevant agencies to respond to these.” Details of forthcoming surgeries are available on the Commissioner’s website or by contacting the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. He will also be attending safer neighbourhood panels in Peterborough over the coming months.

General reserves are held for unforeseen high impact policing operations. The Commissioner will have estimated general reserves of £7.7m 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 £9.3m at the end of 2013/14.

TOPCONTACT Contact the Commissioner

Write to : Office of the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner, South Cambridgeshire Hall, Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6EA Phone: 0300 333 3456 Email: cambs-pcc@cambs.pnn.police.uk Website: www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk

Follow @PCCCambs on

Twitter

YOUR SAFER PETERBOROUGH

City is safer for residents and visitors because we work together Crime in Peterborough has continued to fall in the last 12 months and the SaferPeterborough Partnership is working hard to ensure the trend continues. Gary Goose, the partnership’s safer and stronger strategy manager, explains more: “We are about to enter the third year of a three - year plan aiming to reduce the number of victims of crime in our city by over 10 per cent. I am pleased to say we are on track and after two years we have reduced crime by more than 12 per cent. That’s over 2000 fewer victims of crime. My job is to continue to improve the quality of life of everyone who lives and works in our city and for people who visit Peterborough.

I am convinced the best way to reduce crime, tackle anti-social behaviour and strengthen our neighbourhoods now and for the future is to address root causes of the behaviour of a minority of people who affect us all. This preventative approach will help us to understand: • Why people are taking drugs • W hy they think it is fine to commit crime, cause damage or to drop litter

I am pleased to say that we are on track and after two years have reduced crime by 12 per cent. 30

• W hy they drink to the point of making them act foolishly • W hy they drive in irresponsible and dangerous ways

TOPSITE Find out more:

www.saferpeterborough.org.uk

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crim e

Peterborough

down by

12% Speed watch Calling all volunteers Speed Watch is a scheme which allows the public to get actively involved in monitoring the speed of vehicles travelling through their neighbourhood. The scheme is about educating motorists in the law in relation to speeding and monitoring any trends in speeding in the neighbourhood. I want to be clear this is not a soft option. Those who break the law and spurn offers of genuine help will be relentlessly pursued. This approach is working. Our aim is to continue to drive this figure down. Occasionally we will get things wrong and sometimes we will not be able to resolve every single issue. What I promise is we will do our best and we will work our hardest to make our city even safer. We cannot do it alone and long-term change is generated from within our communities. This is why we support a range of initiatives that bolster our work including groups such as Neighbourhood Watch, Peterborough Neighbourhood Champions, Crimestoppers and Street Pastors.

Volunteers are trained to use speed indicator devices which displays vehicle speed. The registered owner of any vehicle seen exceeding the speed limit is sent an advisory letter from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, explaining that speeding is unacceptable to the local community.

How do I become a volunteer? If you would like to find out more about becoming a Speed Watch volunteer please contact your Local Neighborhood Police Team on 101 31

Hire a folding bike from Peterborough • Ideal for commuter, business and leisure trips • 24/7 access via text message •C an be taken on public transport •B ikes can be easily stored in the home or office •D ifferent tariffs available to suit your needs •K eep the bike as long as you like!

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Make your journey a smarter journey For more information and to become a member visit

www.bromptondock.co.uk or ask a member of staff at the station.

We recommend all cyclists wear a safety helmet whenever riding a bike. However, Brompton Dock are unable to provide helmets with their hire bikes so you will need to provide your own.

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YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Get a

plot! You need to spend only two or three hours on your allotment plot each week to get a great workout and you will have all that delicious fresh produce to eat, encouraging you to get your five-a-day. Fresh produce and a gentle workout are not the only benefits of allotment gardening but it is a perfect place to relax, switch off after a busy day, and meet like-minded people. There is always somebody on-site who will happily share their experience, pass on tips on growing fruit and veg and even give out excess plant plugs or harvest. Peterborough City Council has 1,400 plots located at 25 sites all over the city which are managed by Enterprise Peterborough. There are currently vacant plots at numerous sites.

The cost of a full plot for the current year is £54.50 and a part plot is £41. There are concessionary rates available for pensioners, disabled and unemployed people.

INTERESTED?

Don’t hesitate and email allotments@enterprisepeterborough.co.uk or call the Customer Service Centre on (01733) 747474 and ask to speak to the Allotment Officer who will help you to get a plot.

Householders now have until 8 April 2013 to sign up to the scheme and all you’ll need is a copy of your latest energy bill. Residents are being urged to sign up to a new scheme and save money on their energy bills. The first round of Ready to Switch saved householders an average of £122 a year across all tariffs and dual fuel monthly direct debit customers saved an average of £149. In fact, some residents have reported much bigger savings of over £250.

following ways: You can sig n up in the • Log on to eterborough.co.uk ww w.ready toswitchp 733) 747474 (01 on l all the counci • C itch registration Sw to y ad Re r ou t isi • V ce in the city centre desks at Bayard Pla

The council has also received funding from the Government to translate information about the scheme into Polish, Lithuanian and Punjabi - which are the most common languages spoken in the city other than English. Translated information can be found at www.readytoswitchpeterborough.co.uk Ready to Switch is a scheme that uses the combined buying power of residents to negotiate cheaper prices with energy companies. Once registration has closed an auction will be held with energy providers on 9 April 2013 to get the best price to supply energy to all those households that have registered.

YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Green news

shoots straight to your inbox On average, each of us is using three times too much of the earth’s resources to produce the food we eat, treat the waste we produce, and generate the energy we use. Many people want to make a contribution to improving the environment and decreasing the amount of energy we use and the waste we produce. Sometimes it’s hard to stay up-to-date with the newest information about what’s available in Peterborough to help us be more environmentally sustainable.

TOPSUBSCRIBE

To help you find out more on how to do your bit, you can now subscribe to the dedicated bi-monthly Environment Capital eNewsletter at www.environmentcapital.co.uk.

Do th en

Green Festival 25 May to 2 June The eight-day Green Festival kicks off in the city centre on Saturday 25 May The city centre will be transformed with living art, food growing, cooking demos, crafts fair and fun and games for all the family. The Green Festival is the UK’s longest-running environment festival and the biggest green event in the region. It will bring together community groups, charities and businesses and events will include picnics, pond dipping and film screenings.

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To find out more visit www.pect.org.uk

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CRIME CONVEYANCING

Enjoy Peterborough’s parks looking at their best this spring

Now is a great time to get out and enjoy a splash of colour this Spring as the thousands of bulbs planted by Enterprise Peterborough before Christmas make a welcome appearance. Take a stroll through Central Park or Itter Park, both of which were awarded the Green Flags again in 2012 and you’ll see the result of many hours’ work by the team to make our open spaces look great again this year.

in the city’s parks

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Enjoy spring colour

S O L I C I T O R S

WALLER NEEDHAM & GREEN

FAMILY

WILLS

wngsolicitors.co.uk

Free & independent advice either at the police station or at home, 24 hours a day. We deal with all criminal matters including motoring offences and non police prosecutions. We can help whether you are buying or selling your home or leasing commercial premises. Contact our experienced family department for advice on a range of family and matrimonial matters. Fast and reliable will writing service at competitive rates. 72 Broadway Peterborough : (01733) 311422 Rightwell East Bretton: (01733) 262182

DON’TFORGEduTe to change at the clocks Don’t forget that with to will be even more time re the , rch the end of Ma enjoy them our parks.

Hungry Harry hits 2,500 tonnes Harry! Peterborough’s food waste collection service, led by our cheery mascot Hungry Harry, hit a remarkable milestone in January – 2,500 tonnes of food waste collected. Well done and a big thank you to everyone who is taking part – and if you haven’t yet, why not give it a try? It’s quick and easy and can help you and the council save money. It even helps keep your black bin smelling fresher. Remember that food waste is collected every week with whatever colour bin you are putting out. For more information about the service, go to www.hungry-harry.co.uk.

Computerised 3D model of how the new facility in Fengate will look.

Turning our waste into energy In 2015 what you put in your black wheelie bin that can’t be recycled will be used to generate green electricity, following a £75m contract between the council and Viridor. With landfills full and costs rocketing, the council has decided to build a new ‘energy from waste’ facility to deal with our waste for the next 30 years. The deal will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 15 per cent of the homes and save around £1m per year compared to landfill. It will also cut our CO2 emissions by 10,000 tonnes 35 per year, which is like taking 2,800 diesel cars off the road permanently.

YOUR PEOPLE AND PLACES

Stuck for inspiration this Father’s Day? Dad, Daddy, Father or even Old Man, whatever you call them, dads are pretty special. With Father’s Day around the corner (Sunday 16 June), we’ve plenty of inspiration if you’re stuck for gift ideas: him out for lunch and then a pint, just 1 Take you and him

2 How about an environmentally friendly cardboard radio, £16.99 from www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk

4 USB coffee warmer, £7 from

www.thegreatgiftcompany.com

Martin mouse car, £40 5 Aston

to £50 from Maplin (Westgate) or www.thegreatgiftcompany.com

sky diving, £49 from 6 Indoor

www.asda-gifts.co.uk

razor blade sharpener, £19.95 from 7 Razorpit www.iwantoneofthose.com

8 Homedics Mini Quad Massager, £5 from www.johnlewis.com

9 A homemade gift, consider something edible or personalised

ball finding glasses, £9.99 from 3 Golf Menkind (Queensgate) or www.iwantoneofthose.com

finally, for someone who has it all 10 And Nothing, £6.99 from www.iwantoneofthose.com

(Information correct at time of print)

Eggs-citing facts about Easter

The name Easter owes its origin from Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, who symbolizes hare and egg.

The date of Easter changes every year, falling on the first Sunday following the full Moon after 21 March.

The tradition of giving eggs at Easter time has been traced back to Persians, Egyptians, Gauls, Greeks and Romans, who viewed the egg as a symbol of life.

Both Easter and Passover revolve around the idea of rebirth. In the Christian calendar Jesus was resurrected and in the Jewish, slaves were reborn into freedom. Both festivals draw on the idea of birth or rebirth with Easter eggs and hardboiled eggs served on Passover.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest Easter egg ever made was just over 25 feet high and weighed 8,968 lbs.

Each year nearly 90 million chocolate bunnies are made!

CITY MARKETS – TRADER FOCUS

Stylish scarves at city market

TOPTIP

Interested in becoming a city market trader? Visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/citymarkets

Willow Festival

returns in July After the huge success of The Willow Festival in 2012, the live music extravaganza will return to the Peterborough Embankment from 12 to 14 July 2013 with the support of Peterborough City Council. The Willow Festival will again be a freeto-enter family orientated music festival. The three-day event attracted in excess of 50,000 visitors last year and continues to be one of Europe’s biggest festivals, showcasing 123 live bands and more than 30 solo acts. All the music at the festival is played live. There’s no miming or bands with backing tracks. So, if you’re into live music of all genres this is an event you will love. Other attractions include an extreme ride fairground, kids fair, art and crafts demonstrations, alternative and exotic market, a food village and bars.

visit For all the latest news rg.uk or check out ww w.willowfestival.o Facebook on l tiva Fes The Willow ewillowfestival /th om ww w.facebook.c

Scarfs Inc. is the latest business to join Peterborough City Market. You can choose scarves to wear over the head or around the neck and styles come in lace, silk or plain patterns. There’s a variety of designs and colours to transform your look and brooches and pins are also on sale to help glamorise your look. Prices start from £2 and you can buy three large scarves for £10. Scarfs Inc. can be found at stall number 65.

Get the Big Picture on Down’s Syndrome with new exhibition opening in Eye Equality and inclusiveness are hot current issues as society starts to realise that people with disabilities enrich and enhance our society and our lives. Photographer Terry Harris, whose daughter Lucy has Down’s Syndrome (DS), believes fervently that we should offer support and, more importantly, create awareness of this issue. From this belief his ground-breaking exhibition DS THE BIG PICTURE was born. Using a variety of techniques, the exhibition is a mosaic portraits made from comments, information and facts from people with Down’s Syndrome and their family and friends all over the world. This exhibition aims to help everyone, from new parents to people who just want a better understanding of Down’s Syndrome: an understanding built on fact and not misconceptions. 16 March to May 2013 Peterborough Garden Park, Eye, Peterborough www.dsthebigpicture.com

YOUR PEOPLE AND PLACES

Care Directory goes digital A new online Care Directory providing local information and advice at the touch of a button has just been launched. The user-friendly website allows local people to search the directory to choose the services they need - from mobile hairdressers and handymen, to home care providers and care homes. Companies who can offer a service to help people remain independent are invited to register their details free of charge on the online Care Directory to enable more choice for its users.

on Look up Pink Shed DIY rmation. Facebook for more info

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The Care Directory can be accessed at www.peterboroughcaredirectory.org.uk

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Girls – Doing it for themselves

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Pink Shed DIY. Ladies, have you ever wanted to know how to fix that leak, mend that fence or just feel more confident in yourself? Get in touch with Pink Shed DIY, a three-year project in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire providing free DIY workshops for women as well as flower-arranging, basket-making, literacy, numeracy and interview skills. The project, being run by CP Learning Trust, is a charity specialising in ‘first step’ learning, providing free training for people in their local communities.

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Champion people to live life to the full Community Health Champions work as volunteers to promote positive health and wellbeing within the community or the workplace. For example, volunteers could assist at physical activity sessions, such as organised 5-a-side football matches or group walks, or promoting breastfeeding and teaching healthy lifestyle skills to new mums and dads. There are 13 different opportunities available: • C ommunity Health Champions help promote healthy lifestyles in their communities. • B reastfeeding Peer Supporters – help and support mums who want to breastfeed their children. • C hange4Life Champion – helping promote the national Change4Life campaign in their community. • S elf Care Tutor – help deliver the Self Care Skills course in their communities. • S mokefree Champion – help promote Stop Smoking campaigns. • Y outh Health Champion – young people aged up to 24 who help promote healthy lifestyles to their peers. • W orkplace Health Champion – help promote healthy lifestyles in the workplace. • H ealth Promotion Events Assistant – help the Live Healthy Team at health promotion events.

• L ive Healthy Administration Assistant – help the Live Healthy Team with health promotion campaigns. • H ealth Promotion Resource Assistant – help the Live Healthy Team order and organise their health promotion resources. • S elf Care Support Assistant – help our busy tutors to deliver the Self Care Skills course. • T raining Support Assistant – help the Live Healthy team trainers deliver accredited training. • N ational Child Measurement Programme Assistant – help the Live Healthy Team with their regular large scale mail outs. They can choose how much time they commit, from the occasional morning, through to several hours each week. They can even fit being a Health Champion around having a full time job, and use their skills within their workplaces if their employer agrees. And, although it’s a voluntary scheme, out of pocket expenses are reimbursed.

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Anyone can be a Health Champion, just contact us on 0800 376 56 55 or email kathie.longbone@peterborough.gov.uk or abid.hussain@peterborough.gov.uk Find more out about different Community Health Champion opportunities on the Do-it website - www.do-it.org.uk

YOUR PEOPLE AND PLACES

What’s on Spring 2013 Longthorpe Tower

Last night at the Proms

Easter to October The tower is a surviving part of a 14th century fortified Manor House and contains the finest set of medieval wall paintings in a domestic setting anywhere in Western Europe for further information (01733) 864663 or www.vivacity-peterborough.com

7 April Featuring the Foss Dyke Band. Tickets are £12.50 each and available from the Key Theatre. For times and further information contact (01733) 207239 or www.vivacitypeterborough.com/venues/key-theatre. All proceeds go to the Mayor’s charities: The Rudolf Fund and Supporters of Combat Stress.

Easter Trail 28 March to 17 April Collect a trail sheet and claim a prize. The trail is from 11am to 3pm at Ferry Meadows Country Park for further details contact (01733) 234193 or go to www.neneparktrust.org.uk/ferry-meadows

Easter Bunny Hunt 29 March to 14 April Come and join the Easter Bunny Hunt. For further details contact Sacrewell Farm on (01780) 782254 or www.sacrewell.org.uk 1. Longthorpe Tower 2. Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival 3. Heritage Festival 40

An evening of Burlesque 12 April An evening of Burlesque direct from the West End. Burlesque all-stars invite you to an evening of mischief and vintage elegance and glamour. For further details contact The Cresset on (01733) 265705 or www.cresset.co.uk

Craft Fair 14 April Ferry Meadows Country Park. An opportunity to meet local artisans and buy their work. Every second Sunday of the month throughout summer. For more information contact Nene Park trust on (01733) 234193 or www.neneparktrust.org.uk

Truckfest

Fly a Flag

4 to 6 May The original road haulage and trucking event in the UK is at Peterborough Arena, East of England Showground. For further details contact (01733) 363500 www.peterborougharena.com

24 June A service by the war memorial to start armed forces week which will be held at the front of the Town Hall, Bridge Street, Peterborough between 10.15am and 10.40am. For further information contact the Mayor’s office (01733) 452399 or email mayor@peterborough.gov.uk

BMF 17 May to 2 June Peterborough Arena, East of England Showground. For more information visit www.peterborougharena.com or (01733) 363500

Peterborough Green Festival May 25 to June 2 The festival showcases everything that is fun and exciting about being green. The city centre will be transformed with living art, food growing, cooking demos, crafts fair and fun and games for all the family. Contact PECT on (01733) 866445 or visit www.pect.org.uk

Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival 15 June Come and watch this Chinese tradition as it takes place on the River Nene in Peterborough city centre. For more information contact (01780) 470718. www.dragonboatfestivals. co.uk/peterborough

Armed Forces Day 29 June There will be stalls, children’s face painting, vocalist Sue Webb, Peterborough Phoenix Majorettes, Peterborough Pipe Band to name but a few between 10am and 5pm. For further details and times contact Elaine Danaher on (01733) 204353 or 07831 806783

The Battle of Britain Ball 29 June A fantastic night of nostalgia at the Town Hall, Bridge Street, Peterborough to raise money for the armed forces. For tickets and more information contact Elaine Danaher on (01733) 204353 or 07831 806783

Father’s Day

16 June Treat your Dad to a day out at Sacrewell Farm for free. For more details contact Sacrewell Farm on (01780) 782254 or visit www.sacrewell.org.uk

Heritage Festival 22 to 23 June Celebrate Peterborough’s heritage with this spectacular weekend event in Peterborough’s City Centre where you can see 3,000 years and more of Peterborough’s past brought to life. Details to follow at www.vivacity-peterborough.com/event/ the-heritage-festival-big-weekend

Tell us what you think of Your Peterborough and you could WIN a meal for two at Your Peterborough was launched back in January 2004 and has undergone a few makeovers since then - the latest facelift being the Winter 2012/2013 issue. We want to create a top quality publication that meets the needs of the city, is accessible, interesting and can be produced in formats that are right for our audiences. So rather than just a printed version, we want to explore developing more digital versions, large print, an audio and/ or video magazine, as well as possibly

Easy Ready versions for people with learning disabilities. To do this well, we would like to know what you think and if you return the form below to us or fill it in online, you will be entered to win a meal for two at Carluccio’s, worth £50! Simply complete the feedback form below and return to us by 31 May 2013. The first entry pulled out of the hat will win.

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