SouthCambs Magazine
www.scambs.gov.uk
Spring 2017
Bin day changes See page 23 & 24
Planning open day See page 31
Sport activities See page 15 About Your Council | Waste & Recycling | Housing | Community | Planning | Environmental Health | Sport
A smo k BBQ k in’ hot it wort h £200 See pa ge
21
Welcome
South Cambs Magazine
Welcome to the spring edition of South Cambs Magazine
Big changes kicked in at the end of February as nearly all villages saw a change to the day their bin is being collected. As with any large change, it will take a few weeks for us all to get accustomed to putting our bins out on a different day. We’ve done all we can to make this go as smoothly as possible but the round changes are big for our crews too, so please bear with them as they get to grips with the new routes. At the time of writing this column all councillors were getting ready to vote on our budget. The headline figure is that we need to find another £2 million of savings to balance the books over the next five years. A £5 per year council tax increase for the average Band D home was proposed to help meet some of the challenge ahead, but the bulk will come from us being innovative and generating our own income. Through sound investments we are doing all we can to protect services and keep council tax as low as possible. Finally, the summer will be upon us before you know it. To help communities promote their annual village events we are looking to add a quarterly listing. Help spread the word about your village activities by looking at page 13 and getting in touch. Cllr Peter Topping Leader South Cambridgeshire District Council
Our Vision: South Cambridgeshire will continue to be the best place to live, work and study in the country. Our district will demonstrate impressive and sustainable economic growth. Our residents will have a superb quality of life in an exceptionally beautiful, rural and green environment.
Contents Contact us ............................... 4 Community .............................. 6 Sport ...................................... 14 Business .................................. 16 Conservation ............................ 19 Competition ........................... 21 Waste & Recycling ................. 23 Planning .................................. 28 Housing .................................. 34 Environmental Health ............. 37 About Your Council ................. 41
South Cambs Magazine Enquiries should be directed to: Editor: Gareth Bell Editorial: Anna Efford and Kelly Quigley South Cambridgeshire District Council South Cambridgeshire Hall Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne Cambridge CB23 6EA e: South.CambsMagazine@scambs.gov.uk t: 03450 450 500 Design: Sean Gentle and Katie Rea
For all advertising enquiries please contact:
The next issue of South Cambs Magazine will be delivered between 24 May and 11 June
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The opinions and views expressed in South Cambs Magazine are not necessarily those of South Cambridgeshire District Council or Media Shed Ltd. All data contained in advertisements, being subject to the Advertising Standards Authority guidelines, is accepted in good faith at the time of going to press.
South.CambsMagazine@scambs.gov.uk 03450 450 500 Spring 2017
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When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it.
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3
Contact us
South Cambs Magazine
Contacting us The quickest and easiest way to contact us and to apply, report or pay for something, is via our website:
www.scambs.gov.uk Social media: search ‘South Cambridgeshire’
@SouthCambs
Email or Benefits:
call: benefits@scambs.gov.uk
03450 450 061
Building buildingcontrol@ Control: 3Csharedservices.org
03450 450 062
Elections:
elections@scambs.gov.uk
03450 455 214
Environmental Services:
env.health@scambs.gov.uk
03450 450 063
Housing Benefit fraud:
0800 854 440
Other fraud:
fraud@scambs.gov.uk
0800 7311 892
Housing:
duty.housing@scambs.gov.uk
03450 450 051
Planning:
planning@scambs.gov.uk
03450 455 215
Revenues:
revenues@scambs.gov.uk
03450 450 064
Rents:
rents@scambs.gov.uk
03450 455 216
For all other enquiries:
scdc@scambs.gov.uk
03450 450 500
Visit or write: South Cambs District Council South Cambridgeshire Hall Cambourne Business Park Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6EA Office open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm
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4 www.scambs.gov.uk
To make a payment Visit www.scambs.gov.uk and click on the ‘Pay for it’ button. Call our automated payment line on 03450 455 218 You can also pay using a payment card at any Post Office or Pay Point outlet. To request a direct debit form or a Post Office payment card, call 03450 450 064
Putting service first If you phone us we will resolve your enquiry as quickly as possible provide voicemail if the person you need is unavailable answer your phone message within three working days If you write to us we will reply to your letter or email within 10 working days If we write to you we will write in plain language arrange for translation, large type, braille or audio tapes upon request If we visit you we will carry identification that you can check with a phone call to our contact service on 03450 450 500 arrive at the time we say we will, or give you as much notice as possible if we have to change the time If we get it wrong we will apologise if we have made a mistake or failed to meet our standards acknowledge your written complaint within three working days reply in full to your complaint within 10 working days
Tell us how we’re doing We’re proud of what we are trying to achieve and recognise we can always do better. To help improve our services, we need your feedback. Whether it’s a compliment, a general comment or a complaint, we want to hear from you. www.scambs.gov.uk/contact-us
Spring 2017
Community
South Cambs Magazine
Northstowe a place to call home
The first Northstowe residents will be unpacking boxes over the next few weeks and settling into their new homes. Over 500 people pre-registered interest with Bloor Homes who are developing 92 properties at Northstowe, so there was no surprise when the first properties released were snapped up and sold off plan within two weeks of launch. The show home opens in April and more plots will gradually be released over the coming months. Other housebuilders including Bovis, Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Homes and Linden Homes have all now had planning applications approved, so the pace and momentum of construction will grow over the next few months as all five housebuilders move on site. When it is complete, residents of the first 1,500 home phase of the new town will enjoy a three form entry primary school, a local centre square surrounded by shops and community facilities, a sports hub with numerous pitches and a pavilion, community allotments and a variety of recreational spaces. You can view plans, and comment on further plans submitted by developers, by visiting our website www.scambs.gov.uk and clicking on the planning button
Digging up Northstowe’s past Work to get the land ready for the second phase of Northstowe is underway. This part of the development incorporates the town centre at its heart and a further 3,500 new homes. Following the archaeological excavations on phase one in 2014/15, work started on phase two in October 2016. The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) is now on site and will be carrying out excavations until 2018. Although there is evidence of people living on the Northstowe site in several periods of the past, the main periods expected to be found are the Iron Age (from about 800BC - AD50) and the Romans (around AD50 - AD450). Excavation is just getting into full swing on the first area, but remains of dense Iron Age and Roman settlement are already clearly visible, with roads, a crossroads and a series of enclosures with buildings and evidence of pottery manufacture and metal working within them. Looking at the similarities and differences between these and the settlements investigated in phase one will be an important part of the work. Look out for details of archeology events later in the year when you will be able to visit the site and see what has been found. Visit www.northstowe.com for details
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Spring 2017
Community
South Cambs Magazine
Grants up for grabs Our Community Chest grant fund, which helps support local community projects, has been topped up for 2017. The funding is available to voluntary and community groups, charities and parish councils to improve quality of life for residents in South Cambridgeshire. Applicants can apply for up to £1,000 for: improvements to community facilities tree and hedge planting schemes equipment and materials project start-up costs repairs to historic buildings/monuments/ memorials
Over the last year we awarded £79,000 to 63 local projects. They included re-laying and widening a path at the Grantchester Reading Room to allow wheelchair access, replacement goals for Papworth Blasters Football Club, equipment to kick start Balsham’s community cinema and an indoor caving system for Whittlesford and Duxford Scout Group. Money is awarded on a first come, first served basis, so if you need help with a particular project, don’t delay.
Applications will be accepted from 1 April. For more information and to quickly and easily apply online, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/communitychest email duty.communities@scambs.gov.uk or call 01954 713070
Community
South Cambs Magazine
Be scam aware Residents are being reminded to be alert to scammers after an elderly South Cambridgeshire woman was conned out of tens of thousands of pounds. In this awful case, a vulnerable woman was deliberately targeted and tricked into sending money for fake lottery and prize draws, health cures and psychic predictions from dozens of criminals over an extended period of time. Working with the resident and her family, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Community Protection team arranged a post redirection to stop scam letters reaching her. Bags of scam mail were also taken away as evidence for Trading Standards to trace money and help identify the scammers. We’re working with the Community Protection team, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cambridgeshire Police as part of the South Cambridgeshire Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) to help residents spot and avoid scams.
If you receive a letter, email, phone call or doorstep visit offering you money, vouchers or items that sound too good to be true, be careful. It’s likely to be a scam. Village post offices are helping by giving out information when residents collect their pensions. Police Cadets are being trained to be scam aware and good neighbour schemes encouraged to spread information, raise awareness in their own communities and report concerns. If you think you, or someone you know, has been targeted by scammers contact Citizens Advice by visiting www.consumerhub.org or calling 03454 040506 for advice. Scams should also be reported to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. To learn more about spotting and avoiding scams - and to become a Friend Against Scams - visit the National Trading Standards scams team website: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk
Common scams to watch out for fake lotteries deceptive prize draws clairvoyants computer scams romance scams
Criminals try to trick people with: flashy, official looking documents fake websites that look like ones from genuine banks or high street shops convincing telephone sales patter The aim is to persuade victims to send a processing or administration fee, pay postal or insurance costs or make a premium rate phone call.
CDRP members with scam mail taken from the residents’ home
Doorstep scams include bogus callers who may say they’re from the council, gas or water board, rogue traders and fraudulent sales people who often call uninvited at people’s homes.
For a free badge, complete the online learning at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk and send your certificate to Cambridgeshire County Council’s Community Protection Manager charlotte.homent@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Spring 2017
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Community
South Cambs Magazine
r o f e t a d Save the
7 1 0 2 e f i l k r Pa
Mark Sunday 25 June on your calendar now to make sure you don’t miss Parklife - our annual free family fun day at Milton Country Park. Year on year this event attracts thousands of people from across the district and 2017 is set to be even bigger and better with plenty to get excited about. Once again, there will be a host of free activities for visitors of all ages and abilities to try, from climbing walls and multi-person bikes to water sports. Fully qualified instructors will be on hand at the lake to take you through the basics of paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing and angling. Most of these activities will be available to pre-book for a small administration fee. The Wild South Cambs zone will return by popular demand, with more bush craft and shelter building activities than ever before. Our Entertainment Zone will offer a stage for local bands and groups to perform and a nice spot for visitors to enjoy the weather (hopefully), a picnic, and soak up the event experience. Parklife has something for everyone, so bring the whole family along and try something new in 2017. For more information about the event, and dates for pre-booking water sports, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/parklife
Building strong communities We’re working with an inspirational resident in Kings Meadows to help develop the community through building ownership and pride in the area.
Kings Meadows is the southern-most point of Impington parish and local resident, Peter Snow, is keen that it isn’t forgotten as the A14 cuts through the parish. One of our roles is to bring the knowledge of local residents together with the support of local organisations to help create strong sustainable communities. Peter has been working with us, housing association Circle and Histon and Impington Parish Council to give Kings Meadows a real sense of identity and to make it a place to be proud of. He has championed the installation of new signs for the entrance to the estate and regularly organises litter picks. Peter said: “I would like to organise a spring clean soon and need as many volunteers as possible to help give the place a face lift. I want Kings Meadows to be a place we are all proud to live, a real exemplar estate.” We loan out equipment to communities for litter picking events and even pick up the rubbish when you’re done. If you can help Peter transform Kings Meadows, want to organise a spring clean in your own area, or think our support can help develop the community you live in, contact us on duty.communities@scambs.gov.uk or 01954 713070
Spring 2017
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Community
South Cambs Magazine
Community calendar In South Cambridgeshire we are lucky enough to have a rich variety of local community events and activities providing year-round entertainment with something for all tastes and ages. From coffee mornings, exercises classes and local interest clubs to farmers markets, craft fairs and fetes, there’s something to capture everyone’s imagination. We want to bring these events together in South Cambs Magazine in a community calendar to help promote them to the wider district. If you have a not-for-profit local community event to
feature on the calendar, please visit www.scambs.gov.uk and click on the ‘Apply for it’ button where there is a short form to fill in. The more information you can provide, the more likely it is that your event will be listed. The first listings will appear in the summer edition. To fit around our delivery dates, we ask that all events submitted take place between 11 June and 10 September. Events that fall after 10 September will be considered for the autumn edition. Whilst we may not be able to feature every event, we will always include a good mix from across the district that cater for a range of interests.
For more information, email communications@scambs.gov.uk
Sport
South Cambs Magazine
Countywide disability sports day hailed a success Over 70 young people with learning difficulties and disabilities from schools across the county enjoyed a day of sporting activities at our annual Indoor Athletics Plus event in October. The event took place at Cambourne Village College and forms part of the Cambridgeshire wide Ability Plus programme. Young people across school years 5 to 13 took part in specially adapted activities to suit a variety of disabilities, from relays and target throwing to sprinting and jumping. Our Chairman, Cllr Sue Ellington, and cabinet member with responsibility for sport, Cllr Mark Howell, presented certificates for determination, friendship, courage, equality, respect and inspiration. Medals were also awarded for the fastest sprint times in each age group. Cllr Howell said: “In South Cambridgeshire, we are committed to promoting active and healthy communities where everyone can play, achieve and enjoy. This particular event is a great way for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities to be inspired and really get stuck into some great sports.” Hannah Curtis, Head of PE at Cambourne Village College, said: “The event was a great success and we were very pleased to host it. Our year 10 sports leaders were excited to have the opportunity to help lead the activities, with one girl saying it was the best day ever and she would be keen to do her work experience with a local special school.”
We’re already planning an annual outdoor Athletics Plus event for the summer that will take place on 15 June at Wilberforce Road Athletics Track in Cambridge. If your school would like to be involved, email helen.stepney@scambs.gov.uk
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Spring 2017
Sport
South Cambs Magazine
Holiday camps
We are pleased to announce that our Easter and May half term holiday camps are back by popular demand. Open to young people aged 7 to 15 years old, these fun and friendly camps are just the ticket to keeping the kids active during the holidays. Come along and develop skills in a fun environment with highly qualified netball and athletics coaches. Activities are open to all abilities and cost just £20 per day. If you attend more than one day, or two or more siblings attend, the cost is £18 per person per day. Easter camps: Netball -
Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 April - 10am to 3.30pm Impington Sports Centre, New Road, Impington, CB24 9LX
May half term camps: Athletics -
Tuesday 30 May - 10am to 3.30pm Wilberforce Road Athletics Track, Cambridge, CB3 0EQ
Netball -
Wednesday 31 May - 10am to 3.30pm Impington Sports Centre, New Road, Impington, CB24 9LX
Future dates for you diary: Summer camps -
Netball - Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 July Athletics - Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 July
Calling all young sports leaders We had over 25 young volunteers from The South Cambridge and Cambridge Schools Sports Partnership leadership programme to help deliver activities at last year’s camps. We’re inviting more to get involved this year. It’s a great opportunity to learn new skills and have lots of fun helping others enjoy sport. To find out more about volunteering at these sports camps, email helen.stepney@scambs.gov.uk or call 01954 713070.
October half term - Netball - Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 October
For more information and to book a place, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/sportscamps, email holiday.camps@scambs.gov.uk or call 01954 713070
Water sports to wet your appetite One of the world’s fastest growing sports, paddle boarding will be returning to Milton Country Park this summer!
Why not join the increasing number of people who are paddle boarding and find out what all the fuss is about? It's a great form of exercise, easy to learn and lots of fun. Milton Country Park is an accredited British Stand Up Paddle Association school created with our support. The park delivers coaching and sessions with qualified instructors so you can take to the water in no time! Visit www.miltoncountrypark.org/paddleboarding for more information, email mcp@cambridgesportlakes.org.uk or call 01223 420060
Spring 2017
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Business
South Cambs Magazine
Support for start-up and growing businesses If you’re starting or growing a business in South Cambridgeshire, we have a wealth of support available to help you. Whether you are a lone entrepenuer or a large corporation, starting a new business or looking to expand, new to the district or looking to re-locate, South Cambridgeshire is open for business and we have a wide range of information, guidance and support designed to help you succeed. We’re compiling a register of businesses in the area. Registration will give access
to our dedicated business support team, attendance for up to two people at our range of business skills and networking seminars and a subscription to our bi-monthly newsletter, Open For Business. Open For Business is a digital publication bringing you the latest news and information, funding opportunities, local events, support, regulatory advice, practical ideas and guidance - all designed to help your business thrive. The newsletter also provides an opportunity for local businesses to tell us about their activities, good news stories, topical issues, matters of concern, business initiatives and good practice.
Read the latest Open For Business newsletter at www.scambs.gov.uk/open-for-business and join our business register at www.scambs.gov.uk/businessregister
Conservation
South Cambs Magazine
Action on invasive plants
We’ve teamed up with local action and conservation groups to tackle an invasive plant problem in the River Cam.
Cutting back
n ca ts raf Floa ting Pennywort
Floating Pennywort, or Hydrocotyle ranunculoides, is a non-native invasive plant that easily colonises slow-moving rivers, ponds and ditches. It was introduced to the UK in the 1980s by the aquatic nursery trade as an ornamental plant for garden ponds, but has subsequently found its way into countryside waterways. The Cam Conservators have said that last year was the worst for rampant growth in the River Cam and there are no indications that the invasion will die back. Colonies are established from the Bourn Brook, down-river beyond Ely and nearly as far as Denver Sluice.
gr
Cutting back the Floating Pennywort has only had a temporary effect. Conservationists are concerned that the plant can reduce oxygen in the water, threatening fish and invertebrates. It can also threaten native plants. The Environment Agency also has concerns that the plant could block drainage channels, potentially increasing flood risk. We provided funding for a workshop organised by the Cam Valley Forum and Cambridge Conservation Forum. It brought together local and national researchers, practitioners and landowners to pool current knowledge and discuss novel methods ow for control. by Rob Mungovan, Ecology Consultancy Officer, said, “The event was a great success up to 2 as it got into the detail on how this invasive plant might be more effectively controlled. The 0cm p er day plant establishes itself in shallow margins or banks and is then able to grow into deeper water by growing as extensive rafts. The plants can then totally smother the surface. If this continued, water-based leisure pursuits could be threatened as parts of the Cam may become unnavigable to boats, punts and canoes. Fishing is already being affected.”
Your support
If you have a pond in your garden we are urging you to take sensible steps to help make sure invasive plants do not end up in waterways. You should: compost any plants you remove from your pond or put them in your green bin only buy plants that you know are healthy for your pond be cautious if offered plants from a friend’s pond, as they can transfer diseases or invasive plants Floating Pennywort is just the latest problem plant to arise; others include Australian Stonecrop, Chinese Water Fern, Parrot’s Feather Weed and Japanese Knotweed. More information on how to prevent the problem can be found on the Stop the Spread campaign website www.nonnativespecies.org/beplantwise/stopthespread
Spring 2017
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Competition
South Cambs Magazine
WIN
A smokin’ hot Weber barbecue kit worth £200 We’ve teamed up with Bury Lane Farm Shop in Melbourn to give one lucky reader the chance to win this ultimate Weber barbecue starter kit. The brand Weber is synonymous with barbecuing, supplying robust and stylish barbecues with a huge range of accessories to help widen and simplify the grilling experience. This exceptional kit retails at £200 and includes a compact 47cm kettle barbecue and cover, three-piece tool set, extra long mitt, chimney starter, T-brush for cleaning and a ‘Foolproof Favourites’ cookbook. As well as stocking Weber barbecues and accessories, Bury Lane Farm Shop boasts fresh produce, fine foods, a large specialist alcohol selection, butchers, fishmongers, delicatessen, gift shop, garden shop, café and farm-themed kids’ fun barn. There is something for everyone so why not check it out for yourself? You can find it on the A10 Bypass at Melbourn or online at www.burylanefarmshop.co.uk To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question:
What is the last date you can register to vote in the upcoming elections on 4 May? a) Friday 31 March b) Thursday 13 April c) Monday 1 May You can enter the competition online at www.scambs.gov.uk click the ‘Apply for it’ button and then select ‘Readers’ competition’. Don’t have internet access? You can enter by post. Send your name, address and telephone number, along with your answer to the question, to: South Cambs Magazine Competition South Cambridgeshire District Council Cambourne Business Park Cambridgeshire CB23 6EA Closing date for entries is midday on Friday 31 March. Terms and conditions are available at www.scambs.gov.uk/t-c or can be requested by calling 03450 450 500. The winner will be notified by Friday 7 April and announced in the summer edition of South Cambs Magazine.
Spring 2017
Winners’ spotlight
Congratulations to the five winners of our winter readers’ competition who each won a pair of tickets to see the musical The Wedding Singer courtesy of Cambridge Corn Exchange. They are Melanie Thomas of Fulbourn, Fiona Boston of Linton, Anthony Wadd of Fen Drayton, Julie Taher of Papworth Everard and David McKeown of Great Chishill.
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Waste and recycling
South Cambs Magazine
New bin collection rounds begin It was all change for bin collection rounds from Monday 27 February. Around 80% of households saw a change in the day we collect bins, or to the sequence in which their black or blue and green bins are put out.
Even if your day remained the same we’re likely to be picking your bin up at a different time than usual, so it’s important that your bins are out ready for collection by 6am. We carried out lots of communications ahead of the changes, including sending information out to every home. If you are not sure what your new pattern is, check out page 24 or visit our website. The changes follow our waste team becoming a shared service with Cambridge City Council. We took the opportunity to take a fresh look at the rounds. By removing the border between the two council areas, we’ve made collection rounds more efficient, reducing costs and contributing toward a £700,000 package of savings. These will help meet reductions in government funding. The changes are big for our teams too, so please be patient while they learn their new rounds.
Bin collections changed on 27 February
To find out more about the changes, and to view the new schedule for your village, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/bin-changes
Get composting We’re urging you to mulch to it and join the army of composters whose gardens benefit from a home compost heap.
Compost Awareness Week takes place from 7 to 13 May - so what better time to start a compost heap? Compost can help to improve or maintain high quality soil in your garden to grow healthy plants, reduce the use of fertiliser and improve water retention. You can home compost most garden and kitchen waste - except for meat, fish or cooked food. If you cannot compost at home you can use your green bin for garden organic waste as well as all cooked and uncooked food. To help make sure the quality of the product we produce is high, or materials are not rejected at the processing stage, please do not put any of the following in your green bin:
plastic bags
coal ash
cat litter dog poo disposable nappies
plastic pots or containers
other plastic items
treated wood
Mulch to it and start a home compost heap
corn / starch / biodegradable bags You can get a reduced price home composting bin by visiting www.getcomposting.com To find out more about what to recycle, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/services/bins
Spring 2017
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Waste Waste&&Recycling Recycling
South Cambs Magazine
New collection dates Green bin
Black bin
Blue bin
New collection dates
Monday A - Balsham, Carlton, Cherry Hinton,
Later collection day
Feb
Fulbourn, Great Wilbraham, Horseheath, Little Wilbraham, Six Mile Bottom, Stow-cum-Quy, Teversham, West Wickham, West Wratting, Weston Colville
27
Monday B - Babraham, Bartlow, Castle Camps, Great Abington, Hildersham, Linton, Little Abington, Pampisford, Sawston, Shudy Camps, Whittlesford
27 27
Tuesday A - Duxford, Fowlmere, Great Chishill,
Feb
Mar 6 6
28
Tuesday B - Barrington, Foxton, Melbourn,
28 28
3 3
27
Wednesday B - Arrington, Caldecote, Comberton, Coton, Croydon, Gamlingay, Great Eversden, Hardwick, Hatley, Kingston, Little Eversden, Little Gransden, Longstowe, Madingley, Tadlow, Toft
1 1
20
27 27
10 10
3
Mar 7 7
14
14 14
7
8 8
15
Tue
8
15 15
Wed
2
Thursday B - Bar Hill, Dry Drayton, Fen Drayton, Girton, Lolworth, Longstanton, Oakington, Over, Swavesey, Westwick
2 2
9 9
16
21 21
4 4
28
21
28 28
11 11
4
29
5 5
12
22
16 16
29 29
12 12
5
30
6 6
13
23
30 30
13 13
6
Mar 3
3 3
10 10
10
17
17 17
Wed
26 26
Thu
Wed
21 Fri
22 22
22 Sat
27 Thu
27 27 Thu
24
31
31 31
7 7
18 Tue
7 Tue
18 18
24 24 Mon
24 Mon
9
Wed
3 Wed
9 9
4 4
10
Thu
4 Thu
10 10
May 28 Fri
28 28 Fri
5 5
11
Fri
5 Fri
11 11
May
Apr 24 24
3 3
May
Apr 23 23
Tue
26
20
21 21
8 8
2
May
20 20
11
Sat
9
Tue
8
Tue
Apr
Mar
Caxton, Childerley, Conington, Croxton, Elsworth, Eltisley, Graveley, Knapwell, Papworth Everard, Papworth St Agnes
25 25
Apr 22 22
2 2
25
19
Fri
Thursday A - Bourn, Boxworth, Cambourne,
24 ď Ž www.scambs.gov.uk
19 19
10
Mar 1
Friday B - Chittering, Fen Ditton, Horningsea, Milton, Waterbeach
20 20
May
Thu
Bassingbourn, Grantchester, Guilden Morden, Harlton, Haslingfield, Litlington, Orwell, Shingay-Cum-Wendy, Steeple Morden, Whaddon, Wimpole
Landbeach, Orchard Park, Rampton, Willingham
13 13
6
Wednesday A - Abington Pigotts, Barton,
Friday A - Cottenham, Histon, Impington,
13
Apr
Wed
Great Shelford, Harston, Hauxton, Heydon, Hinxton, Ickleton, Little Chishill, Little Shelford, Newton, Stapleford, Thriplow & Heathfield
Meldreth, Shepreth
Bins must be out by 6am at the latest on your collection day
29 Sat
29 29 Sat
6 6
12
Sat
6 Sat
12 12
Spring 2017
Waste & Recycling
South Cambs Magazine
What goes where? Blue bin
Extra blue bin recycling will be collected if left alongside your blue bin in a cardboard box or returnable container
Plastic bottle tops & triggers
Plastic bottles
Plastic packaging (pots, trays & tubs)
Bins must be out by 6am on your collection day Close lids firmly
Paper caddy
Green bin
Put the caddy inside or beside your blue bin
Paper
Garden waste
Junk mail
Plastic bags
Plastic film, bubble wrap & clean food wrapping
Cartons (e.g Tetrapack)
Newspapers & magazines
Catalogues
Cooked/uncooked food waste (meat, fish & dairy)
Food & drinks cans
Aerosols
Tinfoil & foil trays
Telephone directories
Envelopes (with or without windows)
Kitchen paper and tissues
Cardboard/ wrapping paper
Polystyrene, Pyrex, flat glass, non packaging plastic e.g toys, bowls
Glass jars & bottles
Put items loosely in your blue bin Rinse items to remove any food contamination Squash cartons and plastic bottles, flatten boxes
Batteries
Batteries inc. AA & AAA cells, button batteries, size C & D and any laptop & mobile battery
Put in a battery bag or clear plastic bag and tie it to your blue bin lid
Shredded paper (put in an old envelope)
Jiffy bags, wrapping paper, greeting cards, tissues, cardboard & kitchen paper
Please remember to recycle from all rooms
Any type of cat litter, turf and soil (due to its weight), any type of plastic including bags/sacks, biodegradable bags (cornstarch, potato starch). Cardboard - put in the blue bin
Kitchen caddy and paper liners Available from our Cambourne offices use them in the kitchen and empty into the green bin when full Extra green bin recycling cannot be collected Please compost it or take it to Milton or Thriplow Recycling Centres
Black bin Non-recyclable / non-compostable material
Please consider donating items and recycling before placing them in your black bin We cannot collect extra black bin material. Please take it to Milton or Thriplow Recycling Centres Disposable nappies should be put in the black bin Empty and full paint tins cannot be collected. Please take them to Milton or Thriplow Recycling Centres
For more information visit www.scambs.gov.uk/bins or call 03450 450 063 Spring 2017
TEA OUT R ME & ME T STICK O YO UR FRID GE
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25
Planning
South Cambs Magazine
Expansion to Cambourne given green light Millions of pounds of new facilities and 2,350 new homes have been given the go-ahead at Cambourne.
The expansion on land to the west of Cambourne will see over £45 million invested in new facilities - including an athletics track and money towards a new swimming pool. Councillors approved the expansion at our Planning Committee meeting on 11 January after considering feedback from a public consultation. The proposals by McA Developments (Taylor Wimpey and Bovis) also include: two primary schools and an extra secondary school sports pitches and play areas
Cambourne West
shops and community space 705 affordable homes an extension to the existing doctor’s surgery offices and light industrial employment areas Business park
public open space segregated cycle and pedestrian routes relocation of an existing access off the A1198, the redesign of the Caxton bypass roundabout and changes to Sheepfold Lane surface water drainage and landscaping Cllr Robert Turner, cabinet member for planning, said: “Since the first residents moved into Cambourne in 1999 it has proved to be a popular place to live. It now has excellent community and sporting facilities and this extension is an opportunity to deliver additional facilities that the local community has been asking for.”
Lower Cambourne
Connected communities Our Local Plan guides where development takes place. Previous plans have included establishing a new community at Cambourne, new homes being built at the moment on the edge of Cambridge - in places such as Trumpington Meadows - and the new town underway at Northstowe. We have been working with local people on what development is needed in the future to meet the needs of the district. Our new Local Plan is currently being examined by independent Government planning inspectors, and includes an extension of Cambourne to the west of the existing village, but on a smaller site than now approved. Developing all the land between Cambourne and the A1198 was supported by our planning committee on the evidence presented, taking account of the package of educational and community facilities and better public transport links the larger scheme would deliver. Cambourne Parish Council also supported the development of the larger site due to the new jobs and facilities that will be delivered. Simon Crocker, Chairman of Cambourne Parish Council, said: “The Parish Council is looking forward to the challenge of delivering new facilities and amenities for use by residents and the wider community. Included will be: money toward a swimming pool, an all-weather athletics track, a bespoke BMX track and seven new football pitches. An increase in jobs and shops, new community buildings and a first-floor extension to the Hub - our main community centre - will also be provided as part of the expansion.”
28 www.scambs.gov.uk
Spring 2017
Planning
South Cambs Magazine
Parish boundary
Transport and travel Local residents raised concerns about the impact of traffic through the surrounding villages. In order to give Cambourne residents greater travel choices the developers will be paying money towards proposals for a high quality bus route and Park and Ride site between Cambourne and Cambridge. The final detailed route that this will take is still to be decided by the Greater Cambridge City Deal Board. One of the first pieces of work will be to provide a bus link between Upper Cambourne and Broadway. This link will reduce the journey time for the existing Citi 4 and other buses that connect Cambourne with Cambridge. As well as public transport improvements, the developers will be providing cycle and pedestrian links to Caxton and cycle lanes along the old A428. Alongside these improvements there will also be a package of travel plan measures aimed at encouraging residents to make greater use of buses and bikes.
Upper Cambourne
The land to the west of Cambourne planned for development currently sits within Caxton parish. There are proposals for a boundary change for Cambourne West to move to Cambourne Parish. This means that the responsibility for managing and maintaining the facilities would rest with Cambourne Parish Council, which already looks after a wide range of community facilities that are used by people living there and residents from nearby villages.
Building a community The heart of the new development will be set around the new secondary school in the north of the site. This area will contain shops and will be a short walk from the Business Park. Over 700 affordable homes will be built as part of the plans. Half of these will be shared ownership to help people get on the property ladder and half will be rented at less than market rates to people on our housing waiting list. Cllr Turner added: “A successful community needs community and sporting facilities and good transport links as well as affordable homes. We make a judgement in each case to make sure we strike the right balance between competing demands to meet the needs of new and existing residents.”
What’s next? The first residents could move into homes as early as 2019. Before then, we will receive a series of detailed planning applications for Cambourne West to cover things such as the look and feel of the homes, drainage and footpaths, roads and cycle links.
Great Cambourne
Latest Local Plan hearing news
The examination hearings to consider the main strategic development sites included in our emerging Local Plan are coming up. The inspector will be discussing these sites with objectors who have been invited to speak. Hearings are held in public and anyone can attend to listen to the debate. The hearings for these sites will take place at our Cambourne offices:
Week of 28 March: The new town north of Waterbeach and the Northstowe extension (previously identified reserve land)
Week of 4 April: The new village at Bourn Airfield
Where to find out more We recommend regularly checking our website for all the latest information. This includes any changes to the inspectors’ timetables. Visit www.scambs.gov.uk/local-plan-examination
Spring 2017
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29
Planning
South Cambs Magazine
Open house to support your plans Have you ever wondered how our planning process works? Are you planning a new project for your home or business? Why not come along to our special event where you can meet our planners. Alongside an opportunity to meet our team of officers who plan for and oversee development across the district, we’ll be running workshops giving top tips for submitting a successful planning application, explaining how plans for the area are prepared and explaining what terms such as neighbourhood planning actually mean. If you are planning your own project, officers from our planning teams will provide a free drop in clinic offering advice and guidance for homeowners and small businesses. This will range from things to think about before you start, to what you can do to make sure your planning application is processed as smoothly as possible. Stephen Kelly, Director for Planning and Economic Development,
said: “This event is aimed at people who want to undertake a building project but don’t know where to start. Whether you are looking to buy and renovate a home or business, want to consider building your own home or want to improve or enlarge your home or business, this is just the ticket for you. Planning and building regulations are very important but we understand that they can be very confusing. Whilst the big developers have access to expert advice at all stages of the process, we want to try and help our residents and businesses understand this important area to help them get it right first time. It will no doubt save people time and money in the long run” Cllr Robert Turner, cabinet member for planning, said: “Councillors regularly get enquiries about the planning process which many see as being complicated and hard to understand. As we continue to improve our planning service, it is important to me that we seek to share the skills and knowledge of our staff to help our local residents and small businesses through what, for many, is a once in a lifetime experience.”
The Event Monday 20 March 1pm to 5pm South Cambridgeshire District Council offices Cambourne Business Park CB23 6EA For more details, including sessions being run, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/events On the day you will be able to book a free 15 minute appointment to talk to an expert about planning or building regulations. Appointments will be first come first served on the day only and not bookable in advance. Our team will also be on hand all afternoon to answer questions and queries.
Spring 2017
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31
Planning
South Cambs Magazine
City Deal steps up in South Cambs South Cambridgeshire residents are set to be the first to benefit from Greater Cambridge City Deal investment in better transport and housing.
The historic deal with Government secured more than £700 million for a better transport network, supporting new housing and jobs. With the combined Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire population set to grow by up to 30% in the next decade, the City Deal is investing in a range of travel options to help bring forward new and affordable housing and alternatives to getting in a car for journeys in to and out of Cambridge. This year will see a number of transport schemes move from design to delivery, supporting travel between communities in the district to the City, including:
Cycling and walking completion of the Melbourn to A10 cycle link connecting villages between Cambridge and Royston improved city cycle access to the new Cambridge North rail station and Science Park and between Hills Road and Addenbrooke’s construction starting on the Chisholm Trail, an off-road cycle route from north to south Cambridge
Better bus journeys further public consultation on providing reliable and express bus journeys between:
o Cambourne and Cambridge
o along Milton and Histon Roads
o the A1307 between Cambridge and Fourwentways o developing extra Park and Ride spaces or sites in the north, west and south of the city and extending the cycling and walking network along these routes Plans to improve Cambridge City centre access for people choosing rail, bus, cycling and walking journeys are also planned, including the launch of a new travel app to help with route planning.
Graphic illustrating major growth areas in the city and South Cambridgeshire and proposals for improved travel options to support an estimated 30% growth in trips by 2030
What’s next? Cambourne to Cambridge busway Work continues on developing busway and cycleway options - in close consultation with community groups - with further public consultation due in the latter part of 2017. The bus and cycle priority route, with a new Park and Ride site, would reduce bus journey times and improve public transport links to proposed new developments.
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Spring 2017
Planning
South Cambs Magazine
City centre travel Proposals to tackle congestion in Cambridge City centre generated over 10,000 responses. Feedback did not support partial road closures at peak times, which will not now go ahead. Other proposals, including a workplace parking levy, are being developed further. At a meeting of our Full Council, councillors voted in favour of a motion that reaffirmed our position that congestion charging is not the answer to solving transport problems. It is seen as an additional tax on our residents travelling into Cambridge. However, councillors have said that a solution must be found that gives genuine alternatives to using a car for most journeys.
Building homes The City Deal has invested in a new housing agency to bring forward new and affordable housing. Since launching in April 2016, 113 new homes have been delivered: 39 in the South Cambridgeshire villages of Swavesey, Linton and Foxton. Cllr Francis Burkitt, our councillor responsible for the Greater Cambridge City Deal and Vice Chair of the Executive Board, said: “The City Deal is there to help South Cambridgeshire adapt to the phenomenal growth brought about by a thriving local economy. However, it is also there to make sure all new and expanding local communities are nice and attractive places to live, with really good access to the city. “This is an opportunity for the wider Cambridge region and I would love to hear more from local communities and their representatives about what the City Deal can do for them.”
City Deal: the facts Up to £500 million in transport funding £170 million for delivering affordable housing
18% increase in apprenticeships thanks to skills initiative ‘Form the Future’
Accelerated delivery of 44,000 new jobs, 33,500 new homes and 420 additional apprenticeships over the next 15 years 113 new homes delivered by the City Deal-funded Housing Development Agency in its first 6 months - with 220 homes due to be completed by the end of March 2017
The Greater Cambridge City Deal is an agreement set up between Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership, the University of Cambridge and Central Government to help secure future economic growth and quality of life in the Greater Cambridge region. The deal aims to bring over £1 billion of investment in vital transport infrastructure improvements and thousands of new homes, jobs and employment training opportunities to the area. For more information visit www.gccitydeal.co.uk. To speak to a member of the City Deal team, email city.deal@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or call 01223 699906
Spring 2017
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Housing
South Cambs Magazine
Guaranteed rent payments We’re launching a new scheme that offers homeowners a hassle free way to rent out properties. This includes no fees and guaranteed rental payments - even if the home is empty. We would like to hear from you if you own a property in the district that you would consider renting out through us in the future. We are looking for good quality properties, in a lettable condition within South Cambridgeshire. Each property needs to meet minimum standards for them to be suitable to be rented. Whatever size property you have, from a bedsit to a four bedroom house, we are interested in hearing from you. Benefits for the home owners include: regular property inspections no management fees day-to-day maintenance guaranteed rental payments even when empty full management service, including inventories The introduction of this scheme, will allow us to provide secure, affordable and good quality housing to people looking for a new home. For more information contact Louise Moulding on louise.moulding@scambs.gov.uk or 01954 713046
Housing
South Cambs Magazine
Council homes delivered Tenants have moved into 15 newly built council homes in Foxton. The homes at Hill Farm, off Fowlmere Road, on the edge of the village are a mix of one, two and three-bedroomed. People on our housing waiting list who grew up, lived in or had a local connection to Foxton were given the first opportunity to be tenants. One of them, Charlie Martin, was given the keys to his first home. A Foxton resident for over 30 years, Charlie lives with health issues. His new council home will allow him to live independently, in the community he knows, with supportive family close by. Charlie’s mum, Gilly Martin, said: “Charlie was born with hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and has had to endure multiple brain surgeries all his life. The opportunity for Charlie to live independently and securely in this superior development in our village has given him a new start in life and our family enormous peace of mind.” Cllr Lynda Harford, cabinet member for housing, said: “Housing that meets the needs of local people is one of our main priorities. It’s been a real pleasure to meet Charlie and other new tenants and see just how thrilled they are with their new homes.”
Cllr Deborah Roberts, the local councillor for Foxton, said: “Having initiated this project and been involved at every stage, I’d like to thank the local community, parish council and district council for the partnership and hard work that Charlie was welcomed have made this site to his new home by such a success.” Cllrs Lynda Harford and The scheme was Deborah Roberts made possible due to land being made available by local landowner Derek Salmons. Scheme architects were The Design Partnership and Burmor Construction built the new high quality homes.
To find out about applying for housing visit www.scambs.gov.uk and click on the housing button
South Cambs Magazine
Environmental Health
Take the healthy option A new project has been launched in South Cambridgeshire to make it easier to eat more healthily outside the home.
The scheme is called Healthier Options and is a local initiative to support food businesses to offer healthier choices to customers. We all know how difficult it can be to stick to our goals when eating out and about, and it is not always easy to find out what is in food and drink. Most of us eat too much sugar, saturated fat and salt. This can lead to weight gain and serious issues like heart disease, type-2 diabetes and can even increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Knowing you are making a healthier choice can help you to take control of your health. The Healthier Options initiative helps local food outlets make small but healthy changes to their menu and food preparation. This includes efforts to reduce sugar, saturated fat and salt, increase the availability of fruit and vegetables and promote healthier dishes.
Eating out and about?
If you’re trying to find somewhere to eat where it is easy to find a healthier food option, look out for the Healthier Options sticker displayed by all accredited businesses. You can also visit www.healthier-options.org.uk
Food businesses The scheme is free to take part in and interested food outlets in the district are urged to contact our environmental health and licensing business team. The team will be able to tell you more about how Healthier Options membership is designed to show customers that your business is committed to making a real contribution towards healthier lifestyles. The team has some top tips that businesses can use to design and create their pledge, or outlets can draw up their own intentions. After agreeing a pledge, the team will continue to support applicants to complete it within three months and be awarded Healthier Options membership. Members will receive a certificate and sticker to display in their window. They will also be added to the Healthier Options website and may be included in further promotions. If you run a food business and are interested in finding out more, visit www.healthier-options.org.uk or email info@healthier-options.org.uk If you would like to nominate a food business in your area please let us know by emailing openforbusiness@scambs.gov.uk
Spring 2017
www.scambs.gov.uk
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BATHROOM
Shelford Heating is one of the largest privately owned companies in Cambridgeshire undertaking around 10000 jobs annually within a 30 mile radius – we are proud of our immediate attention 7 days a week - all year round. Specialising in service and maintenance of all types of heating whether this is fuelled by Gas, Oil, LPG, Electric and Biomass all by directly employed, manufacturer trained and Gas Safe/ OFTEC registered technicians. We also undertake general plumbing and are pleased to offer a full design and installation service for your new bathroom from start to finish. We are fully conversant with the design and installation of heating systems, using the latest heating controls and modern condensing boilers as well as heat pumps and biomass boilers.
HEATING
PLUMBING
RENEWABLE
Our Commercial Gas Technicians can service and repair your heating appliances in your Business/Commercial/School premises and several of our staff have full CRB disclosure. Our in house design team can cater for any design or application within the commercial and domestic markets for your plumbing and heating requirements including renewable systems. We believe in quality, reliability and our reputation as market leaders is important to our business - and letters of praise from happy clients is what we strive for. If you are a School, College, Business,Letting Agents, Commercial Premise or Private Homeowner we can help you. As we say – More Than Just a Service.
Call 01223 833 426 • sales@shelfordheating.co.uk • shelfordheating.co.uk
South Cambs Magazine
Environmental Health
Crushing powers on fly tipping We have new powers to issue on the spot fines as well as seize and crush vehicles involved in fly tipping.
Issuing Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £400 means we can take immediate action on minor cases and save time and money taking people to court. Cllr Mark Howell, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “We detest fly tipping and welcome these new powers to help us combat this national problem. Although these powers mean we can take immediate action, we will still take people to court to make sure the correct punishment is handed out for more serious cases.” Anyone disposing of waste has a duty of care to make sure it is lawfully disposed of. Most fly tipping in the area is due to residents paying a ‘white van man’ to take away their waste, which is later fly tipped. In these cases the resident will end up in court for failing in their duty of care. Visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk and search the public register for waste carriers to check a trader is licensed. You can also telephone 03708 506506 If you see anyone tipping waste illegally try to get the vehicle details and a description of the driver if possible. You can report it at www.scambs.gov.uk by clicking the ‘Report It’ button
Dealing with scrap metal All scrap metal dealers must have a licence from us if they are collecting in our area. We are renewing all the licences for scrap metal dealers this year and are urging anyone who collects scrap to contact us. This process checks that anyone with a licence complies with legislation. People who hold a licence to collect scrap metal will have identification and will be happy to show it. They should also be licensed by the Environment Agency as a waste carrier. It is important you make sure you are passing your unwanted goods to someone who will dispose of it lawfully. We will take away up to three bulky items for a fee of £30. There is an extra £5 charge for each additional item taken away at the same time. This includes items such as fridges, washing machines and vacuum cleaners. These items can also be taken to the household recycling centres in Milton and Thriplow where they are disposed of free of charge.
For more information about the bulky waste service visit www.scambs.gov.uk/bulky-item-collection-service
Spring 2017
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South Cambs Magazine
About your council
First Mayoral elections are you registered? We’re calling on people to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s first ever mayoral election this May. Residents will go to the polls on 4 May to vote for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s first Mayor as well as all seats on Cambridgeshire County Council. If you are already registered, there is no need to do anything else as you will be eligible to cast your vote in May. If you are not, make sure you register now by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. The last date you can register for the May elections is 13 April. Poll cards will be sent to all registered voters around the end of March, and these will tell you where you should go to vote. You won’t need to take your poll card, or any other sort of ID, with you to vote.
Away in May? If you are away on polling day, you do not have to lose your vote. You could arrange to have your ballot papers sent to you in the post. You can print out a postal vote application form from our website at www.scambs.gov.uk/elections. Once you have completed it, you can scan your application form and email it to us at elections@scambs.gov.uk. If you prefer, you could ask someone to visit the polling station on your behalf. This is called voting by proxy. Application forms are also available on our website for you to apply for a proxy vote. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can give us a call on 03450 455214 and we will post you an application form. Please don’t leave your application until the last minute - the last date you can apply for a postal vote is 18 April and the last date to apply for a proxy vote is 25 April.
Mayoral election The first Mayoral election for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough follows councils and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in the area signing up to a devolution deal with government. This will see £770 million in new funding put into the hands of local communities alongside decision making powers to improve transport, create much needed housing and boost local jobs. The directly elected mayor will chair a new combined authority with a councillor from each of the local councils and a representative from the LEP on the board.
County Council divisions
Did ? w o n k you mpanies,
co e ck g e a h g t c r , o M ders ed n e l l l and a re register you a te before to vo g credit vin appro
The areas that County Councillors represent, called divisions, have been updated to reflect changes in population. To find out more, visit the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s website at www.lgbce.org.uk/current-reviews/eastern/cambridgeshire/cambridgeshire-county-council
Spring 2017
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About your council
South Cambs Magazine
Your council tax bill explained Over the next few weeks we'll be sending out annual bills for Council Tax, Business Rates and Council Rents for the next financial year. Together with benefit award letters, we will be sending out around 80,000 letters. With so many people being written to at one time there is always a peak in demand on our phone lines. In previous years we have received up to 1,600 calls a day and, while we aim to answer all calls as soon as possible, during these busy times there can be a delay. A large number of calls to us are similar, with the information needed often on the bill. If you have a question, please read the bill and booklet we send to you first, as this is likely to answer it. The bills cover the charges due and benefits awarded, and the booklet provides general information on our services and further details on Council Tax, Business Rates, discounts and exemptions.
The answers to most of the queries we get about bills can be found on the bill itself.
1
Payment options
2 6
3
A detailed breakdown of charges will be shown here
At the moment around 70% of people take the hassle free option and pay their bill by direct debit. You can sign up online by visiting www.scambs.gov.uk/ways-pay-your-council-tax If you can’t pay this way, you can visit our website and click the ‘Pay for It’ button to make payments by debit or credit card, or you can call our 24 hour payment line on 03450 455 218.
The total charge will be shown here
Save time and go online
To make sure you do not need to wait unnecessarily, we have other ways for you to get in touch. Firstly, visit our website www.scambs.gov.uk and select Council Tax where you will find more detailed information and easy to use forms that will help us to answer your query. You can also email us at revenues@scambs.gov.uk
4 5
08/04/2017 08/05/2017 08/06/2017 08/07/2017
£XXX.XX £XXX.XX £XXX.XX £XXX.XX
08/08/2017 08/09/2017 08/10/2017 08/11/2017
£XXX.XX £XXX.XX £XXX.XX £XXX.XX
08/12/2017 08/01/2018
£XXX.XX £XXX.XX
1 If you need to contact us about your bill,
please have your account number to hand
2 This is the address of the property the bill
relates to and can be different from the postal address if you own more than one home
3 Your bill will show the amount we collect on
behalf of all the authorities. Our part of the bill is only a small proportion
42 www.scambs.gov.uk
4 Direct debit payers do not need to do anything as the payments will
continue to be collected
5 Your bill will include a breakdown of your payments throughout the year 6 To find out how to appeal your council tax banding, contact the
Valuation Office Agency by emailing cteast@voa.gsi.gov.uk, calling 03000 501501 or visiting www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands
Spring 2017
South Cambs Magazine
About your council
New home for advice surgery If you have housing or money worries, come to our advice surgery at its new central Sawston location.
Surgeries run from 10am to 1pm every other Thursday at John Huntingdon’s Charity on Sawston High Street. No appointment needed; just turn up on the day. Our experts can give free and confidential advice on financial worries, problems with neighbours, benefits, rent and council tax plus a range of housing issues. Discussions can be held privately and are treated confidentially. Cllr Simon Edwards, cabinet member for finance, said: “We’re here to give help and advice to all residents. Whether you've lost your job, are struggling to meet rent or mortgage payments or just finding it tough to make ends meet, our specialists can talk you through available support. The earlier you speak to us, the more options there are to help you.” Jill Hayden, John Huntingdon’s Charity manager, said: “We’re pleased to be hosting the surgery. We already work closely on housing issues, plus offer services like our foodbank and Citizen’s Advice sessions. If you need help or support in the Sawston area, we’re here for you.” Surgeries run on 9 and 23 March, 6 and 20 April, 4 and 18 May and 1, 15 and 29 June. For future dates visit www.scambs.gov.uk and search for Housing Advice Service
About your council
South Cambs Magazine
Meeting your needs
Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent consultation to shape our future priorities. We received over 100 completed surveys, which broadly supported the ideas we put forward. We have used the feedback to finalise our new five year plan and budget for the coming financial year. At the time of going to print, these were due to be presented to councillors who vote on whether to approve them. We have saved millions of pounds and generated our own income over the past six years to balance the books, but need to do more as our funding continues to be cut.
Our priorities for the coming years are broken down into four areas: Homes for our future
Feedback acknowledged the need to provide a wide range of housing options from starter homes to accommodation for older people, and endorsed our pioneering work on self-build. You also agreed that signing off our Local Plan - a strategy that guides development in the area - was vital so we can exert the maximum influence upon the nature and location of development.
Living well
Innovative and dynamic organisation
We’re committed to supporting our communities to remain in good health whilst continuing to protect what makes the area such a great place to live. Supporting residents to stay in good health was strongly supported, and we will continue to support the mobile wardens scheme with grant funding. Ensuring our new and established communities are healthy, safe and attractive places to live was also endorsed, and our participation in the Northstowe Healthy Town Initiative will help to achieve this.
We’re looking to adopt a more commercial and business-like approach. Your responses supported our plans and realised the necessity of new ideas due to the grant we receive from government to deliver services disappearing. Whilst many agreed we should be encouraging increased online interaction, we should be careful not to exclude a sizeable minority who rely on traditional communication methods.
Connected communities We will make sure that new transport and digital links support and strengthen communities. Several of you urged the Greater Cambridge City Deal partners to be even more innovative in coming up with ideas to solve the region’s transport problems. Our support for local communities and rural businesses was also given your backing. To find out more information about our corporate plan visit www.scambs.gov.uk/council-aims-and-objectives
Spring 2017
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About your council
South Cambs Magazine
Clean bill of health, but more to do We’re pleased to report positive feedback following a four-day independent review of what we do by a Local Government Association peer review team.
We invited the team in to take stock of how we are doing. After taking an in depth look at our work, talking to staff, councillors and partners, they praised our strong journey of improvement since 2007. They said that we have established ourselves as a well-respected and strong-performing organisation, with good ties to communities, partners and government. They also said that we are clear about our objectives, have an excellent track record in achieving savings and generating new income, and that the Council is seen as a great place to work. Finally, they concluded that we work well with partners, who were very positive about us, and have attracted millions of pounds of government funding and investment to the region as a result.
More to do As with all reviews, there are areas where we could do things differently and better, and the independent check now gives us the chance to address these. The team consider that we are at a pivotal moment in leading our communities into the future. To do this well, we should clearly define what we want from the area's continued growth, as part of a vision for what we want our future district to look like. Councillors have reviewed the report and asked officers to develop plans for the next financial year.
Two areas we will be looking at: Setting out more clearly the kind of economic and housing growth we want to see, and how to make this happen with our major partners - such as Cambridge City Council
Reviewing our financial policy of using reserves to support budgets and, with resources becoming ever more stretched, take advantage of the skills and capacity of our parish councils and voluntary organisations, many of whom are ready and waiting to help us carry out work to improve quality of life around the district
Council Leader, Cllr Peter Topping, said: “I was determined to get an independent validation that our approach, and how we are working together to make sure we meet the needs of local communities, is sound. Given the pace of change and scale of economic growth in South Cambridgeshire, we need to be at the vanguard of engaging with and listening to residents to ensure understanding and support. This review gives us useful and helpful insights into how to achieve that."
You can read the full report at www.scambs.gov.uk/content/corporate-peer-challenge
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Spring 2017