2019/20
New Household Recycling Centre opens Local Authority Trading Company launches Find out how we set our budget Sign up for the 2019 Perkins Great Eastern Run
2019/20
Contents 3...............................Safer off the Streets 5.....................New Household Recycling Centre opens 6 and 7......................Peterborough’s new trading company 8......................................Get into reading 11 to 21...........................Your council tax 22 and 23....................... Your fire service 24 and 25...................Your police service 27.............................What’s on in the city 28............New Customer Service Centre 31........................................... City Market 33.................. Perkins Great Eastern Run
Front cover photo - John Moore Photography
35...............................Communities Fund
2 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
Peterborough INFORMATION NETWORK The Peterborough Information Network (PIN) is your essential guide to what is on offer locally to help you enjoy the best quality of life. Whether you are a family with young children or an adult or young person who wants to remain independent, safe, well and living a fulfilled life, this directory is for you. It is easy to use and is full of useful local information, advice and guidance about the many people, places and activities that can help you do what matters to you. There’s a lot of excellent support available in Peterborough. PIN will help you to think about the options available and help you make the choices that are right for you. The website is still very new and we need lots of people to tell us how we can make it better for you. Please take a look at www.peterborough.gov.uk/pin
Over
£7,000raised
#sospboro
for rough sleepers
Over £7,000 has so far been raised by members of the public for the Safer Off the Streets (SOS) partnership, which helps rough sleepers in Peterborough. The partnership was set up last October and is made up of 16 different city based charities and organisations all working together. Their aim is to help rough sleepers to get off the streets for good and into accommodation, training and employment. Councillor Irene Walsh, cabinet member for communities at Peterborough City Council, one of the partners, said: “The average life expectancy of a rough sleeper is just 47, decades younger than the national average.
Money raised goes towards The Garden House, which is a day shelter, run by the Light Project charity volunteers. Rough sleepers get a friendly welcome, along with a cup of tea, a friendly face and smile and a full range of services offered by SOS partners, including accommodation, haircuts, GP services, food, training and employment. Partners involved in the Safer Off the Streets partnership include:
This is why it’s the partnership’s aim is to do everything it can to stop people from becoming entrenched in their lives on the streets.”
Ways to donate Online at
www.saferoffthestreets.co.uk Contactless card point at St Peter’s Arcade, Bridge Street Cash donation boxes at The Town Hall and Visitor Information Centre in Bridge Street
For more information
www.saferoffthestreets.co.uk @sospboro
CHOICES FOR BETTER JOURNEYS We want to transform our public transport system so thousands more people can use a quicker, more reliable network every day.
PLUS GUESTS LIVE
Tell us your views on proposals for a future public transport network and ways to reduce congestion in Greater Cambridge by 31 March 2019.
Find out more www.greatercambridge.org.uk/ choicesbetterjourneys-ehm #BetterGreaterCambridgeJourneys
4 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
8 June
A B A X S TA D I U M PETERBOROUGH THEPOSHTICKETS.COM TICKETMASTER.CO.UK LHGTICKETS.COM Presented by
in association with
and
New Household Recycling Centre opens A new Household Recycling Centre which makes it easier for residents to dispose of and recycle their waste is now open. The facility in Fengate, next door to the energy recovery facility, is more than double the size of the former Dogsthorpe site, has roof cover, improved vehicle access and is easier for people to use with disabled spaces and larger spaces especially for vans. Leading resource and waste management company FCC Environment Limited will manage the centre on the council’s behalf for the next 10 years. Councillor Marco Cereste, cabinet member for waste and street scene, said: “The investment we have made in the new centre demonstrates our commitment to improving facilities and boosting the amount we can recycle.
Help us keep your city clean Flytipping ruins the look of our city, so we always act quickly to remove waste which has been dumped illegally on public land. Our message is please don’t do it, dispose of your waste the correct way. Where we can we take perpetrators to court, but we can only do this if we have enough evidence to prosecute. If you see someone fly-tipping please take down as many details as you can - vehicle registration, location, description of offenders, time, date. You can then report the information online at www.peterborough.gov.uk/report or call 01733 747474.
“I would encourage all residents with re-usable items, recycling, garden waste or rubbish to make good use of it.” For more information about the Household Recycling Centre visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/hrc We also offer a bulky waste service which collects large items from your home. For a one-off fee of £23.50 you can have a number of items collected. Visit our website to see which items are included in this and for additional information. Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 5
is taking over delivery of:
Waste collections and school transport 1 April Street cleaning, grounds maintenance and building maintenance 4 May
The new council-owned trading company will continue to provide services by the same front-line staff with a focus on providing more exibility and better value for money. These services will be extended commercially to generate additional income to reinvest back into the city.
For enquiries or reporting issues please continue to contact Peterborough City Council
Telephone 01733 747474 | Email ask@peterborough.gov.uk www.peterborough.gov.uk/report 6 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
New trading company launched to take over bin collections and more Keeping our streets clean, waste collections and grass cutting are important to our residents and to us. This is why we made the landmark decision to form a new trading company to take over the services currently operated by Amey. Aragon Direct Services is the new trading name of Peterborough City Council’s registered Local Authority Trading Company, Peterborough Limited. The company will allow us to generate income through commercial operations, which will help to reduce the need for additional service cuts in light of the continued pressure on the council’s finances. The new company is wholly owned by the council which means that it will remain fully accountable to the council and its elected representatives.
books whilst striving to deliver the highest quality services to the public and local businesses.
So, by establishing a Local Authority Trading Company to undertake the current services operated by Amey, the council can take greater control in how the services are delivered and where the priorities are and develop commercial operations to generate Our number one additional income to support the focus will remain on council’s overall budget.
continuing to improve the services, but we can develop a more flexible approach to meeting the growing needs of our city
From 1 April 2019 Aragon Direct Services will take over the council’s waste collection responsibilities along with a number of the home to school transport routes. And in May the grounds maintenance, street cleansing and building maintenance services will follow. The building cleaning service already successfully moved into the trading company in February. A seamless phased transfer is planned that will see high-quality services continue to be provided by the same team of frontline staff within the new trading company, Aragon Direct Services. As local authorities continue to face financial pressure, we have to find new ways to balance the
Councillor Mohammed Farooq, Chair of the Peterborough Limited Board, said: “Aragon Direct Services will see 100% of its returns staying within the city, benefiting the community as a whole rather than company shareholders. The money recycled will help offset the pressure on the council’s finances, allowing us to maintain and improve these key council services.
“Our number one focus will remain on continuing to improve the services, but we can develop a more flexible approach to meeting the growing needs of our city. For example, where priorities change and we want to amend schedules for a service such as grass cutting this can be arranged more easily than if through an outsourced contract. “We will also seek to expand commercial service contracts with businesses and other organisations to generate additional income, to reduce the overall cost of services to the council, while at the same time continuing to innovate and become more efficient.” Residents and businesses will continue to contact the council on 01733 747474 or visit www.peterborough.gov.uk for information about these services. Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 7
YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY STARTS HERE... In association with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Peterborough Centre for Young Musicians is an exciting music centre for the region’s talented young players aged between 5-18 years.
For further information and to register your interest in PCYM: Email: musichub@peterborough.gov.uk or visit: www.pcym.org.uk Where music matters
Grab your favourite children’s book and
make 2019 the Year of Reading! Getting children to enjoy reading and develop their language skills is a top priority for our education team.
Other programmes have been developed by Vivacity, encouraging parents and children to use libraries across Peterborough.
We’ve worked with partners and schools to set up schemes to help achieve this and we’ve had some positive results so far.
Our Reading Buddies initiative, which sees volunteers come into schools to help pupils read, has been successfully rebranded and relaunched with 120 active Reading Buddies in city schools.
Schools across Peterborough will take part in The Year of Reading from June which will feature monthly readingrelated themes, activities, exhibitions and competitions.
Last year’s Key Stage 2 reading results showed a 14 per cent improvement since 2016
We’ve also created The Peterborough Vision for Reading, to support the development of reading and there has been improved focus on early years education ensuring that children are confident, curious and ready to learn by the time they start school. Our START school readiness programme provides key events and leaflets for parents giving them practical tips to help children with communication and reading which can be carried out at home.
Councillor Lynne Ayres, cabinet member for education, skills and university, said: “Reading is a fantastic thing to do with your children. It stimulates their imagination, expands their understanding of the world and develops their language and listening skills.
“Our ultimate aim is to improve outcomes for all children, particularly at Key Stage 1 and 2 levels and reading plays a big part in this. “Last year’s Key Stage 2 reading results showed a 14 per cent improvement since 2016 but we’re committed to further progress. “A range of measures are being implemented in city schools to help achieve this and we’re confident that results will continue to improve in future.”
Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 9
Sign up to the 2019/20 Garden Waste Collection Service
Renew or subscribe for the first time from 1 April 2019
Receive garden waste collections throughout the year for £45 The 2019/20 service will run from 21 May 2019 to 15 May 2020. Sign up before the 29 June and you can pay by Direct Debit in three instalments.
How to sign up…
by phone 01733 747474
Visit us online www.peterborough.gov.uk/brownbins
If you do not re-subscribe to this service your brown bin will not be emptied after 17 May 2019. You can also take your garden waste to the Householders’ Recycling Centre.
Your Peterborough 2017-2018
YOUR
Council Tax 2019/20
11
Leader’s Column Welcome to your council tax booklet, and as leader of the council I wanted to talk to you about what we have achieved in this year, but also some of the challenges we are facing as a council with our finances. Many of you will know that we have had our budgets severely cut now for many years and at the same time, there is a much greater demand for services we provide, like looking after more children and older people. Despite these pressures, we are still achieving much for our city and will continue to do so in the year ahead. I would like to thank you all for your support in this, as it is your council tax that has helped these successes take place. As part of our Stand Up For Peterborough campaign we have also been working hard behind the scenes in lobbying the government. The government’s Fairer Funding Review is set to be announced in the autumn and this is a crucial time for all councils as it will decide how much funding we will receive in the following years. So far we have been fortunate enough to welcome government ministers to the city recently, including MPs Michael Gove, Amber Rudd and Isabelle Trowler. We will keep you informed of the result of this review when it is announced in the autumn. Here’s just a few highlights of what we have achieved in Peterborough over the past year: • Building work is continuing on the Fletton Quays development which has created hundreds of jobs and investment and is on schedule to finish by 2020.
bring services like collecting bins back under council control. • We remain one of the cheapest areas for council tax in England and Wales with the 8th lowest rates out of 56 local authorities. Council tax will be increasing for a Band D property by 2.99 per cent next year, or 75p a week, roughly the price of two pints of milk. • We’ve created more temporary accommodation for homeless family and helped set up the Safer Off the Streets partnership which is reducing the number of rough sleepers on our streets. • Ofsted have said our Children’s Services are ‘good’ and have praised our investment in this area. • Our schools continue to improve, with 93 per rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and consistent GCSE results, above average A-Levels and rising Key Stage 2 outcomes. • We’re giving out cash grants of up to £20,000 to successful community groups around the city to allow them to continue to do more good work in your neighbourhoods. • Ultra fast broadband speeds are rolling out across Peterborough, making our city a great place for home-workers and start-up businesses. Thanks to all the above, we are now in a really good place to be able to tackle any challenges that come our way in the next year.
• Planning permission has been given for North Westgate, which will see the city centre rapidly develop in the coming years.
Like many of you, I’m proud to call Peterborough my home and I know that together we can continue to improve our city, making it an even greater place to live, work and visit.
• We’re generating £72million a year in income, including selling energy created by our waste plant and selling our services to other councils.
Please take some time to read this booklet to get a really good understanding of some of the hard work that has been undertaken across the city over the past year.
• We are delivering clean streets, with much working taking place to reduce flytipping citywide and a new Local Authority Trading Company set up to
This is your city, your Peterborough and as such, it’s important you understand where your council tax is going and the great things it is helping to fund.
12 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
Where council funding comes from Total cost of services and council tax requirement The council sets its budget each year to establish how much it needs to spend in order to provide services to the community within the resources available. A significant proportion of the total expenditure is met from general and specific government grants including grants for schools. The council also retains a proportion of business rates and receives other income such as fees and charges, the remainder (17.5%) is met from council tax. The total amount the council needs to spend in 2019/20 is £415.1m including precepts from parish councils and levies from levying bodies. This is shown in the table below which compares this year’s figures to those of 2018/19. To arrive at the amount of money the council needs to raise from council tax payers (£78m), income from government grants, business rates and other service income needs to be deducted.
For 2019/20 the council needs to make £24m of savings in order to deal with service pressures and remain within its funding levels. Further reductions in government grant are expected for 2019/20 onwards. The government is currently consulting on plans to implement a new Fairer Funding system and the Business Rates 75% Retention scheme in 2020/21. 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, supporting culture and the environment, keeping our communities safe, cohesive and healthy and achieving the best health and wellbeing for the city. Prior to the approval of the final budget on 6 March 2019, the budget proposals went through a period of public consultation.
The table shows an increase in the amount raised from council tax which is due to a 2.99% general
Cost of services
increase in council tax. However, Peterborough continues to have one of the lowest levels of council tax in the country.
2018/19 £m
2019/20 £m
Change %
414.0
415.1
0.3%
Service income
170.4
177.5
4.2%
Government support - revenue support grant
15.1
10.2
-32.5%
Locally retained business rates
45.5
45.7
0.4%
Schools grants
109.0
103.7
-4.9%
Council tax requirement
74.0
78.0
Gross expenditure Less:
Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 13
Adult Social Care Precept The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has made an offer to adult social care authorities. “Adult social care authorities” are local authorities which have functions under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014, namely county councils in England, district councils for an area in England for which there is no county council, London borough councils, the Common Council of the City of London and the Council of the Isles of Scilly. The offer is the option of an adult social care authority being able to charge an additional “precept” on its council tax for financial years from the financial year beginning in 2016 without holding a referendum, to assist the authority in meeting expenditure on adult social care. Subject to the annual approval of the House of Commons, the Secretary of State intends to offer the option of charging this “precept” at an appropriate level in each financial year up to and including the financial year 2019-20.
Levies paid to other organisations by Peterborough City Council Levies are statutory payments made to other organisations who are funded by local taxpayers. The total levy issued is shared in proportion to the taxbase of all contributing local authorities.
funding. To provide local funding for local priorities and contributions for partnership funding the Regional Flood and Coastal Committees recommend through the Environment Agency a local levy.
The Environment Agency has powers in respect of flood and coastal erosion risk management for 2,292 kilometres of main river, and along tidal and sea defences in the area of the Anglian Northern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. Money is spent on the construction of new flood defence schemes, the maintenance of the river system and existing flood defences together with the operation of a flood warning system and management of the risk of coastal erosion.
A change in the gross budgeted expenditure between years reflects the programme of works for both capital and revenue needed by the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee to which you contibute. The total Local Levy raised by this committee has stayed the same. Internal drainage boards manage an extensive network of watercourses, embankments, pumping stations and other water control assets within the local area in order to maintain water levels and mitigate the risk of flooding. Under the Land Drainage Act 1991 the boards can raise income from the areas for which they provide water level management to maintain and improve their assets, and this is partly achieved by a levy on local authorities.
The majority of the funding for flood defences comes from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). However, under the new Partnership Funding rule not all schemes will attract full central
2018/19
Levying bodies
Gross exp
2019/20
Levy raised Total
PCC share
Gross exp
Levy raised Total
PCC share
Change in PCC levy
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
£m
%
Environment Agency Anglian Region
63.941
1.698
0.164
82.537
1.698
0.165
0.3%
Welland and Deepings Drainage Board
2.345
1.536
0.161
2.544
1.578
0.167
3.7%
North Level District Drainage Board
1.985
0.795
0.301
2.217
0.824
0.316
4.9%
14 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
Balancing our books The majority of the council’s funding (50%) 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 the council tax and a proportion of the business rates collected.
Where does the £415.1m (£414m) come from?
What will be provided for £415.1m (£414m)?
An analysis of the gross income for 2019/20 is shown in the chart below.
An analysis of the gross expenditure for 2019/20 is shown in the chart below. 0.43%0.43% 0.29%0.29% 2.67%2.67% 1.28%1.28% 0.58%0.58%
7.84%7.84% 12.59% 12.59%
10.57% 10.57% 11.10% 11.10%
24.99% 24.99% 13.56% 13.56%
11.02% 11.02% 17.49% 17.49% 10.57% 10.57%
59.51% 59.51% 11.72% 11.72%
2.47%2.47%
1.31%1.31%
Schools’ Funding £103.7m (£109m)
Chief Executive £1.8m (£1.7m)
Council Tax £72.6m (£68.7m)
Public Health £11.1m (£10.9m)
Adult Social Care Precept £5.5m (£5.3m)
Governance £5.3m (£5.3m)
Specific Grants £48.6m (£41.0m)
Growth & Regeneration £46.1m (£43.6m)
Revenue Support Grant £10.2m (£15.1m)
People & Communities £247.1m (£247.4m)
Housing Benefit Subsidy £43.9m (£57.9m)
Resources £56.3m (£43.6m)
Locally Retained Business Rates £45.7m (£45.5m)
Business Rates Tariff £2.4m (£2.4m)
Other Income £52.3m (£42.6m)
Housing Benefit £43.9m (£57.9m)
Income From Fees & Charges £32.5m (£28.9m)
Levies & Precepts £1.2m (£1.2m)
* Figures in brackets represent corresponding values for 2018/19.
• The main expenditure is incurred in the People & Communities Directorate, which includes Children’s Services, Schools and Adult Social Care. • Growth and Regeneration covers other major services including planning, transport, engineering, highways and the contract for waste management.
• Governance includes mainly legal services. • Resources includes major external contracts and support services and capital financing costs. • Chief Executive includes some support and project costs. Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 15
How will the increase affect my bill?
How will the increase affect my council tax bill? Please be aware that this increase doesn’t include the contribution you pay for fire and police services
This is an annual increase of £39.03, in comparison to 2018/19.
How much council tax will I pay? We set the council tax by adding together the amounts needed by Peterborough City Council for the Adult Social Care Precept, and general precept, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority and your parish council (if you have one). We collect the total tax on behalf of the other organisations. We set the charge for band D properties. We then set the charges for properties in other bands in proportion to this, as set by an Act of Parliament.
Band
The level of council tax set by the council will increase by 2.99 per cent, this means that for a band D property the 2019/20 annual council tax bill will be £1,344.37.
2018/19 2019/20
A £870.22
£896.25
Annual Weekly Increase Increase £26.03
£0.50
B £1,015.27 £1,045.62 £30.35
£0.58
C £1,160.30 £1,195.00 £34.70
£0.67
D £1,305.34 £1,344.37 £39.03
£0.75
E £1,595.41 £1,643.12 £47.71
£0.92
F £1,885.49 £1,941.87 £56.38
£1.08
G £2,175.56 £2,240.62 £65.06
£1.25
H £2,610.68 £2,688.74 £78.06
£1.50
How your council tax is calculated… £1,249.67
2.99% increase
£222.66
12% increase
£70.74
2.9% increase
£36.60
4.8% average increase
£94.70
no increase
£1,674.37 16 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
+ + + + =
Requirement set by Peterborough City Council Requirement set by Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Requirement set by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority Parish Councils and Special Expenses
Adult Social Care Precept
This is the amount the average Band D household will pay
Each residential property in the City pays council tax. The amount depends on what your property is worth. In Peterborough the average council tax charges are as follows:
Band A
..............................
£1,116.25
B
..............................
£1,302.29
C
..............................
£1,488.33
D
..............................
£1,674.37
E
..............................
£2,046.45
F
..............................
£2,418.53
G
..............................
£2,790.62
H
..............................
£3,348.74
Parish precepts Your individual parish council will set a precept based on local decisions; therefore this element of your council tax bill will be different depending on your area. The individual parish precepts are detailed in the following table:
Total Precept Charged
Band D Parish Charge
Parish
2018/19
2019/20
2018/19
2019/20
Change
Ailsworth Bainton & Ashton Barnack Bretton* Castor Deeping Gate Etton Eye Glinton Hampton Helpston Marholm Maxey Newborough & Borough Fen Northborough Orton Longueville Orton Waterville Peakirk Southorpe Sutton Thorney Thornhaugh Ufford Wansford Wittering
£7,386 £7,160 £13,220 £90,000 £31,966 £3,921 £2,109 £54,475 £16,129 £97,000 £10,401 £1,500 £4,300 £23,635 £20,787 £34,515 £47,809 £5,760 £635 £1,350 £41,354 £5,075 £7,869 £10,485 £46,936
£7,553 £7,267 £13,625 £160,000 £31,872 £4,263 £2,159 £54,750 £17,528 £95,000 £11,415 £1,500 £4,300 £24,360 £21,182 £34,636 £48,166 £5,760 £635 £1,350 £53,539 £5,432 £8,122 £10,784 £46,936
£31.48 £47.00 £31.83 £28.49 £88.27 £18.41 £40.98 £35.45 £27.00 £24.74 £22.39 £19.60 £13.44 £38.39 £42.44 £10.93 £13.54 £32.79 £8.74 £21.02 £49.06 £57.33 £61.10 £42.30 £66.89
£31.29 £47.51 £32.56 £49.52 £88.00 £19.82 £40.48 £35.49 £29.00 £24.39 £24.48 £19.80 £13.38 £38.36 £42.74 £10.93 £13.54 £33.07 £8.36 £19.24 £61.03 £61.57 £61.71 £43.49 £65.36
-0.6% 1.1% 2.3% 73.8% -0.3% 7.7% -1.2% 0.1% 7.4% -1.4% 9.4% 1.0% -0.5% -0.1% 0.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.9% -4.4% -8.5% 24.4% 7.4% 1.0% 2.8% -2.3%
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
City (non-parished)
The budget for Bretton Parish Council has exceeded £140,000. This means that the council will publish the budget details for this parish on the council tax page - www.peterborough.gov.uk/council/council-tax
Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 17
Council tax discounts If only one adult lives in a home, we reduce the bill by a quarter. In some cases, we do not count some groups of people when adding up how many adults live in a property. These groups of people include students, apprentices, some student nurses, certain care workers and carers, youth trainees and people with severe learning disabilities. You may also qualify for a reduction in your council tax if you have an annex occupied by a family member or as part of your main home. You have to claim the single person’s discount as it is not automatic. So, if you think you should receive a discount please visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/counciltax where you can complete the relevant application form online. 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. The person who is highest in the box above 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. 18 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
Responsibility for payment 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
Where a couple is living together, both people are responsible for paying the bill. If nobody is living in a domestic property the owner has to pay, this includes periods between tenancies. The owner also has to pay if the property is: • a residential home • lived in by religious communities (for example a monastery or convent) • a house in multiple occupation – occupied by persons who do not constitute a single household • the main home of someone employed by the owner in domestic service • lived in by certain ministers of religion • provided under Section 95, Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Council tax instalments are usually payable over 10 months. You now have the right to request your instalments over 12 months and to do so you must apply by email to local.taxation@peterborough.gov.uk or by writing to the council by 5 April 2019. Any written applications received after this date will be entitled to be spread over the number of full months remaining in the year.
Council tax support If you are having difficulty paying your council tax you may be entitled to some help. Many people may be entitled to reduced council tax, for example those receiving Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Pension Credit. If you receive one of these benefits, or are on a low income, you can check your entitlement to support using the online calculator or make an online claim for council tax support on our website. • you may qualify even if you are working • people of state pension age can get up to 100% reduction in their council tax. Those of working age can get up to 69% reduction • both tenants and owner-occupiers can apply • if you pay for childcare we can disregard up to £175 (for one child) or up to £300 (for two or more children) from your earnings • the amount of council tax support may be reduced if there are other adults living in your home.
Hardship scheme We can also help with any other individual circumstances that may cause significant financial hardship. For more information about this and to apply for support through a discretionary scheme, please contact the Citizens’ Advice Bureau on 0344 499 4120 or go to www.citapeterborough.org.uk
Changes from 2019/20 (working age only) • The existing 30% reduction that was applied at the end of the benefit calculation has been replaced by a deduction from the liability at the start of the calculation • The deduction from the liability has increased to 31% • The capital limit has been reduced from £16,000 to £6,000 for ‘non-passported’ claims • A simplification of the claim process for some people in receipt of Universal Credit.
Council tax exemptions Exempt homes Some homes are exempt from council tax, meaning that no one has to pay. This includes homes: •
lived in only by students
•
where all the residents are under 18 years old
•
where all the residents have severe learning disabilities
•
that are owned or leased by a diplomat or a member of visiting armed forces
•
that are empty, including the following: • are owned by a charity (exempt for up to six months) • left empty by someone who has gone to prison, hospital or a nursing or residential home • left empty by someone who has died (exempt up to six months after grant of probate) • have been repossessed, or are the responsibility of a bankrupt person’s trustee • awaiting to be lived in by a minister of religion • empty caravan pitches or boat moorings.
The council no longer offers any discount for empty and unfurnished properties. You could also be charged additional council tax if you are the owner of a property that has been empty and unfurnished for more than two years. Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 19
Help with council tax for disabled people We may be able to reduce your bill 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 their disability. Please contact us for more information.
Contact If you are unsure about whether you can get help, please visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/counciltax in the first instance for FAQs and online forms. If you still require assistance call 01733 452258 for further advice. The quicker you ask, the less you may have to pay.
Valuation bands The government has put all homes in one of eight bands depending on their open-market value as at 1 April 1991. This cannot take account of any changes in the price of property (either up or down) since April 1991. The council tax is set at the level of Band D properties. If you think that your valuation band is wrong, you must contact the listing officer. The address is:
Other bands pay in proportions of ninths, as shown below.
Council tax banding appeals The listing officer of the Valuation Office Agency (part of HM Revenue and Customs) values a home for banding.
The Listing Officer Valuation Office Agency, Earle House, Colonial Street, Hull, HU2 8JN Email: cteast@voa.gsi.gov.uk National helpline: 03000 501501
Valuation band
Values
Proportion of band D payable
A
Up to £40,000
6/9ths
B
£40,001 to £52,000
7/9ths
C
£52,001 to £68,000
8/9ths
D
£68,001 to £88,000
9/9ths
E
£88,001 to £120,000
11/9ths
F
£120,001 to £160,000
13/9ths
G
£160,001 to £320,000
15/9ths
H
More than £320,000
18/9ths
Council tax liability appeals
You can appeal if you think your bill is incorrect. For example, if you are not the resident, if you think you should have an exemption, or there is a mistake in working out your bill. You may appeal in writing to us, giving your reasons so that we can look at your case again. Please note: Making an appeal does not allow you to stop paying the council tax that is due. 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 visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/counciltax If you still require assistance call us on 01733 452258.
20 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
Online payments and digital services Did you know that you can pay for many council services through our website? You can also apply for additional council services online. What this means is that you can save time by going online, and have the convenience of paying your bills or applying for services, from your computer or smartphone, at any time of the day. Here are some of the different ways that you can pay for various council services.
Service
Council website
Direct Debit
Freephone‡ 0800 389 1977
Over the phone
Post Office / Payzone
Through your bank
Council Tax
4
4
4
4
4
4
Business Rates
4
4
4
4
4
4
Parking Permits*
4
Parking Fines (PCNs)
4
4
4
4
4
Bulky Waste
4
Blue Badges
4
Community Transport
4
School Transport
4
School Attendance Fines
4
Other Council Bills*
4
4
4
4 4 4
4
You will be able to pay your Other Council Bills at Post Offices and Payzones, and at branches of your bank. However, you must take with you the bill we have issued, as the barcode will need to be scanned before payment can be accepted. ‡Automated phone payment service.
*
Our website is designed to be simple and easy to use. However, if you need help to access the internet and use our website, or would like advice on how to make the most of your digital devices, then you can take advantage of the many free training sessions that the council runs at different locations in the city. You can find out more at your local community centre, by calling 01733 452266 or at www.peterborough.gov.uk Free internet access is available through our local libraries and at Peterborough’s community hubs, like the ones at Westwood, Herlington Centre and Gladstone Park. Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 21
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority is responsible for providing an efficient and effective fire and rescue service. This is achieved by responding to 999 emergencies along with balancing resources across fire safety in the home and at work.
What does it mean? The budget has been prepared for the next four to five years after making a number of assumptions
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.
•
Background The fire authority has continued to face significant financial challenges for the past few years. The grant funding received from the government has continued to be reduced through the current Comprehensive Spending Review period (CSR) (2016 – 2020) and will have been reduced by a further 24 per cent by the end of this period.
Which are: • A 2.88 per cent increase in council tax for 2019/20 An increase of 2 per cent per year due to inflation.
In summary, the authority will receive revenue support and business rate contributions of £9 million. This is a reduction over the grant received in 2018/19, equivalent to 1 per cent. Budget The fire authority has approved a budget of £29.5 million for 2019/20. This is equivalent to a Band D council tax contribution of £70.74, which equates to £1.36 a week. The fire authority will have estimated general reserves of £2.4 million at the end of 2018/19. This is to fund excessive operational costs that might arise.
For more information about your fire service visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk. 22 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
What is the money spent on? Employees Premises Supplies and Services Transport Agency Costs Capital Financing Gross Expenditure Income Net Expenditure
2018/19 £m 22.501 1.402 4.409 0.453 0.146 1.443 30.354 -1.932 28.422
Inflation £m 0.459 0.082 0.082 0.034 0.004 0.028 0.689 -0.086 0.603
Other variations
Inflation £m
Other variations
£m 1.757 0.000 -0.058 0.001 0.000 -0.198 1.502 -1.022 0.480
2019/20 £m 24.717 1.484 4.433 0.488 0.150 1.273 32.545 -3.040 29.505
Where does the money come from? Financed by
Business Rates Non-ringfenced Government Grant Transfer from Reserves Council Tax Requirement Total
2018/19 £m 3.667 5.474 0.000 19.245 28.386
0.515 0.515
£m 0.277 -0.338 0.337 0.328 0.604
2019/20 £m 3.944 5.136 0.337 20.088 29.505
Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 23
Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner With the population in Peterborough set to grow over the next few years, and the nature of criminality changing, it is vital that our police service is as effective and efficient as possible. It is my job to make sure the constabulary has the necessary resources to meet increased demand and ensure offenders are apprehended. Whilst Cambridgeshire is still a safe place to live, police now have to spend more time tackling ‘hidden crimes’ such as domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation and modern day slavery. They also spend time helping people who find themselves in mental health crisis, all of which means resources can be stretched. A clear theme amongst respondents to my recent (policing) council tax survey was that people were prepared to pay more if the money was spent on neighbourhood policing. By increasing the council tax by £2 per month per household this year (based on a Band D property), I am pleased we will be able to recruit a further 50 warranted officers, an increase on our existing establishment. This, in addition to the 105 officers recruited from a restructuring of local policing, and the increase in council tax last year, means that police officer numbers will be increased for the second year running. 24 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
Our officers continue to work tirelessly to serve you, preventing crime, pursuing offenders and supporting those unfortunate enough to become victims of crime. Jason Ablewhite Police and Crime Commissioner To contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, please write to: The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, PO Box 688, Huntingdon PE29 9LA Telephone: 0300 333 3456 Email: cambs-pcc@cambs.pnn.police.uk @PCCCambs @CambsPCC www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk
To receive regular local policing updates, sign up to the alert system at www.ecops.org.uk To receive the Commissioner’s monthly newsletter visit www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk/ newsletter-signup/ Contact the Commissioner at: cambs-pcc@cambs.pnn.police.uk or telephone: 0300 333 3456 To contact Cambridgeshire Constabulary visit www.cambs.police.uk
The budget What the money is spent on? The total NET budget requirement for 2019/20 is
Employees Police officer pensions Premises Transport Supplies and services Collaborated units PCC Grants Capital financing Total
2019/20 2018/19 £m % % 75.1 50.8% 52.6% 15.1 10.2% 8.3% 4.3 2.9% 2.8% 2.3 1.5% 1.2% 6.3 4.3% 5.3% 41.3 27.9% 27.3% 2.3 1.6% 1.6% 1.2 0.8% 0.9% 147.9 100.0% 100.0%
2.3 1.2
41.3
6.3
2.3
75.1 4.3
15.1
Where the money comes from? This will be financed by: 1.4
0.9
1.8 63.9
79.9
Council tax Police grant Pension grant Other grants Reserves Total
2019/20 £m % 63.9 43.2% 79.9 54.1% 1.4 0.9% 0.9 0.6% 1.8 1.2% 147.9 100%
2018/19 % 40.9% 57.2% 0.0% 0.7% 1.3% 100%
Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 25
Walking Walking
Cycling Cycling
Walking Walking
Cycling Cycling
Greener Greener Cars Cars
Public Public Transport Transport
Greener Greener Cars Cars
Public Public Transport Transport
It’s never been so easy to travel in the city… Visit www.travelchoice.org.uk for the latest information and advice on travelling sustainably in and around the city
Commuting…
Think convenience. Think Travelchoice.
Walking & Cycling…
Think health. Think Travelchoice.
Car Share…
Think cost saving.Think Travelchoice.
For the latest information please visit the Travelchoice website.
www.travelchoice.org.uk travelchoicepcc @pcctravelchoice
Email travelchoice@peterborough.gov.uk
In addition the railway station is home to a dedicated Bike Hub. You can safely and securely store your bike in the fully enclosed hub for just £10 annually. It has 24 hour access using a key fob and is CCTV monitored. Pop into the Travel Centre at the station to pick up your fob.
DID YOU KNOW?
Peterborough has an innovative Brompton Dock bike hire scheme. Just hire a bike from the railway station from £2.50 per day and use it to explore the city. You can fold it up and take it on public transport or pedal your way around from place to place - getting around has never been so simple!
What’s more, Peterborough has a number of electric vehicle charging points throughout the city - and they are free to use. Why not pop your car on charge whilst you enjoy some shopping, visit our attractions or meet friends for a coffee.
… y t i c t n e Ev f o d u o r p ……...to be
Peterborough is recognised for staging large scale national events that attract visitors from all over the world and there’s plenty to look forward to this summer and beyond.
Peterborough (18 and 19 October). While, over in Cathedral Square, the Diwali Festival lights up the city centre with colourful dance performances, music and traditional cuisine.
Cathedral Square is home to established events like the Italian Festival, Diwali Festival, Heritage Festival, Black History Month and Pride celebrations.
And come November (15), Peterborough’s arrival into the festive season is something to marvel at. The Christmas Lights Switch-on event draws around 8,000 people to Cathedral Square and the lights and firework display is something to behold.
The Italian Festival is in its 11th successive year and draws in approximately 5,000 visitors over a weekend in July (6 and 7) from all over the eastern region and London. In August (20 to 24) the Embankment is home to the 42nd Peterborough Beer Festival, which is the largest of its kind in Europe. October is a busy month with the Perkins Great Eastern Run (see page 33). The city’s half marathon attracts runners from all over the country and Europe - and in 2018 nearly 7,000 people entered the event. The following week sees the Embankment transformed into a traditional Bavarian celebration with Oktoberfest
These celebrations bring vibrancy to the city centre while installing pride and a sense of belonging to residents. The events promote diversity, support cultural and social cohesion and increase footfall to support the retail economy. Most of all they’re enjoyable and fun! For a full list of city events, go to: www.visitpeterborough.com or call the Visitor Information Centre on: 01733 452336
Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 27
odels
New customer service centre opens its doors A new customer service centre which improves the way the council deals with enquiries from residents has opened its doors in the city centre. The centre at 35 - 37 Bridge Street (in the former Puzzles and Amplifon units) includes a number of facilities helping to make it quicker and easier for customers to access information and get answers to questions. The centre features a number of self-service computers and our popular self-service phones continue to be in place. For residents in need of face-to-face support, our customer services team are on hand to help. The centre is open from 9am to 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 10am to 5pm on Wednesdays. The police civilian desk service will continue to operate alongside the council in the new facility. For more information about the customer service centre visit www.peterborough.gov.uk
• Retro • Vintage
Get the latest council news straight to your inbox Stay informed with the latest news and make the most of council services and events by signing up to one of our email newsletters. Visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/email-updates and complete the simple sign up form with your name, your email address, and choose which subjects you would like to subscribe to. Once you are on the mailing list you will be able to subscribe to other subjects as they become available.
ctables e • Colle e Salvag Decorativ
CLASSIC, QUIRKY AND COOL… Art • Bicycles • Clothing • Die-cast models Furniture • Hi-Fis • Lighting • Memorabilia Mirrors • Ornaments • Paintings • Posters Records • Signs and advertising • Telephones Toys and much more...
specialist sales in on-trend statement pieces Top prices paid for items • Props available for hire
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK! MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10 - 6PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 - 4PM 54 Second Drove Industrial Estate, Fengate, Peterborough PE1 5XA 01733 562653 07857 724007 ask@thenostalgialounge.co.uk www.thenostalgialounge.co.uk
Visit our eBay Shop!
28 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
Thursday 11 July 2019
PETERBOROUGH ABAX STADIUM www.theposhtickets.com lhgtickets.com | ticketmaster.co.uk TOMJONES.COM PRESENTED BY LHG LIVE | LIVENATION
All your independent living needs At Cross Keys Care we have tailor made solutions for you, from our LifeLine personal emergency alarm to personal care delivered in your own home by our award winning team.
Purchase your LifeLine in store for immediate peace of mind
Call into Customer Central on Bridge Street to speak to our friendly team about your care and retirement living options.
CKH Customer Central, Bridge Street, Peterborough PE1 1DT
Call us on 01733 396484 or visit www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk/care
Peterborough Music Hub
at a glance
● ●
FREE instrument Loan and Student Bursaries
CPD opportunities and training for teachers ● Whole Class Instrumental Tuition ●
Special Project Funding - up to £2,000 per application ●
● ●
Bespoke Workshops - instrumental and vocal
In-school performances from professional musicians ● Singing Days
Music Technology Support and advice ● Visits to Concerts and Events
Contact the Hub team for help and advice E: musichub@peterborough.gov.uk
https://twitter.com/PmhPcym
www.facebook.com PeterboroughCYM
www.peterboroughmusichub.org.uk
30 | Your Peterborough 2019/20
Making music matter in Peterborough
Peterborough City Market Peterborough City Market welcomed a number of exciting new stalls and several bright innovations in 2018 - and in 2019 there are plans to extend the offering further. The area on Cattle Market Road features around 70 stalls, including several butchers/delis and grocers; card and craft stalls, flower shops, clothes shops and fabric suppliers. The hot food offering has expanded, now including Caribbean, Italian, Nigerian, and Thai cuisine; pasta and pizzas. There’s also a bakery selling cake, bread and soups, while more international stalls are also planned in the near future. Be Kind Kitchen is one of the few vegan suppliers in the city, and it’s also zero-waste – anyone who brings their own plates can get a food discount. Another new initiative for 2019 is the weekly auctions which will bring people in from far and wide – these are scheduled from late spring.
Markets and Commercial Trading Officer for Peterborough City Council Steve Woolley said: “We hope this will be a really exciting year for the market. “Too few people are aware of the great prices and wide range of items and food that we have to offer, and we would love them to visit. We are proud of the diversity of products and our traders, who are extremely knowledgeable about what they sell. “We’re looking at a number of new things such as live music, talks and artistic events, to add to what we already offer.” If you’re interested in the market, why not follow it on Facebook or Instagram, where you can find out about upcoming events and promotions, and any new stalls.
The market held its first ever Food and Music Festival last year, and this is due to return in June – bigger and better than before – following on from a spring fair in April. In November the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event was complemented by the unveiling of a new design for one of the market shutters, courtesy of Street Arts Hire. The artwork, harking back to the history of the market in its current location, has been universally admired. There are plans for new additions in 2019.
/PeterboroughCityMarket Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 31
WIN Vodafone Gigafast Broadband 900*
Win 18 months of lightning-fast internet worth £864** Register your interest at vodafone.co.uk/Gigafast for your chance to win 18 months lightning-fast broadband for free, saving you up to £864. Winners will be selected at random and announced two weeks before Vodafone Gigafast Broadband launches near you.
Register your interest at vodafone.co.uk/Gigafast * GB18. Enter at vodafone.co.uk/Gigafast with full name and address details. Prizes: 10 x Vodafone Gigafast Broadband 900 packages for 18 months per month. Qualifying areas only. For full terms go to vodafone.co.uk/Gigafast. Promoter: Vodafone Limited, Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2FN. **£774 savings for existing Vodafone pay monthly mobile customers.
The future is exciting.
Ready?
Get on your marks for the…
Perkins Great Eastern Run! It’s shaping up to be another bumper Perkins Great Eastern Run with more than 1,000 entries already committed to this year’s 13 October race. The city’s half marathon is in its 13th successive year and organisers Peterborough City Council hope to see even more newcomers to the event, following a 40 per cent increase in first time participants in 2018. A flat and fast course means that runners have an excellent chance of beating their personal best times. Last year, the event was clocked as the eighth fastest half marathon in the UK for men and fourth fastest for women. Eight of the top 10 men recorded personal best times, as did the top six finishing women. Winner Lucian Allison was the 28th fastest runner in all UK marathons and Amy Clement, the first woman across the line, was the 15th fastest UK runner.
The first finisher prize has increased from £750 to £1,000 and competition at the front from the country’s armed forces runners will be fierce, as they bid to beat last year’s winning time of 65 minutes and 27 seconds. Free fortnightly evening training sessions for anyone needing a little extra help to get prepared for race day start in July at Peterborough Embankment Athletics Track. Runners of all abilities are welcome and each training session begins at 7pm. Runners are divided according to level of fitness and aspirations and can either remain at the track or run on a picturesque route along the River Nene. Race-day pacers are also at the training sessions to give advice on how to build-up to desired finish times and beat personal best times. To enter and for more information about the FREE training sessions, visit: www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk Your Peterborough 2019/20 | 33
Van Hage garden centres Voted the 'Best Garden Centre in the Midlands' by the Garden Centre Association. Discover hundreds of exciting and practical ideas for the garden and home, as well as an expanse of popular brands, expert advice, quality products and exceptional value. We offer a wonderful range of services in our store such as; Home Delivery, Gift Wrap, Birthday Parties, Click and Collect and much more. Find us on Facebook to keep up to date with all our Seasonal Events, Talks and Offers.
Van Hage Garden Centre PE1 Retail Park Eye Road Eye Peterborough PE1 4YZ T: 01733 221400 E: peterborough@vanhage.co.uk
Buy 1 Get 1 FREE
Pieris, 6 Varieties £9.99 each Valid March 2019 Terms & Conditions apply. Voucher valid whilst stocks last. One voucher per customer, per transaction. No cash alternative. Max 1 deal per voucher.
Calling all community groups… Grants are available. What could you do with this money to make an impact in your area? We know that local groups - ones like yours that really care about what they do - make communities strong.
We want to support new projects - or ones ready to expand - that will make a lasting difference whether big or small.
That’s why the new Peterborough Communities Fund, as part of the government’s Integrated Communities Strategy, wants to hear from you. We’re looking to fund projects that get people involved with their local areas, and bring communities together.
Projects need to show the ways in which communities will be brought together, and what the benefits will be.
What could you do with this money to make an impact in your area? You may need £500 to set up a small project in your area or significantly more to grow an already established project or activity.
You need to be a not-for-profit organisation, local charity or constituted community group and be working to help local people. The Peterborough Together Partnership, along with the council and government have launched this new local fund. Grants of up to £20 000 are available.
Visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/communitiesfund to find out more about the application process.
D XE FI S W EE LO F
Need a hand with
?
Accountancy Peterborough based Accountants with 20+ years’ experience. We offer professional services with very competitive prices. For a free 1-1 consultation with no obligation, call us now.
Our services: • • • • • • • • • •
Individual tax returns Partnership returns Year-end accounts Bookkeeping VAT services Making tax digital Payroll services Tax planning Corporation tax Cashflow projections
9 Framlingham Road Park Farm, Peterborough PE2 8UF
•
Mortgage and loan applications
•
Accounting software
•
Tax investigations
•
Capital gains tax
•
Management accounts
•
Inheritance tax
•
Business valuations
•
Business start up
•
And more… Contact: 07842 507362 or 01733 325852 Email: contact@thobaniaccountants.co.uk www.thobaniaccountants.co.uk