Harlow Times - Spring 2019

harlow times

A magazine about housing and your town

Celebrate Harlow

Local entertainers shine at community evening

Spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

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Easter Holiday bin collections

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Make sure you recycle this Easter

Muskham Road, Harlow, CM20 2LF

Easter cards, Easter egg boxes, foil and any plastic with the symbols or on them can all be put in your recycling bin.

Normal Collection Day

Revised Collection Day

Friday 19 April 2019

Saturday 20 April 2019

Monday 22 April 2019

Tuesday 23 April 2019

Tuesday 23 April 2019

Wednesday 24 April 2019

Wednesday 24 April 2019

Thursday 25 April 2019

Thursday 25 April 2019

Friday 26 April 2019

Friday 26 April 2019

Saturday 27 April 2019

Collections return to normal on Monday 29 April 2019

You can also check your bin collection dates online: www.harlow.gov.uk/bins

Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.30am - 3.30pm www.harlow.gov.uk/harlowmuseum

Paid for advertising

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Could you or someone you know foster?

Details of where your local Fostering information event is taking place are available on our website.

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0800 801 530 @essexadoptandfoster

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harlow times ¡ spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

Working together for Harlow

Budget protects services, jobs and creates new opportunities Councillor Mark Ingall, Leader of Harlow Council As I write this column our budget for the year ahead has just been approved.

Protecting services includes no cuts to things like street cleaning, grass cutting, community safety and bin collections. It also means we will continue to provide a range of much-loved family facilities and events like the Playhouse, parks, playgrounds, the paddling pools, fireworks night, Pets’ Corner, the street carnival and daycare at the Leah Manning Centre.

Uncertainty remains over what the future holds for councils nationally with the likelihood of further Government funding cuts.

Councils across the country are increasing Council Tax with many also planning to cut services. I am proud that Harlow Council is not cutting any services or making any redundancies this year.

We are able to finance this in part due to our tight control of expenditure and thanks to revenue returned to Harlow from our own company, HTS. This year around £400,000 will come back to us through HTS’s commercial activities. That’s money staying in Harlow for Harlow.

Not only are we protecting jobs, but we are also creating new jobs with 11 apprentices who will be paid the living wage. These will be opportunities for local people to start a career working for their town.

We also have plans to build more Council housing and to give businesses help in setting up and creating more jobs for Harlow residents.

At the end of this month you will receive your Council Tax bill. This bill won’t just include what you pay for Harlow Council services; in fact only 15p in every pound we collect is retained by Harlow, the rest goes to Essex County Council, Essex Police and Essex Fire. The total increase for a band C resident will be over £71 a year, but of this, only £4.84 (40p a month) relates to Harlow Council’s increase.

In this edition Help clean up Harlow

4

Budget 2019/20

6

Housing Budget 2019/20

8

Your Councillor details

22

Useful numbers and websites

23

Waste and Recycling

7

Your Health and Wellbeing

21

New contract, same service

Celebrate Harlow

17

Discover Harlow

24

One night, 230 performers

Inside: annual report to tenants and leaseholders 2017/18

Check out our latest videos www.youtube.com/ harlowcouncil

New projects in the park

What’s on this Spring

harlow times · spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

3

News in brief

Museum reopens doors to the public Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens are back open to the public after we took back control of the popular facility in January.

Are you ready to vote in May?

The museum and gardens are currently open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am3.30pm. Entry is free.

To vote in the Harlow District elections on Thursday 2 May 2019, you need to be registered to vote. The last day to register is Friday 12 April 2019.

The museum tells the story of Harlow from its Roman history through to Stuart and Tudor times, the Victorian era and the design of the New Town.

The building is surrounded by beautiful walled gardens which date back to the 16th century.

You can register online www.gov.uk/registertovote - it is quick and easy. You will need to have your date of birth and national insurance number available. If you do not have access to the internet you can request a paper form.

For more information visit www. harlow.gov.uk/harlowmuseum

To register for a postal vote or to cancel or change an existing postal or proxy vote, you must do so before 5pm on Monday 15 April 2019.

Join in Harlow’s spring clean

If you wish to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf, you must do so before 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2019.

We are inviting residents and groups to take part in this year’s Great British Spring Clean.

To help, we will provide the use of litter picking equipment and arrange for HTS to remove the rubbish collected.

If you require any of the above forms, please email registration@harlow.gov.uk or telephone 01279 446042.

The event, which runs from 22 March to 23 April, aims to bring everyone together, working with the council to make a difference to the environment on your doorstep.

Participating community groups will also receive £100 (subject to terms and conditions).

For more information please visit www.harlow.gov.uk/elections

4

harlow times · spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

This is a great opportunity for residents to get involved in making a positive difference to their community by organising their own clean up events.

If you would like to take part visit www.harlow.gov.uk/springclean

News in brief

Truly inspiring young people

Call for Sculpture Guardians Harlow Art Trust is looking to build a new team of volunteers that will be champions for the town’s sculptures.

The scheme is part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded Access to Harlow Sculpture Town programme.

This will see repairs being made to some of the oldest sculptures in town.

The outstanding educational progress of local young people was celebrated at the Harlow Educational Progress Awards held in December.

Seventy-five young people from schools across Harlow were recognised and rewarded at the annual event, held in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre.

The awards recognise young people who have made significant progress in their education and who have made a real contribution to their schools and the community.

Awards for progress between different key stages were handed out with Louie Wilfort winning the overall award.

Local Plan examination Hearing dates have been set for the examination of Harlow’s Local Plan.

Hearing sessions will take place in the Civic Centre starting at 10am on 28 March 2019.

The plan will guide Harlow’s future development up to 2033.

Sessions will follow on various days until 5 April 2019 and are open to the public.

David Reed has been appointed by the Government as the Local Plan Inspector. He will conduct the examination to determine whether the plan is sound.

With nearly 90 sculptures in Harlow, the Trust needs help in looking after them all. The Guardians will tell the stories of the artists who created the artworks, learn conservation skills and enable all ages to discover more about the sculptures.

All you need is enthusiasm and an eagerness to learn.

No previous art knowledge or experience is needed and training is all part of the programme.

To find out more contact Catherine Mummery, catherine@harlowarttrust.org. uk, Tel: 01279 446404

Gibberd Galley Volunteer Fu-Wah and Kate Harding, Artistic Director of Harlow Art Trust.

For more information visit www.harlow.gov.uk/local-plan or phone Contact Harlow on 01279 446655. harlow times · spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

5

Budget 2019/20

What you get from Harlow Council Some of the things we do Harlow Playhouse Theatre

Day care at Leah Manning Centre

Free-to-use paddling pools Free entry to Pets’ Corner

Free street carnival and fireworks night Apprenticeships and careers at the Council

Keep Safe – a free scheme to help people feel safer around town

Free separate nappy and incontinence waste collections

Free collection of old household electrical goods

Civic Pride Community Fund and grant aid to local groups

Community Protection – targeting antisocial behaviour, town centre nuisance and enviro-crimes

Free multi-use games areas and playgrounds

Harlow Town Park – one of the biggest urban parks in the country

Free one hour parking in neighbourhood shopping centres and two hours free parking in the town park

Harlow Council’s Budget for 2019/20 From 1 April 2019 there will be a two percent increase in Harlow Council’s share of your Council Tax bill. For a band C home this is an extra 9p a week or £4.84 a year. This will generate us around £140,000 a year.

Despite the increase, there will be:

• No cuts or closure of any Harlow Council services.

• No redundancies.

• Funding for 11 new apprenticeships in the Council.

• Funding to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) learning opportunities.

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harlow times · spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

We also bring in around £400,000 from commercial activities from the creation of HTS (Property & Environment) Ltd. This helps to protect and enhance services.

Although Harlow Council collects your Council Tax we only keep £15 of every £100 collected. The rest is split between Essex Police, The Fire Service and Essex County Council. All three are also increasing their share of the Council Tax bill this year.

Waste and recycling contract

Your waste in the right place Improving your waste and recycling service From 1 April 2019, a new 10 year contract with Veolia will begin for your household waste and recycling bin collections.

Veolia is the current contractor so the new contract will come into effect with minimum disruption to residents. There will also be improvements made, with new services introduced, and the new contract will save the council ÂŁ150,000 a year.

Collections for houses will continue as they are with food waste collected weekly and alternate weekly collections of recycling and non-recycling.

Assisted collections and free separate nappy and incontinence waste collections will also continue.

This will improve the amount of discarded items that can be re-used and help the local community.

The collection of large household electrical appliances like fridge freezers, televisions and washing machines will continue to be free.

Brand new vehicles will replace the old lorries, helping to reduce our carbon footprint and provide a more reliable service to you.

For more information on recycling in Harlow please visit www.harlow.gov.uk/recycling

There will be some changes before 1 April 2019 to flat-block food waste recycling, with the removal of food waste bins due to high contamination levels.

From April 2020, there will be a new separate household collection service for textiles, small electrical/electronic items and batteries. A new subscription only wheelie bin garden waste service will also be introduced.

Veolia will also take booked bulky household items away and sort out what can be re-used for local charities.

harlow times ¡ spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

7

Housing news

Rents drop for tenants for fourth year running

Image: Daisy Daisy / stock.adobe.com

New housing charges from April 2019

From 1 April 2019, the average weekly rent for council housing tenants will go down from £90.74 to £89.84.

Government legislation requires councils to reduce its weekly rents by 1 percent every year for four years starting in 2016. This year will be the last year of the rent reduction.

Despite receiving less income from rent, we have minimised the impact on our 12,000 tenants and leaseholders.

There will be no cuts to housing services.

More funding has been allocated for further tower block fire safety measures that could be required following the outcome of the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry.

With demand increasing, additional money has been made available to prevent homelessness by providing more temporary accommodation for households in need.

Building homes for the future We have set aside plans to start building 76 new council homes in the next two years:

Sumners Farm Close:

4 new homes

The Readings:

3 new homes

Bushey Croft:

16 new homes

Former Lister House, Perry Road: 46 new homes Temporary accommodation:

8

harlow times · spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

7 units

• The average weekly service charge for tenants will be £2.49.

• Due to energy price increases communal heating charges for tenants will, on average, go up by £2.71 a week with charges for leaseholders going up by £2.49 a week.

• The average communal heating charges for tenants in supported housing will go up by £1.58 a week.

• The rent for a standard garage will rise by 48p a week to £10.16.

Harlow Council’s Annual Report

to Tenants and Leaseholders 2017/18

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2017/18

Welcome to your ninth Housing Annual Report from Harlow Council This latest annual report lets you know how Harlow Council’s Housing Service performed in 2017/18. Our top priority continues to be more and better housing - generally that is affordable.

It has been another year of challenges, with increased Government directives and legislation and fewer resources to tackle local priorities. However, your Housing Service continues to report strong performance overall.

A major achievement in 2017/18 included the one-year anniversary since the transfer of repairs and environmental maintenance services from Kier Harlow Ltd to the new Local Authority Trading Company, HTS (Property & Environment) Ltd. This company started running services from 1 February 2017 and continues to flourish and perform exceptionally.

In 2013, the Council started its ambitious fiveyear housing investment programme designed to bring all homes up to the Government`s Decent Homes Standard. This standard was met in 2015, however, the current programme ceases in 2018/19 and there is a requirement to review future plans with expected reduced resources and changing national priorities.

To date the programme has improved around 8,500 homes with 48,200 improvements, which illustrates the ambition and scale of delivery in helping to transform Council housing in Harlow.

These priorities included replacement of kitchens and bathrooms, installation of energy efficiency schemes, replacement of electrical wiring, replacement of district heating systems and carrying out external improvement works.

In 2017/18, the Council has also: • Continued strong performance collecting rent and service charges, turning round empty properties and repairing your homes.

• Helped residents manage their financial circumstances by raising awareness of the support on offer, working with agencies in understanding and managing the impact of Universal Credit.

1

• Celebrated, for the fourth year, the partnership with Essex County Council and Manorcourt Homecare to provide extra care housing at Sumners Farm Close for the elderly and vulnerable.

• Achieved a national accreditation award for our Careline scheme which offers security to our most vulnerable residents.

The housing service is regulated by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which focuses on ensuring all regulatory and statutory requirements are met according to the HCA Regulatory Framework. This regulatory environment has been in place since 1 April 2012 and is currently being reviewed following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London.

The Council reviews its fire risk assessments annually, identifying short, medium and longterm priorities. Residents will continue to be updated on what national changes mean for housing in Harlow.

Having fewer resources to meet our priorities will remain and therefore the Council will continue to plan ahead. The priorities for housing and what is important locally are: • Making more housing available in Harlow, with a wider choice of housing types which are genuinely affordable.

• Tackling the growing need for supported housing.

• Helping to improve choices for those in housing need.

• Improving residents’ health and wellbeing by improving housing conditions.

• Improving housing standards with energyefficient, modern home facilities, tackling local priorities and statutory requirements.

Councillor Mark Wilkinson Portfolio Holder for Housing Harlow Council

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2017/18

Involvement How did we do in 2017/18?

The Council continues to work together with tenant representatives on crucial projects and gather their feedback when making important decisions.

These projects include monitoring progress of the Modern Homes Programme, monitoring how money is spent on housing, helping to improve working practices in line with Government changes and helping to inspect empty homes before they are re-let.

The Housing Service continues to strive to improve tenant satisfaction. Harlow Council’s independent biennial survey showed that overall tenant satisfaction was 74% in 2014, increasing to 88% in 2017 (BMG Independent Survey).

What is a Local Offer?

Local Offers are an initiative introduced as part of the Housing Regulator’s regulatory regime and assist housing providers in tailoring their services to meet local priorities and needs.

Local offers for involvement • To continue to use the tenant and leaseholder engagement strategy to allow tenants and leaseholders to examine Harlow Council’s performance. This will improve communication and increase involvement in decision making.

• To continue to run an annual training programme for interested tenants and leaseholders to gain a good understanding of the current and future challenges being faced by the Council.

Our plans for the future • Further strengthen tenant and leaseholder engagement and awareness through the tenant and leaseholder engagement strategy, using social media to build stronger and more effective means of communication.

• Continue to publish performance information which shows how well we do in getting more people involved and promoting awareness of the Housing Service.

• To continue to implement initiatives to help promote how the Council engages with all tenants and leaseholders.

• To conduct a biennial landlord survey to collect feedback from tenants of how satisfied they are with the Housing Service.

• To continue to provide easy-to-understand information for tenants and leaseholders, which promotes awareness of the Housing Service and provides opportunities to become involved, through participating and providing feedback on future services.

Level of complaints for 2017/18

• To continue to increase the number of involved residents, especially people from hard-toreach groups.

In its role as a Housing Provider with over 9,000 properties, each year the Council undertakes in excess of 600,000 housing transactions.

• To continue to improve performance and satisfaction levels for involvement by establishing a successful tenant and leaseholder engagement model.

• To continue to include residents on the Housing Standards Board, a body that is linked to the Council’s decision-making structure.

Complaints:

Stage1

Stage2

Stage 3

Total

Housing

246

62

18

326

HTS Housing

368

46

11

425 2

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2017/18

Tenancy How did we do in 2017/18?

Between April 2017 and March 2018 the Council housed a total of 419 households: Band

Number

Band

Number

Band 1

156

Band 3

30

Band 2

232

Band 4

1

• 177 applicants were home seekers, 166 were transfers and 76 were homeless.

• 288 of these were placed in general needs properties, 62 in supported housing and 69 in housing association properties.

Types of Antisocial Behaviour Reported: Critical - threats to kill, actual bodily harm: 3 Urgent - violence or threats of violence,

drug dealing: 0 Non-urgent - minor breaches of the tenancy agreement: 227 There were 29 evictions in 2017/18, of which 26 were due to rent arrears, 2 were due to ASB, and 1 was for non-occupation of the property.

99.15%

The total amount of rent collected for 2017/18.

Local offers for tenancy • Provide tenants with options through the Choice-Based Lettings scheme.

• Make the best use of housing available through our Allocations Policy. Operate a clear housing application process including decisions and appeals.

• Offer financial incentives and other support to tenants wishing to move to a smaller home.

• Write to all tenants and leaseholders before increases in rents and/or service charges.

• Produce a tenant handbook and regularly review to provide the information tenants want.

• Assess all new tenants of supported housing within 24 hours of application.

• Offer and issue the most secure form of tenancy compatible with housing and the sustainability of the community.

• Meet all statutory requirements relating to the use of tenancy agreements, ensuring antisocial behaviour and conditions of tenancy are managed and investigated in an efficient, effective and impartial manner.

• Treat everyone equally - the rights of secure and introductory tenants are made as similar as possible.

• Publish the rents of properties so that any prospective tenants can budget responsibly.

• Provide support to help vulnerable tenants.

• Make sure the Council has all the information about rent, service charges and any benefits residents may be entitled to when signing their tenancy agreement.

• Provide debt advice and make sure that any action the Council takes is fair and reasonable.

Only where there is persistent non-payment will the Council proceed with enforcement action through the courts, in line with the ‘can’t pay won’t pay’ policy.

Our plans for the future •

We will continue to let our homes in a fair, open and efficient manner.

•

We will maintain good performance in income recovery.

•

We will continue to help tenants manage their financial circumstances in line with the Welfare Reform Act including the implementation of Universal Credit.

•

We will seek to collect customer insight information to assist in improving future housing services.

• Visit all new tenants within 21 days of the start of their tenancy.

• Assess the type of support needed by new tenants and provide relevant advice and information.

• Work within the regulatory framework when setting our rents.

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Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2017/18

Leaseholders How did we do in 2017/18?

Local offers for leaseholders

75.09% of leaseholders paid by

• Maintain a focus on controlling costs to leaseholders, while achieving and maintaining high standards of service.

9 complaints were received.

• Continue to ensure that the major works process meets the needs of leaseholders.

direct debit.

18 compliments were received.

72.5% overall satisfaction with the Council’s Home Ownership Team.

80% leaseholder satisfaction (being kept informed of issues that affect them).

30 leaseholders took advantage of the Council’s prompt payment discount.

• Improve the standard of information supplied to leaseholders about major works and monitoring communal repairs.

• Continue and improve two-way communication with leaseholders through the Standards Panels, Leaseholder Forums, Harlow Times and other channels of communication.

• Continue to deal with leaseholder enquiries and act on their concerns.

6,783 major works notices were

• Carry out scrutiny of areas within the Council and its subsidiary organisations that affect leaseholders.

152 leaseholders have applied for

Our plans for the future

served.

a loan from Harlow Council since the introduction of improved payment options.

99.63%

The total amount of annual service charge collected for 2017/18.

• To continue to improve value for money by annually reviewing the management fee, making savings where possible.

• To encourage more leaseholders to pay by direct debit and increase the 75.09% that currently pay by this method.

• To scrutinise the service provided by HTS and continue to review customer satisfaction on repairs, including communal cleaning.

• To review all leaseholder information to ensure any changes to current legislation are included.

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Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2017/18

Property How did we do in 2017/18?

95.95% satisfied with repairs.

100% annual gas services completed.

94.47% satisfied with communal repairs.

88.14% satisfied with street cleaning.

98.04% satisfied with ground maintenance.

16 Days

286

Fencing

687

820

Glazing

690

144 4,079 144 838 4,008

Gas breakdowns Plumbing Plastering Roofing Total

8,480 7,010 603 1,917 29,706

The amount of time taken to turn around void properties.

Council home improvements Total properties with work completed: 1,938 Tenants who refused work: 93 Electric safety inspections 727

Additional WC 48

Bathrooms 359

Heating distribution 106 Windows 627

Gas boilers 280 Kitchens 301

Doors 423

Other achievements: • Customer satisfaction with the 2017/18 Capital Works: 98%.

• 100% compliance with the Government’s Decent Homes Standard maintained.

• Complaints - April 2017 to March 2018: 50 (14 were at Stages 2 and 3). Actual number of tenants involved: 36 • MP and Councillor enquiries: 18 5

• Continue to invest in the Modern Homes Programme to ensure homes continue to be maintained at a decent level.

• Continue to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of Council homes.

• Continue to provide a good service of repair and maintenance. Work with contractors and residents to improve customer satisfaction.

• Continue to offer appointments for repairs.

Repairs 2017/18 Bricklaying Garage repairs Minor adaptations Carpentry Door entry Drainage Electrical

Local offers for property

• Meet all statutory and regulatory requirements for example gas, electricity and water.

• Continue to focus on environmental services, which include mobile cleaning, street scene, caretaking and ground maintenance.

• Continue to ensure all of the Council’s high/low rise flat blocks remain safe and that changes to regulation requirements for fire safety are acted upon.

Our plans for the future • Develop a programme of Council house building.

• The Council’s Modern Homes Programme continues to improve the quality of homes and ensures all the Council stock complies with the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.

• The External Works Programme continues to deliver a comprehensive range of improvement works to properties across Harlow.

• Continue to tackle fuel poverty with an ongoing commitment to the energy efficiency programme. This includes improving the thermal insulation of properties, installation of heat meters and refurbishment of all Councilowned communal and district heating systems.

• Refurbish and redevelop garage sites to improve parking and ease congestion within estates. Redevelopment of redundant sites and creation of additional off-street parking.

• The lift refurbishment programme continues on all communal lifts within supported housing and flat/tower blocks across the town.

• Continued investment and programme of improving the quality of Council-owned temporary accommodation stock.

Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2017/18

Finance and value for money How did we do in 2017/18?

Local offers for finance • C ontinue to improve services and ensure value for money by learning from other housing providers and developing ways of comparing performance.

• Carry out a quarterly progress review on the Council’s performance.

Our plans for the future • Continue to monitor the quarterly performance and financial housing reports at the Housing Standards Board with tenant and leaseholder representatives.

• To continue monitoring the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan to ensure it is sustainable and fit for purpose.

• Continue to provide an annual report to tenants and leaseholders.

• Continue to provide information for tenants and leaseholders in Harlow Times.

HRA year-end figures Expenditure 2017/18

General management Special management Repairs inc. insurance appropriations Rents rates taxes and other charges Provision for bad and doubtful debts Supporting people transitional arrangements Major repairs reserve (net depreciation) Interest charges Debt management expenses Revenue contribution to capital expenditure

£000’s 11,112 6,788 9,907 110 85 5 11,801 6,779 17 1,503 48,107

Income Dwelling rents 43,884 Garage rents 988 Other rents 62 Charges for services and facilities 4,214 Interest receivable 88 49,236 Balance in hand at 1 April 2018 Surplus / (deficit) for year Balance in hand at 31 March 2018

12,975 1,129 14,104

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Tenant and Leaseholder Annual Report 2017/18

Give us your feedback...

Your feedback is always welcome. Please complete the form below and return it to Zulfi Kiani-Mackintosh, Community Engagement Co-ordinator, Harlow Council, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG. Alternatively, you can call Zulfi on 01279 446330 or fill in an online feedback form at: www.harlow.gov.uk/tenant-leaseholder-annual-report. This document is also available in large print.

Did you find the information in this annual report useful?

 Yes  No

Do you like the way it is presented?

 Yes  No

What would you like to see next year?  More information about how Housing Services is performing

 More comments from tenants and leaseholders

 Comparisons with other Councils/Housing Associations

 Different layout

What did you find useful?

What would you like to see next year?

Celebrate Harlow

This was Celebrate Harlow: One night – 30 January 2019 One venue – Harlow Playhouse Over 230 performers 93 dancers 66 performing arts students 49 singers 27 band members 1 brilliant host Over £2,000 raised for Streets2Homes and The Dolphin children’s ward at Princess Alexandra Hospital

harlow times · spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

17

Housing news

Harlow Council’s Careline service provides peace of mind for vulnerable people living in the Harlow area 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

Leasehold repairs and maintenance As a leaseholder you are responsible for all repairs inside your flat. We are responsible for maintaining the structure of your building and any communal areas with you contributing your share of these costs.

The exact responsibilities for repairs and maintenance may vary according to the contents of your lease.

Call Harlow Careline: 01279 446361 careline@harlow.gov.uk www.harlow.gov.uk/careline

More information on repairs and maintenance responsibilities can be found in the leaseholder handbook or at www.harlow. gov.uk/leaseholder-repairs.

Forthcoming Events Spring 2019 Leaseholder Forum Wednesday 27 March 2019 (For Harlow Council Leaseholders only) Registration at 6.30pm, Forum begins at 7pm in the Council Chamber in the Civic Centre.

To attend you should either complete the form at www.harlow.gov.uk/ leaseholder-forum, email homeownership@harlow. gov.uk or call 01279 446424 to confirm your attendance.

Please note you will no longer receive a formal invite to future forums.

Join the Market Place at the end of the Forum where you can talk on a one-to-one basis with the Home Ownership Team, Housing Officers, Contact Harlow and HTS (Property & Environment) Ltd.

18 harlow times ¡ spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

You can also call our Home Ownership Team on 01279 446424.

Pay your council bills

by Direct Debit We offer a choice of dates within the month for Direct Debits which are: 1, 15 and 25 for rent, 5, 15 and 25 for leaseholder service charges and 1, 8, 15 and 25 for Council Tax. With Direct Debit your payments are spread evenly throughout the year and once it is set up you no longer have to worry about getting behind with your payments.

And there is no queuing up to pay your bills! To set up a direct debit please call Contact Harlow on 01279 446655.

For more information visit www.harlow.gov.uk/directdebit

Housing news

It affects us all – help the council stop housing fraud Failing to use your council home as your main and principal property is a serious breach of your tenancy conditions.

Under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act, subletting is now classified as a criminal offence!

Are you aware of anyone subletting their council home?

Do you know someone who has misled us in obtaining housing?

Is there a council property in your neighbourhood standing empty?

Do you know someone who holds a council tenancy but is not living in the property?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, please contact Tracey Field, Housing Fraud Officer, in complete confidence on 01279 446353 or email housing.fraud@harlow.gov.uk to discuss your concerns.

What to do before altering your home Before applying for our permission to alter your council home you must ensure that the persons employed to carry out the work are competent and qualified. They must also be able to complete the work to the design and standards agreed with us. Here’s where to check: • Architects – www.architects-register.org.uk • Structural Engineers – www.ice.org.uk • Building Surveyors – www.ciob.org.uk www.cbuilde.com www.rics.org/uk/find-a- member • Gas Heating Systems – www.gassaferegister.co.uk • Electrical Installations – www.niceic.com • Replacement windows and doors – www.fensa.org.uk

Leaseholders must pay a fee of £275 in advance if wishing to replace windows.

All warranties and guarantees must be in the name of Harlow Council.

Quotations from tradespersons or businesses accredited to the TrustMark standard which is a government quality standard scheme - could also be obtained. For more information visit www.trustmark.org.uk

If you are living in a leasehold property but are not the leaseholder, you will not be allowed to make alterations to the property. If you are a leaseholder all alterations that you make to your home may result in an amendment to your lease by way of a Deed of Variation.

Before carrying out work visit www.harlow.gov.uk/homealterations

• Extensions, Conservatories, Internal Walls – work involving structural changes inside or outside the property, and/or to outbuildings may require a Party Wall Agreement between the council and neighbouring properties, and a Build Over Agreement with your drainage utility supplier if a proposed structure crosses over existing drainage systems. harlow times · spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

19

Housing news

Fire Risks Keep your children fire safe It is important to be aware of the fire risks to all your family members, especially your children.

By following these simple guidelines you can help to keep them safe:

• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of children’s sight and reach.

• Never leave children alone in the home.

• Keep your escape route clear of toys and other obstructions.

• Don’t let young children play with electrical items.

Use plug guards in sockets and unplug appliances that children could trip over.

• Take care when cooking – never leave children alone in the kitchen. Turn pan handles inwards to avoid them being knocked off.

• Use child locks on cupboards that store anything that could be used to start a fire.

• If you don’t have central heating, or prefer not to use it all the time, always use a childproof fire guard and don’t let children play or leave toys near a heater or fire.

• Discuss fire safety with your children and make a family escape plan so everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

If you would like further advice on fire safety, ask to speak to your Housing Officer by phoning Contact Harlow on 01279 446655 or emailing contact@harlow.gov.uk.

Be the first to know of any safety repairs or recalls Residents are urged to make sure they register their electrical goods and appliances online so manufacturers can contact them in case they turn out to be fire hazards.

20 harlow times · spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

Details on how to register your appliance can be found alongside the product’s instructions for how to operate and maintain it. You can also register products at www.registermyappliance.org.uk

Livewell in Harlow

in Harlow

Your health and wellbeing

Introducing the Men’s Shed A Men’s Shed has been launched in Harlow Town Park, providing a space for men to talk openly whilst taking part in practical activities.

Research has shown that Shed members, known as Shedders, have experienced a number of benefits including; increases in mental and physical health, a decline in feelings of loneliness and isolation and a renewed sense of purpose.

These essential components will be finished by the Shedders themselves, providing an opportunity for men to share their skills and knowledge. The Shed is also an environment where they can socialise and participate in projects.

Supported by the Essex Shed Network, the project has received funding from the Harlow Health and Wellbeing Partnership Board and the Centre for Voluntary Services Uttlesford (CVSU).

The Shed is located within the park’s Walled Garden and will initially be open a couple of days a week from 10am to 3pm.

Starting life as a disused container, the Shed has been adapted and is now ready to be fitted with workbenches, shelves and racks for tools.

If you or somebody you know is interested in being part of the project, please email esn@maldoncvs.org.uk or contact CVSU on 01371 878400.

A playground for all to enjoy A new inclusive playground for all opens at the end of March next to Pets’ Corner in the Town Park.

Pets’ Corner playground is for families of all ages and abilities including children and adults with different needs.

In January a new path was built, which provides access to the new area from the top of the Showground to the bottom.

Once open the new playground will be one of a number of play facilities in the Town Park for families, which also includes the Adventure Playground. harlow times · spring 2019 www.harlow.gov.uk

21

Your Councillors Bush Fair Councillor Jodi Dunne Labour

Portfolio Holder

Tel: 07464 719579 Email: jodi.dunne@harlow.gov.uk

78 Mallards Rise, CM17 9PL Tel: 865673 Email: andrew.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

47 Old Orchard, CM18 6YQ Tel: 312195 Email: eddie.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Mark Ingall Labour

Councillor Simon Carter Conservative

Councillor Shona Johnson Conservative

Tel: 07900 256403 Email: mark.ingall@harlow.gov.uk

71 Mark Hall Moors, CM20 2NF Tel: 429443 Email: simon.carter@harlow.gov.uk

78 Mallards Rise, CM17 9PL Tel: 865673 Email: shona.johnson@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Eugenie Harvey Labour

Councillor Tony Hall Conservative

c/o Harlow Council,

Fullers End, Kingsdon Lane, CM17 9AB Tel: 445897 Email: tony.hall@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor David Carter Conservative

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07966 014122 Email: eugenie.harvey@harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Common Councillor Mark Wilkinson Labour

CHAIR

4 Rushmead Villas, CM20 2QE Tel: 423474 Email: jean.clark@harlow.gov.uk

5 Commonfields, CM20 3QE Tel: 300582 Email: bob.davis@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Emma Toal Labour

Councillor Chris Vince Labour

Councillor Lanie Shears Labour

c/o Harlow Council,

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07885 881255 Email: emma.toal@harlow.gov.uk

188 Rivermill, CM20 1PA Tel: 07903 189211 Email: chris.vince@harlow.gov.uk

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Councillor Maggie Hulcoop Labour

Councillor Tony Durcan Labour

330 Carters Mead, CM17 9HA Tel: 452252 Email: maggie.hulcoop@harlow.gov.uk

329 Rundells, CM18 7HN Tel: 414357 Email: anthony.durcan@harlow.gov.uk

Old Harlow

Portfolio Holder

Tel: 07906 870935 Email: lanie.shears@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Danny Purton Labour

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Portfolio Holder

Tel: 07763 486882 Email: danny.purton@harlow.gov.uk

Staple Tye

Councillor Edna Stevens Labour

Councillor Sue Livings Conservative

Councillor John Strachan Labour

210 Fullers Mead, CM17 9AX Tel: 324183 Email: edna.stevens@harlow.gov.uk

15 Seeleys, CM17 0AD Tel: 422339 Email: sue.livings@harlow.gov.uk

100 Seymours, CM19 5NH Tel: 323656 / 07941 829965 Email: john.strachan@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Shannon Jezzard Labour

Councillor Michael Garnett Conservative

Councillor Stefan Mullard Labour

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Tel: 07850 861905 Email: shannon.jezzard@harlow.gov.uk

Brook House, Wyldwood Close, CM17 0JD Tel: 437401 Email: michael.garnett@harlow.gov.uk

312 Northbrooks, CM19 4DW Tel: 07951 401128 Email: stefan.mullard@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Mike Danvers Labour

Councillor Joel Charles Conservative

Councillor Michael Hardware Conservative

65 Tunnmeade, CM20 3HN Tel: 425934 / 07398 160081 Email: mike.danvers@harlow.gov.uk

86 Jocelyns, CM17 0BU Tel: 07752 096765 Email: joel.charles@harlow.gov.uk

64 Great Brays, CM18 6DW Tel: 07775 925274 Email: michael.hardware@harlow.gov.uk

Sumners & Kingsmoor Councillor Clive Souter Conservative VICE CHAIR

Mark Hall

Councillor Bob Davis Labour

Netteswell

Portfolio Holder

Little Parndon & Hare Street

23 Greygoose Park, CM19 4JL Tel: 420340 Email: david.carter@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Jean Clark Labour

56 Sakins Croft, CM18 7BP Tel: 07718 696429 DEPUTY LEADER Email: mark.wilkinson@harlow.gov.uk

Portfolio Holder

Great Parndon Councillor Eddie Johnson Conservative

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

LEADER

Church Langley Councillor Andrew Johnson Conservative

Toddbrook Councillor Frances Mason Labour

227 Longbanks, CM18 7PB Tel: 07850 667900 Email: clive.souter@harlow.gov.uk

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Councillor Russell Perrin Conservative

Councillor Phil Waite Labour

Tel: 312195 Email: russell.perrin@harlow.gov.uk

1 Spruce Hill, CM18 7SR Tel: 07740 407323 Email: phil.waite@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Nick Churchill Conservative

Councillor Tony Edwards Labour

215 Brockles Mead, CM19 4QA Tel: 621094 Email: nick.churchill@harlow.gov.uk

c/o Harlow Council,

www.harlow.gov.uk

20 Seats Labour

13 Seats Conservative

Civic Centre, CM20 1WG Tel: 07544 374168 Email: tony.edwards@harlow.gov.uk

Councillor Mark Ingall - Leader of the Council Councillor Mark Wilkinson - Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing Councillor Mike Danvers - Portfolio Holder for Resources Councillor Eugenie Harvey - Portfolio Holder for Community and Wellbeing Councillor Danny Purton - Portfolio Holder for Environment Councillor Emma Toal - Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth Councillor Lanie Shears - Portfolio Holder for Governance, Equality and Diversity Councillor John Strachan - Portfolio Holder for Regeneration

22 harlow times ¡ spring 2019

Political make-up

Tel: 07517 992133 Email: frances.mason@harlow.gov.uk

c/o Harlow Council, Civic Centre, CM20 1WG

Know your Cabinet Members:

Portfolio Holder

Ward Surgeries Please contact your Ward Councillors for details of up-coming Ward Surgeries.

For more information on who your Councillors are visit: www.harlow.gov.uk/councillors

Useful numbers and websites Adult Social Services 0345 603 7630 www.essex.gov.uk Affinity Water 0345 357 2407 www.affinitywater.co.uk Arriva Buses 0344 800 4411 www.arriva.co.uk Blue Badge Enquiries 0345 603 7630 www.essexhighways.org Bus Pass Helpline 0345 200 0388 www.essexhighways.org Children’s Social Services 0345 603 7627 www.essex.gov.uk Essex County Council Contact Essex 0345 743 0430 www.essex.gov.uk Essex Highways For traffic updates and to report potholes and faulty street lights 0345 603 7631 www.essexhighways.org Essex Police 101 www.essex.police.uk

Job Centre Plus 0800 169 0190 www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

Gas Leak Emergency Number 0800 111 999 Harlow Advice Centre Based in Harlow Library 01279 704002 Harlow Bus Station 01279 426349 www.harlow.gov.uk/bus-station

Harlow Citizens’ Advice Bureau 0344 477 0808 www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk Harlow College 01279 868000 www.harlow-college.ac.uk Harlow Community Transport 01279 798876 www.efcommunitytransport.co.uk Harlow Council Contact Harlow 01279 446655 www.harlow.gov.uk Harlow Registry Office 0345 603 7632 www.essex.gov.uk Harlowsave (Credit Union) 01279 451234 www.harlowsave.coop HTS (Property & Environment) Ltd Repairs line: 01279 446666 www.harlow.gov.uk/housing-repairs

National Rail Enquiries 0345 748 4950 www.nationalrail.co.uk NHS Choices 111 www.nhs.uk Parndon Wood Cemetery & Crematorium 01279 620620 www.parndonwoodcrem.co.uk Post Office Customer Helpline 0345 611 2970 www.postoffice.co.uk Princess Alexandra Hospital 01279 444455 www.pah.nhs.uk Samaritans 116 123 (free) www.samaritans.org Schools Admissions 0345 603 2200 www.essex.gov.uk/admissions UK Power Networks (power cuts) 105 www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk

Save yourself time

Manage your Council Tax and Benefits online - anytime www.harlow.gov.uk/MyAccounts Harlow Times is published quarterly by Harlow Council to keep you informed.

This magazine is distributed by Royal Mail. In some areas where postcodes overlap the boundaries of Harlow and other Councils, a small number of residents outside Harlow will also receive this magazine. We hope our residents will appreciate that this system of delivery is one of the most efficient and that our extra readers on the borders of the town will enjoy their complimentary copies and news about their nearest important town. Copyright for most images owned by Brian Thomas Photography (www.btphotography.co.uk) unless stated. Printed by Anchor Press Ltd., Harlow. © Harlow Council 2019. You may re-use this information (excluding logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence v2.0. To view this licence visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/2/ or email psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk Where we have identified any third-party copyright information, you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to Communications, Harlow Council, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex CM20 1WG or email communications@harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Times can also be read online at www.harlow.gov.uk/harlow-times and is compatible with a variety of screen reading software.

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What’s on in Harlow

Discover Harlow this spring

Here’s a selection of events and activities taking place in Harlow this spring. For more information visit www.harlow.gov.uk/events

Saturday 6 - Thursday 11 April

A wildly entertaining adventure for the whole family!

Book now!

www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk 01279 431945 harlow playhouse C R E AT E

ENJOY

FOR ALL

Town Centre Events

Harlow Makers’ Market FREE Saturday 23 March and 29 June 2019 Market Square 11am-4pm Offering a range of handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces, the Makers Market has something for everyone, from handmade jewellery, homemade baked goods and artisan, organic foods, to unique pieces of art and ceramics. www.harlow. gov.uk/makers-market Harlow Showcase FREE 27 June 2019 11am-4pm Market Square, Broad Walk and Harvey Centre www.harlowshowcase.co.uk

Gibberd Gallery

01279 446404 gallery@harlowarttrust.org.uk www.gibberdgallery.co.uk

The Gibberd Gallery is based at Harlow Civic Centre and is open to the public Monday to Friday 9am-4.45pm and Saturdays 11am-4pm.

Closed on Bank Holidays.

FREE Until Saturday 6th April 2019 Colour Has No Words: a solo exhibition by Cedric Christie Cedric Christie is a Harlow-born artist whose predominantly sculptural practice explores a broad range of cultural and art historical references, often using humour and irony as subtle vehicles of communication.

He incorporates and manipulates everyday objects such as snooker balls, scaffolding, and even cars to create sculptures that are meticulously and skilfully made.

Colour Has No Words is a solo exhibition of new work exploring the question that underpins Christie’s practice: what is colour?

Harlow Town Park Events www.harlow.gov.uk/events Harlow parkrun FREE Every Saturday 9am Meet at School Lane car park.

Before your first run, register at www.parkrun.org.uk/harlow

Harlow junior parkrun FREE Every Sunday from 9am A free 2km run for children aged between 4 and 14.

Before your first run, register at www.parkrun.org.uk/register

Town Park Weekend FREE Volunteers - 1pm-3pm Meet at entrance to Walled Garden. Phone for dates.

For more information on volunteering in the park contact Mike Levett on 01279 446834 mike.levett@harlow.gov.uk Friends of Pets’ Corner FREE Family Funday Monday 6 May 11am–4pm

Gibberd Garden Marsh Lane

www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk First open day of the season Wednesday 3 April, 2pm-6pm Easter Trail Sunday 21 April, 2pm-6pm Bee Talk with Jane Ridler Wednesday 24 April, 6.30pm for 7pm Art and The New Town Thursday 25 April and Thursday 30 May Writing Day Friday 17 May Bank Holiday Monday Lunches & Children’s activities Monday 27 May, 11.30am-6pm

The Gallery at Parndon Mill Off Elizabeth Way Harlow CM20 2HP Tel: 01279 426042 info@parndonmill.co.uk www.parndonmill.co.uk

Goodness!

FREE Until 31 March 2019 Prints, paintings and an “Alphabet of Goodness”

by Liz Boast and Kirsten Wilson Liz Boast and Kirsten Wilson have studios at Parndon Mill and last exhibited together in The Gallery three years ago.

The word “Goodness!” has been used in all its connotations from angelic and heroic to shocking and possibly even stomach churning. The exhibition includes prints, paintings, sculpture and an Alphabet of Goodness.

The Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 2pm-4pm.

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve 01279 430005 Email: info@ecco.org.uk www.ecco.org.uk

Bee Day FREE Sunday 28 July 2019 10am – 4pm

Social Strollers FREE Friday 15 March 2019 and Friday 29 March 2019 10am-11am Meet at School Lane car park Town Park Users Group (TPUG) Meeting Monday 18 March 2019, 7pm Learning Centre.

All welcome, come and find out about future plans for the park Town Park Volunteers - FREE every Thursday 10am-2pm Meet at entrance to Walled Garden

Harlow Carnival is back!

Sunday 30 June 2019 From 12noon – route to be announced

www.harlow.gov.uk/carnival

Event information correct at time of going to press. Please check times, dates and prices by calling the relevant contact number.

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