Your Guide To Council Services 2017/18

Your Guide to

Council Services

2017/18

@KetteringBC /ThisisKettering Forkettering.gov.uk Customer Service Centre opening hours visit www.kettering.gov.uk/openinghours

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Your guide to

Council Services £3

Did you know?

We provide the majority of our services for around £3 a week to the average Council taxpayer.

Contents Our Services

02

About Your Area

03

Business in the Borough

04

Regeneration in 2017

05

Council Tax & Benefits

06

About Your Council Tax

07

Council & Community

08

Environment

09

Housing

10

Planning & Building Control

11

Leisure & Culture

12

Waste & Recycling

14

Customer Service Centre

16

Transport & Streets

18

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What do you get for your money?

Here are some of the services that Kettering Borough Council provide for around £3 per week: • • • • • • • • • • •

Leisure facilities and Leisure Pass Museum, Art Gallery and cultural facilities Playschemes, sports activities, health and wellbeing advice Parks and children’s play areas Refuse and recycling Street cleaning Environmental Health services Removal of graffiti and fly-tipping Planning services Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support Homelessness and housing options support

For Customer Service Centre opening hours visit www.kettering.gov.uk/openinghours

About Your Area T

he borough of Kettering is at the heart of North Northamptonshire providing a mix of 4 vibrant market towns and numerous quaint villages. Kettering is part of the largest growth area outside of London with excellent transport links and is in reach of 75% of the country’s population within 2 hours.

Desborough

Desborough is a rapidly expanding and changing town characterised by its roots in the spinning and weaving industry.

It is currently home to over 10,500 people with new homes and industry being developed to the north of the town centre.

Rothwell

A quaint, historic, bustling market town, Rothwell is home to over 7,500 residents. Renowned for landmarks such as its Market House and the Arts and Heritage Centre, Rothwell attracts numerous visitors to the town each year.

Kettering

Kettering is a town rich in heritage with a warm and welcoming environment for people to live, work and explore. Popular attractions within the town include Wicksteed Park, one of the UK’s first amusement parks, the Manor House Museum and the Alfred East Art Gallery.

Burton Latimer

Burton Latimer has a range of shops, restaurants and small businesses catering for the needs of the local community and beyond.

Burton Latimer is the location of the first wind farm in Northamptonshire which consists of around 20 turbines.

Follow @KetteringBC on Twitter for all the latest news

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Business in the Borough Business Rates

To pay business rates, find information on reliefs or to tell us you’ve moved, visit  www.kettering.gov.uk/businessrates  businessrates@kettering.gov.uk  01536 534 235

Licensing

If your business involves alcohol, entertainment, gambling, cat or dog boarding, pet sales (eg cats, dogs, fish, reptiles etc), cosmetic piercing or street trading we can help you identify what licenses you may need www.kettering.gov.uk/licences

Kettering Markets

Kettering Markets welcome new traders to expand the town’s offering. Plus if you’re new, trading the markets are a great way to start up or trial a business, offering all the advantages of renting a retail premises without the overheads. For more information on the range of markets and pitches available please visit  www.kettering.gov.uk/markets *

markets@kettering.gov.uk /kettering.markets

Food Safety

Did you know that it is a legal requirement for anyone who sells food (on the high street or from home) to register at least 28 days before opening? We offer all new food businesses guidance and support on setting up and on complying with the law. Visit www.kettering.gov.uk/foodsafety

Chesham House Business Centre

Chesham House is a transformed modern business centre offering affordable office space for up to 12 businesses located in Kettering town centre. Further information is available at:  www.chesham-house.co.uk *

cheshamhouse@kettering.gov.uk /cheshamhousebusinesscentre

As an employer, have you ever thought about hiring an apprentice?

Apprenticeships are a great way to upskill and develop your workforce. For further details contact Kettering Borough Training on  www.kettering.gov.uk/kbt  kbt@kettering.gov.uk  01536 535 900

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Did you know Kettering Borough Training have a 95% success rate for Business Administration and Health and Social Care Apprenticeships? Visit www.kettering.gov.uk/kbt to find out how your business can benefit

Regeneration in 2017 Night - Time Economy

Kettering Town Centre was awarded the Purple Flag in 2015 – an accreditation for a ‘gold standard’ for town centres at night, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches. This award recognises excellence in managing a thriving, vibrant early evening atmosphere and shows that a town centre is safe after 5pm. The scheme is due for renewal in 2017.

Investment and Growth

• In 2016 Kettering was named as the 41st most investable town in the country • There are 3,670 businesses registered in Kettering, 700 more than in 2010 • Weetabix has announced a £30 million investment to increase production and jobs • A major employer is merging its operations and 500 jobs into a Kettering site • The new Roxhill Business Park is expected to open for business by the summer 2017 • H&M has opened in the Newlands Centre and a Wildwood restaurant will be coming to the Market Place

Support for Businesses Northamptonshire Growth Hub and Velocity offer free business support to help Kettering businesses set up, thrive and grow.

Both Growth Hubs are funded by South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP). They join up national and local business support to provide simplified access to information, advice, workshops, events and support for businesses.

Support for established business www.velocitybusinesssupport.com

Support for startup and high growth www.northamptonshiregrowthhub.co.uk

Looking for a commercial site or new premises?

Email economicdevelopment@kettering.gov.uk

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Council Tax

& Benefits

Council Tax

Pay your Council Tax, tell us you’ve moved, find details of discounts or exemptions and find how to get help if you’re in arrears by visiting www.kettering.gov.uk/counciltax Alternatively you can email counciltax@kettering.gov.uk or call 01536 534 235

Financial Help and Budgeting Support

If you need help managing your money, access to a bank account or you need a low cost loan we can help you. Contact us on 01536 534 247 or email creditunion@kettering.gov.uk

Council Tax Support

Details of the scheme changes from April 2017 can be found at www.kettering.gov.uk/LCTS

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Housing Benefit & Council Tax Reduction

Claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax reductions, check eligibility and advise us of any changes of circumstance at www.kettering.gov.uk/benefits email benefits@kettering.gov.uk or call 01536 410 333

Did you know?

You can view your Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates online. Log on to www.kettering.gov.uk/connectonline and access your accounts, view balances, make payments, view correspondence sent to you and lots more.

To find out more about claiming Housing Benefit visit www.kettering.gov.uk/benefits

About Your Council Tax Average Council Tax Bill in 2017/18

For around £3 per week, the average Council taxpayer in the borough has access to over 100 different services provided by the Council.

For details on how the policing part of your Council Tax is spent please visit www.northantspcc.org.uk/counciltax The Council Tax attributable to Northamptonshire County Council includes a precept to fund Adult Social Care. This represents a 3% increase. For details on how the Northamptonshire County Council and Adult Social Care part of your Council Tax is spent, please visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/counciltax

2016/17

Average Council Tax Bill

13%

£ 1,089.87

£ 1,111.87

£21.38

£ 54.72

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire

£ 204.96

£ 209.04

Kettering Borough Council

£ 205.39

£ 205.39

£ 19.12

£ 20.63

£ 1,540.72

£ 1,601.65

Northamptonshire County Council

(Charge Per Annum, Band D Equivalent)

Adult Social Care

13%

2017/18

Parish / Town Council TOTAL Bill

From your Council Tax, Kettering Borough Council receives:

74%

BAND

£/YEAR

£/WEEK

A

136.93

2.63

B

159.75

3.07

C

182.57

3.51

D

205.39

3.95

E

251.03

4.83

F

296.67

5.71

G

342.32

6.58

H

410.78

7.90

For further information on your Council Tax bill visit www.kettering.gov.uk/counciltax

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Council & Community Community Safety Report incidents online and find out more about Public Space Protection Orders by visiting:  www.kettering.gov.uk/communitysafety

Anti-Social Behaviour Find out how to report and take action against anti-social behaviour at:  www.kettering.gov.uk/antisocialbehaviour

Bereavement Services Bereavement Services cares for Kettering Crematorium as well as the eight cemeteries within the borough. Information can be given regarding these sites as well as pre-purchase cremations, cremation memorials, family led funeral services and more. Please contact:  www.kettering.gov.uk/crematorium  bereavementservices@kettering.gov.uk  01536 525 722

Are you registered to vote?

Since 2014 individual electors are responsible for their own registration, rather than having one person in each household complete the annual registration form.

You can register online at:  www.gov.uk/register-to-vote For further information, election results or to take part in an election visit:  www.kettering.gov.uk/electoralservices  elecreg@kettering.gov.uk  01536 410 333

Council & Democracy The Council’s 36 councillors are elected for four years. To find your local Borough Councillor or to see a schedule of forthcoming meetings visit www.kettering.gov.uk/councilandcommittees

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Did you know there are now over 368 active Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the Borough

Environment Spot It, Report It!

We work hard to ensure our Borough is a pleasant place to live and work. You can report the following issues to us: • Fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles • Dog fouling and littering • Food safety concerns • Noise complaints • Public safety issues • Lost, found, stray or dangerous dogs • Pest problems www.kettering.gov.uk/environmentalhealth email customerservices@kettering.gov.uk or call 01536 410 333

Eating Out? Getting Food In? Find out if a restaurant, takeaway or food shop you visit has good food hygiene standards at www.kettering.gov.uk/foodsafety Or see if they have healthier menu options through our Eat Out Eat Well Award for businesses scheme visit www.kettering.gov.uk/eatouteatwell

Pest Control We specialise in Commercial and Domestic Pest Control Services. Kettering Pest Control is committed to ridding your premise of unwanted pests.

We cover the full range of pest control services including moles, squirrels and wasps.

For further information and details of call out charges please visit www.kettering.gov.uk or call 01536 410 333

Bulk Rubbish Collection If you have bulky items you need to dispose of, why not make use of our removal service?

Collection is the same day your black bin is collected, although white goods are collected on Wednesdays. We can take away up to 6 items for £25 – which can be reduced to £6 if you receive benefits.

To arrange a collection call 01536 410 333.

Please remember dog owners – Bag it, bin your dog waste – any rubbish bin will do!

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Housing Disabled Facilities Grants

Privately renting a property?

Do you struggle to use the stairs in your home?

Would a shower be easier to use than a bath?

If so, Kettering Borough Council could be able to help. We provide grants for home owners and private tenants who are on a low income so that they can adapt their home.

You don’t have to be in receipt of a benefit to qualify and grants can pay for the full cost of works, or part of the costs.

If you wish to make an enquiry please contact our Private Sector Housing Team on 01536 535 617 or email privatesectorhousing@kettering.gov.uk

Are you looking to rent a home privately or do you already?

If so, the property should be maintained to a minimum standard by the landlord.

If you don’t think that this is the case, you should report any repairs to your landlord or letting agent and give them a reasonable opportunity to complete them.

Should they fail to do this, then please contact our Private Sector Housing Team on 01536 535 617 or email privatesectorhousing@kettering.gov.uk

Ever considered renting a garage? om

Prices fr

£9.77

k

per wee

10

Prices are from just £9.77 per week for council tenants and £11.72 for all residents in the Borough. Find out more at www.kettering.gov.uk/garages

Find out how you can lower your fuel bill and make energy efficiency improvements to your home at www.northantswarmhomes.com

Planning & Building Control For information on making a planning or building control application, to check progress and comment on an application, search for planning applications, decisions and appeals, book a building control site visit and information on demolition and dangerous structures.

Please contact us:

For Building Control:

www.kettering.gov.uk/buildingcontrol Email: buildingcontrol@kettering.gov.uk Call: 01536 534 250

For Planning:

www.kettering.gov.uk/planning Email: planning@kettering.gov.uk Call: 01536 534 316

Planning Pre-application Advice Service Would you like advice before you submit a formal planning application? The pre-application advice service offers planning advice before you submit a formal application. Our experienced officers will be on hand to: • Ensure consistency in dealing with your pre-application advice • Provide Information on key planning policies • Provide advice in relation to all relevant planning applications • Offer informal comments and guidance For further information, please visit www.kettering.gov.uk/planning or contact us by email planning@kettering.gov.uk or by phone on 01536 534 316 There is a cost associated with this service.

Building Control Our team of qualified Building Control Surveyors offer a local, impartial and highly competitive professional service. We can offer: • Free technical and pre-application advice • Competitive prices via free individually tailored quotations • Same day inspections • Assigned case surveyors who work with you • Friendly, experienced surveyors with local knowledge • Close working with the Council’s planning service For further information visit www.kettering.gov.uk/buildingcontrol or contact us by email buildingcontrol@kettering.gov.uk or by phone on 01536 534 250

There are roughly 43,950 homes and approximately 97,650 people living in the borough

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Leisure & Culture Museum and Art Gallery

Find out more about the exhibitions, events and activities at the Manor House Museum and Alfred East Art Gallery by visiting www.kettering.gov.uk/museums or call the Museum on 01536 534 219 or the Art Gallery on 01536 534 274

What’s On in Kettering Borough

Have you seen the latest issue of Kettering’s What’s On guide, a booklet to show what’s happening in your local area? View it online at www.kettering.gov.uk/whatson

Parks and Open Spaces

There are a number of play areas and outdoor gyms across the borough. For a list of parks, gardens and open spaces visit www.kettering.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces

Sport Clubs and Centres

Legacy Leisure operates the management of Kettering Swimming Pool, Expressions Gym, Desborough Leisure Centre, Corn Market Hall and the Track and Pitch on the Leisure Village.

If you are interested in joining the gym, looking for a fitness class or hiring the Corn Market Hall please contact Legacy Leisure on 01536 410 253.

Free Health Walks

There are free health walks that take place weekly across the Borough. Find out more at: www.kettering.gov.uk/walks

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For latest news, upcoming events and what’s happening in Kettering and the local area visit /ThisisKettering

Markets We have markets running on 4 days of the week in the Borough:

Did you know?

The Council runs activities during Easter and summer school holidays. Find out more at www.kettering.gov.uk/ holidayactivities

Wednesday – Flea Market, Meadow Road, just off the High Street, Kettering Thursday – Desborough Market held in The Square Friday & Saturday - General Market, High Street, Kettering Look out for Foodie Fridays on the second Friday of each month and the Teenage Market which will be held in June and December in 2017. For further information visit www.kettering.gov.uk/markets

This is Kettering For latest news, events & information on what’s happening in and around Kettering head to a new website promoting the local area: www.ThisisKettering.com You can also keep up with the latest news and events on Facebook / ThisisKettering

Booking a Venue?

Kettering Borough Council hire out a variety of community centres and pavilions for parties, meetings and events. Visit www.kettering.gov.uk/ communitycentres or call Customer Services on 01536 410 333 for further information.

For details on local attractions visit www.kettering.gov.uk/thingstodo

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Waste & Recycling Waste & Recycling

Find out when your collection day is, where your nearest recycling site is, order new bins/ boxes and read information about recycling at

www.kettering.gov.uk/rubbishwasteandrecycling

Kettering Household Waste Recycling Centre Your local centre provided by Northamptonshire County Council, is based on Garrard Way, Kettering and is open 5 days a week (closed Monday and Tuesday).

For a list of what you can and can’t recycle there, please visit: www.northamptonshire.gov.uk

Free Recycling Talks Do you belong to a school, community group or association or live in Sheltered Housing and would enjoy a talk on recycling issues?

If yes, then find out more by emailing refuseandrecycling@kettering.gov.uk

Textile Collections Twice yearly textile collections take place in January and June. Keep an eye out for your tag and bag which will be put on your recycling bin.

Minimising Waste We are committed to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. All new replacement black bins are now 180 or 140 litres and you can have as many recycling bins as you need free of charge.

Waste Ted Says

Make more room in your bin by squashing plastic bottles/drink cans and flattening cardboard Don’t forget to rinse your recycling to keep your bin smelling fresh and clean Plan your meals so you only buy what you need and find recipes to use up those lovely leftovers at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Did you know?

The Council offer a Commercial Waste Collection Service? For further information, including prices call 01536 534 482

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Book a bulk collection online at www.kettering.gov.uk/bulkcollection

What goes where?

Recycling Success Residents in the borough now recycle 50% of household waste

•

• • • • • • • •

All food waste Bagged cat & dog waste Nappies/pads Plastic bags Polythene/ cling film Polystyrene Bubble wrap Crockery/ pyrex, ceramics & pottery

• • • • • • • •

ALL CARDBOARD Juice cartons Milk cartons Aerosols Cans/tins Metal foils Small metal items Glass bottles and jars Plastic bottles, tubs, pots & trays

• • • • • • • •

Grass Hedge cuttings/ leaves Twigs/small tree cuttings Plants/weeds Hutch bedding/straw Wood shavings Cold ashes NO CARDBOARD

• • • • • • • •

For further information on recycling visit www.kettering.gov.uk/recycling

Letters/bills Envelopes Leaflets/junk mail Greeting cards Newspapers/ magazines Phone books/ catalogues Shredded paper Wrapping paper (non foil)

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Customer Service Centre Citizens Advice Services Corby and Kettering(CASCK)

CASCK offer free, confidential, impartial and independent advice on anything, including debt, benefits, housing, legal matters, employment, immigration and consumer issues.

Open: Monday - Friday, 9am - 2pm. Appointments: 01536 482 281

Sunflower Centre Sunflower Centre offer support, advice and safety planning for those experiencing domestic abuse. The service offers flexible appointments in your local area at venues and times convenient for you. Services are free and provided in a non-judgemental manner.

Call for support or signposting on 01604 888 211

NHS Blood Testing Centre You can get your blood tests taken at the Council offices in Kettering.

Open: Monday - Friday, appointments available 8am - 11.30am.

To book an appointment call 01536 535 600 between 8am - 5pm

Northamptonshire Police Northamptonshire Police have an enquiry desk situated within the Kettering Borough Council offices, so please visit them there during office hours. For further information visit www.northants.police.uk

Connexions in partnership with Prospects Age 16-19? Not in Education, Employment or Training? Drop in for advice, guidance and support. Open: Monday 1:30pm - 3.30pm

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For further information on our partner services, visit www.kettering.gov.uk/partners

You can access all these services in one place!

Come and see us weekdays 8:30am - 5:30pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturdays.

You can also call us on 01536 410 333 from 8:30am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.

Please note the Registration Office will be relocating to Kettering Library in 2017.

First for Wellbeing

First for Wellbeing offer advice and support on a range of wellbeing and lifestyle issues from weight management and stopping smoking to physical exercise and emotional wellbeing. Advisors carry out 30 minute assessments with appropriate follow ups as required.

Open: Wednesday, 9am – 12pm. Call 0300 126 5000

East Midlands Credit Union The latest addition to our ‘one-stop shop’ offers financial and money advice, access to basic bank accounts and an opportunity to learn basic IT skills.

Open: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Voice If you or someone you know has been affected by crime, Voice will give you, or help you to find the advice and support you need. The service is free, impartial and available to everyone, whether a crime has been reported to Police or not.

For appointments call 0300 303 1965

Kettering and District Car Sharing Scheme

Helps promote the wellbeing of the elderly, the disabled, the non-car owner and other residents in the borough of Kettering by assisting them with voluntary transport to and from all their medical appointments. This also involves trips across the country.

Open: Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 8.30am - 11.30am Appointments: 07941 355268

The Royal British Legion The Royal British Legion is a UK charity providing lifelong support for the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, reservists, veterans, and their families. The Royal British Legion have a drop in session once a month.

Drop In: 4th Tuesday of every month, 11am - 1pm. Call 0808 802 8080

To download a copy of our Customer Service Standards, visit www.kettering.gov.uk/standards

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Transport & Streets Parking

To find out more about parking within the Borough including the location and prices of car parks, how to pay parking fines and locations of resident’s parking schemes visit www.kettering.gov.uk/parking or email parking&permits@kettering.gov.uk or call 01536 410 333.

Transport and Streets

For links to public transport information and concessionary travel details provided by Northamptonshire County Council, visit www.kettering.gov.uk/transportandstreets

Need to report a faulty street or traffic light or pothole in the road?

Did you know that Northamptonshire County Council manage and maintain the roads, paths, street lighting and other highway problems across the borough?

To report a problem please visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/ streetdoctor or call 0300 126 1000

Useful contacts National Grid – report gas leaks for free on 0800 111 999

Environment Agency – for general enquiries call 03708 506 506 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Anglian Water – for water & sewerage problems call 03457 145 145 or for general enquiries visit www.anglianwater.co.uk

Police – Non-emergencies call 101 and emergencies call 999

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For Customer Service Centre opening hours visit www.kettering.gov.uk/openinghours

The Women’s Tour returns to Kettering Stage 1 Daventry to Kettering Wednesday 7th June womenstour.co.uk kettering.gov.uk/womenstour For Customer Service Centre opening hours visit www.kettering.gov.uk/openinghours

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Are you looking for an Apprenticeship, work or training?

Not too sure what to do next?

Why not apply to KBT and let us help you!

We have excellent success rates in delivering Business Administration,Team Leading,Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Printing and Manufacturing Sewn Products

If you are not quite ready our Study Programme can help you with your first steps into employment by improving your English, Maths and employability skills.

We care about your success!

Call us on 01536 535 900 or email KBT@kettering.gov.uk

: kettering.gov.uk/KBT

/KetteringBoroughTraining

Kettering Borough Council Call us on 01536 410 333 from 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday Write to us at Kettering Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Bowling Green Road, Kettering, NN15 7QX Come and see us in one of our customer service centres in Kettering, Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer Please call 01536 410 333 for opening times of Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer centres.

Kettering Customer Service Centre is open weekdays 8:30am - 5:30pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturdays.

Text us – if you see a problem when you are out and about remember you can text or send a picture message to 07824 451 281.

Email us at: customerservices@kettering.gov.uk