OPENOPEN DOORDOOR SPRING 2022 - FOR THE TENANTS & LEASEHOLDERS OF CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Open Door
Spring 2022
For the Tenants & Leaseholders of Cambridge City Council
Contents Welcome to this edition of Open Door.
With Spring ahead and the Covid-19 crisis hopefully
winding down, this edition brings you lots of resources
Your own housing account online
Council services online 3
and support that will help you make the most of the finer
Your housing account online 3 months ahead. order a new rent payment card, and to benches or bus shelters, play areas
Covid-19 vaccination and help 3 much more. If you need any help with or public toilets. And you will be able
The Tenant and Leaseholder Satisfaction Survey in 2020 getting started at using your online to track the response online, seeing
showed us that you wanted better, easier communication housing account or other online services, when the action you requested will be
Repairs & maintenance 4 with the City Council and its services. We have been just book an appointment at Mandela completed.
working on those improvements. House by phoning 01223-457070.
Two kinds of maintenance 4 David Greening Accessing your council services
Obligatory safety checks 4 Head of Housing Services
More and more of our services are now available 24/7 Other services on your
online, and the next edition of Open Door will introduce MyCambridge portal To deliver council services in the most
Acting on your feedback 5 efficient way possible, face to face
you to the new telephony system that we are about to
Over 8,000 Cambridge residents are meetings with council staff are by
launch, to make it even easier for you to contact us.
already using their MyCambridge portal appointment only. If you are thinking
Your housing staff 6 Have you started using your online to manage the council services that they of contacting them, please check first
Meanwhile, a double spread on pages 4 and 5 of this edition gives you a clear MyCambridge portal yet? Lots of use, or want to request. On there, as whether you can get the service or
The Customer Service Centre 6 overview of your repairs and maintenance service - exactly what they do, how to residents have registered now to use it to well as your housing account, you can information you need more quickly and
Your housing services 6 get the most from their services, the response times you can expect from them, access the Council’s services, at the top also manage your Council Tax account, easily online. But if you have an essential
and the improvements they have made in response to your survey feedback. right-hand corner of the Council’s website claim benefits, notify about a change of need to meet staff in person, phone
Who to contact 7
Pages 6 and 7 go on to introduce the staff teams that help with every other aspect at www.cambridge.gov.uk circumstances or request a new bin. 01223-457000.
Standards you can expect 7 of your tenancy. You will see the different services they provide, how best to
contact them, and the service guarantees that they offer you. Your housing account online You can use the portal to quickly and You can make payments to the Council
As a council tenant or leaseholder, it easily report issues you see while you’re online or by phone, or at locations like
Homes & estates 8
Page 9 highlights services which can help you deal with anti-social behaviour means you can then also register to have out and about - from litter to fly-tipping, the Post Office. For more information,
and neighbour nuisances, such as noise or bonfire smoke. Page 15 provides 24/7 access to your own private housing fallen branches to graffiti. You can even visit www.cambridge.gov.uk
Clearing communal areas 8 clarity about the Council’s services for leaseholders. And on page 8 you will see show the exact location: your report
account online. It’s a confidential space
Actions for zero tolerance 8 the progress made on the Council’s commitment to keep all communal areas on dedicated to your personal housing goes straight to council staff out in the Those without internet access can still
estates totally clear, to ensure fire safety for all. information. community, ready to deal with it. contact the Council by phoning 01223-
Report anti-social behaviour 9 457000. For service updates relating
Noise and smoke complaints 9 Once logged in to your account, you Or why not use the portal to claim a free to Covid-19, visit www. https://www.
The rest of this edition is about you. It is full of free services and offers that will
can use it to book your own repairs and tree to commemorate your new baby’s cambridge.gov.uk/coronavirus-changes-
help residents to bounce back post-Covid. Page 10 promotes ways to get active
appointments, check and print out the birth? Or to request a tree protection to-our-services
Help for communities 10 and fitter. A feature on your local library shows all the free ways the library can order on a special tree in the city?
keep you connected, informed, and warmly supported by your community. Page current status of your rent account, or
view your past rent payments and any New services are constantly being added To be notified of updates to the Council’s
Easy ways to get fitter 10 11 highlights funds and grants for those aged 16-30, to help with training or new in to the portal. Soon you will be able website, register at www.cambridge.gov.
rent or arrears that are due. You can
jobs, while page 13 brings free loans of computer tablets, and a free grass-cutting to use it to report things like damage uk/subscribe-for-emailalerts
Connected and well informed 10 update your personal information,
service for those who need it.
Tackling domestic abuse 11
Grants for residents in need 11 Finally, page 12 provides an overview of the amazing amount that has been
achieved through tenants’ and leaseholders’ involvement in the past year: they
have actively shaped and influenced no fewer than 47 different council services, Covid-19 vaccinations and support
Residents’ involvement 12 from the design of new housing developments to the choice of communal cleaning
contractor on your estates. We look forward to your ongoing collaboration and Free transport to your vaccination - Test and Trace Support Payments
feedback as our services continue to evolve. It’s never too late to get vaccinated
What residents have achieved 12 the Vaxi Taxi Scheme
against Covid-19.
47 services they influenced 12 At the time of going to print, the final
With best wishes, If you would struggle to get to and from Test & Trace Support Payments were
Enter the Garden Competition 13 Walk-in any day, 8.30am-4pm:
David Greening • at the Grafton Centre, CB1 1PS a vaccine appointment, the County being awarded by the City Council to
Free offers for residents 13 Council can provide free transport to eligible people who suffered loss of
Later walk-in, 4pm-7.30pm on vaccinations for those who need it. income due to being told by the NHS to
Wednesdays: self-isolate with Covid-19. You must have
Actions for our climate 14 For phone numbers of local participating been told to self-isolate on or before
• at the Grafton Centre, CB1 1PS
Receive Open Door electronically taxi-firms, visit www.cambridgeshire.gov. 23-2-2022. And you must apply within
Recycle electrical items 14 Pre-booked vaccinations: uk/covid (If you don’t have access to 42 days of the first date of your self-
• At Boots, Newmarket Road, Welfare the internet, 01223-971611 and 01223- isolation.
Save money on water bills 14 Why not receive Open Door by email instead of on paper? It’s easy to
Pharmacy, Trumpington or Chesterton 715715 are among the Cambridge city
read on any device with wifi, at the same time saving on paper and
Indoor Bowls Club, Chesterton taxi-numbers participating.) You must have tested positive after a
carbon footprint. To receive it by email instead of post, visit https://
Leaseholders 15 camcit.co/opendooremail
PCR test or an assisted rapid lateral flow
To find a vaccination centre near you, First, ensure you have booked your test. A positive lateral flow test done at
Legalities of subletting 15 One copy of Open Door is sent to each council home. If you’d like to request visit www.thevaccinators.co.uk or appointment, or if it is at a walk-in clinic, home by yourself isn’t enough. You must
another copy for a joint tenant, please email opendoor@cambridge.gov.uk phone the NHS booking line at 119. check when your nearest centre is open also have taken a PCR test to confirm
Services for leaseholders 15 before booking the time of your taxi. you were positive, and show a reference
An editorial panel of council tenants and leaseholders help to select and edit the number confirming you uploaded your
content of every edition of Open Door, to ensure it continues to reflect residents’ To book a specific time-slot for a
vaccination or a Covid-19 test, visit Phone the taxi-firm to book your details to the NHS Test and Trace
You need to know 16 needs and interests. To get involved, email opendoor@cambridge.gov.uk transport. They will ask you to confirm website at https://covid19.nhs.uk To
the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/
conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 details of the appointment when you see eligibility and applications, visit
Sources of financial help 16 book your journey. www.cambridge.gov.uk/test-and-trace-
support-payment
How to contact services 16 Pop-up vaccination events are also
taking place regularly: for their They can also pick you up to take you
additional dates and venues, check home, so long as your journey home If you have difficulty accessing food
All information was correct when going to print, but could change quickly due to Covid-19 starts no more than an hour after while ill with Covid-19, visit https://
All main photos are by Emily Downey www.thevaccinators.co.uk
your appointment. cambridgesustainablefood.org/updates-
Cover photo shows a wildflower meadow on Parker’s Piece
and-info-covid-19 *
* All the information in this article was correct at time of going to print, but may change rapidly.
Twitter: youtube.com/ cambridge.gov.uk/ 3
@camcitco cambridgecitycouncil opendoor
Your repairs and maintenance service
Two kinds of maintenance Acting on your feedback
What is planned maintenance? structure and covering after 50 years. Your feedback on repairs and maintenance in the 2020 Tenants’ and Leaseholders’ Satisfaction Survey was mostly positive.
Repair and painting of previously painted Nonetheless, the service has taken specific actions to improve on any areas of low satisfaction. Below is your 2020 feedback,
The Council’s planned, preventive surfaces (like external masonry, wooden along with the specific actions the service has taken since then, to improve these customer satisfaction rates.
maintenance is done on a cyclical basis. doors, windows, soffit and fascias) are
It helps keep your property in good currently done on a 7-year cycle. The Happy with your repair? Were you given an appointment?
condition and prevents problems. It is Council is also investing in energy
a proactive approach to maintenance, efficiency improvements in some trial
designed to avoid failures, breakages, locations, including loft, cavity and 75% 4% 15% 6%
unexpected maintenance costs and
unplanned repairs.
external wall insulation, photovoltaic
panel arrays and renewable technologies.
8% Yes,
Yes, and myand my appointment
appointment was kept
was kept Yes,appointment
Yes, but my but my appointment was not ke
was not kept
Neither No, I was
No,not given
I was notan appointment
given an appointment Don't know / can't
Don't know remember
/ can't remember
It is usually carried out at the same time What is a responsive repair?
on properties in one geographical area,
The Council is improving this by:
and is usually non-urgent. To ensure By contrast, responsive repairs are minor The Council is improving on this by: • giving all future repairs, apart from emergencies, an
value for money, it can be done as part repairs or routine maintenance that the • doing follow-up satisfaction surveys, to see why 16% are appointment
of a large programme. Residents can Council does in response to a tenant’s dissatisfied, and what could improve their satisfaction • letting tenants now book their own appointments online,
be kept fully informed, including on the request. If non-urgent, this work may be • piloting a new ‘MOT’ type service for repairs with a choice of date and time
extent of the works and their timescales. ‘batched’ so jobs can be done together.
It includes repairs to vacated properties
Examples of planned maintenance before they are re-let. Happy with any planned
include programmes to replace
Happy with aspects of your repair job? The arrangements for access to works?
your home
95%
building components such as kitchens, The Council’s in-house team deliver this
Keeping dirt and mess to a The arrangements for access to
bathrooms, windows and roofs, service, doing about 16,000 repairs per 82% 13% your home
84% 10% 6%
according to the average life span of year, as well as repairs to about 340 minimum The time taken to complete the
these components as dictated by the vacated properties before re-letting. works
93% 5%
The time taken to complete the
government’s Decent Homes Standard. The speed of completion of the 80% 11% 9%
work
72% 12% 15% works
There are 3 categories of responsive The information provided to
The Decent Homes Standard says repairs, with different target times for youThe information
about provided to
the work
93% 8%
kitchens should be replaced after 25 completion which you can see at the you about the works
80% 11% 9%
The overall quality of the work 71% 15% 14%
years; bathrooms after 40 years; bottom of the page opposite. For contact
windows after 40 years; and roof details to request a repair, see page 7. The overall qualityquality
of theofwork 90%
The overall the work 76% 13% 11%7%
Being kept informed throughout
the process
69% 18% 13%
Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied
Safety checks on your home The repair being done 'right first
time'
66% 14% 21%
The Council is improving this by:
• surveying the satisfaction of everyone who receives
planned maintenance work
• following up on every report of low satisfaction, to
Fines for not keeping Win £100 The Council is improving this by: remedy them promptly
gas check appointments • keeping tenants informed with a text message before
Keeping your first gas service their appointment
‘Compliance servicing’ and testing are appointment enters you into a monthly • letting tenants see online the status of their repair job, Turnaround times you can expect
required to ensure the Council complies draw to win £100. If the appointment and letting them book future appointments
with all the laws surrounding buildings isn’t suitable, please phone Freephone • monitoring why certain repairs aren’t completed first
and premises. It includes gas servicing, 0333-207-0766 to rearrange. time, to reduce these numbers Emergency repairs - within 24 hours
• examining specific causes of dissatisfaction with speed or • 31 Oct-1 May: no central heating; or no hot water
electrical inspections, fire risk
Or pay £100 penalty... quality, and giving staff training and equipment to remedy it for bathing
assessments, inspection of smoke
• Uncontrollable leaks in pipes, tank or cistern
alarms, etc. It ensures that gas and • Broken windows; or insecure external doors or windows
electrical installations in your home are But if you fail to be at home and allow
entry for a third inspection appointment • Loss of electrical power; or smoke alarms sounding
safe and working properly. It is usually Happy with appointment times? • Toilet not flushing, if the only toilet in the home
carried out at fixed intervals that are set booked with you, the Council has legal
out in law. powers to gain entry to your home to Urgent repairs - within 3 days
carry out these safety checks that are 3:30pm - 4pm 54% • 1 May-31 Oct: no central heating (temporary heaters
Your Tenancy Agreement states that you required by law. will be delivered); or no hot water for bathing
must allow access to your home so that 4pm - 5pm 39% • Repairs to lighting, switches and electrical sockets
council gas appliances or central heating You will be charged for this. Costs are • Sink and bath waste blockages
currently £50 if we arrive on the day 5pm - 6pm • Leaking pipework (if in heating pipes, phone Mears at
can receive an annual service and 31%
of the service and you are at home to 03332-070-766)
inspection. This is for the safety of your
let us in. (The Council will have already • Temporary roofing repairs
own household and your neighbours. 6pm - 7pm 22% • Repairs to toilet pan or cistern
incurred this cost by bringing a locksmith
to the appointment.) But if you are not at 7pm onwards Routine repairs - within 28 days
Even if you don’t have gas appliances or 17%
mains, you must still allow the Council’s home and the locksmith has to intervene • Kitchen units and extractor fans
contractor, Mears, access to your home to gain entry to the property, you will be • External doors and windows, and internal joinery
Saturday appointments 45%
to verify it is safe. Gas appliances not charged £100. • Roofs and guttering
owned by the Council are not serviced • Plastering and wall tiling
The Council is improving these by:
- we strongly advise that you get them For more information, visit www. • Fencing and external paving
• trialling adding appointments for after 5pm and on
serviced annually to ensure safety. cambridge.gov.uk/council-tenants or Saturdays, later this year
• Communal gates and fencing
phone 01223-457070.
4 5
Your housing staff - what you can expect
Speak to the Customer Service Centre first Who to contact
Improving
Recently, a minority of Centre can get resolved for you when To pay your rent • the City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour
tenants have been misusing you phone 01223-457070 for housing customer services for you You can pay your rent: Team
the Council’s Customer services, or 01223-457060 for • online at www.cambridge.gov.uk/pay- • the Council’s Environmental Health
Service Centre. They insist repairs In the Satisfaction Survey of your-housing-rent Team
on being put through to Cambridge City Council tenants and • over the phone at 01223-457779 • the police
a Housing Officer, even Your Housing services online leaseholders in 2020, the Council as a • at any Post Office, or anywhere that
though staff answering their landlord was considered easy to deal displays the PayPoint sign Remember that criminal offences like the
call are qualified to deal Remember that you can now access following must be reported directly to the
with by:
with their issue. many of our housing services To request a repair police, as explained on page 9:
through self-service online, using To request a repair for your home: • assaults or threats of violence
• 73% of general council tenants
This wastes staff time, reducing other the MyCambridge customer portal on • log on to your Housing Account on the • drug dealing or smells of drugs
• 82% of tenants in sheltered
tenants’ access to staff they need. You the City Council’s website at https:// Council’s website at https://housing. • threats on social media
accommodation
must first discuss your issue with the my.cambridge.gov.uk cambridge.gov.uk/housing/www/
• 55% of council leaseholders
Customer Service Centre: if you refuse, dashboard But please note that the following issues
they will not be able to progress your There, you can request, report or check • or phone 01223-457060 cannot be addressed by council staff or
The Council is about to launch a new,
call. many housing issues without needing to • outside office hours, phone the police, and need to be resolved between
improved telephony system that
speak to staff. You can check your rent Out-of-Hours emergency line at 0300- neighbours as part of day to day living:
should now make it much easier for
Customer Service Centre staff are fully account, print a statement, update your 303-8389 • sounds of babies crying
you to contact the staff members you
trained on all the housing issues listed in personal information, and much more. See page 5 of this edition for the • sounds of children playing, closing
need. This new telephony system
the article below. They are only allowed You’ll also find links to our online forms response times that you can expect for doors, running up and down stairs, etc.
aims to improve all the customer
to pass your call on to Housing Officers’ and systems on the relevant webpages. emergency, urgent and routine repairs, • disputes between children
satisfaction rates above.
teams if they are unable to deal with it respectively.
themselves. They cannot just transfer So register now, and sign in at any time To exchange your council home
The next edition of Open Door will
it at your request. By accepting this, to check on your service requests. Some To report anti-social behaviour To exchange homes with another
introduce you to the new contact
you help staff provide a quicker, more of them can send you progress reports To report anti-social behaviour or a council tenant, start by visiting www.
system. And it will explain the other
efficient service for all. by email. dispute with neighbours, see the contact exchangelocata.org.uk or www.
service improvements that are also
being made by your housing staff in details for the Council’s Anti-Social homeswapper.co.uk
These two pages give a reminder of: And if you can’t find what you want on Behaviour Team overleaf on page 9 of Your Tenancy Management team (article
direct response to your feedback from
• the housing-related services you can the Council’s website, there are contact this edition. That information shows you on page opposite, below) will process
last year’s survey.
now access at any time online details on each webpage so you can which issues to report to: your application if you decide to proceed.
• the issues the Customer Service email or phone the relevant staff.
c
Services provided by your housing teams Our commitments to you
Any matters not listed here in this article • misuse of parking Services on estates Our Tenancy Management Service Your Tenancy Agreement
should be reported to the relevant council • overgrown gardens Standards have been developed with
This clarifies what the tenant remains
department, not to your housing service. • evictions Grass-cutting and maintenance of the involvement of your resident
responsible for, which includes:
shrub beds is done by the Council’s representatives. When you request a
• keeping communal areas clear, to
Income Management Caring for homes Streets and Open Spaces Team. The service from your housing staff, we aim
ensure fire safety for all
• Rent payment and rent arrears • Authorising alterations to your home Council also provides caretaking wherever possible to:
• keeping your home in good repair,
• budgetting advice and support • inspections of homes services to some of its estates.
fixing any damage caused by you
• assistance applying for benefits or • forced entry for gas safety checks • phone you back within 24 hours for
• keeping your garden tidy, and
grants, where necessary • handling vacated properties (except Communal building cleaning is done emergencies
pruning its trees and bushes
• issuing vouchers on redevelopment sites) weekly by a contractor. (Future • phone you back within 5 working days
• quietening and cleaning up after
editions will give contact details for the for non-emergencies
your pets
Tenancy Management Caring for vulnerable tenants new contract starting on April 1st.) • if a disclosure of Domestic Abuse has
• allowing access to your property for
• applications for new tenancies • Safeguarding concerns been made, phone you back within
necessary repairs and inspections,
• queries about your Tenancy Agreement • supporting victims of domestic abuse Residents who pay for communal 24 hours, arranging a meeting within 5
after verifying visitors’ identity
• adding someone to your tenancy • hoarding window cleaning receive it from working days
• parking considerately so you don’t
• deaths, succession, survivorship or • liaising with other agencies, from police contractor Hi-Spec three times a year • reply to letters and emails within 7
block access to neighbours’ vehicles
name change requests for your tenancy to social care in April, August and December. working days
or property, or damage grass verges
• advice on exchanging your home for • if you request a visit, phone you back
• being responsible for the behaviour
another council home Tenancy Management staff cover All these estate services are delivered within 5 working days to arrange one
of everyone (including children)
• abandonned, under-occupied, over- geographical ‘patches’, handling complex to the Caretaking and Cleaning • investigate all reports of tenancy
who lives in or visits your home,
occupied or sub-let tenancies aspects of the issues above that have Standards of independent quality abandonment and non-occupation
inside or outside
• renting of garages and parking spaces been referred on to them by the agency Housemark. They are within 10 working days
• getting council permission before
• pursuing former tenants’ arrears Customer Service Centre. monitored by housing staff, and by • if you apply to exchange your home for
making alterations to your home
• tenancy audits (from later this year) trained resident representatives known another, give a decision within 42 days
• arranging home contents insurance,
These Tenancy Management staff may as Green Inspectors.
as the Council isn’t liable for theft of
Neighbour problems occasionally visit homes unannounced, If you wish to make a complaint about
Estate Management staff also oversee or damage to your possessions
• Enforcing tenancy rules and will always carry identity badges. services, please visit www.cambridge.
• neighbour disputes But if you are ever unsure whether such the Estate Improvement Scheme, a gov.uk/compliments-complaints- See your Tenancy Agreement for
• animal-related nuisance a visitor is genuine, always phone the £5 million project to improve your andsuggestions more details on your responsibilities
• misuse of communal areas Council at 01223-457070 to confirm. estates.
and rights.
6 7
Help for homes and estates
Keep communal areas safe Report anti-social behaviour and crime
For fire safety, residents are not allowed Examples of left items found there have Cambridge City Council works in
to leave or store anything in communal been bikes, pushchairs, prams, buggies, partnership with the police and other To report anti-social behaviour, eg: To report racial harassment:
areas. Your Housing Service now has shopping trolleys, cabinets, rubbish bags agencies to help tackle and resolve anti- • rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour Phone 01223-457967 or 07973-883-261
a Zero Tolerance Policy on this, and wheeled bins. Some communal areas social behaviour and crime. • nuisance neighbours Email community.safety@cambridge.
with powers to remove items, charge were also obstructed with toys, carpets, • any activity causing harassment, alarm gov.uk
offenders for costs, and get fines plant-pots, post and newspapers. They share information as appropriate or distress Further information at www.cambridge.
imposed. under data protection law. Phone 01223-457950 gov.uk; type ‘racial’ in the search box
Larger items awaiting disposal, like Email asbsection@cambridge.gov.uk
Jamie Lambert is the Council’s new washing machines, fridges or mattresses, Listed on the right are the type of Report online at www.cambridge.gov.uk To report environmental issues, eg:
Engagement, Education & Enforcement must never be left in communal areas. complaints that you can report to the by typing ‘report asb’ in the search box • graffiti
Officer, working with residents to achieve And fire doors to escape routes must City Council. Crime, however, must • fly tipping or littering
zero items in communal areas. never be wedged open. always be reported to the police. To report noise nuisance, eg: • abandoned shopping trolleys, bicycles,
• noise from within a property, including or vehicles
Through visits and responding to Bicycles, mopeds or motorbikes are Most residents report anti-social loud music or shouting, that causes a • illegal advertising
complaints, Jamie has already inspected not allowed to be serviced or stored in behaviour to the Council online, though it disturbance to others Phone 01223-458282
over 80% of estates’ communal areas. communal areas, unless in designated is also possible to report it by phone. • inconsiderate busking Search at www.cambridge.gov.uk by
In places, he found blocked doors and stores provided by the Council. And • misfiring alarms typing ‘street park maintenance’ in
entrances, or motor vehicles stored mobility scooters must always be stored If you do not have internet access Phone 01223-457900 the search box
in communal areas! These are real either inside the resident’s home or away yourself, you can use the internet for free Email env.health@cambridge.gov.uk
dangers to all, both as fire hazards and from communal areas. at your local library or community centre. Further information at www.cambridge. For lost or stray dogs, and dog fouling,
as obstacles that can block emergency gov.uk by typing ‘report noise’ or phone 01223-457900
services from accessing residents’ homes As well as investing in creating a new Whatever method you choose for ‘pollution noise’ in the search box
when needed. post to ensure this, the Council is also reporting it, please remember that To report crime and criminal
collaborating closely with residents to any information you provide about To report needle finds and drug activities:
Areas that must be kept completely clear achieve clear communal areas for all. anti-social behaviour is given in paraphernalia: Phone the police at 101
of private possessions and dumped items confidence, and you also have the Phone 01223-458282 Or report online at www.cambs.police.uk
include communal walkways, staircases, See below the list of actions the Council option of reporting it anonymously. Search or report at www.cambridge.gov. In an emergency, always phone 999
balconies, storage areas, access paths, is taking - and the list of things you can uk by typing ‘needles’ in the search box
gardens and drying areas. do yourself to be part of the solution.
Actions for zero tolerance Complaints of neighbour noise or smoke
How is the Council tackling this? What you can do... We all have to be aware of our impact Bonfires and smoke Open fires and
on others. If you can hear your music wood-burning stoves
The Council has the following procedure Report left items or flytipping in internal or TV in another room, your neighbours Bonfires are not environmentally
for removing items left in communal communal areas: email Jamie.Lambert@ are probably hearing it too. If you are friendly. Their smoke and smuts can These have risen in popularity in recent
areas: cambridge.gov.uk or phone 01223- disturbed by neighbour noise, try asking prevent neighbours from enjoying their years. But smoke from neighbour’s
• Items are tagged with a deadline for 457070. them to reduce it, if you feel able. They gardens, opening windows or hanging chimneys is the cause of many
the resident to remove them. may not be aware it is a problem. If this out washing. They can reduce visibility complaints to local authorities.
• Otherwise, the Council will remove For flytipping in external communal
doesn’t work, try the Neighbourhood in the neighbourhood and on local
them, charging the resident (or all the areas of estates, report online at www.
Resolution Panel Scheme (email roads. Allotment-holders can also cause This smoke can be reduced by using
block’s residents) for the cost of this. cambridge.gov.uk/report-flytipping or
community.safety@cambridge.gov.uk or problems if persistently burning waste better quality fuel, and by burning it
• Complaints are investigated to identify phone 01223-458282.
phone 01223-457950). near homes. Instead, use compost bins more efficiently. This protects both
who is littering or fly-tipping: fines for To complain about communal that also save money on soil improvers. health and the environment. For useful
offenders are up to £400. building cleaning: email helppoint@ If this is unsuccessful, contact the City Garden cuttings from lawns, hedges tips on burning efficiently, visit www.
churchillservices.com Council’s Environmental Health Team and flower beds can be recycled in your cambridge.gov.uk/smoke-pollution
The Council is closing off some under- The Council will also see those (email env.health@cambridge.gov.uk, green bin or brown sack.
stairs areas to prevent fly-tipping. It complaints. phone 01223-457900). There are some Note that Cambridge city has three
provides a Bulky Waste Collection service types of noise they can’t act on, but they Household waste should not be burned Smoke Control Areas. If you live in one
that disposes of large items for £30, plus Arrange a Bulky Waste Collection at will help if they can. They may ask you on a bonfire. Much of it can go in your of these, you can only burn smokeless
£5 per additional item. And the Council’s www.cambridge.gov.uk/arrange-a-bulky- to keep a diary of the noise, or to record recycling bin. Large items like beds or fuel. Or if you want to burn coal or
Neighbourhood Clean-Up Events enable waste-collection or by phoning 01223- it on their Noise App. They can contact sofas should be taken to Milton wood in these areas, you must install
residents to dispose of items for free: see 458282. the offender, which often resolves the Household Waste Recycling Centre for an exempt heating appliance that burns
www.cambridge.gov.uk/neighbourhood- issue. In persistent cases, they can visit free disposal. Or they can be collected off its own smoke.
Become a Resident Inspector,
clean-up-events for dates near you. to assess the noise or install recording for a small fee by phoning 01223-
reporting estate problems to the City
Council: to sign up, email resident- equipment. And they can serve a 458282. Even if you don’t live in a Smoke
Where the Council has installed bike statutory notice on offenders. Control Area, please do minimise your
involvement@cambridge.gov.uk or phone
racks on estates, please do use them Information on the rules around emissions by burning smokeless fuel or
01223-458323.
rather than locking your bike to railings If noise persists, enforcement action may bonfires is available at www.cambridge. installing an exempt heating appliance.
and having it removed by the Council. be taken, for instance with prosecution gov.uk/bonfires If, however, you are For further information, visit www.
See the Council’s Zero Tolerance
Policy at www.cambridge.gov.uk/ and seizure of stereo equipment. experiencing smoke or smells from cambridge.gov.uk/smoke-pollution
New types of bike stores are also being illegal drug-use, you can phone the
media/9821/storage-in-communal-areas-
trialled on the estates, to find out which For more information, visit www. police at 101.
zero-tolerance-policy.pdf
work best. cambridge.gov.uk/report-a-noise-issue
8 9
Help for communities this Spring
Free, easy ways to feel better Tackling domestic abuse
Join the Movement is a free public Walk Before You Run Wellbeing Walks Up to one in four women and one in six Specialist support
service providing online tips and This very successful online course men will experience domestic abuse in
resources for keeping active in and supports you to improve your walking These short, friendly community the course of their lifetime. The City Unfortunately, deaf women are twice
around your own home. Have a look at fitness over four weeks, before later walks help you stay more active Council is accredited for excellence in as likely to experience domestic abuse.
their free activities at www.sportengland. starting a beginners’ running programme and connected. Led by trained dealing with domestic abuse. Your Cambridgeshire Deaf Association
org/jointhemovement if you wish. volunteers, they are free to join and housing staff are trained to tackle supports deaf victims of any gender.
everybody is welcome. Connect with the problem and support victims Their staff are fluent in Sign Language,
NHS online workouts Each week it guides you through 3 others and with nature, for physical appropriately. So for support and action, both British and international. And they
The NHS Fitness Studio website has walking sessions and a 15-minute and mental wellbeing. tell your housing officer about it in have dedicated over £21,000 to funding
10-minute workouts that fit easily into strength workout. You do the sessions confidence by phoning 01223-457070. an advocate supporting deaf victims of
Friendly walks - just turn up! domestic abuse, including through Sign
your daily schedule at home. Visit www. at a time, place and pace that suit you.
nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio Visit https://getmovingcam.thinkific.com/ • At 10am on the fourth Thursday Or for more information: Language.
courses/walk-before-you-run of the month at Nightingale • visit www.cambsdasv.org.uk
Return To Fitness online Community Garden, Nightingale • phone Cambridge Women’s Aid at Deaf victims contact them through email,
To get more active with a choice of Relax & Unwind Workout @ Home Avenue, CB1 8SQ. Join Walk Leader 01223-361214 text messaging, online video calls and
different exercise classes, sign up for Six sessions of yoga, meditation, self- David for a friendly, inclusive, • phone the National Domestic Abuse face to face meetings. So their support
the City Council’s Return To Fitness massage and calm breathing. Follow gently-paced walk in Nightingale Helpline at 0808-2000-247 is reaching out into the local deaf
programme, online with Cambridge- them at your own pace, in your own Park. Meet at the seating area in community. For more information, visit
based fitness instructors. time. They are at https://getmovingcam. the Community Garden inside the Free Spirit Cambs is another local www.cambsdeaf.org
thinkific.com/courses/relax-and-unwind park. David will support you to walk support community for victims of
When you register, you’ll receive access at a pace suitable for you, with rest domestic abuse. They support all • Men’s Advice Line - Supports males
to 8 different video workouts and healthy Wellbeing Yoga Workout @ Home stops as needed. regardless of age, gender or sexuality. experiencing domestic abuse, tel. 0808-
lifestyle tips, that you can work through This four-session programme helps keep • Or join a walk at 2pm every Providing tools for healing and recovery, 801-0327
at your own pace. you flexible. No previous yoga experience Wednesday outside Abbey Leisure they also spread awareness about the • GALOP supports LGBTQ people
needed. You can either do the sessions Complex, Whitehill Road, CB5 8NT. lasting effects of domestic abuse. experiencing domestic abuse, tel. 0800-
Start any time, taking part when and in order, or in any order you choose. Visit 999-5428
where it suits you, at www.cambridge. https://getmovingcam.thinkific.com/ For more information, visit www. For more information about them and • RESPECT supports perpetrators of
gov.uk/online-fitness-activities courses/wellbeing-yoga cambridge.gov.uk/wellbeing-walks their services, visit www.freespiritcambs. domestic abuse who want to stop and
co.uk change, tel. 0808-802-4040
Staying connected and informed Grants for residents
Cambridge has a wide network of In your online library account, you can Trades scams online Help for households Help for young people
local libraries across the city - there is see what you have on loan, renew items,
always one near you. They are warm, and search the catalogue to reserve Beware - scammers are using Are you struggling to pay for food or The Prince’s Trust Development Awards
welcoming spaces where you can join specific titles. You can then pick up what legitimate trade finder websites to bills? Until March 31st, the Household can give £175-£250 towards course fees
for free, to benefit from a lifetime of you’ve reserved at the local library of defraud the public in Cambridge. Support Fund can provide short-term or equipment, so younger people can
free services and community links. Visit your choice. Legitimate apps allow trades-people funds to help pay for food, heating or achieve their goals. Grants are paid to an
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/ to advertise services like plumbing, utilities. organisation, or you receive a voucher.
libraries-leisure-culture/libraries/visit-a- electrics, building work, etc.
Libraries for health and wellbeing To be eligible, you must be receiving Eligible people are aged 16 to 30,
library Your local library is an inclusive, But unsuspecting members of the benefits or earning under £17,940 per unemployed or working less than 16
welcoming place where everyone can public are contacting these apps - and year. Visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ hours a week, or studying less than 14
As well as borrowing books, films feel at home. By joining, you can meet
or music, you can use their public then being asked to pay in advance household-support-fund where you can hours a week. The Awards can support:
likeminded people, feel more a part of for work requested. Unfortunately, fill in the application form online. For • accredited course fees up to Level 3
computers for free. They offer free wifi your community, and get involved in
for your own devices too. after they pay up, they never receive information, phone 0345-045-5219. (A-level equivalent)
networks and events, to boost wellbeing the services they paid for. • tools, equipment, uniforms or job-
and help you live a flourishing life. Help with heating licence fees for a job or qualification
Many provide a Digital Buddies service,
where trained volunteers can give you So don’t pay in advance until • transport to a new job until your first
Increasingly, libraries are kept running requested work has been completed, Are you struggling to afford to heat your wages
one to one support for using computers by community volunteers, as much as by and you are satisfied with it. Genuine home? Stay Well Heating Grants can
and the internet. Their Learn My Way professional staff. For instance, you could trades people will give you a quote, offer help, with grants of up to £400 for They can’t be used to pay for things like:
programme lets you learn from scratch to become a Digital Buddy or a Library then send you an invoice once the vulnerable households in extreme or • living expenses, eg. rent or bills
use computers and the internet, at your Events Supporter. You could be one of job is complete. They will not ask urgent crisis. (The grant can be paid once • business start-up costs
own pace. Just ask about these resources the Read A Little Aloud team, or deliver for money up front. A site you can every 6 months at most.) • items already paid for
at your local library. reading materials to someone who is trust is Safe Local Trades, at www. • gap-year or overseas projects
housebound. safelocaltrades.com Your application has to be done by an • Level 4 course fees or higher
Library services from home
official organisation. So if you are a City
There is also a wide range of library Or you could just spend a few hours If you are scammed by rogue traders, Council tenant, email incometeam@ A friendly volunteer can help you
services that you can access from home. helping to keep your library spick and report it to the police, either online cambridge.gov.uk Or if you are a City complete the application form. For more
Once you have joined, you can borrow span, engaging with customers and at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by Council leaseholder, phone the Council information, visit www.princes-trust.org.
a huge variety of eBooks, eAudio books, keeping shelves stocked. For more phoning 0300-1232-040 or 101. at 01223-457000. The Council can then uk/help-for-young-people/get-funding-
eComics and eMagazines from home, information, ask at your local library or For more information, visit www. apply for this help for you. train-learn
as well as accessing their business email volunteers@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
resources and online events. cambridgeshire.gov.uk/against-scams
10 11
What residents’ involvement achieved in the past year
What residents achieved Overviewing residents’ involvement
Despite Covid-19, the involvement of In this way, residents help to shape The way the Council involves residents There is a Residents’ Editorial Panel for Your 6 elected resident reps
tenants and leaseholders in shaping council services at every stage, from in services is updated as the needs of Open Door. These council tenants and
council services had an amazing positive deciding which projects should be funded residents and services change. The leaseholders are closely involved in the They champion your interests on
impact on services over the past year. or not, to designing the service before it government’s 2020 Charter for Social choice of information, tone and focus for the Council’s Housing Scrutiny
They influenced no less than 47 different begins, to monitoring its performance. Housing Residents sets the standards each edition, to ensure that it continues Committee. Decisions they debated
service areas, as you can see below. for this work. And your local resident to meet residents’ needs across each or voted on at their January meeting
There are different groups and routes for representatives here in Cambridge are year. included:
Residents get involved in influencing influencing different services, depending fully involved too. • the budget for the Housing Service
services at the level that suits them. This on a resident’s own interests. They can They do the same for the Resident for 2022-23
might be giving feedback online from include for instance: Last year they helped to draw up the City Involvement E-Newsletter that also goes • the delivery of newly built council
their own home, or doing ‘Walkabouts’ Council’s Resident Involvement Strategy out to council residents three times per homes in the city
on their estate inspecting the quality • communities in new housing 2021-2024, which guarantees the range year. To sign up to receive this pithy, • a report on Hanover and Princess
of work done by the Council or its developments and quality of involvement that elected informative 2-page news bulletin by Courts and Kingsway Flats
contractors. Or it might go all the way • sheltered tenants tenants and leaseholders can expect from email, email resident-involvement@ • selecting contractors for energy-
up to being elected onto the Council’s • leaseholders the Housing Service. You can view the cambridge.gov.uk efficiency improvements to reduce
Housing Scrutiny Committee, which • residents’ groups on estates full Resident Involvement Strategy 2021- carbon emissions from the city’s
makes all the biggest decisions on the • residents concerned about estate 2024 on the Council’s website at www. Estate Improvement Schemes council housing
city’s council housing. services cambridge.gov.uk/resident-involvement- • approving the budget for the
• resident gardeners strategies-updates-and-reports Meanwhile, out on the estates, the ‘Streets to Home’ service, and
A diverse network of resident scrutiny • residents interested in digital inclusion Council has set aside £1 million per grants for agencies preventing
feeds through to this Committee via and computers Part of the work of the Resident year for hands-on improvement projects homelessness
channels like: • residents interested in environment Involvement Service is to produce suggested or approved by local residents. • a licensing policy for Cambridge
and climate change Open Door magazine for residents three From bike sheds to new gates, lighting or City Caravan Site
• estate Walkabouts critiquing the local times per year. As a window onto both seating, this year’s Estate Improvement • council services’ compliance with
environment To learn more or to get involved in a the Housing Service and the dozens of Schemes were all closely shaped by government regulations
• trained Resident Inspectors formally way that suits your lifestyle, visit www. free supports and services around town, detailed consultation with residents on
inspecting the quality of work done on cambridge.gov.uk/resident-involvement, it keeps all the Council’s tenants and the estates receiving them. To contact your elected resident reps
council homes and estates email resdent-involvement@cambridge. leaseholders well informed about their To suggest such an improvement for your at any time, email hsc.residents@
• performance monitoring data formally gov.uk or phone 01223-458323. rights and opportunities. estate, email resident-involvement@ gmail.com or phone 01223-458323 to
shared with resident representatives cambridge.gov.uk leave them a message.
47 service areas influenced Free offers and prizes for residents
The 47 housing-related council services Homes Policy, and how the Council deals Free Loans of Tablet Computers Residents’ Garden Competition Free Grass-
influenced by residents’ input this year with under-occupation of homes. Cutting
included, for example: The City Council is continuing to offer The gardens of the Council’s tenants
• the overall budget for the Housing Sheltered tenants inputted to their free loans of wifi-enabled tablets to and leaseholders are becoming an An overgrown
Service services at the Independent Living council tenants and leaseholders who are ever-expanding haven for wildlife and lawn can have a
• the city’s Housing Strategy, and plans Service, and leaseholders influenced the receiving Housing Benefit or Universal biodiversity. All council tenants and negative impact
for building new council homes and Council’s Leasehold Services. Credit. leaseholders are welcome to enter the on your home,
affordable housing Council’s annual Residents’ Garden neighbours and
• plans to boost biodiversity on council When specific services are outsourced to To be eligible, residents must also be Competition, where natural gardens locality.
estates and land be delivered by a contractor, residents without any access to computers or wifi avoiding herbicides and pesticides are
• strategies for reducing carbon are closely involved in the selection and at home, other than smart phones. especially appreciated. The Council provides a free service for
emissions across the Housing Service hiring of that contractor, as they were eligible council tenants over 18 who
this year for: The loaned tablet computer comes with Whether you have a big garden, a veg cannot cut their own grass. They can
In terms of the day to day running of • a maintenance contractor for estates preloaded free data, and the loan is for patch or just a few hanging baskets, receive a free cut every month from
council estates, residents advised and • a communal cleaning contractor for six months. all are welcome: groups, kids, balcony- April to October. Eligible tenants must:
influenced on things like: estates gardeners, first-time gardeners... The
• improvements to the Council’s • a catering contractor for Ditchburn This scheme is helping residents on prizes, sponsored by local organisations • have a disability for which you
Customer Service Centre Place sheltered accommodation benefits to improve their economic like Scotsdales, the Botanic Gardens receive some benefits
• tenancy management, including the situation. For instance, using the internet and Lubbe Bulbs, are worth hundreds of • live alone, or with other people who
basic 3 R’s of council housing - rents, Whether delivered by the Council or by can give you much better access to pounds in gardening supplies. are also eligible
repairs and re-lets its contractors, residents monitor the employment and training opportunities. • have no family living within a 10-
• managing residents’ car parking flow of data that measures how well You can also manage your budget Application forms must be submitted by mile radius who could do your grass-
• estate services like communal cleaning, each service is performing. They also through online banking, or compare Thursday 2nd June. A letter will let you cutting, and are willing to do it
window-cleaning and grass-cutting review complaints about services, to see the prices of utility providers and easily know when the friendly judges will visit
• the Estate Improvements Scheme whether the Council has responded with switch to better deals. your garden, most likely in mid-June. To apply, phone 01223-458323 or
that funds projects to improve estate improvements. And prize-giving is usually in October. email resident-involvement@
environments To apply for this offer of a tablet For an application form or information, cambridge.gov.uk
Interested in a particular service area? computer loan, email resident- visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/tenant-and-
Residents were also involved in updating To have your say in a way that suits you, involvement@cambridge.gov.uk or phone leaseholder-garden-competition Or Above: one resident’s tidy garden in the
the Council’s policies for running estates, email resident-involvement@cambridge. 01223-458323. email resident-involvement@ cambridge. north of the city
like the Lettings Policy and the Empty gov.uk or phone 01223-458323. gov.uk or phone 01223-458323.
12 13Actions for our climate For leaseholders
Recycling and saving on electrical items Legalities of subletting
At recycling points around the city, such And why not really look after the Free of chemical weedkillers?
Your Lease Agreement explains the legal property. There is no compensation for
as at Fawcett Road, Glebe Farm Drive, equipment you have, cleaning and In 2019, Cambridge City Council agreement between you and the City you if this happens, and you would lose
Hawkey Road or Osprey Drive, you can servicing it so it lasts much longer? For declared a Biodiversity Emergency. Council. As a leaseholder you have the all rights to the property.
now recycle small electrical items that instance, vacuum cleaners dropped off at Actions included reducing chemical option to sublet your flat. But there are a
have a plug or battery. To find recycling Recycling Centres often only need their herbicides on its footpaths and number of requirements involved. If you decide to go ahead, any sublet
points, visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/find- bag emptying, which could have saved verges. A first trial stopped using must be formally registered with the City
a-recycling-point the owner hundreds! them on council estates in the Abbey If you choose to sublet, the Council Council’s Leasehold Team, on the form
area, to protect both wildlife and recommends you first get a solicitor to provided. (This is separate from any
From mobile phones to toasters, If a device works but you no longer humans in the outdoor environment. check your lease. Ask them to make sure other contact you may have about your
Cambridge was dumping 320 tonnes of want it, it’s so easy now to sell or that your proposed tenants and your leashold with other council departments,
electrical items each year. But they leak donate it online. Websites like Facebook The Council’s Biodiversity Strategy Tenancy Agreement with them comply eg. about Council Tax.) Registering a
hazardous substances into our land Marketplace or Gumtree let you quickly covers City Council-owned land. But with your lease. sublet incurs a £75 administration fee,
and water. Now a specialist company is sell or donate to locals. Mobile phone there is an opportunity now to and you can download the necessary
sorting each one for re-use, repair or providers offer take-back schemes, and collaborate with the County Council Your Leashold Agreement stipulates that form at www.cambridge.gov.uk/
recycling. Many screens and power units, charity shops often accept small clean to stop herbicides on all the city’s you must ‘use and occupy the flat solely leaseholders
for instance, can simply be re-used. electrical appliances. public ground in the year ahead. and exclusively as a self-contained flat in
There is a proposal to start with a one family occupation only’. This means Note that you are responsible for
But the best place to start saving money Even if an item isn’t working, it can often trial of two wards in the city. that you can only sublet the flat to one ensuring your tenants always comply
and recycling is actually before you buy. be repaired. First check YouTube videos: person or one family - not to a group of with the responsibilities of living in
Do you really need that new gadget or it might just need a new fuse! Or take it These trials can offer residents, their individuals who are flat-sharing, and not a council leasehold property. Even if
upgraded smartphone? Could you just to a repair shop or one of Cambridge’s children and pets, as well as wildlife, as a holiday let. renting via an agency, your tenants must
keep your existing one for another year, free Repair Cafes: find them at www. protection from herbicide chemicals. be fully briefed on all the rules on issues
saving yourself hundreds of pounds? circularcambridge.org Local signage and social media If you breach the conditions of your like number of occupants, noise, visitors,
postings will explain the trials. But lease, the consequences can be very keeping communal areas clear, parking,
You don’t have to go without. Instead If it really is beyond repair or re-use, residents’ feedback will be crucial serious. The City Council has in the past bins, recycling and so on.
of buying a gadget new, could you use drop it off at a recycling point or take too. Would you like your street to be taken legal action against leaseholders
or repair something you already have? bulky items like fridges to the Household free of herbicides? To get involved, who ignored this clause in their lease. For more information, visit www.
Perhaps you could borrow one, or buy it Recycling Centre in Milton. See all the email sosvolunteers@cambridge.gov. cambridge.gov.uk/leaseholders, email
second-hand, or even find one for free on city’s recycling points at www.cambridge. uk or phone 01223-458084. The Council can apply to the courts leasehold.services@cambridge.gov.uk or
websites like www.gumtree.org gov.uk/find-a-recycling-point to end your lease and repossess your phone the Council at 01223-457835.
Ways to save water, money and your bike! Your leasehold services
Unfortunately, here in the South East we 6. Sign up at www.saveourstreams.co.uk Save Our Cycles campaign A small team of staff at the City Council Have your say
use more water per head than anywhere to receive free gadgets that help you manage the Council’s Leasehold Services
else in the UK. This water is taken from reduce the amount of water you waste. for you. Their services include: The next meeting of the Leaseholders’
A rise in cycle crime has brought
our local environment, including our Forum will be on Tuesday 24th May,
7. Air your clothes to get another wear the City Council, police and other
precious chalk streams. So Affinity Water • producing Welcome Packs for new 12.30-2pm, online via Microsoft Teams
from them before washing. agencies together in a Save Our Cycles
has launched the campaign Save Our leaseholders as usual.
campaign. The campaign reminds you
Streams. Here are 10 super-easy tips to to: • maintaining database information on
8. Always fully load your washing Leaseholders find these lively meetings
start saving water and money. • record your bike’s frame number and properties and their leaseholders
machine and dishwasher - half-empty, informative and productive. To request
description • leasehold name changes
1. Get a water meter. Those with one use they use just as much water. the link to attend, email resident-
• register it on www.bikeregister.com, • lease extensions
on average 129 litres per person per day, 9. Fit an eco shower-head. It can save • solicitors’ enquiries for sales and involvement@cambridge.gov.uk or
compared to 171 for those without. helping the police to return stolen
a whopping 7,000 litres of water a extensions phone 01223-458323. If you want to
bikes
year. And shower rather than bathing • quarterly invoicing for service charges see what they’re like first, recordings
2. Fix leaky loos or taps, saving up to • always lock it securely to a fixed
whenever possible. • pursuing service charge arrears of previous meetings are available at
5,500 litres a year off your water bills! object, even if just for a few minutes
• gas safety certificates www.cambridge.gov.uk/leaseholder-
Book a free home water-efficiency check 10. If washing up by hand, use a bowl consultation-meetings
The city’s cycle stands have been • administration of subletting
at www.saveourstreams.co.uk or the stoppered sink. This saves 22
audited to improve security and safety. • leaseholders’ alterations to properties
litres each time, compared to washing up • breaches of leases As well as answering questions from
3. Instead of a hose, use watering cans And the police are using CCTV and
under a running tap. • issuing Section 20 Notices about future leaseholders, these meetings give
for your garden and a bucket and sponge data on theft trends to tackle bike-
planned works by the Council updates and briefings from a range
for your car. One hour on a hose uses as So how much water do you use, and theft hot spots.
• maintaining information for of council staff, on issues relevant to
much water as a family of four use in a how much can you save? Take the quick
leaseholders at www.cambridge.gov. leaseholders. These can range from
day and a half. survey at www.saveourstreams.co.uk to So always report bike crime, either
uk/leaseholders future planned works to building
find out. And watch your bills to see just online at www.cambs.police.uk/report/ cleaning, from subletting to the
4. Cut your shower by two minutes • liaising with leaseholders’ elected
how much these ten tiny changes will Report-Shared/Report-a-crime Council’s ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’ on
to save £135 a year. Sing along to a representative
save you in money and water every year. or by phoning 101. For more items left in communal areas. Your
4-minute song while in the shower: it’s • running the meetings of the
information on the Save Our Cycles elected leaseholder representative,
the ideal length for a shower that saves Leaseholders’ Forum
At www.saveourstreams.co.uk, claim campaign and other resources Diane Best, is also present to answer
both water and money.
your free water-saving devices. And their supporting cycling in Cambridge, visit Email leasehold.services@cambridge.gov. questions and update you on leasehold
5. Turn off the tap while brushing your website enables you to monitor your own www.camcycle.org.uk/resources/ uk or phone 01223-457835. issues.
teeth, to save a further 6,500 litres a water-saving progress as you go along. cycletheft
year off your water bill!
Pictured, right: Spring planting at East Road council homes
14 15You can also read
