Open Door Spring 2019 - For the Tenants & Leaseholders of Cambridge City Council
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Open Door
Spring 2019
A change in collecting Make money renting out Charges for homes left
of rent, p3 a room, p14 in disrepair, p15
For the Tenants & Leaseholders of Cambridge City Council
C ont e n ts Welcome to the Spring edition of Open Door. Based on
Change to your rent payments
Welcome from
feedback from residents, we have refreshed its look and
David Greening layout a little. We hope this will make it even easier for you
Changes ahead 3 Head of Housing Services to find the information you need in here.
A change to rent collection 3 On the page opposite, you can read about a change in the
Will Brexit affect your way the Council will collect your rent from 1st April 2019
onwards. Importantly, the overall amount that you pay
residency rights? 3
each year will not increase due to this change - the amount
will just be distributed more evenly across all the weeks of
Money matters 4 the year.
Universal Credit 4 For European Union citizens, there is also a brief summary
of the current plans for how you can apply to protect your
Join a Credit Union 4
residency rights after ‘Brexit’.
Help in managing your money 5
Free computer classes 5 Pages 6 and 7 show a range of free activities that can help boost your body,
wellbeing, finances and home environment this Spring. And our Local Focus
series continues on page 8, with a range of low-cost support and services that are
Extra help & support 6 available in specific localities near you.
Stay stronger for longer 6 On page 11 you can hear about your new tenant representatives on the Council’s
Housing Scrutiny Committee, and consider applying yourself to be elected to one of
Exercise referrals by GPs 6
these roles.
Free support for youth 7
Furnish your home for less 7 This edition brings you lots of important information about getting the most from
your council tenancy or leasehold, and some important rules you need to know
From 1st April 2019, there will be a At the end of last year, the Council rent all across the year like this will
about. On page 14 tenants can read about making income from letting out a room
change to the way the Council collects ran a consultation with tenants about fit better with Universal Credit, the
Free Local Focus help 8 to a lodger. You can also see how to swap your home for someone else’s social your rent. this proposed change, including via an new form of benefit payment which is
housing property around the country, using the Homeswapper service that the online questionnaire. Tenants’ response received monthly, not fortnightly. (See
For children & families 8-9 Council now supports financially to improve the experience of our tenants who are This will not increase your rent - it is to the consultation was to approve the our detailed articles about Universal
From City Councillors 8 looking to move. Page 15 explains the extra charges paid by tenants who leave just a slightly different system for paying proposed change. Credit on pages 4 and 5).
8
their home in disrepair when they move out. It also brings you information about a the rent that’s due each year.
Older people’s activities scheme that can give financial help to ‘part-buy’ a home of your own. Many other councils and housing The annual Rent Review letter that was
Help for minorities 9 In the past, the Council collected your associations already collect rent in sent to you in February will have given
Food Banks around the city 9 Page 12 is for leaseholders: it makes clear the rules on subletting as a leaseholder, rent on 48 weeks of the year. In the this way. It is a tried and tested model you official notification about this change
and explains how the Council can supply leasehold landlords with suitable year’s other weeks, so long as your rent that has worked well for their tenants. to rent collection that starts on Monday 1
subtenants and a guaranteed income, via its Townhall Lettings Scheme. account was in credit, you didn’t make Research shows that it is more effective April 2019.
Residents are active 10 any rent payments. to collect the year’s rent across the
Spring is already in the air, and on page 13 you are invited to come out and whole year like this, rather than across For any help or advice about these
Get online for free 10 attend the local Community Environment Day that the Council will organise The new system from April 2019 doesn’t 48 weeks as the Council has done up to changes or about keeping your rent paid
2019 Garden Competition near you during the months ahead. Page 16 brings you an update on what your make any change to the total rent due in now. up to date, email James.Stephenson@
11
Neighbourhood Policing Team are doing in your local area, and how you can link up a given year. It just means that you will cambridge.gov.uk or phone 01223-
Your elected resident reps 11 now pay rent on every week of the year. The new system is also designed to be 457070.
with them on any issues that concern you.
So you will pay a little less each week. more convenient for tenants. Collecting
Leaseholders 12 And on page 11 you’ll see that it’s already time to apply to enter the 2019
Residents’ Garden Competition! There are lots of valuable prizes to be won.
Rules on subletting leaseholds 12
12 With best wishes,
Can EU citizens stay in the UK after Brexit?
Get subtenants from Council
David Greening
Estates & gardens 13 ‘Brexit’ - the plan for Britain to leave the As this edition of Open Door goes to For more information or to sign up
European Union - has been confusing for press, the Settlement Scheme for EU to receive email updates when the
City Homes everyone. And it has caused uncertainty citizens is not yet open for applications. Settlement Scheme opens, visit www.
Funds for improving estates 13
for many European Union (EU) citizens The deadline currently proposed gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
Free skips 13 currently living in the UK. for applying is 30th June 2021. But
applicants coming to the UK to join a You can also find information there
Camcitco As this edition of Open Door goes to family member who already has ‘Settled’ about UK residency rights after Brexit for
You need to know 14 press, the following is the current or ‘Pre-Settled’ status will be able to citizens of Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
guidance from the government... apply after this deadline. and Switzerland.
Make money from a lodger 14
How to swap your home 14 After Brexit, European Union citizens and There will be no application fee. Note
If you currently receive Open Door by post, why not their families currently resident in the that you won’t need to apply at all if:
Charges for leaving disrepair 15
get it by email from now on, as many residents do? It’s UK can apply to the British government • you are an Irish citizen, or
Part-buying a home 15 easy to read on the go, on any device with wifi, saving for either ‘Settled’ or ‘Pre-Settled’ status • you have already been granted
on paper and carbon footprint. To receive Open Door by to stay living in Britain. This status, ‘Indefinite Leave’ to remain in the
awarded by the government’s Settlement UK, or
Useful info 16 email instead of post, just visit:
Scheme, will enable them to continue • you have ‘Indefinite Leave’ to
http://camcit.co/2jsJMQX living in the UK after December 2020. enter the UK (such as a ‘Returning
Neighbourhood policing 16 Resident’ visa)
To contact the Council 16 After Brexit, Irish citizens in the UK will
Cover: Trinity College Avenue off Grange Road, retain the full current residency rights But your family members from outside
open to the public for much of the year that they had before, and will not need the UK and Ireland will have to apply,
to apply. even if you don’t.
Twitter: facebook.com/ youtube.com/ cambridge.gov.uk/ 3
@camcitco cityhomes cambridgecitycouncil opendoor
Money matters
What is Universal Credit? Customer Service Centre in Regent You must have a bank savings to cover all your bills for the You must apply by
Street. If you can’t use a computer yet, first month, while you wait for your first
free, friendly classes will help you learn or credit union account payment. There is lots of free help to
internet
Universal Credit is a single monthly
payment that replaces your previous easily. support you with budgeting and saving. and use email
To receive any benefits under the new
benefits and is paid to you directly
What if I don’t have a bank or credit system being phased in over the next By about four years’ time, everyone
by government. For everyone below Free one-to-one budgeting session
union account? few years for all those of working age, will have to use internet and email to
pension age, it will gradually replace A free, friendly one-to-one session will
The green box on the right shows where you must have a bank account or receive any benefits at all. If you don’t
most other benefits over the next four help you get your finances organised and
you can drop in to open a credit union credit union account. have internet access, just use the free
years. start monthly budgeting without stress.
account. Or visit Rainbow Saver Credit computers at your local library or the
Just phone James Stephenson at the
Union online at www.rainbowsaver.co.uk, To open a credit union account, come Council’s Regent Street Customer
What benefits does Universal Credit Council at 01223-458418 or email James.
or email mail@rainbowsaver.org.uk or along to any of these sessions. Service Centre.
replace? Stephenson@cambridge.gov.uk
phone 01502-584854. Or see Eastern
Everyone making a new claim now Free, friendly classes can show
Union Loans Credit Union online at www.
receives Universal Credit instead of what Mondays Cambridge Citizens’ Advice Bureau you how to use computers and the
eslcu.co.uk, or email office@eslcu.co.uk
used to be: give free, confidential advice on debt and internet. For information, phone
Council’s Customer Service Centre, personal finances.
• Income-based Jobseeker’s How will Universal Credit 01223-300407 or 01223-457232. Or
Regent St, 11am-1pm • Visit 66 Devonshire Rd, Mon-Fri,
Allowance (JSA) affect my rent? see the Cambridge Digital
• Income-related Employment Any money you are entitled to as help 9.15am-12.45pm Inclusion Directory at Council
Tuesdays
& Support Allowance (ESA) with your rent will be included within • Phone 03448-487979, Mon-Fri, 2-4pm offices, community centres and
• Income Support your monthly Universal Credit payment. East Barnwell Community Centre, • See www.cambridgecab.org.uk for libraries (details on page 10 of this
• Housing Benefit But you must use it to pay your rent Barnwell Rd, 10am-12 You must budget monthly, advice online edition of Open Door).
• Child Tax Credit directly to your landlord yourself. If you Meadows Community Centre, not weekly
• Working Tax Credit fail to pay your rent yourself, you could St Catharine’s Rd, 11am-1pm Free computing
lose your home. So it’s best to set up There are 3 important reasons why Hester Adrian Centre, 2 Hawthorn
What if I already receive one Brown’s Field Community Centre,
a Direct Debit that will pay your rent you will need good budgeting skills. Way, CB4 1AX, Mon to Fri, 10am-4pm
of the benefits above? Green End Rd, 10.30am-12.30pm
automatically as soon as your monthly
Only those making a new claim will be Mandela House, Regent St, CB2 1BY,
Universal Credit payment arrives in 1. Payments are monthly, not weekly
moved onto Universal Credit immediately. Wednesdays Mon, 10am-noon
your bank or credit union account. You The new benefit payments - called
At some point over the next four years,
can also pay your rent online, over the Trumpington Pavilion, Universal Credit - will arrive monthly, not Ross Street Community Centre, CB1
others’ benefits will also be changed over
phone, at PayPoints around the city or at Paget Rd, 10am-12pm fortnightly. So you will have to get used 3UZ, Fri, 10.30am-noon
to a single, monthly Universal Credit
Council offices. to budgeting for the whole month ahead,
payment. The government will contact Meadows Community Centre, St
Thursdays rather than just for a week or a fortnight.
you to tell you when it’s your turn. Does Universal Credit include Catharines Rd, CB4 3XJ, Tues & Fri,
Council’s Customer Service Centre,
You will have to plan for putting aside
Council Tax Support? 10am-noon
How will I claim Universal Credit? Regent St, 10am-1pm at the start of the month enough to pay
No. Contact the Council to make a Step Change Debt Charity also give
You will have to apply over the internet each of your bills and other costs over Browns Field Community Centre,
separate claim for Council Tax Support. Ross Street Community free advice and help, tailored for you at
- there is no paper application form. And the whole month ahead. CB4 1RT, Wed, 1-2pm
Centre, 11am-1pm Freephone 0800-1381111, 8am-8pm
you will have to have a bank or credit When will I get my first
2. You must pay your rent yourself on Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm on Sat. Cambridge United Learning Centre,
union account. To apply online at www. Universal Credit payment?
Your monthly Universal Credit benefit Visit www.stepchange.org and use their Newmarket Rd, CB5 8LN,
gov.uk/apply-universal-credit, you will About 5 weeks after you complete and
will include any help you get for your Debt Remedy - an online advice service Tues, 10am-noon
need: submit your online claim. If you can’t
rent. But you will have to pay your rent tailored for you.
• the details of your bank account or manage financially while waiting, you
credit union account could ask your JobCentre for an Advance directly to your landlord yourself. If you
fail to do so - such as by spending that The Money Advice Service
• an email address Payment - but it’s just a loan that you
money on anything else - you could lose www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk are a
• your National Insurance Number must repay.
your home. This is a big change for those free, independent service helping you
• details of your rent For more information or advice on
used to having their Housing Benefit sent make the most of your money.
• details of your income, savings and any Universal Credit:
property owned • visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/ to their landlord automatically in the
past. Try their confidential 5-minute Financial
universal-credit
What if I don’t have access Health-Check for individual advice tailor-
• email benefits@cambridge.gov.uk
to the internet ? 3. You wait a month for it to arrive made for you to improve your personal
• phone 01223-457775
If you don’t have a computer with Your first Universal Credit payment will finances. Or chat to one of their advisors
• write to Cambridge City Council,
internet access, you can use one for free arrive just over a month after you make online, or phone 0300-5005000.
Benefits, Freepost PO Box 130,
at your local library or at the Council’s your claim. So you will need enough
CB2 1BR
4 5
How to stay Stronger for Longer Free support & services for 11-25 year olds
Stronger for Longer is a set of simple Christina, 73, For all young people aged 11-19 in your diary
exercises that enable older people to says: ‘I had Cambridge, the Youthoria website is a • contact details of a Youth Support
improve their strength and balance, a few falls must at www.youthoria.org It provides Centre near you, where face to face staff
avoiding falls. Doing them just twice a after my knee an incredible range of free support and will also be happy to help with any the
week means you can get stronger and operation. I resources for every aspect of teenage above
more active as you get older, rather than also suffered life.
less active! two mini- To get started, just visit online at
strokes which There, you can ‘Ask Ali’ - meaning www.youthoria.org
These 6 carefully designed exercises - frightened consult an online avatar confidentially on
done just twice a week - will improve me and any topic you wish. Youthoria resources
your strength and balance. You can do knocked my include... Free counselling
them at home or at friendly, low-cost confidence.
classes nearby. For jobs & trainings Aged 17-25 and feeling under
I was pressure? Take advantage of free,
petrified of • offers of jobs, apprencticeships and
Margaret, a Cambridge lady in her trainings confidential counselling sessions at
not being Centre 33.
70s who’s been doing the Stronger for • guidance on subject choices at school
able to look
Longer exercises, confirms: ‘I do feel • lots of opportunities to access grants,
after myself Young people who use the service
stronger and much more able to do funding, volunteering and group
or my dog say: ‘It does shift things inside you’.
things I couldn’t do two years ago.’ activities
and losing my And ‘It made it possible for me to talk
independence, so I knew I had to get • ways in to the activities and trainings
Whether you do them in your living provided by the Prince’s Trust to friends... suddenly it was okay’.
some help.’
room or at fun, sociable classes (or
both), these simple exercises will help Christina learned to do the 6 simple For your well-being To book a confidential appointment...
keep you safe, independent and active, Stronger for Longer exercises three • apps that help you handle the Visit www.centre33.org.uk
as you get older. times a week. pressures of teenage life Phone 0333-4141809
• free, confidential counselling service or Text 07514-783745
For more information, see online ‘It has opened doors to new activities. therapy to support your mental health Email help@centre33.org.uk
at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ I have now recently just joined a Jive • confidential advice about looking after Message them on Twitter or Facebook
strongerforlonger Club! And I started to go swimming your health @centre33cambs
Or email Helen.Tunster@cambridge.gov. with a friend, which I never thought • support with relationships, sexuality
uk, phone 01223-458612 or write to I’d be able to do. and sexual health Or drop-in to Centre33, 33 Clarendon
Carrie Holbrook, Cambridge City Council, • support for young people who’ve been Street, CB1 1JX
My ability to do day to day tasks has Mon: 10am-5pm
PO Box 700, Cambridge, CB2 3AS. victims of crime
also improved. Before, I was even Wed, Fri & Sat: 10am-1.30pm
(Have a look too at the classes of
afraid to walk my dog but now I can No need for an appointment at these
Forever Active: at just £15 for a whole For joining in
enjoy these things a lot more...’ drop-in times
year, they’re advertised at www.forever- • fun things to do, and lots of dates for
active.org.uk)
Exercise referrals by GPs Furnish and paint your home for less
Together with GP surgeries, the City Your referral can include individually Cambridge Re-Use is a low-price As one happy customer put it: ‘The
Council delivers exercise schemes that tailored gym classes, swimming, weight furniture shop reserved for those on amazing staff and helpful attitudes have
could help you with a long-term medical management or even swimming adapted lower incomes. (Single customers can helped me so much! Made my life worth
condition. for those living with dementia. earn up to £18,000 per year, and couples living again after a terrible time. Can’t
up to £23,000.) For about half the price thank them enough!’
Qualified fitness professionals near Patients of GP surgeries at East Barnwell, charged by charity shops, you can pick
you can give you a 12-week exercise Nuffield Road and Arbury Road enjoy the up white goods, electrical items and Spring clean and donate!
programme tailored to your medical 12-week programme for free. The same many other useful household things, as
needs, either free or at low cost. So why goes for eligible patients of the York well as large pieces of furniture. Or why not have a spring clean and
not ask your GP surgery to refer you? Street, Fisher’s Lane, Cornford House, donate your own unwanted items such as
Mill Road, Petersfield, Trumpington and They also stock fresh paint from furniture, toys, books or ornaments? For
Called Start-Up and Healthwise, these Red House surgeries. Cambridge Community Repaint, who just £5 they’ll collect bulky items from
schemes help people suffering from long- redistribute leftover paint at very low your home, saving you the hassle and
term conditions like high blood pressure, If you’re not eligible for the free service, cost. (Pictured, right, they’ve saved over cost of disposing of them. Email
diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, mobility you pay just £7.50 to register, then £3 half a million litres of paint from the donate@cambridgereuse.org.uk or phone
problems or depression. They can also for each session. dump since 2011!) 01223-576535.
help those recovering from serious
illnesses like cancer, stroke or heart All GP surgeries, and some hospital Open Monday to Friday, 9am-4.30pm,
conditions. The 12-week schemes offer: departments can refer patients to the the shop is a pleasure to browse in. They
scheme. So why not ask at your own GP deliver large items anywhere in the city
• gym activities tailored for you
surgery now? for just £10. Why not go along, if you
• circuit classes for long-term fitness
qualify?
• recreational swimming
For more information email startup@
• cardiac rehabilitation
cambridge.gov.uk, phone 01223-458646 The shop is at Cambridge Re-Use, Unit
• stroke rehabilitation classes
or see online at www.cambridge.gov.uk/ H, The Paddocks, 347 Cherry Hinton
• cancer rehabilitation
startup Road, CB1 8DH. Visit them online at
• walking tours of the Botanic Gardens
www.cambridgereuse.org.uk or phone
01223-576535. (Take along proof of your
income, such as wage slips, Working Tax
6
5
Extra help & support Credit documents or proof of benefits.)
7
Local Focus - Extra help in your neighbourhood
In East Chesterton Around town
Your local
City Councillors Support for parents and Food Banks
under 5’s A Food Bank is open somewhere in the
If an issue in your local area is city every day of the working week.
bothering you, you can ask your local Support for parents & under-5’s
City Councillors to attend to it. At Chesterton Childrens’ Centre, Shirley
Before you can use it, you must get a
Nursery & Primary School,
Food Bank Voucher. You can request
The City Council is overseen by 42 Nuffield Rd, tel. 01223-729081
one from your Council Housing Officer,
City Councillors who are elected by Childcare, play sessions, family support
GP surgery, Community Centre, local
you, the residents of 14 different Help with parenting, Dads’ groups
support organisations, your child’s school
wards across the city. Free or £2 per family
or from some churches.
City Councillors make decisions about For kids, youth & parents
Food Banks give 3 days’ worth of food
how to improve local services and At Brown’s Field Youth & Community
and will advise you on where you can get
quality of life for local people. They Centre, Green End Rd,
any further support you need.
serve 4 years, representing your ward tel. 01223-420309
during debates and decision-making Thursdays Together - family support with
In Abbey at the City Council. Each May, one
Trumpington area
soft play & activities Diversity, rights See https://cambridgecity.foodbank.
org.uk, email info@ccfb.org.uk or phone
Thursdays, 10am-2pm
Councillor is nominated to become
Mayor for the following year. Stay & Play - soft play with crafts, & integration 07772-538628.
Support for children Activities for older people Tuesdays, 10am-noon, £2 per family Hills Road, Mondays, 4-5.30pm
& families The next election of City Councillors Over 11s’ Youth Club The services below are available via St Paul’s Church, Hills Road, CB2 1JP
will take place at polling booths near Pilates for over-50s Tuesdays, 7.30pm-9pm the Cambridge Ethnic Community
you on Thursday 2nd May, 2019. or those returning to exercise Forum, 16-18 Arbury Court, CB4 2JQ. Chesterton, Tuesdays, 10.30am-
The Fields Children’s Centre Free swimming for under-5s
It’s your chance to choose your local Mondays, 11.15am-12.15pm, Drop-in Mon, Wed, Fri, 10am-1pm 12.30pm
- Support, advice and activities for At Chesterton Sports Centre, Gilbert
City Councillor, to influence any Trumpington Pavilion, Paget Rd, CB2 9JF Visit online at www.cecf.co.uk Chesterton Methodist Church,
expectant parents or families with Road, CB4 3NY, tel. 01223-576110
issues that need improving in your Tel: 07800-566334 Email: CecfEnquiries@cecf.co.uk Green End Road, CB4 1RW
children up to 5 years old (older kids swim for £2.25)
- Advice on your child’s development, local area. Email: pavilion@ Tel: 01223-655241 Hills Road, Wednesdays, 10am-2pm
health and education trumpingtonresidentsassociation.org
Free recreation areas The Catholic Church, Hills Road, CB2 1JR
- Adult education classes, parenting But if your name isn’t on the Electoral Free English classes (where Hills Road meets Lensfield Road)
Chesterton Recreation Area: 2 pitches,
classes, family support and information Register, you can’t have this say on Trumpington Stitchers free table tennis, skate ramp & climber Learn to speak and write English, go
on returning to work issues that affect you. (It can also - Informal sewing group where you can shopping in English, speak to your Arbury, Thursdays, 11am-1pm
swings; for under-6s, a climber, swings &
have a negative effect on your credit learn or share sewing and craft skills doctor in English... Church of the Good Shepherd,
springies
Free childcare score. Banks and financial services in a friendly atmosphere Mondays, 10am-12.30pm, city centre Mansel Way, CB4 2ET
Scotland Road: springy climber & swings
for some 2-year-olds check that you are on the electoral No experience needed! Wednesdays, 10am-12.30pm, 16-18
for younger children; basketball half- Abbey, Fridays, 10.30am-2pm
Will your child turn 2 before 31/08/2019? register when they check your credit Mondays, 6.30-9pm Arbury Court, CB4 2JQ
court for older children C3 Centre, Coldhams Lane, CB1 3HW
They may be entitled to free childcare record.) Trumpington Pavilion, Paget Rd, CB2 9JF
Pearl Close: fenced play area with
Visit https://trumpingtonstitchers.net Job-seeking help for minorities
at The Fields Children’s Centre in Abbey springies & a spinner Trumpington, Fridays, 11am-1pm
The deadline for new applicants to Tel: 01223-841996 The Community Connections scheme
(depending on household income, Green End Road: climber & springies Christ Church, 14 Alpha Terrace,
register to vote in time for these helps ethnic minority people get into
receiving certain benefits, certain health for smaller kids; runway, climbing net & Trumpington CB2 9HT
elections is 12th April 2019. It’s easy employment, education or training.
conditions, etc.). The Garden Room swing for older kids
to register, either: - One-to-one support for confidence Hills Road, Fridays, 2.30-4.30pm
To see if you’re eligible, visit www. Hanover & Princess Court, CB2 1JJ Chestnut Grove: grassy play area with
• online at www.gov.uk/register-to- and self-esteem; support to remove St Paul’s Church, Hills Road, CB2 1JP
cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/ Friendly drop-ins, just turn up, all ages swings & see-saw on bark mulch
vote, or any barriers to getting a job
children-and-families/childcare-and- welcome Whytford Close: seesaw, springies, turn-
• by phoning 01223-457048 to Email: ana@cecf.co.uk Free Meal
early-learning/free-childcare-for-2-year- - Tea, coffee, home-made cake and a stile, swings & multi-play unit with slide
request an application form by post Tel: 01223-655241 King Street, Saturdays, 12.30pm
olds chat, Tues, 10am-12noon Stourbridge Playground: springies,
Visit Community Connections at 16-18 A free and friendly hot meal for those
- Community Gardening supported by the modular climber, runway & rotating unit
For more information, just email Arbury Court, CB4 2JQ isolated or in need, at Wesley Methodist
Free childcare Botanic Garden, Tues, 11am-12noon
elections@cambridge.gov.uk Church, King’s Street, CB1 1LG, email
for all 3- & 4-year-olds - Tea, coffee, chat and singing, For details, see www.cambridge.gov.uk/ Human rights & equality
For the contact details of your local cambridge@foodcycle.org
All are eligible for 15 hours of childcare Thurs, 1.30-3pm find-your-nearest-park-or-playground Cambrige Human Rights & Equality
City Councillors, see www.cambridge.
per week for 38 weeks of the year. Tel: 01223-520744 or 07756-490072 Support Service (CHESS) offer free
gov.uk/councillors-and-committees
Some working parents are also eligible Email: hanoverprincessresidents@gmail. help and support to anyone suffering
for a further 15 hours per week for free. com discrimination, harassment, or loss of
Visit www.thefields.cambs.sch.uk/ human rights.
ChildrensCentre Aross the city - Advice on problems with work or
Email: office@thefields.cambs.sch.uk employers; with public services like
Tel: 01223-518333 Council’s Visiting Support Service housing, healthcare or benefits; with
Or visit The Fields Children’s Centre, For all Cambridge residents over 65, police, courts or members of the
beside Abbey Meadows School, Galfrid a friendly home visit from the Council will public
Road, CB5 8ND connect you up with: Email: ChessEnquiries@Cecf.co.uk
• the care and support services you need Tel: 01223-655241
Free clubs for kids & youth • services to keep you independent and Visit CHESS at 16-18 Arbury Court,
C3 Community Hub, Coldham’s Lane, socially active CB4 2JQ
tel 01223-844415, email: hallo@thec3.uk • a calendar of social events with
East Barnwell Community Centre, likeminded people Report harassment to the Council
Newmarket Road, tel 01223-211945 Visit online at www.cambridge.gov.uk/ Email: asbsection@cambridge.gov.uk
Barnwell Baptist Church, Howard Road, visiting-support-service Tel: 01223-457950, 01223-457967 or
tel 01223-292454 Tel: 01223-457199 07973-883261
Email: independent.living@cambridge.
gov.uk
8 9
Over 60s get online for free 2019 Garden Competition
Are you over 60? If so, the Council is This annual competition is open to
offering you free, friendly sessions that gardeners of all levels in council homes.
make it easy for you to start using the Whether you have a big garden, a veg-
internet or improve any internet skills patch or just a few hanging baskets, why
you already have. not enter one of these categories?
Getting online can help reduce social • Kitchen Garden
isolation, and can even make you • Environmentally Friendly Garden
better off financially. Friendly Digital • Natural or Wildlife Garden
Champions are waiting to help you • Community Garden
get started, even if you’ve never used • New Garden (yours for
a computer before. All equipment is less than 2 years)
provided at the sessions. • Established Garden
• Baskets and Tubs
• Tallest Sunflower
Groups, kids, balcony gardeners,
first-time gardeners - all City Council
Learn computing for free Free computer classes tenants and leaseholders are welcome
Your elected resident reps The selection process
followed in February
to enter. The prizes - kindly sponsored and March, and two
Did you know that up to 40% of council Mondays by Scotsdales, the Botanic Gardens and ‘We are the tenants and leaseholders
elected by you to speak and vote new representatives
tenants are not yet online, compared to Lubbe Bulbs - are worth hundreds of
Mandela House, Regent Sreet, on your behalf on the Council’s were invited to join the
just 11% of the rest of the population? pounds in gardening supplies.
CB2 1BY Housing Scrutiny Committee. At the Committee. Those two
To help close this unfair gap, the Council Mon, 10am-noon Committee, we debate and vote on new Tenant Representatives will be
Your application form must be submitted introduced in the summer edition of
has arranged a series of free, friendly by 29th June, 2019. Friendly judges will all the big decisions affecting your
drop-in computer sessions around the Tuesdays housing. Open Door.
visit your garden in the week starting
city. Meadows Community Centre, 15th July, at a time that suits you. And
For instance at the last Housing But the potential input from all those
St Catharine’s Road, CB4 3XJ the prize-giving ceremony will be on 5th other great candidates won’t be lost
There, you can learn to use computers Scrutiny Committee in January 2019,
10am-noon September, 12.30-1.30pm. either. There are many other ways to
at your own pace, whatever it is. You’ll we debated and voted alongside City
get confident at doing many things Cambridge United Learning Centre, Councillors on important issues such be involved. And in 2020, all six of the
online, such as: Newmarket Rd, CB5 8LN as: tenant and leaseholder positions on
• applying for jobs or benefits the Committee will be up for election.
10am-noon
• banking online • new social housing around the city We hope those other candidates will
• applying for housing You’ll learn how to use the internet to: stand for election, and that you too
Wednesdays • the City Council and its partners
• sending emails and using social • apply easily for prescriptions, benefits, will consider standing for election. We
building new homes
media Browns Field Community Centre, a bus pass, a disability badge, etc. need people from every walk of life,
• planning the future budget of the
• buying groceries online 31A, Green End Road, CB4 1RT • find cheaper deals on utilities and no prior experience is needed.
Housing Service
• staying in touch with friends and 1-2pm • order groceries, and shop safely for Elected residents on the Housing
• a review of the policies of the
family over the internet almost anything Scrutiny Committee receive an
Housing Service
• pursuing interests or hobbies online Thursdays • contact friends and relatives worldwide allowance.
• a report on Tenant and Leaseholder
• explore hobbies and interests
Ross Street Community Centre Representatives’ activities
• play fun games, quizzes and puzzles
So if you - or anyone you know -
75 Ross Street, CB1 3UZ Reviewing Resident
could benefit from these free, friendly
sessions, why not just come
10am-noon To join in, just phone 01223-458311 or Two new Tenant Engagement
email digital.inclusion@cambridge.gov.uk
along to any of those listed here on the
Fridays
Representatives Since summer 2018 your Resident
right?
Further venues are likely to be added Engagement Officer has been working
Ross Street Community Centre For the latter part of 2018, the
You could just drop in once to see in the months ahead, but these free, with residents and council officers to
75 Ross Street, CB1 3UZ Resident Engagement team were
what’s happening. Or you could come welcoming sessions are currently at: review the Housing Service’s approach
10am-noon putting arrangements in place to fill
along every week for a while, so that to resident involvement. The review
the vacant Tenant Representative
you really learn how to get the most Meadows Community Centre Whitefriars analyses how effective each aspect of
positions created when our dedicated,
from the internet. It’s up to St Catharines Road, CB4 3XJ Chesterton High St, CB4 1NN our resident involvement currently is,
long-serving tenant reps John Marais
you, and it’s all free! 10am-noon Tuesdays, 10am-noon such as scrutiny, wider engagement
and Mandy Powell-Hardy stepped
and community improvements. The
down.
For more information, phone 01223- Hester Adrian Centre, Lichfield Hall aim is to highlight which activities
458323 or email resident-involvement@ 159a Lichfield Rd, CB1 3SH should continue, and where changes
2 Hawthorn Way, CB4 1AX In December all tenants received
cambridge.gov.uk Wednesdays, 12-2pm could be made or new initiatives could
Mondays to Fridays, 10am-4pm a letter inviting them to apply for
allow participation from a broader
the position. The letter outlined the
Stanton House cross section of residents.
opportunity to represent the views
Christchurch St, CB1 1HU To find out more or to get your of tenants on the Housing Scrutiny
Thursdays, 10am-noon application form: Resident input has been central to
Committee. The application process
Cambridge Digital Inclusion Directory • visit www.cambridge.gov. compiling the findings. The review and
closed at the end of January 2019.
uk/tenant-and-leaseholdergarden- its recommendations aim to ensure
This handy free brochure puts you in contact with some of the city’s other free competition and download the application that residents have an influencing role
Become a Digital Champion Tenants submitted lots of excellent
or low-cost resources for using the internet and learning to get online. form from there that is proactive, inclusive and leads
applications, highlighting the
• or collect one from the Customer to positive service improvements.
Do you enjoy using the internet? Do you enthusiasm they have to contribute
• It’s available on the Council’s website at www.cambridge.gov.uk/sites/default/ Service Centre in Regent Street, the The outcomes of the review will be
like helping others? Why not volunteer as to the housing service and ensure
files/digital-inclusion-directory.pdf Guildhall or City Homes, 171 Arbury publicised in the summer edition of
a Digital Champion? You don’t need to be tenants are at the heart of decision-
• You can view a paper copy at the Council’s Regent Street Customer Service Road, CB4 2YG Open Door.
an expert, and full training will be given. making.
Centre, other Council Receptions, your local Community Centre or at city • or phone 01223-458323 to request that
libraries. an application form be sent to you
• Or to receive it by email, phone 01223-458323 or email To find out more, just email digital.
resident-involvement@cambridge.gov.uk inclusion@cambridge.gov.uk
10
Residents get active 11
esaeL ruoy fo hcaerb a si bnbriA
Airbnb rentals would breach your lease Your Estates Improvement Scheme
Many council leaseholders sublet their • follow fire safety regulations, fitting The Improvement Scheme encompasses Any suggestions?
property. But failing to obey subletting and testing smoke alarms and anything classified as ‘capital’ in
laws could lead to them being carbon monoxide alarms communal areas, internal and external. We value your first-hand experience
prosecuted, or even losing their • give tenants an Energy Performance It doesn’t include changes to individual from living on estates. If you have any
property. To sublet legally, leaseholders Certificate for the property properties or changes unlikely to add suggestions for improvements to yours,
must: • protect tenants’ deposit in a asset value. For instance, planting shrubs big or small, please get in touch.
government-approved scheme would not qualify because they are
• give the Council a completed Sublet • check tenants’ immigration status, to unlikely to add asset value to the estate. Remember, improvements must be to
Registration Form ensure they have the ‘Right to Rent’ communal areas, must add value to
• sublet to one person or household only • give them the government’s checklist The first proposals seek to improve the estate and can’t be part of planned
- not to individuals who house-share on How to Rent security and reduce anti-social behaviour maintenance. Suitable proposals could
or sublet in turn • pay Income Tax on rental income at the East Road estate in the south of be improving fire safety for residents,
• never offer short-term or holiday lets (minus related expenses) the city and at Kingsway in the north. installing better storage, tackling anti-
• give the Council a copy of the flat’s • pay Class 2 National Insurance if your social behaviour or making a communal
annual Gas Safety Certificate rental counts as a business In-depth consideration is given to each space more useable.
• get written consent from the mortgage • ensure your subtenants comply fully proposal to make sure they will be
lender, if there is a mortgage on the with the Council’s leasehold conditions effective. They must improve the long- To suggest an estate improvement or for
property Your housing service has created an more information on existing proposals,
term look and value of the asset, and
• ensure subtenants don’t cause noise Estates Improvement Scheme which will please email resident-involvement@
improve conditions for residents who live
nuisance or breach any other conditions Don’t try subletting on Airbnb! fund improvements to the communal cambridge.gov.uk or phone 01223-
there.
of the lease areas of council-owned estates. The 458323.
• ensure buildings or contents insurance It is against the rules to sublet a council new fund releases £1 million each
For instance, the East Road and Kingsway
are not invalidated (leasehold properties leasehold on short-term or holiday lets, year for 5 years, ring fenced solely for
proposals both tackle anti-social
are not covered by the Council’s such as with Airbnb. Attempting to do improvements rather than for planned
behaviour, but the proposed changes to
buildings insurance if vacant for over 30 so can result in prosecution, or even maintenance. Improvements will be
each site are very different. The types
consecutive days) losing your property. implemented in stages over the 5 years.
of anti-social behaviour they experience
• get a solicitor to check that the are different, so they need to be tackled
proposed tenants and tenancy Legal action is taken against The first proposals were submitted
individually. At both locations residents
agreements comply with the lease leaseholders who break this rule. (The by Estate Champions, arising directly
and councillors will play a crucial role in
Council monitors websites advertising from resident and ward councillor input
helping to design improvements.
As a leasehold landlord, it is also your short-term lets in Cambridge.) through Estate Walkabouts during 2018.
legal responsibility to: The Walkabouts allowed residents to
A proposal to upgrade city-wide street
For more information, email leasehold. identify first-hand areas on their estates
• keep your rented property safe, and and communal lighting has also been
services@cambridge.gov.uk, phone which could benefit from investment. The
free from health hazards submitted. This will be rolled out over a
01223-457835 or see Council’s own surveys also showed areas
• ensure all gas and electrical equipment number of years because of the size of
www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property needing investment.
is safely installed and maintained the project.
Tenants for leasehold landlords Free skips at your local Community Day
Leaseholders who sublet their property Free of charge, the Council will also do Your local Community Environment Importantly, don’t put out any waste
can use the Council’s Town Hall a basic check of your property to ensure Day is a free event that helps get your before your Environment Day starts: that
Lettings scheme for free. The Council’s it meets legal landlord requirements on garden, street and neighbourhood tidied would be illegal dumping and you could
scheme can offer you either: health, fire safety, state of repair and up. be fined for it.
security. These checks protect and advise
1. suitable, well-vetted tenants, or you as the landlord, as well as protecting The Council and other agencies usually (Watch out in Summer Open Door for a
2. a full management service that lets your tenants. provide free skips, stalls for exchanging feature showing residents who’ve been
your property for you, with a guaranteed unwanted items, and free refreshments. prosecuted for fly-tipping their rubbish.)
monthly income that continues even if The Council can also advise you on ways It’s a fun community event where you
the property is temporarily vacant to maximise your rental profits. So if can really have a good clear out of your Free local Community Environment
you’d like to find out more about how house and garden. You can also hand Day events held in 2019 include:
Either way, you avoid the ‘tenant-finding’ the Council could help you as a leasehold over any old wood, metal or electrical • East Road, 5th January
fees charged by agencies, and the cost landlord: goods to be recycled. • Hanover, Princess & Russell Courts,
and hassle of advertising for new tenants 19th January
yourself. For convenience, the Council will • visit https://townhalllettings.com/ Last year 15 tonnes of waste was • Lichfield Rd & Neville Rd, 2nd February
also pay you the first month’s rent and landlords/find-a-tenant-through-us recycled in just one area’s Environment • Thorpe Way, 11th May
the deposit. (The Council recoups these • follow https://twitter.com/THLettings Day! • Walpole Rd & Tiverton Way, 15th June
later from the tenant.) • email townhall.lettings@cambridge.gov. • Ekin Road, June 27th
uk So why not phone 01223-457070 to book • Wulfstan Way, 7th September
Whether you’re an experienced landlord • phone 01223-457920 in advance with your Housing Officer, • Ditton Fields in September or October
or letting for the first time, the Council • write to Town Hall Lettings, Cambridge telling them if you’d like any large waste
can also give you a wealth of up to date City Council, PO Box 700, Cambridge, items collected free on the day? They For more information about these fun
lettings advice about the local rental CB1 0JH might be sofas or washing machines, and useful community days near you, see
market, the laws and standards for or perhaps you need help clearing a the Council’s website at www.cambridge.
landlords, and how tenants’ welfare garden? gov.uk/community-environment-days
benefits work.
11
12 Leaseholders Estates 13
Tenants make money renting out rooms Charges for leaving a home in disrepair
Do you have a spare room in your house They will also advise you on other things
that could be suitable for a lodger? that you’ll need to know as a landlord,
Renting out a room can be a good way such as what rules to set for your new
to earn extra money. There is always a lodger.
demand in Cambridge to rent a room in
a well maintained home at a reasonable For instance, if they have been a lodger
cost. before, you are encouraged to ask for a
reference from their previous landlord.
You must first get written permission
from the Council. They then have a The Council will also explain that you
scheme that will support you throughout should take time to talk with any
the sub-letting process. potential lodger viewing your property.
The Council will also show you how to lay
Called Supported Lodgings, this scheme down certain ground rules early on, to
will offer you suitable, well-vetted avoid having problems later.
tenants. The Council will also advise
on things like deciding the rent, any You will be encouraged to put things in
implications for your tax or benefits, and writing so there is no doubt. This would
the standards needed in your home. include, for instance, writing down how
much the rent is, how frequently it needs
The Council will also explain the to be paid, and whether it includes gas If you plan to leave your council home, permission, you will now have to return Keeping up these standards means that
government’s Rent-a-Room scheme and electricity. you must first give the Council four the property to its original state. vacated homes can be occupied quickly
which lets you earn up to £7,500 tax-free weeks’ notice in writing, ending on a by the next tenants. It means that
from subletting a furnished room to a To find out more and see whether this Monday. The Council will then visit you Then, on the day you move out, the departing tenants leave homes in good
lodger. Have a look at this government way of earning extra income might be twice before you leave. Council will inspect the property and condition for those moving in, without it
resource about it online, at www.gov. right for you and your home, you can confirm whether you have completed all costing the housing service a lot of extra
uk/rent-room-in-your-home/the-rent-a- phone the Council for an introductory To avoid paying charges, you will have the necessary repairs. If you haven’t, money to restore damaged properties.
room-scheme chat about it at 01223-457920, or email to leave your home clean and in as you will continue to be charged rent until
Dominic.Lamch@cambridge.gov.uk good repair as it was before you moved they are all done. Those funds can instead be invested back
The Council will make every effort to in. This includes fixtures, fittings and into maintaining all the housing stock
match you with a suitable lodger so Or visit online at www.cambridge.gov.uk/ decoration. When moving out, you must leave your and estates to a good standard, so that
that the subletting agreement - usually rent-your-spare-room-with-cambridge- property completely empty, removing all tenants benefit.
lasting between 3 and 9 months - supported-lodgings On the first visit, the Council will tell you all furnishings, possessions and leftover
will work well for both you and your any repairs that you are responsible for items. If you don’t, you will be charged For more information, have a look online
subtenant. getting done before you leave. And if you for the cost of the Council having to clear at www.cambridge.gov.uk/about-your-
did any home alterations without Council and dispose of them. tenancy or phone 01223-457060.
Want to swap your home? A more affordable way to buy a home
Homeswappers is a website where you 3. You chat online with potential home- New-built Cambridge apartments
can swap your home for someone else’s swappers before committing. You ask all
social housing home anywhere in the your questions about the home and area, For example, you could buy 25% of a
country. receive more photos, etc. bright, modern 2-bedroom apartment
in Trumpington (pictured, left). It has
It’s a quick and easy way to find either 4. You visit and view each other’s homes been built to the highest standards
local or national swaps, with 500,000 at pre-agreed times. You examine their of energy-efficiency. Locally there
social housing tenants already signed up. home carefully and decide if the area is is a thriving community with shops,
for you. Note that once you take on the schools, a health centre, library, public
From 1st April 2019, Cambridge tenancy, you will be responsible for any transport, a park, allotments and
City Council will be partnered with outstanding repairs that should have playing fields.
Homeswappers so you can use the been done by the previous tenant.
service for free (though you can also use Price of your 25% share: £92,500
it before then). Here are the simple steps 5. If you both want to go ahead, you Deposit you pay at the start: £4,625
involved in the Homeswapping process: must both inform your landlords. Once Total price of this apartment: £370,000
they both give their approval, you can Shared Ownership is an approach to for the property is rent, and part is a
1. You sign up on the Homeswappers arrange to move in. social housing that enables you to part- mortgage repayment on the percentage Your monthly rent payment: £594
website, describing your home, to see buy, part-rent a home. of the property that you own. Your monthly service charge: £124
who might be interested in it. You also To find out more, have a look at Your monthly mortgage payment: £514
describe the home you are looking for - the Homeswapper website at www. The property is ‘shared’ only in the sense Unlike being a social housing tenant, this Your total monthly payments: £1,231
ideal location, size, rent, etc. homeswapper.co.uk that you and the landlord are co-owners. Shared Ownership scheme means that (ie. rent + service charge + mortgage)
For instance, you might buy 25% of it, you are responsible for all repairs and
2. The website will suggest possible You can email them at Tenants@ while your social landlord owns 75%. maintenance. Various conditions apply, For more information
matches for you. You can also browse HomeSwapper.co.uk, or connect You could stay at that percentage of and only those with up to £80,000 annual • email sales@cambridge.gov.uk
200,000 social homes across the UK. with them on Facebook at @ ownership; or you can sell your own household income are eligible. • phone the Council at 01223-457827
HomeSwapperOfficial share at any stage; or you could choose • visit the Help to Buy East & South
to gradually buy the whole property over For more information email sales@ East website at www.helptobuyese.
time, becoming the sole owner. cambridge.gov.uk, phone 01223-457918 org.uk
Need to know...
or visit the Help to Buy East & South East
Each month, part of your payment website at www.helptobuyese.org.uk
14
13 15
Your Neighbourhood Policing Team
• investigations resulting in the
prosecution of an individual responsible
for several robberies
• reducing aggressive begging in the city
centre by pursuing repeat offenders
legally, and getting them banned from
problem locations like Park Street Car
Park and Fitzroy Street
• working with schools and youth
They also run surgeries in local areas
outreach staff to resolve youth anti-social
where you can chat to them in person.
behaviour in Arbury Court
To see who your local policing team are
• this also includes high-visibility
and contact them, just visit www.cambs.
police patrols, and legal action against
police.uk/your-area
individuals where necessary
For updates on their policing work in your
Across the city, local policing teams are
local area, follow them on Facebook or
also doing ongoing work to tackle high
Twitter at @cambscops
priorities such as burglaries, street-based
Have a look at their informative
drug-dealing and dangerous driving.
Your Neighbourhood Policing Team videos at www.youtube.com/user/
works closely with the Council to help But this work relies on the local CambridgeshirePolice
solve long-term problems that have a community telling them precisely Or sign up online to receive free updates
significant impact on local residents’ where the problems are. If police don’t from www.ecops.org.uk
safety and quality of life. know there is a problem, they can’t do
Ideal either for individuals or businesses,
anything about it!
Below are just a few examples of local Ecops will send you regular emails
issues that they have been working on So to contact your local policing team: about policing news, appeals, local crime
together recently: • phone 101 information and crime prevention advice.
• regular patrols on the Guided Busway • report online at www.cambs.police.uk The service is free and works alongside
near Trumpington, in response to reports • report online anonymously at Neighbourhood Watch.
of robberies crimestoppers-uk.org
Useful contacts
Housing for Older People General
Plus Visiting Support Service enquiries &
Plus Community Alarms Service complaints
E: independent.living@cambridge.gov.uk E: enquiries@
Tel: 01223-457199 cambridge.gov.uk
Tel: 01223-457000
Report tenancy fraud (Mon, 8am-5pm;
E: fightfraud@cambridge.gov.uk Tues-Fri, 9am-
Tel: 0800-328-0572 (confidential 5.15pm)
Freephone) Visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/
compliments-complaints-and-suggestions
Report anti-social behaviour
E: asbsection@cambridge.gov.uk
Tel: 01223-457950 Council’s contractors
Mears gas servicing
Racial harassment
Freephone 03332-070-766, including
Payments by phone Tel: 01223-457967 or 07973-883261 out of hours; (for leaseholders’ gas
Tel: 01223-457779,
emergencies, tel 0800-111-999)
with debit or credit card Housing & Council Tax Benefits
E: benefits@cambridge.gov.uk TSG Services
Rents, tenancies, lettings, Tel: 01223-457775 E: enquiries@tsgplc.co.uk
renting a council garage Tel: 01223-828777
Tel: 01223-457070 Bins, recycling, street-cleaning
Email: cityhomesgarages@cambridge. Visit http://bins.cambridge.gov.uk/ Churchill communal cleaning
gov.uk Tel: 01223-458282 E: helppoint@churchillservices.com
Tel: 0845-345-1576 or 01582-760055,
Repairs Open Door Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm
Tel 01223-457060; tel 0300-303-8389 E: opendoor@cambridge.gov.uk
for out of hours emergency repairs Write to Open Door, City Homes, Fosters
171 Arbury Road, Cambridge E: info@fpm-ltd.co.uk
Council Tax Tel: 01945-586999
E: revenues@cambridge.gov.uk CB4 2YG
Tel: 01223-457790 Council emergencies outside Leaseholders’ Consultation Meeting
Home-Link lettings office hours
Tel: 0300-3038389 Wed 1st May, 12-2pm, Room 2,
Visit www.home-link.org.uk Meadows Centre, 1 St Catharine’s Road,
Tel: 01223-457918 CB4 3XJ - Light refreshments served
16
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