Plotting the Future of a New Eden

LANCASTER CITYCOUNCIL Your District Council PromotingCity, Coast &Countryside Matters Lancaster City Council’s Community Magazine

Issue 36 • Spring/Summer 2019

Inside

Bringing history to life at our museums – pages 14 & 15

Powering up an electric future – page 17

Plotting the future of a @lancastercc new Eden facebook.com/lancastercc

www.lancaster.gov.uk 2 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019

Your vote Election is your voice Myths Lancaster City Council and busted parish council elections will be held on Thursday May 2. There are many myths City council elections, for all 60 and misconceptions councillors, are held every four surrounding registration, years so this is your chance to elect the people who but it is important to will represent you until 2023. know the real rights Councillors make decisions on a wide-ranging series of services for the community, including waste and and wrongs behind the recycling, environmental health, leisure and recreation process. facilities, planning applications, parks and public spaces. • Paying council tax does not To vote in the elections you must be on the Electoral get you on the register of Register by Monday April 12. electors Contrary to popular belief you won’t be automatically • If you are not registered you registered just because you pay council tax, and please may find it difficult to open a also remember that if you have moved house then you bank account and it may must re-register. affect your credit rating You can check if you’re registered by phoning the elections helpline on 01524 582905, or by visiting • Students can lawfully register Lancaster Town Hall during normal office hours. at both their term time You can register online at address and another address www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. they are resident at outside For more information on voting, including registering of term time for a postal vote, visit Lancaster.gov.uk/elections. • Commercial companies do not have automatic access to your details. There are two versions of the register – the full and the edited. You are able to opt out of the edited version simply by ticking a box on the form that you receive annually, or on a rolling registration form. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019 | 3

Morecambe gets set for a new Eden The Eden Project has unveiled its vision for Eden Project North, a major new attraction in Morecambe.

The Cornwall-based environmental with the internationally-significant natural charity is working with Lancaster City environment of Morecambe Bay while also Council, Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, enhancing well-being. Lancaster University and Lancashire County Its vision of a seaside resort for the twenty- Council on the project, which is anticipated first century includes reimagined lidos, to open in 2022. gardens, performance spaces, immersive Each of the organisations has contributed experiences and observatories. £250,000 towards the next stage of the Eden is working with Grimshaw, the project, which will see a detailed business architecture firm who designed its world- plan drawn up to assess the deliverability famous Rainforest and Mediterranean and viability of the proposals. Biomes, to create this unique structure for Alongside this, Eden International, the Morecambe with a focus on the marine global arm of the Eden Project, will environment. commission and engage the professional A prime site on the Morecambe seafront planning, design and financial expertise is the proposed location for Eden Project needed to develop the supporting business North. The area was formerly occupied plan. by the Bubbles swimming pool and Dome The £1million pot from the four partners theatre. will build on a £100,000 contribution that Eden Project North will be designed to was allocated in the Chancellor’s Autumn help the regeneration of the area socially, Budget. economically and environmentally. Central to the vision for Eden Project The circa-£80m investment will create North is a series of pavilions inspired by around 500 jobs and attract an estimated mussels, which could house a variety of 8,000 visitors a day during peak periods. environments. The plan is for a destination that combines indoor and outdoor experiences, connecting people © Grimshaw Architects 4 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019

Everywhere you go, always take your water with you New drinking fountains have Latte levy aims to been installed at key locations as part of an ongoing drive to cut plastic waste reduce single-use plastic waste. Williamson Park has introduced a ‘latte The fountains have been installed adjacent to the public toilets on Market levy’ in a bid to stem the rising tide of Street in Carnforth, Williamson Park plastic waste. and the Clock Tower on Morecambe promenade Customers of the park’s café will now pay an and provide both a bottle additional 20p to take away their hot beverage filler and drinking tap. in a single use disposable cup. The aim is to help reduce The move is part of Lancaster City Council’s the amount of plastic waste commitment to reduce single use plastics and that is needlessly thrown mirrors a similar initiative at Lancaster University away every day. To avoid the surcharge, customers are being Further fountains will be encouraged to take their own reusable cups, or installed in Happy Mount buy one when they visit the park. Park in Morecambe and Other measures taken at the park to reduce Heysham Village, with a site plastic waste include the introduction of fully in Lancaster city centre also compostable ‘vegware’ and paper straws. being explored. The city council joined forces with the university With the installation of last year to try and tackle the problem of single- these new water fountains use plastics and coffee cups. we’re providing people with more As part of the partnership, a delegation of opportunity to help students from Lancaster University Students’ reduce the amount Union visited the park and Butterfly House on of waste we send Friday to find out more about the work taking to landfill. place. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019 | 5

Flood defence Plans approved for scheme is a wall to Caton Road flood relief scheme wall success Plans have been approved for a major new flood relief Morecambe’s replacement wave scheme that will protect reflection wall has officially opened and businesses along Caton Road. is helping to protect 11,400 homes from The project will see the the risk of flooding. construction of a new flood Funded by defence wall along the banks of £10.8m central the River Lune to prevent similar government large scale flooding to that grant-in-aid which occurred during Storm funding, Desmond in 2015. the wave Taking 15 months to construct, reflection wall the new wall will significantly defence has reduce flood risk to the area it a design life protects from the current 1 in of 100 years, 20-year event to a 1 in 100-year taking into consideration climate change and sea event. level rise. For the most part the wall will Led by Lancaster City Council in partnership with be built on the landward side the Environment Agency, the wall consists of 4km of the cycle path, with a few of reinforced concrete defences that will provide exceptions, and will continue protection against a major flood event. to provide uninterrupted access Sympathetically designed to fit in with the local along the paths in the River Lune environment, the wall also includes a nod to late Millennium Park. local legend Eric Morecambe - with the shape of During the construction of the his glasses engraved in an end section. wall the riverside path will need to close, but an alternative In addition to protecting 11,400 residential temporary route will be properties, the wall also: provided. ✓ Reduces the risk of flooding to 2,246 The new defences will help to commercial properties; safeguard more than 2,000 jobs ✓ Reduces the risk of flooding to major highway and businesses which contribute and promenade infrastructure; £37.3million to the local economy. ✓ Safeguards the local economy 6 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019

Launch of the Lancaster Story A major new project to give the Lancaster region Alistair Eagles, CEO of a stronger and more Seatruck Ferries and chair of the Place Board said: competitive advantage has been launched. “I really love our region The Lancaster Story is the and honestly believe culmination of intensive work by organisations that we are entering an and individuals from across the wider Lancaster exciting new chapter in community, who came together in 2017 to develop our history. an exciting ‘place brand’ to attract investment, jobs, students, visitors and people to live in the area. The Bay Gateway has The brand puts the spotlight on the Lancaster region opened up a wealth of as an area which celebrates its culture and heritage, new opportunities and we energises entrepreneurial excellence and is the location of choice for businesses and people wanting now have some of the to relocate. best transport links in the At its core is a strong narrative and cleverly articulated country, not only by road visual language that sums up the region’s key and rail but also by sea. elements – connectivity, culture, history, future aspirations and community. Critical to our future Championing and leading the strategic promotion will be attracting more of the brand will be the Place Board, a partnership businesses into the area of local business professionals, entrepreneurs and representatives from the public sector. and to do that we need to They will develop an exciting strategy for promoting shout loud and proud about the region and leading efforts to make the area more who we are and what we attractive to businesses, investors and visitors. have to offer, to stand A promotional video has been produced to showcase out from the crowd. the Lancaster district in all its glory. It can be viewed on the new website Lancaster.uk.com and local people I believe the launch of are being encouraged to share it far and wide to the Lancaster Story will broadcast to the world our district’s unique story. The do just that and drive real website also contains videos from the launch of the Lancaster Story, where you can hear from, among improvement and growth.” others, Si Bellamy from Eden Project International. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019 | 7

Tourism begins at home The leisure and tourism sector is key to our local economy, with the visitor market currently worth £477 million to our district and annually bringing in 7.5million visitors. The sector also plays a key role in economic development and regeneration, supporting more than 6,000 jobs locally. Supporting this important industry is one of Lancaster City Council’s key priorities. The sheer variety and contrast between the three main areas – Morecambe and the Bay, Lancaster Heritage City, and the Lune Valley – represents a huge opportunity in the promotion of the district. Lancaster’s Georgian architecture, development of the castle as a must-see attraction, and raising the profile of the city through initiatives such as the Lancaster Story present unique opportunities. Morecambe, with its award winning promenade and beaches, is also a vital part of the local economy and the ongoing regeneration of the resort will provide further opportunities to improve the town’s attractiveness to visitors. Local businesses have a strong role to play and the council is dedicated to helping support businesses to take our district forward and become both a competitive visitor destination and an attractive and vibrant place to live. Of course, it’s not just about bringing visitors to the district; it’s as much about providing facilities and opportunities for those of us who live here to enjoy a good quality of life and a place that we can be proud to call home. 8 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019

Morecambe to benefit from share of coastal funding Plans to breathe new life into a former department store in Morecambe’s West End have taken a step forward with the awarding of £40,000 in Government cash. Lancaster City Council is working with The money will assist in developing a the Exchange Creative Community viable business plan that will in turn be Interest Company to develop proposals to used to submit further funding bids for refurbish the former Co-Op department external grants. store on Regent Road. The Coastal Revival Fund (CRF) was The aim is to create a hub from which introduced in 2015-16 to help coastal areas community led business and enterprise bring at risk heritage and community start-ups can operate, further helping to assets back into economic use. revitalise the area and the local economy. This year each project was able to bid for The plans have received a welcome boost up to £50,000 of funding to help identify a with the news that the council has been new role for iconic buildings and structures successful in a bid for a £40,000 grant in need of restoration. from the Coastal Revival Fund, which was For more information on the Exchange visit set up in 2015 to help coastal areas bring www.theexchangecic.co.uk. community assets back into use. Save time and do it online Have you visited us online recently? Like most other organisations we’re finding that people increasingly prefer to contact us, find information and request services via our website, rather than in person or over the phone. Whether you’re using a smartphone, a tablet, a PC, a Smart TV or indeed any device capable of viewing a web page, our website serves up a simple-to-use and You can also find out the easy-to-read experience. latest information on our The website is one part of our drive to make it as social media channels: easy and convenient as possible for people to access information and services from the city council. Lancastercc @lancastercc Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019 | 9

Save the dates for Lancaster and Morecambe’s biggest festivals Lancaster City Council has launched an action-packed programme of events providing an at-a-glance guide to exciting things to see and do in the Lancaster district in 2019. May kicks off with Lancaster Food Festival and the Highest Point Festival will return to Williamson Park, promising to be even bigger and brighter than its first successful outing last year. During the spring bank holiday, lovers of ska and punk will want to head down to the Trimpell Club in Morecambe for the Nice & Sleazy Festival where a whole host of bands are lined up to perform across a number of days. Over the same weekend, the Ribble Vehicle Preservation Trust will be holding their Vintage Bus Display and Running Day at various locations in Morecambe. Halton’s Millfest debuts in the Lune Valley village in June, a month which will also see the arrival of Steampunks in Morecambe for A Splendid Day Out. July sees a tempting set of events taking place in Morecambe including Morecambe Music Festival and Morecambe Fringe with Morecambe Carnival adding a massive splash of colour to promenade in August. Nearby Heysham Village will be preparing itself for another invasion in July with its annual Viking Festival. During the August bank holiday, Morecambe’s awarding winning Vintage by the Sea will bring the school summer holidays to a fitting end followed by Heritage Open Days in September, the nation’s largest heritage and culture festival as venues across the district open their doors for free. November will be the month to wrap up warm and enjoy the delights of the two day Light Up Lancaster Festival whilst over in Morecambe, More Music will be celebrating its local community with the West End Lantern Festival which includes a magical lantern procession. The programme of events for Lancaster is available online at Visitlancaster.org.uk and those taking place around Morecambe Bay can be found at Exploremorecambebay.org.uk. Alternatively you can pick up copies of the programmes from the visitor information centres in Lancaster and Morecambe. 10 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019

New Season at the Platform Fans of live music will be treated to a wide-ranging mix of folk, rock and blues in the new season at The Platform in Morecambe, alongside the usual legendary bands and tributes. A strong folk offering includes one of the genre’s most iconic acts, The Unthanks, who will be taking to the stage in May. Also featuring from the folk world are Magna Carta, Scottish band Mànran, Merry Hell, The Kilkennys and Mairi Campbell. The Slambovian Circus Of Dreams, who hail all the way from Sleepy Hollow in New York, has been called the ‘hillbilly-Pink Floyd’ and will be performing in June. If you’re looking for something a little different, you might fancy The Stars From The Commitments, which features original cast members and musicians from the award-winning and Golden Globe and Oscar nominated film. Sixties star PJ Proby brings his farewell tour to Morecambe, with special guests Wayne Fontana Competition and The Revolvers. You can get three sixties We have two tickets to give away bands for the price of one when Dozy, Beaky, for a show of your choice at the Mick and Tich, Cupid’s Inspiration and The Platform (subject to availability). Foundations come to town. To be in with a chance of winning, There are two family shows during the summer simply answer the following holidays including The Walrus and The Carpenter, question: which includes an afternoon puppet workshop The Slambovian Circus Of ahead of the performance, and Pirate Pearl and Dreams are from which New The Big Blue Monster for ages 3+. York village? On top of that there will be high quality tributes to the likes of: Led Zeppelin, John Lennon, Send your answer by email to Genesis, Kate Bush, AC/DC, Elvis Presley, Blondie, [email protected] Santana, Michael Jackson and more. along with your name and telephone number or post the With numerous community events and the answer and your contact details to annual, free lunchtime concerts in late spring, Communications Team, Town Hall, the Platform season offers something for Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ. everyone. For the full line-up and details, check the listings on page 11 or The deadline for entries is visit Lancaster.gov.uk/platform. Friday 3 May 2019.

@theplatformlcc /Morecambeplatform

Details correct at time of going WHAT’S ON to press. Please check with the venue before making a special at the Platform 2019 journey. April 11: Cloudbusting: The Music Of 22: Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich Kate Bush, 7.30pm, £16 – Cupid’s Inspiration – 5: Mànran, 8pm, £16 15: PJ Proby – Farewell Tour With The Foundations, 7.30pm, 6: Hats Off To Led Zeppelin, Wayne Fontana, 7.30pm, £25 £22.50 7.30pm, £18 (14+) 17: Sonja Kristina & The Norman 28: Bootleg Blondie, 8pm, 12: The Stars From The Beaker Band, 8pm, £15 (14+) £18 (16+) Commitments, 8pm, £25 (16+) 29/30: Catch the Wind Kite 19: Promenade Concert 13: Hue And Cry, 8pm, £20 Festival Orchestra, 3pm, 19: An Audience With Cannon £16/£14 (under 16’s free) & Ball, 7.30pm, £20/£18 July 21: The Rutles, 7.30pm, £20 (14+) 5: Stephen Dale Petit And Band, 24: Merry Hell, 8pm, £12 7.30pm, £14 25: New Jersey Boys, 7.30pm, 6: Grimethorpe Colliery Band, £17.50 7.30pm, £21 29: Big Country – Electric Show, 9: The Slambovian Circus Of 8pm, £25 (16+) Dreams, 7.30pm, £18/£16/£10

June 1-2: A Splendid Day Out – 20: Gary Gibson As John Lennon, Steamageddon, 10am-5pm, 7.30pm, £18 (14+) £2 (under 12’s free) 22: Morecambe Comic-Con, 7: The AC/DC Experience, 8pm, 12pm, £6/£4 (under 5’s free) £16 (16+) 26: Malone Sibun Band with 12: Jacqui Dankworth & Charlie 8: Tipitina, 8pm, £12 Chris King Robinson, 7.30pm, Wood, 7.30pm, £19 £14 (14+) 14: The Raymond Froggatt Show, 13: Morecambe Rides Again 7.30pm, £16 May Scooter Rally, 10.30am-2pm, 15: Northern Soul Live: Angelo Free 3: Magna Carta, 7.30pm, £19.50 Starr & Lorraine Silver, 14: Freestage Live, 12-4pm, Free 4: John Coghlan’s Quo, 8pm, 7.30pm, £20 (14+) £18.50 (14+) 20: Rock Back The Clock, 7.30pm, 16: The Kilkennys, 7.30pm, £20 £18 (14+) 9: The Unthanks, 8pm, £20 20: Mairi Campbell, 7.30pm, £16 26: The Real Thing, 7.30pm, 10: A Tribute To Genesis With 21: Tupelo To Vegas: A Tribute To £24.50/£22.50 The Carpet Crawlers, 8pm, Elvis, 7.30pm, £15 £17 (14+) 27: Oye Santana, 7.30pm, £20

Council Tax Ambitions for set to rise the future Lancaster City The city council has approved Council’s portion 73% its Council Plan for 2018-2022. of Council Tax is to The plan, called ‘Ambitions’, sets out increase by 2.99%. the council’s priorities for enhancing the economy, the environment, Lancashire In real terms this means neighbourhoods and the wellbeing of County Council households will pay an the district’s communities. average (based on a Band It sets out a strong vision for the D property) of an extra district to thrive as a vibrant regional £ 6.59 a year – or 12p a centre in the north west of England. week – to the city council from April 2019. 13% It demonstrates the council’s commitment to making the most As 80% of the district's of the district’s many attributes as homes are in the lowest a great place to live, work and visit, bands (A to C) the Lancaster and sets out four ambitions: actual increase will be City Council ✓ A thriving and prosperous even lower than 12p a economy week for the majority of households. ✓ Clean and safe neighbourhoods While as the billing ✓ Healthy and happy communities authority Lancaster City 10% ✓ A smart and forward-thinking Council collects Council council Tax, it only receives The plan summarises how the council around 13% of the will achieve these ambitions and total bill to spend on its Lancashire looks to take an innovative and services. Police Authority creative approach to delivering Excluding parishes, excellent, accessible services that of the remaining bill, create strong conditions for growth the majority goes to so that businesses thrive and jobs are Lancashire County created. Council (73%), with 4% This includes developing more precepts from Lancashire commercial opportunities to generate Police Authority (10%) income to fund services, and working and Lancashire Combined more closely with businesses, Fire Authority (4%) Lancashire Combined residents and organisations to pursue making up the rest. Fire Authority opportunities. LANCASTER CITYCOUNCIL PromotingCity, Coast &Countryside

About your Council Tax 2019/20 2 | About your Council Tax 2019/20 About your Council Tax 2019/20 | 3

Discounts About your Council Tax The council is required to make sure discounts are being granted to the right Properties that don’t have households, in the right circumstances. We Council Tax is charged on most homes, to pay Council Tax may do this by sending out forms asking for whether rented or owned, lived in or information. If you get a form asking about not. There’s one bill per home, whether Council Tax is not charged on homes which: discounts, you don’t have to return it, but it’s a house, bungalow, ﬂ at, maisonette, if you think you’re eligible, returning the caravan or houseboat. • Only students live in; form may speed up the decision. When we Each home is in a Valuation Band, A-H, send your Council Tax bill to you, unless we based on what it would have sold for • Only people under 18 live in; have information that a discount should Council tax is not charged on student properties. on 1st April 1991. The Valuation Offi ce apply, we will assume that two or more Agency, not the council, allocates a • Only people who are severely mentally adults, none of which come under any of valuation band to every home. The impaired live in; the disregarded groups listed below, are council uses this to work out your resident in the property and issue a bill for • Dependent relatives live in as an annexe Council Tax bill. full Council Tax. Alternatively, if we have • A care worker on low pay (usually to the main property (granny ﬂ ats); made the assumption that a discount does working for charities); You may be able to appeal against the apply, your bill will state the amount and • A carer for someone with a disability who valuation band if: reason for the discount, and whether this is not their husband, wife, partner or child • You have moved into the property Council Tax is not charged on empty homes is due to there being only one resident, under 18; which: or because all except one resident is not in the last 6 months; or • A member of a religious community; counted for Council Tax purposes. • There has been a change in the • A charity owns (exempt for up to 6 • A person detained by order of a court; or building, or the physical state of months); In all cases, we will continue to assume that the local area, which could reduce a discount does, or does not apply on every • A member of visiting forces. the value of your dwelling. • The person who lived in it is in prison, in day of the period stated on your bill. You Most of these categories have conditions hospital or in a residential home; must tell us if this assumption is wrong. which must be met and verifi ed to qualify For more information: If there is no discount and you think you to be discounted, therefore we may need Phone: 03000 501501 • The person who lived in it has gone to live should get one, you should write to us to request certain information before any with someone else to receive care, or has Website: voa.gov.uk explaining why. We will tell you what discount is applied. In the absence of such moved to care for someone else; evidence you may need to provide in information and verifi cation, the council The law requires that you must continue may assume that a discount does not apply, to pay your Council Tax.Second • The trustee of is waiting for probate or support of your claim. so we would recommend that you contact letters of administration to be granted; Second homes (furnished dwellings in Who is not counted? us to check individual circumstances. which no one resides) in this district are • Is subject to repossession proceedings; • A student or student nurse; charged full Council Tax. • An apprentice or youth training trainee; Discounts for Empty Dwellings • A student owns and was the last person If your second home is job-related • An 18 or 19 year old who is at or has just Previously certain types of empty homes to live in; (unoccupied because you are required left school; were exempt from paying Council Tax, but the Government made changes to live elsewhere in a property provided • A trustee in bankruptcy is responsible for; • A long-term hospital patient; for you as a result of your employment), to regulations which abolished these • A permanent resident of a care home, you will be charged 50% of the full exemptions from 1st April 2013, and gave • Nobody can live in by law; or nursing home or hostel; Council Tax. councils powers to decide on local discounts • A minister of religion is waiting to occupy. • a person who is severely mentally instead. impaired; About your Council Tax 2019/20 | 3

Discounts The council is required to make sure discounts are being granted to the right households, in the right circumstances. We may do this by sending out forms asking for information. If you get a form asking about discounts, you don’t have to return it, but if you think you’re eligible, returning the form may speed up the decision. When we send your Council Tax bill to you, unless we have information that a discount should apply, we will assume that two or more Council tax is not charged on student properties. adults, none of which come under any of the disregarded groups listed below, are resident in the property and issue a bill for full Council Tax. Alternatively, if we have • A care worker on low pay (usually made the assumption that a discount does working for charities); apply, your bill will state the amount and • A carer for someone with a disability who reason for the discount, and whether this is not their husband, wife, partner or child is due to there being only one resident, under 18; or because all except one resident is not • A member of a religious community; counted for Council Tax purposes. • A person detained by order of a court; or In all cases, we will continue to assume that a discount does, or does not apply on every • A member of visiting forces. day of the period stated on your bill. You Most of these categories have conditions must tell us if this assumption is wrong. which must be met and verifi ed to qualify If there is no discount and you think you to be discounted, therefore we may need should get one, you should write to us to request certain information before any explaining why. We will tell you what discount is applied. In the absence of such evidence you may need to provide in information and verifi cation, the council support of your claim. may assume that a discount does not apply, so we would recommend that you contact Who is not counted? us to check individual circumstances. • A student or student nurse; • An apprentice or youth training trainee; Discounts for Empty Dwellings • An 18 or 19 year old who is at or has just Previously certain types of empty homes left school; were exempt from paying Council Tax, but the Government made changes • A long-term hospital patient; to regulations which abolished these • A permanent resident of a care home, exemptions from 1st April 2013, and gave nursing home or hostel; councils powers to decide on local discounts • a person who is severely mentally instead. impaired; 4 | About your Council Tax 2019/20 About your Council Tax 2019/20 | 5

Discounts are available for empty and • A room other than a bathroom, kitchen or If you can’t bring your payments up to date unfurnished properties, and for those toilet, needed by the disabled person; then please contact us and we will try to undergoing major repairs or structural • A second bathroom or kitchen for the help you. We might be able to make an alterations. These are reviewed annually disabled person; or arrangement with you to pay what you so please check the website at owe. • Suffi cient space to use a wheelchair indoors. lancaster.gov.uk/counciltax for the latest information. Annexes that meet certain conditions qualify If you: for a 50% discount. • Make an arrangement but don’t keep to Empty Property Premium If our assumption about the Council Tax it; liability is wrong, or you think you may be Properties which have been empty and • Don’t pay anything; or entitled to any discount, exemption or relief, unfurnished for two years or more will be please contact us. • Pay something but not all of it charged an additional 100% premium on If you are no longer entitled to a discount, top of the full Council Tax. Exceptions may we will send you a summons for the exemption or relief, or a smaller discount apply for empty annexes and property left Magistrates Court, and costs will be added should apply; you must notify us within empty by service personnel. Further details to your account. can be obtained from the Council Tax 21 days or may face a penalty of £70. This penalty may also apply if your property is If you are struggling to pay your council tax, section. please give us a call. You must pay the full amount shown on the subject to a premium and you fail to notify summons, plus the costs, before the date Other Discounts/Reductions us that it should not apply, or the amount is of the hearing or contact us to make an incorrect. arrangement for payment if you can’t pay The council has discretionary power to the full amount. award a discount, subject to application, if Appeals Bills issued at the start of the fi nancial special or exceptional circumstances apply. Before we will make an arrangement with If you have been refused a discount, year will show payments in 10 monthly If someone in your home is disabled and you, we will ask you about your fi nancial exemption or relief or do not think you instalments. If you wish to pay over 12 the property has facilities to specifi cally situation and who you work for and look at should be responsible for paying Council Tax, months instead you must contact us in meet their needs, you may be entitled to your previous payment record. You will still you can appeal to us in writing telling us writing before 15th April 2019 to make this pay less Council Tax. These facilities are: have to pay the summons costs and we will why you think we have got it wrong. Our request. Our contact details are on your bill. not cancel the court hearing, but you will contact details are on your bill. Applications received after this date will not have to appear at court. We will look at your case again and might have their instalments extended until If you don’t pay the amount shown on ask for more information. If we don’t change March 2020. the summons in full, plus the costs, before our decision and you still don’t agree, you If you wish to receive your council tax bills the hearing we will ask the Magistrates can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. See by email, please see back page for more to grant a liability order against you, and valuationtribunal.gov.uk. information. additional costs will be added to your account. This order shows that you’re liable Paying Your Council Tax for the amount of Council Tax shown on The bill we send you will tell you how much What if I don’t pay on time? the summons and allows us to take further you have to pay, how much your monthly If you don’t pay your instalments on time action to recover the money from you. instalments are and how many instalments we we will send you a reminder. This will tell If you have made an arrangement with us have given you to pay the bill in. Details of you to bring your payments up to date we will still ask the court for the order, but how to make your payments are on the back within seven days. we will not use the powers it gives as long of your bill. It’s important that you pay the as you keep to the arrangement. instalments on or before the day they If someone in your home is disabled and it has are due. been adapted to help them you may be entitled to claim discount. About your Council Tax 2019/20 | 5

If you can’t bring your payments up to date then please contact us and we will try to help you. We might be able to make an arrangement with you to pay what you owe.

If you: • Make an arrangement but don’t keep to it; • Don’t pay anything; or • Pay something but not all of it

we will send you a summons for the Magistrates Court, and costs will be added to your account. If you are struggling to pay your council tax, please give us a call. You must pay the full amount shown on the summons, plus the costs, before the date of the hearing or contact us to make an arrangement for payment if you can’t pay the full amount. Bills issued at the start of the fi nancial Before we will make an arrangement with year will show payments in 10 monthly you, we will ask you about your fi nancial instalments. If you wish to pay over 12 situation and who you work for and look at months instead you must contact us in your previous payment record. You will still writing before 15th April 2019 to make this have to pay the summons costs and we will request. Our contact details are on your bill. not cancel the court hearing, but you will Applications received after this date will not have to appear at court. have their instalments extended until If you don’t pay the amount shown on March 2020. the summons in full, plus the costs, before If you wish to receive your council tax bills the hearing we will ask the Magistrates by email, please see back page for more to grant a liability order against you, and information. additional costs will be added to your account. This order shows that you’re liable for the amount of Council Tax shown on What if I don’t pay on time? the summons and allows us to take further If you don’t pay your instalments on time action to recover the money from you. we will send you a reminder. This will tell If you have made an arrangement with us you to bring your payments up to date we will still ask the court for the order, but within seven days. we will not use the powers it gives as long as you keep to the arrangement. 6 | About your Council Tax 2019/20 About your Council Tax 2019/20 | 7

Once we have a liability order from the Lancaster Citizens Advice Bureau court we may write to you and ask you for 87 King Street, Lancaster, LA1 1RH How we can help you pay fi nancial information. Tel: 0344 488 9622 If there is no contact or arrangement to pay, Email: [email protected]. your Council Tax we can take action against you including: Morecambe and Heysham If you are on a low income, you should make a claim for Council Tax Support directly to the • Make deductions directly from your Citizens Advice Bureau wages/salary; council. If you are claiming Universal Credit the DWP do not pay any support towards your Oban House, 87-89 Queen Street, Morecambe, Council Tax, you will need to claim this separately from Lancaster City Council. The amount LA4 5EN • Make deductions directly from your of support you are entitled to will depend on your income and household circumstances. Income Support, Employment Support Tel: 0344 488 9622 Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance, Email: [email protected]. You cannot receive localised council tax support if you have savings or other capital of more Pension Credit and Universal Credit; than £16,000 unless you are receiving Guaranteed Credit from the Pension Service. Child • Pass your account to our enforcement ou can also get independent advice from Benefi t, War Pensions, War Disablement Pensions and some other social security benefi ts agents to recover full payment. This will the elfare Rights Service such as Disability Living Allowance (and Personal Independence Payment) and Attendance mean more costs being added to the debt; Welfare Rights Service Allowance will be ignored when we calculate council tax support. Visit: • Take bankruptcy proceedings against you. It is important that you claim as soon as possible as delays in claiming may mean that you lancashire.gov.uk/benefi ts-and-grants You could have to pay additional costs of lose out on any support you may be entitled to. If you are in any doubt as to whether you up to £20,000 or more and lose your can claim, please seek advice using the contact details shown. home;

• Obtain a charging order against your Financial Information The Council Tax support scheme for 2019/20 has been reviewed. Details are shown on our website. The second adult reduction previously allowed no longer applies for working age property and ask the court for an order Information regarding gross expenditure for sale. You would have to pay the and Council Tax requirements of the billing people. However if you are of pension age, you council’s costs and may lose your home to authority can be found on the council’s may still be entitled to up to 25% off your council pay the debt; website: lancaster.gov.uk/counciltax. tax bill if other adults (not partners) live with you and they are in receipt of a low income, claiming • Ask the court to consider sending you to A hard copy of this information can be sent income based Job Seekers Allowance, ESA or prison for non-payment. to you free of charge on request. claiming Income Support. The other adults must We always prefer to make suitable payment Council tax information for Lancashire County not be paying rent to you. arrangements, but if you don’t contact Council is available at lancashire.gov.uk. us we will be forced to choose one of the The council is keen to ensure that above actions to recover the debt. However, Relevant fi nancial information for the Police it is the council’s policy to use committal to and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire people claim the support to which prison as a last resort. can be found at lancashire-pcc.gov.uk. they are entitled, you can claim at: A hard copy of this information can be sent If you are having diffi culty paying your lancaster.gov.uk/benefi ts Helping you claim the support you’re entitled to. to you free of charge on request. Please bills and need independent advice, we can telephone 01772 533587. refer you to a money advice worker at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau or you can contact The fi nancial information for Lancashire Fire Contact Lancaster City Council them direct: and Rescue Service can be found at lancsfi rerescue.org.uk. W: lancaster.gov.uk • E: benefi [email protected] • T: (01524) 582965 About your Council Tax 2019/20 | 7

Lancaster Citizens Advice Bureau 87 King Street, Lancaster, LA1 1RH How we can help you pay Tel: 0344 488 9622 Email: [email protected]. your Council Tax

Morecambe and Heysham If you are on a low income, you should make a claim for Council Tax Support directly to the Citizens Advice Bureau council. If you are claiming Universal Credit the DWP do not pay any support towards your Oban House, 87-89 Queen Street, Morecambe, Council Tax, you will need to claim this separately from Lancaster City Council. The amount LA4 5EN of support you are entitled to will depend on your income and household circumstances. Tel: 0344 488 9622 Email: [email protected]. You cannot receive localised council tax support if you have savings or other capital of more than £16,000 unless you are receiving Guaranteed Credit from the Pension Service. Child ou can also get independent advice from Benefi t, War Pensions, War Disablement Pensions and some other social security benefi ts the elfare Rights Service such as Disability Living Allowance (and Personal Independence Payment) and Attendance Welfare Rights Service Allowance will be ignored when we calculate council tax support. Visit: It is important that you claim as soon as possible as delays in claiming may mean that you lancashire.gov.uk/benefi ts-and-grants lose out on any support you may be entitled to. If you are in any doubt as to whether you can claim, please seek advice using the contact details shown.

Financial Information The Council Tax support scheme for 2019/20 has been reviewed. Details are shown on our website. The second adult reduction previously allowed no longer applies for working age Information regarding gross expenditure and Council Tax requirements of the billing people. However if you are of pension age, you authority can be found on the council’s may still be entitled to up to 25% off your council website: lancaster.gov.uk/counciltax. tax bill if other adults (not partners) live with you and they are in receipt of a low income, claiming A hard copy of this information can be sent income based Job Seekers Allowance, ESA or to you free of charge on request. claiming Income Support. The other adults must Council tax information for Lancashire County not be paying rent to you. Council is available at lancashire.gov.uk. The council is keen to ensure that Relevant fi nancial information for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire people claim the support to which can be found at lancashire-pcc.gov.uk. they are entitled, you can claim at: A hard copy of this information can be sent lancaster.gov.uk/benefi ts Helping you claim the support you’re entitled to. to you free of charge on request. Please telephone 01772 533587.

The fi nancial information for Lancashire Fire Contact Lancaster City Council and Rescue Service can be found at lancsfi rerescue.org.uk. W: lancaster.gov.uk • E: benefi [email protected] • T: (01524) 582965 You can contact the Access your Benefit, Business Rates Benefits Team in any of or Council Tax account online the following ways: Our online self-service facility is available via the • By post to: Revenue Services, Council’s website where you can securely view your P.O. Box 4, Lancaster LA1 1QR Benefit, Business Rates and Council Tax accounts. • By telephoning the Benefits Landlords can also check details of payments of Team on (01524) 582965 benefit for their tenants. between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (Wednesdays What information can I check? 10am to 5pm) You can check how much Housing Benefit and/or • By personal visit to the Customer Council Tax Support you are receiving and how it Service Centres at Lancaster or has been worked out. The system shows tenants and Morecambe Town Halls between landlords when payments were made and how much 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday they were for. You can view details of overpayments • By email to and copies of letters we have sent to you. [email protected] • Customers with hearing You can see how your Business rates or Council difficulties who have a minicom Tax bill has been calculated and your outstanding machine can contact us through balance. The system also shows when your payments Typetalk on 18001 01524 582965. are due and you can set up a direct debit to pay your bill. Alternatively, you can visit the benefits page of the council’s The website is available 24 hours a day, is 100% website at secure and it is real time information. lancaster.gov.uk/benefits Some transactions are also available such as setting for further information. up direct debits. You can also report a change of address and make payment arrangements. Did you know that you can register to receive future How do I access my account? council tax bills and You will first need to register at benefit letters by email? ´ lancaster.gov.uk/revenuesselfservice using your It costs at least 33p to print and email address and like most online services, you will post bills and letters. Sending need to create a username (this can be your email them by email is free and the address) and a password to register. The registration most efficient and cost effective process is completed with us asking you to answer way for us to contact you. some security questions and to enter the reference If you would like to receive numbers of the accounts you want to view. You will your bills and letters by find your account reference number on your Benefit secure e-mail please let us ´ award letter or Council Tax or Business Rates bill. know by sending an email If you are a landlord registering for access to to revenuessupportteam@ your tenants’ payment details you will need your preston.gov.uk or fill in the payment reference number (creditor number) to online form at lancaster.gov. complete your registration. You can find this on the uk/e-billing providing your payment schedule that we send you showing details name and address and the of your payments. email address you would like If you need any help with the registration process, us to use. We will then ´ you will be able to email contact you with further [email protected] information and instructions. where someone will be happy to help. You can contact the Access your Benefit, Business Rates Benefits Team in any of or Council Tax account online Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019 | 13 the following ways: Our online self-service facility is available via the • By post to: Revenue Services, Council’s website where you can securely view your P.O. Box 4, Lancaster LA1 1QR Benefit, Business Rates and Council Tax accounts. • By telephoning the Benefits Landlords can also check details of payments of Team on (01524) 582965 benefit for their tenants. between 9am and 5pm, Salt Ayre goes from Monday to Friday (Wednesdays What information can I check? 10am to 5pm) You can check how much Housing Benefit and/or • By personal visit to the Customer strength to strength Council Tax Support you are receiving and how it Service Centres at Lancaster or has been worked out. The system shows tenants and Have you visited Salt Ayre Leisure Morecambe Town Halls between landlords when payments were made and how much 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday Centre recently? they were for. You can view details of overpayments • By email to and copies of letters we have sent to you. The largest sports and leisure centre in the Lancaster district, Salt Ayre has [email protected] reinvigorated itself in recent years and offers a wide range of indoor sport and leisure • Customers with hearing You can see how your Business rates or Council activities all year round. difficulties who have a minicom Tax bill has been calculated and your outstanding balance. The system also shows when your payments Indoor and outdoor facilities include Energy indoor soft play, XHeight indoor climbing, machine can contact us through swimming pools, a large indoor sports hall, fitness studio, a brand new state of the art Typetalk on 18001 01524 582965. are due and you can set up a direct debit to pay your bill. 100 station gym, functional training room, state of the art immersive cycle studio and Alternatively, you can visit the a 1,500m cycle racing circuit. benefits page of the council’s The website is available 24 hours a day, is 100% secure and it is real time information. The swimming pool is the largest in the area and is suitable for everyone, with a main website at 25m pool, learner pool, spa pool and waterslide, making it great fun for all the family. lancaster.gov.uk/benefits Some transactions are also available such as setting Throughout the week there are dedicated sessions of lane swimming, children’s for further information. up direct debits. You can also report a change of address and make payment arrangements. activities and float sessions. Did you know that you can Highlights include: register to receive future How do I access my account? • X-Height Indoor Climbing is the ultimate Competition council tax bills and You will first need to register at indoor climbing challenge with 18 We have a family package benefit letters by email? ´ lancaster.gov.uk/revenuesselfservice using your exhilarating walls. Suitable for all the family comprising four tickets for Energy, It costs at least 33p to print and email address and like most online services, you will (5 years +). swimming, XHeight and Gravity post bills and letters. Sending need to create a username (this can be your email • Gravity outdoor thrill tower is the first in (worth over £100) to give away to them by email is free and the address) and a password to register. The registration Europe and features six possible descent one lucky reader. To be in with a most efficient and cost effective process is completed with us asking you to answer options including zip line and free fall. Are chance, simply answer the following way for us to contact you. some security questions and to enter the reference you brave enough to jump from the 19.5m question: If you would like to receive numbers of the accounts you want to view. You will apex, ‘The Drop’? How high is the tallest drop on your bills and letters by find your account reference number on your Benefit • Jump, climb, slide, swing and explore at Gravity? secure e-mail please let us award letter or Council Tax or Business Rates bill. ´ Energy, an impressive 26ft multi-level Send your answer by email to know by sending an email If you are a landlord registering for access to structure featuring a tube slide, dangly [email protected]. to revenuessupportteam@ your tenants’ payment details you will need your snakes and a four level spider tower. uk along with your name and preston.gov.uk or fill in the payment reference number (creditor number) to • Tranquil Spa and Beauty offers a stunning telephone number or post the online form at lancaster.gov. complete your registration. You can find this on the complement of therapeutic and rejuvenating answer and your contact details to uk/e-billing providing your payment schedule that we send you showing details face and body care treatments. If you’re Communications Team, Town Hall, name and address and the of your payments. looking to recharge or relax, Tranquil Spa Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ. email address you would like If you need any help with the registration process, can provide you with the perfect haven. us to use. We will then ´ you will be able to email The deadline for entries is contact you with further [email protected] For more information on what Salt Ayre has Friday 3 May 2019. information and instructions. where someone will be happy to help. to offer visit Lancaster.gov.uk/saltayre. 14 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019

Lancaster City Museum brings history to life Housed in Lancaster's former town hall, Lancaster City Museum has been delighting audiences for nearly a century.

Opened in 1923, the museum contains Forthcoming fascinating exhibitions that chart the history and archaeology of the city from the Romans to exhibitions the present day. 5 April – 7 July Among the highlights is the Roman Tombstone, Lancaster and District a memorial dating from c.100 AD, which Art Society depicts a mounted cavalryman in action with a decapitated barbarian at his feet. 19 July – 14 September Charlie Holt: Urban Palimpsest The museum also displays the wonderful Anglo-Saxon Lune Valley carvings, models 19 July – 7 September charting the development of medieval David and Hannah Davies: Lancaster and information on Georgian and @80: Hannah Smeds Davies, Victorian Lancaster, such as the famous Gillows textile artist, and furniture makers. Learn as well about Lancaster David Martin Davies, artist Castle and its role in dealing with crime and punishment in the area. 20 September – 3 November Andy Farr: The Twisted Rose In addition to the permanent displays, there’s and Other Lives also a changing programme of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year so there’s always something new to see. To find out more, including The City Museum is also home to the King’s own opening times, visit Royal Regiment Museum. From 1680 the King’s Lancaster.gov.uk/museums Own served all over the world and was involved or follow Facebook.com/ in almost every major campaign. It has also lancastercitymuseum. served in some of the lesser known campaigns such as in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in 1868.

The Regimental Museum was established in Entry to Lancaster 1929 and a permanent display tells the history of the regiment. Five of the Regiment's Victoria City Museum is Crosses are displayed in the museum. FREE. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019 | 15

Explore the district’s maritime past Head down to St George’s Quay to explore Lancaster’s rich maritime history. Lancaster Maritime Museum covers the city’s Forthcoming maritime trade,the history of the port, the Lancaster Canal, the fishing industry of the Lune Estuary and the history of Morecambe. exhibitions Enter the world of Lancaster's merchants, 9 March – 28 May shipbuilders and sailors, and learn about Making a splash! Memories Morecambe Bay's fishing tradition, busy of Morecambe’s Super tourist trade and the perils of crossing the Swimming Stadium sands. There are plenty of hands-on things to do as 11 May – 1 September you explore the collections, with fun activities Barging Past: Lancaster Canal for children to follow and challenges to Bicentenary exhibition complete. 7 September – 3 November The museum occupies two historic buildings Images of Lancaster past on St. George's Quay, the city's main 18th and present century harbour. The former Custom House of 1764, designed 9 November – 23 February 2020 by Richard Gillow, contains displays on the Down by the riverside history of the Port of Lancaster, including Lancaster’s early role in the infamous slave trade. On the ground floor there are displays Visit on the local fishing industry. In the adjacent Lancaster.gov.uk/museums warehouse are displays on the Lancaster or Facebook.com/ Canal and the ecology of Morecambe Bay. LancasterMaritimeMuseum Several preserved vessels are also displayed, for more information and including the 'Sir William Priestley' and opening times. 'Coronation Rose'. When you’ve finished browsing the exhibits don’t forget to stop off at the friendly café Entry to Lancaster for a bite to eat. Maritime Museum In addition to the permanent collections, is FREE to residents the museum hosts a changing programme of within the LA1 to LA6 exhibitions. postcode areas. 16 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019

You’re hired – apprentices reap awards Congratulations are in order for a Lancaster City Council apprentice, who has picked up a prestigious national award.

Fiona Finnigan beat off stiff competition have been undertaken in a range of from 43 other entrants to be crowned areas including painting and decorating, building skills apprentice of the year at the plastering, vehicle maintenance, IT, annual Apse apprentice awards. business administration, arboriculture, customer services, marketing and Fiona joined the council in November communications, joinery and human 2016 as an apprentice joiner, joining resources. the council’s flourishing apprenticeship programme. Fiona is far from the only apprentice to reap the awards of joining the council as The programme, which has successfully an apprentice and prove her credentials. trained 38 apprentices since 2013, is an integral part of the council’s commitment Georgia Parish, who works at Salt Ayre to investing in the future and ensuring Leisure Centre, was runner up in the Best a regular flow of new ideas and ways of Business Contribution Awards at Lancaster thinking. and Morecambe College, providing further proof of the programme’s success. It offers the opportunity for successful applicants to train and develop into a role, Lancaster City Council remains committed acquiring a recognised qualification, whilst to apprenticeships and anyone who working and earning a good wage that’s wishes to register their interest in future above the statutory rate for apprentices. apprenticeship vacancies can do so by visiting Lancaster.gov.uk/apprenticeships. At the end of the apprenticeship they move into a permanent role at the council A wide range of jobs are also available and many have gone on to progress within across a number of service areas, with their departments, complete further information on vacancies available to view qualifications or been promoted. on the Lancaster City Council recruitment pages at Lancaster.gov.uk/jobs. Due to the diverse nature of the services the council provides, apprenticeships Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019 | 17

Electric vehicles Shutters roll open for business at our begin to surge VMU Drivers of electric and plug in vehicles If there’s one local garage that will be able to go that extra mile can truly claim no job is too big thanks to a successful bid for funding or too small then it’s the city to install charging points for electric council’s Vehicle Maintenance vehicles in Lancaster and Morecambe. Unit (VMU) on White Lund The city council has received a grant from the Industrial Estate, Morecambe. Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) for 75% of the cost of installing double charging Our team points at five of its public car parks and one of eight privately managed car park. mechanics is responsible The grant is from a new £2.5million fund from for keeping OLEV and to qualify for funding, the points the council’s had to be close to residential areas and an £7 million electricity supply. fleet of The points will be located at the Charter vehicles on House, Auction Mart and Upper Leonardgate the road car parks in Lancaster and the Morecambe and carrying Library and West View car parks in out MOTs Morecambe. on over 600 taxis and private hire vehicles each An additional double charging point has also year. been installed at the Dallas Road Boys and Girls Club and funded by Charge my Street, Members of the public can now take a community benefit society which raises the advantage of this expertise with the money for the installation and operation of launch of a new service for private local electric vehicle charge points. customers and businesses. Services on offer include Charging points have also been installed by • MOTs to Class 4 the council at White Lund Depot and Lancaster Town Hall as the city council begins the • Winter vehicle health checks process of converting its vehicles from diesel to • Vehicle servicing electric. • Vehicle maintenance and repairs Two new electric pool cars and three electric For more information about the vans have already been added to its fleet in a services on offer visit bid to reduce emissions. Lancaster.gov.uk/vmu. 18 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019

City council staff EU give the gift of life Settlement Lancaster City Council is encouraging Scheme residents and businesses to follow the lead of its staff and donate blood. If you are an EU citizen The city council has formed a partnership with the and want to stay in local NHS Blood and Transplant team which has so the UK beyond June far seen more than 40 members of staff sign up to 30 2021, you and your give blood, many for the first time. family members will Special blood donation sessions were arranged and need to apply to the EU promoted, with staff being encouraged to take part. Settlement Scheme. You can give blood if you: The scheme allows you and ✓ are fit and healthy your family members to ✓ weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs and 25 stone, continue to live, work and or 50kg and 160kg study in the UK and it means ✓ are aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 if you you continue to be eligible have given blood before) for: ✓ are over 70 and have given blood in the last • Public services, such as two years healthcare and schools • Public funds and pensions To find out more about more visit www.blood.co.uk. • British citizenship, if you want to apply and meet the requirements. The scheme is now open for applications and you have until June 30 2021 to apply. You’ll need to fill in a short online application form using a computer, tablet or mobile phone. Visit gov.uk/settled-status- eu-citizens-families for more information. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019 | 19

Taking the sting out Property of pest control register Lancaster City Council’s pest control team relaunches has been shortlisted for a national award. The Lancaster District The team, which is based at Morecambe Town Property Register has Hall, has been nominated in the Local Authority of the Year category of the British Pest Management been relaunched to Awards. help new and existing The nomination recognises the team’s continued businesses find a new commitment to innovation, which has seen it home. launch a new commercial arm to offer commercial contracts to businesses. Bringing together local and regional property and estate Called Unbugged, the aim of the new commercial agents, the register is an online operation is to increase income from pest control listing of all the commercial services, which will enable the council to continue premises and land currently to provide subsidised services to the public and available in the district. discounts for people on benefits. The committed team of pest control technicians This includes office space, now boasts an impressive roster of clients ranging industrial units, shops, from food outlets, office complexes, shops and investment property, hotels, restaurants, commercial, industrial and agricultural pubs, restaurants, leisure premises, and local education providers. properties and development sites. The team offers services dedicated to eradicating all manner of pests from wasps, fleas, bed bugs Anyone looking to start or and beetles to moths, cockroaches and ants – no relocate their business can job is to big or small. search the register using their specific criteria, to find Unbugged also carries out rodent proofing and premises available and contact offers a range of bird-proofing services including details for the relevant agent. spikes, netting and gull egg replacement. There is also the option to sign Residents can also benefit from the experience and up for email alerts of new and skill of the pest control team, so if you’ve got a rat updated properties. skulking behind your sofa, a mouse in your loft or To view the property register bedbugs in your boudoir, give them a call. go to Lancaster.gov.uk/ For more information on pest control services visit property. Lancaster.gov.uk/pestcontrol. 20 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019

Speakers sought Local Plan for self-build hearings set event to begin Anyone involved in the world of self Proposals which will shape how and custom-build homes is being the Lancaster district develops asked to come forward and share in the future go under the their experiences at an event to be spotlight in April with a series held this spring. of public hearings. The city council is organising Every Planning Authority must an event produce a Local Plan, which is a to provide blueprint for which sites in the area anyone who can be developed and is the starting is interested point for assessing the merits of in building individual planning applications. or designing The Local Plan for the Lancaster their own District was submitted in May 2018 homes with the and sets out where sites for new opportunity to speak to industry experts and housing and employment will be other self-builders. built to help create 12,000 homes and It is now appealing for speakers to come potentially 9,500 new jobs. forward to take part in the event, including Before it can be formally adopted it a self-builder to provide an overview of their must be independently examined by experience and an architect who has designed a Government appointed planning houses and supported self-builders through inspector. the process. As part of this process a series of public Exhibitors wanted include architects and hearings will take place, to provide builders who provide services to self-builders, the inspector with the opportunity banks and building societies, builders to examine the plan in more depth merchants and providers of timber frame or and seek clarification or additional kit houses, insulation and windows. information. If you are interested in attending the event as a prospective self-builder, would like to Hearings are due to take place for nine speak or exhibit or have a plot for sale, email days from April 2. More details are [email protected] with your available on our website at Lancaster. contact details. gov.uk/localplan. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019 | 21

Have your say on ambitious new plans Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed that new signs have been erected in and around the former Mitchell’s Brewery site and adjacent car parks in Lancaster.

They’re part of a fresh approach to people to have their say on what the developing this key site, plans for which masterplan should include. are starting to be developed with the Meetings have already taken place with creation of a new masterplan. a number of local organisations with an Known as the Canal Quarter, the aim is interest in the future of the site and more to redevelop the derelict and under-used are being planned for the near future. site to create significant and wide-ranging The council is also working with the new economic benefits to the city and wider owners of the former Mitchell’s Brewery district. site. Unlike previous schemes, this new Worthington Properties has purchased a approach will see less reliance on retail, 2.5-acre plot previously owned by British with an exciting new mix of uses, including Land, the council’s former development housing and business opportunities, with partner, and will be working with arts and culture at its heart. the council on the comprehensive The public, businesses and organisations redevelopment of the site. will be at the centre of developing the For more information visit ambitious new plans and a series of Lancaster.gov.uk/canal-quarter. consultation events will take place for 22 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2019

Save a trip to Help us to stamp out the tip with our anti-social behaviour garden waste The council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team is the driving force behind a zero tolerance service approach to cracking down on activities Residents who wish to which ruin the lives of individuals, subscribe to Lancaster City communities and the environment. Council’s garden waste In addition to dealing with the numerous complaints relating to noise, parties, and abusive collection service for behaviour by others, last year saw the team use 2019/20 can do so now. new powers in a number of successful enforcement activities. During its second year of These included the closure of a drug dealing house operation, the subscription on the Marsh Estate and obtaining injunctions service was used by more than against individuals banning them from certain areas 21,000 households. of the estate. For 2019/20, the cost of Joint initiatives with the police have included subscribing remains at £40 per tackling day time anti-social behaviour in Lancaster bin, for collections from April 1 and Morecambe town centres, with nine people to March 31 2020. being served with warnings about their behaviour Residents already subscribed to and the possibility of prosecution. the service have been sent an A cannabis intervention initiative has also been email or letter with instructions developed which allows neighbours to complain on how to renew their about the smell of cannabis coming from adjoining subscription. New subscribers addresses without having to become involved in can sign up for the service at legal proceedings. Lancaster.gov.uk/gardenwaste. The team is also in the process of identifying Residents who no longer wish to locations for hang-out facilities to provide young use the service do not need to do people with somewhere safe to socialise with their anything – their subscription will friends and reduce the likelihood of them using cease on March 31 and they will anti-social behaviour hotspots in the town. no longer receive garden waste collections. You can report anti-social behaviour in a number of ways: Online: Lancaster.gov.uk/asb Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01524 582935

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A blooming fantastic Have your competition say on council White Lund Plant Centre is offering one services lucky local resident the chance to add a An online residents’ survey splash of colour to their garden for free has been launched to help by winning a £50 voucher to spend at the Lancaster City Council centre. monitor satisfaction levels As well as providing the plants, trees and with the local area, the flowerbeds for the council and some of its district's public parks services. and gardens, the centre sells a wide range of Services being monitored include competitively priced street cleanliness, parks and plants, shrubs, trees, open spaces, refuse collection fruit and vegetable and household recycling. plants and hanging baskets to members of the public. This will be an ongoing survey The centre also provides training opportunities for which will be reviewed on a the long-term unemployed, secondary school children regular basis and reported on work placement, and students from Lancaster annually. and Morecambe College studying NVQ Horticulture. It is located adjacent to the city council’s depot on The results will be monitored to Westgate in Morecambe. help to review how the council is performing and the results of To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the the questionnaire may prompt following question: further investigation with Q. Who in the nursery rhyme grew silver bells customers and staff. and cockle shells in her garden? To take part in the survey visit Send your answer by email to Communications@ Lancaster.gov.uk/residents- lancaster.gov.uk along with your name and telephone survey. number or post the answer and your contact details to Communications Team, Town Hall, Dalton Square, ✓ Lancaster, LA1 1PJ. The closing date is Friday 3 May. For more information on White Lund Plant Centre visit Lancaster.gov.uk/plants. How to contact us

Did you know that information on Below is an at-a-glance guide all the services provided by the to our most frequently council can be found online at used telephone numbers. Lancaster.gov.uk Customer Services You can make payments, report issues and make 01524 582000 applications for a number of council services using our website too. Domestic Waste and You can also email us with your comments and Street Cleaning queries at 01524 582491 [email protected]. However, if you don’t have access to the internet Council Tax or need to speak to one of our advisers you can 01524 582900 contact us: ✓ In person at Lancaster and Morecambe Elections Town Halls (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). 01524 582905 ✓ By telephone: 9am to 5pm weekdays (10am to 5pm on Wednesdays). Housing Standards and Please note that our customer service centres are closed Homelessness on all bank holidays. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and facebook @lancastercc for all 01524 582257 the latest news from the council. Ideal Choice Homes Location, Location, Location 01524 582005 At the touch of a button, and at any time of day or night, you can find out Council Housing when your bins are collected, when 01524 582929 your street is cleaned, where you can recycle things, where the nearest Tell Us Once public toilet is, and much more. 01524 582000 Just visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/mylocation and enter your address. Out-of-hours Emergencies Our My Location service covers every address in 01524 67099 the district and gives you 24/7 access to a wide range of location-based information. Markets 01524 414251

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