2012-2013 Annual Report (cont.) 2012-2013 Annual Report alcohol-related violence, with education packs Making the best place to live, work and explore. distributed to secondary schools and youth groups across the district. SLCSP continues to raise awareness of domestic violence and SLDC now has six trained DV Champions who provide initial support and advice to those affected by domestic abuse. SLDC has a zero tolerance towards hate crime and is a “third party reporting centre”, meaning that people can report incidents anonymously and in confidence. The council has helped design and produce promotional posters advertising the service and the police have trained staff to deal sensitively and appropriately with enquiries. Community led planning is a tried and tested This was approved by the council and has resulted in Introduction was chosen to host the prestigious Action for continuing to calculate a reduction in Council Tax at Market Towns National Convention in October. The approach that helps local people to explore their This annual report by South Lakeland District Council the current rate and allowing the Council to fund the event generated over £100,000 for Kendal as well as needs, set priorities and plan actions. gives an insight into its business, activities and default scheme by reducing the Council Tax discount widespread TV, radio and newspaper coverage. successes over the last 12 months. The council held two well attended training sessions on second homes, without impacting on the Meanwhile the council’s shopfront grant scheme saw with district, town and parish councillors and other vulnerable members of the public. While this annual report looks back at 2012, it is also investment in shops in 11 locations across the district. community representatives and provided support with a bridge to future activity as the council focuses on its Local businesses were awarded £72,000, with match questionnaire development, online survey access, Consultation four priorities to make South Lakeland “the best place funding of £166,000 made by the traders, resulting in statistical data and community engagement advice. brightened up streets and a boost to trade. The The council consults on issues which affect the public to live, work and explore”. These priorities are: In the last 12 months two plans have been completed council has also played a key part in funding the (Casterton and Coniston), 14 plans started and a and responses help it to make decisions. • Economy Highgate Enhancement Scheme in Kendal, with further six groups have expressed an interest on Consultation results are published on the website. • Housing repaving, new lighting, de-cluttering, planting and Community Led Planning. Consultations in 2012/13 included: • Environment seating. All designed to create an attractive and welcoming environment for shoppers and visitors. Customer Services • Clean streets • Culture and Wellbeing • Council Tax Reduction Scheme A brand new community-based website “Explore In August 2012, SLDC achieved the Investors in South Lakeland South Lakeland” was launched. This interactive site People Standard (the UK’s leading management • The Quality of Life Survey 2012 in South features information on the character and heritage of standard). This demonstrates the council’s Lakeland, where: The population of South Lakeland is 103,658 the area, festivals, community and sporting events, (Census 2011) with 15% under 15 years old, 60% of commitment to the training, development and - 91% of respondents said they were satisfied offers and news from local attractions and venues. working age (16-64 years of age) and 24% over 65. wellbeing of its staff. overall with the local area The site is a great advert for South Lakeland’s vibrant 19% of the population have a disability. and diverse culture and economy, making it an Cllr Clare Feeney-Johnson, SLDC’s Environment and - 42% of respondents felt satisfied with how South Lakeland is the second largest district in attractive location for incoming businesses wishing to Sustainability Portfolio Holder, won a prestigious SLDC runs things award - the LGIU Sustainability Champion of the Year , after Eden, with a geographical area of relocate. Award, held in London. She piloted the first - 35% felt SLDC provides value for money (an 1,534 km2. In 2011 15.8million tourists visited South SLDC, in response to community requests, have community energy switching project in the country increase of 7%) Lakeland, primarily to visit the Lake District. introduced 30 minute parking tariffs on some South and initiated projects which have helped South Lakeland car parks (Ulverston, Grange over Sands, Lakeland save £21,000 in carbon emissions and Managing your Money & Accounts Creating opportunities for economic Kirkby Lonsdale and Kendal) for shorter stays. £21,000 water savings per annum. 2012/13 growth Providing homes to meet need Members of the public can log on to the website to SLDC received an unqualified audit report from the SLDC has a key role in stimulating economic growth report and check on progress on most types of issues Audit Commission, showing the soundness of the in the area; from helping to secure major corporate The council helped to provide 78 new affordable and concerns (from abandoned vehicles to street 2011/12 accounts. Annual accounts (unaudited) for inward investment to supporting town centre homes in 2012/13 and coordinated the work of cleansing via household waste). With 40 services 2012/13 will be available to view on the website at the regeneration. Housing Associations and the Homes and online, customers can help the council tackle end of June 2013. Audited accounts will be available Communities Agency to bring housing schemes The council assisted with the GlaxoSmithKline “hotspots” by pinpointing where action is required on from the end of September 2013. Full details on the forward. Outside the National Parks, the council has project, which resulted in an investment of a map. 2012/13 accounts will be published in September’s negotiated with developers to deliver affordable £500million for a hi-tech biopharmaceutical plant in six-monthly annual report review. housing. Council Tax Reduction Scheme Ulverston. The financial benefits to South Lakeland’s Financial monitoring during 2012/13 shows that the economy are substantial and there will be new supply Council members and officers undertook a “Rough The Welfare Reform Act repealed Council Tax Benefit council is on course to deliver the savings built into chain opportunities for local businesses. For Sleeper” count (for homeless people sleeping (those in receipt of CTB get their Council Tax liability the 2012/13 budgets. example, Kendal College was successful in gaining outdoors) along with Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria reduced in full, or in part) from 1 April 2013 and the £2million funding from government for a new Fire & Rescue Service, and North West Ambulance council was tasked with implementing a local Council Feedback engineering block which will provide a valuable skilled Service. The Count focussed on known hot spots, Tax Reduction Scheme. workforce to local employers. using thermal imaging The council welcomes feedback on the Annual equipment to search fields The abolition of CTB and the introduction of its Report – please send to: The council’s Economic Development Team helped and wooded areas. The replacement was a major change with a challenging [email protected] or telephone three local businesses to secure £1.5million to count represents a first timetable. In 2011-12, 6,200 households in South 0845 050 4434 increase and improve rural business hubs and in , with its use Lakeland were in receipt of CTB. networks. Business units are to be built at Clawthorpe of specialist equipment Between 22 August 2012 and 31 October 2012 the Hall (Burton-in-Kendal) and Marl (Ulverston); as well and partnership Council consulted on a proposal to adopt the Default as a new hub at Sedbergh which will bring back into working with the Scheme as its Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme. www.southlakeland.gov.uk use a shop that has been empty for over thirty years. emergency services. 2012-2013 Annual Report (cont.)

The council received and managed £176,000 of cardboard from the kerbside. Just over 7,000 events that raise the profile of South Lakeland Progress with Corporate Plan Actions for 2012/13 Government funding on behalf of all the district properties in Burneside and Kendal took part, with nationally, such as the Great North Swim, Kendal councils in Cumbria to address rough sleeping and the council collecting approximately 12 tonnes of Mountain Festival and Mintfest. Through SLDC’s homelessness of single people in the county. plastic and cardboard each month. The council ran a grants programme the council supported a wide A new Social Lettings Scheme launched by the public consultation which will help decide on future range of organisations for community initiatives. council will help prevent homelessness across the recycling options across South Lakeland. South Lakeland District Council was the first in the district and make private rented accommodation The Go Easy campaign was launched in July 2012, country to implement a collective energy switching easier to access for those who are homeless and on asking residents to pledge to drop 1 in 10 of the car scheme for its communities. The Scheme is unique benefits. Landlords will be able to contract directly journeys they make in Kendal. The aim being to as any switching fee received is ring-fenced to use in with the council and be guaranteed their rental reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the town projects that benefit those in fuel poverty. A total of income as well as the condition of the property on centre. To date, the campaign has included 1,669 people signed up for the scheme and, through return. competitions, cycling skills classes and the launch of combined buying power, many were able to access a SLDC secured a new three-year contract to deliver a website as a hub of information and advice to cheaper energy tariff with savings of up to £700. housing-related support to residents at Town View make it easy for people to make small changes to Fields Hostel in Kendal. Worth £140,000 a year for their travel behaviour (www.goeasy.org.uk). To support these priorities SLDC has each of the next three years, the contract will support developed the following areas: vulnerable people to maintain their tenancies when Improving our communities’ health and they are re-housed and to develop budgeting and life wellbeing Localism skills. The council launched a national food hygiene rating Work is in progress to devolve influence and activity To help provide more affordable rented housing for scheme in April 2012, migrating from its “Scores on to local communities in line with the government’s South Lakeland, SLDC was one of 12 local the Doors” scheme. Ratings range from “0” to “5” (“5” localism agenda. For example: Partnerships authorities in England chosen to pilot a scheme - very good and “0” - urgent improvement necessary) offering empty-home owners home improvement • Lakes Parish Council has taken over the The council hosted a Partnership Day at Kendal College in July and reveal inspected ratings on food hygiene, safety running of White Platts recreation area. loans. Improved homes will be rented out at and control procedures. Over 900 food businesses in bringing together key organisations across South Lakeland. affordable rates, enabling owners to pay back the the District are currently rated in the scheme which • Kirkby Lonsdale Town Council now runs Speakers at the full event included Westmorland and Lonsdale loans. The scheme begins in April 2013. allows consumers to make an informed choice about Kirkby Lonsdale Market. MP Tim Farron, Chief Inspector Gordon Rutherford from Cumbria Constabulary and Dominic Harrison, Director of Public The council continues to progress the Land where to eat out or shop for food. The ratings are • Two Local Area Partnerships (LAPs are based Health at Blackburn with Darwen Council. The event showcased Allocations document towards adoption; the available on the www.food.gov.uk/ratings website. on groups or clusters of parishes who agree to the success of partnership working across South Lakeland and Examination Hearing sessions began in October. work together on common interests) have Culture continues to play a key role in the health and demonstrated how district priorities are linked. The hearings have been adjourned whilst additional wellbeing, economic sustainability and development succeeded in retaining under-threat local bus studies to address new Government requirements of South Lakeland, and 2012 was a momentous and services: South Westmorland LAP secured the The council coordinates the “One South Lakeland” Board with a for plan making are carried out. These relate memorable year. Lyth Valley (Bowness to Kendal) service while focus on empowering and building capacity within communities primarily to plan viability. The hearings are expected Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale LAP supported to enable them to do more themselves by working in partnership. to be concluded in May. If the plan is found sound, it SLDC, working in partnership, hosted and managed the Western Dales Community bus service to With a focus on efficiency the Board monitors task and finish will enable the delivery of around 6,000 new homes the Evening Celebration Event for the Olympic Torch get up and running. groups working to deliver its priorities in the District. of which 35% should be affordable, making a critical at Bowness on Windermere; one of only 70 venues contribution to the implementation of the Council throughout the UK. The council worked with the The council has developed a process to consider SLDC’s Returning Officer was the Police Area Returning Officer Plan. London Organising Committee of the Olympic important new community rights: The Right to for the Police & Crime Commissioner elections. The elections Games (LOCOG), local partners and the Challenge, and the Right to Bid. Full details are required close work with Returning Officers and electoral SLDC and Eden District Council have developed an available on the website. services staff throughout Cumbria, along with the Home Office Older Persons’ Housing Strategy 2012-17. The communities of Grasmere, Ambleside, Bowness, Kendal and Milnthorpe to welcome the Olympic and Electoral Commission. strategy responds to the demographic changes Performance affecting the district with an increasing percentage of Torch Relay to South Lakeland and secure its safe South Lakeland remains one of the safest places to live, with the population over 75 and a marked increase in passage through the district, creating magical Council performance is reported to the Overview and recorded crimes down by 544 (17%) to December 2012 and those living to over 85. The strategy includes actions memories for everyone to last a lifetime. The council Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet following the end of reported anti social behaviour falling by 315 to work in partnership to develop suitable homes for also worked with schools and communities to each quarter. The reports can be seen on the incidents (11%). older people (including Extra Care housing) and to welcome the Tour of Britain cycle race that passed council’s website. South Lakeland Community Safety help ensure peoples’ existing homes continue to through Selside, Kendal and on to Kirkby Lonsdale. SLDC has met or exceeded its targets this year in Partnership (SLCSP) supported meet their needs. SLDC actively engaged with major arts organisations carbon emissions reduction (down 30% from 2008), the Every Action Has to deliver a high quality programme of work domestic waste collection and minimising homeless Consequences campaign. This Enhancing our environment throughout the year and supported their contribution households in temporary accommodation whilst also registered charity In response to public demand SLDC ran a six-month to the Cultural Olympiad programme for the London increasing the number of homes with improved (www.eahconsequences.com) trial (extended to 12 months) collecting plastic and 2012 Games. The council helped deliver signature insulation. raises awareness of the impact of