Your District Council Matters Issue 37

Your District Council Matters Lancaster City Council’s Community Magazine

Issue 37 • Spring/Summer 2020

How we’re tackling the Inside climate emergency People’s Jury tackles climate change

Flood protection scheme gets underway

Plastic fantastic – help us to recycle even more

Taking to the streets to help the homeless

@lancastercc

facebook.com/lancastercc

lancaster.gov.uk 2 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020

E O M W E L C from Councillor Dr Erica Lewis, leader of Lancaster City Council I’m Erica, and since last May I’ve been the new leader of the city council. I will have met some of you while I’ve been out knocking doors across the district, but thought I’d take this opportunity to introduce myself to everyone else. For more than two decades, I’ve worked I’m passionate about mobilising the skills, and volunteered as a director and trustee talents and wisdom of everyone. So it in the charitable sector, through which is important to me that as a council, we I developed a deep understanding of make sure we’re better connected to every good governance and sound financial neighbourhood across the district. management. We’re looking for ways to build new I’ve also been a Lancashire County partnerships and collaborations to tackle Councillor since 2017; work which big challenges like the climate emergency requires attention to detail (and a bit of a and revitalising our high streets. fascination with sorting out potholes and We all want our district to be a great place blocked drains!). to live, work and play. If you’ve got ideas As council leader, any given day can cover on how we do that, it would be great to problems as diverse as how to tackle weeds have you as part of the team. The more in the streets to making multimillion- residents and organisations who get pound decisions. I believe that every involved, the stronger the work will be. decision big or small needs to be made carefully, with the best information we can gather. Times are hard, and money is tight for More information is available at councils right across the country. I’m Lancaster.gov.uk/advisory-groups proud of the work we have done locally to wisely invest the resources we have and or drop me an email the continued improvements we see in [email protected]. many of the fantastic services the council provides. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020 | 3

People’s Jury to help form climate change recommendations

“What do we need to do in our homes, neighbourhoods and district to respond to the emergency of Climate Change?”

That’s the question 30 randomly selected residents from across the Lancaster district are discussing in a bid to help develop an action plan to address the problem.

While most people accept climate change is real, Question and answer sessions they’re unsure what it means for them and what follow each presentation, with impacts it will have on where they live. the jury discussing what they've In response we have established the People's Jury heard and what changes the - a pioneering way of involving ordinary people Lancaster district needs to make in advising the council and others on how best to to reduce carbon emissions. combat the problem. Finally, the People's Jury will It follows our declaration of a climate change discuss and write their own set emergency last year and is supported by academics of recommendations for the city and experts in the field. council to consider. Around 4,000 households were initially offered the Those recommendations we have opportunity to express an interest in joining the direct responsibility for will be jury. progressed to decision. Those the city council doesn't have A group of 30 was ultimately chosen to reflect the direct responsibility for will be make-up of the district in relation to gender, age, presented to the appropriate ethnicity, disability, geography, attitude to climate organisation. change and deprivation. For more information on the The first of the eight weekly sessions began on People’s Jury, and how the city February 3. Each week the jury is joined by a series council is tackling climate change, of expert ‘commentators’ to hear evidence on visit Lancaster.gov.uk/climate- different aspects of climate change science. emergency. 4 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020

No more electric dreams as charging points become reality Electric bin lorries Drivers of electric vehicles can now set to take to the find more places to park and plug-in. We’ve rolled out electric charging points streets at five of our car parks, located at Charter House, Auction Mart and Upper Proposals to buy new electric Leonardgate car parks in Lancaster, and bin lorries are a crucial part of Morecambe Library and West View in Morecambe. our plans to tackle the climate Lancashire County Council has also opened emergency. a new charging 'super hub' to help more Refuse collection currently accounts for drivers make the switch. around 65% of vehicle emissions, and 23% Eighteen chargers have been installed of the council’s emissions in total. on the Park and Ride site near J34, By 2030 the council wants to see the offering drivers the opportunity to fully amount of CO2 it reduces to net zero, charge their vehicle in less than an hour, which means looking at every aspect of depending on the model, as well as being what we do. a convenient place to plug-in and catch a Electric vehicles are now an established bus into the city. technology. It makes sense to replace our Later this year, rapid charging points for existing fleet with new electric vehicles taxis are also set to be installed in council when they’re due for renewal. car parks in Morecambe and Lancaster. This year we’ll be replacing two of our refuse collection vehicles with electric alternatives as part of our vehicle replacement programme. They will operate inside Lancaster’s Air Quality Management area, which will also help to reduce air pollution. We’re also proposing to replace 21 vehicles from the council’s general fleet with Michael Hall (parking manager), with electric alternatives, 14 of which are within Councillor John Reynolds (Cabinet member the repairs and maintenance service. with responsibility for parking) at the recently launched ‘superhub’ at junction 34. This is in addition to the six electric vehicles already owned by the council. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020 | 5

Work begins on Lancaster flood defence scheme Work is underway on a multi-million pound project to build new defences along the banks of the River Lune to prevent large scale flooding similar to that seen during Storm Desmond in 2015. Taking 12 months to complete, the The scheme will also see 1,000 trees £10.8million project will see the planted ‘on-site’ as part of the landscaping construction of a defence wall and works at the end of the project, with a embankment of 1.7 miles in length, further 2,000 planted in the surrounding stretching from Skerton Bridge to junction area. 34 of the M6. The project is funded by the European It will significantly reduce flood risk to the Regional Development Fund as part of area, protecting businesses in one of the the European Structural and Investment city’s most important commercial areas and Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, the helping to safeguard more than 2,000 jobs. Environment Agency, the local levy from Additional works will take place on the the regional flood and coastal committee, right bank of the river to reduce the risk of as well contributions from Lancaster City flooding on Aldrens Lane. Council and the private sector. The riverside path will be closed for the For more details visit the project website duration of the works, with an alternative Lancaster.gov.uk/lune3project. route for cyclists and pedestrians available along Caton Road. A multi-use path along existing pavements has been created to maintain an off-road route. The Flood Hub For those cyclists heading to Morecambe If you’re looking for information on an alternative route is signed via the how to protect your home and family cycling facilities alongside the Bay from the devastating impact of flooding, Gateway. there’s no better place than the Flood Hub. Containing an abundance of information and resources to help anyone interested in becoming more flood resilient. There is also an interactive map that can be explored to find details of community groups, flood schemes and events happening in your area.

Businesses along Caton Road were Find out more at Thefloodhub.co.uk. devastated during Storm Desmond. 6 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020

Don’t throw it away – give it away! What do a two-person tent, vintage sewing machine and a set of wheel nuts all have in common? One person’s trash They’re all up for offer on the local Freegle site, an is another’s treasure. online listing service for people to find new homes for their unwanted household items. The Bulky Matters service The concept is simple – instead of needlessly throwing enables you to dispose of things away that you no longer need, post a listing on unwanted household items Freegle to find someone who can make better use of and help local disadvantaged them. people and the environment at You can also post a wanted advert in the hope that the same time. someone out there has just what you’re looking for. For a small fee, your items will So whether you’re a keen gardener looking for some be collected and then either new plant pots, a footballer searching for new boots reconditioned and sold at low or want to try out camping and need a tent, you can cost to disadvantaged families, find all these and more at www.ilovefreegle.org. or stripped for parts. Freegle is just one of the ways that people can cut To find out more visit down on the amount of waste that is needlessly Lancaster.gov.uk/bulky- thrown away to eventually end up as landfill. matters. Garden waste If you want to avoid several trips to the tip this year with your garden waste, there’s no better time to re-subscribe to the garden waste collection service. For 2020/21, the subscription cost remains at £40 per bin, for collections from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021. Residents already subscribed to the service will be receiving an email or letter with instructions on how to quickly and conveniently renew their subscription. If you no longer wish to use the service you don’t need to do anything – the subscription will cease on March 31 and you’ll no longer receive garden waste collections. g C , Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020 | 7

Plastic fantastic Great British ‘Wash it and squash it’ – that’s the new Spring motto for residents wanting to recycle more Clean of their household waste. In addition to the plastic bottles for liquids, you can now recycle clean plastic pots, tubs and trays. These include yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, and meat, fruit and vegetable trays of any shape or colour. It is easy to see whether an item is recyclable by checking the number stamped onto it. Anything with We’re once again a number 1, 2 or 5 within the recycling triangle should supporting the Great go into your recycling box. British Spring Clean, which

Just give them a quick rinse and then squash them brings people together down before putting them out for collection. to clear up the litter that Here’s a reminder of the items you can recycle blights our towns, villages, in your boxes: countryside and coastline. ✓ Glass jars and bottles Taking place from March ✓ Food tins 20 to April 13, the event encourages groups, ✓ Drink cans individuals, community ✓ Clean foil and trays groups, charities and sports ✓ Empty aerosol cans clubs to get involved. ✓ Metal biscuit and sweet tins We can provide all the ✓ Metal bottle caps and lids equipment you need for ✓ Plastic bottles and lids a safe and successful litter pick and pick up all the ✓ Pots (e.g. yogurt, soup, etc.) litter collected. ✓ Tubs (e.g. margarine, ice cream, etc.) As a thank you, everyone ✓ Trays / punnets (e.g. raw meat or taking part will receive a ham trays; take-away trays; fruit /veg trays) voucher for a drink and ✓ Chocolate and biscuit tubs and trays ‘sweet treat’ at one of our ✓ Other clear plastic packaging cafes. Please remove any plastic film as these cannot be For more details on how to recycled as a part of doorstep collections. organise a litter pick visit So just remember, if you wash it and squash it Lancaster.gov.uk/GBSC. then we’ll do the rest! 8 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020

Join the conversation We’re looking for people with a passion for their community to join one of six new advisory groups and work with us to explore how the council can work muck more closely with communities across the district. The new advisory groups The new advisory groups cover the following areas: are part of a broader Community wealth-building – exploring how we build strategy, including our new a sustainable and just local economy that benefits local Community Connectors people and organisations team, focused on involving Culture, heritage, arts and leisure – making the most of many more residents in the district’s diverse and broad offer the work of the council, supporting community Climate and the environment – responding to the climate networks and making emergency and providing great green spaces the strengths, skills and Housing and homelessness – providing great places for knowledge of residents communities and organisations across Economic development and regeneration – enabling an the district much more inclusive and prosperous local economy visible. Groups relating Wellbeing - supporting our communities in living well to Community Wealth- Building, Culture, Heritage, We want to reach beyond those people and organisations Arts and Leisure, and who have usually been involved with the city council, so if Wellbeing have already you would like to be part of one of the themed advisory begun meeting but groups, or have a suggestion on holding a ‘community would welcome further conversation’ on a particular place or topic, please visit participation. lancaster.gov.uk/advisory-groups. Don’t forget to register to vote Voters will go to the polls on Thursday May 7 to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner. If you want to vote in the election you’ll need to be registered ✗ to vote, and the deadline to do so is Tuesday April 21. Registering is easy and takes around five minutes at gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you were registered for the General Election in December and haven’t move home since, you won’t need to re-register. The deadline for registering for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday April 22. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020 | 9

Connecting communities to council services A newly formed team is helping to support community groups in connecting with a range of services that can help them to improve their neighbourhoods. The Community Connectors are here How do you get in touch? to help local people and groups The team works in three geographical connect with local services and each areas. Each area is allocated to a designated other. Community Connector: They can support groups with a range of projects such as setting up a coffee Area 1 - Central Lancaster morning at a local church hall, running and Lancaster South a community garden project, or Paula Doherty establishing a residents’ association. [email protected] 07876 843381 They’ve already been hard at work with local schools on walking bus Area 2 - Morecambe & schemes, organised Christmas trees Heysham for community centres, promoted Jamie Murphy collections for food banks and [email protected] represented the council at community 07508 339700 meetings. The trio are also working with Area 3 - Skerton & community groups to access funding Rural Areas to put their projects into action. Carolyne Walsh So whatever your issue, the [email protected] Community Connectors are on hand 07946 032 451 to help you across services within Lancaster City Council, or by liaising If you are unsure of who to contact, with partner organisations on your please forward any queries to behalf where possible. [email protected]. 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, (www.lancaster.gov.uk) 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 site serves up a simple-to-use and easy-to read experience. This is one part of our new ‘digital by default’ drive to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to access Lancaster City Council information and services online. 10 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020

Beauty spot gets new lease of life as Fab five awarded Green Flag status a memorial forest A quintet of our parks and open A beauty spot at the Crook ‘O’ spaces have been awarded the Lune near Lancaster, known locally coveted Green Flag award. as Hermitage Field is getting a new For the first time ever Regent Park lease of life as a memorial forest. in Morecambe has obtained the prestigious accolade following close The city council is working with charity partnership work between the city Life for Life on the project. More than 150 council and local residents. trees will be planted on a two-acre plot at Torrisholme Cemetery has also the centre of the field by individuals and regained the honour, six years after families wanting to commemorate a loved last receiving it. one. Lancaster’s Williamson Park and Life for a Life plant their memorial Ryelands Park have also retained the woodlands with native broadleaf trees national award, along with Happy which conform to the Forestry Commission Mount Park in Morecambe. guidelines. Families will be offered the Handed out by environmental charity option of interring ashes with the purchase Keep Britain Tidy, Green Flag’s of a memorial tree. recognise and reward the best parks If you‘d like to plant a tree at Hermitage and green spaces across the country. Field in memory of a loved one, A Green Flag flying overhead is a or for more information, sign to visitors that the park boasts visit www.lifeforalife.org.uk. the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities. Williamson Park has also been awarded special Green Heritage status, which recognises the excellent upkeep of parks that are of historical and cultural interest, with the highest scores it has ever achieved. If you’d like to contribute towards the upkeep of your local park, find out how you can get involved at Lancaster. gov.uk/friends-of-parks. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020 | 11

Cultural Compact will release untapped potential around Morecambe Bay Arts and culture across Morecambe Bay have received a welcome boost with the area being accepted as an Arts Council Cultural Compact.

The new scheme is designed to encourage a shared vision around the arts, bringing together a range The Lancaster and South of partners to embed culture at the heart of the Cumbria City Region (LSCCR) community, as well as encouraging investment and is a partnership between untapping economic potential. Lancaster City Council, South Lakeland District Council and Morecambe Bay has been awarded the status Barrow Borough Council. thanks to a joint submission by the Lancaster and South Cumbria City Region (LSCCR) partners. It recognises that although district and county The bid focussed on one of the LSCCR’s key administrative boundaries themes – Culture, Creative, and Visitor Economy serve a purpose in terms of – and the potential of the area’s natural and built public administration, they environment, the Lake District World Heritage Site, do not necessarily reflect the Eden Project North, creative industries, arts and realities of where people festivals, and the visitor economy. live, work, socialise and The existing LSCCR partnership will now bring study. together partner organisations to pilot a model Although in a different which connects the three localities’ distinct and county, the Lancaster district different cultural assets to boost future creativity, shares a strong natural investment, innovation, jobs and prosperity. community with the other A Morecambe Bay Culture Compact Partnership Morecambe Bay authorities will be formed to develop the vision, membership, based on geography, partnership and purpose, and champion the project. community, family ties, economic and educational The stunning scenery of Morecambe Bay and the links. Lakeland Hills have inspired generations of artists. The LSCCR presents the opportunity to strengthen these ties and to build on the area’s collective strengths in areas such as energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, life sciences, health innovation, higher education and the visitor economy. 12 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020

City council tax rise will protect services and tackle climate change The portion of Council Tax collected by Lancaster City Council is set to increase by an average of £5 a year. The rise, which was set to be agreed as Your District Council Matters went to press, aims to support existing council services, tackle the climate emergency, and invest in proposals to benefit the local economy. Tackling the devastating impacts of climate change is now at the heart of all the city council’s policies and this is heavily reflected in its budget for 2020/21. Proposals funded by the budget include the purchase of two new electric bin lorries and replacement of 21 other vehicles with electric alternatives, helping to reduce CO2 emissions and contributing to an increase in air quality. Another climate change measure included in the budget is the development of a six acre solar farm to provide electricity for Salt Ayre Leisure Centre. By far the biggest consumer of electricity, the solar farm would see bills lowered by £123,000 a year. Regeneration proposals to receive a boost include the Canal Quarter, Bailrigg Garden Village and Heysham Gateway. Developing a bid from the Future High Streets Fund for Morecambe is also included. If successful, this would see up to £25million in Government grants coming to the town as part of wider plans to develop the economy. The £5 rise is for those in a Band D property. As 80% of the district's homes are in the lowest bands (A to C) the actual increase will be even lower than £5 for the majority of households. While as the billing authority Lancaster City Council collects Council Tax, it only receives around 12% of the total bill to spend on its services. Excluding parishes, of the remaining bill, the majority goes to Lancashire County Council (73%), with precepts from Lancashire Police Authority (11%) and Lancashire Combined Fire Authority (4%) making up the rest.

73% 12% 11% 4%

Lancashire Lancaster Lancashire Lancashire Combined County Council City Council Police Authority Fire Authority About your Council Tax 2020/21 2 | About your Council Tax 2020/21 About your Council Tax 2020/21 | 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 2020/21 | 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 2020/21 About your Council Tax 2020/21 | 5

Discounts are available for empty and meet their needs, you may be entitled to pay If you: unfurnished properties, and for those less Council Tax. These facilities are: • Make an arrangement but don’t keep to undergoing major repairs or structural • A room other than a bathroom, kitchen or it; alterations. These are reviewed annually toilet, needed by the disabled person; • Don’t pay anything; or so please check the website at • A second bathroom or kitchen for the lancaster.gov.uk/counciltax for the latest • Pay something but not all of it disabled person; or information. • Suffi cient space to use a wheelchair indoors. we will send you a summons for the Empty Property Premium Annexes that meet certain conditions qualify Magistrates Court, and costs will be added Properties which have been empty and for a 50% discount. to your account. unfurnished for two years or more will If our assumption about the Council Tax You must pay the full amount shown on the be charged an additional 100% premium liability is wrong, or you think you may be on top of the full Council Tax. From 1 summons, plus the costs, before the date entitled to any discount, exemption or relief, of the hearing or contact us to make an April 2020, properties empty for over fi ve please contact us. years will be charged an additional 200% arrangement for payment if you can’t pay If you are no longer entitled to a discount, premium. Exceptions may apply for empty the full amount. exemption or relief, or a smaller discount annexes and property left empty by service If you are struggling to pay your council tax, should apply; you must notify us within Before we will make an arrangement with personnel. Additionally, we have an agreed please give us a call. 21 days or may face a penalty of £70. This you, we will ask you about your fi nancial exception policy for certain circumstances. penalty may also apply if your property is situation and who you work for and look at Further details are available at subject to a premium and you fail to notify your previous payment record. You will still www.lancaster.gov.uk/premiums. us that it should not apply, or the amount is have to pay the summons costs and we will Other Discounts/Reductions incorrect. Bills issued at the start of the fi nancial not cancel the court hearing, but you will year will show payments in 10 monthly not have to appear at court. The council has discretionary power to Appeals instalments. If you wish to pay over 12 award a discount, subject to application, if If you have been refused a discount, months instead you must contact us. If you don’t pay the amount shown on special or exceptional circumstances apply. exemption or relief or do not think you Instalments will be extended until the summons in full, plus the costs, before If someone in your home is disabled and should be responsible for paying Council Tax, March 2021. the hearing we will ask the Magistrates the property has facilities to specifi cally you can appeal to us in writing telling us to grant a liability order against you, and why you think we have got it wrong. Our If you wish to receive your council tax bills additional costs will be added to your contact details are on your bill. by email, please see back page for more account. This order shows that you’re liable information. for the amount of Council Tax shown on We will look at your case again and might the summons and allows us to take further ask for more information. If we don’t change action to recover the money from you. our decision and you still don’t agree, you What if I don’t pay on time? can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. See If you have made an arrangement with us valuationtribunal.gov.uk. If you don’t pay your instalments on time we will send you a reminder. This will tell we will still ask the court for the order, but Paying Your Council Tax you to bring your payments up to date we will not use the powers it gives as long as you keep to the arrangement. The bill we send you will tell you how much within seven days. you have to pay, how much your monthly If you can’t bring your payments up to date Once we have a liability order from the instalments are and how many instalments we then please contact us and we will try to court we may write to you and ask you for have given you to pay the bill in. Details of help you. We might be able to make an fi nancial information. how to make your payments are on the back arrangement with you to pay what you of your bill. It’s important that you pay the owe. 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 2020/21 | 5

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.

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.

If you are struggling to pay your council tax, Before we will make an arrangement with please give us a call. you, we will ask you about your fi nancial situation and who you work for and look at your previous payment record. You will still have to pay the summons costs and we will Bills issued at the start of the fi nancial not cancel the court hearing, but you will year will show payments in 10 monthly not have to appear at court. instalments. If you wish to pay over 12 months instead you must contact us. If you don’t pay the amount shown on Instalments will be extended until the summons in full, plus the costs, before March 2021. the hearing we will ask the Magistrates to grant a liability order against you, and If you wish to receive your council tax bills additional costs will be added to your by email, please see back page for more account. This order shows that you’re liable information. for the amount of Council Tax shown on the summons and allows us to take further action to recover the money from you. What if I don’t pay on time? If you don’t pay your instalments on time If you have made an arrangement with us we will send you a reminder. This will tell we will still ask the court for the order, but you to bring your payments up to date we will not use the powers it gives as long within seven days. as you keep to the arrangement. If you can’t bring your payments up to date Once we have a liability order from the then please contact us and we will try to court we may write to you and ask you for help you. We might be able to make an fi nancial information. arrangement with you to pay what you owe. 6 | About your Council Tax 2020/21 About your Council Tax 2020/21 | 7

If there is no contact or arrangement to pay, Lancaster Citizens Advice Bureau we can take action against you including: 87 King Street, Lancaster, LA1 1RH How we can help you pay Tel: 0344 488 9622 • Make deductions directly from your wages/salary; Email: [email protected]. your Council Tax

• Make deductions directly from your 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 Income Support, Employment Support council. If you are claiming Universal Credit the DWP do not pay any support towards your Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance, Oban House, 87-89 Queen Street, Morecambe, Council Tax, you will need to claim this separately from Lancaster City Council. The amount Pension Credit and Universal Credit; LA4 5EN of support you are entitled to will depend on your income and household circumstances. Tel: 0344 488 9622 • Pass your account to our enforcement Email: [email protected]. You cannot receive localised council tax support if you have savings or other capital of more agents to recover full payment. This will than £16,000 unless you are receiving Guaranteed Credit from the Pension Service. Child mean more costs being added to the debt; You can also get independent advice from Benefi t, War Pensions, War Disablement Pensions and some other social security benefi ts the Welfare Rights Service: • Take bankruptcy proceedings against you. such as Disability Living Allowance (and Personal Independence Payment) and Attendance You could have to pay additional costs of Welfare Rights Service Allowance will be ignored when we calculate council tax support. up to £20,000 or more and lose your Visit: It is important that you claim as soon as possible as delays in claiming may mean that you home; 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 • Obtain a charging order against your can claim, please seek advice using the contact details shown. property and ask the court for an order The Council Tax support scheme for 2020/21 has been reviewed. Details are shown on our for sale. You would have to pay the Financial Information website. The second adult reduction previously allowed no longer applies for working age council’s costs and may lose your home to Information regarding gross expenditure pay the debt; 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 • Ask the court to consider sending you to website: lancaster.gov.uk/counciltax. tax bill if other adults (not partners) live with you prison for non-payment. 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 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. bills and need independent advice, we can to you free of charge on request. Please refer you to a money advice worker at the telephone 01772 533587. 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 2020/21 | 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 You can also get independent advice from Benefi t, War Pensions, War Disablement Pensions and some other social security benefi ts the Welfare 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 2020/21 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 40p 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 2020 | 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, Eden Project Monday to Friday (Wednesdays What information can I check? Canal Quarter 10am to 5pm) You can check how much Housing Benefit and/or Work continues to progress on bringing • By personal visit to the Customer Earlier this year we went Council Tax Support you are receiving and how it the Eden Project North to Morecambe. Service Centres at Lancaster or has been worked out. The system shows tenants and out to consultation on a Morecambe Town Halls between The ambitious project aims to breathe landlords when payments were made and how much 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday blueprint for the Canal they were for. You can view details of overpayments new life into the former Bubbles • By email to Quarter site in Lancaster. and copies of letters we have sent to you. swimming pool complex on Morecambe [email protected] We have commissioned • Customers with hearing You can see how your Business rates or Council Promenade. consultants Avison Young/ difficulties who have a minicom Tax bill has been calculated and your outstanding Planit IE to develop a vision machine can contact us through balance. The system also shows when your payments for the redevelopment of the Typetalk on 18001 01524 582965. are due and you can set up a direct debit to pay your bill. area around the old Mitchell’s Alternatively, you can visit the Brewery site and adjacent car The website is available 24 hours a day, is 100% benefits page of the council’s parks. secure and it is real time information. website at © Grimshaw Architects From this work, which included lancaster.gov.uk/benefits Some transactions are also available such as setting speaking to representatives for further information. up direct debits. You can also report a change of from a wide body of address and make payment arrangements. organisations to ask what Did you know that you can Plans for the site include a series of ‘biomes’ design principles and uses register to receive future shaped like mussels, with a focus on the marine How do I access my account? should underpin the vision, a council tax bills and environment. You will first need to register at draft Supplementary Planning benefit letters by email? ´ ´ lancaster.gov.uk/revenuesselfservice using your Morecambe’s unique environment and location Document (SPD) has been It costs at least 40p to print and email address and like most online services, you will make it the ideal location for an Eden of the produced. post bills and letters. Sending North. need to create a username (this can be your email This sets out a framework for them by email is free and the address) and a password to register. The registration The cost of the project is estimated at £85million. future development of the area, most efficient and cost effective process is completed with us asking you to answer As Your District Council Matters went to press, a acceptable uses for the land and way for us to contact you. some security questions and to enter the reference major funding announcement was expected from essential ingredients such as If you would like to receive numbers of the accounts you want to view. You will the Government as part of the 2020 Budget. sustainability and incorporation your bills and letters by find your account reference number on your Benefit A planning application is also expected in early of green spaces. secure e-mail please let us award letter or Council Tax or Business Rates bill. ´ ´ 2021. We’re continuing to work closely with Eden The consultation aimed to find know by sending an email If you are a landlord registering for access to and other regional partners to make Eden Project out what the public thought to revenuessupportteam@ your tenants’ payment details you will need your North a reality. and all the comments will be preston.gov.uk or fill in the payment reference number (creditor number) to Cornwall has benefitted to the tune of more than taken into consideration when online form at lancaster.gov. complete your registration. You can find this on the £2billion since the Eden Project opened in 2001. developing the final SPD and its uk/e-billing providing your payment schedule that we send you showing details If we can replicate that success locally, which we adoption by the council. name and address and the of your payments. believe we can, Eden North would not only help email address you would like Although the consultation is If you need any help with the registration process, to transform the economy, raise prosperity and us to use. We will then closed, you can find out more at you will be able to email create new jobs in Morecambe but across the contact you with further ´ ´ Lancaster.gov.uk/canal-quarter. [email protected] district and region. information and instructions. where someone will be happy to help. 14 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020

The Lancaster district is steeped in history and our museums provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. If you’ve never visited them, now’s the perfect opportunity. Here’s a summary of what you can expect. Maritime Museum Lancaster Maritime Museum occupies two historic buildings on St. George’s Quay, the city’s main 18th century harbour. The former Custom House of 1764, designed by Richard Gillow, contains displays on the history of the Port of Lancaster and the local fishing industry,

© Nick Dagger Photography with a gallery for exhibitions. In the adjacent warehouse are displays on City Museum the Lancaster Canal and the ecology of Morecambe Bay. Situated in the heart of Lancaster,the City Museum is housed in Lancaster's former Several preserved vessels are also town hall, an elegant Georgian building displayed, including ‘Sir William Priestley’ constructed in 1781-3 to the designs and ‘Coronation Rose’. of Major Thomas Jarrett and Thomas There is a cafe and shop and parking is Harrison. available at the rear. The museum itself was founded in 1923 and its collections illustrate the history Cottage Museum and archaeology of the city of Lancaster. The Cottage Museum, facing Lancaster It is also home to the King's Own Royal Castle and just a short walk from the Regiment Museum. Judges Lodgings, is part of a 1739 house, Discover more about Lancaster’s past from subdivided in about 1820 and furnished as the Romans to the present day. an artisan’s house of that date. You can also trace Lancaster's regimental The museum provides an intimate glimpse history from 1680 onwards at the King's of early Victorian life in a tiny and Own Royal Regiment Museum. intriguing 18th century cottage spread See the wonderful collection of portraits over five floors. and landscapes on display and check out Admission is £1 adults and 75p for the regularly changing exhibitions, events concessions 75p. Accompanied children and activities for families. free.

For more information and opening times visit Lancaster.gov.uk/museums Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020 | 15

VE Day King’s Own Royal Friday May 8 marks 75 years since the Regiment Museum end of World War II in Europe. To Among the many celebrate, the traditional May Day bank fighting forces holiday has been moved back to give to take part in people the opportunity to observe the World War II occasion. were the men Numerous of the King’s Own events will be Royal Regiment. taking place during the day The regiment’s association with and over the Lancaster dates from 1880, when weekend, and it moved into purpose- built we’ve created accommodation at Bowerham a page on Barracks, now the Lancaster campus our website – of the University of Cumbria. Lancaster.gov. The King’s Own served all over the uk/VE-day – world and was involved in almost which will be every major campaign. updated with the latest news The Regimental Museum was and events. established in 1929 and has, since that time, formed a gallery within Although it’s a time for celebration, it’s also the City Museum. It tells the story important to remember all those who gave their of the King’s Own, or 4th Regiment lives during World War II and the countless others of Foot, from 1680 to modern times, whose lives were affected. including the two World Wars. In their memory a bugler will take to the plinth The museum also has a fascinating on Market Square in Lancaster at 2.55pm to play website - kingsownmuseum.com the Last Post and Reveille. This will be followed - with resources on the history of by a two minute silence and a bagpiper at 3pm the regiment and contains more playing Battles O’er. The service will be attended than 1,000 photographs from the by the Mayor of Lancaster, Vicar of Lancaster, and collection. standard bearers. The museum, located within the In Morecambe there will be a drum head service City Museum, is open 10am to 5pm on the Sunday May 10 which is being organised Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is by Morecambe Town Council. free. 16 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020

Helping the homeless Becoming homeless is one of the most devastating things that can happen to someone and it can often feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Whatever the reason, Anyone at risk of becoming homeless, or worried we’re here to help. about people sleeping rough, can be assured that the council and its partners do all they can to prevent people from losing their homes, and be there for them if they do. Over the winter, when the night- time temperature is predicted The council’s Homelessness Prevention Team is on to be sub-zero, the council and standby 24/7 to respond to emergency alerts of its supporting partners trigger a people sleeping rough, offering the best possible severe weather emergency protocol chance for people to get off the street for good. and remain on high alert. Extra Support on offer includes getting them into measures bring vulnerable people the most appropriate accommodation in the in from the cold, including the short term where they can be matched up with provision of extra bed spaces with specialist services to get them back on track and support workers to offer advice and into permanent housing. connect them with the relevant specialist services. Temporary accommodation includes: • 35 units of supported housing for single people Whilst people sleeping rough is • Houses for families the visible side of homelessness, • Women’s refuge (for six families) what the public cannot see is the work that takes place • 31 supported beds for 16-24 year olds behind the scenes to prevent • 11 self-contained flats for young people people from becoming homeless • Supported lodgings in the first place. • 12 mental health supported housing beds With a robust prevention strategy • 14 recovery supported housing flats. in place to nip potential cases The team makes regular patrols (pictured) of of homelessness in the bud the streets to offer a helping hand to anyone before people reach crisis point, sleeping rough, as well as an advice service and homelessness figures thankfully referrals to specialist service drop-in sessions that remain low in comparison to other offer the support individuals need. areas. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020 | 17

Did you know... From April 2018 to September 2019, the team handled more than 2,149 cases relating to people worried about becoming homeless due to financial hardship, tenancy or family related issues, hospital discharges, prison releases and other complex problems. By working with landlords, offering financial assistance and advice to those struggling If you think you to make ends meet, or helping to secure might be in danger affordable housing, the team can prevent up to of becoming homeless, 40 people each week from becoming homeless. help we can provide How you can help includes: If you're concerned about someone who might ✓ Liaising and negotiating be homeless, the best thing you can do is to tell with landlords them get in touch with us as soon as possible. If you would like to support homeless people, please ✓ Referrals into supported donate to local or national homelessness charities. accommodation That way you can be sure your money will be used wisely to give both comfort and specialist help. ✓ Provision of temporary Alternatively, you can call the 24/7 Streetlink hotline accommodation 0300 500 0914 or contact them online at ✓ Access to the Council www.streetlink.org.uk. Streetlink is a service that Housing Register enables the public to alert local authorities in England about rough sleepers. ✓ Referrals to Citizens Advice debt advice service Contact details If you’re homeless, or threatened with becoming ✓ Assisting with housing homeless, contact us immediately. benefit and Universal Credit issues Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm ✓ Providing financial Call into Lancaster or Morecambe Town Hall or call assistance – rent deposits, our Homeless Prevention Team on 01524 582257 rent in advance or email [email protected]

✓ Family mediation Monday to Friday (outside office hours) and weekends ✓ Helping to find alternative Tel: 01524 67099 affordable housing 18 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020

Community-Led housing Beki Winter (pictured) recently joined the council as our Community Housing Fund Development Officer. This is a new role that utilises a government grant awarded to councils most affected by second homes ownership.

Beki will be working with local is seeking to build 20 homes for older neighbourhoods to bring forward people, including 14 homes for sale and six Community-Led Housing (CLH) schemes. affordable homes (shared ownership and This is where communities play a lead rented). role in addressing their housing needs by Lune Valley Community Land Trust is providing genuinely affordable homes working in partnership with South Lakes which they own or manage. Housing to bring forward 20 affordable Beki is currently engaging with local units on the adjacent site which will community groups who are interested in include a range of property types and developing their own projects. She is also sizes to meet local need. Both proposed visiting CLH schemes in different parts of schemes will also provide ultra-low energy the country to get an understanding of the homes, subject to achieving planning different models and approaches so that permission later this year. local groups can be advised accordingly. The council can provide assistance in The first example of a project of this type securing grant funding for groups that in our district was Lancaster Co-Housing, a can help with set up costs, early feasibility co-housing community in Halton. Lancaster work, pre-development costs right through Co-Housing is founded upon ecological to capital funding for construction costs. principles with all properties achieving Passivhaus standard (ultra-low energy) along with community facilities, a car For more information please see the sharing scheme and managed workspaces council’s website Lancaster.gov.uk/ at Halton Mill. community-housing-fund or email The council is working directly with Beki at [email protected] local groups to bring forward two new community led projects on Mill Lane in or telephone 07780 957415. Halton. Senior Co-Housing Group Ltd Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020 | 19

We’re open Simply for business the Whether you’re a new business looking pest for support in setting up, or an existing business that wants to grow and Having a pest control expand, the city council’s Economic problem, however small, can Development Team is able to lend quickly become a big one and a hand. even contribute to the closure of your business if your Through its network of local and regional business organisations and support providers, the reputation takes a hit. team can signpost you to the right agency for Unbugged, the city council’s pest advice, funding, and hands on help. control service, can tailor a bespoke Organisations they work with include: contract to cater for the individual • Lancaster and District Chamber of Commerce needs of business clients, ensuring any potential problems are dealt • Boost Business Lancashire with efficiently and effectively. – Lancashire’s Growth Hub • Lancaster University Pest management plans can include: • The University of Cumbria ✓ Detailed surveys of premises and • UCLAN identification of pests • The Department for International Trade ✓ Programmed visits, plus call outs A key part of the team’s remit is to work with ✓ Provision and inspection of the business community, listen to their views and tamper resistant rodent and insect concerns to help inform the district’s economic monitoring stations growth strategy, to make the district a thriving ✓ All necessary treatments of pests and prosperous place to do business. ✓ Advice on pest proofing The team maintains a property register of ✓ Supply and servicing of electrical commercial premises to help find the right space fly killers to locate and a “one stop shop” website with ✓ Food safety compliance more information about the council’s other services for businesses such as licensing and For more information on how permits, planning, and trade waste. Unbugged can help your business To find out more about the help and support telephone 08082 640 858 or email available for your business visit Lancaster.gov.uk/ [email protected] for a no business and follow us on Twitter @LDBRegen. obligation quote. 20 | Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020

New season at The Platform There is a strong folk music offering in The Platform’s new season, which will feature more than 60 shows running until August. Some of folk music’s biggest names will feature across the season including the queen of folk herself, Peggy Seeger, who will perform alongside her son Calum MacColl as part of her ‘First Farewell Tour’. Folk-rock pioneers Fairport Convention return to the venue too and there are numerous other performances from established folk acts such as: Heidi Talbot and Adam Holmes, Calan, Prelude, Alden, Patterson and Dashwood, and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams. There is plenty on offer for rock and pop fans too with Sari Schorr, described as the First Lady of rock-blues, as well as appearances from John Coghlan’s Quo, John Verity with The Mentulls, Cregan & Co, Raymond Froggatt, Lisa Stanley, and The Real Thing. On top of that there will be more high quality tributes to some of the biggest acts in music’s history. Families will enjoy Theatre Rotto’s Leaping Frog, a show for ages 3+, featuring puppets, live music and storytelling and there will be a spectacular circus cabaret as Cirque Enfant come to town with acrobats, jugglers, clowns and a singalong for kids of all ages. Away from music, supporters of Liverpool FC will have an eye on An Audience with Liverpool Legends, featuring iconic footballers John Aldridge, Ronnie Whelan and Steve McMahon, with a limited number of meet and greet tickets available. There will also be two performances from local performers The Promenade Concerts Orchestra, as well as the annual free lunchtime concerts every Tuesday in May. With a huge variety of acts as well as numerous community events and festivals throughout the year, The Platform offers something for everyone. For the full line-up and details, visit lancaster.gov.uk/platform. The brochure can also be picked up from Lancaster and Morecambe Visitor Information Centres or downloaded from the website.

@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 2020 journey. April 24: Promenade Concert Marley, 7.30pm, £22 Orchestra – Housewives 18: Rock Back The Clock Starring 3: T. Rextasy, 7.30pm, £23.50 Choice, 3pm, £16/£14 The Fortunes, 7.30pm, £20 4: Gary Stewart’s Graceland, 26: Fairport Convention, 24: Tipitina, 8pm, £15 7.30pm, £15 7.30pm, £25 25: The Men They Couldn’t Hang, 8: The Good Old Days of Music 27: Leaping Frog, 2.30pm, 8pm, £20 (18+) Hall, 2pm, £14.50/£12.50 £7, £25 (family of 4) 31: The Stones, 8pm, £17.50 9: Sari Schorr, 7.30pm, £15 29: Country Superstars, 11: The Easter Show Starring the 7.30pm, £20 August Merseybeats, 7.30pm, £20 30: Hats Off to Led Zeppelin, 1: American Four Tops Show, 12: Acoustic Mac & Acoustic 8pm, £20 (18+) 8pm, £21 Eagles, 2.30pm, £12 31: Vegan Festival, 5: Cirque Enfant, 1pm & 3pm, 13: Morecambe Comic-Con, 10am-5pm, £3, (under 16s free) £15, £40 (family of 4) £6 (adult)10am, £4 (child) 17: Arcade Featuring Heidi June Talbot & Adam Holmes, 2: Peggy Seeger & Calum 7.30pm, £16 MacColl, 7.30pm, £18 18: John Coghlan’s Quo, 5: The Raymond Froggatt Show, 8pm, £18.50 (18+) 7.30pm, £17 24: Calan, 8pm, £19 12: Creedence Clearwater 8-9: Model Railway Exhibition, May Revived, 7.30pm, £17 11am-4pm, free 13: The King of Pop Starring 14: The Shadow of Cliff, 1: John Verity & The Mentulls, Navi, 7.30pm, £21,7.30pm, £17 (child) 8pm, £17 £22, £18 (under 16s) 15: The Bon Jovi Experience, 2: Cloudbusting – The Music of 19: The Sandy Denny Project, £208pm, (18+) Kate Bush, 7.30pm, £17 7.30pm, £18 20: The Slambovian Circus of 8: The AC/DC Experience, 26: Bootleg Blondie, Dreams, 8pm, £17.50 £178pm, (18+) 8pm, £18 (18+) 21: The Real Thing, 9: Prelude, 7.30pm, £17 £25/£237.30pm, 15: An Audience with Liverpool July Legends, 7.30pm, 3: Oye Santana, 7.30pm, £20 £30 (show), £70 (meet & greet) 4: Lisa Stanley, 7.30pm, £20 16: The Jam’d, 8pm, £15 (18+) 11: Morecambe Rides Again 21: Alden, Patterson & Scooter Rally, 10.30am, free Dashwood, 7.30pm, £14 12: Freestage, 10.30am, free 22: Cregan & Co, 7.30pm, £18 17: Legend – The Music of Bob

Enjoy an Williamson Park Egg-shellent Easter set for more at Salt Ayre improvements This year the Williamson Park Salt Ayre Leisure Centre is the perfect zoo team are working on place to spend time together during the new additions to the Butterfly Easter Holidays, with a range of exciting House and Mini-Zoo. facilities, suitable for all the family. If you visit in the Gravity Outdoor Flight Tower - This is a next few months, challenge for adrenaline junkies, with six possible you may notice descent options including zip wire and free fall. a few things XHeight Indoor Climbing Walls - made up of that have been 18 exhilarating panels, it’s suitable for all abilities. squirreling away Energy Indoor Soft Play - Suitable for 0-12 over the years. Mums and dads can also take advantage winter start to take of Refuel Cafe whilst the kids play. shape before some new Open Ayre - Burn some steam off in Energise, residents move in this our outdoor play park, or hop spring. on your bike in Salt Ayre Improvements include a brand-new Drive, our imaginative play enclosure in the small mammal area. village. Both are free and This new enclosure will house a designed for under 8s. species with important educational There's also Tee Time Mini value in terms of threats such as Golf for all of the family agriculture, logging, deforestation to enjoy, at a cost of £3 per and the illegal pet trade. person. Alongside the new enclosure There are also special improvements are being made to school holiday events existing areas such as the mini-beast and activities taking cave and the bird aviary to increase place for just £6 per the quality of the habitat provided person. For information for the animals. and to book, visit Keep an eye on the park’s social Lancaster.gov.uk/ media channels for the latest: holidayprogramme or @williamsonpark on Twitter and call 01524 847 540. facebook.com/Williamsonpark. Your District Council Matters Spring/Summer 2020 | 23

On your marks Lancaster Grand for a weekend of sporting fun Prix returns The UK Corporate Games Following its successful debut last year, are coming to Lancaster! the Lancaster Grand Prix cycle race First held in 1992, the Games returns on Sunday June 14. bring together businesses from across the country to compete in a weekend of sport and will take place from 24th – 26th July 2020. Anyone can enter regardless of age, sporting ability or level of physical fitness with 24 sports on offer including running, cycling, badminton, table tennis, dragon boat racing and even poker! Starting and finishing at the iconic Ashton Business benefits include team Memorial in Williamson Park, the race will see building, work fitness, increased a field of top class riders battle it out through morale, and brand recognition. the Forest of Bowland AONB. With medals and awards, Finishing touches are being put to the exact celebrations and social events, route and full details will be available at souvenirs and prizes on offer, this Lancaster.gov.uk/Lancaster-grand-prix. is a real opportunity to represent Last year’s inaugural race was won by local your company, business or rider Ian Bibby (Madison Genesis) who took organisation and build employee the top spot after a thrilling finish. confidence, loyalty and team spirit. Having since retired from racing, Bibby won’t be defending his title, leaving it to others to The cost of entry is £79 + VAT compete for the Tony Sweeney trophy, which per person, which includes is awarded to the first North West rider across registration, opening ceremony the line. including the athlete’s parade, The race is promoted by the Lune Racing live music, participation in the Cycling Club, in association with British Cycling, sport event over the weekend, Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County souvenir programme, and medal Council. ceremonies. It has been organised as the perfect way to For more information on the showcase the Lancaster district’s beautiful and UK Corporate Games and how varied landscapes, while also benefiting the to take part visit district’s economy. corporate-games.com. How to contact us

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

Preston City Council Design & Print Centre - LCC027