Borough

news

Your magazine from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Spring 2017

Inside:Recycling guidePlus: health and wellbeing, staying safe, Earlswood Lakes revamp

2 3www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk

KEEP IN TOUCH CONTENTS

Borough News is the official magazine of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. It is also available on our website: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/boroughnews

To advertise in Borough News please contact communications@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Advertisements do not imply endorsement by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council of any goods or services. ©Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.

WelcomeFrom Cllr Victor Broad, Leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council

You’ll notice a spring theme in this issue, with lots of ideas for getting outside and active. Our cover story is about enjoying the garden after the winter. Join the 20,000+ residents who already use our brown bin service to dispose of their garden waste. Find out how to subscribe to it on page 9, plus check our guide to recycling your general household waste.

Following our improvements to one of the borough’s much-loved countryside locations, we invite you to rediscover Earlswood Lakes as a place to see wildlife, exercise and, from Easter, enjoy a spot of boating (see pages 6-7).

Council tax payers will have recently received bills for 2017-18. You probably already know that only around 12% of that money is kept by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council but do you know how your money is spent and how else we fund our services? Find out on page 8.

Also in this edition, you can read about how the Council is helping people stay independent, active and well (pages 10-11) while on page 12 we share important information about residents’ role in helping tackle the threat of terrorism. Please take time to read it.

Finally, I’m delighted to share the news that Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has been shortlisted in the Entrepreneurial Academy category of the Local Government Chronicle awards. We will keep you posted on developments.

Apply, book and report it onlineOur website is available 24/7 and you can access many of our services online. So why not head to www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk when you’re looking to sign up to our garden waste service, make a planning application, use another of our services or report issues.

No access to the internet? You can call us on 01737 276000 or write to: Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, RH2 0SH. If you have a hearing impairment you can text us on 07834 626468.

If you need information in other formats, please contact our Customer Contact Centre on 01737 276000.

Raven Housing Trustwww.ravenht.org.ukTel: 0300 123 3399 Email: raven@ravenht.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureauwww.carbs.org.uk Tel: 03444 111 444

Surrey County Council www.surreycc.gov.uk Tel: 03456 009 009 Minicom: 020 8541 9698 SMS: 07527 182 861Email: contact.centre@surreycc.gov.uk

Surrey Policewww.surrey.police.ukCall 101 to talk to your local police and report less urgent crimes. In an emergency always call 999. SMS 07786 204020 or 999 (Text ‘register’ to 999.You will get a reply with instructions to follow).

Other useful contacts

We post our latest news and updates on our social media. You can join in the conversation by following us on:

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council

Love Reigate and Banstead

@reigatebanstead

@reigatebanstead

Follow us on social media

Contents

6 Earlswood Lakes 8 Change to funding council services 11 Improving health

4 News

6 Rediscover Earlswood Lakes Find out what this beautiful location

has to offer.

8 How your council tax funds your council services

From parks to planning applications,

council tax pays for great services.

9 Make recycling second nature Recycling at home and in the garden.

10 Staying independent Introducing Pathway, our new social

care company.

11 Keeping active and well We’re helping adults and children

improve their health and wellbeing.

12 Help keep our communities safe

Ways you can help

13 Success for new businesses

Top tips for start-ups

14 What’s on Events around the borough

4 5www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk

news

New property company to boost funds

Local Plan update Vote on 4 May

Access your Council Tax and benefits details 24/7

Helping struggling families

In an ambitious plan to bring in secure, ongoing sources of income to off-set the end to our government grant, the Council has set up its own company to invest in property.

Income from things like rental fees from existing and new property assets will help us become self-funding and boost the local economy. It will also make it easier to provide much needed new homes.

The company will help us respond to opportunities in the fast-paced, competitive property market in which it has been difficult for us to compete as a council. We can also invest in opportunities outside the borough when they benefit the Council and our residents.

Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent consultation on the next stage of our Local Plan (the Development Management Plan). We received over 1,000 responses which we are analysing and will take into account when preparing the draft Development Management Plan. We will consult on the draft plan once we have completed necessary further research.

County Council elections are on Thursday 4 May so don’t miss this important chance to vote.

To vote, you must be registered to do so by 13 April. Every individual should make sure they are registered. You can register at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you would like a postal vote, apply as soon as possible. Leaving it until the final deadline of 5pm on 18 April means you may only get your pack up to three days before voting day.

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 25 April. Visit www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/vote to apply or to find out more. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can call us on 01737 276794.

Get instant access to a whole range of information about your Council Tax account, Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit claim online anytime at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/checker. Login details are on your Council Tax bill or benefit claim documents.

If you have children under 18 and are struggling to cope with family life, please contact our Family Support Team.

The team helps families with problems such as school attendance, adults in the family being out of work, money problems or getting involved in crime or anti-social behaviour.

A Family Support Co-ordinator will listen to you explain what you would like to change. They won’t tell you what you should do but will work with you to help you make positive changes, bringing in support from other services.

To contact our Family Support Team for help, call 01737 276089 or visit www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/familysupport to ask for a call back or to complete the referral form.

Horley Business Park website A new website www.horleybusinesspark.co.uk gives information about the proposal to create a new business park in Horley and enables members of the public to register to take part in future public consultations about it. The site was created by Horley Business Park Development LLP, the joint venture which involves the Council and is behind the proposal.

Save time – recycle online At www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/recyclemore you can report a missed bin, book a bulky waste collection, view your personalised recycling calendar and sign up for our garden waste service. Recycle “online”: it’s quicker and easier.

Planning a building project?

Starting a business?The Council’s Entrepreneur Academy programme starts in April, providing professional advice, peer group support and the chance to pitch for £5k at the end – all for free! Visit www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/business to book your place.

Redhill cinema plans approved The multimillion pound cinema scheme, which includes shops, restaurants and apartments, has got the go-ahead. Construction is due to start later this year, once the detailed design is complete and the building contract awarded, and should be completed in 2019.

in brief

A new building control service for residents, businesses and architects in Reigate & Banstead, Mole Valley and Tandridge opens soon as part of an agreement between the three councils. The team ensures that buildings comply with building regulations, dangerous structures are made safe and demolitions are carried out safely.

Covering most of east Surrey, Southern Building Control Partnership is one of the largest in the South East. It provides value for money and retains the same trusted personal service from qualified experts.

Find out more at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk or email building.control@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.

Show tickets now on saleDon’t miss your chance to buy tickets for 2017’s Star for a Night, our annual live variety show featuring young people from all over the borough. Packed with well-known songs and stunning dance performances, it’s ideal for families and fans of music and theatre. Tickets are just £10 (£8 for concessions).

Performances are on Thursday 6 April: a matinee at 2.30pm and an evening performance at 7pm. Tickets are available now from www.harlequintheatre.co.uk.

7www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk6 www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk

OUTDOORS AND ACTIVE

Rediscover Earlswood LakesIf you think you know Earlswood Common and Lakes, think again. Pay a visit to this beautiful space to enjoy recent improvements there and to make the most of the great outdoors.

Wildlife havenAs both a local nature reserve and a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) Earlswood Common is a haven for wildlife. On your visit look out for birds often found around the lakes including moorhens, swans, cormorants and – if you’re lucky – spot the kingfishers. Other creatures regularly seen include bats, roe deer, butterflies and dragonflies (depending on the season). Download our Earlswood Common wildlife spotter sheet from our website; see how many creatures you can find.

If you’re tempted to feed the birds, birdseed or corn are the healthiest options for them and are better for the environment as they are less likely than bread to attract rats. Please leave your bread at home or look out for our Bread Amnesty later this spring when we will provide visitors with birdseed to feed the birdlife with.

BoatingAfter an absence of many years, boating on Earlswood Upper Lake is back. From Easter to September visitors will be able to hire pedalos and rowing boats at weekends and during school holidays to enjoy the area from the water.

Angling for funIf fish are your passion, tench, roach, eels, pike and bream are among those found in the lakes. You will need a license to fish. Local angling club Horley Piscatorial Society has the fishing rights for Earlswood Common Lower Lake. Google Horley Piscatorial Society for details of how to get in touch with the club.

Get active Earlswood Common provides the perfect route for a summer stroll or gentle jog. A figure-of-eight route around the lakes is 1.4 miles so as the evenings get lighter and the weather gets warmer, why not get your recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day at the lakes.

A nice cup of teaAfter all that activity, if you need a sit down and some refreshments, the newly-opened Lakes Café is the perfect place. Situated within the car park, the café offers tea, coffee, hot and cold food plus ice cream for those hot (we hope) summer days. You can enjoy all these safe in the knowledge that the Lakes Café has a rating of five out of five for food hygiene*. New facilities also include toilet facilities and outdoor seating.

Recent works

Greenspaces Services Manager Emanuel Flecken explains some of the work that’s been carried out recently:

“We’ve been working hard to make Earlswood Common – and the Lakes

in particular – better, safer and more varied for visitors. We’ve:

• cleaned and refilled the top lake and replenished the stock of fish

• repaired the dam on the bottom lake, where growing tree roots had caused leaks

• moved power lines underground, making it safer for birds in flight

• created a wildlife habitat park from trees felled from the dam.

“We hope you enjoy your time at Earlswood Lakes. We would also like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers who helped make all this possible – especially the lake clear-up. If you’d like to volunteer to help with future Greenspaces projects visit our website for details.”

Emanuel Flecken, Greenspaces Services Manager

Coming soonNew benches, extra bins and a brand new information board will all appear soon, funded through a £10,000 grant from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme and voted for by the public.

Throughout 2017 Reigate & Banstead will be running outdoor events at selected locations in the borough. We’ll post all details on our website and social media so make sure you keep a look out.

* awarded in December 2016

8 9www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk

RECYCLINGVALUE FOR MONEY

Make recycling second natureHow your council tax funds your council services

3. Use a Surrey community recycling centre It’s free of charge to dispose of your garden waste at one of the 15 community recycling centres in Surrey – visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/recycling for a list of locations.

1. Compost it at home This is the most environmentally friendly way. Surrey residents can buy a compost bin for the reduced price of just £13 at www.recycleforsurrey.org.uk.

2. Subscribe to the Reigate & Banstead garden waste service For an annual fee of £60 we will provide you with a brown bin, take away your garden waste each fortnight and compost it. We’ll take grass cuttings, leaves, weeds, hedge trimmings and small branches. And you could even share a bin with a neighbour. It’s easy to join this popular service – just go to www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/recyclemore.

After the long winter months you might be itching to get back in the garden and have a good clear out. It’s a good time to think about how to get rid of your garden waste:

Garden waste

What goes in your bins?

✔ Keep your mixed recycling clean, dry and loose

✔ Don’t put plastic bags in your recycling bin – but you can line your food caddy with them

And please don’t forget…✔ Visit www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/recyclemore

if you’re unsure if an item can be recycled.

✁

For all of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s services, an average household pays £214.44 a year – that’s just £4.12 a week.

Did you know 80% of your rubbish can be recycled? Here are some ideas how.

Our grant from government, which helps to fund our services, stops completely from April.

We have prepared for this by bringing in new sources of income to become financially self-supporting and to help to keep the increase in our 12% share of your council tax bill to a minimum.

This year, we are increasing our portion of the bill by 2.39% – that’s less than 10 pence per week for the average two adult Band D household.

This rise is vital for us to continue to improve services to our 144,000 residents and ensure the borough is a great place to live and work.

12p

If you live in Horley or Salfords and Sidlow, you pay a bit more for the services your town or parish council provides.

How your council tax bill is made up Where the money comes from

Income = £54.2 million (78%) from fees, recycling, grants, benefits and investments

Council Tax = £13.6 million (19%)

Government grants = £2.2 million (3%) for business rates

Surrey County Council

Surrey Police

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council

Band D average*

*for a 2 adult household in a Band D property

£1,331.554.99%

£224.571.99%

£214.442.39%

£1,816.54

You pay just 12 pence in every pound of council tax for Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s services.

Find more about your council tax and the Council’s annual financial report on our website.

emptying 11 million bins and recycling boxes

cleaning 300 miles of streets and clearing 2,400 tonnes of litter

maintaining 55 parks and open spaces and 33 children’s play

areas which receive almost 9 million visits

providing for over 1 million visits to our 3 leisure centres

licensing and regulating over 2,000 bars, restaurants, events, taxis, minicabs and drivers

checking 450 businesses

for cleanliness and safety

awarding over £400,000 in grants to local

voluntary groups

providing 3 community

centres which run

activities and support for

older people

determining 1,500 planning

applications

helping 2,400 over 55s stay active through

our Living & Ageing Well programme

Reigate & Banstead Borough council receives 12% of your council tax. Here are a few things our

12% pays for.

Materials put in the wrong bin can cause whole lorry loads to be rejected by our contractors. It’s a waste of recyclable materials and costs money.

Here is our handy guide to making sure you use the right bin.

food recycling paper & card

fruit & vegetables paper

meat & bones corrugated cardboard

bread, pasta, beans & rice

newspapers & magazines

Tea & coffee grounds cardboard

mixed recycling

plastic bottles, pots, tubs & trays

cartons (foil and wax lined)

cans, foil & aerosols

glass bottles & jars

£

10 www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk 11www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk

WELLBEING

Stroke-survivor Emma explains how using Pathway helped her feel more independent and confident in managing her own health.

“After my stroke, trying to keep my blood pressure down and weekly check-ups at my GP's made me anxious. It was hard to understand and remember everything.

“I’m far less anxious now. After my initial assessment Pathway put together a support package including healthy lifestyle and stress

management advice and ways of monitoring my blood pressure at home, through my phone. I get weekly support through visits from my Pathway concierge.”

Pathway, a Care Quality Commission registered service, offers a range of support including:

• Wellbeing assessments that help Pathway tailor a support plan and bespoke package to meet your needs

• Occupational therapy assessments

• A range of bespoke supported living services, helping people with disabilities to live as independently as possible

• Wellbeing monitoring through personal visits and a range of technology

• Care co-ordination to help you find and manage your support

• Short-term support after hospital stays.

Since September last year Pathway has been working with people across the borough.

Here are just two of their clients’ stories.

Staying independentDo you or a loved one want to stay independent at home but need a little help? Pathway, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s new private social care company, could be for you.

Daphne found Pathway helped improve the time she spends with her son:

“My Pathway support plan means I get help when I need it – including my shopping and laundry, booking and attending health appointments and changing my hearing aid batteries.

“The occupational therapist provided equipment to make life easier at home.

“My son used to have to do everything for me; now we have more quality time together.”

Contact PathwayCall Pathway on 01737 904204, email hello@pathwayforcare.com or visit www.pathwayforcare.com for more details.

Emma’s story

Daphne’s story

Pathway specialist supports Emma with her blood

pressure monitor.

Support from Pathway enables Daphne

and son Clive to spend more time together.

Keeping active and wellStaying active and staying well often go hand in hand. Here Council Wellbeing Advisor Clare Webb highlights opportunities for young people to be active and explains how our new Wellbeing Prescription service helps adults improve their health and wellbeing.

“Local GPs sometimes refer patients to me when lifestyle changes could improve their health. I can advise on how to eat well, get active and lose weight and tell patients about other useful services including weight management and smoking cessation courses.

“After initial interviews I’ll recommend actions to patients and keep in touch to check how they get on.”

Get Active 50+Clare has some ideas to help you stay active and well.

“Keeping active helps us age well. Get Active 50+ helps those over 50 start exercising, try something new or rediscover the sport of their youth.

“It’s the perfect way to exercise at your own pace in a friendly, relaxed environment. There’s a range of sport suitable for total beginners, giving excellent value professional tuition.

Get Active 50+ helps those over 50 start exercising.

“

“

On offer are swimming, golf, bowls, walking football, cage cricket, Nordic walking, Zumba Gold and more. We like to keep things varied! Search ‘Get Active 50+’ on our website or email leisure.services@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.”

R&Be Active

Clare also reminds readers, “It’s just as important for young people to exercise. Our R&Be Active programme runs in school holidays. We have previously included basketball, squash, ‘A Show in a Day’ performing arts event, trampolining and more. Find out more on our website.”

“Specsavers Surrey Youth Games is another option. Up to eight weeks of free training sessions are available for 8-15 year olds in sports including badminton, squash,

girls’ football, hockey and table tennis. Those excelling in training have the chance to take part in a multi-sports competition at Surrey Sports Park on 17-18 June. Register your interest – email leisure.services@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.”

Young or old, I’d encourage anyone to be as active as they can be, to help their health and general wellbeing.”

12 13www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk

COMMUNITY SAFETY

13

Help keep ourcommunities safe

Preventing terrorism Despite Surrey being a low risk county for terrorism, being alert to suspicious behaviour and tensions is still important. Here are some things to be watchful for:

• Someone recording information in a crowded location or watching CCTV cameras

• A vehicle parked or being loaded in an unusual place

• Leaflets containing violent or extremist messages being distributed

• Someone buying large amounts of chemicals for no obvious reason.

Be prepared for terrorism:

• Watch the police’s Stay Safe video (www.npcc.police.uk/staysafe). Follow its advice to ‘run, hide and tell’.

• Visit www.surrey.police.uk and search ‘Counter Terrorism’ for advice

• Project Argus events help businesses and organisations prepare for a terror attack or other emergency. Visit www.gov.uk and search ‘Project Argus’ for details.

See or hear something that could be terrorist-related? Trust your instincts – call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline: 0800 789 321. Always call 999 in an emergency.

At Reigate & Banstead Borough Council helping people and communities stay safe is important. There are ways you can help with this too.

Child sexual exploitationOften those experiencing child sexual exploitation (or CSE) don’t realise they are victims, instead feeling they are in a grown-up relationship. A young person may feel in control of the situation but blackmail, violence and intimidation often force them to take part in sexual activities. Signs that a young person may be at risk include:

• Missing school, regularly going missing, coming home late or staying out all night without explanation

• Unexplained money or gifts, including mobile phones

• Having a much older boyfriend or girlfriend

• Being seen in different cars, perhaps with different older people

• Changes in appearance or overt sexualised dress.

Search ‘child sexual exploitation’ at www.surreycc.gov.uk to find out more – including ways to help your child avoid becoming a victim. If you are concerned about a young person, contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0300 470 9100 or call the police.

ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Understand your target market Understanding their needs will help you deliver a product that improves their lives. So seek out, listen to and act on their ideas and opinions.

We regularly team up with Let’s Do Business Group to assist local businesses. They offer a wide range of support services across Surrey and beyond to those starting out. Taking on board advice and guidance from those in the know can be vital to get your business off the ground. To get you started, here are their top tips for business success:

Success for new businessesRecently started your own business? Or thinking about setting up on your own? Let’s Do Business Group shares its top tips:

4

3

2

1

Want to know more?• www.gov.uk for practical help on all aspects of setting up your business. • www.marketingdonut.co.uk for marketing advice.• www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/business – find out the many ways we can support you.

“You need to believe in what you’re doing and in giving it your absolute best: then the time and devotion required to succeed is all worthwhile.”Halani Foulsham, Thought Climber

“To successfully target your market, ask yourself two key questions: where is the demand for my product or service? And can I meet that demand in a better way than everyone else?”Nazanin Nankali, Powertutors UK

Think about profitYou need to charge a price people will pay, cover all your costs and have money left over at the end. Sounds simple, but it’s common to miss some of the costs associated with running a business.

Communicate!Think about how you communicate with your market. If you can build an emotional connection, more business will come your way.

Be patient – and persistentThings often don’t happen exactly when you’d like them to and there may be barriers to overcome along the way. Perseverance is key.

We asked local business owners for their take on these tips. Here’s what they had to say.

TOP TIPS

TIP 1

TIP 4

“Busy parents who want to get fit have a struggle finding the time. My Home Exercise Programme takes just 15 minutes a day, and I communicate directly to my audience through video blogs. A good emotional connection means we provide them with the solution to their problem, and the product sells itself.”Frank Sinclair, Fit with Frank Personal Training

“Good packaging is essential, and often costs more than you think. Incidental costs mount up too: hotels, petrol, postage, wastage, VAT. And you still need to pay the tax man and yourself a wage!”Frances Black, FlaVit Seaweed Seasoning

TIP 2

TIP 3

14 15www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Thursday 6 April, 2.30pm and 7pm

Star for a NightSee page 5 for details of this young people’s variety show.

Monday 10 April, 11.30am

Vimy Ridge 100 commemorationTown Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, RH2 0SHFlag-raising ceremony and coffee morning. Free to attend and open to all. Email beverley.barry@reigate-banstead.gov.uk for tickets.

Sunday 30 April from 10.30am

Festival of Sport and YMCA Fun Run Priory Park, Bell Street, Reigate, RH2 7RLFree taster sessions from local sports clubs plus YMCA’s annual fun runs for children and adults. More information about the fun runs is at www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk/funrun.

Monday 1 May, 1.30-4.30pm

Lower Kingswood Village FeteRecreation Ground, Buckland Road, Lower Kingswood, KT20 7DNFree entry.

Friday 12 May, 7pm-12.30am

Mayor’s Charity 1960s Dinner Dance Reigate Manor Hotel, Reigate Hill, Reigate, RH2 9PFSparkling reception, four course meal, wine, coffee and live band. Dress: black tie or 1960s.Tickets: £75 (including £20 of raffle tickets). Proceeds go to the Children’s Trust and Surrey Care Trust.Email beverley.barry@reigate-banstead.gov.uk for tickets.

What’s on

Saturday 17 June, 12-5pm

Amazing floats in the carnival parade plus music, stalls and a fair at Horley Recreation Ground. www.horleycarnival.co.uk

Monday 19 June, 10.30am

Armed Forces DayTown Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, RH2 0SHFlag-raising ceremony and coffee morning. Free to attend and open to all. Email beverley.barry@reigate-banstead.gov.uk for tickets.

Sunday 16 July, 12pm to 5.30pm

Music in Nork ParkNork Park, Nork Way, BansteadA day of free live music with stalls, activities, food and drink.

Saturday 9 September, 11am-3pm

Heritage Open DayTown Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, RH2 0SHJoin the Mayor for morning coffee and cake in the Heritage Tea Room, explore the Town Hall, climb aboard a real fire engine and delve through history. Live music, photography displays and children’s activities.Free.

Sunday 10 September, from 11.30am

Horley Lions Charity Dog Show and Donkey DerbyHorley Recreation Ground, Brighton Road, Horley Enjoy eight races in the derby plus fun and pedigree classes in the dog show. Free to enter the recreation ground.www.horleylions.org.uk

Horley Carnival: Wonders of the Sea

We regularly run leisure activities at a reduced cost in school holidays as part of our R&Be Active programme. Half price spaces are available to families on a low income. From squash to golf, trampolining to watersports, it’s the chance for your seven to 15 year olds to try something different. Visit our website to find out more.

www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/schoolhols

Discover more community events or publicise your own for free at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/events.

DISCOVER MORE