Category: South Cambs District Council

Christmas and New Year bin collections 🎄🗑️♻️

Bin collections which fall on Wednesday 25 December will take place 2 days EARLIER, on Monday 23 December.

Those falling on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 December will take place one day later than usual, with Friday’s collection moving to Saturday.

The following week, collections falling on Wednesday 1 January will take place 2 days EARLIER, on Monday 30 December.

All other collection dates remain the same as usual: December 2024 – March 2025 bin collection calendar.

Christmas tree recycling 🎄♻️

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will again be collecting real Christmas trees to be chipped into mulch and compost in January.

They collect across CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB5, CB21, CB22, CB23, CB24, CB25, SG8 and SG19 3. Bookings can be made now.

The next community forum for Northstowe will take place on Wednesday 11 September. Drop-in from 6.30pm, Forum at 7pm at Western Park Pavilion, Peppercorn Drive, Northstowe.

Further information for this forum can be found here: Northstowe Community Forum – South Cambs District Council (scambs.gov.uk)

Good evening

The Combined Authority has launched a survey asking the public to share

their views on electric vehicles (EVs) and how best to meet the need for

more charging points across the region.

With the transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles affecting

everyone – whether they drive an EV or not – we’re encouraging as many

people as possible to have a say. Please share the survey among your

community noticeboards, publications and channels to help more people to

take part.

  Working with Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City

Council, we are developing an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy

and will be applying to the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle

Infrastructure (LEVI) fund to help build more charge points.

The Combined Authority wants to make sure they are planned for in the

right way, informed by people’s views.

The Combined Authority’s vision for charging points is:

_”For everyone in the region to have the necessary electric vehicle

charging infrastructure available in the right place at the time they

need. This charging infrastructure will be high quality, safe ,

affordable, environmentally sustainable and accessible. “_

The survey only takes five minutes and can be found here, along with

further information:

HTTPS://CAMBRIDGESHIREPETERBOROUGH-CA.GOV.UK/EV-CHARGING/ [1].

People have until MARCH 26, 2024, to take the survey before it closes.

You can download our survey poster [2]for sharing within your community

and networks. There is a QR code linking to the survey.

For those who prefer to email feedback, use

transport@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk

For responding by post, request a hard copy of the survey by emailing

transport@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk or call 01480 277180.

You can also read our news post about the survey here:

HTTPS://CAMBRIDGESHIREPETERBOROUGH-CA.GOV.UK/NEWS/CALL-FOR-VIEWS-ON-ELECTRIC-VEHICLES-AND-PLANNING-FOR-MORE-CHARGING-POINTS/

[3]

Thank you in advance for any support you can give in sharing this

survey.

Combined Authority Transport Team

Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire, as well as District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues.

Contents

Happy New Year…………………………………………………………………1

Homes for Ukraine 2024 Host Survey……………………………………….2

Landlord Incentive Scheme..………………………………….….…….……..2

Reminder – Refugee Host Support Services………….……………..……..3

Happy New Year

We hope you all enjoyed the festive break with your guests. We reiterate our grateful thanks to you all for continuing to work with us in the Homes for Ukraine scheme in South Cambridgeshire, and we wish to reassure you of our support in the coming months as we hope and pray for a resolution to the conflict in 2024.

HfU 2024 Host Survey

South Cambridgeshire District Council is conducting a new host/sponsor survey for 2024. Following the announcement that host ‘thank you’ payments have been extended to year 3 of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, we wanted to give hosts a chance to update the date until which they wish to continue to host. This enables SCDC to plan to provide the support to guests who need to move on. There is also an opportunity to provide SCDC with your feedback on the Homes for Ukraine scheme so far.

If you have already completed this survey, we thank you for taking the time to do so. If you have not, then please follow the below weblink, the survey will take no more than 5 minutes to complete:

Landlord Incentive Scheme

South Cambridgeshire District Council has recently launched a Homes for Ukraine Landlord Incentive Scheme.

Landlords who provide properties in South Cambridgeshire to Homes for Ukraine guests who are resident in South Cambridgeshire will qualify for a financial incentive. These incentives differ depending on the size of the property, and if they provide the property at market rent or at local housing allowance. The landlord must also provide a minimum tenancy of 6 months from the outset. Please see the below table that details initial payments for a 6-month tenancy:

South Cambridgeshire District Council will help to source a Homes for Ukraine tenant if one is not lined up, and will also provide assistance with setting up the tenancy agreement if this support is required.

If you would be interested in signing up for this scheme, please complete the online form by following this link. Alternatively, you can contact the team at HFULiaison@Scambs.gov.uk or call them on 01954 713411.

Reminder: Refugee Host Support services

We’d like to remind you of the free service available to you through our partnership with the Refugee Host Support service. This free service provides help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It includes:

• 24/7 assistance with unlimited access to accredited and qualified counsellors or psychotherapists.
• Cognitive Behavioural therapy to help overcome common mental health problems.
• Advice lines, including financial, legal, consumer and career advice.
• Discounts at applicable brands.

Please look at this video tour to view the full package of support that this service offers. To sign up to the service, complete the online form using the reference word Anglesey 

You will then receive a welcome email giving you all the information you need. You will also have immediate access to the Supporter Plan brought to you by www.refugeehostsupport.co.uk. 

Your Homes for Ukraine guests also have access to a dedicated service tailored for them, and we would encourage you to let your guest know about this. They will be able to access 24/7 advice lines with Ukrainian speakers, online Ukrainian support groups, and have access to online therapy should it be needed. Details have been sent directly to all Ukrainian guests via email.

Thank you once again for your on-going support.

Best wishes,

Bill Handley

Lead Cabinet Member for Communities

South Cambridgeshire District Council

Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire, as well as District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues.

We would like to wish all our hosts, and all the many organisations, groups and individuals who have worked so hard this year to accommodate Ukrainian visitors to our district, a very happy and relaxing Christmas.  We are very grateful for all the many things you do for guests to make them feel welcome. This festive season is very much a time for family gatherings and will undoubtedly prove to be another difficult period for Ukrainian visitors who are unable to see and spend time with their loved ones and are worried for the safety and wellbeing of family members who have remained back in the Ukraine. We offer our continuing support and prayers for a resolution to the war in 2024.

We would also like to remind you of the service offered by our partners at Refugee Host Support which provides help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is available to hosts and guests free of charge.

It includes:

• 24/7 assistance with unlimited access to accredited and qualified counsellors or psychotherapists.
• Cognitive Behavioural therapy to help overcome common mental health problems.
• Advice lines, including financial, legal, consumer and career advice.
• Discounts at applicable brands.

Please look at this video tour to view the full package of support that this service offers.

To sign up to the service, complete the online form. In the reference box, please use the word Anglesey. You will then receive a welcome email giving you all the information you need. You will also have immediate access to the Supporter Plan brought to you by www.refugeehostsupport.co.uk. 

My kindest regards and best wishes,

Bill

Bill Handley

Lead Cabinet Member for Communities

South Cambridgeshire District Council

South Cambridgeshire residents are being encouraged to ensure they take advantage of all the cost-of-living support they are entitled to this winter. With the weather getting colder and communities spending more on heating, the District Council is beginning a new campaign to urge residents to make full use of assistance available. Research suggests that around 25% of some benefits go unclaimed. The Council is therefore encouraging residents to check they are claiming what they are legitimately entitled to. The campaign also reminds people that local foodbanks – all listed on the Council’s website – are there when needed, and you don’t need a voucher to use most of them. There is also an appeal for residents to get energy-saving advice and find out about grants for home improvements to cut spending on energy bills during the winter. Read more on the District Council’s website.

September 21 2023

Support for Ukraine community update for hosts in South Cambridgeshire, as well as District Councillors, community coordinators and parish council colleagues.

We would like to reassure hosts that while our communications on any updates to the Homes for Ukraine scheme may now be more intermittent, we are committed to continuing our support for you in this crucial role while the war in Ukraine continues.

This week we have one note for you regarding clarification on host payments and have also included some of the regular reminders we are sending to your guests for your information.

Host Payments – first and last months

Payments can only be made if the total number of days a guest is with their host in their first and last months combined is 16 days or more. The day the guest leaves is not included.

For example:

1. The guest arrived on 30 June 2022 – payment would not have been made for June 2022. They leave on 13 July 2023. The guests are treated as being with the host for 1 day in the first month and 12 days in the last month. As this period is less than 16 days, the last month to be paid would be June 2023.

2. The guest arrived on 26 June 2022 – payment would not have been made for June 2022. They leave on 15 July 2023. The guests are treated as being with the host for 5 days in the first month and 14 days in the last month.  As this period is more than 16 days, the last month to be paid would be July 2023.

3. The guest arrived on 12 June 2022 – payment was made for June 2022 as they are with the host for the first month for more than 16 days. They leave on 15 July 2023. The guests are treated as being with the host for 14 days in the last month. As this period is less than 16 days, they will not receive a payment for July and the last month to be paid would be June 2023.

If you need further clarification on this, please contact ukrainepayments@scambs.gov.uk

Useful Information for your guests

We thought we would also take this opportunity to make you aware of some of the useful information which is available on the Council website for your guests. It can be found in the Guest Information Hub covering Financial advice and support, Local travel support, Access to health and wellbeing services, Access to education and childcare, Hobbies and leisure activities and Moving On.

• a.young690@gmail.com
• Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuSS) runs a helpline for guests and hosts with a translation service. Call 05603 025975 (9am-6pm weekdays, 10am-5pm Saturdays). 

• Support for Families with Young Children Leaflets in English and Ukrainian are available for Ukrainian families with younger children to understand more about childcare choices in Cambridgeshire.
• Free clothes at Sawston pop-up clothes shop: A pop-up shop at Sawston Free Church, High Street CB22 3BG, provides donated good quality clothing for Ukrainian guests and is open 2^nd and 4^th Friday of the month 4pm-6pm.
• Support to find a job for ages 15-24: Young guests aged 15-24 can access career guidance, apprenticeship advice, CV writing and interview preparation, online resources to training courses, and more. Email to tpluck@formthefuture.org.uk, see Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Region of Learning – Contact Form (office.com)
• Cambridge Online Job Skills Club: Cambridge Online aims to help Ukrainian refugees learn new skills and how to apply for employment in the UK. Email help@cambridgeonline.org.uk or call 01223 300407.
• Free courses from WEA: The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) runs courses which Ukrainian guests can join for free if they meet the criteria. See wea.org.uk or call 0300 303 34 64.
• Free digital help sessions: Bar Hall Library offers free drop-in digital help sessions on Mondays from 10.00-12.00. No need to book.
• Community Forum Offering Help: Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum gives advice and support to Ukrainians on housing issues, finding a job, ESOL classes, education, access to public services and benefits. Email alla@cecf.co.uk or call 01223 655241. 
• Barnardo’s Ukrainian Support Helpline: Children’s charity Barnardo’s has a Ukrainian Support Helpline open Monday–Friday 10.00-20.00 or Saturday 10.00-15.00. Call freephone on 0800 148 8586 or email to ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk 

A range of free or special offers are also available for Ukrainian guests:

• Better Health Centre (Off-Peak) membership
• Bizbike Community E-bike Service free rides
• Free bikes and Cycling UK (digital-only membership)
• Free Laptops
• Library membership
• Free admission to National Trust properties
• Small Grants to help reduce social isolation for guests

We continue to be extremely grateful for your support of Ukrainian guests and thank you for taking the time to read this latest update.

Best wishes,

Bill Handley

Lead Cabinet Member for Communities

South Cambridgeshire District Council

Net Zero Now Overview

Following on from the successful Spring Programme of Net Zero Now, applications are now open for another Net Zero Now course for residents of South Cambridgeshire. This is a free, 6-week community climate action course designed to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to support your community on its journey to net zero. This challenge to net zero is a unique opportunity to build communities that are not just more sustainable but also healthier, happier, and more resilient. 

“Really enjoyed the course and found it very beneficial. … Great speakers and interesting, inspiring participants. It has been very informative and always interesting and engaging.” – Spring 2023 Net Zero Now Participant.

Run by Cambridge Carbon Footprint with the support of South Cambridgeshire District Council and the National Lottery Community Fund, Net Zero Now will give you the opportunity to connect with others working on community climate action in the area and discuss a range of themes including: how to communicate climate action effectively; engaging with volunteers; working towards a clear goal; and what support is available locally to you.

Not sure whether Net Zero Now is right for you? We are also going to be holding an online and informal Q&A on Wednesday 27^th September at 7pm to answer any questions on the programme. More info here: https://cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/events/net-zero-now-qa-is-it-right-for-you/.

Applications close on Sunday 8th October. Find out more and apply now.

Who is the programme for?

This course is relevant to Parish Councillors and residents of South Cambridgeshire who are interested in supporting their community’s move to net zero but who are either unsure where to start or feel that they would benefit from gaining additional tools or confidence to increase the impact of their activities.

Why has the course been created?

The course is being run by local charity Cambridge Carbon Footprint with support from the South Cambridgeshire District Council Zero Carbon Communities Fund.

What have previous participants achieved?

As a result of attending the course, previous participants have supported their parish councils to declare climate emergencies and create climate action plans, improved biodiversity through planting wildflowers and trees, and connected with surrounding towns and villages to share resources and expertise.

What does the course consist of?

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the move to net zero where you live. The programme consists of six weekly workshops, a mix of online and in-person, bringing you together with other communities and individuals in the area to support and learn from each other to deliver effective carbon reduction activities, events, and communications.

The programme will cover topics such as how to find and keep volunteers, how to engage with your local community, and how to foster and support local climate initiatives from clothes swaps to community energy schemes. You will be supported to create an action plan and leave the course ready to take the next steps.

Bin days have changed for many residents.

You can add your bin collection dates to calendars on your Android or Apple devices.

If you have previously used South Cambridgeshire District Council’s website to add your bin collection dates to your phone’s calendar, you need to delete the old dates from that calendar and re-add your new dates.

Find out how to do this – and check your bin collection days – at https://www.scambs.gov.uk/recycling-and-bins/find-your-household-bin-collection-day/

Bin collection changes

Many residents will have changes to their bin collections from week starting 18 September 2023. This could be a change to the bin day or to which bins are collected on a particular week. Bins may also be emptied earlier or later than they are now, so all bins need to be out by 6am on your collection day. The frequency of collections will not change. If your bin collections are due to change, you will receive a letter in the post. You can find out more and check when your collections will be at www.scambs.gov.uk/binchanges.