Kent County Council - South Ashford

Think before you buy

southashfordcf 10 November 2016 0 Comments

Millions of consumers lose money because they do not know their rights

Research carried out by Kent County Council showed that a majority of Kent residents are unaware of their consumer rights before they buy; often only finding out when something goes wrong.

The top reported issue in Kent is with the purchase of second-hand cars, with 36% of the county’s population likely to have a problem in this area. A further 26% are at risk of falling victim to rogue traders, also known as doorstep criminals.

The findings raise concerns that a large proportion of residents are at risk of being a victim of consumer crime and are unaware of their basic consumer rights. (more…)

Consumer, Crime, Kent County Council, News

Parking restrictions consultation

southashfordcf 2 November 2016 0 Comments

ABC Crest Amendment 4 2016 (Ashford) to ‘The Kent County Council (Various Roads, Borough of Ashford) (Waiting Restrictions and Street Parking Places) Consolidation Order 2016 (as amended).

Ashford Borough Council

Opens: 03 November 2016
Closes: 24 November 2016

Ashford Borough Council, as agents working on behalf of Kent County Council is proposing to make a Traffic Regulation Order that will bring into force amendments to parking controls in Ashford.

Details of the changes proposed by this Traffic Regulation Order within South Ashford are given below. A copy of the proposed Order and supporting documents, including the statement of reasons for making this Order and plans showing the extent of proposed changes may be inspected on line at www.ashford.gov.uk/parkingconsultation under ‘Amendment 4’. Hard copies of deposit documents will also be available to view at the Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, TN23 1PL, Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 15:30.

If you wish to comment on these proposals you can submit comments through our website at www.ashford.gov.uk/parkingconsultation, or alternatively comments can be returned by post to the Civic Centre. All comments must be submitted by midnight on Thursday 24th November 2016 in order to be considered.

Francis Road

Introduction of a disabled persons bay

Zone G

Victoria Crescent – The entire length
Victoria Road – Numbers 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 & 40 only

Amendment of Conditions on designated parking bays to prohibit return within 4 hours

Vehicles displaying a valid residents’, visitors’ or business permit will be unaffected by this change

Ashford Borough Council, Consultation, Kent County Council, News, Transport

Deadline for secondary school place applications is Monday

southashfordcf 28 October 2016 0 Comments

You must apply for a Secondary school place if your child is born between 1 September 2005 and 31 August 2006 for your child to start year 7 at Secondary school in 2017. You will need to apply for a Secondary school place when your child is in Year 6 at Primary school.

If your child is already at Secondary school and you want to move them to a different school you must apply for an in year admission.

Applications made made by Monday, 31 October 2016

Apply online at: www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/secondary-school-places

Children, Education, Kent County Council, News

KCC Budget Consultation

southashfordcf 13 October 2016 0 Comments

KCC Draft Budget proposals 2017/18

Kent County Council

Opens: 13 Oct 2016
Closes: 27 November 2016

Kent County Council (KCC) is asking for your views on its budget proposals and how it can close the remaining gap before the 2017/18 budget is finalised in February 2017.

In the introduction to its budget consultation KCC says that it faces a huge financial challenge in the years ahead and is working hard to protect the services that make the greatest difference to people’s lives.

The story so far

Each year KCC set a budget to decide how much it will spend on services for Kent residents and businesses for the next financial year and much income it needs from Government and local taxation to fund this.

It prioritises spending on services that make sure children and young people get the best start in life, that communities feel the benefit of economic growth, and that support vulnerable residents to live independently. It’s strategic statement annual report gives details of how it is ensuring every pound spent in Kent is delivering better outcomes for Kent’s residents, communities and businesses.

In recent years the amount of money available from Government has been decreasing while demand and cost for council services has been increasing. KCC expects this trend to continue in coming years.

Since 2010 we have made savings of £514 million to offset these challenges and continue to protect and invest in those services that make the greatest difference to people’s lives. These savings have focussed on the transformation of services, which means delivering better outcomes at lower cost, and working in more efficient ways. This has allowed us to continue to protect frontline services. (more…)

Consultation, Finance, Kent County Council, News

Open your heart

southashfordcf 8 October 2016 0 Comments

Kent Fostering “Open your Heart” from Kent County Council on Vimeo.

Open your heart and you could help to transform the lives of children and young people in Kent by becoming a foster carer. Kent County Council are especially looking for carers for:

older children – aged 13 to 18
siblings
disabled children
unaccompanied asylum seeking young people

Find out about the benefits, payments and all the great support Kent County Council can provide you.

And if you think you can provide children with the stability and routine they need to flourish and develop then please contact us on 03000 420 002 or request a call back.

Children, Home, Kent County Council, News

Protect yourself and others from abuse

southashfordcf 8 October 2016 0 Comments

With each kind of abuse, neglect, undue pressure or assault, there is often someone who knows it is happening or suspects that something is wrong. Please use the contact numbersbelow to report abuse or seek advice if you feel you are being abused, or think somebody is at risk of harm or abuse. You can ask someone you trust to help you.

If possible, let the person who is being abused know help is available and include them in the decision to seek help. You could share this leaflet with them, unless doing so may place them at further risk.

What happens after abuse is reported?

If you report abuse:

Every report of abuse is taken seriously.
You will be listened to and asked to provide information about the situation.
You will be encouraged to give your name to enable your concerns to be followed up.
Professionals will make enquires about the concerns.

They will contact the adult at risk to involve them in the safeguarding process wherever possible, unless to do so may place them at further risk initially.

If you think you or another person is at risk of harm or abuse

please contact 03000 41 61 61 NGT Service 18001 03000 41 61 61

Outside of normal office hours: 03000 41 91 91 NGT Service 18001 03000 41 91 91

If someone is in immediate risk contact the emergency services on 999

For further information go to: www.kent.gov.uk/adultprotection

#StopAbuseKent

Crime, Kent County Council, News, Safety, Wellbeing

Electrical goods scam

southashfordcf 6 October 2016 0 Comments

KCC Trading Standards have received reports of people being approached in car-parks or near cash points and being asked if they would like to purchase a mobile phone or laptop for a discounted price.

The item appears legitimate and the person is shown the receipt, however when the victim hands over the cash the seller attempts to trick the individual by swapping the item in the bag with something of a similar weight.

Report scams to KCC.

Report it

For advice and to report issues to KCC Trading Standards contact
Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm or
online at any time https://ssl.datamotion.com/form.aspx?co=3438&frm=citacomplainform&to=flare.fromforms

KCC Trading Standards 06 October 2016
http://us9.campaign-archive2.com/?u=ce2871176f2cf0da723a750b1&id=d222699515&e=5d620a3416

Consumer, Crime, Kent County Council, News

How to recognise abuse and neglect – 4

southashfordcf 6 October 2016 0 Comments

Domestic abuse

is when abuse occurs between partners, former partners or by a family member. It can include psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse as well as ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

There is information and advice about Domestic Abuse in our posts from the Talk About Abuse campaign
https://southashford.org.uk/index.php/category/site/domestic-abuse/

Help

If you are affected by domestic abuse, or you think a friend or family member may be, there are specialists who can help you.

Contact Kent County Council on 03000 41 61 61 or if someone is in immediate risk, dial 999. Support will be provided by specially trained people to victims of abuse and those who report it

Ashford Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop offers free advice, information and support from a range of agencies under one roof to help victims of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can affect anyone and therefore, if you are a man or a woman and would like to discuss your issues, you are welcome to attend. No appointment is required just turn up.
The Willow Centre, Brookfield Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 4EY
Telephone: 07598 74504
Opening times: Every Tuesday morning 9.30am – 12.30pm

Domestic Abuse Support in Kent website, a new resource covering Kent and Medway providing advice and information on services for victims, friends & family, and perpetrators of Domestic Abuse.http://www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk/

Citizens Advice online advice on domestic abuse, where you’ll find lots of organisations that can help.

If you think a friend or family member may be experiencing domestic abuse, see Citizens Advice’ guidance on how you can talk to them about it and direct them to places where they can get further help.

#StopAbuseKent
#talkaboutabuse‬

Crime, Health, Kent County Council, News, Safety, Wellbeing

How to recognise abuse and neglect – 3

southashfordcf 5 October 2016 0 Comments

There are different kinds of abuse and it can happen anywhere. It occurs when someone exploits another person or treats them in a way that harms or hurts them. It can happen once or on multiple occasions. People who abuse are not always strangers. They can also be: partners, relatives, a friend, neighbour or carer.

Types of Abuse

Some more of the types of abuse are described below.

Organisational abuse

is where an adult is placed at risk through poor professional practice and/or organisational failings. It can be a one-off incident or ongoing ill-treatment or neglect. This abuse can happen when care and support is provided at home or within an institution or care setting, such as a hospital or residential home.

Neglect

is when someone deliberately or unintentionally causes a person to suffer by failing to provide the required medical or physical care. This may include failing to provide access to appropriate health, social care or education. This can result in their essential day to day needs, such as: medication, food, drink and heating, being denied.

Self-neglect

is when a person’s behaviour, such as neglecting to care for personal hygiene, health or surroundings, has a detrimental effect on their health and wellbeing. It can include behaviour such as hoarding

To report abuse,

contact Kent County Council on 03000 41 61 61 or if someone is in immediate risk, dial 999. Support will be provided by specially trained people to victims of abuse and those who report it

Kent County Council, Stop adult abuse – how to protect yourself and others (PDF, 107.2 KB)
www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/13513/AdultAbuseLeaflet.pdf

#StopAbuseKent

Crime, Health, Kent County Council, News, Safety, Wellbeing

How to recognise abuse and neglect – 2

southashfordcf 4 October 2016 0 Comments

There are different kinds of abuse and it can happen anywhere. It occurs when someone exploits another person or treats them in a way that harms or hurts them. It can happen once or on multiple occasions. People who abuse are not always strangers. They can also be: partners, relatives, a friend, neighbour or carer.

Types of Abuse

Some more of the types of abuse are described below.

Modern slavery

is when individuals are coerced, deceived or forced into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment. This can be through human trafficking, forced labour or domestic servitude.

Financial or material abuse

relates to theft, fraud, internet fraud/scams, exploitation or pressure in connection with financial affairs or arrangements. It can also include the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

Discriminatory abuse

is when a person suffers ill-treatment or harassment because of their race, gender, cultural background, religion, physical and/or sensory impairment, sexual orientation or age. This can be referred to as hate crime.

To report abuse,

contact Kent County Council on 03000 41 61 61 or if someone is in immediate risk, dial 999. Support will be provided by specially trained people to victims of abuse and those who report it

Kent County Council, Stop adult abuse – how to protect yourself and others (PDF, 107.2 KB)
www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/13513/AdultAbuseLeaflet.pdf

#StopAbuseKent

Crime, Health, Kent County Council, News, Wellbeing