News

Prepare your vehicle for bad weather

15 December 2016 0 Comments

Snow CarIn this this fourth post on preparing for winter we have information from Brake on winter driving.

Be prepared

Even if you avoid setting off in dangerous weather conditions, you could get caught out, so be prepared by:

  • ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained through an up-to-date MOT, regular service, and regular walk-round checks by you.
  • regularly checking tyres to ensure they’re in good condition and have a tread depth of at least 3mm to be safe in the wet.
  • making sure there is anti-freeze in your radiator and windscreen washer bottle.
  • keeping an ice-scraper and de-icer in your vehicle at all times in winter.
  • packing a winter driving kit in case of emergency. This might include: a torch; cloths; a blanket and warm clothes; food and drink; first-aid kit; spade; warning triangle; and high-visibility vest.
  • always take a well-charged phone in case of emergencies, but don’t be tempted to use it when driving.

Car batteries are more likely to die in winter, so take steps to ensure yours doesn’t. If your car battery is old (more than five years) or there is sign of it struggling to start the car, get it checked by your garage and replaced if needed.

Clear ice, snow and condensation completely from your windscreen and all windows before setting off. Clear snow off the roof of your vehicle too, as it might fall and obscure your vision during your journey.

Check forecasts and plan your route carefully. In bad weather, major roads are more likely to be cleared and gritted. Allow plenty of time for potential hold-ups. The Met Office provides up to date forecasts, and issues warnings when severe weather is likely. (more…)

News, Safety, Transport

Inquiry into supported housing funding reform launched

15 December 2016 0 Comments

HousesJoint inquiry into the Government’s funding reform for supported housing.

Commons Select Committee for Work and Pensions and
Commons Select Committee for Communities and Local Government

Opens: 15 December 2016
Closes: 3 February 2017

The Work and Pensions Committee and the Communities and Local Government Committee launch a joint inquiry into the Government’s funding reform for supported housing.

Scope of the inquiry

The inquiry examines the planned changes for 2019–20, when core rent and service charges for supported housing will be funded through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit up to the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate. For costs above this, funding will go to local authorities for disbursement locally.

The Committee considers whether the new system will ensure that the varied rate of the LHA cap will not adversely affect tenants and providers in low-value parts of the country. It examines how existing tenants will be protected following the switch and ask whether the changes should be piloted.

The inquiry also looks at the effect that uncertainty about the new model is having on the sector and explores whether separate funding models are needed for refuges and other short-term supported housing services, or sheltered housing services for the elderly, which would require a higher cap.

How the localised funding pots would work, including how the money will be ring-fenced and which factors should be used to determine an areas allocation, are also investigated by the Committees. (more…)

Consultation, Government, Housing, News

Prepare for flooding

14 December 2016 0 Comments

In the third of our posts on preparing for winter we bring information from the Environment Agency on preparing for flooding.

Make a flood plan

Plan how you’ll respond to a flood. Use a template to make a:

Protect your property

You can:

You may need permission to do work that will affect the flow of a river or divert flood water. (more…)

Emergency, Home, News, Safety

Fake Bank Letters

14 December 2016 0 Comments

Action FraudLloyds customers should be on the lookout for a new sophisticated fraud that involves fraudsters sending fake bank letters. 

The convincing letters being sent are a replica template from Lloyds and include their logo, address and signature from a customer service representative.

The letter tells recipients that there have been some “unusual transactions” on their personal account and asks them to call a number highlighted in bold to confirm they are genuine.

When victims call the number, an automated welcome message is played and the caller is asked to enter their card number, account number and sort code followed by their date of birth.Victims are then instructed to enter the first and last digit of their security number.
The fraud was spotted by the Daily Telegraph who was alerted to it by a reader who had three identical letters sent to an office address. On separate occasions the Daily Telegraph ran some tests using fake details and were passed to fraudsters who claimed to be from a Lloyds contact centre. The bank has confirmed that the phone number and letters are fake.

The letters are essentially a sophisticated phishing attempt and serves as a warning to consumers to question written correspondence from their banks.

If you are ever suspicious about correspondence from your bank you should call the customer serviced number on the back of their card.

To report a fraud and cyber crime, call us on 0300 123 2040 or visit http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

Action Fraud 9 December 2016
www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/sophisticated-fraud-involving-convincing-bank-letters-dec16

It is likely that similar fraud will be attempted other bank’s details.

  1. Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full banking password
  2. Don’t assume an email, text, letter or phone call is authentic
  3. Don’t be rushed – a genuine organisation won’t mind waiting
  4. Listen to your instincts – you know if something doesn’t feel right
  5. Stay in control – don’t panic and make a decision you’ll regret

#TakeFive

Crime, Finance, News

Safer Sleeping campaign supports Kent parents

13 December 2016 0 Comments

A new campaign is underway in Kent to support parents with young babies, offering vital safety advice to protect their children and reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Around 290 babies and toddlers die every year of SIDS in the UK. Each year in Kent, approximately nine babies under a year old die unexpectedly in their sleep.

Research has shown that several parental and infant care factors are more frequently associated with babies who die of SIDS. There are no obvious reasons for these deaths, but factors such as overheating and co-sleeping do increase the risk, so parents who follow the safer sleep advice can significantly lower the chances of this occurring.

The multi-agency Kent Safeguarding Children’s Board and partner organisations have developed innovative thermometer cards which will help parents understand the issues and monitor the temperature of the room in which their baby is sleeping. These are currently being given to parents with key safety messages by health visitors and midwives. Swale Health Visitor Tracey Methley-Keen believes it’s a vital support tool: “It’s really awful for parents when they are just so tired and struggling to get their baby to sleep that they decide to lay down with the baby or they wrap it up in lots of layers to avoid it waking up cold, especially at this time of year when the temperature drops.”

She added: “Many parents often don’t realise how dangerous this can be and we need to keep having the conversations to remind them – the thermometer cards are a valuable visual reminder and a great conversation prompt.” (more…)

Children, Health, Kent County Council, News

Protecting your property from winter weather

13 December 2016 0 Comments

Person clearing snowIn the second of our posts on preparing for winter we bring information from the Met Office ‘Get ready for winter campaign’ on protecting your property from winter weather and storms

There are a number of tasks you can do to prepare your home, garden, or business from the winter weather. Whether it’s strong winds, heavy rain or extreme cold and snow, there’s something you can do to prepare for winter.

Ensure you’re insured

Sometimes no amount of planning and preparation can prevent the weather damaging your property. Buildings insurance offers peace of mind, so ensure your policy is up to date and covers what you need it to. (more…)

Home, News, Safety

International Station parking changes

12 December 2016 0 Comments

Rail logoBarriers being installed on the approach road to the the Eurostar terminal entrance at Ashford International Station are to be used as part of a new parking management system. The registration of all cars entering the station will be read by cameras. If a car is in the station for more than 20 minutes the exit barrier will not be lifted unless a parking fee has been paid at a machine in the Eurostar terminal building.

We understand drivers meeting passengers from either Eurostar, SouthEastern or Southern trains will not be charged unless they exceed the 20 minute free period. If delays occur on any services, the car park operator will be informed and free exit can be arranged via the assistance terminal at the exit gate.

News, Transport

Council Christmas hours

12 December 2016 0 Comments

The following are the arrangements for operation of council services during the Christmas period. We will update this list as we get information.

Date ABC KCC
Civic Centre Call Centre Main Call Centre  Ashford
Gateway Plus and
Ashford Library		 Ashford
Household Waste
Recycling Centre
Sat 24 Dec Closed Closed Closed 9.00am – 1.00pm 8.00am – 4.30pm
Sun 25 Dec Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed
Mon 26 Dec Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed
Tue 27 Dec Closed Closed Closed Closed 9.00am – 4.00pm
Wed 28 Dec Closed Closed Closed 9.00am – 6.00pm 8.00am – 4.30pm
Thu 29 Dec 8.30am – 5.00pm 8.30am – 4.00pm 8.00am – 6.00pm 9.00am – 8.00pm 8.00am – 4.30pm
Fri 30 Dec 8.30am – 5.00pm 8.30am – 4.00pm 8.00am – 6.00pm 9.00am – 6.00pm 8.00am – 4.30pm
Sat 31 Dec Closed Closed Closed 9.00am – 4.00pm 8.00am – 4.30pm
Sun 1 Jan Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed
Mon 2 Jan Closed Closed Closed Closed 9.00am – 4.00pm

 

Details of Christmas Recycling & Refuse Collections

Report Abuse

During KCC Call centre hours:

Concerned about an adult? Call 03000 41 61 61
Concerned about a child? Call 03000 41 11 11

At other times call 03000 41 91 91.

If you think someone is in immediate danger, the best thing to do is call 999 for the emergency services

Online services

You can use online services throughout the Christmas and New Year period, but a response might be delayed

Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council, News

Keep warm, keep well

12 December 2016 0 Comments

NHS Choices LogoWe will be posting information about preparing for winter over the next few days. In this first post there is information about keeping warm and well from NHS Choices

Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.

Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

The chances of these problems are higher if you’re vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because of one or more of the following:

  • you’re over 65
  • you’re on a low income (so can’t afford heating)
  • you have a long-term health condition, such as heart, lung or kidney disease
  • you are disabled

(more…)

Health, Home, Kent County Council, News, Wellbeing

Modern Slavery

11 December 2016 0 Comments

Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery

Modern Slavery

While awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking is slowly growing, the signs are often hidden, making victims even harder to recognise.

Businesses like nail bars, takeaways, car washes and farms may unknowingly be employing people who have been trafficked into the country – or they could be a cover. Landlords could be providing accommodation to groups of people being controlled or exploited. And taxi companies, petrol stations or hotels may be used when transporting, holding or working victims. (more…)

Crime, Employment, News