Direct debits – quicker way to receive £150 government rebate
Residents are set to receive a £150 cash payment from the government in response to rising energy bills, if they are in council tax bands A to D.
The money will be paid to 49,000 Slough households, which represents 89 per cent of all the borough’s homes.
The council is encouraging more people to set up direct debits to pay their council tax as this will mean payment of the £150 rebate can be made more quickly because the council already holds the bank details.
Paying by direct debit also means residents don’t have to worry about making future payments as it is automatic.
Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said: “When the government announced this £150 payment to help with the rising cost of household energy bills, it was welcome news.
“Paying out the money to those who pay their council tax by direct debit will be straightforward as it will be paid to their bank account quickly. If we don’t already hold residents’ payment details, we will have to write to them first which will cause a delay in them receiving the money.”
The council is awaiting further details on how exactly the rebate scheme will work, but if residents sign up to pay by direct debit, they’ll be in the system ready to receive the payment as soon as it is issued.
Payments are likely to be made from April onwards.
With direct debit, council tax can be paid in 10 or 12 monthly payments and on a choice of three payment dates each month: the 1st, 15th or 25th.
Council tax bills for 2022/23 will be sent out in March.
Residents can sign up to pay their council tax bills by direct debit -
https://www.slough.gov.uk/council-tax/pay-council-tax
Slough
Neighbourhood loop for Slough, Berkshire
Open Loop 14
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Cast your votes in Make Your Mark ballot
Young people across the town can share their views in the UK’s largest youth consultation.
The annual Make Your Mark ballot asks young people aged 11-18 across the country about the issues that matter most to them.
This year, seven issues will be presented to young people on a ballot paper and they vote for their top concern. The issues are:
1. Covid Recovery
2. Education and learning
3. Environment
4. Health and wellbeing
5. Jobs, money, homes and opportunities
6. Our rights and democracy
7. Poverty
Young people vote in schools, colleges and youth groups throughout February and the top topic with the most votes will become the campaign that Members of Youth Parliament work on throughout their two-year term.
In 2020, more than 185,000 votes determined three campaigns which were: stop plastic pollution, mental health and transforming education.
For the first time, Make Your Mark and Slough Youth Parliament elections are running at the same time, from 1-28 February.
Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “Our young people are passionate and engaged and have some great ideas. Being able to have their say on which campaigns should be a focus is brilliant. I hope everyone who can vote takes the opportunity to do so.”
If you are a young person aged 11-18, you can register to vote online - https://www.makeyourmark.youthimpact.app/register/me
You can watch information videos about the seven topics - https://www.byc.org.uk/uk/uk-youth-parliament/make-your-mark
Results will be announced at an event in March, when the new parliament term will
begin and manifesto set based on Make Your Mark results.
Slough Youth Parliament is supported by Slough Borough Council’s Young People’s Service.
For more information on Slough’s Youth Voice initiatives, email sloughforyouth@slough.gov.uk -
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£57k fine for slum landlord
A rogue landlord who ran an unlicensed and unfit house in multiple occupation (HMO) has been fined more than £57,000 following a prosecution by Slough Borough Council.
Fahed Alam Choudhry, who currently lives at 9 Homefield, Wembley, was fined a total of £57,577.92 by Reading Magistrates after the council’s housing regulation team found he was running a house in multiple occupation without a licence – in breach of the Housing Act 2004 and the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.
Mr Choudhry’s property at 118 Arborfield Close, Slough was originally granted an HMO licence in 2018 but it was restricted to one year because of concerns about Mr Choudhry’s fitness to be a landlord having been found in breach of regulations previously.
The one year licence was not renewed in 2019.
During an unannounced visit to the property on 13 May 2021, officers found six different households and a total of 11 people living in the Arborfield Close house with facilities unsuitable for those numbers.
Some of the issues with the property included dangling live electrical wires, a blocked fire exit, holes in the floors, broken waterspouts into the kitchen and a completely overgrown garden.
Mr Fahed Alam Choudhry failed to appear in court on 14 January 2022 and was convicted, in his absence, of 11 offences; 10 offences of breaches of the management regulations and one offence of not licensing the HMO.
He was fined:
£5,000 for each offence
costs of £2,387.92
a victim supplement of £190
Bringing the total to £57,577.92.
Councillor Martin Carter, lead member for housing and environment, said: “Mr Choudhry cared not one bit about the law and even less about the safety, health and wellbeing of his tenants.
“The seriousness of the offences is shown by the fine imposed and I hope this serves as a warning to other slum landlords, who we know are operating in Slough, that we will not hesitate to hit your where it hurts the most; in your wallet.
“Gone are the days where unscrupulous and uncaring – and often absent – landlords can prey on the poorest in Slough’s communities, taking advantage of their desperation, their lack of knowledge of the regulations.
“No tenant should have to live this way. We will continue to find those who flout the law; putting tenants’ lives at risk just to line their own pockets.”
Fahed Alam Choudhry was ordered to pay the full amount with 14 days, or a collection order will be imposed by the court. -
International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM is a United Nations sponsored annual awareness day on 6 February, that takes place as part of the UN’s efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM). Visit www.slough.gov.uk/fgm to find out more about our work to eradicate FGM and how to report concerns.
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Omicron hospitality and leisure grant
Applications are now open for a business grant for hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses.
The government funding, announced in December, is in recognition of the Omicron variant that means some businesses may struggle over the coming weeks.
Businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or less could be eligible to a £2,667 grant, those over £15,000 and below £51,000 could get £4,000 and those with a rateable value over £51,000 could get £6,000.
Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said: “It’s great to see businesses getting support from government. It’s worth reading the eligibility criteria and getting your application submitted while you can.”
The council has written to businesses who previously received a Restart Grant for hospitality, leisure and accommodation and who we believe will be eligible under this scheme.
If you do not receive an email inviting you to claim this new grant, but believe you are eligible, you will still be able to apply.
Read the guidance on the council’s website (https://www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates) to check eligibility and to apply. Applications will be accepted until 18 March.
Businesses in other sectors still have time to check if they are eligible for an additional restrictions grant (ARG).
These grants are for businesses which were trading pre-Covid in December 2019 and have continued to trade. New businesses which were trading on or before April 2021 are also eligible to apply, though separate rules on supporting information will apply.
The deadline to apply for the ARG grants is 9 February. Visit the council’s website to see the criteria and to apply - https://www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates -
Apply now for help to reduce energy bills
Households on low incomes can apply for funding for energy efficiency works in their home to reduce their energy bills.
Slough has received £396,000 from the Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme to help those likely to be in fuel poverty.
Funding for those eligible can be used towards insulation and ventilation upgrades, an upgrade to a low carbon heating system, heating controls so you only heat the home when needed, replacement of single glazed windows, energy-efficient hot water systems to keep water warm for longer, solar panels to generate free electricity and energy efficient lighting.
The eligibility criteria include:
• maximum combined household income of £30,000 or less, or less than £20,000 once housing costs are deducted
• Energy Performance Certificate Band D, E, F or G
• owner occupier up to £10,000 grant (fully funded)
• rented private / social up to £5,000 grant (minimum 33% contribution from landlord).
Councillor Martin Carter, lead member for housing and environment, said: “We are pleased Slough is getting a share of this funding from the Local Energy Hubs. Taking measures to improve the energy efficiency in your home will help to reduce your energy bills in the long term.
“I advise everyone to take a look at the criteria and, if they’re eligible, get an application in before 31 March. There is nothing to lose and someone will talk you through all the options if you are successful.”
Unfortunately, council tenants are not eligible to apply for this scheme. The council will be considering options with respect to energy efficiency schemes for its housing stock.
Tenants of other social housing providers, such as housing associations, should contact their landlord directly.
Not all of the upgrades are suitable for every home, so each application will be assessed to find the best option.
Applications and referrals must be made to Warmworks by 31 March, with work completed by 30 June.
Applications are on a first come first served basis, until all the funding is allocated. To apply, fill in electronic form at https://www.warmworks.co.uk/greenhomesgrant/#greenform -
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If you have a business which has been affected by Covid, you could be eligible to apply for a discretionary business grant. The deadline for applications has been extended until 11 February. Please read the guidance before applying at https://www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates/1
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The Safer Streets survey has been extended until 28 January so more people can give their views.
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) have secured funding for Slough, and are working in partnership with Slough Borough Council, local community groups such as Chalvey Community Partnership and local charities like Aik Saath to help improve safety for women and girls in public spaces in Chalvey.
Chalvey was identified as a key area based on previous work carried out there and the general public perception of safety in Chalvey.
We are keen to understand what makes women and girls feel unsafe, so we can target funding into areas (places and/or people based) where it is most needed. We want our residents, commuters, and visitors to help us understand how we can make our streets safer for women and girls.
A survey has been created for you to share your views. Please share the survey link with friends and families who work, live, shop, or visit Chalvey - https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/5NYNZGV -
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The M4 eastbound will be closed overnight (about 9pm-6am) between j6 (Slough-Windsor) and 5 (Langley) on Mon 17 Jan and Thurs 20 Jan.
The M4 westbound will be closed overnight between j5 & 6 on Tue 18 Jan.
The M4 will be closed overnight in both directions between j5 & 6 on Wed 19 and Thurs 20 Jan.
The M4 and associated slip roads will be closed in both directions between j5 (Langley) and 4b (M25) from 8pm on Fri 21 Jan until 6am on Mon 24 Jan. -
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Final days of library consultation
Thousands of residents have already responded to the library consultation, but there is still time to have your say.
Since the consultation opened on 28 October, there have been more than 2,140 responses.
The consultation into the future provision of library services asks questions about why you do or do not visit a library, which library you visit, which times and days you visit and which of the following five potential options you would prefer.
• Reduce the money available to spend on buying publications (both hard copy and eResources).
• Keep all the main library buildings open but reduce the opening and staffed hours at Langley and Cippenham and reduce the staffed hours at The Curve and Britwell libraries.
• Keep all library buildings but reduce the hours they are open, the hours they are staffed, and the space dedicated to the library. Attract other users to rent space in the building (co-location).
• Move all library services out of the current main library buildings and re-locate services to be delivered from a range of other locations across the borough.
• Close both Langley and Cippenham library buildings but maintain the staffing and opening hours at The Curve library and at Britwell library.
The library team have hosted 15 drop-in and online sessions to talk to residents about the consultation, emailed more than 250 groups, and have attended more than 30 community meetings and events talking to local groups, schools and young people.
Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “Thank you to everyone who has responded to the consultation so far. We know there is a lot of speculation about the council’s intentions, but we do genuinely want to know which option you prefer given the council’s current financial circumstances.
“When the consultation ends on 20 January, we will be reviewing all responses and feedback received. This will all feed into a report to Cabinet with clear recommendations.
“If you use a library, or plan to in future, have your say now so we can shape the future of Slough’s library service.”
To read more on the consultation and to have your say, visit the consultation webpage - https://www.slough.gov.uk/libraryconsultation - or complete the survey online at https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/librariesconsultation
Any queries can be sent to libraryconsultation@slough.gov.uk -
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Happy New Year runners, we hope you had a lovely festive break and are ready to get your trainers back on!
Our Active Slough running groups start back next week for a 5 week block - see dates below. Places are free and first come first served. Click the link at the bottom to join the first Run with Active Slough sessions of the year!
* Tuesday 6.30pm Upton Court Park from 18 Jan - 15 Feb
* Wednesday 6.45pm Eltham Avenue Recreation Ground from 19 Jan - 16 Feb
https://www.slough.gov.uk/xfp/form/184 -
Community learning and skills service rated good by Ofsted
The adult community learning and skills service (CLASS) is provided by Slough Borough Council to adults in Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
The latest Ofsted inspection, which took place in November, has shown that the service is making great strides in the education of adults in the borough, including helping students move into employment with the knowledge and skills they develop. In particular the collaborative way, that staff work with the community to ensure that the education provided meets the needs of the local residents was praised.
Ofsted rated all areas of the service as “good”, and this is a significant improvement from the service being rated as “requires improvement” in 2016.
Councillor Christine Hulme, cabinet member for children’s services, lifelong learning & skills, said: “This is a fantastic rating for the excellent adult community learning and skills service the council runs for residents of both Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, who have taught 1,875 students in the last 12 months.
“The students come from a wide variety of backgrounds with many making their first steps back into education after childhood, updating their computer skills so they can help their children, and learning English to help them into employment. For some, the reward of a qualification is a celebration for their family not just the learner.
“The inspector has mentioned the calm and friendly learning environment created for students and how their confidence and resilience is increased. It’s great to see the level of teaching is praised as well as the positive approach students have towards their studies. Thank you very much to all our hard-working staff and students and this rating is recognition of all of their continued efforts.” -
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Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan adopted
The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan was adopted by cabinet shortly before the Christmas break.
The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan provides a detailed analysis of how Slough will meet its commitment to becoming a carbon neutral borough, stopping its contribution to climate change. The council has set a target of borough-wide carbon neutrality by 2040, with an ambitious stretch target of 2030. This was outlined in Slough’s Climate Change strategy vision in June 2021. This target complies with the UK’s national target of net zero emissions by 2050 and a reduction of 78% of emissions by 2035, relative to 1990.
The report proposes a range of actions that addresses carbon emissions from sources such as the built environment, transport, and waste. In addition to carbon emission savings, each action proposed identifies additional social, environmental, or economic benefits. For example, reducing carbon emissions from transport can improve local air quality benefiting the health of residents, and enhancing green spaces with tree planting supports biodiversity.
The report also details how Slough will adapt to the risks posed by climate change. Slough is at risk of high temperatures, flooding and water shortages and actions are provided which can reduce these risks. For example, to reduce high temperatures, buildings can be designed to support cooling and limit overheating, and planting of vegetation around rivers absorbs water, reducing the flood risk.
The strategy is an ambitious one to deliver and will require working with businesses in the borough as well as working with and supporting residents.
Cllr Martin Carter, cabinet member for Housing & Environment said: “Climate Change is such an important issue for us all, this Strategy and Action Plan will help us achieve our commitment to becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2040. We will be working with partners, businesses, and residents throughout the time period to make sure we reach our goal. A big thank you to the officers who worked so hard on this complex issue.” -
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Third commissioner appointed to Slough
A third commissioner has been appointed to Slough Borough Council by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
Gavin Jones, who has been appointed as assistant commissioner, will join Max Caller, lead commissioner and Margaret Lee, finance commissioner, who have been in place since December 2021.
The third commissioner has been appointed following a request from the current commissioners and has been appointed on the same basis as Mr Caller and Ms Lee.
The commissioners were put in place following a review by DLUHC into the governance and finances of the council which found major problems stretching back several years.
The commissioners will be overseeing and assisting with the council’s recovery and renewal plan which lays out the work undertaken so far, and the work needed to create a sustainable council providing the right services to residents at the right time.
Gavin Jones is currently the chief executive of Essex County Council where he has served since 2016, having previously spent 10 years as CEO of Swindon Borough.
He joined Local Government after having worked in the commercial sector for much of his career, including time in the airline, travel and technology sectors.
He has also been chair of SOLACE – the UK’s leading membership network for public sector and local government professionals – for three years, helping it to grow and support leadership across the local government.
Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “There are still very difficult times ahead of us and we have welcomed the commissioners, their expertise, advice and help and I look forward to meeting Gavin.
“We will be continuing to work with all the commissioners until the issues have been fully resolved by us all.
“Together we will be putting the council on a sustainable financial footing, improving our governance and making the right decisions for our residents and town.”
Max Caller, CBE, led the best value inspections at Northamptonshire and Liverpool and was a commissioner at Tower Hamlets. Max is a former chief executive of the London Boroughs of Hackney and Barnet and former chair of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
Margaret Lee recently retired from Essex County Council where she held the post of executive director for corporate and customer services. As well as holding senior finance roles, including that of the statutory S151, she was responsible for other support services such as legal and assurance services, procurement and the transformation support team. She is the finance lead on the Improvement and Assurance Panel for the London Borough of Croydon. -
Eligible businesses still affected by Covid can apply for a new round of grant funding. Applications are open now until 5pm on 4 February. Please read the guidance and have all your documents ready before applying, as they can't be sent after. Visit https://www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates/1
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How would you make Chalvey a safe place for females?
Following the tragic death of Sarah Everard, the Government announced additional funding to help improve feelings of safety, with specific focus on women and girls in public spaces.
Improving feelings of safety can include looking at environmental-place-based changes such as street lighting and removing vegetation but it can also look at behaviours and attitudinal change through engagement and education.
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) have secured funding for Slough, and are working in partnership with Slough Borough Council, local community groups such as Chalvey Community Partnership and local charities like Aik Saath to help improve safety for women and girls in public spaces in Chalvey.
We are keen to understand what makes women and girls feel unsafe, so we can target funding into areas (places and/or people based) where it is most needed.
We want our residents, commuters, and visitors to help us understand how we can make our streets safer for women and girls.
A survey has been created for you to share your views. Please share the survey link with friends and families who work, live, shop, or visit Chalvey - https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/5NYNZGV -
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How to enrol: call now to book an assessment
Phone: 01753 476611
Email: lifelonglearning@slough.gov.uk
Online: www.webenrol.com/ebclass
Sign up now for adult learning courses
Enrolment is now open for adult learning classes in the borough.
The spring programme from the council’s community learning and skills service (CLASS) offers a variety of courses, from art, craft and design, health and exercise, cookery and healthy eating, to qualifications in basic skills and support for adults into work with maths, English/ESOL and digital skills.
This term there is a new programme of employability courses to support adults with job searches and a leisure programme supports learners with their health and wellbeing.
Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “The new year is often a time when people look to take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. Our adult learning programme offers a great variety of classes, daytime and evening, with something to suit everyone.
“Have a browse through our course brochure to see what’s available. You may even learn some new skills which you can add to your CV to help with job hunting.”
Courses are delivered at The Curve and Slough libraries, with most free for the unemployed or low paid workers.
The CLASS team support local partners who deliver creative courses such as media, spectator safety and community interpreting.
If you are interested in signing up, please visit the council’s website - https://www.slough.gov.uk/communitylearning
To enrol on a course, which are held in-person, with some online, you have to attend an assessment session. This will be about the subject you’re interested in and allows the team to offer you the course at the level that best suits you.
Leisure courses can be booked online and do not need an assessment.
Please call 01753 476611 for more information on how to book an assessment.
Courses start from the end of January. -
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New business grants coming soon
Eligible businesses that continue to be affected by Covid will be able to apply for a new round of discretionary grant funding.
Open for applications from Monday 10 January until 5pm on 4 February, the grants are for businesses which were trading pre-Covid in December 2019 and have continued to trade.
New businesses which were trading on or before April 2021 are also eligible to apply, though separate rules on supporting information will apply.
All applications must be accompanied by the supporting documentation. There is no opportunity to submit further documents afterwards. Incorrect documentation will mean an unsuccessful application.
Businesses are advised to get their documents in order, ready to apply on 10 January.
This includes:
• proof of property costs
• proof of trading
• proof of income for a period pre-Covid if you were trading, then one month’s bank statements from October, November or December 2019
• proof of current income – the same month’s bank statements for 2021
• if you only started trading during Covid, all bank statements from April to November 2021.
All businesses that can demonstrate they have been and continue to be severely financially impacted by Covid and can demonstrate fixed property costs in relation to the business can apply.
Councillor Beni Bains, lead member for regulation and public protection, said: “I applaud businesses who have worked so hard during this pandemic to survive and provide their services. Any grants which could give them a little help are welcomed.
“Please do read the application guidance before applying and get your application submitted in good time.”
The following will not be eligible to apply:
• businesses that continued to trade effectively during lockdown such as accountants, solicitors take-aways, newsagents etc
• businesses with more than 50 employees
• businesses in areas outside the scope of the localised restrictions, as defined by government
• businesses that have already received grant payments that are equal to the maximum levels of State Aid permitted under the de minimis and the Covid-19 Temporary State Aid Framework
• businesses that do not trade or employ staff in Slough
• self-employed people who have received or were eligible to receive SEISS grants
• businesses that are in administration, are insolvent or where a striking off notice has been made prior to payment
• betting shops, vape shops, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades.
Visit the council’s website for more information on the scheme, and an application form (available from 10 January) - https://www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates -
Record recycling rates
Residents in Slough have done a fantastic job of recycling in 2021 and we are encouraging them to keep it up as we move towards 2022.
The council’s Just Four campaign makes it really clear about what can be recycled in the red bin, and residents have been playing their part to make sure as much as possible is recycled.
This includes cardboard, newspapers and magazines, drinks cans and food tins, glass jars and bottles and plastic drinks and washing up bottles.
The community’s efforts mean this year we have the lowest amount of contaminated and rejected recycling loads in five years.
Statistics, excluding December, show:
6,857 tonnes of red bin recycling was collected
7.2% of red bin waste was rejected – down from 10.5% in 2020 and 23.6% in 2019
94 bin lorry loads of red recycling was rejected – down from 150 in 2020, 304 in 2019, 283 in 2018 and 227 in 2017
3,753 tonnes of green waste was collected
519 fridges were collected
1,330 street cleaning requests
1,855 fly-tipping clearances.
Councillor Rob Anderson, lead member for sustainable transport and the environment, said: “Thank you to everyone in the town who has been sorting their recycling so well. It makes a huge difference to the environment when we can recycle as much as possible. Following our Just Four advice is the best way to ensure there is no contamination of the recycling.”
This year, we will be accepting wrapping paper in the red bins, if it passes the scrunch test. If you can scrunch it and it stays in a ball without springing back, it can be recycled. If it doesn’t stay in a ball, it can’t be recycled. This is because some metallic-looking paper is actually lined with plastic and cannot be recycled.
Cllr Anderson added: “There will be so much wrapping paper used as gifts are exchanged. It’s fantastic we can accept wrapping paper into the recycling this year, but please only put it in your red bin if you have done the scrunch test and it has passed.”
There will be no real Christmas tree collection this year, unless a resident is on the environmental service’s ‘assisted’ list. Residents can take their tree to Chalvey Household Waste and Recycling Centre, compost it themselves, or chop it up and leave it in their green bin until the collections resume in March.
Most cards and envelopes can be recycled in the red bin if they are paper based. Any embellishments such as ribbons or glitter cannot be recycled so please rip off that section before recycling. Batteries should also be removed from musical cards and disposed of at battery recycling points.
The council’s website has a reminder about what goes in your red bin - https://www.slough.gov.uk/household-waste-collection/what-goes-in-bins/2
Find the full acceptance guidance for Chalvey HWRC - https://www.slough.gov.uk/bins-waste-recycling/household-waste-recycling-centres/4
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Slough Youth Award winners
An evening of music and performance helped to celebrate the winners of Slough Youth Awards.
The sixth annual celebration was held on 9 December at The Grove Academy.
Harjaap Singh, Slough Youth Parliament Chair, and Aneesa Younes, hosted the evening.
After receiving 31 nominations for this year’s awards, which are held to recognise the achievements of young people, the judges chose the following winners.
• Young Artist 2021 Winner – Aditi Banerjee
• Young Inspiration 2021 Winner – Amrit Singh Mann
• Young Entrepreneur 2021 Winner – Tiera Rowe
• Young Sportsperson 2021 Winner - Manjot Singh
• Young Voluntary Group of the Year 2021 Winner – Aik Saath Vaccination Volunteers
Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning, and skills, opened the event by acknowledging what a tough 18 months it had been for our young people, particularly the effects of lockdown on their mental health and wellbeing, and how important it was for us all to continue to look out for each other, to ensure that we are all safe.
Cllr Hulme said: “The award nominations showed what great community champions our young people are, as well as being exceptionally talented in a number of fields. Congratulations to the winners.”
Performances on the night included Aditi Banerjee, DJ Ayden, singer Autumn, a video of ‘Poem to a parent or carer’ written by Abi Srinatharan and turned into a film by Katie Bonham, as well as Stevoss & Uncle Gidz (Love Music Hate Violence Project).
Nadine Barrett, Youth Work Team Leader of the youth voice team, said “I am extremely proud of the hard work of our small team of three people, the input of our amazing youth volunteers and the support of the community development team to pull this off.
“In such difficult financial times and amidst a pandemic, we showed how resilient we all can be together when prioritising what’s really important – the next generation. I’m so pleased we could do this face to face and thankful to the generosity of Grove Academy for hosting this exciting event.”
The judges were Ketan Gandhi - Slough Borough Council, Asma Aziz – SCVS, Cllr Sabia Akram – council deputy leader, Miriam Hussaini – Youth Rep from Slough Youth Parliament and Tanveer Sandhu - Member of UK Youth Parliament for Slough.
A video of the ceremony can be watched at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGXasuqeELk
For more information on Slough’s Youth Voice initiatives, email sloughforyouth@slough.gov.uk -
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The search and track and weekly lists web pages for planning will be unavailable from 10 December to 14 December 2021 due to a system upgrade.
During this time, please do not comment on a planning application using the website, as your comments may not be received. Please use our planning form at https://www.slough.gov.uk/xfp/form/163?type=planning -
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The winter edition of Housing Highlights, our housing magazine for tenants and leaseholders of council owned homes, is out now!
In it you can read the housing annual report for 20/21, Osborne property services key facts, the tenant and leaseholder satisfaction survey 2020, plus stories on winter energy costs, gas safety checks, Osborne partnership work, Foxborough highlights, keeping safe during the dark nights and more. Read it at https://www.slough.gov.uk/housing/housing-highlights -
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Online appointment booking form
Customers can now book in-person appointments via a new online form, saving them time in the call centre queue.
The face-to-face appointments are available for residents who need to do something which cannot be done online or over the phone.
There are two types of appointments available.
A reception appointment (30 minutes) if you need to hand in a form or supporting documents for:
• council tax
• housing benefits
• council tax support
• a housing application
• school admissions
• another service.
An advisor appointment (1 hour) if you need in-depth advice or help regarding:
• housing benefits
• council tax support
• council tax
• rent accounts.
Councillor Martin Carter, lead member for customer services and corporate support, said: “Being able to book these appointments online is a great thing. A quick visit to hand over documents to the right person can speed up claims and get things moving.
“There are so many online services which you can use on our website. You can create self-serve accounts where you can keep track of, and make payments to, your council tax and rent accounts, check progress on your school admissions applications, report issues such as missed bins, fly-tipping, faulty streetlights and more, as well as pay council invoices or parking fines.
“A good first port of call for those looking for advice is to search our website as they are likely to find an answer there, or an online form they can use, reducing the need to call the contact centre which is often so busy it causes frustrations if you can’t get through. Why not try the website first to see if you can find your answer?”
The in-person appointments can be booked four weeks in advance at Chalvey, Britwell, Langley and Cippenham community access points.
Reception appointments are available:
• Monday – Wednesday, 9am-1pm
• Thursday, 10am-1pm
• Friday, 9am-1pm
Advisor appointments are available:
• Monday – Thursday, 2-5pm
• Friday, 2-4.45pm
Appointments are subject to availability and for the specified reasons. Translation services can be requested for those who do not have English as their first language.
All other issues should be dealt with using the website or the call centre.
To book an appointment, visit https://www.slough.gov.uk/directory-record/7400/book-an-appointment
A reminder, to please wear a face mask during the appointments to protect yourself and others. Do not attend the appointment if you have tested positive for Covid in the last 14 days, have any symptoms or are self-isolating.
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Our next library consultation session is on Zoom on Wednesday, from 6.30-7.30pm. Please register in advance at https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/consultation-on-proposed-changes-to-slough-library-service-tickets-176961254877 and watch our consultation video for more info- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT592bFZfjQ
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Slough welcomes commissioners
Slough Borough Council is set to welcome two government commissioners following an announcement from the Department of Levelling up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) today (1 December).
The commissioners have been put in place following a review by DLUHC into the governance and finances of the council which found major problems stretching back several years.
The commissioners will be overseeing and assisting with the council’s recovery and renewal plan which lays out the work undertaken so far, and the work needed to create a sustainable council providing the right services to residents at the right time.
The commissioners will be led by Max Caller who will be lead commissioner, supported Margaret Lee who will be the finance commissioner.
Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: "The council remains in a very challenging position financially.
“We have worked over the summer to identify savings, reducing large budget gaps in both the current year and for 2022/3.
“We are now addressing the recommendations from the two government-commissioned reports and preparing a new Medium Term Financial Strategy – which will inevitably involve further difficult decisions.
“The council is in constructive discussions with government to conclude how much of our financial repair can be funded through capitalisation (sales of capital assets), with SBC having requested a significant sum.
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“I look forward to welcoming the commissioners to Slough and working with them until the issues in the review reports have been fully resolved by us all.
“Together we can continue to make major strides at pace in righting the wrongs of our past and putting the council on a sustainable financial footing, improving our governance and making the right decisions for our residents and town.”
Max Caller CBE led the Best Value Inspections at Northamptonshire and Liverpool and was a Commissioner at Tower Hamlets. Max is a former Chief Executive of the London Boroughs of Hackney and Barnet and the former Chair of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.
Margaret Lee recently retired from Essex County Council where she held the post of Executive Director for Corporate and Customer Services. As well as holding senior finance roles, including that of the Statutory S151, she was responsible for other support services such as legal and assurance services, procurement and the transformation support team. She is the finance lead on the Improvement and Assurance Panel for the London Borough of Croydon.
The commissioners are expected to visit Slough for the first time on Thursday (2 December). -
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First winter funding grants issued
Residents who are eligible for help through the Household Support Fund (HSF) are being contacted.
The HSF is a Department for Work and Pensions initiative to support those most vulnerable this winter to pay for essentials like food and utility bills.
The council has begun contacting those who are eligible, via letter, email or SMS, including families with children in receipt of Free School Meals, care leavers and families with children in early years.
Those contacted will be told the amount of the award, the purpose for which the award should be used and the method of payment. The council will be awarding food vouchers, vouchers for essential goods (where there are mitigating circumstances) and assistance with fuel payments.
People in receipt of Council Tax Support will have the money credited onto their account during December and can check their account online.
Those in temporary accommodation within Houses of Multiple Occupation will see the payment appear on their quarterly rent statement in January.
Cllr Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “I’m delighted Slough is receiving this money to help families, particularly those with children. The majority of the £1,177,691.53 the council has been given will be distributed by us to people we know are eligible.
“A smaller proportion has been kept aside for anyone in need who applies directly to us. We hope the funding will help take a little bit of pressure off individuals and families this winter.”
In Slough, there are 5,507 children receiving free school meals. These families will receive £15 per week for a total of five weeks, over the Christmas period and in February and March, to help pay for essentials.
The HSF award is for an urgent, one-off provision to prevent serious risk to the health, wellbeing or safety of Slough’s most vulnerable and financially excluded residents.
Residents who are aren’t contacted by the council as being eligible can apply directly for assistance. The grants will be issued on a first come, first served basis, providing the criteria is met.
Applications are limited to one application per household. Applicants can apply on behalf of someone else, however, the funding must be provided to a bank account in the name of the person for whom the application is being made.
The council cannot commit to further funding applications once all available funding has been allocated.
The grant funding will end on 31 March 2022, or once all the funding has been allocated.
Find out more and apply at https://www.slough.gov.uk/benefits-support/household-support-fund -
Library consultation – one month in
The council’s consultation into the future provision of library services is running until 20 January.
In the first four weeks of the consultation, there have been more than 1,600 responses, the majority of whom are library users.
We are consulting with Slough residents to help us understand how our library services are used (or why they are not) and what services residents want us to continue to offer in the future.
It is really important we use the budget we have to deliver library services that people really want and need.
One of the questions in the consultation survey is asking both library and non-library users to prioritise their preferences from a list of five options.
Reduce the money available to spend on buying publications (both hard copy and eResources).
Keep all the main library buildings open but reduce the opening and staffed hours at Langley and Cippenham and reduce the staffed hours at The Curve and Britwell libraries.
Keep all library buildings but reduce the hours they are open, the hours they are staffed, and the space dedicated to the library. Attract other users to rent space in the building (co-location).
Move all library services out of the current main library buildings and re-locate services to be delivered from a range of other locations across the borough.
Close both Langley and Cippenham library buildings but maintain the staffing and opening hours at The Curve library and at Britwell library.
To spread the word about the consultation and encourage people to fill in the survey, the library team are having talks at community events and meetings and also hosting drop-ins at Slough’s libraries and online.
The council has also created a video to give a brief overview of the consultation and the options. To view the video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT592bFZfjQ
Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “We are really pleased with the response rate in the first month, but we want even more people to have their say. The best way to have any impact is to play your part and have your say when the option is given to you.
“The video is a great way to see a summary of the consultation and how to find out more and fill in the consultation. It’s worth a watch and I would encourage everyone who hasn’t yet filled in the survey to please do so. We want to know what options you prefer.”
One of the questions being asked is about online services and some responses show people didn’t realise you could access library services online. There is a range of e-Books, magazines and newspapers available with a library membership.
The consultation is open until 20 January so there is still time to make your views known.
The following library drop-in sessions are planned, where you can ask the library team questions, share comments, and get help to fill in the online survey.
Saturday 11 December, 12noon-3pm – Cippenham Library
Thursday 16 December, 11am-2pm – Langley Library
Friday 7 January, 11am-2pm – Britwell Library
Monday 10 January, 1.30-4.30pm – The Curve
The next online session is on:
Wednesday 8 December, 6.30-7.30pm – Zoom
To register for the online session, read the consultation pack and find the link to the survey, visit www.slough.gov.uk/libraryconsultation
Any queries can be sent to libraryconsultation@slough.gov.uk
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Friends and family can be a lifeline for those living with domestic abuse. Worried a family member or friend is being abused?
Let them know you’ve noticed something is wrong.
Listen, and reassure them that the abuse is not their fault.
Help them report the abuse to the police. Provide information on organisations that offer help.
#WhiteRibbonDay #WhiteRibbon #AllMenCan #MakethePromise #16Days -
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The Britwell and Northborough Strong, Healthy and Attractive Neighbourhoods survey has been extended until 30 December.
Residents are invited to have their say on key issues, concerns and areas for opportunity and improvement.
Fill in the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Britwell
Paper copies can be collected and returned to Britwell Library, Wentworth Avenue and the Children’s Centre, Monksfield Way. -
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A4 safe active travel surveys launched – have your say!
The council has launched two surveys for residents and those working in Slough to have their say about how safe active travel on the A4 is achieved. Congestion can lead to wider issues relating to road safety, worsening air quality and lower levels of fitness. By encouraging safe, active travel, it’s possible to move some way to reducing these negative impacts.
The online surveys are running until Wednesday 22 December.
The first survey is focused on active travel, specifically on an A4 cycle route. The council is currently assessing existing cycling and walking facilities along the A4 between Huntercombe Lane and Uxbridge Road, and looking at how the route could be changed to accommodate all levels of cycling ability, while also making walking improvements where possible. This is an opportunity to let the council know your views on your active travel journeys in Slough, and then tell them about cycling and walking issues along the A4. Or if you don’t currently cycle or walk in Slough, why you don’t. To complete the survey go to: https://a4cycleroute.commonplace.is/
The second survey focuses on the council’s A4 Safer Roads scheme and you can have your say about road safety on the A4. As part of the Department for Transport’s Safer Roads Fund (which has just won a prestigious Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for the “fine example of collaboration” and the “outstanding achievement” of the overall programme) the council was awarded close to £1.7 million, which will be dedicated to making the A4 safer for those living, working and travelling in the area. To complete the survey go to: https://a4saferroads.commonplace.is/
Completing these surveys will help the council locate and shape any improvements using local knowledge. Both schemes are fully grant funded by the Department for Transport, and running public surveys is a requirement of the funding.
Cllr Rob Anderson, cabinet member for sustainable transport and the environment, said: “We hope as many residents as possible will complete the surveys and help us plan future improvements for the A4. As a council local knowledge is always incredibly important to us when planning transport schemes, and we look forward to hearing residents’ views and views from those who work in Slough.”
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Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) back for Christmas period
This festive season, free holiday clubs are back for those children who are entitled to free school meals, for four-hour sessions over four days. Providing lots of fun and healthy meals over the Christmas break with a choice of dates between 20 and 31 December.
School holidays can be particularly difficult for some families because of increased costs, such as food and childcare, and reduced incomes. As of the most recent list on 29 October, the number of children entitled to free school meals in the borough was 5,507. The holiday clubs are also available to any children not eligible for free school meals, who can pay to attend. The HAF programme is funded by the Department for Education.
The holiday clubs were extremely popular when they first ran this summer, and many of the providers (private, voluntary, independent, and charities) are back again to offer a festive programme.
Our providers for the Winter programme are: Get Active, Art Classes, Slough Music Service, Antz Kidz, Kidz Enterprise Ltd, TreeTops Holiday Club, Sports Collective, Aik Saath, and Fit for Sports, Sports Inc and ComputerXplorers. See our webpage for activities offered by each provider as this information is being updated daily: https://www.slough.gov.uk/HAF
The theme for the holiday clubs is festive fun, and the service is always looking for new providers to get involved. If you are a private, voluntary, independent, or charity organisation that works with children and are interested in becoming part of the programme please email: HAF@slough.gov.uk
Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for children’s services, lifelong learning and skills, said: “I’m so pleased that the Holiday Activity and Food programme is back for the Christmas holidays. It was a great success story in the summer break, providing free healthy meals and fun activities for children who are in receipt of free school meals.
“There are some great activities lined up for the winter programme which runs for your choice of four four-hour sessions over four days from 20 to 31 December, including sessions of boxing, rugby, or computer-coding or haircare, arts and crafts
or cooking for teens.
“These sessions are available across lots of different holiday clubs this Christmas break depending on your child’s interests. Of course, children who aren’t entitled to free school meals can pay to attend and join in the exciting activities offered.”
For more information visit: https://www.slough.gov.uk/HAF or please call Slough Family Information Service on 01753 476589. -
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Right to buy scam sisters sentenced
Two sisters have been convicted of dishonestly making a false representation on an application under the Right to Buy scheme contrary to s1 & 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.
On 26 September 2019, Slough Borough Council received an application to purchase 148 Granville Avenue, Slough, SL2 1JT under the Right to Buy (RTB) Scheme.
The applicants were the council tenant, Nasra Ban, and her sister Fatimah Zahra, who was not a tenant, but was sharing the Right to Buy (RTB) on the basis that she was eligible to do so because she had lived in the property as her only/main home for at least the preceding 12 months.
The property was subsequently valued at £314,000 and a Landlord’s Offer Notice was sent to them on 2 December 2019. The notice stated they were eligible under the scheme for a discount of £82,800. This meant the purchase price would be £231,200.
The council’s Corporate Fraud Team review all applications received under the RTB Scheme as an additional counter fraud measure. They complete the necessary anti-money laundering (AML) due diligence checks (to ensure that all funds used to finance the purchase have been legitimately obtained) and to recover any housing related debt that remains outstanding prior to completion of the purchase. During this review the sisters were asked to provide proof of residency and funds. Nasra Ban provided bank statements on 10 February 2020 pertaining to herself and Fatima Zahra, which raised concerns. A subsequent investigation revealed that Fatima Zahra had in fact been living with her husband in Rochdale and working at a Dental Practice in Oldham.
The investigation also revealed that the bank statements relating to Fatimah Zahra, which had been supplied as proof of residency in Slough had been doctored. A total of 104 transactions had been fraudulently changed on the bank statements, to make it appear as though they occurred in the Slough area, instead of the Rochdale/Oldham area.
On 3 September at Reading Magistrates Court, Nasra Ban and Fatimah Zahra both pleaded guilty to dishonestly making a false representation on an application under the RTB scheme contrary to s1 & 2 of the Fraud Act 2006. Fatimah Zahra also pleaded guilty to two offences of making and/or supplying articles for use in fraud, contrary to s.7 of the Fraud Act 2006. Due to the serious nature of the offending, the case was committed to the Crown Court for sentencing.
The sisters were sentenced by HHJ Real on 15 November at Reading Crown Court (sitting at Reading Magistrates Court). They were represented by Mr. Nawaz QC who addressed the court in mitigation on their behalf, stating that neither sister had been a leading force in the fraud, having been pressured to make the application by their brother, Raza Ban who it was intended, would pursue the RTB application with the council to completion, including provision of the falsified bank statements.
HHJ Real reduced their sentences to give full credit for their early guilty pleas and although she concluded that custodial sentences were justified, she suspended them on the basis that neither sister were the leading force behind the fraud. Fatima Zahra received 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months (same sentence concurrent for the other two offences) Nasra Ban received 10 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months. Both also must do 15 days rehabilitation through the probation service. They were also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,956 each at £500 each per month to begin within 28 days.
Cllr Beni Bains, cabinet member for regulation and public protection, said: “We hope this is a warning to anyone else who may be thinking of attempting this type of fraud. Our many checks are put in place to stop people taking advantage of the system and making sure that Right to Buy discount is only received by those eligible. A great result was achieved in this case, thank you to all the council officers involved.” -
Commitment to improving services for special needs children
Slough Borough Council, Frimley CCG and Slough Children First have renewed their commitment to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) following the release of an Ofsted and CQC report into local services.
The report, released today (17 November), is highly critical of some of the SEND services in Slough stating an official Written Statement of Action (WSOA) is required following an inspection earlier this year.
Some of the main criticisms include a lack of joined-up working between the organisations, lack of collaboration with parents and families of SEND children, parents and carers not feeling understood, welcomed or helped, some schools not being welcoming of SEND children, high staff turnover, social care needs not being met and long waiting times to see an occupational therapist or receive an educational health and care plan (EHCP).
However other areas are singled out for praise including SEND services in Early Years, the mental health transformation programme, the support received from the SEND information, advice and support service (SENDIASS) and the ‘valiant efforts’ of individual members of staff.
Councillor Christine Hulme, lead member for education and children, who took on the portfolio in May, said: “Reading that there are too few opportunities for SEND children to experience social parts of childhood like their peers is heart-breaking, but nowhere near as tough as it must be for the children themselves and their families.
“We have been working since I took over the portfolio on better joining up all our services and this is noted in the report, but unfortunately the work is too new to have had any real impact before Ofsted and CQC visited.
“We need to improve and fast, not just because it is what our SEND children need, but because it is what they deserve.”
In May 2021, a rapid improvement plan was put into place across the council, children’s services and health with the following objectives:
To secure effective joint leadership oversight and accountability
To secure an effective approach to using funding including through aligned and joint commissioning
To address pressing gaps in assessment and provision
To develop an effective approach to capturing the views of representative groups of children and young people with SEND and their families across the area and enabling co-production.
To ensure that the local offer (online information) is co-produced, up to date, informative and easy to navigate and sustainable.
Tony Hunter, recently appointed Chair of Slough Children First, said “In our new status as a council owned company, committed to even closer collaboration, we at Slough Children First will give every possible support to the council in its clear determination to develop and improve - at speed - services for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
“We are pleased the contribution of our social workers in helping families has been recognised; this gives a strong foundation for intense work across partners to improve the quality of children and families needing this range of services.”
Tracy Faraday-Drake, managing director of the NHS Frimley Clinical Commissioning Group in Slough said: “‘We are determined to provide the children and young people across Slough who have special educational needs and disabilities the services they need in a timely way, so they have every opportunity to flourish.
“This inspection has shone a light on some of our most vulnerable children and we are working together with the borough council and with our other partners to drive the transformation of these vital services.”
The full report can be found at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/44/80553
