Where your money goes - Swindon Borough Council

Where your money goes Your council tax bill 2017 - 2018

Where every £1000 of your council tax goes Caring for older people & adults with special needs £477 Protecting children & vulnerable young people £177 Waste collection & disposal £93 Investment in major projects £56 Supporting young people (not including schools) £52 Revenues, benefits & customer services £25 Legal & democratic services e.g. council meetings £22 Housing the homeless & housing planning £21 Leisure, libraries & culture £20 Street cleaning & street lighting £17 Maintaining roads & grounds £15 Keeping people safe e.g. food hygiene inspections £13 Business support, insurance costs, HR, communications £12 & financial support TOTAL £1000

This bill only represents services directly funded by residents’ council tax. Other Council services such as planning, car parking, schools and public health are funded by the income they raise or specific grant funding rather than council tax and so are not included in the figures above.

Contents Welcome - Council Leader’s introduction

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Council progress on delivering the Vision for Swindon

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Overview of the Council’s budget

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Support for vulnerable adults and children

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Changes to parish councils in Swindon Borough

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Boosting Swindon’s economy and infrastructure

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A more sustainable Swindon 14 Subscribe to our e-newsletters to keep up to date

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Library service changes in 2017

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Discover the wonders of cycling

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Enjoy the benefits of being smokefree

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Care and support at your fingertips

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Helping teenagers fulfil their potential

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Support to help manage your money

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Sign up for the garden waste collection service

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This publication is distributed to 94,659 households throughout the borough. If you have any questions please email the communications team at Swindon Borough Council [email protected] The information contained is available at www.swindon.gov.uk/annualreport and can be reproduced in large print or other accessible formats by contacting Customer Services on 01793 445500, or by emailing [email protected] Information correct as of 24 / 02/ 17 D2130/ FOI 4151/17 2

12p per booklet to produce

Welcome - Council Leader’s introduction This booklet aims to give you an overview of where the Council’s money comes from and how we spend it. As well as continuing to deliver hundreds of services each day, we are involved in work that is laying the foundations for Swindon’s future. As you have received this booklet with your council tax bill, you will have noticed that your bill has increased this year. Across the country financial pressures on public services continue to demand difficult decisions and hard choices, but we are determined to do everything we can to work with Swindon’s communities to find constructive solutions that work for the borough.

Cllr David Renard, Leader of the Council

Whilst recognising that times are tough, I am very clear that we have a huge opportunity ahead to make sure Swindon reaches its full potential. That’s why the Council is at the heart of efforts to help Swindon punch above its weight, delivering an ambitious Vision for Swindon that includes half a billion pounds of planned investment in regenerating the town centre.

The borough is set to grow faster than almost anywhere else in the UK over the next 20 years, which is why we’re gearing up now to support building new houses, roads and schools. All the while, we’re working hard to make our resources stretch further by finding new ways to deliver the Council services which so many Swindon residents rely on. There is much work ahead but I’m proud of what we’re achieving and the following pages will give you a flavour of this. We want to make Swindon an attractive place to live and work, because growth and, in parallel, a well-educated workforce are crucial to the future prosperity of everyone who lives here.

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We all want Swindon to be a prosperous and vibrant place to live, a place which provides genuine prospects for everyone, not least our young people. For that to happen we need businesses to continue to thrive. They in turn need a talented and properly qualified pool of people they can employ as well as good supporting infrastructure. Just as importantly, we all want to be part of a caring and fair society where our increasing population of older people can remain healthy and independent for as long as possible, with care provided when they need it. We also have significant numbers of children and young people who haven’t been given the best start in life, who we must help towards a better future. All this costs money. That’s why growth and our focus on the local economy is so important to Swindon and is the first of our four Council priorities. From 2020, the Council will no longer receive grants from government, which have always made a significant contribution to our finances. Instead, we will keep a proportion of the rates levied on businesses in Swindon, which previously went into the national pot. Our job, working with you, is to manage this and make sure we have the housing, schools, effective transport links, skilled workforce and pleasant environment to help Swindon prosper.

The more businesses that remain in Swindon and thrive and the more that are attracted to come here, the better off we will all be.

Council progress on delivering the Vision for Swindon In 2015 the Council adopted a Vision for Swindon based around four priorities that we are trying to achieve for our residents and the Borough of Swindon:

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Priority one: Improve infrastructure and housing to support a growing, low-carbon economy. Priority two: Offer education opportunities that lead to the right skills and right jobs in the right places. Priority three: Ensure clean and safe streets and improve our public spaces and local culture. Priority four: Help people to help themselves while always protecting our most vulnerable children and adults.

Work to progress these priorities is being delivered through 30 pledges, which you can read about here www.swindon.gov.uk/vision The Council Plan published last year describes the first stage of our work towards achieving the Vision, covering the period up to 2020. You can read it here www.swindon.gov.uk/councilplan20162020

Monitoring progress You can follow our progress through our regularly updated online performance dashboard: https://dashboard.swindon.gov.uk

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Overview of the Council’s budget Swindon Borough Council’s net budget for 2017/18 is £136.4m. This is funded by council tax payers, a share of the business rates collected locally and government grants.

Where the money comes from

From you

From businesses

The Government has been reducing local authority funding for some years in order to reduce the national deficit. This has meant the Council’s budget has reduced at a time when demand and the cost of delivering services are rising. The Council uses this budget to provide hundreds of different services to benefit residents of the borough, some of which are obvious such as waste collection and road maintenance. Other services often go unseen, such as providing foster carers for children in crisis, providing care for older people, carrying out food hygiene inspections and providing education for children with special needs. The Council can choose whether to provide some of these services or not, whereas others are statutory and must be provided by law. During the last decade the areas where the Council spends its money have changed dramatically. As demand for children’s and adults’ services, which are mostly statutory, has increased significantly, the Council’s budget has reduced, meaning a lot less can be spent on many of the services residents are used to.

Grant from government From you (£91.4m council tax)

From businesses (£31.4m business rates)

Where the money goes

67.3m

This trend is due to increase until 2020, at which point the Council will no longer receive any money from government grants and will rely largely on business rates and council tax for providing all the services for the borough. This year’s council tax has increased on average by 4.99% which includes a rise of 1.99% (displayed as 2% on your bill to meet regulations) for general funds (which can be spent on any services) and 3% which is ring-fenced for adult social care. The increase in general funds varies between previously nonparished and parished areas of the Borough following the changes to parish councils approved in 2016. For previously non-parished areas the increase is 0.1% and for previously parished areas the increase is 4.3%. For more detailed information on the bills please visit www.swindon.gov.uk/annualreport 6

Grant from government (£13.6m government revenue support grant)

27m 11.9m

11.3m 10.9m

5.7m

2.3

2.3m Vulnerable Adults

Public Health

Vulnerable Children, Families and Community Health

StreetSmart

Infrastructure Assets Corporate Services Other

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Support for vulnerable adults and children The Council has budgeted £106.2m to be spent on providing services to vulnerable adults and children in 2017/18, including public health. That is 78% of the total budget compared with 48% a decade earlier in 2007. A relatively small percentage of the borough’s population needs these services but they are incredibly important. The Council is committed to doing all it can to help people to live their lives and maintain their independence, dignity and control. Adult social care services help fulfil this by providing support to both older people and working age adults who have physical disabilities, mental disabilities, mental health conditions or are generally frail, as well as their carers. This includes: Home-based services, such as personal care, for people who can still live in their homes but, due to a disability, need help with everyday activities to allow them to live independently. Adaptations like wheelchair ramps or equipment, for example mobility aids. These help people stay independent, mobile and safe, improving their quality of life and reducing the need for more intensive support. Residential support, which in some cases involves round-the-clock care with specialist help. This is for people who need more assistance than can be provided at home. The Council owns and runs a number of residential homes to provide this service.

The Council is also committed to protecting children and young people in the borough. Children’s services help deliver that commitment by protecting and caring for children and young people who are in a vulnerable situation. This includes: Social work, where a dedicated council officer works with a family to try to resolve issues and ensure children are living in a safe and positive environment. Foster care and adoption for children who have either lost their parents or who can no longer stay with their families. Assistance for disabled children which can include providing equipment, paediatric therapies and other support. Support for young offenders to help them get their lives back on track.

Did you know? 1 In the financial year 2017/18 the Council has budgeted £1,037m to provide equipment to support vulnerable people. 1 To place one child in care can cost up to £1,300 per week. 1 A residential care placement for one adult costs around £27,700 per year. 1 A residential care placement for a person with learning disabilities costs around £72,700 per year.

8 Priority 4 Help people to help themselves while always protecting our most vulnerable children and adults

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Changes to parish councils in Swindon Borough From 1st April 2017, newly created parishes will deliver local services to their communities for the first time. Parish councils are well established in some areas of the borough and have provided local services on behalf of their residents for many years. The parish councils will be raising a parish precept to fund the delivery of local services which will be protected in each local area. The precepts can then be spent on the priorities and needs of that parish, including important services such as street cleaning and grounds maintenance, which are decided by the local communities. There have already been examples where such arrangements have led to better service standards being delivered by parish councils, improving the environment for residents living in those parishes. The decision to create parishes from previously unparished areas of the borough followed a year-long Community Governance Review process, which involved engagement and formal consultation with residents and existing parish councils. More information can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/parishes

What is happening now? In each of the new parishes, a shadow parish council has been formed. This is made up of existing elected Swindon Borough councillors. The shadow parish councils are responsible for setting the budget for 2017/18 and putting in place arrangements for services to be provided from 1st April 2017. What will it be like having a parish council and what is a parish precept? Parish councils cover a much smaller area and population than the borough council and focus on local issues and services. They get their funding through a parish precept which is collected as part of residents’ yearly council tax bill. Residents will be able to see their parish precept in the breakdown of their council tax bill. You can find out more about parish councils on the National Association of Local Council’s website www.nalc.gov.uk/about-local-councils

Get involved in your local community Parish council elections in May 2017

The creation of the new parish councils is a new opportunity for people to get involved in their community and decide how local services should be delivered. On 4th May 2017, elections will be held to elect parish councillors in the new parishes. Anyone who is interested in becoming a parish councillor can find information about the requirements by visiting the Swindon Borough Council website at www.swindon.gov.uk/becomeacouncillor Prospective candidates can contact the election office for a nomination pack by emailing [email protected] or phoning us on: 01793 464601. All nominations must be hand delivered no later than 4th April 2017 at 4pm to the Office of the Returning Officer, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH.

10 Priority 3 Ensure clean and safe streets and improve our public spaces and local culture

www.swindon.gov.uk/parishes 11

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Boosting Swindon’s economy and infrastructure Swindon remains one of the best places to work in the UK with the 7th highest employment rate and the 12th largest average wage per worker, while house prices remain £63k below the average for an urban authority. The Council is working closely with partners to deliver investment worth half a billion pounds in the town centre, build 22,000 new homes by 2026 and create an additional 20,000 jobs. This will include the completion of Wichelstowe and the development of the New Eastern Villages. By growing the economy and redeveloping the town centre, Swindon will become a better place for everyone living here, with more jobs, more houses and more culture, giving residents an improved standard of living. The pictures on these pages are examples of projects that are either underway or in the pipeline and support the Council’s aspirations for a thriving, modern town with great businesses, entertainment and amenities. 12

Priority 2

Offer education opportunities that lead to the right skills and right jobs in the right places

Kimmerfields

Art Gallery

The Council is also investing heavily in the town’s transport network with work starting this year on more than £100 million of improvements. Work is already well underway on upgrading Junction 16 of the M4 and funding has been secured to improve Junction 15. Greenbridge Roundabout has been transformed to cope with future traffic levels, significant carriageway improvements will start along Akers Way in the spring and plans will be submitted later this year for the Southern Connector Road which will form a key part of the transport plans for the New Eastern Villages. These projects will allow an ever increasing population to travel quickly and safely around the borough. Priority 1

Improve infrastructure and housing to support a growing, low-carbon economy

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A more sustainable Swindon Swindon is blazing a trail nationally with its innovative approach to renewable energy and the Council is well on the way to reaching the ambitious target of installing 200 megawatts (MW) of renewable capacity by 2020. This would be enough energy to meet the electricity requirements of every home in the borough. The Council moved a step closer to the renewable energy target when its second successful solar bond initiative sold out more than a month early after £2.4m was raised from more than 800 investors. The bond will be held in the UK’s first council-owned green energy Innovative Finance ISA, courtesy of Abundance Investment. The project was developed by Public Power Solutions, a wholly owned company of Swindon Borough Council. A solar park is now being built at Chapel Farm near Blunsdon which will provide an annual rate of return for investors over a period of 20 years. It will also deliver an income to the Council which will be spent on community initiatives. The Chapel Farm solar park will also give a new lease of life to a former landfill site, provide a managed biodiversity zone, as well as a place for sheep to graze for part of the year. Completion of the solar farm, which will have a capacity of 5MW, will take Swindon’s total renewable energy capacity to 167MW – more than 80% of the Council’s target.

14 Priority 3 Ensure clean and safe streets and improve our public spaces and local culture

This year the Council has taken big steps towards a more sustainable Swindon. The waste processing plant at the Household Waste Recycling Centre, which generates fuel from household rubbish, has processed more than 100,000 tonnes of waste since it opened in 2014. The fuel it produces is used to create sustainable energy, which powers industry and homes. Thanks for recycling so much – please keep it up! The Council has invested £5m in a new fleet of waste collection vehicles which are more fuel efficient, safer and user-friendly.

98% of waste collected by the Council is either recycled, composted or treated.

And the good news is that recycling more isn’t just better for the environment, it also saves public money. You can find more information about recycling, including how to order extra recycling boxes, by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk/recycling 4 Here’s a quick recycling reminder about what you can recycle

7 No thanks to black plastic, polystyrene, plastic toys, plant pots, plastic furniture, buckets, hard plastic storage containers or washing up bowls.

You can also sign up for our garden waste service for only £50 per year by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk /gardenwaste

www.swindon.gov.uk/recycling 15

Library service changes in 2017 Following public consultation last year the Council approved a new strategy for Swindon’s libraries in December. This means: Swindon Borough Council library services will be delivered from the following libraries: Central ● North Swindon ● West Swindon ● Highworth ● Park Library ●

Don’t get caught in a jam Subscribe to our fortnightly Highways News e-newsletter for updates on road closures, travel updates and Council highway improvements. Visit www.swindon.gov.uk/newsletter to sign up for our e-newsletters. They are a great way to get the latest Council news and information on events and services plus emergency alerts and updates.

Keep in touch through social media

Find out the latest news and information through our social media accounts. Monitored Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm.

t @Swindonnews f Swindon Borough Council 16

The Council is supporting communities to take on local library services at other library locations in Swindon. Communities were invited to provide expressions of interest and these will be considered before final arrangements are put in place this September. From 5th April 2017 the five core Swindon Borough Council libraries will be staffed for a reduced period of time. However, there will be technology in place allowing users to access the buildings, books, materials and IT outside the staffed hours. More information about revised staffed hours and opening times will be provided before this date and will be available in any library or via the Council’s website www.swindon.gov.uk/libraries Would you like to support the library service? The Swindon library service offers a number of volunteering opportunities for anyone who would like to get involved. The roles are varied and interesting and will be posted on the Swindon Borough Council volunteering website www.swindon.gov.uk/volunteering How to get up-to-date information on the library service t: @SwindonLibrary f www.facebook.com/SwindonLIS Or follow the blog: Swindonlibraries.wordpress.com 17

Discover the wonders of cycling

Enjoy the benefits of being smokefree

Spending six months in a semi-isolation hospital ward being treated for leukaemia is enough to knock anyone sideways and it has been a long road to recovery for Anna Soulsby, who believes cycling played a vital part.

Last October the Council helped Swindon Bus Station become a smokefree zone, creating a safer and cleaner environment for passengers and staff.

Anna, from West Swindon, who now rides her bike most days, is fighting fit and back to her former good health since her cancer diagnosis two and a half years ago. She said: “I really have come full circle and feel fantastic. But it has been a significant journey. Cycling restored the joy of being outdoors in a fun and safe way.” The breakthrough came when Great Western Hospital in partnership with the Council and the Macmillan Nursing Trust, held a health day for people recovering from blood cancer treatments, which introduced her to a Steps to Health scheme. Anna steadily progressed through the various groups and now cycles to work as well as for leisure. She said: “Having this opportunity to regain energy, strength and above all confidence in a safe, supportive and friendly environment was amazing.” For more information on cycling in Swindon visit the websites at the bottom of the page.

“I’m back to where I was before I was ill. Cycling is such a wonderful gift and it has been so instrumental to my recovery. I feel extremely blessed and want to say a big thank you to the cycling groups, and support schemes run by the Council, which helped me back on track.”

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www.swindontravelchoices.co.uk/cycle

www.goskyride.com

Stagecoach bus driver Tracy Blake is pleased with the change because she has also successfully driven smoking out of her life after nearly 40 years. The mum-of-three, from Upper Stratton, is thrilled with the benefits and her eight-year-old grandson Logan is especially proud of her achievement. Tracy said: “I’m so glad I’ve finally quit. Logan is really chuffed because he always used to tell me off for smoking and I felt bad about it.”

“I soon started to feel a lot better and my breathing significantly improved. I thought I would have missed it more, but I don’t.”

Tracy was prompted to stop because her sinuses were blocked. “I had an operation to clear it all out, which meant my nose was covered up with dressing. It would have been hard to smoke, so I didn’t try,” she said. Both her grown-up daughters have given up and her partner Ross has also called time on the habit. She said: “It’s easier when the people you’re close to have stopped too because you can support each other.” Getting professional help is proven to significantly increase your chance of quitting successfully. Pharmacies or GPs also offer support to stop smoking.

Looking to quit smoking, lose weight or be more active?

The Community Health and Wellbeing team can provide one-to-one or group support and point you in the right direction. For free advice on healthy lifestyles, including making changes, call the Live Well Hub on 01793 465513 or email: [email protected]

www.change4life.co.uk

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Care and support at your fingertips Looking to find out about services for older people or information on education, health and social activities for children and young people? Visit www.mycaremysupport.co.uk for the fastest way to discover information and advice on a host of services and support for children, young people and adults. Adults Featuring more than 850 local and national providers, the online marketplace covers care needs such as meal provision, shopping and cleaning, as well as a directory of social clubs and groups. “This is an invaluable resource and has saved me a lot of time.” Anne, carer Children and Young People - The Local Offer Information on schools, leisure activities, and health services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. “It’s great to have so much information at the click of a button.” Gwen, parent Free information, advice and support is also available at Sanford House, Sanford Street, Swindon, SN11HE Tel: 01793 466633.

Helping teenagers fulfil their potential Ira Muir had never contemplated fostering until a chance comment opened up a new vocation, which she finds more rewarding than ever. Ira, aged 57, used to work at a drop-in centre which helped refugees and this led to her taking a teenage boy under her wing. After staying with Ira for several years, Abdul, now 20, has spread his wings and he recently won a prestigious national accolade – the Daily Mirror Pride of Sport Young Achiever award. Ira said: “He’s now working as a jockey and has come so far. I feel privileged to have played a part in his life and helped someone who was once so vulnerable become such a brilliant young man.” With her two grown-up daughters having flown the nest, Ira didn’t want the house to be empty and realised how fulfilled fostering made her feel. She said: “After this amazing experience I knew it was what I wanted to do.”

Join our wonderful carers...

The Council is looking for foster carers from a range of ethnic backgrounds to reflect Swindon’s diverse population and the needs of children coming into care. Marital status, sexuality, age and whether or not you have children are no barrier. You’ll receive professional payment and allowances, full training and comprehensive support available 24/7. Interested? Call: 01793 464329 or email: [email protected]

20 Priority www.mycaremysupport.co.uk 4 Help people to help themselves while always protecting our most vulnerable children and adults

www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering

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Prefer paperless? Receive your annual bill by email

Support to help manage your money

If you pay by direct debit, email your council tax account number, preferred email address and surname to [email protected]

The Council understands that some people may struggle to pay their council tax bill. If you think you may have problems paying your bill this year you can access a range of advice and support to help get your finances in order.

Pay your council tax online or by direct debit

Visit www.swindon.gov.uk/benefits

Visit www.swindon.gov.uk/counciltax

Information

Advice & Tips

3 about council tax support for low income households

3 for all households struggling to pay their council tax bill

3 on eligibility and how to make claims for Discretionary Housing Payment or Emergency Assistance (formerly crisis loans)

3 on dealing with debts and independent advice on personal budgeting

3 on affordable credit options

Pssst… want to save money on your energy bills? Swindon Energy Matters is your new one-stop-shop service for taking control of your energy bills. Customers save an average of £300 a year, plus you could receive up to £30 cashback. T: 0800 093 3218 www.energyhelpline.com/Swindon

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3 on Universal Credits claims and the Benefits Cap 3 on how to maximise your income and make the most of your money

Starting a building project can be daunting... Getting your building work approved ensures that the work is safe and up to building regulations standards. Contact us to find out how we can support your project. T: 01793 466069 E: [email protected]

If you are an honest and reputable trader trading in Nottinghamshire why not apply to join the Buy With Confidence trader scheme and show your customers that you are approved by Trading Standards

Buy With Confidence is a national recommendation scheme, operated by Trading Standards Services, which lists local traders who operate their business in a legal, honest and fair way.

For more information or to apply online go to www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk Or call the Buy With Confidence team on 01623 452005

T: 01793 466155 E: [email protected] www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

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for the garden waste collection service

Only £50 per year that’s £2 p er collection .

Recycle your garden waste by signing up or renewing your subscription Signing up for the fortnightly garden waste collection service is quick and easy – simply go online at www.swindon.gov.uk/gardenwaste If you already use the service then you will need to renew your subscription before the end of March, or ahead of the date you joined if you subscribed later in the year. Collections cost just £50 annually, including your green wheelie bin, and run all year with a short break over Christmas and New Year.

What can go in my garden waste bin? We can only empty green bins that contain garden waste suitable for composting.

4 Yes please: Leaves, weeds, flowers, old or used compost, plant prunings, grass cuttings, twigs and small branches (no larger than the width of your wrist). 6 No thanks: Plastic bags or liners, household rubbish or recycling, food waste including peelings and eggshells, pet waste or bedding, noxious weeds e.g. Japanese knotweed and rhododendrons, soils, stones, hardcore or treated wood. 24

www.swindon.gov.uk/gardenwaste