Stafford: Staffordshire smart alert - Rogue Traders

Following reports in your area, Staffordshire Police are urging residents to stay vigilant against rogue traders targeting local communities. We strongly advise against hiring traders who knock, uninvited, on your door. These individuals often offer services such as driveway repairs, roofing or gardening services. Their work is often unnecessary, overpriced, substandard, or sometimes not done at all. Many lack formal training and some may even be linked to distraction burglaries. Rogue traders will often ask you to pay cash upfront before any work is completed.

Remember

- Don't agree to work offered on the spot.

- Always ask for written quotes and check reviews or references.

- Be wary of any pressure tactics - take your time to decide.

- Verify ID and ensure traders are from a reputable business.

To report local doorstep crime and protect a vulnerable person, call the Staffordshire Trading Standards Confidential hotline at 01785 330356.

For advice and guidance on resolving issues, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline at 0808 223 1133.

If you suspect a rogue trader you can call Staffordshire Police on 101 or report anonymously to crime stoppers at 0800 555 111.

In an emergency always call 999

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

 

Grantham: One You Lincolnshire expands services with additional funding to help more people quit smoking!

OYL Smoke Free Generation
 

oneyoulincolnshire.org.uk

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

DIO Service Family Accommodation (SFA) communications update – utility bills

 

Water bills
We are aware of instances where water providers have written directly to SFA homes, requesting payment of water bills. Families in SFA are not responsible for water charges as a contribution is included in your accommodation fee and so this is paid by DIO. These letters have been sent in error and we apologise for any concern they may have caused. DIO is engaging with water and energy providers to resolve this issue.

If your water provider mistakenly sends you a letter directly to your SFA address, do not make any payments. Please scan, or take a picture of each page of the letter and forward to: DIORDAccn-PFI@mod.gov.uk, as soon as possible. DIO will then work with the water provider to ensure the account details are updated.

DIO has received questions regarding credit ratings concerning these bills. Please note, a credit history relates to an individual, rather than an address. Therefore, any letters that are not addressed directly to yourself, should not impact your credit report.


Gas and electricity bills
As a reminder, you are responsible for sourcing your own gas and electricity providers when moving into a new home and must close the existing accounts at move out. Unfortunately, DIO and its suppliers cannot do this on your behalf.

If you receive a gas or electricity bill for a period of time in which you did not live at the address, please scan, or take a picture of each page and forward this to the appropriate departments:

• For homes located in the North, Central region or Northern Ireland forward to Amey; Utilitybill@ameydefenceservices.co.uk
• For homes located in the South forward to VIVO; Utilities@vivodefence.com

If you are unsure what area your home falls under, please refer to this map on the Pinnacle website.

More information on Utilities, including Fuel Subsidy Scheme, MOD fuel supplied properties and SFA occupied by Virtue of Appointment is available on the Pinnacle Service Families page.

Stafford: Staffordshire smart alert - Your council tax 2025-26

Your council tax 2025-26

A council tax increase of £19 per annum across Police and Fire & Rescue has been confirmed by the Police, Fire & Crime Panel.

At meetings taking place on 3 and 10 February, the Panel approved the following increases:
5.12% increase for Police & Crime (an extra £14 per year for a band D property)
5.8% increase for Fire & Rescue (an extra £5 per year for a band D property)

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “I know from my council tax consultation that residents want their services to keep improving, to further increase officer numbers and to evolve so they can address local priorities such as vehicle crime, rural crime and ASB, and work with other agencies to keep people safe. Regrettably, next year, central government grants will not cover increases in pay, national insurance and inflation – cutting total funding in cash terms.

“I am acutely aware that household budgets are tight. Nevertheless, to protect the progress both services have made, limit the impact on service levels and to continue to prepare for an uncertain future, I need to increase the council tax precepts for both services by the maximum allowable.

“Together, they should put Staffordshire Police and Staffordshire Fire & Rescue in the best possible position to continue to keep us safe.”

To watch the latest Panel meeting, visit: Agenda for Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel on Monday 10th February 2025, 10:00am - Staffordshire County Council

Information provided by Stafford HIVE

Introducing MyCadet

MyCadet is a digital app specifically designed for parents and guardians of the Army Cadet Force, making it easier than ever to keep up to date with your cadet’s progress.

Find out more by visiting: https://armycadets.com/mycadet/

Grantham: Green Chances - a new social gardening group for Veterans

GREEN CHANCES - A new Social Gardening Group for Veterans who love muddy boots, nature and a great cup of tea!

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

Colerne: New camp barber starting Thu 20 Feb

Colerne has a new Barber starting in the Community Centre on camp from Thursday 20th February.

You can book via the link below or by scanning the QR code on the poster.

charliethebarber95.booksy.com/a/

Information provided by Colerne HIVE

Wiltshire: Wiltshire Council Family Hub 'Family Navigator' drop-in time changes

Please click image to enlarge

Alongside their parenting programmes and one-to-one outreach support in the home, Wiltshire Council Family Hub also have a team of Family Navigators who are available in different locations at different times throughout the week so that you can drop in and get the help that you are looking for.

This could be:

• Helping you find groups for you or your children in the community such as toddler groups, youth groups, adult learning opportunities and community events etc.

• Linking you in with organisations who can help with things like debt advice, housing support, mental and emotional wellbeing, volunteering and health advice. If you’re not yet feeling too confident to ‘go it alone’ then our family navigators will help with that too.

• Providing a listening ear when you don’t know where to go next and the things you are trying aren’t quite working.

• Supporting you to complete applications for pre-school, school or colleges and any other paperwork related to family life, because some of it is more complicated that it needs to be!

You can also view the above calendar on the Wiltshire Council Family Hub website.

(Please note that occasionally dates and time can be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check the Facebook page before travelling)

Information provided by Colerne and Lyneham HIVEs

Leuchars: Deployment support for RAF personnel at Leuchars

click on image to enlarge

RAF Personnel stationed at Leuchars are part of the military community, they and their families are welcomed to Station events, coffee mornings and activities provided by the Leuchars Welfare Teams. 

HIVE is also here for the RAF Families and has contact with the RAF HIVE Information Support Officer and SSAFA at RAF Lossiemouth. 

RAF Lossiemouth HIVE have produce the Deployment Support document above for RAF personnel at Leuchars.

If you require further help then please contact HIVE at Leuchars.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Catterick: FREE Stay and Play every Weds

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub