Month: February 2022

Covid 19 mobile testing 17 to 26 February

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Our team is out and about around the county giving out home testing kits every week.

Set up in Hereford hightown to give out LFT

We also offer tests on site in some locations. Helping you to carry out regular testing whenever and wherever you need it.

The testing programme for Covid-19 is helping keep us all safe by identifying those who are infected.

Around one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms.

Rapid testing, using lateral flow test devices (LFT), is a fast and simple way to test people who are not showing symptoms. It helps us stop spreading Covid-19 without realising it.

Please note that we are currently experiencing high demand for test kits therefore a site may need to close early if stock has been taken.

You can also obtain test kits by:

Free LFTs are being given out at the following pop-up sites until we run out of stock*:

Thursday 17 February

Friday 18 February

Saturday 19 February

Monday 21 February

Wednesday 23 February

Thursday 24 February

Friday 25 February

Saturday 26 February

You can also follow where we are on social media. Search @HfdsCouncil or follow #HfdLft.

* The locations and times may be subject to last-minute changes.

Council approves budget and Council Tax for 2022/23

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The council has agreed the 2022/23 budget

Following a period of public consultation held in the Autumn of last year, two full rounds of Scrutiny by the council’s three committees and Cabinet agreement, the proposals were today (11 February) approved by Council.

The budget includes a council tax increase of 2.99%, made up of:

  • A 1% adult social care precept which is ring-fenced to support the delivery of adult social care services
  • A 1.99% increase in core council tax which will fund all other areas of council service

This will increase the band D equivalent charge to £1,701.70 representing an increase of £0.95 per week (£4.12 a month).

Councillor Liz Harvey, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, said:

“It continues to be a challenging climate locally and nationally, and the pressure on Local Authorities across the country is as intense as ever. Council Tax makes up around a third of the Council’s budget, so this increase is needed to support the continued delivery of vital services across the county.

“Our priority is to get the best possible value for every pound spent, but we acknowledge that it is a difficult time for many local households. This is why we have ensured that the discount on the council tax reduction scheme for any struggling family which qualifies will remain at 100% for the coming year – irrespective of the price banding of their home.

“We will also almost triple the budget made available to fund the council tax discretionary hardship scheme from £272,000 to £772,000. Additionally, some residents will continue to pay no Council Tax at all, such as young adults who have left care and also all of the council’s Foster Carer families.”

The final setting of Council Tax, which will include the precepts for all the county’s parishes plus Police and Crime Commissioner and Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority charges, will take place on 4 March.

More information and advice on reduction schemes and allowances can be found on the council’s website: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/counciltax.

The proposed budget 2022/23 was approved with one agreed amendment, to delay the inflation uplift of 10p per hour on parking charges planned for 2022/23 and instead to implement an inflation uplift to parking charges in 2024/25.

Cllr Harrington, Cabinet member for Transport and Infrastructure, said:

“I am pleased that we have been able to find additional funds to delay the proposed inflation linked increases in car parking charges. I expect we shall soon be able to offer wider choices for reliable alternatives to travel for residents and visitors who travel within the county and between Herefordshire and our neighbouring areas.”

Love Hereford, love free parking

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Herefordshire Council is pleased to announce an afternoon and evening of free parking in Hereford.

On Saturday 12 February, parking will be absolutely free in all Council-owned car parks and on-street Pay & Display from 12 noon.

Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “In the run up to Christmas each year, we grant several days of free parking to help residents save money and to promote our County as a place to visit local shops and leisure businesses. We consulted with key stakeholders at Hereford BID and the City Council, and this year they wanted something slightly different. Rather than the usual five late night shopping events at Christmas they were only three, with the others put towards this date in February – so we’re happy to offer this half-day of free parking in all Council-owned and on street Pay & Display car parks throughout the city, just in time for Valentine’s Day.”

Hereford Business Improvement District (BID) will be running their usual lover Hereford event. “Following the excitement of the festive season, the winter months can sometimes feel a little grey and dreary – so we wanted to make a change and bring some Valentine’s colour to the city,” said Rhiannon Burns, Marketing Manager for Hereford City Life.

She continued, “We hope to see lots of visitors join us for our event and take advantage of all the fantastic Valentine’s offerings available from local businesses too.”

For more information on parking, please visit our website.

 

 

Fraud update from West Mercia Police – Economic Crime Unit – 01/02/2022

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                                               FACEBOOK MARKETING SCAMS

 

This week we are highlighting two current Scams relating to sellers and buyers using Facebook Marketplace

  • Fraudulent Purchasers

The victim will list something for sale on Facebook Marketplace; typically a mobile phone or games console.

  • The suspect will then make contact with the victim, enquiring about the item and will subsequently ask for that item to be sent by Special Delivery.
  • The suspect will then offer to send the money via PayPal.
  • The suspect will then send a fake email, claiming to be from PayPal, and requesting a Tracking Number before the money can go into the victim’s account.

In reality, the suspect hasn’t paid the victim for the item. As the victim has sent the Tracking Number, which can only be provided once they have sent the item, the victim is at a loss both for the item they have sent, and the money they should have received from the sale of that item.

You will never be asked for a Tracking Number from PayPal before the money can be credited into your account.

If this does happen, this is very likely to be a Scam and you should not send the item until you have received payment in full.

2 .Fraudulent Sellers

 On Facebook Marketplace, the suspect will list something for sale such as DIY tools; a games console; a mobile phone.

  • The victim then makes contact with the suspect, negotiates a price and sometimes personal information is obtained, such as the victim’s address for where to send the item.
  • The suspect will say they have numerous people looking at/interested in the item and asks for either a deposit or the full amount in order to “secure the item“.
  • The victim will pay via a bank transfer (and this offers no protection from fraud as there is no way to get the money back once the money has been sent)
  • A couple of days may then pass and the suspect will still have the item showing on the Facebook Marketplace.
  • The victim will try and make contact to ask when the item will be sent, or why the item is still for sale after they have paid a deposit, and the suspect will either verbally abuse the victim or block the victim from making any further contact.
  • The crux of this scam is that the suspect will list an item for sale on Facebook Marketplace with no intention of selling the item at all.

How to avoid this scam

  • If you are buying from Facebook Marketplace, ensure you know exactly who you are dealing with.
  • If you are unsure in any way, do not part with any of your money.
  • If you do need to part with your money, pay by credit card if you can, or use a reputable site such as PayPal which will offer some form of protection when making a purchase.

Take Five To Stop Fraud 

  • Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
  • Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
  • Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

For further information visit:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

 

Cabinet agrees proposed budget and Council Tax for 2022/23

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Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed the proposed 2022/23 budget which will now be put forward for recommendation to Full Council on Friday 11 February 2022.

Following a period of public consultation held in the Autumn of last year, and after two full rounds of Scrutiny by the council’s three committees, the proposals were yesterday (31 January) agreed by Cabinet.

The proposals include a total council tax increase of 2.99%, made up of:

  • A 1% adult social care precept which is ring-fenced to support the delivery of social care services
  • A 1.99% increase in core council tax which will fund all other areas of council service

This would increase the band D equivalent charge to £1,701.70 representing an increase of £0.95 per week (£4.12 a month). The proposed increase is needed to support the continued delivery of vital services across the county and our priority is to get the best possible value for every pound we spend on the people of Herefordshire.

The discount on the council tax reduction (CTR) scheme for any struggling family which qualifies will remain at 100% for the coming year – irrespective of the price banding of their home. Cabinet also proposes to almost triple the budget made available to fund discretionary housing scheme payments for families just failing to qualify for CTR from £272,000 to £772,000. Additionally, some residents will continue to pay no Council Tax at all, such as young adults who have left care and also all the council’s Foster Carer families.

The final setting of Council Tax, which will include the precepts for all the county’s parishes plus Police and Crime Commissioner and Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority charges, will take place on 4 March.

Residents on a low income may be eligible for help to pay their bill through the Council Tax Reduction scheme.

More information and advice on reduction schemes and allowances can be found on the Herefordshire Council website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/counciltax

Council continues free school meals support for Herefordshire children

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Herefordshire children set to benefit from free meal vouchers again this February half term

Thousands of Herefordshire children and young people in nurseries, schools and colleges are set to benefit from free school meals support during the February half term holidays, through a council funded scheme.

The scheme provides free meal provision to vulnerable families who have been particularly affected financially by the coronavirus pandemic.

Primary and secondary school pupils who are entitled to benefits related free school meals will receive a food voucher up to the value of £40 or equivalent, to cover the cost of food for the half term week directly through their schools.

Children who are eligible for the early year’s pupil premium and are not in a school setting, will receive a voucher posted direct from the council.

Councillor Diana Toynbee, Cabinet Member for Children’s and Family Services, and Young People’s Attainment, said:

“We understand the huge impact that the pandemic has had on individuals and families across Herefordshire. The winter months are proving very tough for many people financially, and the cost of living keeps on rising, so I’m very pleased that Herefordshire Council is continuing to provide this support for local families.

“Primary and secondary schools will be contacting parents and carers in good time to let them know that they are entitled to the free school meal vouchers, and how to receive them.

“Please contact your child’s school directly if you have an eligible child and haven’t heard by half term, or if you think you might qualify.  You can check your eligibility and apply through the free school meals page on the council’s website. We want to be sure that all families who need vouchers receive them.”

For more information about the free school meals scheme for the February half term holidays, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/holidaysfsm