Save money in 2016 by switching energy provider

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City of York Council is encouraging residents to see if they could save money though 2016 and beyond by switching their gas and electricity providers.

Residents can join the switch until Monday 1 February. Over 200 residents took part in the latest switch with people saving on average over £215.

Jacqui Warren, Sustainability Officer, said: “The Big Community Switch is a great way for people who might be considering changing their energy suppliers to see if they can reduce their energy bill, with residents saving on average £215 during the previous switch.”

How the switch works:

1. The switch is open for registrations from 5 January to 1 February 2016. Anyone who pays a household energy bill can register for free, including pre payment meter customers and those without gas. Registration is easy – you just need a recent fuel bill or annual statement.

2. The council’s switching partner iChoosr will hold an ‘auction day’ on 2 February and invite energy companies to offer their best prices.

3. The cheapest tariff wins! Residents will receive an email with details of the new tariff secured by the scheme and how much money could be potentially saved. This will be after 12 February 2016.

4. Residents will have until 14 March 2016 to decide to accept the offer or not. There is no obligation to accept and no fees or charges. If residents choose not to take up the offer, they can still register again in future schemes.

For more information and help on joining the Big community Energy Switch visit https://www.york.gov.uk/switchingenergy or watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx_fph_9NeE

For help making your home warmer through energy efficiency measures visit https://www.york.gov.uk/info/20097/private_landlords_and_tenants/1507/better_homes_york

York Police update

Appeal for information about theft of a watch from Ernest Jones, McArthur Glen Outlet York

North Yorkshire Police Police have released pictures of two people they would like to speak to in connection with the theft of a watch from Ernest Jones at the McArthur Glen shopping Outlet, York

On Saturday 14th November 2015 at 12.55pm a man and a woman entered the Ernest Jones shop at McArthur Glen. Whilst they were in the shop, a watch belonging to another customer was removed.

The man is described as white, mid 50’s, slim build, dark but greying short hair, wearing a two toned blue coat, green jumper and jeans. The woman is described as white, mid 50’s, shoulder length auburn hair, wearing a grey top and cardigan, brown knee length boots.

We are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact us on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC1661 Tony Barnes. You can also emailtony.barnes@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12150202326.

Extra enforcement powers granted to council officers

Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police Dave Jones has conferred City of York Council’s new Neighbourhood Enforcement Team with new Community Safety Accreditation powers.

The Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police Dave Jones with the newly-accredited Neighbourhood Enforcement Team

The team forms part of the new Community Safety Hub, based in West Offices to deliver a multi-agency approach to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and nuisance.

The new Community Safety Accreditation powers give the officers authority over and above their council enforcement powers. These powers focus on issues such as alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, begging and drinking in a designated public area. From 5 January, the officers will be working alongside North Yorkshire Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams on joint operations to deal with these offences.
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Floods update: Public meeting on 15th January to get feedback on floods

As part of its Emergency Planning, City of York Council is inviting residents and businesses affected by the recent floods to a public meeting at the Barbican with partners involved in the operation, on Friday 15 January from 6-8pm.

It is unclear whether a report, on the circumstances surrounding the Food Barrier failure, will be published by the Environment Agency before the meeting.

With so many unanswered questions remaining about timeline, communication channels and decision taking processes, it is unlikely that, any meeting would satisfy the concerns of those attending.

Similarly milestones should be published for the £13 million upgrade to the Foss barrier which has now been promised.

East York would continue to be vulnerable to further flooding during the likely 2 year construction phase for any upgrade.

The Council says, “The city’s response to the floods, the recovery and clean-up operation and the way forward will be discussed, with a focus on the practical support offered across the city.

People will be able to talk directly to representatives from those organisations at the heart of the operation, including the Environment Agency, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, British Telecom, North Yorkshire Police and the council itself.

Further opportunities will be available to residents to give feedback at ward meetings and in flood-affected areas. These will be attended by partner organisations. The dates and locations of the local meetings will be publicised very shortly and where people are unable to attend, other ways of sharing feedback will be put in place”.
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