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The next revaluation of business rates in England and Wales is coming up in 2023. The Valuation Office Agency is writing to businesses to request rental information to support this work. Once ratepayers receive a letter they need to go online and submit their up-to-date details.
More information is on the government’s information page.
SODC is reminding residents that they can put their Hallowe’en pumpkins out for food waste recycling in the week beginning 2 November. They can be put inside or next to the food waste caddy – with the candles removed.
SODC is reminding it’s brown bin subscribers that they can put twice as much garden waste out for collection during its extra garden waste week next month.
Effectively, subscribers can put out an extra brown bins worth of garden waste on their normal garden waste collection day on the 3rd November 2020. That equates to around three bin bags’ worth of extra garden waste.
SODC cannot however accept rubble or trade waste bags. Instead, it says to put the extra garden waste in clear bin bags or open top boxes. Boxes and bags are left at residents’ discretion and will not be replaced if missing or damaged.
Thames Valley Police is urging people to remain cautious after an elaborate scam has resulted in victims losing a total of £15,000.
A man, described as being of Mediterranean appearance, in a dark coloured car, has been approaching people asking for directions to Heathrow Airport. He claims to be a fashion designer with Giorgio Armani and that he has excess stock he is unable to take back to Dubai with him due to the high cost. He asks people to lend him money to cover the cost of his car hire on the promise that the money will be paid back. He encourages the individuals to provide their bank account details and will then drive them to the bank where the money is withdrawn and handed over.
The contact details passed over to the individuals turn out to be false and no money is ever paid back.
This scam results in a significant financial loss and poses a risk to the victim’s safety by agreeing to get in a car with a stranger. Where personal details including bank details have been handed over, this also leaves the victim open to identity fraud.
Thames Valley Police are urging the following:
Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud. Call 999 in an emergency.
For more information, visit the national Take Five to Stop Fraud (https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/) campaign.
Criminals are using the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to trick people into parting with their money or information.
In some scams people are urged to “take advantage of the financial downturn”, using emails and social media platforms to advertise fake investment opportunities in cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. Others include criminals offering their assistance with Universal Credit applications, while taking some of the payment as a fee for their “services”.
It’s important to remember that criminals are experts at impersonation, using official branding and language used by trusted organisations and government departments to convince that their emails are genuine. These may include offering an individual or business a government grant or a reduction in council tax with links contained leading to fake websites designed to obtain personal and financial information.
Follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to:
Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse, or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
You can find more information on the top ten scams and advice on how to protect yourself here.
There’s a new page on this website that details what the parish has been doing to develop the wildlife at Fiveways Corner in Aston Rowant.
Along with the history of the site there are a number of downloadable files featuring photos and video of the wildlife.
The parish litter pick has been rearranged for Saturday 7 November, meeting 1000hrs at Butts Way (adjacent to the Lambert Arms).
We’ll aim to pick litter for a couple of hours along the A40 and B4009 close to the hotel. Picking sticks and bags will be provided. Please bring gloves and wear suitable footwear. The event is not suitable for children.
Call Peter Hetherington on 07767 647714 for more information.
The autumn Chilterns Walking Festival will take place from 17th October to 1st November 2020. The programme includes over 40 guided countryside walks, activities and events including routes centred around nature reserves, iron age hillforts, farms, churches and filming locations. All led by knowledgeable guides and taking in the beautiful Chilterns landscape.
There are number around here.
See https://www.visitchilterns.co.uk/walkingfest.html for more detail.
The parish litter pick set for Sunday 11 October has been cancelled and will be rearranged. The revised date will be publicised soon.