Worried about looming winter fuel bills? Join the Big London Energy Switch!

Registration has opened again for residents to join the Big London Energy Switch.  

Households who sign-up to the collective energy switching scheme by 18 November could dramatically reduce the fuel bills they will be facing again this winter.

The switching scheme brings as many residents together as possible into one ‘auction’ at which energy companies bid for business by offering the best available prices. After the ‘auction' has been held, those who have registered will be offered a new energy tariff.  If you have registered you can then choose whether or not to sign up to a new energy provider. A lower price for all individual households is not guaranteed, but similar schemes by other councils have cut bills by up to £200 a year for some households.

Brent Council Leader, Councillor Muhammed Butt said:

“I know how many of our residents are really struggling with the cost of living at the moment which is why I’m a big supporter of this London energy switching scheme.  It could really help cut your energy bills this winter - putting money back in your pocket.  I urge everyone in Brent to sign up, and see how much you could save. Saving up to £200 a year will make a huge difference to people’s lives, so make sure you tell all your friends, family and everyone in the community to sign up.”

To register, visit www.biglondonenergyswitch.org.uk and put in your details.  Registration is free and there is no obligation to switch from your present provider by registering.

Please contact Helen Sankey, Environmental Projects and Policy Officer on 020 8937 5316 or email helen.sankey@brent.gov.uk if you have further questions.

The clocks go back on Sunday, remember to set yout timer switches too, deter burglars!

I recently wrote to all of Kensal Green Safer Neighbourhoods Ward Panel members and community contacts to advertise the upcoming Kensal Green Ward Panel on Monday, October 28, 2013, at 7.30pm, at St Mark's Church, All Souls Avenue, NW10.

Unfortunately I have to say that so far the response has been disappointing with only a handful of a people saying that they will be able to attend. Ward Panel meetings can only be a success if members of the public attend and express what they want from their local police team. It is an opportunity to truly influence local policing.

If you are unable to attend yourself but know someone in the local community - be it a resident, worker, business owner or any other stakeholder - that you think would like to attend please let them know about the meeting, they are more than welcome. I appreciate it has been some time since the last Kensal Green Ward Panel meeting so therefore the more people that are there the better.

I appreciate your help with this and I am more than happy to answer any questions you have via telephone, email or in person prior to the meeting itself.

Kind regards,



Nick Gant PC 757QK
Dedicated Ward Officer
Kensal Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team

Tel: 020 8721 2055
Mob: 07843 291 135
25 Station Road, London, NW10 4UP

Brent Council’s decision to scrap its £1-a-day scratchcard system for visitor parking from October 31 has been put on hold.

Residents will now be able to use scratchcards until August 31 next year.

However, new scratchcards will not be sold due to the closure of the last ‘parking shop’ in Brent on May 31.

The council’s decision, made earlier this year, to axe the popular scratchcards in favour of an online automated system provoked much anger across the borough.

Residents complained that the council’s website did not work properly while older people said they struggled to access computers.

Cllr Jim Moher, lead member for highways and transportation, said: 'There are some people who need more time to make the transition to the online or phone system we have offered as part of changes to parking services. That’s why we’ve listened and made this significant change to a scheme which is otherwise now working well.'

You are invited to the following event: ASB Conference: A Victim Focus Event to be held at the following time, date and location:
Friday, 18 October 2013 from 10:00 to 17:00

Brent Civic Centre
Engineers Way
HA9 0EG Wembley
United Kingdom

Victim Support, the national charity which provides emotional support, information and practical help to those affected by crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) is hosting a conference based on supporting victims of ASB. The conference is to highlight the perspective of ASB victims, find ways of best practice and explore improvements to services provided to victims of ASB.

Message sent by Catherine Dunn (NHWN, Administrator, England & Wales)

Just to let you know, at this time of year with Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night approaching, as well as the season for lighting wood burners and open fires, an A5 flyer on the topic of Fire Safety is available on our website at: http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/resource_centre/document_library/fire_safety_flyer/

As there is limited space on the flyer we were unable to include all our detailed information specific to bonfires, fireworks and barbecues, but you can access that information here:
http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/safety_advice/fire_safety/barbecues_fireworks_bonfires/

To read all of our fire safety information in full, please click here:
http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/safety_advice/fire_safety/

Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable season,

Catherine Dunn, NHWN

The Odessa Palermo Neighbourhood Watch meeting on 8 October has been postponed. We'll circulate a revised date in due course.

Dear Brent Connects Harlesden Member

Hope you had a good summer!

You are invited to the next forum which will take place at Tavistock Hall, Tavistock Road (next to Burger King drive-thru), Harlesden NW10.
Time: 7pm
Date: Tuesday, 15 October 2013

The first half of the meeting will be devoted to bringing together Brent’s elected politicians and future generations of electors under the banner of Local Democracy Week.

Relevant council officers will also be present to discuss proposals for Brent’s draft Housing Strategy. The consultation is looking at how to invest in council housing in order to raise the standard of existing housing, improve performance and provide new housing.  

A full agenda will be available at the meeting.

For more information, contact Bola Olatunde on 020 8937 1073 or email consultation@brent.gov.uk.

Thank you for your continued support, I look forward to seeing you on 15 October.

                                                                
Yours sincerely



Councillor Claudia Hector

Chair – Brent Connects Harlesden