Frequently Asked Questions

Retiring/Planning for Retirement

It's a good idea to start thinking about your retirement income as soon as you can, even when you start work.  Not that you plan to leave your new job quickly - but you should think about paying into a pension as early as you can.

 

The earlier you pay in, the better prepared you should be when you do retire, even if that may seem far in the distance now.

 

The Pension Service has a special website (this is an external hyperlink) to help and guide you through the different pension options.

 

When you have retired

Having retired, you should be able to access your pension income (depending on what age you retire) and other help too.  If you have retired before you reach state pension age, you will not be able to get your state pension (this is an external hyperlink)

If you have retired early, there is important additional information about the old State Earnings Related Pension Scheme for married women.

Adjust to your new phase of life

When you have been working for the last 40-50 years it will come as a bit of a shock to suddenly not have to get up and go to work.  The way to look at retirement is an opportunity to do new things.

However for some people it can be a lonely time, particularly if your relatives/friends no longer live close by or have passed away.

There are various organisations on hand to help you get the most out of your coming retirement.  Help is available with costs such as:

  • Heating your home in the winter - this is available if you are or living with someone who is aged 60 or over.
  • Meals on wheels - helps people keep their independence, hot meals delivered on any day or every day
  • Free TV licences - The government will now pay for your Television Licence if you are aged 75 years or over.
  • Home Care Calls - a guide to getting extra help and support within your home.

Information about the Basic State Retirement Pension

You can build up rights to the basic state Retirement Pension if you pay or are credited with - National Insurance Contributions.  The amount you receive will depend on how many years you have been contributing.  More information can be found on the Pension Website (this is an external hyperlink).

To help you see how much state pension you might get when you retire you can get an individual state pension forecast - phone 0191 218 7585 or visit the Pension Website (this is an external hyperlink).

The Government believes that the best way for you to have a secure retirement is to use the basic state Retirement pension as a start.  But to make sure you have the lifestyle you want in retirement you need to think about the best additional or second pension option for you.

Where can I find out about activities, opportunities etc?

Local events are held within Fareham, including countryside tasks and events, as well as activities taking place within Fareham Leisure Centre (this is an external hyperlink) and Ferneham Hall (this is an external hyperlink).

Adult education classes might be worth looking into, lots of classes are now shorter than a year, maybe a few weeks, so you do not feel tied into anything for years.

There are plenty of organisations that you could join, visit Hampshire County Councils, Cousin website for more information on local clubs and societies in the Fareham/Gosport area.

Travel Concessions

There are numerous chances to travel since most rails and bus companies offer discounts to people aged 60 or over.

The options available are:

Managing your Finance /Pensions

With longer life spans and the ever growing senior population, you need to begin saving and planning for your retirement when you are in your 30's or even sooner. Ample planning can help to make sure that you will not outlive your savings and that you will not have to rely financially on others.

Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association (RUKBA) is a national charity helping older people to enjoy many more fulfilling years in their own homes by providing financial support.  In many cases they help with small grants or annuities to aid older people extend their pensions.  With Rukba's support they can still keep their independence that means so much to them.

If you can help someone you know please call: 0845 758 5680 or visit www.independentage.org.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

The Financial Services Authority is an independent body set up by the government to regulate financial services and protect consumers rights in the UK.

It will help you consider questions such as: what will happen when I retire? What types of pensions are there? Do I need to save for my retirement? Visit www.fsa.gov.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

Health Issues

If sometimes you feel you can't cope by yourself, there are a number of people/organisations that may be able to help you.

  • Doctor - visit the online business directory which enables you to find a doctor within Fareham
  • Samaritans - a national support service www.samaritans.org.uk (this is an external hyperlink).
  • Mind - Mental Health Charity www.mind.org.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

You may wish to go into a nursing home when you reach the point of not being able to cope on your own. To see a list of residential and nursing homes in the Fareham Area visit www.carehomes.co.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

Minimum Income Guarantee

If you are aged 60 or over, on a low income and have no savings or saving of less than ?12,000, you could get help through the Minimum Income Guarantee that could top your weekly income up to ?98.15 for a single person or ?149.80 for a couple.

You may also get extra help with Housing Costs if you are paying rent and on a low income, or help with your council tax bill if you are on a low income.

You may also be able to get help with health costs, including free prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses, free NHS wigs and fabric supports and help with travel costs to hospital if you are on a low income.

Free TV licences for the over-75's

If you are aged 75 or over, the Government will pay for your television licence.  TV licensing answers all your questions. Visit www.tv-1.co.uk (this is an external hyperlink).  You must still have a licence if you have a TV set.

Help with Winter Heating bills

If you are aged 60 or over, the Government provides help to pay your winter fuel bills (this is an external hyperlink), currently worth up to ?200 per eligible household. If you have any queries regarding your claim please call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 08459 15 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users). Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and calls are charged at local rates.

Other help with living costs

If you are aged 60 or over, on a low income and have no savings or savings of less than ?12,000 you could get help through the Minimum Income Guarantee that could top your weekly income up to ?98.15 for a single person or ?149.80 for a couple. Visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk (this is an external hyperlink). You may also get extra help with housing costs (this is an external hyperlink) if you are paying rent and on a low income or help with your council tax bill (this is an external hyperlink) if you are on a low income. You may also get help with health costs, including free prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses, free NHS wigs and fabric supports and help with travel costs to hospital if you are on a low income.

Housing Costs

You may also get extra help with housing costs. If you are paying rent and on a low income you may be able to get housing benefit. If you are paying council tax and are on a low income, you may be able to get council tax benefit. These benefits are administered by your local authority and you should contact them for details. If you have a mortgage, you may be able to get help with the interest payments through the Minimum Income Guarantee.

Long Term Care

Residential and nursing homes - to view information on residential care homes in the Fareham area visit www.carehomes.co.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

Care Homes Today (this is an external hyperlink) is an online elderly care related website aimed at helping thousands of people find the perfect residential care homes throughout the UK each month.

Compare Care Homes (this is an external hyperlink) is the UK's firstcare home comparison website, that freely publishes contact details and other useful information for all of the care homes in the whole of the UK.

Care Guides (this is an external hyperlink) provides information, guidance and support for anyone having to organise care for themselves or others.

Home Care

Home and Community Support
Meals on Wheels
Luncheon Clubs
Age Concern

Respite Care

Respite care (this is an external hyperlink) is any sort of help and support for those who care for someone else or a family member full time and respite for themselves.

Sheltered Housing

Details of Housing Associations and other agencies that have sheltered schemes are as follows:

  • Western Challenge HA - Tel: 01202 499300
  • Grange Management (Southern) Ltd - Tel: 0845 330 3444
  • Southern Housing Group - Tel: 01403 269131
  • Freshfields - Tel: 02380 338055
  • Warsash Hampton Estate Agents - Tel: 01489 885041
  • New Era Management South Share - Tel: 01737 555746
  • Retirement Care Ltd - Tel: 02089 010300
 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Clean and Tidy Neighbourhood Fund?
Community groups including groups of volunteers, scouts, residents, schools, Residents'' Associations and Ward Councillors.

What are the maximum funds available from the Clean and Tidy Neighbourhood fund?
Groups can apply for up to £5000.

How long does it take to get a decision on an application for funds from the Clean and Tidy Neighbourhood fund?
Elected Members make the decisions as quickly as possible once the application has been received.

What are the types of Clean and tidy Neighbourhood projects you can apply for?
Brownies'' litter pick days Residents'' cutting back of overgrowth and clean up of bridleway Litter pick of local beauty spot

How do I apply for Clean and Tidy Neighbourhood funding?
Contact your local community CAT Officer. If it is agreed that you can apply for funding your CAT officer will help you to complete the application form.

Is there a time limit on emergency vehicles' sirens (are they allowed to be on after a certain time, or should it be just the lights)?
No, there is no ''time limit'' on sirens. Crew members use their discretion when it is later in the evening and early hours of the morning.

Is it a crime for people to park on the pavement or a grass verge?
If it is causing an obstruction, it could be considered a ''crime'' and the police could issue a penalty ticket. You should call the police on 0845 045 4545. If the car is parked on double yellow lines, a parking ticket can be issued by the Council. Please call Fareham Borough Council on 01329 236100.

What number should I use to call the police?
The general number is 0845 045 4545. If it is an emergency call 999. If it is a low level crime or community safety issue call 101.

What is the 101 number and is it still in use?
101 is a 24-hour number provided by your police and local council to deal with community safety issues, including certain non-emergency crime, policing and anti-social behaviour. Yes it is still in use in Hampshire. More information can be found on www.101.gov.uk.

Who are Traffic Wardens employed by and what hours do they work?
Civil Enforcement Officers are employed by Fareham Borough Council. There are currently eleven Civil Enforcement Officers employed covering a seven day shift system including early mornings, evenings and weekends.

What organisations are invited to attend the CAT meetings?
Many organisations and groups are sent information about the CAT meetings. Police, Primary Care Trust, Road Traffic Police, Councillors, Highways, Hampshire County Council, local user groups, Neighbourhood Watch are just some of the groups who are informed about each round of meetings.

Who can I contact about speeding issues?
The Road Traffic Police. They can be contacted on 0845 045 4545 or email rpu.community@hampshire.pnn.police.uk

Parking during school drop off and pick up times is very bad, what can be done?
As long as the cars are taxed, insured and have an MOT they can legally park on the road. If they are causing an obstruction, you can call the police on 0845 045 4545. The best thing to do is contact the school and highlight the problem with specific details. The police and traffic wardens are aware of the parking issues near local schools and are continously monitoring it. Working together with the schools is the way forward.

What is the point of reporting a "minor" crime such as a wing mirror being broken, when all I get is a crime reference number?
Reporting all crime is important. If ''minor'' crimes are not reported then the police can not see a pattern occurring and will not be able to monitor the situation before it becomes a bigger crime.

How can I find out who my local Councillor is?
Your local Councillor can be found in your copy of Fareham Today publication or please check your ward map. If you are still not sure please telephone your local CATs Officer on 01329 263100 or email cats@fareham.gov.uk

How often are the streets cleaned?
Hampshire County Council is the legal owner of all adopted roads and pavements within the Borough. Fareham Borough Council clean these areas on their behalf under the terms of an agency agreement, to a standard according to the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Adopted roads and footpaths are cleaned once every ten working days.

How often is the grass cut in public areas?
Grass cutting is carried out between March and November on all council managed and adopted land, which includes highway verges, public spaces and Council housing areas. Further details are available from the Grounds Maintenance Manager in the Department of Customer Services, Street Scene Division on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk

How often are play areas inspected?
Equipment is checked by qualified inspectors on a weekly basis (minimum) to ensure that equipment is functional, secure and safe. In addition to this, all play areas are visited at least twice a week to carry out appropriate cleansing operations, such as litter collection. Play areas may be visited in addition to the above frequencies during heavy use such as school holidays and after reported vandalism. Some popular sites are visited on five occasions per week.

Is it a crime to drop litter?
Fareham Borough Council has established an Enforcement Team to further improve the standard of cleanliness and appearance of the Borough. Through patrols of the streets, public places and parks within the Borough and by direct intervention by the Enforcement Team Officers, the team will bring about an improvement in the street scene and the environment, by positively dealing with "envirocrime" issues such as litter, dog fouling, fly-tipping, fly posting, graffiti, abandoned vehicles and other environmental defacement and related issues. The Enforcement Team will be adopting a firm approach to the enforcement of legislation by the service of fixed penalty notices (FPNs).

How can I get a copy of the minutes from a CAT meeting?
If you would like copies of minutes from previous meetings and additional meetings, please email cats@fareham.gov.uk or call the CAT officers on 01329 236100.

What is fly tipping and how can I report it?
Fly tipping is when rubbish is not disposed of in the correct manor (i.e. bags of rubbish left on the side of the road). It can be reported to Fareham Borough Council on 01329 236100.

Where can I report graffiti?
You can call the 101 number or Fareham Borough Council on 01329 263100

Who can apply for funding from the Neighbourhood Initiatives Fund?
Individual residents, community groups, registered charities or not for profit organisations operating in the borough. These groups/residents can apply at any time.

What are the maximum funds available from the Neighbourhood Initiatives Fund?
Usually any amount up to and around £20,000.

How long does it take to get a decision on an application for funding from the Neighbourhood Initiatives Fund?
Elected Members make the decisions as quickly as possible once the application has been received

How do I apply for funding from the Neighbourhood Initiatives Fund?
Contact your local Community Action Team Officer to discuss your project. If it is agreed that you can apply for funding your CAT Officer will be able to help you to complete the application form.

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How to get here

Fareham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Hampshire, PO16 7AZ

Tel: +44 (0)1329 236100 | Mobile Text/Photo: 07876 131415 | Fax: +44 (0)1329 821770