Huntingdonshire District Council FAQ's

Welcome to our FAQ's list. Here you will quickly find answers to our most commonly asked questions.

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Top 500 FAQs
	What jobs does the District Council have avaliable at the moment?
	What is my council tax band?
	Can I draw building plans myself?
	Planning Need - What needs planning permission?
	How can I get help to pay my rent?
	How do you define the ‘curtilage’ of a listed building?
	Can you tell me where the local skate parks are?
	Can I submit my job application via email?
	Do I need approval to erect a greenhouse, conservatory or detached garage?
	How do I apply for a job at the council?
	Planning Need - How will I know if planning permission is required?
	What benefits are there when working from the District Council?
	Can I apply for a job position after the advertised closing date?
	If I don’t let the bailiff in and I refuse to pay, what can you do about it?
	Can I see planning applications concerning my neighbours` property or any building?
	What can I put in my blue bin (Dry Recycling)?
	How long does the planning application process take?
	What does homeless and threatened with homelessness mean?
	How do I let you know when I have moved in?
	'Where am I on the housing transfer list?
	What is the difference between Planning Permission and Building Regulations?
	If the Council owns a piece of land, can I apply to buy it?
	Does the Council have any industrial, retail or office premises to let?
	What are the Building Regulations?
	I’m not single, but I am living on my own- can I still get the 25% discount?
	Do you have any property to let?
	A car has a "police aware" sticker on it but it has been there for a long time. Why has it not been removed?
	Does the Council have a local business directory?
	How do I let you know when I am moving house?
	Where can I find out about available commercial land and premises in the district?
	How do I carry out the site investigation and could I do the site investigation myself?
	Where can I find details of business support organisations in the area?
	My employer is going to deduct money from my salary, how much will they take?
	Does the Council give grants to businesses?
	Do you have any information about renting from a private landlord?
	'How is a property allocated?
	Who is my District Councillor? How can I contact them?
	Can the bailiff take all my furniture?
	Where can I buy produce local to the area?
	I work abroad/away from home but still visit and occupy the property from time to time. Do I still have to pay the full Council Tax?
	What is an Article 4 Direction?
	How do I set up a Direct Debit or Standing Order?
	Can you remove a vehicle from private land or a private road?
	How can I obtain Agendas and reports for meetings of the Cabinet or other Panels?
	Can I have an additional bin?
	Is there any help you can give me to rent a home?
	I have just moved into the area how do i get on the voters roll?
	How does the law define `priority need?
	I am living on my own. Can I get a discount?
	How can I find out if a tree is covered by an Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
	Where can I find information on training and skills development opportunities in Huntingdonshire?
	Where can I find out about financial assistance available to local businesses?
	'Is it possible to join the Housing Register if I have a property to sell?
	The house is not furnished. Do I still have to pay?
	What is a Disabled Facilities Grant or DFG?
	I am having financial difficulties and can't afford my repayments, what should I do?
	What happens if I have savings or capital? How does this affect my Benefit?
	I would like to find out more about joining the councils gym, Impressions?
	What can I put in my green bin (Garden Waste)?
	What is Housing Benefit and can I claim it?
	Who is the Clerk for my Parish?
	I would like to check the boundaries of my property. Can I do this at the council?
	'Is it possible to have an extra bedroom?
	What is the Homebuy scheme?
	What is Huntingdonshire Home Improvement Agency?
	My car was stolen and I now find that the Council has my car in store or destroyed it. Can I get my car back at no cost or if it has been destroyed can I be compensated?
	What is Huntingdonshire District Council`s Cabinet? And what does it do?
	Can I claim Council Tax Benefit?
	Nothing in the house belongs to me. Will the bailiff still remove things?
	How do I obtain copies of planning decisions?
	What is Community Development?
	What is social inclusion?
	When is my bin collected?
	What things can a Disabled facilities Grant or DFG help with?
	Can you give me any information for and about Tourism in the district.
	'Do I need to contact all the Housing Associations that have stock in the District, or are developing new affordable housing in order to be offered one of their properties?
	How do I make a homelessness application?
	This is my second home. Do I have to pay the full Council Tax?
	How can I find out who my County Councillor is and how to contact him/her ?
	Do I need a Forestry Commission felling licence to cut down trees covered by a tree preservation order?
	What are the Councillors` allowances?
	Can you tell me when I can go swimming at one of the leisure centres in the district?
	Why are solicitors undertaking environmental searches when acting on behalf house buyers/sellers?
	What if I have carried out works without a Building Regulations Application?
	Do I need to make an application for the replacement of my windows?
	I am a student. Do I still have to pay Council Tax?
	How do I claim benefit?
	What type of trees can be covered by an Tree Preservation order?
	'How does the Council decide whether someone has made themselves homeless deliberately?
	What is an Overview and Scrutiny Panel?
	I have a car that need to be towed away, can the council do it for me and how does it cost? I own the car which is on my private property.
	Do my neighbours have the right to object to what is proposed in my Building Regulation application?
	Why don`t you cut that hedge?
	Who will say what is needed in my home if I apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
	'Can I apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
	How do the Community Initatives team work in partnership?
	What accommodation do you provide for young people?
	Can you tell me what events are taking place in the district?
	Can you recommend a Builder?
	How do I find out when a public meeting is being held?
	When can I start work on my building project?
	Joy riders have abandoned a car on my land. Will the Council remove it free of charge?
	Where do you display public notices of meetings?
	I have had a summons. Can I make an arrangement?
	A car has been left blocking the parking space that is close to my house, it is untaxed and no one local owns it. Can you remove it?
	I have had a Council tax bill but I am on benefit. What shall I do?
	How can I recycle glass?
	Can you tell me where I can stay in the district?
	Can you tell me of any conference facilities in the district?
	I would like to see a list of Leisure Clubs and societies that are in the District?
	What is a Pre-Tenancy Determination (PTD) and how do I apply?
	What is the Industrial History of Huntingdonshire?
	Can you tell me what leisure activities are avaliable in the district?
	Can I pay by debit card?
	How does land become contaminated?
	Is Radon Gas a problem in Huntingdonshire?
	But I hardly know how to turn on a computer!
	Can I get a replacement form for the electors register? I have mislaid the one that arrived recently.
	I would like to find out more about Art in the district?
	Can you tell me about local countryside parks and nature reserves?
	Can I have the `local land` search procedure explained to me?
	What can I put in my grey bin (Domestic Waste)?
	'What is Illegal Eviction?
	What services am I receiving for my money?
	My property is flooding, where can I source sandbags from?
	How much Council Tax Benefit can I get?
	What Fitness Classes are available at the Leisure Centres?
	I have had a reminder – can I start to pay by Direct Debit?
	Who is the Community Initiatives Team?
	What is listed building consent and when do you need it?
	What does the Community Initiatives Team do?
	Why is contaminated land cleaned up?
	How can I find out if my home or the home I am buying is on contaminated land?
	Is it against the law to abandon a vehicle?
	How do I obtain a Concessionary Fares Application form or Guidance notes?
	I am planning to return to work and I need computer skills...
	What facilities are available at an Help Access Point?
	I think my site may be contaminated. What can I do?
	Who is Grant Aid for?
	How much does it cost to use a HELP access point?
	Who pays to clean up contaminated land?
	What are the potential health risks?
	After granting a TPO does the local planning authority then become responsible for looking after the trees?
	I only recently bought the vehicle and have not yet informed the DVLA of the change in ownership, can I have my car back at no cost?
	How does Community Initiative work benefit people living in Huntingdonshire?
	Which area does the Community Initiatives Team cover?
	What happens if I carry out work on a protected tree without permission?
	How do I know what rent will be paid on the property I am thinking of renting?
	I think I am too old to understand computers...
	Can I apply for money for a project?
	What if I want to work on a protected tree but don't need a felling licence?
	When is a car abandoned?
	What can I do at a HELP Access Point?
	What is Contaminated Land?
	What are the priorities for 2004?
	Who is involved in the Hunts E-Learning Points project?
	Please could you tell me when market days are in Huntingdonshire.
	Once the Council has received a complaint how long will it take to remove the vehicle?
	Can contaminated land cause other problems besides health risks?
	How can I object to or express support for a Tree Preservation Order?
	Can I carry out work on protected trees which are in the way of proposed development?
	What happens if we pay you too much benefit?
	Where can i find more information about tree preservation orders?
	What is the Help project looking for?
	What is a tree preservation order?
	What is a conservation area?
	If the Council moves my car can I get it back?
	How is Contaminated Land dealt with?
	Who is HELP funded by?
	What is Huntingdonshire District Council’s responsibility under Part 2A?
	What can a landlord expect of the Council?
	Can I get Housing Benefit before I move in?
	What is the Environment Agency’s responsibility under Part IIA?
	A car has been abandoned for weeks at the edge of the road and I see it on my way to work. Why haven't the Council removed it?
	What is the purpose of a tree preservation order?
	How can I report flytipping?
	Are pensioners` benefits calculated differently?
	Do I always need the planning authority's permission to work on a protected tree?
	How do I go about claiming compensation under a tree preservation order?
	What happens to my domestic waste?
	What if my application to carry out work on a protected tree is refused, or I object to the conditions imposed by the planning authority?
	What does the Council do with a vehicle it believes to be abandoned?
	How will I know when Huntingdonshire District council makes a tree preservation order?
	What is `better buy`?
	Is there a limit to the amount of savings and capital that can be held?
	When will I have to plant a replacement tree?
	What happens to my dry recycling?
	Can I claim if I pay rent on two properties?
	How will I be paid my Council Tax Benefit?
	If I don't need the planning authority's or Forestry Commission's permission, do I still have to inform them of any work I intend to carry out?
	Does an Tree preservation order come into effect immediately?
	What happens about renewing my Benefit claim?
	What will I be entitled to if I get for an Extended Payment?
	If I report a vehicle as abandoned what questions will I be asked?
	If I see work being carried out on a protected tree, how can I find out if the owner has permission?
	When will I be paid my Council Tax Benefit?
	There are trees which I think should be protected. What can I do?
	How much tenancy information do you need?
	What happens to my garden waste?
	How can I find out about the Bus Pass scheme that offers free local travel ?
	How do I apply for a Parking Permit?
	Where can I park in Huntingdonshire?
	Can you give me some practical examples of what a Disabled facilities grant can provide.
	How do I know if I qualify for a bus pass?
	I want to find out more about Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG'). What should I do next?
	Will I have to pay anything in order to get a Disabled Facilities Grant?
	I live in a Luminus Group or Housing Association property and I receive a benefit, can I get a grant for insulation?
	If I get a Disabled facilies grant how much might it be?
	I’m thinking of installing solar panels. Can you recommend an installer and is there any grant assistance available?
	If I’m eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grantcan I assume I will get a one?
	Is there any financial assistance available for heating measures such as a new boiler?
	What is a condensing boiler and why have I been told I should have one rather than a conventional boiler?
	What do I do if I’m eligible for a Warm Front grant but there is an excess for me to find?
	Why is it that only people in receipt of a benefit can get a 100% grant?
	I’ve been advised by a heating engineer that I can’t just have a replacement boiler, I’ve got to have new controls as well. Why is this?
	Can you recommed a good heating engineer?
	If I get a grant for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), how much might it be?
	Can the council help with moving expenses? I am on full housing benefit, and have found an exchange partner. Thank you.
	'What is the difference between a Housing Association and a Council tenancy?
	Why has it been developed?
	'What is classed as harassment?
	How can I join the scheme?
	Who is entitled to join the scheme?
	How does the scheme operate?
	I would like to install a satellite dish on my property, do I need planning permission?
	I have built an extension on my house in 1980. I have lost the planning permission and the council do not keep records back that far online. How can I now get proof that I did receive planning permission?
	How much does it cost to join the scheme?
	I am already registered with ‘Floodline’ – should I cancel this?
	How can I leave the scheme?
	So does this mean I will be told every time there is a problem on the A14?
	What is Huntingdonshire Emergency Warning System (HEWS)?
	What will you do with the details and information you hold following my registration?
	Do I have to have any special equipment to receive the messages?
	will my council tax alter if i have a conservatory erected
	When is Building Regulation approval required?
	I have a vehicular access, can other cars block my way?
	Can I stop planning permission being granted - or prevent approved development being carried out - by getting a tree preservation order imposed on trees on the site?
	If a caravan has been on my land for a certain number of years and I want to replace it with something else, will I need permission even though the caravan has been in situ for a long time? What is the time limit for structures and caravans without permission to be able to stay put?
	What is ‘Living together as husband and wife’ (LTHAW)?
	Can I make an arrangement if I’ve had a letter from the bailiff?
	What is a Paper Hearing?
	Why do you need my employment details?
	I have had a Final Reminder and I have brought my instalments up to date. Will that stop you asking for the full amount all at once?
	I have had a Notice of Liability Order. Can I make an arrangement?
	I have had a reminder but cannot afford to bring my Council tax account up to date. What shall I do?
	Once building regulation permission and or planning permission has been granted how long do I have before to start works before the application expires?
	How will the Council decide when a person can’t afford to pay for their own housing repairs?
	What if I don’t give you my employment details?
	What happens after the appeal hearing?
	I own a Listed Building, Do I need Listed Building Consent in order to carry out repairs or maintenance and can the Disitrct Council force me to repair my building?
	'I already have a housing association tenancy but need to move. How do I apply for a housing transfer?
	What considerations and controls generally apply to conservation areas?
	What is benefit fraud?
	I have a blocked or defective drain or sewer. Whose responsibility is it ?
	How can I comment on a planning application?
	How do I get to the Planning Weekly lists from your website?
	Am I entitled to a discount on my council tax when I have to pay a separate maintenance fee for work that should be carried out by the council but in this case is carried out by a different party?
	'How do I apply for housing?
	Are council tenants who are in a three bedroom house with three children allowed to have a lodger?
	What is an Oral Hearing?
	Are there any extra restrictions in a conservation area?
	Who is on an Appeal tribunal?
	How will the Council decide whether work on their property qualifies for a repair assistance loan or grant?
	What types of benefit fraud are there?
	Are trees protected if they are in a Conservation Area?
	What do I do if I think someone is carrying out work which does not have the benefit of planning permission?.
	Are there any other organisations who can help with my appeal about my benefits decision?
	I am now moving into the Huntingdon area from Norwich and this is my first home, can you tell me what I need to do next please?
	How will the Council decide who it can and can’t help with housing repair assistance?
	where do I find out information on people who are looking to rent a room
	'How old must I be to register to go on to the Council`s Housing Register?
	Which District Councillors are on the Development Control Committee (DCC) and can I have a list of their addresses?
	Can you tell me who owns a piece of waste land next to my property?
	Can I get a reduction if I am disabled or somebody living in the property is classed as disabled?
	How can I find the result of a planning application that has gone before the Development Control Committee?
	What are Conservation Area controls?
	How do I find out what development is planned for my town or village?
	What if my circumstances changes? How does if affect my benefit?
	How can I appeal against a refusal or conditions attached to a planning permission?
	What will the council do about fraud?
	I am a Housing Association tenant and need to leave my house because of domestic violence. What should I do?
	Can you tell me which Water Authority covers the Huntingdonshire District area?
	When does the Development Control Panel meet?
	What do I do if I want to put a site forward for development?
	My Landlord is trying to drive me out of my home. Can he do this?
	Does the Fraud Investigation Team have access to other Organisations?
	What do the different grades of listing mean?
	What if my planning application is refused?
	'I am a Housing Association tenant and having problems paying my rent.What shall I do?
	Are there any penalties for contravening the Building Regulations?
	What do I do if I am having problems paying my mortgage?
	How can the character or appearance of a conservation area be preserved or enhanced?
	What do I do if I am being harassed by my landlord?
	What is a Tree Preservation Order?
	How will the Council decide whether the work qualifies for a repair assistance loan or grant?
	Why do I need a PTD?
	How do I check if a building is listed?
	Who can apply for Housing repair assistance?
	What happens if I disagree with the tribunal’s decision?
	How are trees on development sites affected by Tree Preservation orders?
	My benefit has been cancelled but I can’t afford the Council Tax. What shall I do?
	Will I have to pay anything towards a Disabled Facilities Grant?
	'Can I apply for a Disabled Relocation Grant?
	How quickly will my Housing Benefit be paid?
	Is there any difference in cost between a "Full Plans" application and a "Building Notice"?
	Do I need permission to display an advert?
	'How is the means test calculated for the Disabled Facilities Grant?
	'How long will I have to wait before I can move?
	You’ve cancelled my special arrangement because I got behind, how can I stop it going to the Bailiff or getting an Attachment of Earnings Order?
	What are the Building Regulation charges?
	Will I receive a Completion Certificate when building works have been finished?
	Please give some examples of Housing Repair Assistance.
	When will I be consulted on the revision of the local plan?
	How does the Council decide whether someone has a local connection?
	How will the Council decide who it can and can’t help with housing repairs assistance?
	How can I get help with my rent once I start work?
	What happens if unauthorised works are carried out on a listed building?
	What is a listed building?
	Who is not eligible for help?
	What happens if you decide I am homeless?
	I have lost my notice of planning approval. Can I get another one?
	What can I do if I am being harrassed by my landlord?
	'What is a Disabled Relocation Grant?
	'What sort of works can I get a Disabled Facilities Grant for?
	'Will I have to repay the Disabled Facilities Grant?
	What is privately rented housing?
	Can I have my benefit claim backdated?
	Is there a time limit within which I have to carry out the work?
	Do I have to give you my employment details even though I’ve made an arrangement?
	Is it possible to rent a property in a sheltered housing scheme if I have a property to sell?
	When will this hedge be cut?
	How can I obtain copies of Legal Agreements revealed in my local search?
	How long does a local land charge search take?
	How is Housing Benefit paid?
	'What is sheltered housing?
	How will the Council decide when a person can’t afford to pay for the repairs?
	'How much assistance can I get with a Disabled Facilities Grant?
	Who can apply for housing repair assistance?
	What is the list description?
	How do I apply for a PTD?
	How can I arrange for a surveyor to inspect the building works?
	What do I need to do if I want to change my planning permission?
	What is the timetable for revision of the local plan?
	What does LDF stand for and what is it?
	Can I still claim Housing/Council Tax Benefit if I am temporarily away from home?
	If I submit a planning application which does not have mains drainage for sewerage, what further requirements / information has to be submitted with the planning application?
	What does the Council need from the landlord?
	How is my Council Tax Benefit worked out?
	When are decisions made on planning applications?
	Can I get any compensation if my application to carry out work on protected trees/woodland is refused or conditions are imposed?
	Is the whole of the building listed?
	What happens if I don’t provide the information requested?
	I am a Landlord, what is Housing Benefit?
	What information do you get from the Local Land Charges part 1 (LLC1)?
	'How do I apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant or Disabled Relocation Grant?
	How do I claim an extended payment?
	How can I make sure I get the right amount of benefit?
	How can I purchase a copy of the local plan or supplementary planning guidance?
	What do I do if I think someone is not complying with the terms of a planning permission?.
	How do I claim Council Tax benefit?
	When was the local plan adopted?
	What has happened since the ‘twenty16’ key issues exercise?
	Where can I find local population figures?
	'How can I find out more about sheltered housing and how to apply for it?
	What should I do if the planning permission has conditions attached to it which require the agreement of details?
	Can I still apply for Housing/Council Tax Benefit after an Extended Payment?
	'Will I have to pay anything towards the cost of the works if I receive a Disabled Facilities Grant?
	What happens if there are other people living with me?
	What happens after I have sent you a claim form?
	What is the development plan for the area?
	When does my benefit start?
	What are Extended Payments and who can claim them?

Recently Added FAQs
	I am already registered with ‘Floodline’ – should I cancel this?
	What will you do with the details and information you hold following my registration?
	How can I leave the scheme?
	How can I join the scheme?
	How does the scheme operate?
	Do I have to have any special equipment to receive the messages?
	How much does it cost to join the scheme?
	Who is entitled to join the scheme?
	So does this mean I will be told every time there is a problem on the A14?
	Why has it been developed?