Head of Community Services

Jeremy Bourne

The Head of Community Services, Jeremy Bourne has been in post since December 2006 and is responsible for a range of services that are essentially split into three areas, namely:

• Revenues and Benefits
• Strategic Housing
• Leisure and Cultural Services

Included within the Revenues and Benefits section are:

• The collection of Council Tax and National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR)
• The processing of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claims
• Housing and Council Tax Benefit Fraud Investigations

Included with Strategic Housing section are:

• The operation / administration of the Council’s Housing Register, in accordance with the Council’s allocations policy
• The provision of a homelessness prevention and housing advice service
• Dealing with specific cases of homelessness
• The creation and review of a range of policies in relation to Strategic Housing
• Private Sector housing issues, including the administration of the Disabled Facilities Grant scheme
• Overseeing of the Handyman and Gardening service

Included with Leisure and Cultural Services section are:

• The provision of a programme of sports development and arts development activities across the district
• The overseeing of the Council’s contract with Virgin Active for the management of its leisure facilities
• Funding advice to local organisations and community groups on leisure / cultural related areas
• The operation of the Rayleigh Windmill, including the Civil Ceremonies service

Jeremy is also responsible for the Council’s involvement in the provision of services for young people and for the development of the Council’s approach to Equalities and Diversity in its own workplace and its impact on public services.

Email: jeremy.bourne@rochford.gov.uk

Tel: 01702 318163