The Business Flyer Advice
Volunteer with Suffolk Constabulary
Requirements For New Tenancies
Where a new private tenancy has started the Landlord usually takes a deposit as security against damage or breakages . This is in addition to the weekly or monthly rent and the deposit is usually about one months ’ rent . The deposit has to be held in one of the schemes that are licensed by the government and the Landlord has to notify the Tenant that the deposit has been paid into such a scheme . The Tenant also has to be told details of the scheme including how to reclaim the deposit when they leave and the procedure if there is a dispute about the amount repayable .
If the deposit has not been put into this sort of scheme the Landlord cannot issue a Notice giving two
months ’ to end the tenancy after the end of the tenancy ’ s fixed period . The Landlord can issue a Notice if there are rent arrears and use the deposit to pay those later if the arrears have not been cleared .
Also at the start of the tenancy the Landlord must provide an up to date Gas Safety Certificate , an Energy Performance Certificate and a copy of the Governments “ How to Rent ” guide to the Tenant . Again , the Landlord cannot issue the Notice giving two months ’ notice to end the tenancy if these have not been provided . It is also good practice to provide an electrician ’ s certificate to confirm that the wiring and appliances in the property are in good order .
Fairstep Solicitors have a half hour or one-hour fixed fee appointment if legal advice on Landlord and Tenant matters is needed . For more details contact Mr Stephen Broadhurst on 01394 277941 or at stephen @ fairstep . co . uk .
Special Sergeant David Bones joined Suffolk ’ s Special Constabulary in May 2009 . He is currently based at Framlingham and carries out duties with Leiston Safer Neighbourhood Team ( SNT ) and Halesworth Response Team . Duties can consist of anything from carrying out weekend public order patrols , assisting with speed enforcement , plain clothes patrols to targeting specific issues and assisting on drug warrants .
David started considering the Special Constabulary when he returned to the UK after working for a decade overseas as an engineer .
“ I said considered because it did take some time to reconcile performing the challenging role of a police officer with no remuneration other than expenses ,” said David . “ With the passing of time , I decided that like most members of the public , I would like to see far more police on the streets , but didn ’ t particularly want to pay more in taxes to achieve this . The solution — to give time rather than pay higher taxes , and it ’ s a situation that I am quite happy with .”
David works around 20 to 30 hours per month spread over three or four duties . He usually commits a couple of weeks in advance meaning both his family and police colleagues know when he will be on duty .
David said : “ Many of the situations you will find yourself in demand a very quick assessment of an often difficult or volatile situation , so problem solving and decision making skills whilst under pressure cannot fail to be considerably enhanced . Many corporate organisations spend thousands sending their employees on so-called team-building or problem solving courses , when they
could in fact have the real thing for free courtesy of their local constabulary .
“ In 2011 I was given the chance to undertake the three week police standard driving course . It was a superb course and I have always considered it a form of reward for the hours I put in and feel very privileged indeed to have been offered it .”
David believes that having ‘ special constable ’ on a CV could be seen as an advantage by any future employer considering you . It can almost be considered as a unique qualification in its own right and may well set any candidate apart from the rest .
“ However , it cannot be underestimated as I think it is probably among the most complicated and demanding volunteering roles you could choose and needs an appropriate level of commitment ,” said David . “ When the public encounter you , they expect you to perform the role of a properly trained officer and nothing less .
“ One thing I didn ’ t expect over time was to be welcomed as a genuinely valued member of my local SNT by the entire team and not just an outsider . Though it may sound a little cliché , I now feel immensely proud to serve as a special constable .”
If you would like further information about how to become a special constable , or to attend one of our Information events , please visit www . suffolk . pnn . police . uk / joinus or contact us via email specialsandvolunteers @ suffolk . pnn . police . uk or phone on 01473 613589 .
If you feel that becoming a special constable is not for you , have you considered our Police Support Volunteer Scheme ? For more information about this , contact us using the details above .
8 THE FLYER | JUNE 2018
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