A to Z of Services

CAF (Common Assessment Framework)

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) has been developed to help identify, at the earliest opportunity, a child's or young person's additional needs that are not being met by the universal services they are receiving. It aims to provide timely and co-ordinated support to meet those needs.

To find out if a child already has a CAF, contact the Family Information Service on 020 8856 5398.

For information, advice or support, contact the IS/CAF Co-ordinator on 020 836 8401 or email sue.gower@bexley.gov.uk

Canoeing

See 'Sports'

Cans - recycling

See 'Recycling'

Car and lorry parks

The Council has responsibility for maintaining and managing some of the public car parks in Bexley.

Car batteries - recycling

See 'Recycling'

Car crossings

See 'Vehicle crossovers'

Cardboard - recycling

See 'Recycling'

Care Management

The Care Management service will assess individuals who require complex packages of care to enable them to live as independently as possible in the community. If you do not already receive care, please telephone our screeners on 01322 356363. If the assessment identifies that an individual requires either a residential or nursing home placement we will assist with this process.

Carers

Bexley works with health agencies and voluntary organisations to provide services which meet carer's needs. If you are a carer, you are entitled to a Carer's Assessment, which is an opportunity to discuss what help you need, and what would help you stay well. You are entitled to this assessment even if the person you care for doesn't want any services themselves. There are also a range of breaks schemes available; we can give you advice and information about these. 

Careers

Find careers advice, use our interactive career matching programmes, access the careers to careers database and specialist careers advice.

Cars - abandoned

See 'Abandoned vehicles'

Catering

Information about hosting for conferences, weddings, parties, corporate meetings and other events with menus for buffets, lunches and dinners at the Boathouse Function & Conference Centre can be found here.

Information about community meals services can be found here.

For more information about school meal provision in Bexley, visit School Catering.

If you have any queries regarding school meals then please contact the Client Unit on the number on 020 8303 7777.

CCTV (Closed Circuit Television)

The Council provides a Closed Circuit Television surveillance service which monitors the shopping precincts in Bexleyheath and Erith, and the Larner Road housing estate in Erith.

Cemeteries and Crematoria

There are four cemeteries in Bexley: Bexleyheath, Erith, Sidcup and at Hill View. The nearest crematorium is in Eltham (tel. 020 8850 7046). Normally arrangements are made with the Cemeteries Office by a funeral director.

Census information

A Census of population is conducted every 10 years. For published information for the last available census, contact the Central Library on the number on the right.

Child employment

Information and advice about the hours and type of work that can legally be carried out by children.

Child entertainment licenses

The Council can issue entertainment licenses for children of all ages to take part in professional performances.

Childminders

A list of local registered child minders.

Child protection/child abuse

If you are worried that a child needs protection from physical harm or is being neglected, please contact the Child Protection Team. Your call will be dealt with confidentially and you do not have to give your name.

Children

The council provide a number of diverse services for children and young people. Education and Social Services are working together, Developing Children's Services, to improve the efficiency and accessibility of these services by outlining progress with the Council's Achievement for All agenda, establishing an integrated service for children and young people, and setting up a Children's Trust.

Children with special needs

The Children with Disabilities Team works closely with parents to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Counselling can also be arranged.

Advice and information is also provided on special educational needs.

Children's activities

Activities and playschemes are organised both for after school and during holiday periods. Different activities are available for different age groups. Information is also available on entertainment such as children's shows and circuses taking place locally.

Children's Information Service

See 'Family Information Service'

Children's Residential

No information

Civic Recognition Awards

London Borough of Bexley has three Civic Awards Schemes to recognise voluntary service to the community and outstanding achievement.

Civil defence

Emergency planning work covers how we would deal with civil defence situations and accidents/disasters.

Civil Partnerships

See 'Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships'

Clean Food Awards

See 'Food Safety'

Clinical waste collection

Arrangements can be made for clinical waste to be collected free of charge from domestic properties

Comments, Compliments and Complaints

London Borough of Bexley employees work hard to provide high quality services. To help us do this, we welcome your views on the services you use. An explanation of our comments, compliments and complaints procedures, together with various on-line forms for you to use, are available on this web-site.

Commercial Investment Support

The Economic Development Unit provides advice to local/potential local businesses on investment/grant opportunities available.

Commercial lettings

Renting property e.g. shop, office or industrial building from the Council.

Commercial waste

Disposing of trade refuse in a safe and responsible manner.

Common Land searches

Applications to search the Register of Common Land and Town or Village Greens.

Community centres

Centres providing daytime, evening and weekend activities.

Community Information

Bexley Library Service and the Contact Centre maintain a database of Local Groups and Facilities in Bexley, including social and sports groups, parent and toddler groups, home tutors and halls for hire. The information is updated regularly and is available on the Libraries’ website http://eps.bexley.gov.uk/rooms/ Use the Quick Catalogue Search box and select Local Groups and facilities from the Everything box drop down menu.

Organisations wishing to submit information for the database can obtain a form from the Central Library.

Community Learning

Community Learning provides intellectual, moral and social instruction to all people living in a specific locality. The aim through partnership and collaboration is to achieve community development, and to meet the needs of young people, adults and the skills gap identified by employers. Key work involves support for schools, Youth Service, Community Safety Partnership, Adult Education and Voluntary organisations.

Community safety

Bexley Community Safety Partnership, comprising the Council, local Police, Probation Service and the Health Authority as well as a wide range of other local agencies, work together to reduce crime and disorder in Bexley. Work is concentrated in five priority areas: young people and crime; crimes against property; crimes against people; crime and disorder hotspots; and drug and alcohol misuse.

Complaints

See 'Comments, Compliments and Complaints'

Composting

Advice on reducing waste and improving soil quality through composting.

Compostable Waste Collection Scheme

A waste collection scheme, collecting and processing kitchen and garden waste alongside normal refuse collections.

Conference facilities

See 'Hall Lettings'

Connexions

Connexions is an advice and guidance service in England for 13 to 19 year olds. Its key objective is to improve the participation rates of young people in education or training, so that an increasing number have the qualifications they need for further education or the world of work.

Bexley is part of the London East Connexions Partnership and the Local Management Group meets on the first Monday of every month.

Conservation areas and listed buildings

The borough has some named conservation areas and listed buildings - special attention has to be given to preserving the character of these areas. For more information, contact Strategy and Regeneration.
Some parks and open spaces are also conservation areas.

Consultation & Communications

The Council's Consultation & Communications Team manages the Council's public relations, including key publications, consultation mechanisms and media relations. It produces the Bexley Magazine, Bexley Bulletin, Bexley Official Guide, Bexley Official Street Plan and is also responsible for TalkBack Bexley and Bexley's Internet Panel.

Consultations

Current and previous consultations addressing local issues such as road safety, traffic management and urban development / renewal.

Consumer advice/complaints

Consumer advice and information is now provided by Consumer Direct - the government telephone and online service offering information and advice on consumer issues.

Contaminated land

Information is available on contaminated land and hazardous substances.

Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ)

Enforcement of parking regulations in Controlled Parking Zones, contact VINCI Park UK.

Enquires about installation of Controlled Parking Zones, contact the Traffic and Road Safety Group.

Coroner

HM Coroners are independent judicial officers in England and Wales. They are appointed and financed by local authorities but are not employees. Although local authorities have some control in financial matters, they have none over coroners' actual decisions. In practice, coroners are accountable to the High Court and to the Lord Chancellor. Coroners and their deputies must be either lawyers or medical practitioners of at least five years' standing, and each has the same powers to hold inquests. They must be available at all times to undertake duties in connection with inquests and post-mortem examinations.

Council Tax benefits

Council Tax benefit is available to help with the payment of Council Tax. If you have a low income or receive Income Support and have less than £16,000 in savings, you can get Benefit of up to 100% of your Council Tax bill.

Council Tax collection

Capita manages the collection of Council tax on behalf of the Council. You can contact the District Valuer to find out about Council tax bandings for your property or if you have a query regarding the value of your property. If you live alone or think a member of your household should not be counted in the total number of people included for Council Tax, you may receive a reduction.

Councillors

Councillors form part of the Council's decision-making processes as well as forming an essential link between the Council and the constituents they represent. As such, Councillors are available to be contacted by constituents and many Councillors hold regular "surgeries" in their Wards.

Councillors' Allowances

See 'Members' Allowances Scheme'

Counterfeit Goods

If you have bought something that you suspect is not genuine report it to Consumer Direct - the government telephone and online service offering information and advice on consumer issues. They will pass the details on to Trading Standards who can investigate.

Crafts

Local activities relating to a wide range of crafts.

Crayford Strategy and Action Plan

The Crayford Strategy and Action Plan, published in July 2005, which provides Interim Planning Guidance for Crayford Town Centre.

Crèches

Details of local crèches.

Some sports centres also provide crèche facilities, namely Crook Log Sports Centre and Erith Sports Centre

Credit problems

Credit advice is available from the Trading Standards Service.

Crematoria

See 'Cemeteries and Crematoria'

Cricket pitches

See 'Sports'

Culture

'Culture' has a wide scope and includes sport, arts, heritage, tourism, countryside, media, parks, play and libraries.

Cultural Strategy

"Our Culture: A Cultural Strategy for the London Borough of Bexley 2003-2008" can now be read on this web site. Hard copies and further information can also be obtained using the contact details on the right.

Customer services

Customer Services Team can assist with general enquiries about services. You can visit the Council for information and advice.

The offices are open from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

CV advice

Advice and support - specialist help in targeting your CV and making the most of your job applications.

Cycling training

Courses on cycling training and road safety to children and adults.