4.1 Utilities
The rent for most properties does not include the cost for gas, water, electricity, telephone and TV. Therefore you need to get in touch with the following most commonly used providers (for alternatives see www.yell.com):
Gas
British Gas is the main provider. For information call 0845 600 6113 (24h) or check www.house.co.uk.
Electricity
Electrical sockets in the UK have three pins and run 240 V/220 W. If you are moving to England from the United States, you may bring some of your small appliances such as a hand mixer, blender or small food processor as long as you have an adequate transformer. A transformer is used to decrease the incoming voltage to a motorized appliance. Transformers are sold by watts and the size needed depends on the appliance it is powering. You must determine the wattage needed for each appliance [watts= volts x amps]. Volts here would be 110. Transformers for sale are often listed in the classified section of the Cobham Connection. It is beneficial to bring at least one transformer with you, if you are planning on bringing any US appliances.
In order to use your lamps from “abroad”, you will need an adapter for the plug (and UK light bulbs). You can, alternatively, have UK 3-pin plugs put on your lamps.
London Energy is one of the main electricity providers in the area. Call 0800 096 9000 for information or visit www.london-energy.com.
Water
Only about 10% of private households have a meter, mainly new houses. Estimates base otherwise on the size of the property.
Thames Water is one of the main providers in the area. Call 0845 920 0800 for information or visit www.thameswater.co.uk .
4.2 Telephone
BT (British Telecom) is one of the main providers for telephone connections. You get billed per quarter and can pay per direct debit or cheque. Check www.bt.co.uk or call free on 0800 309 409 during office hours to get more information.
There are many other providers besides BT that might offer cheaper solutions on national and international calls. Check the yellow pages or ask around. Telephones and fax machines can be purchased at many places, amongst them Argos and Dixons.
To de-list your telephone number and avoid solicitations from unwanted companies, such as home improvement companies, and companies that offer free trips, telephone 0845 0700 707 and register your number. This will take 2-3 weeks and you should not receive any further nuisance calls.
4.3 Internet Service Providers
Choosing the right Internet Service Provider (ISP) depends on your needs. Here are a few of the largest ISP’s; check with them for different packages and offers:
Note: if you do not have access to the internet yet, but do need to look up something on the net, go to your local library! For a small charge you may use their internet facilities. To register with your local library, provide proof of residence (phone-, gas-, electricity bill or letter from bank etc. addressed to you) and identity.
4.4 TV License
Go to the local Post Office to purchase a TV license. This is an annual license that is required of all TV-owning households. One license per household is required no matter how many TVs you own. Heavy fines are imposed if you don't have one and regular neighborhood monitoring occurs. There is a Post Office in each village.
4.5 Council Tax
The Council Tax covers police services, fire brigade services, waste collection, disposal etc. You pay the Council Tax on a monthly basis. The amount depends on size of house and household and in which area your house is located. See summary in chapter 11 of the booklet for local council numbers, where you can call for more information.
4.6 Waste Disposal
In England, garbage is collected once a week and you are usually allowed one garbage bin per household. If you have excess trash or bigger items that do not fit into your garbage bin, you can drive to a Household Waste Disposal/Amenity Tip in the area. There is one between Leatherhead and Cobham (A245) on Randalls Road, KT22 0BA , telephone number is 01372 375 479 near the Leatherhead Crematorium, another one near Woking on Martyr Lane, GU21 5NJ, telephone number is 01483 72119. It is worth telephoning them first to check on opening times. Use of these is free if you come with a private car. Companies have to pay a fee.
Recycling of newspapers, cardboard, glass and aluminium (aluminium in England) is strongly encouraged. Most supermarkets have recycling bins, as do certain parking lots near High Streets (i.e. Downside Cobham).
Large items can also be collected from your home for a fee. Contact your local council.
4.7 Newspaper Delivery/Newsagents
Your local newsagent generally provides home delivery of a wide range of newspapers; local and London papers.
Local newspapers for the area are for example Cobham News & Mail, Esher News & Mail, Weybridge News & Mail, Walton & Weybridge Guardian, Esher & Elmbridge Guardian, Surrey Informer, Surrey Comet, and Surrey Advertiser. See also www.cobhamnewsonline.co.uk and www.weybridgenewsonline.co.uk.
At your local newsagent you also find an info board with ads from babysitters to part-time cleaners.
4.8 Post Office – The Royal Mail
The Post Office is often combined with a stationary shop or newsagent. At the post office you will also be able to get application forms for:
- TV Licences
- National Insurance Contributions
- Driving Licences
Or you can make payments for:
- Vehicle Tax
- Water, Electricity, Gas
- Telephone
- Council Tax etc.
You can also buy Foreign Currency here as well which is usually a 1-2 day service.
Office hours are usually Monday-Saturday, 09:00 – 17:30.
4.9 Libraries
You can rent books free of charge from your local library, which is to be found in all larger villages and towns. For a small charge you can also rent videos and CDs. Use of the internet is free although it is limited to 1 hour at a time due to the high volume of patrons using the internet. To register you need proof of residence and identity. You will also find information about the community services, about local events, adult education, cultural events etc. If you need a copy machine, you can usually find one there as well. Get your free copy of “The Family Grapevine Magazine” or “The Parent Pages” from your local library with useful information about A-Z kid’s leisure activities, health and education information in the area.
4.10 Churches
For complete listing of churches, check in the yellow pages or the following websites:
www.yell.com
www.findachurch.co.uk
4.11 Adult Education
Check your local Adult Learning Centre for a variety of courses on different languages, computer, gardening, crafts etc. Pick up a brochure at your local library. “Floodlight” is an annual publication that informs about all courses offered in the London area. You can buy Floodlight at the newsagent (see also www.floodlight.co.uk)
4.12 Legal Requirements
Police Registration
The Immigration Officer may stamp your passport with a requirement that you must register with the Police. This is called foreign Nationality Registration (formerly Alien Registration). If you are required to register with the police (stamp in your passport or check with Surrey Police, number below), you must do so within seven (7) days of your arrival in the UK. As of May 1, 1998, Americans and some other non-EEC nationals are no longer required to register. Some countries required to register include Argentina, Brazil, China, Russia and Turkey, but check with Surrey Police for updated information.
The Foreign Registration Office for Surrey is at the Surrey Police Headquarters, Mount Browne, Sandy Lane, Guilford, Surrey GU3 1HG. When registering you must bring with you your passport, one passport size photograph and the registration fee of £34.00. Persons working must also bring their work permit. Students must produce their letter of offer from their place of study.
If you wish to attend Surrey Police Headquarters appointments must be made. The registrations take place between 09:00-15:30 from Monday to Friday. Appointments can be made by telephoning 01483 482 437. Alternatively you can attend Reigate Police Station without an appointment between 09:00-17:00 from Monday to Friday.
It is also necessary to notify the Foreign Registration Office every time you change your address, if you get married, if you get a new passport, if the Home Office changes a prohibition on employment to a restriction, or if you change your place of study. You must do this within seven days. If you are accompanied by a spouse and/or children, they must also go in person to register.
The Police Registration Document needs to be renewed each time an extension of stay is granted. There will be no charge for this renewal.
If you have a current leave to remain, and you leave and return to the UK within 12 months, you can continue with your previous Police Registration without having to pay another fee.
Notary Public
US Notary Publics can be found at the US Embassy. All US legal documents requiring a signature to be notarized, including, US voting ballots, ballot requests, house closing documents, etc., should be taken to the US Embassy. British Notaries, although much more available and qualified, may not be recognized by certain organizations in the US. Please check the US Embassy website for days and times to have signatures notarized. Plan extra time when going to the US Embassy as there are no appointments and queues are likely.
4.13 Children and the Law
Driving
Young drivers must be seventeen years old. Make sure you have car insurance even for learner drivers.
Alcohol
Although children cannot purchase alcohol until they are 18 years old, there is no law to stop them from drinking it under age. In a pub, 16 is the legal age a child can drink beer, wine or cider provided they are at a table with food and with someone over 18 to purchase the alcohol. Children often are not allowed to be in the bar area of a pub, but there usually are restaurant areas in the pub where they are allowed.
Leaving Children Alone At Home
As per the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) there is no law that states the minimum age that a child can be left alone. However, it is an offence to leave a child alone when doing so puts him or her at risk.
The NSPCC Web Site gives the following advice:
“How do you decide if you can safely leave a child alone?
There are many important things to consider before you decide to leave a child alone. These include:
- The age of the child.
- The child's level of maturity and understanding.
- The place where child will be left.
- How long the child will be left alone, and how often.
- Whether or not there are any other children in the household.
For example, most parents would think it’s OK to leave a sixteen-year-old alone for the evening, but to leave them for a week would be unacceptable.
Many young children play outdoors with other children without a parent or carer being present. As they are unsupervised, they are 'alone', but most people would agree that this is an important part of growing up.
You are the best judge of your child’s level of maturity and responsibility.”
Babysitting Age
There is no legal babysitting age. Use of common sense is advised.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
The NSPCC has some excellent booklets with advice on leaving children home alone, understanding the law with regard to leaving children alone at home, and keeping children safe when out with you or out alone. The NSPCC operates the Child Protection Helpline, offers counseling and advice, and produces other free booklets as well.
4.14 Pets
Quarantine Stations
The nearest is Weyfarm at Ottershaw.
Telephone 01932 873 239
www.weyfarm.co.uk
Vets
Usually very localized so check in your neighborhood.
Grooming
Funky Dogs
Guildford
01483 563 300
Dog Boarding in private homes
Spoiled Rotten Pets
01932 576 354
