Somerset residents survey – have your say before 21st October:

Somerset Council has launched a residents survey, to ask local people like you for what you think about where they live and the services the council provides. Somerset Council is responsible for services such as social care for adults and children, refuse and recycling collections, street cleaning, planning, education, housing, and road maintenance. The 2024 Resident Survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and the results will be used measure progress against Somerset’s priorities and shape future services – please see here to take the survey: Resident Survey online. Paper copies can also be printed on request at Somerset libraries. The survey closes on Monday 21st October.

Have your say on funding and provision for children with additional needs:

Somerset residents are also being asked to have their say on the way services for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are funded. The current system for supporting children with SEND is under pressure both nationally and in Somerset, with rising costs and situations arising where children’s needs are not being met as quickly as anyone would want, and where arrangements are not having the impact that they should. Somerset Council is seeking views on proposals which aim to make improvements to key areas including funding and support, inclusive education, and annual planning. No decisions will be made until the consultation has closed and the responses have been reviewed. This will then inform a full business case, which will go through democratic decision making later this year. The consultation runs until Friday 18^th October. Please see here for more: Have your say on funding and provision for children with additional needs (somerset.gov.uk).

Winter fuel allowance and Pension Credit:

Following a motion and debate at Full Council in September, the Leaders of all political groups in Somerset have written to the Prime Minister to express concerns about the recent decision to remove the Winter Fuel Allowance from many pensioners – please see here: Somerset Council Leaders raise concerns over winter fuel allowance removal. This winter, Somerset Council will be distributing £3.8m from the Government’s Household Support Fund, to help provide food, fuel vouchers and essential items to those in need – please see the Council’s Somerset Household Support Fund page.

Please do check if you could be eligible for Pension Credit, extra money to help with living costs for people over state pension age and on a low income. You can apply online at gov.uk/pension-credit, or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. Potential claimants need to make a successful application for pension credit by 21st December 2024 to receive a backdated winter fuel payment during Winter 2024/25.

Fair Frome, Prosper Frome, The Bridge Café and the Frome branch of Health Connections Mendip, supported by Frome Town Council, are also hosting a drop-in session at Frome Town Hall on Tuesday 22nd October, between 10am and 12pm, to encourage people to check if they are eligible for unclaimed pension credit. The session is open to anyone who needs support personally, and those who are supporting a friend or relative. Please see here for more: Local organisations urge local people to check pension credit eligibility – Frome Town Council.

Old Showfield back field dog area plans shelved:

Frome Town Council will not proceed with a proposed dog agility area at the Old Showfield, following a consultation and online residents’ survey. An event in April, alongside a pop-up dog agility activity with Charismatic Pets, indicated significant interest in a designated dog area. However, following a review of all communication received about the project, FTC have decided there is not sufficient enthusiasm for a permanent installation in the back field. Local charity Dogs for Health will still be hosting a pop-up dog exercise/play session on Saturday 12th October, between 11.30am and 1.30pm in the back field at the Showfield. There is no need to book. Please see here for more: Dog area plans for Old Showfield shelved – Frome Town Council

Mendip Local Plan Part II submitted for examination:

Somerset Council has submitted proposed changes to the Mendip Local Plan Part II for examination by an independent Planning Inspector. This is to update the Mendip Local Plan Part II (LPP2) which runs to 2029. The LPP2 site allocations plan was adopted by the former Mendip District Council in December 2021 but was subject to a successful legal challenge by Norton St Philip Parish Council. The High Court deleted five housing sites from the LPP2 and ordered the Council to reconsider and identify sites for at least 505 dwellings in the former Mendip District area. The Limited Update document identifies nine sites (out of over 120 sites considered) that are capable of delivering 569 dwellings by 2028. The Examination by a Planning Inspector will include public hearings, likely in early 2025. A new Somerset wide plan is also being prepared which will consider future housing sites after 2029. Please see here: Mendip Local Plan Part II submitted for examination (somerset.gov.uk)

Councillors call for new Government commitment to net zero:

Somerset Council’s Lead members for the environment have written to Ed Miliband asking for a renewed Government commitment to helping local government achieve the nation’s net zero targets. The letter to the new Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero highlights the important work being done in Somerset to address the Climate and Ecological Emergency despite the challenges of soaring inflation. Please see here for more: Councillors call for new Government commitment to net zero (somerset.gov.uk)

Sale of Aztec West building completed in August:

Somerset Council completed the sale of its property at 600-650 Aztec West, Bristol in August. Aztec West was a legacy investment included in the portfolio of commercial properties bought by Sedgemoor District Council. Somerset Council had agreed to explore other potential legal options available to it as the landlord of the building, following significant public concern related to the war in Gaza, but it was concluded that sale was the only viable way forwards. Please see here: Sale of Aztec West building complete (somerset.gov.uk)

Bid for devolution of powers for ‘Heart of Wessex’:

Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire Councils have submitted expressions of interest in devolution, in response to a request from the Government, to unlock greater powers and resources for the area. Following discussions with neighbouring authorities, the submission for devolution to ‘the Heart of Wessex’ area is a move towards local aspirations to drive regional economic growth, improve public services and for greater local decision-making. The bid specifically responds to a request from the Government to consider devolving control of things like local transport and planning from national to local government. Once formal proposals have been agreed with the Government these will be communicated with residents, and any options will be consulted on before being taken forward. Please see here for more Submission of Expressions of Interest in devolution by Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire Councils

Somerset recycles and reuses more:

Somerset Council has published the latest reuse and recycling results, showing reuse is on the increase and the amount of waste going to landfill is a record low. Nearly 96% of the 145,000 tonnes of recycling materials collected stayed in the UK (54% in Somerset), to be turned into new products and packaging. Somerset’s recycling rate of 56% puts it in the top 20% of waste authorities in England. Please see here for more: Somerset Council reveals recycling and reuse results

Somerset’s unpaid carers:

The vital role of Somerset’s unpaid carers has been highlighted following a successful information day in Taunton in September. ‘Unpaid carers’ is the term used for anyone who provides unpaid help and support for others. It is estimated there are 50,000 unpaid carers in Somerset, and many are not aware they are eligible for support. The event, run by Somerset Council and the Community Council for Somerset who delivers the Carers Service in the county, included representatives from Devon and Somerset Fire Rescue Service, Citizen’s Advice, Healthwatch Somerset, Community Council for Somerset, Village Agents and more. In March, Somerset Council published its Commitment to Carers 2024 report which recognised the invaluable contribution and challenges faced by unpaid carers, and aims to enhance the quality of life for carers and those they care for. The report can be read online here. Please see here for more: Supporting Somerset’s unpaid carers

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