News, views and Events in and around Bigbury, South Devon

Posts tagged South Hams

Community banking for the South West

December 13, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

10/12/2018

Councils agree to support the creation of a local bank to support the local economy

Both South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councillors have pledged their support for the creation of a local financial institution, a local bank for local people.

The new venture, which is yet to be named, would be the first ever high street bank dedicated to Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset (Subject to regulatory approvals).

The bank, known for now as South West Mutual, would be owned by its members and would pursue only what is in the customers’ best interests. Unlike national financial institutions, the Mutual would not engage in financial speculation, or pay huge bonuses to staff for selling financial products.

Cllr John Tucker, Leader of South Hams District Council, explains why the Council is supporting this initiative: “I am really interested by this proposal and the benefits it could offer our communities. We all know that the local branches are being lost at an astonishing rate, making it more difficult for older and more vulnerable people and trading businesses to access their finance or seek support. The South Hams has lost 13 bank branches since 2015, leaving major towns such as Dartmouth without any banks at all. We understand that banks have to move with the times and more business is done online, but who will support our high streets and market towns in the future?”

“We also know that our SME businesses can find it difficult to get funding. This proposal would see a new kind of banking institution, one that is not tied to the costly overheads of the National banks, who can use the latest technology because it is starting from scratch. We welcome the commitment of South West Mutual to be a permanent presence in the region and to serve our residents and businesses by building a branch network.”

Cllr Philip Sanders, Leader of West Devon Borough Council said: “Councils do not want to get into the business of banking but it is our business to support a thriving economy in West Devon.

We recognise that South West Mutual’s mission to serve our residents and smaller businesses and its commitment to financial inclusion are closely aligned with West Devon Borough Council’s own objectives and strategy and so we are delighted to be able to support them in the early stages of their application for a banking licence.”

Both Councils agree that this is one way that they can use some of the money generated from the Business Rates pilot to support the local economy without using money that has come from Council Tax Payers.

Each council will invest £50,000 to help support the formation of the new entity. The proposal is not without risk, but without the funding, the proposed benefits to the local economy may never be realised.

South Hams and West Devon are the two first local authorities in the area to pledge their support, leading the way for others who have also expressed an interest in this venture. More information can be found at: https://southwestmutual.co.uk/

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Waste and Recycling Service – impending change

December 7, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

A future partnership – Environmental benefits and better value for money

A new multi million pound contact has been approved by South Hams District Council for recycling, waste and cleansing services enabling the Council to save over £3 million pounds over the life of the contract and improving our environmental impact. The new services will be delivered to a high standard from 1st April 2019 as part of a new partnership agreement with a private company.

This is a brave new step for the South Hams who have provided these services through the Council’s own workforce for many years. The decision was made following a very intensive and thorough tendering process lasting almost two years. This included robust market testing giving full consideration to every single element of the current services to ensure best value and best quality for residents.

The staff who currently collect the waste and recycling and clean the district will transfer to the new partner company, whose name will be announced on the 18th December following the formal 10 day legal “standstill” period. South Hams District Council have ensured that their valued workforce will continue to provide services with protected terms and conditions and without the need for redundancies.

The future service will offer householders the opportunity to recycle even more of our household waste from the kerbside from September 2020.

Cllr Rufus Gilbert, Executive Member for Commercial Services said: “We have been listening to what residents wanted – more items being recycled and a continued focus on keeping our beautiful district clean and this will be delivered through the new arrangement at a better price. This new contract will enable us to continue improving recycling and street services throughout the term of the contract.”

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South Hams CVS: FREE Training & Events in November

November 5, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

South Hams CVS has a lot going on in November, most of it is FREE. Come and join us!

Please share this email with any others who maybe interested – trustees, volunteers, committees and staff

South Devon Advice Network 8 November 10-1 Buckfast. Topics include: Illegal money lending & lone sharks, updates on Universal Credit. If you are a community group helping vulnerable people this FREE information & networking event is for you! Book at https://sdadvice.eventbrite.co.uk

Volunteer Organisers Forum – Focus on Youth Volunteering 15 November 2-4.30, Ivybridge Library. A chance to network, troubleshoot and share ideas for all who work with or manage volunteers in the South Hams. Book your FREE place at volunteering@southhamscvs.org.uk

Customer Service for Groups 27 November 10-1 Ivybridge £15 voluntary groups in the South Hams; £25 other organisations https://shcvscustomerservice.eventbrite.co.uk

Introduction to Peer Mentoring (2 day course) – 28 November & 5 December 10-3, Totnes FREE + travel bursaries available (£10 deposit required to be returned on completion) To reserve your place or to discuss further email volunteering@southhamscvs.org.uk or call Kate on 07562 336409

Kingsbridge & District Caring Alliance – 28 November 10-12.30 Erme Yealm Caring Alliance – 30 November 10-12.30 – These South Hams Caring Alliance meetings are for community groups and statutory organisations who are working in the towns & villages with individuals who have health problems to create links and share ideas. Contact adrian@southhamscvs.org.uk for further information about meetings

And…..Look out for our themed ‘CVS POP UP!’ sessions coming in the NEW YEAR J

Best wishes

Jill Davies

Chief Officer

South Hams Community & Voluntary Services (CVS)

01803 862266

The Mansion, 36 Fore Street, Totnes TQ9 5RP

www.southhamscvs.org.uk

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Law Changes for Houses of Multiple Occupation

August 20, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

South Hams District Council would like inform landlords of new government legislation which will come into force on Monday 1 October 2018, requiring landlords to hold a license for houses of multiple occupation.

The new law, which is an amendment to the 2006 Housing Act, means that landlords who have a house used for multiple occupation (HMO) occupied by five or more people, who are not from the same family, will require a license.

A house in multiple occupation can include, but is not limited to, examples such as:

a house let as individual bed sitting rooms
a group of rooms on each floor let to single occupants
hostels, some hotels, guesthouses
lodgings, and shared houses
houses converted into self-contained flats
5 bedroom house being rented to 5 single people, sharing facilities
4 bedroom house being rented to a non-married, couple and 3 single people, sharing facilities
There are extra requirements also put in place for existing multiple occupation houses to include, minimum sleeping room sizes and provision of waste facilities.

Landlords who have a property which is classed as a House in Multiple Occupation, or those who are in the process of setting up a rental property which falls within this category, are required to apply for a license before the 1 October 2018.

Cllr Hilary Bastone, South Hams District Councils Portfolio Holder for Customer First, says: “We want to make sure all Landlords are fully aware of the new law which comes into force in October 2018. If you have a House in Multiple Occupation you will be required by law to have a license.

“This means five or more people living independently of each other, within the same property.”

The Council’s Environmental Health Housing Team is committed to working with property owners to make sure licensing requirements are followed. If properties are found after the date which need a license, then a fixed penalty notice may be charged, which could be up to £30,000.

If you are uncertain if your property requires a license or you would like to apply, please visit the Council’s website at www.southhams.gov.uk/hmo

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SeaMoor Lotto: First Draw Results

August 12, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

The first SeaMoor Lotto draw took place on Saturday 4 August and saw 10 lucky winners across South Hams and West Devon.

One winner, from Ivybridge, matched three numbers and won £25. A further nine people matched 2 numbers and won 3 extra tickets to play the lottery. To celebrate the start of the local lottery, nine people were selected at random to win some fantastic prizes, including: £200 worth of natural Devon-made dog food from Forthglade; an iPad; Afternoon Tea for two at the Bedford Hotel in Tavistock, and a family swim pass for use at Fusion Lifestyle leisure centres.

There were 730 tickets sold ahead of the first SeaMoor Lotto draw which supported more than 60 local charities and good causes across South Hams and West Devon. With ticket sales at this level, SeaMoor Lotto is currently on track to raise nearly £24,000 a year for local good causes.

Cllr Neil Jory, West Devon Borough Council’s Hub Lead Member for the Lottery, says:
“For the lottery to be raising such an incredible amount of funds for local good causes is a testament to the people who are supporting the community lottery by purchasing tickets. I actively encourage more people to support local good causes to help increase the amount we can raise.”

Cllr John Tucker, Leader of South Hams District Council, says: “Local people and businesses have really got on board to support SeaMoor Lotto, either by purchasing tickets or by donating prizes, all with the aim of supporting the local good causes that have signed up. The more people that buy a £1 ticket for the weekly Saturday night draw, the greater the financial benefit to those charities and good causes that have joined.”

Tickets cost just £1 each and 60% goes back to local good causes, in comparison to just 28% contributed by the National Lottery. The remaining 40% goes back into the prize fund and pays for the running costs. Players are able to set up a monthly payment in advance with the option to do a three, six or 12-month repeating subscription by direct debit or payment card. Winners are informed over email and will have the money transferred automatically to their chosen bank account.

The Seamoor lotto was set up by South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council to provide support to local good causes and charities. Each £1 ticket has a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize every week. This includes an incredible £25,000 jackpot prize if you match all six numbers in the correct order, as well as various other cash prizes.

Local good causes interested in joining SeaMoor Lotto can still sign up to the local lottery which is an ongoing initiative whereby they will receive their own dedicated fundraising page.

Buy your tickets from www.seamoorlotto.co.uk and help spread the word within the community by tagging @SeaMoorLotto on Facebook and Twitter and by using hashtag #SeaMoorLotto.

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CITIZENS’ ADVICE BUREAU SEEKS NEW TRUSTEE

August 3, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Click here for details-

Trustee Advertisement July 2018

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South Hams Looking to Improve Recycling Services

August 3, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

31/7/18
South Hams District Council is looking at new ways to move forward with their recycling and waste service.
The South Hams has enjoyed a high recycling rate for some years and is currently second in the Devon ratings, however changes in legislation, rising market costs and decreases in the value of recycling material, make it more and more difficult to meet ever-changing needs without a change to our service.
Many other councils already enjoy a weekly collection of recycling materials from the kerbside. In order to improve our current service we need to increase the number of materials we collect from the kerbside weekly to include glass, textiles, plastic pots, tubs and trays and offer a weekly food waste collection service.
The Council is looking to align its service with our Devon neighbours to make sure we divert as much useful recycling material as possible from incineration. This means, a service will be designed which has the greatest environmental and cost benefits we can operationally achieve, and which is similar in design to that of other councils in the area.
By having a similar recycling and waste system across the county, it will make the service easier for residents if they move between authorities. It also helps us to benefit from economies of scale when selling recycling materials and helps the County Council to provide cost effective disposal routes.
The move to the Devon Aligned Service is likely to be in place by the end of September 2020 to allow time for changes to take place with the least disruption to residents.
A procurement project is also currently underway to look at testing our frontline services for recycling and waste, street and toilet cleaning in the market place. This means a company could be contracted to deliver these services on behalf of South Hams District Council if they can offer better value for money and a better quality of service can be achieved. The Council is doing this to improve both the cost and quality of services to householders.
Cllr Rufus Gilbert, Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “We are working really hard under very difficult economic circumstance to deliver a quality service which is cost effective and environmentally friendly. By looking at the potential benefits of outsourcing our services and aligning to the Devon waste and recycling service, we will be addressing both of these targets.
“It is a really exciting time and it’s important to us that we get it right for our residents.”
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South Hams asks residents to “share their thoughts”.

July 7, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

In May this year the Councillors from South Hams District Council approved a high level corporate strategy to guide how they deliver council services over the next five years. Against a backdrop of reduced funding from central government, they wanted to set a realistic overarching vision of what they would like to achieve in the District.

Now they want to share these high level themes with the public, and for the public to share their thoughts on what they think the council should prioritise under each of them.

Leader of South Hams District Council, Cllr John Tucker, explains: “Earlier in the year councillors got together to discuss and agree how we could have a positive impact on the lives of our residents by providing good value and easy to use services. So we set ourselves six key themes to help us categorise that work: Council, Homes, Communities, Enterprise, Environment and Wellbeing.

“Now we would like to hear from you, our residents and businesses, under each of our carefully considered themes, what do you think we should prioritise?”

Starting during Democracy Week for eight weeks South Hams District Council is asking residents and businesses to complete a short Survey. Once complete the Council will share its findings and use them to guide how they plan to deliver services over the next five years.

Cllr Tucker continued: “There is no better time than Democracy week to launch this survey. We are really keen to build strong bonds with our communities and our residents. Good, meaningful engagement is the future for us and we would encourage all of our residents to spare just five minutes of their time to tell us what they think.

As one of this year’s inaugural Democracy week slogan says “every voice matters” and we want to hear yours.

“Regardless of who we are or where we are from, we must work together to make sure that every member of society has an equal chance to take part in our democracy and to have their say.” The Cabinet Office #talkdemocracy

To find our more visit our new engagement portal: Join The Conversation
Access the survey: Corporate Strategy – Have Your Say

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