Purdah

Local Elections will be taking place on Thursday 2 May 2019.

There are strict rules governing publicity by local government/public authorities in the pre-election period known as “purdah”. Purdah starts on Monday 18 March 2019.

The Council needs to be very careful in the pre-election period to ensure that public resources are not used for party political purposes and that the Council does not undertake any activity that calls into question its political impartiality. #

We need to avoid any publicity that identifies individual Councillors and think carefully about any public documents/statements, the rules apply to all communications including social media – guidance has been sent out to Parishes in the recent Election bulletin. Click here to see the LGA’s guide to purdah.

As a result of the rules on Purdah there will be no further newsletters until after the elections on 2.5.19.

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

• Silver Award at 2019 iESE Awards

This week, we heard the great news that South Staffordshire Council won the Silver Award for Reinventing Local Services at the 2019 iESE Awards. This award is for totally transforming the way that services work and improving outcomes for the local community and recognises the Council’s Efficiency and Income Plan. Click here to see a pic taken at the awards event. 

• Partnership working success

This week, the Council carried out a joint operation in various localities throughout the district with Staffordshire Police, stopping vans or carriers of scrap metal to make sure they all had the relevant licences. They also visited known fly-tipping hotspots. The joint operation involved four police officers and four officers from the Council and as a result five vehicles were stopped in total. Of these, one could not produce a waste carrier licence and this will be followed up.

• Mobile breast screening unit returning to Codsall

Historically in the south of the district, a mobile breast screening unit has been located within Wombourne and Codsall as part of the tri-yearly breast screening cycle. In 2010, the mobile breast screening unit was removed from Codsall with residents either having to travel to the mobile unit in Womboune or the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital for their screening appointment. This has been a source of local concern and has been frequently discussed at the Council’s Wellbeing Select Committee.

Thanks to the work of the Committee and local campaigners and following an agreement with Wolverhampton City Council and Dudley NHS Foundation Trust, the mobile screening unit will return to Codsall week commencing Monday 11 March 2019 for a period of 16 weeks. Screenings will take place Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and the unit will be hosted by the Council outside the main Wolverhampton road entrance to the Council offices. 

• Chairman’s Civic Dinner

The Chairman, Councillor Len Bates BEM, will be hosting a Civic Dinner on Friday 8 March 2019 at The Moat House, Acton Trussell, where The Rt. Hon. Gavin Williamson CBE MP, together with Civic Heads from Staffordshire, Members and personal friends will attend. The evening is the main fundraising event of the Chairman’s year in office for his chosen charity, CASS (Carers Association) South Staffordshire. 

• Annual billing

We will shortly be issuing approximately 47,000 Council Tax bills for April 2019 to all households in the district. This will also include 2,500 e-bills for those who have signed up to this online option.

Following the introduction of the Council’s MyAccount facility, this now allows 24/7 secure access to a number of council services online. These services include Council Tax, Housing Benefits, bulky waste collections, payment of fees and rent. Customers can also subscribe for eAlerts such as Council Tax payment reminders, planning applications, bin collections and updates in their local area.

• National Apprenticeship Week 2019

This week it’s been National Apprenticeship Week (4 to 8 March 2019). This annual celebration of apprenticeships brings the whole apprenticeship community together to celebrate the positive impact of apprenticeships on individuals, employers and the wider economy. Click here to find out more. 

• Workforce champions programme supported by Council

Local Employers including South Staffordshire Council are joining a new campaign tackling domestic abuse. The Workplace Champions programme is the first county-wide scheme of its kind to offer support in the workplace to both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. Led by deputy Staffordshire Commissioner, Sue Arnold, the programme is co-ordinated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and delivered by New Era, which provides free and confidential round-the-clock advice and support for anyone in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent affected by domestic abuse. The programme is being rolled out around the county and the first training session took place in February in Codsall, hosted by South Staffordshire Council. Click here for more information about New Era. 

• Be part of the Great British Spring Clean

Keep Britain Tidy is once again urging communities to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean between Friday 22 March and Tuesday 23 April 2019. This year, the campaign is focusing on single-use plastics and Friends of Essington and Friends of Bilbrook are just two of the groups organising their own litter pics.

If you are thinking about holding your own litter pick, please visit the Keep Britain Tidy website to register your event. Click here to find out how you can get involved and remember to get in touch with Ryan Taylor at South Staffordshire Council (r.taylor2@sstaffs.gov.uk) if you would like any assistance from the Council in organising events or publicity or if would like our Street Scene crews to pick up any of the bagged litter that you collect. 

• Volunteers needed

The Enforcement team needs help distributing its free dog fouling stickers and dog poo bags to local shops, post offices, pubs, community rooms and any other suitable locations. Volunteers are needed to approach suitable locations and ask them if they would like to participate in the scheme. You will then need to give them stickers for the window, so they can let the public know that dog poo bags are available for collection there, and a supply of the bags. If anyone can help, please contact Lucy Macdonald (l.macdonald@sstaffs.gov.uk).

• New dementia singing friends group

Earlier this month, a new dementia singing friends group was launched in Wombourne. Taking place every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm in the Community Room in Wombourne Library, the sessions are relaxed and informal where people affected by dementia and their carers can get together, have a good chat and a laugh while also singing favourite songs or even having a dance. Click here for more information.

• Coming soon to Wombourne

A new CASS carers’ café in the Civic Centre in Wombourne will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Click here for more information about the carers’ café and CASS The Carers Association.

www.carersinformation.org.uk 

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill.

Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping many people

who struggle to get out and about and it is aimed at residents who live

away from regular bus routes or who find it difficult to use a standard

bus. The new Connect service operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. 

Regular information 

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meetings are scheduled:

• Overview & Scrutiny Committee – Tuesday 12 March 2019 – 6.30pm – Council Chamber
• Licensing Sub Committee – Friday 15 March 2019 – 10.30am – Committee Room 2 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Essington Fruit Farm and Butchery, Astons of Coven, and Baked @ No 3 in Great Wyrley.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

• Annual billing – This week, the Welfare Services team has been busy going through their annual billing cycle which sees the creation of approximately 47,000 Council Tax bills, 2,700 Business Rates bills and 6,000 Benefit notification letters. Annual billing is important to the Council due to the income streams it generates and thank you to all staff who have helped support this process. The hard work doesn’t stop there though – bills will be issued on Friday 8 and Monday 11 March 2019 and Welfare Services and Customer Services will then be busy handling customers enquiries. 

• Council catches more fly-tippers – South Staffordshire Council has successfully prosecuted two men from Wolverhampton and Littleover, Derby for breaching environmental laws. The cases were heard at North Staffordshire Justice Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Monday 25 February 2019 and both defendants pleaded guilty. Click here to find out more. 

• Prosecution success for illegal tree cutting – The Council has also successfully prosecuted a Stourbridge man for unauthorised tree works carried out to a mature yew tree on a property in Kinver, which was protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Click here to read more. 

• Brexit bulletin – For recent developments and a look ahead at key parliamentary activity and upcoming events across the country, please click here to read the Local Government Weekly Brexit Bulletin (Tuesday 26 February 2019). 

• Be part of the Great British Spring Clean

Keep Britain Tidy is once again urging communities to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean between Friday 22 March and Tuesday 23 April 2019. This year, the campaign is focusing on single-use plastics and Friends of Essington and Friends of Bilbrook are just two of the groups organising their own litter pics.

If you are thinking about holding your own litter pick, please visit the Keep Britain Tidy website to register your event. Click here to find out how you can get involved and remember to get in touch with Ryan Taylor at South Staffordshire Council (r.taylor2@sstaffs.gov.uk) if you would like any assistance from the Council in organising events or if would like our Street Scene crews to pick up any of the bagged litter that you collect.

• New dementia singing friends group

Earlier this month, a new dementia singing friends group was launched in Wombourne. Taking place every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm in the Community Room in Wombourne Library, the sessions are relaxed and informal where people affected by dementia and their carers can get together, have a good chat and a laugh while also singing favourite songs or even having a dance. Click here for more information.

• Calling all photographers!

Staffordshire Police is in the process of implementing a new website and needs your help concerning the ‘localities page’. They’re in search of photographs that represent your local area – scenery, monuments or a recognisable place. Please send your photos to nw@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk and include your location.

• Coming soon to Wombourne

A new CASS carers’ café in the Civic Centre in Wombourne will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Click here for more information about the carers’ café and CASS The Carers Association – www.carersinformation.org.uk 

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill.  Freephone: 03333 058671 – Email: info@cebltd.com   www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping many people

who struggle to get out and about and it is aimed at residents who live

away from regular bus routes or who find it difficult to use a standard

bus. The new Connect service operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.

• Volunteers needed – The Enforcement team needs help distributing its free dog fouling stickers and dog poo bags to local shops, post offices, pubs, community rooms and any other suitable locations. Volunteers are needed to approach suitable locations and ask them if they would like to participate in the scheme. You will then need to give them stickers for the window, so they can let the public know that dog poo bags are available for collection there, and a supply of the bags. If anyone can help, please contact Lucy Macdonald (macdonald@sstaffs.gov.uk).

Regular information 

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meeting is scheduled:

• Audit and Risk Committee – Tuesday 5 March 2019 – 4pm – Bill Brownhill Room

• 5 Rating – The following organisation has achieved a 5 Rating following its food inspection this week – Lychgate Coffee Shop in Pattingham.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

This week’s news from around South Staffordshire Council. 

• SRFI – West Midlands Interchange

The preliminary hearing on the proposed West Midlands Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Gailey takes place on Wednesday 27 February at 10am at the Hayward suite, Molineux – details can be seen here. The meeting will set the timetable for the examination process between now and August 2019.

We anticipate that the Council’s representations (including its Local Impact Report) will need to be submitted to the Examining Authority by Friday 5 April 2019. The proposed response will be the subject of a standalone Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting in March.   

• Successful Landlord Forum

On Wednesday 30 January 2019, the Council hosted a Landlord Forum. This twice yearly event provides an effective arena for landlords to exchange news, views and experiences with other landlords and also allows the Council to update landlords and agents on current changes in legislation. The event was very successful and included talks about Universal Credit, the top 10 challenges facing landlords, changes to the HMO licencing regulations and the Landlord National Purchasing Group. The next Landlord Forum is due to be held on Wednesday 2 October 2019. For more information, please contact Nicola Deacon (n.deacon@sstaffs.gov.uk). 

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping many people

who struggle to get out and about and it is aimed at residents who live

away from regular bus routes or who find it difficult to use a standard

bus. The new Connect service operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. 

• Brexit bulletin

For recent developments and a look ahead at key parliamentary activity and upcoming events across the country, please click here to read the Local Government Weekly Brexit Bulletin (Monday 18 February 2019). 

• Candidates and agents’ briefing session

The first candidates and agents briefing session will take place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 at 5pm to 6.30pm at the Council Offices in Codsall. The session will be an opportunity for potential candidates and their agents to collect their nomination packs. For more information, please click here.

• Save the date

The next Let’s work together free training session will take place on Monday 25 February 2019 in the Council Chamber. The theme will be community support and the session will include presentations from Healthwatch, Compton Care, Supported Futures and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue. For more information and to book a place, please call 01902 696238 or email policyandpartnershipevents@sstafs.gov.uk

• Coming soon to Wombourne

A new CASS carers’ café in the Civic Centre in Wombourne will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Click here for more information about the carers’ café and CASS The Carers Association.

www.carersinformation.org.uk

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill.

Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• New dementia singing friends group

Earlier this month, a new dementia singing friends group was launched in Wombourne. Taking place every Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm in the Community Room in Wombourne Library, the sessions are relaxed and informal where people affected by dementia and their carers can get together, have a good chat and a laugh while also singing favourite songs or even having a dance. Click here for more information.

• Calling all photographers!

Staffordshire Police is in the process of implementing a new website and needs your help concerning the ‘localities page’. They’re in search of photographs that represent your local area – scenery, monuments or a recognisable place. Please send your photos to nw@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk and include your location.

• Follow us on Facebook

Remember to follow Baggeridge Country Park on Facebook to find out the latest news, wildlife updates and activities going on in this popular park. Our volunteers are busy helping out with the scrub clearance (thank you!), we’re preparing an area for wildflower seed and we’ve even welcomed the first Red Admiral of the year.

Regular information 

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meetings are scheduled:

• Licensing Sub Committee – Tuesday 26 February 2019 – 6.15pm – Committee Room 2.
• Full Council – Tuesday 26 February 2019 – 7pm – Council Chamber 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspection this week – Stourbridge Rugby Football Club, Holly Lane Nursery in Great Wyrley, and Moat Hill Primary School in Great Wyrley.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

This week’s news from around South Staffordshire Council. 

• Change to Council opening hours

This month, new opening hours have been introduced at the Council Offices in Codsall and the building is now open to the public Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5pm. To access Council services online 24/7, sign up to My Account. Registering is easy and takes just a couple of minutes at www.sstaffs.gov.uk/myaccount

• Review Magazine – issue 72

The spring issue of the South Staffordshire Review Magazine has now been printed and will be distributed to all households in the district by the end of February 2019. This issue has been produced one month early due to the local elections taking place on Thursday 2 May 2019. Click here to read the latest issue.

• February school holiday activities

Aspire Sports will be delivering full-day and half-day school holiday activity camps next week at Cheslyn Hay, Codsall and Wombourne Leisure Centres for children aged from 4 to 14-year olds. Penkridge Leisure Centre also has a programme of activities running too.

Click here for details of activities at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre.

Click here for details of activities at Codsall Leisure Centre.

Click here for details of activities at Penkridge Leisure Centre.

Click here for details of activities at Wombourne Leisure Centre. 

• Warning about doorstep traders

Staffordshire Police is urging residents to be on their guard following a report of rogue traders operating in areas of South Staffordshire. Never allow any unsolicited visitors into your home, or agree to works being completed by doorstep traders.

Follow the STOP, CHAIN, CHECK rule when people call at the door.

STOP – If you are not expecting anybody and they don’t have an appointment, don’t let them in.

CHAIN – Use your door chain or bar before opening the door.

CHECK – Ask to see ID and double check this.

Please contact the police immediately if you have any suspicions about doorstep callers; click here for more information and advice.

• Coming soon to Wombourne

A new CASS carers’ café in the Civic Centre in Wombourne will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Click here for more information about the carers’ café and CASS The Carers Association.

www.carersinformation.org.uk 

• Save the date

The next Let’s work together free training session will take place on Monday 25 February 2019 in the Council Chamber. The theme will be community support and the session will include presentations from Healthwatch, Compton Care, Supported Futures and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue. For more information and to book a place, please call 01902 696238 or email policyandpartnershipevents@sstafs.gov.uk 

• Candidates and agents’ briefing session

The first candidates and agents briefing session will take place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 at 5pm to 6.30pm at the Council Offices in Codsall. The session will be an opportunity for potential candidates and their agents to collect their nomination packs. For more information, please click here.

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill.

Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping many people

who struggle to get out and about and it is aimed at residents who live

away from regular bus routes or who find it difficult to use a standard

bus. The new Connect service operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. 

Regular information 

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meeting is scheduled:

• Planning Committee – Tuesday 19 February 2019 – Council Chamber 

• 5 Rating

The following organisation has achieved a 5 Rating following its food inspection this week – Churros Hermanos in Wheaton Aston,

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

This week’s news from around South Staffordshire Council. 

• Good news for award-winning BBO programme

Building Better Opportunities (BBO) Stafford and South Staffordshire has received approval for an extension of its programme, which supports people who are not currently in work move closer to employment and training. The programme is jointly funded by the Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund (ESF) and was originally a three year project funded until December 2019. This extension means that the programme can now continue until 2022 and continue supporting vulnerable residents and helping change people’s lives for the better.

The additional funding awarded to Stafford and South Staffordshire is as a result of the excellent work and commitment of all the partners involved in the BBO programme, who have all helped to achieve the targets and outcomes required by the Big Lottery. For more information about the programme, please visit: https://bbostaffs.org/

• New Leisure web pages go live

New web pages about the Council’s leisure services are now live on the Council website. Over the next few months, we will be introducing many new online features to help inspire staff and residents to use the Council’s Leisure Centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne and get everyone more active.

The new web pages are fully compatible with smartphones and tablets and soon to be launched features include a join online facility, where you can find out more and sign up to one of the leisure centre membership packages, and an online bookings system, where you can access leisure services quickly and easily, check availability and manage your own bookings.

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/leisure 

• Energy switch surgery success

The Good Life Energy switch surgery held at Wedges Mills Village Hall on Monday was successful with the team speaking with local residents and lots of new leads to follow up. Don’t forget that if you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill. www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy 

• Coming soon to Wombourne

A new CASS carers’ café in the Civic Centre in Wombourne will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Click here for more information about the carers’ café and CASS The Carers Association.

www.carersinformation.org.uk 

• Go digital!

Questions about your Council Tax? Want to pay for council services? Order a bulky waste collection? Track planning applications in your area? Why not register for My Account, available 24 hours, seven days a week. Registering is easy and takes just a couple of minutes.

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/myaccount

• Scam alert

Please be aware that there appears to be a fraudulent email/text in circulation asking people to pay their outstanding Council Tax to Thornet.gov.uk. This correspondence is not from the Council so please disregard and delete. 

• Community Lottery ‘triple’ superdraw – one day to go!

On Saturday 9 February 2019, there will be a Community Lottery ‘triple’ superdraw taking place. Supporters will be in the chance of winning either an Amazon Alexa Fire7 Table with Alexa, four tickets to The Up Beat Beatles at Dudley Town Hall or four tickets to see Aretha: Respect at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. To be in with the chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes, please support the Community Lottery before the draw on Saturday 9 February 2019. Tickets cost just £1 a week. Play today at www.southstaffslottery.co.uk . Good luck!

• Save the date

The next Let’s work together free training session will take place on Monday 25 February 2019 in the Council Chamber. The theme will be community support and the session will include presentations from Healthwatch, Compton Care, Supported Futures and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue. For more information and to book a place, please call 01902 696238 or email policyandpartnershipevents@sstafs.gov.uk 

• Candidates and agents’ briefing session

The first candidates and agents briefing session will take place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 at 5pm to 6.30pm at the Council Offices in Codsall. The session will be an opportunity for potential candidates and their agents to collect their nomination packs. For more information, please click here.

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill. Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping many people

who struggle to get out and about and it is aimed at residents who live

away from regular bus routes or who find it difficult to use a standard

bus. The new Connect service operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.

• Warmer Homes – funding now available for broken gas boilers

Do you or anyone you know need help to replace an old or broken has boiler? Funding is available through the Council’s Warmer Homes scheme so please get in touch. Funding is for South Staffordshire residents on limited household incomes with hard to heat homes or for residents who are vulnerable to the cold through ill health or age. Please apply now before the funding runs out.

Warmer Homes South Staffordshire.

Freephone 0800 193 1902 or email info@mea.org.uk

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meeting is scheduled:

• Licensing Sub Committee – Monday 11 February 2019 – 2.30pm – Bill Brownhill Room 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspections this week – Perton Primary Academy, Ounsdale High School in Wombourne, and the Summerhouse pub in Gospel End near Sedgley.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council. 

• Winter safety and weather

The cold weather is still with us so please make sure that you keep checking the local weather forecast for warnings about icy or snowy weather. Click here to find out about the weather forecast for your area and click here for advice about driving in snow and icy conditions. Click here to view the gritting route map produced by Staffordshire County Council.

Stay wrapped up warm and wear shoes with good grip if you’re heading outside. Keep your home heated to at least 18C if you can and remember to check on any frail or older neighbours, especially those living alone. 

• Save the date

The next Let’s work together free training session will take place on Monday 25 February 2019 in the Council Chamber. The theme will be community support and the session will include presentations from Healthwatch, Compton Care, Supported Futures and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue. For more information and to book a place, please call 01902 696238 or email policyandpartnershipevents@sstafs.gov.uk

• Treecycle success

Thanks to a ‘Tree-mendous’ effort from South Staffordshire residents and your bin collection crews 450 Christmas trees were collected at the kerbside over the last two weeks, and all of these were composted at a local facility. Click here to see more.  #treecycle

• Candidates and agents’ briefing session

The first candidates and agents briefing session will take place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 at 5pm to 6.30pm at the Council Offices in Codsall. The session will be an opportunity for potential candidates and their agents to collect their nomination packs. For more information, please click here.

• Local history unearthed at Baggeridge

Some of Baggeridge Country Park’s history came to the surface this week with a digger finding an old mine cart and part of a brick culvert. Click here to see some pics and like Baggeridge’s Facebook page for regular news about the park.

• Switch and save

If you’d like help switching your energy supplier, the Good Life Energy team will be visiting the Council Offices every Thursday between 9.30am and 1pm. Remember to bring along a recent energy bill.

Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping many people

who struggle to get out and about and it is aimed at residents who live

away from regular bus routes or who find it difficult to use a standard

bus. The new Connect service operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.

• Warmer Homes – funding now available for broken gas boilers

Do you or anyone you know need help to replace an old or broken has boiler? Funding is available through the Council’s Warmer Homes scheme so please get in touch. Funding is for South Staffordshire residents on limited household incomes with hard to heat homes or for residents who are vulnerable to the cold through ill health or age. Please apply now before the funding runs out.

Warmer Homes South Staffordshire.

Freephone 0800 193 1902 or email info@mea.org.uk 

• Reminder – please help support World Cancer Day on Monday

The Enterprise and Growth Team will be raising funds once more for World Cancer Day on Monday 4 February 2019 through the sale of cakes and fruit pots. Last year’s event was very successful and as we have some master bakers in the team we hope you will support us on the day! Monies raised will be split between Cancer UK and Compton Care. 

• Community Lottery ‘triple’ superdraw – one week to go!

On Saturday 9 February 2019, there will be a Community Lottery ‘triple’ superdraw taking place. Supporters will be in the chance of winning either an Amazon Alexa Fire7 Table with Alexa, four tickets to The Up Beat Beatles at Dudley Town Hall or four tickets to see Aretha: Respect at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. To be in with the chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes, please support the Community Lottery before the draw on Saturday 9 February 2019. Tickets cost just £1 a week. Play today at www.southstaffslottery.co.uk . Good luck! 

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meetings are scheduled:

• Asset Scrutiny Panel – Tuesday 5 February 2019 – 5pm – Bill Brownhill Room

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspections this week – Greenway House Residential Home in Lower Penn, Catch Corner in Acton Gate, St Michael’s C of E School in Penkridge, Basil’s Restaurant in Kinver and Ye Olde White Hart in Kinver. 

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

•  South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping many people

who struggle to get out and about and it is aimed at residents who live

away from regular bus routes or who find it difficult to use a standard

bus. The new Connect service operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. 

• Public statement regarding Hobnock Road, Essington

Click here to view a statement by the Council concerning a potential legal challenge to the planning permission issued by the Council in regards to Hobnock Road, Essington 18/00450/REM.

• Big Energy Saving Week

Thank you to the Parish Councils that supported the Good Life Energy team during Big Energy Saving Week this week and hosted local Good Life Energy bill surgeries in their community to help people cut their energy bills. Events were supported by Great Wyrley Parish Council, Perton Parish Council, Saredon Parish Council and Wombourne Parish Council. Codsall and Bilbrook Parish Council are also helping to promote the scheme.

Another Good Life Energy bill surgery is taking place on:

o    Monday 4 February 2019, 4pm to 7pm – Wedges Mills Village Hall.

Remember to bring your bills along so advisors can help talk you through the best energy deals.

Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com 

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy   

• Warmer Homes – funding now available for broken gas boilers

Do you or anyone you know need help to replace an old or broken has boiler? Funding is available through the Council’s Warmer Homes scheme so please get in touch. Funding is for South Staffordshire residents on limited household incomes with hard to heat homes or for residents who are vulnerable to the cold through ill health or age. Please apply now before the funding runs out.

Warmer Homes South Staffordshire – Freephone 0800 193 1902 or email info@mea.org.uk

• Pre-purchasing option now available

Grave plots at the Council’s two cemeteries in Sytch Lane in Wombourne and Strawberry Lane in Great Wyrley are now available to pre-purchase. Plots are available for residents of South Staffordshire as well as people from outside the district and there’s a variety of grave types including lawn graves, cremated remains graves and natural graves. For more information, please contact Bereavement Services for more details on 01902 696111. 

• Winter safety and weather

The cold weather is settling in so please make sure that you keep checking the local weather forecast for warnings about icy or snowy weather. Click here to find out about the weather forecast for your area and click here for advice about driving in snow and icy conditions.

• Stay with your car at all times when defrosting it to prevent your car from being stolen.
• Make sure you are able to see and clear all snow and ice from your windows.
• Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users and ensure your lights are clean and number plates are visible and legible.
• Take care on the road and allow extra time for your journey.
• Check your planned route is clear of delays. 

Regular information

• Committee/Panel meetings – next week there are no public meetings.

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspections this week – Wolgarston High School in Penkridge, St John’s Primary Academy in Essington, Fishley Park Golf Range in Bloxwich and The Allotment in Coven.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

This week’s news from South Staffordshire Council.

•  Green light for i54 South Staffordshire extension

Last week, the Council’s planning committee granted outline planning permission for an extension to i54 South Staffordshire. The development could generate around 1,700 jobs and lever in up to £300 million of investment. Click here to read more.

• South Staffordshire Connect service now available

The South Staffordshire Connect dial-a-ride bus service is now available.

This local, bookable bus service is once again helping many people

who struggle to get out and about and it is aimed at residents who live

away from regular bus routes or who find it difficult to use a standard

bus. The new Connect service operates between 10am and 3pm to

three zones. For more information, please click on the following for

more information – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.

•  Subsidy grant approved

Did you know that the benefits service pays out over £20m per year in housing benefit in the district? The majority of this is reimbursed by the Government in the form of a subsidy grant and to claim the money back, the Council has to complete a detailed form of all payments. This form has to be checked by an external auditor and selective testing is undertaken to demonstrate the accuracy of the payments made to customers. Grant Thornton has completed their checking and confirmed they are confident in the accuracy of the claim. This is a great result and confirms the high standard of work processed within Welfare Service.

• Building Better Opportunities

The award-winning Building Better Opportunities programme needs your help to attract more people to sign-up before December 2019. Since January 2017, 411 residents of South Staffordshire and Stafford have joined the programme but it needs a further 310 people to take part in the programme to hit its target. If you know of anyone who faces additional barriers that make it difficult for them to look for work then please email BBOstaffs@gmail.com.

Through the Building Better Opportunities programme, we can assist them to access online or face-to-face training courses, work experience, volunteering and confidence and team building skills. Each person is allocated a dedicated advocate who will provide support and guidance. There are also financial incentives for those who join the programme and/or successfully complete agreed actions. For more information please ring 01902 696228. 

• Community Innovation Fund

The submission process for the South Staffordshire Community Innovation Fund is now open and applicants have until 5pm on Friday 25 January 2019 to submit a completed application. Grants up to £1,000 are available for all community and voluntary sector organisations in South Staffordshire, including those registered to the South Staffordshire Community Lottery. Click here for more information.

• This week – Big Energy Saving Week

Several Parish Councils are supporting the Good Life Energy team during Big Energy Saving Week (21 to 28 January 2019) and hosting local Good Life Energy bill surgeries in their community to help people cut their energy bills. Events are being supported by Great Wyrley Parish Council, Perton Parish Council, Saredon Parish Council and Wombourne Parish Council. Codsall and Bilbrook Parish Council are also helping to promote the scheme.

Good Life Energy bill surgeries are being held on:

• Tuesday 22 January 2019, 9.30am to 1pm – Perton Civic Centre.

o    Wednesday 23 January 2019, 9.30am to 1pm – Wombourne Civic Centre.

o    Thursday 24 January 2019, 9.30am to 1pm – Codsall District Council Offices.

o    Friday 25 January 2019, 9.30am to 1pm Great Wyrley Community Centre.

o    Monday 4 February 2019, 4pm to 7pm – Wedges Mills Village Hall.

Remember to bring your bills along so advisors can help talk you through the best energy deals.

Freephone: 03333 058671

Email: info@cebltd.com

www.sstaffs.gov.uk/energy

• Community Centre celebrates 30 years

On Saturday 26 January 2019, there will be a celebration marking 30 years since the opening of Moseley Court Community Centre in Essington by former Chairman Councillor Cyril Wakeman in 1989. This function room is much loved and used by residents and refreshments will be available from 2pm on the day. 

• Warmer Homes – funding now available for broken gas boilers

Do you or anyone you know need help to replace an old or broken has boiler? Funding is available through the Council’s Warmer Homes scheme so please get in touch. Funding is for South Staffordshire residents on limited household incomes with hard to heat homes or for residents who are vulnerable to the cold through ill health or age. Please apply now before the funding runs out.

Warmer Homes South Staffordshire.

Freephone 0800 193 1902 or email info@mea.org.uk

• Pre-purchasing option now available

Grave plots at the Council’s two cemeteries in Sytch Lane in Wombourne and Strawberry Lane in Great Wyrley are now available to pre-purchase. Plots are available for residents of South Staffordshire as well as people from outside the district and there’s a variety of grave types including lawn graves, cremated remains graves and natural graves. For more information, please contact Bereavement Services for more details on 01902 696111. 

Regular information 

• Committee/Panel meetings

Next week, the following public meetings are scheduled:

• Special Council – Tuesday 22 January 2019 – 6pm – Council Chamber
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Tuesday 22 January 2019 – 6.30 pm – Council Chamber
• Standards and Resources Committee – Thursday 24 January 2019 – 2.30 pm – Bill Brownhill Room 

• 5 Rating

The following organisations have achieved a 5 Rating following their food inspections this week – St Paul’s CE First School in Coven, the Courtyard Bistro at Dunston Business Village and Archies Attic in Enville.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: comms@sstaffs.gov.uk

Your local, bookable bus service
Zone 3 – Wombourne

The South Staffordshire Connect bus returns to the
Wombourne, Seisdon, Trysull, Lower Penn, Himley,
Swindon and Gospel End area.

This service will make cross-border links at
Sedgley Market (Lloyds Pharmacy side)
and Wolverhampton, Langley Road bus stop.

Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 3pm.

If you want to visit friends or family, pop to the shops, or travel to an appointment, the Connect
local, bookable bus service is here to help you live the Good Life in South Staffordshire.
The Connect bus service is for any resident of any age living in the zone who:
• Doesn’t live near a regular bus route.
• Finds it difficult to use standard buses.
• Wants to make a journey which is not possible by a regular bus route.
• Can’t use a regular bus because of disability or mobility difficulties.

Available for short, local journeys within the zone.

We pick up from your home and drop you off at your destination.

Need a little extra help to get on board?
No problem. Our drivers are trained to take excellent care of you.

Our buses also take wheelchairs so everyone can travel.

Fares
Passengers pay a flat rate fare of £3.00 for a single journey or £5.00 return.

How to book
Call 01902 910263 between 8am and 5pm to register and book your journey.
You can book your journey up to seven days in advance or up to two hours before travel. Once your
call is booked, we aim to be at your pick-up point within 10 minutes of the agreed time.

Terms and conditions
For full terms and conditions, please visit:http://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/connect