The Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council has unveiled a set of ambitious budget proposals for 2022/23.

Despite having to find around £17million to meet unavoidable inflationary cost pressures the draft budget includes £10million of investment and protects frontline services from cuts as the authority recovers from the ongoing pandemic.

Caerphilly County Borough Council is reminding eligible residents that help is available through the Winter Fuel Support Scheme.

If residents are in receipt of working-age benefits such as Income support, Income Related Employment and Support allowance, Universal Credit, Income Based Job Seeker’s Allowance or Working Tax Credits then they may be eligible to receive £100 to help with the cost of energy bills.

Residents can apply by visiting the council’s website.

All applications must be submitted by 18 February 2022 and payments will be made from January 2022 until 31 March 2022.

Currently all our  health and social care services in Gwent are under massive pressure due to staff absence from Covid-19, especially our domiciliary care services and care home providers. It is well reported that there is a systemic national crisis in care.

The current situation is being made worse by the pandemic which is presenting unprecedented challenges and continues to test everyone in the health and social care sector to the limits.

We’re now appealing to all people in receipt of care and support to work with us and your co-operation and understanding is very much appreciated as it is highly likely you may notice changes in your current care arrangements.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet has unanimously endorsed ambitious regeneration proposals for the Lower Ebbw and Sirhowy Valleys area, subject to public consultation.

A 6 week consultation process will be carried out, between 19 January and  March 2022, where members of the public will be asked to give their views on the draft Lower Ebbw and Sirhowy Valleys Masterplan.  The draft plan focusses on the corridor between the centres of Newbridge and Risca.

Trading Standards Teams work together to secure justice for duped victims of rogue builders.

On 21 December 2021 at Cardiff Crown Court defendants Alan Lee, aged 48 of Shirenewton, Cardiff and Gareth James Robinson aged 41 of Roath, Cardiff were sentenced having previously pleaded guilty to 2 charges each of operating and participating in a fraudulent business.

Welsh Government has announced changes to its Tenancy Hardship Grant scheme.

The current eligibility period for arrears will be extended to include Covid-related arrears built up between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2021, as well as the previously allowed Covid-related arrears built up from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2021.

This means that tenants who lost their jobs following the removal of the furlough scheme in September, or who suffered a significant decrease in income when the Universal Credit uplift was removed by UK Government, and who were not in receipt of housing related costs, will be included.