To vote in elections in England in May, you will need to show photo ID.

Find out what is accepted and apply for free voter ID if you need one by clicking here.

Our Local Plan public consultation is now underway. 

The Local Plan sets the planning framework for the district and includes sites for housing and employment, and policies to decide planning applications.  The strategy has been revised following changes by the government to national planning policy in late 2023, and updated evidence.

The consultation runs until midday, Friday, May 31st.

The Publication Plan, FAQs and supporting documents can be viewed at Local Plan Review | South Staffordshire District Council (sstaffs.gov.uk)

We are holding a number of in person consultation events and two online Q&A sessions. 

Our next in person event is at Wombourne Civic Centre on Wednesday, May 1st and you can book a slot by calling 01902 696423. 

Details of all the events and links for the meetings are our website.

All comments must be made in writing before 12 noon on May 31st.

The Business Drop-in Session, held at Dunston Business Village, provided South Staffordshire businesses to connect with the South Staffordshire council Enterprise team and explore the wide range of resources available to enhance business growth. Strategic partners Staffordshire University provided expert advise on South Staffordshire councils Innovate in South Staffs programme.

The Innovate in South Staffs programme provides dedicated support, including bespoke workshops, tailored one-to-one consultation and the opportunity to apply for an innovation grant of up to £3,000. The programme is delivered by Staffordshire University, who have a proven track record working with businesses in innovation and training via their Innovation Enterprise Zone and have expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Net Zero, Big Data, Machine Learning, Automation Robotics, Immersive Technologies, Health, Games, Bioscience, CPD micro-credentials and have links to more funding opportunities. The programme benefits businesses by increasing competitiveness, increasing profits, stimulating R&D and innovation capacity, driving new product development and retaining skilled employees.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in one-to-one consultations with the team, who gave guidance on topics such as funding opportunities, marketing strategies and digital transformation.

Business Drop in Session’s will be run regularly so make sure to follow South Staffordshire Council’s social media platforms to attend the next one.

To find out more about Innovate in South Staffs, please click here.

As part of South Staffordshire Council’s commitment to Health and Wellbeing in the community, a new Total Body Walx sessions is starting soon.

These Walx make every step count! Total Body walking is a unique mix of walking drills, strength and balance exercises with or without total body walking poles. Delivered by our fully qualified WALX Masters who will teach you how to walk well and help you improve how you look and feel with every step, in sessions that are full of fun and variety.

The Walx will take place every Thursday, starting June 13^th from 12pm-1pm.  Everyone is welcome – meet at Codsall Community Hub reception (Please wear suitable trainers for flexibility – not walking boots). The Walx are free to attend and Walx poles will be provided however there will be limited places. 

For more info and to book your place contact Lisa at  lisaembrey@hotmail.com or call 0777 332 6373.

A brand-new aqua aerobics class is starting on June 4^th at Penkridge Leisure Centre.

The class will run every Tuesday from 7.15-8pm.

Aqua aerobics is a cardiovascular pool-based workout. It gently increases your pulse and breathing rate, so it's great for helping to improve your heart health. It strengthens and tones muscles using the resistance of the water and engaging opposing muscle groups in each movement as you push and pull against it. 

Members can book 14-days in advance; and non-members can book 7 days in advance. 

Call Penkridge Leisure Centre on 01785 714152 to reserve your place.

Leisure centre users can now sign up and enjoy savings of up to 10% off on individual activities.

Non-members can sign up at their nearest leisure centre at a nominal cost of just £5 for an adult and £2.50 per child with savings then available for an entire year.

For full details, click here.

Penkridge Leisure Centre is holding a National Pool Lifeguard training course, running this May half term.

Date: May 27th – June 1st

Time: 9am-5.30pm

Cost: £280 for the course (£100 deposit required on booking).

For more information go to https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sports-and-fitness/training-and-courses

To check availability and book onto the course, email trainingacademy@sstaffs.gov.uk

Funded Local Training Available:  See if you’re eligible for funded training - call 01902 696228 or email peopleandskills@sstaffs.gov.uk

Aspire Active Camps are available this Whitsun at Codsall and Wombourne Leisure Centres

Dates: May 28th to May 31st

Aspire Active Camps will be offering children’s sports-based activities for young people aged 5-14 year olds. 

Bookings are already being taken – book before May, 10th for the best possible price.

To find out more, view activity timetables and book, click on the following links:

Wombourne active camps - https://www.aaeg.co.uk/active-camps-wombourne

Codsall active camps - https://www.aaeg.co.uk/active-camps-codsall