|
Are you passionate about your local community? Would you like to be involved in decisions that make a profound difference to the lives of those living here in the South Hams?
If this sounds familiar, we need you. Councillors make a huge difference to the quality of life of local people and how local issues are dealt with. The Council needs people from all backgrounds and experiences, to reflect the communities we serve, to put themselves forward for election.
Being a councillor is all about giving back to your community by bringing your energy, passion, and hard-working attitude. You can make a real difference to the local community and wider society in many ways as a councillor. For example, you could be representing the views of local people to ensure the community gets the right services, supporting a resident with an issue, or helping to shape the community by driving new ideas.
The role of councillor is a varied and highly fulfilling one. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications, and you’ll gain lots of new skills, experience, knowledge, and confidence. Councillors are paid an allowance and can work flexibly.
We are holding an event for prospective candidates who are interested in becoming Councillors at our offices on Thursday 16 March at 6 p.m.
You’ll find our offices at:
Follaton House,
Plymouth Road,
Totnes,
TQ9 5NE
Visit our website to find out more, including eligibility criteria and more: www.southhams.gov.uk/be-a-councillor
South Hams District Council is looking at helping more residents than ever through its Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme.
The scheme offers significant reductions to council tax payments to households facing financial pressures, which is more important than ever, with many struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Following a public consultation held throughout October and November last year, we have proposed changes to the CTR scheme.
Among the most significant proposed change is to "uplift" bands 2, 3 and 4 of the scheme by 20% (above current inflation), a change to the minimum income floor for self-employed people with caring responsibilities and tweaking the earnings disregard to make it easier for the Council to administer the scheme and make it easier to understand for residents.
Find out more on our website.
We have an exciting opportunity to take on a café business at Follaton House in Totnes.
We’re inviting expressions of interest, including offers and proposals for a lease of the café and/or catering facilities. If you’re interested, you can arrange a visit. Informal proposals should be submitted to us by 25 February.
For more information, visit our website or email us on estates@swdevon.gov.uk.
The Rural Services Network (RSN), in partnership with the Citizens Advice, is running a Rural Cost of Living Household Survey.
Results from the survey will build on the Rural Cost of Living research that was commissioned last year which showed that rural areas are suffering more acutely from the rise in the cost of living compared to urban areas.
The research will help the RSN to lobby Government Departments, MPs and other policy makers for a fairer deal for rural communities.
The survey will run until 31 March.
Additionally, if you know anyone in your rural community that has limited access to the internet, we would love if you could help them to fill the survey out. The survey can be completed multiple times on the same device, so even if you have completed the survey, you could use your device to help someone.
You now need photo ID to vote at a polling station.
This could be your passport, driving license or blue badge but there are a lot more documents that are accepted. Find out more about what photo ID is suitable on our website.
If you don't have photo ID you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, which is a free voter ID document. Local elections are taking place on 4 May so make sure you have yours before 25 April.
Find out more on the Electoral Commission website.
Volunteers are needed for the planting of two new community orchards in Kingsbridge, which are to be planted with a variety of fruit trees by Parklife SW.
The planting sessions will take place at Rack Park on Wednesday 15 and Friday 17 February, and at Wallingford Road on Saturday 11 March, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. If you'd like to get involved, go along.
For more information, email parklifesw@gmail.com.
If you are struggling with the rising cost of living, head to our support directory which signposts to services and organisations available across the district.
It could help you get vital support during these difficult times, including advice and help with (but not limited to):
- Assistance the Council can offer residents
- Money and Debt Advice
- Fuel, Energy and Bills
- Abuse, Neglect and Violence
- Mental Health
Are you looking for a job this summer? 
We're recruiting now for seasonal staff to fill a number of important jobs that will help us welcome visitors to the area and ensure they have the best time possible.
Roles available include:
Locality Officer roles across the South Hams
Civil Enforcement Officers
Gardeners
Toilet Cleaners
Location Attendants on our Waste Team
Other summer roles, including working at Salcombe Harbour and Dartmouth Lower Ferry, will become available in the next few days and weeks. Keep an eye on our website for more.
Visit our website for more (click the button below) or WhatsApp us on 07458 049666.
Our job website also has a number of great permanent opportunities available too.
|
