Council News from West Devon Borough Council

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10 February 2023

News Round Up from West Devon Borough Council


Free slow cookers, electric blankets and throws available

Slow Cooker

 

Keen to reduce your energy costs and improve your cooking skills?

The Council is supporting local residents and community groups by purchasing and distributing slow cookers and cookbooks.

Slow cookers work best with cheaper cuts of meat, but can also be used for curries, steamed puddings and risotto. We appreciate that a lot of residents have busy lives and slow cookers save time, leaving you to get on with other things.

We also have a stock of electric blankets available for distribution.

If you would benefit from either item, please send an email to rachelle.underwood@swdevon.gov.uk with Slow Cooker or Electric Blanket in the subject line.  You will need to provide your name, address (which must be in the West Devon area) and a contact telephone number. Stocks are limited and will be distributed on a first come first served basis.


Household Support Fund

Money


We know that many of our residents are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the cost of living crisis. 

The Household Support Fund is available to provide rapid short-term financial support to meet immediate needs and help those who are struggling to afford food, energy and water bills, and other related essentials this year.

The scheme runs until 31 March and is designed to help ease financial pressure on residents and to support those most in need this winter.

Due to the limited amount of funds we have available, we will prioritise items necessary for day to day living such as food, energy costs and essential household items we may also refuse or restrict applications from those that have claimed from previous funds.

Click the button below to visit our website and find out more.

Click Here To Find Out More Button PNG

Nominate your 'local champion'

mayoral awards


Don't forget to nominate your "local champion" for this year's West Devon Mayoral Awards!

We want to celebrate the outstanding people who deserve public recognition for their unpaid work or contribution.  Whether an individual, group or an organisation, the Council wants to hear about them.

The four categories this year are:

  • The West Devon Mayoral Award for Under 18s
  • The West Devon Mayoral Award for Over 18s / Organisation
  • The Mayor's Green Award
  • Long Service Award

The Long Service Award recognises those who have worked behind the scenes, contributing to their community over a number of years.

The Green Award covers a wide range of environmental or sustainable areas, such as recycling, improving biodiversity or green transport. If you know someone who is 'green fingered' or doing their bit to combat climate change, this award is a great way to celebrate their achievements.

Nominations close on Friday 17 February.

To access the nomination forms and for more information visit: www.westdevon.gov.uk/mayors-awards


Find the help you need on our support directory

Support


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

Coronation street party applications now open

bunting union jack coronation

 

If you are planning to host a street party to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, Devon County Council is inviting communities to apply for a free street party licence.

Please apply using their online basic street party application to close off your street, this is available on their website.

The cut-off date is 26 March.

If you want to sell alcohol, have regulated entertainment or late night refreshment and don't hold a premises licence or club premises certificate, you can apply for a Temporary Event Notices (TEN). This gives you temporary permission to carry out these licensable activities. For more info please see here and ensure you apply early.  https://www.westdevon.gov.uk/temporary-event-notice.


Single bus fares for £2 until end of March

Bus


Millions of people can access affordable bus travel this winter, thanks to the Government’s fare cap encouraging passengers to ‘Get Around for £2’.

You can take advantage of the discounted bus fare - 30% off the average single fare - on a single journey any time you board until the end of March. This cap for a single journey is part of the Department for Transport’s fares initiative, through the Government’s Help for Households campaign.


Visit a warm space this winter

warm spaces mug jumper coffee

 

Warm spaces are free or low-cost options to use during the day if you are struggling with the cost of heating your home.

Here are just a few of the available spaces available across West Devon:

Tavistock

  • Tavistock Food Hub
  • Abbey Chapel
  • Various churches throughout Tavistock

Okehampton

  • The Ockment Centre
  • The London Inn
  • Okehampton Library

North Tawton

  • Merry Go Round Shop

Walkhampton

  • Walkhampton Village Hall

Find out more about opening times and where to find Warm Spaces in West Devon on our website.


Waste recycling centres in West Devon

waste

 

Owners of a private van wanting to use the Devon County Council recycling centres in Okehampton or Tavistock will need a permit from Wednesday 1 March.

Devon County Council has introduced the measure to help stop commercial waste from being deposited at their sites at public expense.

It will also help make it easier for users to access the sites by reducing queues and congestion.

Applications for the permits, which are free, are available online here.

Find out more on the Devon County Council website here.


Job Vacancies

Job Vacancies


Are you looking for a flexible role in a supportive and open culture? Join the Council! We have a number of exciting roles available for the right person.

Click the button below to see our current vacancies.

Click here to find out more