Every year I’m surprised by how quickly Christmas and the new year are upon us again – and so it’s proven in 2023.
It’s been a busy year for the Council, and I’m proud of the role we’ve played supporting our communities and providing important services to you, our residents.
There have been challenges for us all this year, not least the continued cost of living crisis. Yet the people of West Devon have continued to show their kindness, resilience and compassion for one another this year and it’s wonderful to see.
To everyone living and working in West Devon, I’d like to say merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Cllr Mark Renders,
Deputy Leader of West Devon Borough Council
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Over the Christmas holidays we'll be collecting your waste and recycling at different times - see the waste calendar above to see how your collections are affected.
Click the button below to find out more - including exactly what you can and can't recycle this Christmas.
Our customer contact centre will close at 5 p.m. on Friday 22 December for the Christmas period, reopening at 9 a.m. on 2 January.
If you have an emergency, call our emergency helpline on 01822 813360.
You can find out about our services, make payments and applications, and view your Council Tax account on our website.
If you wish to make a payment over the phone rather than on the website, you can do so on our automated payment line on 0330 088 7949.
From 2 January, our contact centre will be open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You'll be able to call us on 01822 813600.
Most of us are still feeling the ongoing effects of the cost of living crisis. If you're struggling, you needn't struggle alone.
We've got a whole host of information on support and help you can get if things are difficult.
Our online support directory signposts you to services and organisations that could help you through a difficult winter.
The directory provides essential information and contact details for the Council and other groups offering support.
Among other things, it has specific pages on:
Find out more by clicking the button below.
Food prices are more than 25% higher than they were just two years ago.
It's a huge rise in prices that we're all having to deal with - but reducing the amount of food we throw away can help cut down shopping bills, especially at Christmas time.
Recycle Devon is sharing food and money saving tips in the run up to Christmas on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
The Love Food Hate Waste Community Facebook page also has good tips on how to reduce your food waste.
Research by Which? shows that during the festive period, people most often buy too much cheese, biscuits, chocolate, alcohol and vegetables. If that sounds familiar, a bit of planning is key to making sure you avoid falling into the same trap. The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Food Planning will give you plenty of tips to enjoy a feast without going overboard.
Any food waste you do have over Christmas can go in your food waste caddy.
Christmas can be a joyous period, but it can also be a difficult and testing time. With the cost of living crisis putting even more pressure on families this winter, being aware of our mental health is more important than ever.
There are plenty of places that you can seek out support if you're struggling with things:
Flu and COVID-19 spread more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors and they can cause serious illness.
Respiratory viruses usually reach their peak over the festive and new year period. Nobody wants to miss out on the festive celebrations with their friends and family this winter and the vaccines provide the best possible protection.
If you are vaccinated and catch flu or COVID-19 this winter, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised.
All those eligible are urged to join the millions of others who have taken up their free vaccine offer to get winter strong – don’t put it off, book your appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness.
You can check your eligibility and book online on the NHS website.
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.
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