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But with uncertainty remaining on the impact that Covid will have on homelessness, the draft strategy seeks to establish a framework for action which will be able to cope with the unexpected and continue to support people who need help.
A four-week consultation is now underway seeking views on the proposed principles and priorities of the strategy which include a commitment to preventing and relieving homelessness and rough sleeping.
Executive member for Housing Cllr Martin Wrigley is asking people to take a few minutes to look at the draft strategy and complete the short feedback survey.
“We believe that everyone should have a safe and secure place they can call home.
“This strategy is an important part in how we will help people in Teignbridge keep their homes or find suitable accommodation. It builds on the excellent work of the team over recent years to tackle causes of homelessness and rough sleeping and to support local people who need somewhere to live.”
The proposed strategy sets out the reasons people face homelessness – the ending of an assured shorthold or social rented tenancy; family or friends no longer being able or willing to provide accommodation; relationship breakdown with partner; and people needing help as a result of domestic abuse.
To combat these, the priorities in the draft strategy focus on prevention, intervention and recovery: working with people as early as possible to help them remain in their homes; improving access to accommodation and support services; and breaking the cycle of repeat homelessness by making sure we help people into sustainable, safe and suitable accommodation.
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Help for those struggling to pay bills
Today is Fuel Poverty Awareness Day which highlights the number of people across the country who will struggle to heat their homes this winter.
According to the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, around 10,000 people die most years across the United Kingdom, simply because they are unable to keep their homes warm.
Increasing energy costs will exacerbate the problems many people face. If you are struggling to pay your energy bills and heat your homes, our recently launched Household Support Fund may be able to help you cover the cost.
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Support our local businesses
 Now in its ninth year, Small Business Saturday UK, which takes place tomorrow, encourages everyone to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
Local stores are really important, especially for those without their own transport and many are integral to local communities. Some local businesses will price match, so check out what they can provide before ordering online.
And as part of our efforts to support people to shop local and support local businesses, free parking on late night shopping evenings started this week in Newton Abbot and Ashburton
From 4 pm, no charges will be levied in all Newton Abbot town centre pay and display car parking spaces (excluding reserved spaces) on Wednesday 8 and 15 December. The multi storey car park will close at 6pm so the free parking will only apply for two hours, starting at 4 pm.
Free parking from 4 pm will also be available in Ashburton on Thursday 9, 16 and 23 December, to support the town's late night Christmas shopping efforts.
Waste and recycling update
We’re sorry that there continues to be disruption to some waste and recycling rounds and you can see the latest position on our disruption information webpage.
Our teams are making a major push this weekend to try and catch up with as many collections as possible.
If your collection has been delayed, please leave your bins and boxes out and we will return to collect them as soon as we can.
We are really sorry for the inconvenience caused by these delays. Our crews are continuing to work hard and continue to appreciate your support during these challenging times.
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Slowing the spread of the new Covid variant
To slow down the spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, the Government introduced the following measures :
- Face coverings are compulsory in shops and settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt. All hospitality settings are exempt
- All international arrivals must take a PCR test by the end of the second day after arrival and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. The PCR tests are available online from private providers
- All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their age or vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
Devon County Council issued a special edition of its connectme e-newsletter which included information on Omicron and calls for caution from both Public Health and the NHS in Devon.
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Covid booster vaccinations expanded
All eligible adults in England aged 18 and over will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine by the end of January, the Government announced this week.
Following advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), everyone who is currently eligible – including those aged 40 and over, health and social care workers and those at increased risk from the virus due to health conditions – will be able to book their COVID-19 booster vaccine from three months after their second dose.
The Government and the NHS are urging younger people to wait until they are called forward by the NHS – with the more vulnerable continuing to be prioritised for their booster.
Younger age groups will be invited by the NHS in due course in order of age, grouped into five-year age bands.
Over-50s urged to have free flu vaccine this winter as scientists predict significant outbreak
Over-50s in Devon are being urged by the NHS to take up their free NHS flu vaccine as experts warn of a significant flu outbreak this winter.
Flu is not just a heavy cold. It is a highly infectious disease, causing fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days but, for some, it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, or can make existing conditions worse. The virus can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.
The Covid-19 jab does not protect against flu so it is vital to have both the flu and Covid-19 vaccinations to reduce your chances of becoming unwell and needing hospital treatment. Getting vaccinated helps you and the NHS, which is already facing extreme pressures in the run up to the very busy winter season.
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Teign Estuary Trail plans approved
Plans for the next section of the Teign Estuary Trail have been approved by Devon County Council’s Development Management Committee.
Councillors backed the 5km extension of the multi-use trail from the Passage House Inn to Teignmouth which will be accessible to walkers, cyclists and people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
A number of different route alignments have been considered in the design of the scheme in order to conserve and enhance the environment while minimising the impact on the local community. This included keeping the trail a safe distance from the railway, and minimising ground and construction work.
New boundary fencing, Devon hedgebanks and landscape planting are proposed alongside the path to increase safety and privacy, and screening will be included in sensitive areas to limit disturbance to wildlife. The scheme will also deliver at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity on site and off site with the creation of hedgerows, woodlands, grassland and the improvement of saltmarsh.
The route mostly takes in existing farmland but it will also pass through marshland areas at Luxton’s Marsh and Flow Point County Wildlife Sites where sections of boardwalk and viewing points will be constructed.
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Know anyone looking for offices?
The Council is trying to find tenants for a range of high quality serviced offices with parking at Teignbridge Business Centre in Heathfield, just off the A38.
If you know of any business which may be looking to upsize or downsize please pass on these details.
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Dawlish Town Council by-election
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Activities at Alice Cross
The December newsletter sets out a range of activities being run and support on offer, as well as two mid week Christmas lunches
Alice Cross is also planning new activities in January with a Zumba Gold session on Fridays and Computing for Beginners on Wednesday afternoons. (starting 19 January).
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Shoppers urged to be aware of post-Brexit changes
HMRC is urging shoppers to consider some tips before they start browsing online to ensure they’re not hit with unexpected customs charges as a result of the changes introduced as a result of Brexit.
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