Please note correspondence is uploaded in the order it is received, not in order of significance. There have been many emails recently about grant opportunities that may be of interest to the council or other organisations Councillors may have links to. Scroll down to the other stuff!
34. St Raphael's request for donation of unspecified amount.
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33. Letter from Duchy
Housing Needs Survey & Rent Review |
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32. Forest Inn
Some concerned residents have put together a letter regarding the future of The Forest Inn to be sent to HRH Prince Charles’ private secretary. They are asking those who agree to sign the letter. Alison will have a copy of the letter at the meeting next week so that any who may be interested can sign. |
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31. Pre-School request for donation of unspecified amount.
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30. Local Government Finance Settlement
The written ministerial statement by Kris Hopkins MP on the final local government finance settlement 2015 to 2016 is at https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/final-local-government-finance-settlement-2015-to-2016
It confirms that no town or parish councils have been made subject to the referendum threshold, which NALC called for in their representations and response to the draft settlement.
However no mention is made of council tax support funding which NALC will pick up in any statement or response, including with ministers and officials.
For the eagle-eyed of you, you will notice that the statement doesn't actually state that parish and town councils aren't included. But paragraph 10 of the referendums report confirms referendums only apply to all billing authorities and all major precepting authorities. So the fact you aren't mentioned means it doesn't apply to you.
What does all this mean?
It means that Parish and Town Councils are not having their precepts capped for 2015 - 2016!
The written ministerial statement by Kris Hopkins MP on the final local government finance settlement 2015 to 2016 is at https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/final-local-government-finance-settlement-2015-to-2016
It confirms that no town or parish councils have been made subject to the referendum threshold, which NALC called for in their representations and response to the draft settlement.
However no mention is made of council tax support funding which NALC will pick up in any statement or response, including with ministers and officials.
For the eagle-eyed of you, you will notice that the statement doesn't actually state that parish and town councils aren't included. But paragraph 10 of the referendums report confirms referendums only apply to all billing authorities and all major precepting authorities. So the fact you aren't mentioned means it doesn't apply to you.
What does all this mean?
It means that Parish and Town Councils are not having their precepts capped for 2015 - 2016!
29. OUR PLAN CONSULTATION
IMPORTANT: PLEASE CIRCULATE TO CHAIRMAN AND ALL TOWN/PARISH COUNCILLORS
Following approval by Council we will shortly be going out for public consultation on the draft “Our Plan”, The dates of the consultation will be Thursday 26th February to Monday 13th April, just over 6 weeks to allow some flexibility with Easter falling in early April. It is, as you will appreciate, almost impossible to avoid school holidays completely but a consultation period in excess of 6 weeks is long enough to more than adequately allow for the holiday period.
During the consultation period we are undertaking several events in the main towns and local centres. Below is a table of dates, times and locations and attached is a poster of all the events for you to publish on your notice boards, on your website and in any newsletters:
The events are not just for those locations but for surrounding parishes as well so please encourage residents of your parishes to come along.
At Bere Alston, Lifton and North Tawton we will be joined by the local Neighbourhood Planning Group. At North Tawton we will also be accompanied by the Connect Service for part of the day, and planning officers will join the Connect Service at Hatherleigh Market.
Because this consultation mostly covers planning related issues we will not be holding any events in Dartmoor National Park but those parishes are welcome to attend any of the events or contact us to discuss Our Plan.
Specific posters are also currently being produced for parishes to display and these will be sent to you shortly. In addition we will issue press releases and use social media and the website to promote the events and the consultation.
Debbie Bird, Community Manager
IMPORTANT: PLEASE CIRCULATE TO CHAIRMAN AND ALL TOWN/PARISH COUNCILLORS
Following approval by Council we will shortly be going out for public consultation on the draft “Our Plan”, The dates of the consultation will be Thursday 26th February to Monday 13th April, just over 6 weeks to allow some flexibility with Easter falling in early April. It is, as you will appreciate, almost impossible to avoid school holidays completely but a consultation period in excess of 6 weeks is long enough to more than adequately allow for the holiday period.
During the consultation period we are undertaking several events in the main towns and local centres. Below is a table of dates, times and locations and attached is a poster of all the events for you to publish on your notice boards, on your website and in any newsletters:
The events are not just for those locations but for surrounding parishes as well so please encourage residents of your parishes to come along.
At Bere Alston, Lifton and North Tawton we will be joined by the local Neighbourhood Planning Group. At North Tawton we will also be accompanied by the Connect Service for part of the day, and planning officers will join the Connect Service at Hatherleigh Market.
Because this consultation mostly covers planning related issues we will not be holding any events in Dartmoor National Park but those parishes are welcome to attend any of the events or contact us to discuss Our Plan.
Specific posters are also currently being produced for parishes to display and these will be sent to you shortly. In addition we will issue press releases and use social media and the website to promote the events and the consultation.
Debbie Bird, Community Manager
28. Neighbourhood Planning Event
IMPORTANT: PLEASE CIRCULATE TO CHAIRMAN AND ALL TOWN/PARISH COUNCILLORS
Alongside the Our Plan consultation we are looking to hold an event on the 19th March for towns and parishes who are considering developing their own neighbourhood plan. This will be held at Bridestowe Village Hall to make it easier for parishes across the Borough to attend.
The event will be led by Bere Penninsula Neighbourhood Planning Group who will share their experiences and learning to date. Council officers will be there to provide information and explain how Neighbourhood Plans link with Our Plan.
We would like to know:
1. If you are interested in attending?
2. Whether you prefer a presentation event with break out groups or a drop in event?
3. Whether the suggested timing of early-mid evening is right?
4. What you would like the event to cover?
Please email your replies to Debbie Bird: [email protected] by 26th February 2015 or call 01822 813515
Debbie Bird, Community Manager
IMPORTANT: PLEASE CIRCULATE TO CHAIRMAN AND ALL TOWN/PARISH COUNCILLORS
Alongside the Our Plan consultation we are looking to hold an event on the 19th March for towns and parishes who are considering developing their own neighbourhood plan. This will be held at Bridestowe Village Hall to make it easier for parishes across the Borough to attend.
The event will be led by Bere Penninsula Neighbourhood Planning Group who will share their experiences and learning to date. Council officers will be there to provide information and explain how Neighbourhood Plans link with Our Plan.
We would like to know:
1. If you are interested in attending?
2. Whether you prefer a presentation event with break out groups or a drop in event?
3. Whether the suggested timing of early-mid evening is right?
4. What you would like the event to cover?
Please email your replies to Debbie Bird: [email protected] by 26th February 2015 or call 01822 813515
Debbie Bird, Community Manager
27. Proposals to streamline the resale of shared ownership properties – Department for Communities & Local Government and Homes & Communities Agency consultation
As part of the Autumn Statement 2014, the government committed to work with housing associations, lenders and the regulator to identify and lift barriers to extending shared ownership.
This consultation seeks views on options to change the operation of the pre-emption right in shared ownership standard leases and other proposals intended to streamline the resale of shared ownership properties.
This consultation closes on 28 February 2015.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposals-to-streamline-the-resale-of-shared-ownership-properties
As part of the Autumn Statement 2014, the government committed to work with housing associations, lenders and the regulator to identify and lift barriers to extending shared ownership.
This consultation seeks views on options to change the operation of the pre-emption right in shared ownership standard leases and other proposals intended to streamline the resale of shared ownership properties.
This consultation closes on 28 February 2015.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposals-to-streamline-the-resale-of-shared-ownership-properties
26. On-Farm Anaerobic Digestion Fund - WRAP
The On-Farm Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Fund has been developed to help farmers in England get financial support to build small-scale AD plants on their farms
The fund is being delivered on behalf of the government by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). WRAP understand that the main barriers to developing AD on farms are: access to finance; availability of reference sites for technologies and case studies; demonstration of the benefits of AD; the potential high cost of technology.
To address these barriers and encourage the uptake of small-scale on-farm AD in the UK WRAP has developed a programme to help farms access finance, provide case studies and demonstration information and provide support for farmers who want to use AD on their farm. The fund will be available to farms in England, that have access to slurries or manures; and who wish to build AD plants producing up to 250k/W of power.
The scheme is split into two parts:
• A business plant grant up to £10,000 to investigate the environmental and economic potential of building an AD plant on the farm.
• A capital loan up to £400,000 (or a maximum of 50% of the project cost). This is available for AD plants producing up to 250kW of power.
There is a rolling programme for applications.
http://www.wrap.org.uk/node/16778
The On-Farm Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Fund has been developed to help farmers in England get financial support to build small-scale AD plants on their farms
The fund is being delivered on behalf of the government by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). WRAP understand that the main barriers to developing AD on farms are: access to finance; availability of reference sites for technologies and case studies; demonstration of the benefits of AD; the potential high cost of technology.
To address these barriers and encourage the uptake of small-scale on-farm AD in the UK WRAP has developed a programme to help farms access finance, provide case studies and demonstration information and provide support for farmers who want to use AD on their farm. The fund will be available to farms in England, that have access to slurries or manures; and who wish to build AD plants producing up to 250k/W of power.
The scheme is split into two parts:
• A business plant grant up to £10,000 to investigate the environmental and economic potential of building an AD plant on the farm.
• A capital loan up to £400,000 (or a maximum of 50% of the project cost). This is available for AD plants producing up to 250kW of power.
There is a rolling programme for applications.
http://www.wrap.org.uk/node/16778
25. Reaching Communities England – Big Lottery
Reaching Communities funding is for projects that help people and communities most in need. Grants are available from £10,000, upwards and funding can last for up to 5 years. If you think you need more than £500,000 you must call Big Lottery before applying to discuss why you believe a larger project is appropriate. There is no upper limit for total project costs. Reaching Communities can fund salaries, running costs, a contribution towards core costs and equipment. Reaching Communities can also fund up to £100,000 for land, buildings or refurbishment capital costs.
All projects must address one or more of the following outcomes:
• People have better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills,
• Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems,
• Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy,
• Healthier and more active people and communities
There is a two stage application process. After submitting a Reaching Communities Stage One application form, applicants will be told within 6 weeks whether the project is one that might be considered for funding. If successful, the applicant will be sent a Stage Two application form. Applicants will usually have four months to complete this.
From 15 October 2014 all stage two applicants to Reaching Communities will be offered an optional sum of money to use to develop the organisation’s knowledge, skills and confidence. Big Lottery want to support applicants to deliver their project to maximum effect. This offer is currently a trial and will initially run for two years. Full details on this offer will be supplied with stage two guidance.
http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/england/reaching-communities-England
Reaching Communities funding is for projects that help people and communities most in need. Grants are available from £10,000, upwards and funding can last for up to 5 years. If you think you need more than £500,000 you must call Big Lottery before applying to discuss why you believe a larger project is appropriate. There is no upper limit for total project costs. Reaching Communities can fund salaries, running costs, a contribution towards core costs and equipment. Reaching Communities can also fund up to £100,000 for land, buildings or refurbishment capital costs.
All projects must address one or more of the following outcomes:
• People have better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills,
• Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems,
• Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy,
• Healthier and more active people and communities
There is a two stage application process. After submitting a Reaching Communities Stage One application form, applicants will be told within 6 weeks whether the project is one that might be considered for funding. If successful, the applicant will be sent a Stage Two application form. Applicants will usually have four months to complete this.
From 15 October 2014 all stage two applicants to Reaching Communities will be offered an optional sum of money to use to develop the organisation’s knowledge, skills and confidence. Big Lottery want to support applicants to deliver their project to maximum effect. This offer is currently a trial and will initially run for two years. Full details on this offer will be supplied with stage two guidance.
http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global-content/programmes/england/reaching-communities-England
24. Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive – Ofgem
The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (Domestic RHI) is a government financial incentive to promote the use of renewable heat. Switching to heating systems that use naturally replenished energy can help the UK reduce its carbon emissions. People who join the scheme and stick to its rules, receive quarterly payments for seven years for the amount of clean, green renewable heat their system produces.
The scheme is open to anyone who can meet the joining requirements. It’s for households both off and on the gas grid. People off mains gas are stated to have the most potential to save on fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions.
The Renewable Heat Incentive has two schemes - Domestic and Non-Domestic. They have separate tariffs, joining conditions, rules and application processes.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/domestic-renewable-heat-incentive/about-domestic-renewable-heat-incentive
The Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (Domestic RHI) is a government financial incentive to promote the use of renewable heat. Switching to heating systems that use naturally replenished energy can help the UK reduce its carbon emissions. People who join the scheme and stick to its rules, receive quarterly payments for seven years for the amount of clean, green renewable heat their system produces.
The scheme is open to anyone who can meet the joining requirements. It’s for households both off and on the gas grid. People off mains gas are stated to have the most potential to save on fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions.
The Renewable Heat Incentive has two schemes - Domestic and Non-Domestic. They have separate tariffs, joining conditions, rules and application processes.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/domestic-renewable-heat-incentive/about-domestic-renewable-heat-incentive
23. Healthy Heart Grants – Heart Research UK
Grants of up to £5000 and up to £10,000 are available across the UK for new, original and innovative projects that actively promote heart health and help to prevent, or reduce, the risk of heart disease in specific groups or communities.
There are two rounds of grants per year. Applications to the May round must be submitted between 1 January and 28 February 2015.
http://heartresearch.org.uk/grants/apply-hruk-healthy-heart-grants
Grants of up to £5000 and up to £10,000 are available across the UK for new, original and innovative projects that actively promote heart health and help to prevent, or reduce, the risk of heart disease in specific groups or communities.
There are two rounds of grants per year. Applications to the May round must be submitted between 1 January and 28 February 2015.
http://heartresearch.org.uk/grants/apply-hruk-healthy-heart-grants
22. Small Grants Scheme – Foyle Foundation - Community Organisations
This scheme is designed to support smaller charities in the UK, especially those working at grass roots and local community level, in any field, across a wide range of activities. Applications are welcomed from charities that have an annual turnover of less than £100,000 per annum. Larger or national charities will normally not be considered under this scheme. Nor will the Scheme generally support charities that are able consistently to generate operational surpluses or which have been able to build up unrestricted reserves to a level equivalent to three months turnover.
The Foundation plan to make one year grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to charities which can demonstrate that such a grant will make a significant difference to their work. Demonstrating ongoing sustainability is also important, particularly if the organisation has recently lost local authority or other regular funding. No multi-year funding awards will be made.
There are no deadlines for submission. Applications will be received at all times but it may take up to four months to reach a decision.
http://www.foylefoundation.org.uk/small-grants-scheme/
This scheme is designed to support smaller charities in the UK, especially those working at grass roots and local community level, in any field, across a wide range of activities. Applications are welcomed from charities that have an annual turnover of less than £100,000 per annum. Larger or national charities will normally not be considered under this scheme. Nor will the Scheme generally support charities that are able consistently to generate operational surpluses or which have been able to build up unrestricted reserves to a level equivalent to three months turnover.
The Foundation plan to make one year grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to charities which can demonstrate that such a grant will make a significant difference to their work. Demonstrating ongoing sustainability is also important, particularly if the organisation has recently lost local authority or other regular funding. No multi-year funding awards will be made.
There are no deadlines for submission. Applications will be received at all times but it may take up to four months to reach a decision.
http://www.foylefoundation.org.uk/small-grants-scheme/
21. Rural Community Energy Fund
The Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) supports rural communities in England to develop renewable energy projects which provide economic and social benefits to the community. The fund will provide up to approximately £150,000 of funding for feasibility and pre-planning development work to help projects become investment ready. RCEF provides support in two stages:
• Stage 1 provides a grant of up to approximately £20,000 to pay for an initial investigation into the feasibility of a renewable energy project.
• Stage 2 provides an unsecured loan of up to approximately £130,000 to support planning applications and develop a robust business case to attract further investment.
The fund is being delivered on behalf of the government by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis and there is no set deadline for bids
http://www.wrap.org.uk/content/rural-community-energy-fund
The Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) supports rural communities in England to develop renewable energy projects which provide economic and social benefits to the community. The fund will provide up to approximately £150,000 of funding for feasibility and pre-planning development work to help projects become investment ready. RCEF provides support in two stages:
• Stage 1 provides a grant of up to approximately £20,000 to pay for an initial investigation into the feasibility of a renewable energy project.
• Stage 2 provides an unsecured loan of up to approximately £130,000 to support planning applications and develop a robust business case to attract further investment.
The fund is being delivered on behalf of the government by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis and there is no set deadline for bids
http://www.wrap.org.uk/content/rural-community-energy-fund
20. Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund – Department for Transport
This Fund, announced within the Autumn Statement, is designed to help maintain existing local highways infrastructure. The types of project that will be eligible for funding include:
• Major maintenance, strengthening or renewal of bridges, tunnels, retaining walls or other structures
• Major maintenance or renewal of carriageways (roads)
• Major maintenance or renewal of footways or cycleways
• Major maintenance or renewal of drainage assets
• Upgrade of street lighting
• A scheme which primarily covers one of the above categories but also includes some enhancement to the network to provide better access to housing and/or employment.
Any English local highway authority outside of London can apply for funding with a cap of two bids per authority. The Department is happy to accept applications from organisations such as lower tier local authorities, National Parks and Local Enterprise Partnerships but any bid must include a letter of support from the respective local highway authority otherwise the bid will not be accepted. Each local highway authority may support a maximum of one scheme that they do not lead.
It is envisaged that potential schemes could fall into two categories, with the vast majority falling into the first category given the delivery timescales for investment:
1. Small schemes requiring DfT funding of £5m or more, but less than £20m;
2. Large schemes requiring DfT funding above £20m.
To ensure strong local commitment, promoters will need to contribute at least 10% of total scheme costs.
The total value of the Fund is £575 million spread over the six financial years from 2015/16 to 2020/21. Published guidance relates to Tranche 1 funding for the period from 2015/16 to 2017/18.
The deadline for submitting bids is 9 February 2015.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-highways-maintenance-challenge-fund
This Fund, announced within the Autumn Statement, is designed to help maintain existing local highways infrastructure. The types of project that will be eligible for funding include:
• Major maintenance, strengthening or renewal of bridges, tunnels, retaining walls or other structures
• Major maintenance or renewal of carriageways (roads)
• Major maintenance or renewal of footways or cycleways
• Major maintenance or renewal of drainage assets
• Upgrade of street lighting
• A scheme which primarily covers one of the above categories but also includes some enhancement to the network to provide better access to housing and/or employment.
Any English local highway authority outside of London can apply for funding with a cap of two bids per authority. The Department is happy to accept applications from organisations such as lower tier local authorities, National Parks and Local Enterprise Partnerships but any bid must include a letter of support from the respective local highway authority otherwise the bid will not be accepted. Each local highway authority may support a maximum of one scheme that they do not lead.
It is envisaged that potential schemes could fall into two categories, with the vast majority falling into the first category given the delivery timescales for investment:
1. Small schemes requiring DfT funding of £5m or more, but less than £20m;
2. Large schemes requiring DfT funding above £20m.
To ensure strong local commitment, promoters will need to contribute at least 10% of total scheme costs.
The total value of the Fund is £575 million spread over the six financial years from 2015/16 to 2020/21. Published guidance relates to Tranche 1 funding for the period from 2015/16 to 2017/18.
The deadline for submitting bids is 9 February 2015.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-highways-maintenance-challenge-fund
19. Voluntary Sector Investment Programme : Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund 2015-16 – Department for Health
The Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund provides funding from one to three years to support proposals in the health and care field. The available funding is very limited and, to be successful, organisations will need to have a clear focus in their applications on how their proposals would support and drive forward new ideas, disseminate and replicate excellence or undertake strategic developments in voluntary sector capacity and/or capability in health and care. The Fund is open for applications for projects to start in September 2015 or later and is very competitive
The closing date for initial registration is 13 March 2015.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/396559/Information_Pack_2015_to_2016.pdf
The Innovation, Excellence and Strategic Development Fund provides funding from one to three years to support proposals in the health and care field. The available funding is very limited and, to be successful, organisations will need to have a clear focus in their applications on how their proposals would support and drive forward new ideas, disseminate and replicate excellence or undertake strategic developments in voluntary sector capacity and/or capability in health and care. The Fund is open for applications for projects to start in September 2015 or later and is very competitive
The closing date for initial registration is 13 March 2015.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/396559/Information_Pack_2015_to_2016.pdf
18. Planning Enforcement Fund – Department for Communities and Local Government
This new time-limited Fund is available to local planning authorities in England, including National Parks. The scheme provides a grant of up to £10,000 or 50% of its legal costs (whichever is the lesser) to local planning authorities to secure a Court injunction to prevent actual or apprehended breaches of planning control. The scheme will run for the financial years 2014/15 and 2015/16 commencing in January 2015 and ending in March 2016.
http://www.planningenforcementfund.co.uk/
This new time-limited Fund is available to local planning authorities in England, including National Parks. The scheme provides a grant of up to £10,000 or 50% of its legal costs (whichever is the lesser) to local planning authorities to secure a Court injunction to prevent actual or apprehended breaches of planning control. The scheme will run for the financial years 2014/15 and 2015/16 commencing in January 2015 and ending in March 2016.
http://www.planningenforcementfund.co.uk/
17. Police Report
I regret that I will be taking some annual leave on the date of the next Parish Council Meeting, so I will not be able to be there in person. However I would like to submit a report to the Council for the meeting, as follows:
We have seen an upsurge in the problems associated with people coming up onto the moors to enjoy the snow conditions.
The largest area of problems lies with people coming onto the moors to go sledging. The large number of cars visiting the area is resulting in cars parking everywhere, often in inappropriate places, creating obstructions to other road users. Again, the large number of vehicles also means that in many places, cars are parking on both sides of the road. This creates a narrow space for traffic to pass, which, in the icy road conditions, produces a hazard for driving and increases the likelihood of collisions.
It should also be noted that the salting of the moorland roads means that the sheep and ponies are attracted to the roadsides to lick salt. We have seen an increase in the number of animals being killed by cars on the moorland roads, particularly at night and in poor visibility.
Another significant issue has been motorists visiting the area, particularly in the hours of darkness, with the intention of driving in the snow and ice conditions. They are often owners of high performance or 4x4 vehicles, and many enjoy driving fast and performing high speed manoeuvres in the challenging conditions.
Both issues present significant concerns to local residents, and significant challenges for the police to address them, due to the location and timing of these incidents.
The Police are keen to address these issues and prevent further problems, and would like your help in gathering information and intelligence that will help us to tackle them most effectively.
We would in particular like to obtain information about these issues where there is a known offender with identification, such as a car registration number and description, and ideally some independent evidence of the offence, such as ccTV coverage.
Please continue to report incidents of illegal and anti-social driving to the Police 101 number, so that the issue can be monitored and addressed.
Many thanks,
Mark Canvin & Catherine Veale
Neighbourhood Team.
I regret that I will be taking some annual leave on the date of the next Parish Council Meeting, so I will not be able to be there in person. However I would like to submit a report to the Council for the meeting, as follows:
We have seen an upsurge in the problems associated with people coming up onto the moors to enjoy the snow conditions.
The largest area of problems lies with people coming onto the moors to go sledging. The large number of cars visiting the area is resulting in cars parking everywhere, often in inappropriate places, creating obstructions to other road users. Again, the large number of vehicles also means that in many places, cars are parking on both sides of the road. This creates a narrow space for traffic to pass, which, in the icy road conditions, produces a hazard for driving and increases the likelihood of collisions.
It should also be noted that the salting of the moorland roads means that the sheep and ponies are attracted to the roadsides to lick salt. We have seen an increase in the number of animals being killed by cars on the moorland roads, particularly at night and in poor visibility.
Another significant issue has been motorists visiting the area, particularly in the hours of darkness, with the intention of driving in the snow and ice conditions. They are often owners of high performance or 4x4 vehicles, and many enjoy driving fast and performing high speed manoeuvres in the challenging conditions.
Both issues present significant concerns to local residents, and significant challenges for the police to address them, due to the location and timing of these incidents.
The Police are keen to address these issues and prevent further problems, and would like your help in gathering information and intelligence that will help us to tackle them most effectively.
We would in particular like to obtain information about these issues where there is a known offender with identification, such as a car registration number and description, and ideally some independent evidence of the offence, such as ccTV coverage.
Please continue to report incidents of illegal and anti-social driving to the Police 101 number, so that the issue can be monitored and addressed.
Many thanks,
Mark Canvin & Catherine Veale
Neighbourhood Team.
16. Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal
a. Following on from our initial survey, we’d now like to return to your community to carry out a design survey . We’ll be visiting your community on Wednesday the 11th of February at 2pm.
During the visit a small team of engineers from Vodafone and Net, will walk around the village looking at the surveyed locations, which have been chosen as potential installation sites. They’ll require internal access to all the premises on the day, so that they can see where we’d be able to place the indoor router (concealed inside a plastic case). This is normally very close to the dedicated BT broadband line that we’ll arranged to be installed and existing available power socket. We’d therefore appreciate it if either yourself, or a nominated individual from your community, could make all potential owners/occupiers aware of our arranged visit in advance, and escort us and introduce us to respective site owners /occupiers.
b. I’d like to introduce myself and my colleague Alan Neale at Sitec. Sitec are working in partnership with Vodafone and NET in the delivery of the Rural Coverage Project – a Vodafone project that helps to provide connectivity and mobile internet access to ‘not spots’ in rural areas. Vodafone’s Sure Signal boxes can be installed at properties such as the local pub, village hall or post office, and the project is a great opportunity for rural communities to get involved in improving mobile coverage where they live and to benefit from the growing smartphone revolution.
We at Sitec support Vodafone and NET in ensuring that the legal documentation and planning aspects of the project are completed for each individual community site. NET will provide surveying and design services, whilst Vodafone maintain an end-to-end management role.
Where possible, we will undertake pre-consultation with the Local Planning Authority prior to issuing the relevant planning notification so it is clear from the outset whether formal permission is required for any of the installations. This aspect of the project will be dealt with by Alan Neale, Sitec’s planning consultant.
I understand that NET have already been in touch to arrange a suitable date for them to visit each site within the village and carry out some detailed design surveys. This will allow them to identify the most suitable properties to host a Sure Signal box and from there they can produce site-specific drawings for each property. We will then issue the design drawings accompanied by a Rural Sure Signal Agreement for approval by each property owner. I have attached a draft copy of this Agreement for you and any property owners to have a read through in the meantime. I have also attached the initial village survey report for your perusal. If you feel the need please feel free to distribute this to the interested parties.
I would like to propose that we liaise with the property owners through yourself to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. If you are happy to act as a point of contact, we will issue any design drawings and Agreements to yourself to forward to the property owners. Of course, if you would prefer that we liaise directly with property owners please let me know.
For any further information please do not hesitate to contact me and please feel free to pass on my details to any property owners.
c. Following on from other emails, I am charged with dealing with any planning matters that arise. Where possible, we will undertake consultation with the Local Planning Authority prior to issuing the relevant notification/submission and try to establish from the outset whether formal permission is required for any of the installations. At this stage, we will put forward the view that the installations will be ‘de minimis’ (essentially, the installation is so trivial that it is of no planning consequence) and that no formal planning permission or consent will be required. I am however conscious that attitudes to such things vary from local authority to local authority.
a. Following on from our initial survey, we’d now like to return to your community to carry out a design survey . We’ll be visiting your community on Wednesday the 11th of February at 2pm.
During the visit a small team of engineers from Vodafone and Net, will walk around the village looking at the surveyed locations, which have been chosen as potential installation sites. They’ll require internal access to all the premises on the day, so that they can see where we’d be able to place the indoor router (concealed inside a plastic case). This is normally very close to the dedicated BT broadband line that we’ll arranged to be installed and existing available power socket. We’d therefore appreciate it if either yourself, or a nominated individual from your community, could make all potential owners/occupiers aware of our arranged visit in advance, and escort us and introduce us to respective site owners /occupiers.
b. I’d like to introduce myself and my colleague Alan Neale at Sitec. Sitec are working in partnership with Vodafone and NET in the delivery of the Rural Coverage Project – a Vodafone project that helps to provide connectivity and mobile internet access to ‘not spots’ in rural areas. Vodafone’s Sure Signal boxes can be installed at properties such as the local pub, village hall or post office, and the project is a great opportunity for rural communities to get involved in improving mobile coverage where they live and to benefit from the growing smartphone revolution.
We at Sitec support Vodafone and NET in ensuring that the legal documentation and planning aspects of the project are completed for each individual community site. NET will provide surveying and design services, whilst Vodafone maintain an end-to-end management role.
Where possible, we will undertake pre-consultation with the Local Planning Authority prior to issuing the relevant planning notification so it is clear from the outset whether formal permission is required for any of the installations. This aspect of the project will be dealt with by Alan Neale, Sitec’s planning consultant.
I understand that NET have already been in touch to arrange a suitable date for them to visit each site within the village and carry out some detailed design surveys. This will allow them to identify the most suitable properties to host a Sure Signal box and from there they can produce site-specific drawings for each property. We will then issue the design drawings accompanied by a Rural Sure Signal Agreement for approval by each property owner. I have attached a draft copy of this Agreement for you and any property owners to have a read through in the meantime. I have also attached the initial village survey report for your perusal. If you feel the need please feel free to distribute this to the interested parties.
I would like to propose that we liaise with the property owners through yourself to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. If you are happy to act as a point of contact, we will issue any design drawings and Agreements to yourself to forward to the property owners. Of course, if you would prefer that we liaise directly with property owners please let me know.
For any further information please do not hesitate to contact me and please feel free to pass on my details to any property owners.
c. Following on from other emails, I am charged with dealing with any planning matters that arise. Where possible, we will undertake consultation with the Local Planning Authority prior to issuing the relevant notification/submission and try to establish from the outset whether formal permission is required for any of the installations. At this stage, we will put forward the view that the installations will be ‘de minimis’ (essentially, the installation is so trivial that it is of no planning consequence) and that no formal planning permission or consent will be required. I am however conscious that attitudes to such things vary from local authority to local authority.
15. Further protection for community pubs announced by the Government
The Government has announced that it intends to amend planning rules to give greater protection to prevent the loss of pubs that are important to the community they serve. Through the Community Right to Bid, the Government has invited communities to nominate buildings and land which add most value to the local community, to be listed as assets of community value, giving them a greater stake in the future of those assets. The Government welcomes the fact that people across the country have come together to nominate over 600 pubs, making pubs the most listed type of asset. Listing triggers a moratorium on any sale, enabling local people to develop a bid to buy the pub and ensure its continued contribution to their community. The Government urges communities to consider which pubs they wish to see protected before they are at risk.We therefore plan to bring forward secondary legislation at the earliest opportunity so that in England the listing of a pub as an asset of community value will trigger a removal of the national permitted development rights for the change of use or demolition of those pubs that communities have identified as providing the most community benefit. This provides the right balance between protecting valued community pubs, but avoiding blanket regulation which would lead to more empty and boarded up buildings. Blanket regulation could also have adverse consequences on the asset value of pub buildings, harming the financial viability of the pub industry. This government recognises the economic, environmental and social benefits of allowing redundant buildings to be converted into productive uses without excessive red tape.
This will mean that in future where a pub is listed as an asset of community value, a planning application will be required for the change of use or demolition of a pub. This then provides an opportunity for local people to comment, and enables the local planning authority to determine the application in accordance with its local plan, any neighbourhood plan, and national policy. The local planning authority may take the listing into account as a material consideration when determining any planning application.
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/community-pubs
The Government has announced that it intends to amend planning rules to give greater protection to prevent the loss of pubs that are important to the community they serve. Through the Community Right to Bid, the Government has invited communities to nominate buildings and land which add most value to the local community, to be listed as assets of community value, giving them a greater stake in the future of those assets. The Government welcomes the fact that people across the country have come together to nominate over 600 pubs, making pubs the most listed type of asset. Listing triggers a moratorium on any sale, enabling local people to develop a bid to buy the pub and ensure its continued contribution to their community. The Government urges communities to consider which pubs they wish to see protected before they are at risk.We therefore plan to bring forward secondary legislation at the earliest opportunity so that in England the listing of a pub as an asset of community value will trigger a removal of the national permitted development rights for the change of use or demolition of those pubs that communities have identified as providing the most community benefit. This provides the right balance between protecting valued community pubs, but avoiding blanket regulation which would lead to more empty and boarded up buildings. Blanket regulation could also have adverse consequences on the asset value of pub buildings, harming the financial viability of the pub industry. This government recognises the economic, environmental and social benefits of allowing redundant buildings to be converted into productive uses without excessive red tape.
This will mean that in future where a pub is listed as an asset of community value, a planning application will be required for the change of use or demolition of a pub. This then provides an opportunity for local people to comment, and enables the local planning authority to determine the application in accordance with its local plan, any neighbourhood plan, and national policy. The local planning authority may take the listing into account as a material consideration when determining any planning application.
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/community-pubs
14. Seesaw 'Rusting'
I sent your email and photos regarding the seesaw to the factory and this was their response:
I’ve passed the complaint about the rusting on the seesaw at Dartmoor Forest PC onto our galvanizers and they have responded with the following:-
“The areas shown in the attached photographs are not rusting, this is acid seepage from the welds.
Sometimes after Galvanising and powder coating acid residue seeps out of air pockets causing a brown staining that appears to look like rust. This staining can be cleaned off with a mild detergent and will not come though again.”
Hopefully your client will be able to carry out this work themselves as part of their next maintenance visit and the problem shouldn’t reoccur.
Please let me know if you have any comments or questions and I will go back to them.
I sent your email and photos regarding the seesaw to the factory and this was their response:
I’ve passed the complaint about the rusting on the seesaw at Dartmoor Forest PC onto our galvanizers and they have responded with the following:-
“The areas shown in the attached photographs are not rusting, this is acid seepage from the welds.
Sometimes after Galvanising and powder coating acid residue seeps out of air pockets causing a brown staining that appears to look like rust. This staining can be cleaned off with a mild detergent and will not come though again.”
Hopefully your client will be able to carry out this work themselves as part of their next maintenance visit and the problem shouldn’t reoccur.
Please let me know if you have any comments or questions and I will go back to them.
13. Preparing for Elections
Is your council ready for the elections in May? In May 2015, all of Devon’s parish and town councils will be holding elections. So we have created a page on our website for those unable to attend our briefing sessions. The page has been designed to assist our members to coordinate successful local campaigns in the run up to the elections and to raise awareness of:
Visit our website
Is your council ready for the elections in May? In May 2015, all of Devon’s parish and town councils will be holding elections. So we have created a page on our website for those unable to attend our briefing sessions. The page has been designed to assist our members to coordinate successful local campaigns in the run up to the elections and to raise awareness of:
- The importance of local council elections
- How to navigate through the election process
- How to promote the elections and encourage people to stand
Visit our website
12. DCC Library Proposals
Alternative operating model for the library service
NB I will try to get an update from Brian Harry re Princetown.
Alternative operating model for the library service
NB I will try to get an update from Brian Harry re Princetown.
10. Proposed changes to No. 98 Bus service.
Consultation is underway on public transport service reductions Devon County Council is launching a consultation on proposals to cut £1.7 million from its annual public transport budget over the next two financial years.
Have your say on the proposals
Note: Princetown will retain 3 buses per day, and Postbridge and Bellever will retain one bus per day with slightly modified times. The reductions in service are concentrated at Greenlands.
Separately, but related:
Local Transport in Rural & Isolated Areas – Department for Transport
On 14 January, Transport Minister Baroness Kramer announced that up to £4 million is being made available to pilot new and better ways of delivering joined-up local transport in rural and isolated areas.
The Department for Transport fund aims to promote a better coordination and utilisation of all available transport services in local communities. The pilot funding is intended to allow local authorities to show how transport resources can be used more efficiently by bringing organisations together, improving vital transport services in local areas.
The pilots will fund the costs of feasibility studies and other groundwork to identify scope for service integration in individual areas. Successful bidders will then submit a detailed plan for delivering that integration to the Department for Transport. Bidding is open to county councils, integrated transport authorities and unitary and combined authorities. The fund is exclusively for rural and isolated urban areas and the closing date for bids is the 11 February 2015. The winners will be announced in March 2015.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/4-million-for-local-transport-in-rural-and-isolated-areas
Consultation is underway on public transport service reductions Devon County Council is launching a consultation on proposals to cut £1.7 million from its annual public transport budget over the next two financial years.
Have your say on the proposals
Note: Princetown will retain 3 buses per day, and Postbridge and Bellever will retain one bus per day with slightly modified times. The reductions in service are concentrated at Greenlands.
Separately, but related:
Local Transport in Rural & Isolated Areas – Department for Transport
On 14 January, Transport Minister Baroness Kramer announced that up to £4 million is being made available to pilot new and better ways of delivering joined-up local transport in rural and isolated areas.
The Department for Transport fund aims to promote a better coordination and utilisation of all available transport services in local communities. The pilot funding is intended to allow local authorities to show how transport resources can be used more efficiently by bringing organisations together, improving vital transport services in local areas.
The pilots will fund the costs of feasibility studies and other groundwork to identify scope for service integration in individual areas. Successful bidders will then submit a detailed plan for delivering that integration to the Department for Transport. Bidding is open to county councils, integrated transport authorities and unitary and combined authorities. The fund is exclusively for rural and isolated urban areas and the closing date for bids is the 11 February 2015. The winners will be announced in March 2015.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/4-million-for-local-transport-in-rural-and-isolated-areas
9. Local Economic Blueprint 2nd Stakeholder event - Reviewing the Findings
A quick reminder about our stakeholder event to review our findings with you on Monday February 9th. We’ve scheduled this as a two hour session to reduce the time you need to commit, and hope you’ll be able to join us.
We start at 14:00, with tea, coffee and cake available from 13:45, and will finish at 16:00.
The event will take place at Kingdon House, Pym St., Tavistock, PL19 0AW.
We’ll be:
· Sharing the results of our research to date and the implications for our local economy
· Asking for your feedback
· Discussing our ideas for projects and initiatives for the three year plan; and thoughts on priorities
· Agreeing next steps
We’d be very grateful if you could let us know if you’ll be attending.
A quick reminder about our stakeholder event to review our findings with you on Monday February 9th. We’ve scheduled this as a two hour session to reduce the time you need to commit, and hope you’ll be able to join us.
We start at 14:00, with tea, coffee and cake available from 13:45, and will finish at 16:00.
The event will take place at Kingdon House, Pym St., Tavistock, PL19 0AW.
We’ll be:
· Sharing the results of our research to date and the implications for our local economy
· Asking for your feedback
· Discussing our ideas for projects and initiatives for the three year plan; and thoughts on priorities
· Agreeing next steps
We’d be very grateful if you could let us know if you’ll be attending.
8. Vodaphone Rural Open Sure Signal Newsletter
Please find our first ‘ROSS’ newsletter attached. This includes some further information on the shortlisting process, what happens next and introductions to some of the ROSS team at Vodafone. |
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7. All Parish/Town Councils Within Dartmoor National Park
Parish/Town Council Workshop – Wednesday, 11 March 2015 DNPA are organising a Parish/Town Council Workshop on Wednesday, 11 March 2015. The workshop will be held at the Meeting Room at Parke and commence at 19.00. DNPA has allocated two places to each parish/town council/meeting and hope that the clerk, plus the Chairman or another councillor, will attend. The workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss a number of items including:
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6. Rural Broadband Update
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5. Geoffrey Cox, MP for Torridge and West Devon, has now confirmed his advice surgery dates until March 2015.
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4. Electoral Commission recommends modernising the rules re: standing for election
Rules around standing for election should be updated for future electionsNews release published: 13-01-2015 The Electoral Commission has today (13 January) published a number of recommendations to update the rules around standing for election and make them clearer and fairer, including getting rid of the current system of deposits. The report – ‘Standing for election in the UK’ – highlights other out of date practices such as only being able to submit nomination papers in person, and not being able to send them electronically. It also finds that there remains some confusion and inconsistency about what disqualifies someone for standing for election and includes proposals for addressing this. Jenny Watson, Chair of the Electoral Commission, said: “The current rules on standing for election are complex, out-of-date and difficult for candidates to navigate. We’ve listened to a wide range of views and our recommendations will make it easier for candidates to stand for election in the future, whilst maintaining trust and confidence in the system.” Proposals to make the system clearer and more accessible for prospective candidates include:
"Some of the changes we recommend to modernise the rules involve complex areas of electoral law and will require legislative change. The Electoral Commission will work with the relevant governments across the UK to support them in delivering these changes.” In December 2014, the UK Law Commissions published an important consultation seeking views on potential reforms that will modernise and rationalise electoral law. The consultation can be seen here and the Commission has also shared its report with them to consider. |
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3. Email and websites
Parish councils enabled to use more 21st century technology NALC welcomes the Government’s moves to make a law that allows local (parish and town) councils to be able to send agendas electronically rather than in the post; ending a budgetary burden on councils and enabling them to benefit from 21st Century technology.
This change came about by using the Sustainable Communities Act and was called for by Bleadon Parish Council, Somerset.
Local Government Minister, Kris Hopkins MP said: “We have been encouraging can-do councils to adapt to the digital age to modernise the services they deliver to local people and deliver savings. This Government is determined to bust barriers to modernisation in local government therefore it is only right councils should be able to issue agendas electronically, whilst ensuring councillors continue to have access to hard copy papers if they wish. This is a great opportunity for town halls to use modern digital communications to conduct business in the most efficient way possible and it will help reduce costs and provide better value for money for local taxpayers.”
Cllr Ken Browse, chair of NALC said: "This reform to rules, which are over forty years old, is long overdue but very welcome and will help parish and town councils operate more efficiently and effectively."
Parish councils enabled to use more 21st century technology NALC welcomes the Government’s moves to make a law that allows local (parish and town) councils to be able to send agendas electronically rather than in the post; ending a budgetary burden on councils and enabling them to benefit from 21st Century technology.
This change came about by using the Sustainable Communities Act and was called for by Bleadon Parish Council, Somerset.
Local Government Minister, Kris Hopkins MP said: “We have been encouraging can-do councils to adapt to the digital age to modernise the services they deliver to local people and deliver savings. This Government is determined to bust barriers to modernisation in local government therefore it is only right councils should be able to issue agendas electronically, whilst ensuring councillors continue to have access to hard copy papers if they wish. This is a great opportunity for town halls to use modern digital communications to conduct business in the most efficient way possible and it will help reduce costs and provide better value for money for local taxpayers.”
Cllr Ken Browse, chair of NALC said: "This reform to rules, which are over forty years old, is long overdue but very welcome and will help parish and town councils operate more efficiently and effectively."
2. New Transparency code:
The Government has published the final version of this Code which replaces the need for external audit for parish councils with turnover less than £25,000. The code will require the on-line publication of information which the Government says will provide taxpayers with a clear picture of the council's' activities, spending and governance and will improve the ability of communities to hold local public bodies to account. However the Code is published initially as recommended practice, the Secretary of State told Parliament on 17th December that he intends to make the code mandatory by the start of the 2015 to 2016 financial year and will offer support to the local council sector to help authorities comply with these requirements. |
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1. Electoral Commission recommends modernising the rules re: standing for election
Published 23rd January 2015
The Electoral Commission has published a number of recommendations to update the rules around standing for election and make them clearer and fairer, including getting rid of the current system of deposits.
Proposals to make the system clearer and more accessible for prospective candidates include:
Responding to the proposals, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) ia recommending that the law is changed to allow nomination papers, consents to nomination, withdrawal notices, certificates of party authorisation and emblem requests to be submitted by post, email and fax for all elections in the UK, in addition to hand delivery.
Published 23rd January 2015
The Electoral Commission has published a number of recommendations to update the rules around standing for election and make them clearer and fairer, including getting rid of the current system of deposits.
Proposals to make the system clearer and more accessible for prospective candidates include:
- Removing the financial barrier of paying a deposit but retaining subscriber requirements to help ensure candidates are genuinely contesting the election.
- Giving candidates easier access to the register for electoral purposes.
- Allowing candidates to combine information in free mailings where more than one election is taking place.
Responding to the proposals, the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) ia recommending that the law is changed to allow nomination papers, consents to nomination, withdrawal notices, certificates of party authorisation and emblem requests to be submitted by post, email and fax for all elections in the UK, in addition to hand delivery.