| Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary |
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Devon Climate Emergency January Newsletter
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A single bus journey will cost just £1 on all bus services in Devon and Torbay across three ‘Super Saturdays’ this January.
The Young Climate Ambassadors scheme in Plymouth is an inspiring initiative aimed at empowering young people to take an active role in addressing climate change. This programme, part of Climate Connections Plymouth, seeks to engage youth aged 11 to 17 in local climate issues, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious advocates.
South Hams District Council states its position on local government reform
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
South Hams District Council states its position on local government reform
Issued: 7 January 2025
We do not support the creation of one unitary council for Devon and want more time to properly discuss and consult on the best way to reorganise local government for the benefit of our communities. That’s the message from South Hams District Council at a Special Council meeting yesterday (Monday 6 January 2025).
The meeting follows the publication of the English Devolution White Paper and subsequent statements by the leader of Devon County Council as well as a joint statement from Devon District Councils, of which South Hams is a part.
Councillors agreed the Council:
- mandates the Leader to write to the Government on its behalf outlining this Council’s concerns, with all related correspondence being copied to the wider membership (i.e. all council members) for their information and reference only.
- supports the joint statement issued by the leaders of the eight district councils throughout Devon that includes:
- not supporting a Single Unitary Council solution for Devon; and
- will widely consult with its residents, businesses, community organisations and town and parish councils once a firm re-organisation proposal is ready for consideration.
3. not supporting the postponement of the County Council elections in May 2025
Cllr John Birch, who proposed the recommendation as the Executive Lead with responsibility for Governance, said: “I believe that we as a council are facing one of our biggest challenges yet. We want to send a clear message to the Government and Devon County Council that we will not be forced into a proposal which we do not support and will not be rushed into a decision without consulting with our communities.
“There is a real opportunity here to devolve powers locally in the right way. As a council we are well led and financially sound but creating one large unitary authority will reduce the quality of services we currently deliver – services such as leisure centres, public toilets, planning and waste collections that our residents value so much. We want to carefully consider our options and will not be forced into a shot gun marriage.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Julian Brazil, said: “We may have our political differences, but the one thing that binds us all at South Hams District Council is our commitment to do what is best for our local communities. I am proud to lead a council that puts its residents and communities first and party politics second.
“We will do everything in our power to make sure that the voice of our communities is heard and that we work with others to find the right solution for residents, businesses and organisations across the District.”
Cllr Nicky Hopwood said: “This all seems very rushed. As District councillors I believe we are the closest people in local government to our residents and we need to reassure them that we will continue to work hard for them. I am concerned that I haven’t been able to ask my residents in Woolwell what they think. We all need time to do this, which is why I support this recommendation.
“We also have a high calibre of knowledgeable staff at this council who are vital to the delivery of good local services. Re-organisation in this way could risk losing them and create higher than expected recruitment and redundancy costs.”
Cllr Jacqi Hodgson said: “I think the recommendation put forward is very strong and I fully agree with it. We should not be moving around the deckchairs and wasting public funding. If the government wants to support local authorities and demonstrate its understanding of the problems, then this re-organisation should be held off for at least a couple of years. The money spent on this changeover should go directly into delivering direct services where it is urgently needed, such as on our roads and NHS.”
A recording of the special meeting can be found on South Hams District Council’s You Tube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMQTgJYPqg4
Hope Wood unveiled in South Brent
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
Hope Wood unveiled in South Brent
Issued 7 January 2025
South Brent’s community came out in force last weekend planting the first 2,500 trees for a new 65-acre community woodland.
The newly named Hope Wood is part of South Hams District Council’s priority to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, and to plant one tree for every resident in the South Hams.
It was a bright Saturday morning, when scores of South Brent volunteers donned their wellies to help plant their own tree.
During the day, South Hams District Council Leader, Cllr Julian Brazil, along with Ross Kennerley of Sustainable South Brent proudly unveiled Hope Wood, named by the South Brent community. The name, together with an information board, details plans for the future woodland.
Leader of South Hams District Council, Cllr Julian Brazil, says: “Hope Wood is a very fitting name as we face challenges with the climate and biodiversity. I won’t be here to see these magnificent trees mature but my grandchildren and future generations will.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to becoming net zero as a district by 2050. Planting these first trees marks the start of us planting a tree for every resident of the South Hams and a chance for us to make a difference.
“It’s the culmination of hard work and partnership working towards a common goal. Sustainable South Brent has been a fantastic partner, as have the Woodland Trust and Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest - together we are making a difference, with the help of DEFRA funding.
“But a big thank you must go to the local community. Without the incredible support of South Brent’s volunteers and others who have helped make this happen, we wouldn’t get very far, so thank you for digging in. Literally!”
Ross Kennerley of Sustainable South Brent says: “It has been great to start the planting of this fantastic new woodland. Sustainable South Brent is enormously grateful to the District Council, and all the other organisations who have been involved.
“The planting is the start of a long-term commitment by local residents and volunteers to plant nearly 25,000 trees in the woodland – as well as creating areas for food production, an orchard and a tree nursery. This really will be a place for nature and people to enjoy and thrive.”
Director of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, Kathryn Deeney, says: “The Community Forest is excited to support South Brent with the start of over 20,000 trees to be planted over the next two years. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and long-term vision; contributing to the goal of the PSDCF to create an accessible woodland network that will benefit both people and the environment for generations to come across South Devon."
Outreach Manager for the Woodland Trust, Eleanor Lewis, says: “A large part of the Woodland Trust’s work is supporting landowners to increase tree cover on their land, whether community woods like this or farmers incorporating trees into their farming systems.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the team at Hope Wood to create a planting plan and provide the UK and Ireland Source and Grown native trees, though our MOREwoods scheme, which is funded by Lloyds Bank. We look forward to seeing this community woodland flourish over the coming years, providing a valuable place for people and wildlife.”
Over the coming months there will be more opportunities to support the tree planting. To find out about volunteering opportunities at the site, contact ParkLife SW at office@parklifesw.org.uk
Devon Climate Emergency December Newsletter
| Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary |
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Work on the Exe Estuary is going green after the Exeter Port Authority took delivery of a new hydrogen electric boat for a trial period.
Christmas Eve, December 24th 2024, 17:30 - 19:30District Council doing all it can to help residents during cost of living crisis
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
District Council doing all it can to help residents during cost of living crisis
Issued 20 December 2024
With the winter months upon us, South Hams District Council is doing all it can to help people with the cost of living, including the introduction of new payments from the Household Support Fund for those most in need.
Supporting South Hams residents through the ongoing cost of living crisis is a priority for the Council, especially during the winter months, when people are heating their homes, and costs can really begin to bite.
Cllr Nicky Hopwood, Executive Member for Cost of Living, said: “We know how hard it is for people during the cost-of-living crisis, and we want to help those who are finding things difficult.
“Our new support payments are targeted to help those most in need, including pensioners who might be worst affected by the cut to winter fuel payments and some households living in ‘system built’ or non-traditional houses who may be experiencing fuel poverty.
“If you think that you could benefit from the Household Support Fund, or need support of any kind this winter, please contact us.”
The Council is supporting four types of households in the District with new £300 support payments this winter. These types of households are:
- Single person households receiving Council Tax Reduction and not receiving a state benefit
- Pensioners with income of up to £18 per week above the threshold for Pension Credit
- Certain households in ‘system built’ houses who may be experiencing fuel poverty
The authority already distributes the Household Support Fund locally, which supports people who would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.
South Hams is also maintaining its commitment to support Devon County Council care leavers by providing a support payment of £300 to care experienced young people who either live in District already or move to an address in the District before 2 March next year.
The Council also works closely with Citizens Advice, who are dealing with people on the frontline, and helping them in any way they can.
If you need help with the cost of living, please contact the Council on support.vulnerability@swdevon.gov.uk
You can also visit the Council’s online support directory, which will signpost you to services and organisations that could help, on www.southhams.gov.uk/support-directory
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Healthwatch Devon
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South Hams wants improvements to Devon’s water infrastructure
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
South Hams wants improvements to Devon's water infrastructure
Issued: 13 December 2024
South Hams District Council has reiterated its commitment to the environment by attending a county-wide summit looking at how Devon’s water quality can be improved.
Council Leader Julian Brazil and other senior members of the Council attended the Devon Water Summit on 12 December, which brought together local authorities, Government agencies, the Environment Agency, South West Water and other stakeholders to discuss what can be done.
Cllr John McKay, Lead Member for the Biodiversity and Climate Change, said: “The Council is very concerned about continuing pollution, be it through sewage discharges, industry and agriculture, or general weaknesses in our water infrastructure.
“Protecting our environment and increasing biodiversity are one of our top priorities. Ensuring our water is clean is vital for the health of our rivers and seas, wildlife and residents.
“All eight district councils in Devon attended the summit and it’s encouraging to see colleagues share our strong feelings. We will co-ordinate with them to lobby government and hold both the Environment Agency and South West Water to account.”
Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “I am very disappointed that the Chief Executive of South West Water, arguably the most crucial stakeholder in these discussions, didn’t attend the summit.
“The importance and depth of feeling around this issue is clear. You only need to look at the outbreak of cryptosporidium in the South Hams and Torbay earlier this year to see that there are issues with our infrastructure that urgently need to be worked on.”
“Events like the outbreak cannot be allowed to happen again. Clean water is the most basic of human rights, and our water management in the county must be more effective going forward. It is crucial to not just the environment, but tourism as well.
“How regularly are there stories in the press about sewage being pumped onto our beaches, or tourists becoming unwell after swimming on our coastline? It’s unacceptable. Things have to change.”
Have Your Say on Car Parking Proposals
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
Have Your Say on Car Parking Proposals
Issued: 10 December 2024
Changes to car parking charges and the introduction of a Resident Parking Discount Scheme, have been proposed by South Hams District Council and now it’s your turn to have your say.
After 4 years of frozen car park prices to support residents and businesses throughout the cost-of-living crisis, the Council can no longer afford the significant rising costs of delivering services. Therefore, they are regrettably considering increasing charges from 1 April 2025.
They checked car parks in similar locations across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset to compare their current charges and their proposed new charges. Following this review of charges across the South West, it is clear that car parking charges in the South Hams are lower than most.
Residents of the South Hams would be able to apply for membership of a new Resident Discounts Scheme. This will allow them to access lower parking charges at all their council-owned car parks via the cashless parking app. Those who don't have a smartphone will receive an extra half hour parking time instead.
You can let them know your thoughts online at: https://offstreetparkingcharges.commonplace.is
The consultation opens on Thursday 12 December and closes at 5 p.m. on Sunday 5 January 2025.
Or for those who do not have access to online services, by post to:
The Car Parking Team
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Devon
TQ9 5NE
The final decision will be made in January 2025.
