Category Archives: Uncategorised

District Council balances the Budget and supports residents

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

District Council balances the Budget and supports residents

Issued: 15 February 2024

Despite very challenging financial circumstances due to the economic climate and previous years’ reductions in Government funding for Councils, South Hams District Council’s Full Council heard proposals for how they would set a balanced budget for 2024/2025.

The meeting held today, Thursday 15 February, heard that strong financial management over many years and the continual drive for efficiency has meant that the Council has remained in a healthy financial position.

Reductions in Government funding over the past few years has meant the Council no longer receives any core Government grant (Revenue Support Grant), a loss of £4 million per year, so the Council has to be self-sufficient to fund all of its services.

Councillors agreed to a small increase in Council Tax of £5.54 per year, (2.99%) meaning residents living in a Band D property would pay £190.96 for the District Council’s section of the Council Tax, for all of its services.

At the same time the Council has approved changes to extend its existing Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which already supports 4,900 households and has awarded £5.9m to reduce residents’ bills through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “This Budget proposed an increase in Council Tax of just £5.54 a year (2.99%), an increase of under 11 pence per week.  We have kept the increase as low as possible and below current price rises.

“We really don’t want to put up any costs and I honestly mean that, but we have to be realistic about how we can provide our services with difficult cuts to our funding.

“By raising our Council Tax by this small amount, we can continue to help residents and businesses who need our support and allow us to continue delivering vital services. Whether that is through support with the cost of living, with home improvement grants, housing, benefits or other services. The extra funding will help us put the resource to where it’s most needed and help to balance the finances and to deliver the key priorities that you, our residents, have told us you want us to focus on over the next three years.

“These are only some of the many services that we offer for less than one tenth of the annual Council Tax bill. We offer real value for money, with only 8p of every £1 paid (8%) in Council Tax being kept by South Hams District Council to fund our services.

“The largest part of the Council Tax bill goes to Devon County Council who provide adult social care, children’s services and the roads network, including potholes which many people mistakenly think we are responsible for. The Council Tax also provides money for the Police and Fire Authorities, as well as local services provided by town and parish councils. South Hams District Council collects the Council Tax and pays the money across to these other councils, the Fire and the Police to run their services.”

There are lots of ways to find out more about what the Council is doing by:

District council supporting the community

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

District council supporting the community

Issued: 15 February 2024

South Hams District Council’s Full Council today, Thursday 15 February, has formally adopted its Council Plan for 2024-2028 along with the supporting delivery plan for the first year.

The Council agreed the four key policy areas needed to prioritise the climate change and biodiversity emergency, tackle the challenging housing situation, support the economy and deliver good quality services to the District’s communities.

For the next year, the Council has agreed to take forward the following projects all linked to the Council’s key priorities, to:

  • lead on environmental concerns and take direct action to combat climate change and biodiversity loss including supporting community energy groups, increasing electric vehicle charging points and developing a Keep It Local food scheme.
  • create and launch the South Hams Housing Offer. This new scheme will support communities and landowners to bring forward affordable housing in their area and help conversations with proven registered housing who working with communities.
  • deliver an independent living scheme (Disabled Facilities Grants) increasing the amount of funding available to residents.
  • improve the energy efficiency of 55 properties by awarding Homes Upgrade Grants.
  • delivery of a new temporary accommodation unit in Kingsbridge.
  • refurbish and improve local toilets including exploring potential for more Changing Places toilets as important facilities for residents with disabilities.
  • improve local sport and recreation facilities using developer contributions.
  • explore the idea of a pilot e-bike hub scheme with 10 hubs totalling 70 bikes.
  • buy land for tree planting with part-funding from Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest.

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “I’m really pleased that the Council have agreed with the Executive and adopted The Council Plan. They are a robust set of sensible measures to address the very real challenges that we face in the District. These issues of housing, climate change, a troubled economy aren’t going to go away any time soon and we need to work alongside our community and give what support we can to move forward.

“Climate Change and housing issues are not mutually exclusive and we hope to do both. We can’t just sit by; we have to take personal responsibility and do something about it. We have to be holistic in our approach, we don’t have unlimited resources, but we will do what we can.

“We will reach our goals because despite our different party politics, we have the heart of the community at the forefront of what we are doing and that practical approach, together with our excellent financial management will always stand us in good stead.”

To find out more information on each of the reports discussed during Full Council, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/full-council

The meeting can be viewed in full on South Hams District Council’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@SouthHamsCouncil

South Hams residents can now sign up to or renew their subscription for the district’s garden waste collection service

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

South Hams residents can now sign up to or renew their subscription for the district’s garden waste collection service

15 February 2024

South Hams residents can now sign up to or renew their subscription for the district’s garden waste collection service for 2024/25.

If you sign up before 31 March 2024, you’ll pay £52 for a year-long subscription running from 1 April 2024 that covers collections for one brown wheelie bin. There is a maximum of two subscriptions (which would cover two bins) per household. Subscribers can put grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, cut flowers and plants, small branches, weeds, leaves, twigs, windfall fruit and vase flowers in their brown bin.

If you sign up after 31 March 2024, the service will cost £55. Subscribers should note that the service will be suspended over the winter for four weeks, from 20 December 2024 to 20 January 2025.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Executive Member for Waste, said: “This past year has been the first year of a paid garden waste collection service in the South Hams, and we have delivered a high quality of service for our residents.

“The price has risen slightly on last year’s fee, but that is so we can continue to deliver a great service while covering our costs.

“Compared to what private companies charge for collections, the annual fee represents very good value for money. It’s convenient, reliable, and worth considering if you have a garden.”

You can sign up to the service in two ways:

  • The quickest and easiest way to sign up is on our website: www.southhams.gov.uk/gardenwaste - the website is also full of information and useful FAQs on the service.
  • Alternatively, call us: You can call us on 01803 861234. We expect phone lines to be very busy, so there may be a wait.

If you’re already a subscriber to the garden waste service, there will be no changes to your service if you renew your subscription by 1 April, and you can continue to use your brown bin with no interruptions.

If you decide not to sign up for the service, you can still take your garden waste to all three recycling centres in the South Hams. Full details, including opening hours, are available online here: www.devon.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/centre/

Alternatively, you can find out more on home composting possibilities here: www.recycledevon.org/in-the-garden/how-to-compost

The Council has also launched its own community composting scheme, supporting local community composting groups. A scheme in Marldon recently launched to great success. If you’d like to find out more about how the Council can support you to set up a scheme, visit: www.southhams.gov.uk/community-composting

Let’s talk about alcohol in public spaces

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Let's talk about alcohol in public spaces

13 February 2024

What do you think about people drinking in public spaces in your local town? South Hams District Council would like residents’ thoughts on Public Space Protection Orders for specific areas within five towns which are due for renewal on Sunday 14 July.

What is a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

A PSPO deals with potential anti-social behaviour in an area which could have a harmful effect on the quality of life for those in the local community. It can ban or restrict certain things, or need specific things to be done, in this case the control of alcohol in public areas.

There are some areas of the South Hams where the public drinking of alcohol is restricted.  PSPOs last for three years before they need to be reviewed and the current orders run out in July.  The District Council now need to consult on the next set for the following three year period.

The review affects all five town’s current PSPOs in the following towns, as follows:

  • Totnes
  • Dartmouth
  • Ivybridge
  • Kingsbridge
  • Salcombe

For more information on the exact locations of the PSPOs within each town, please visit the consultation to have your say, which runs until Tuesday 19 March 2024.

For people not following instructions within the selected PSPO areas can have their alcohol removed by Devon and Cornwall Police and can be fined up to £500 when prosecuted.

Cllr Denise O'Callaghan, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member Housing; Environmental Health; and Licensing, said: “Most people are very responsible drinkers, but sadly not everyone is and that means drinking in public can become a nuisance for others, both at night and during the day. That is why some of the busiest and most public areas in our towns usually have Public Space Protection Orders on them, or PSPOs, as they are known.

“We want your help to find out if the ones we have in place are still fit for purpose. Are they still needed where they are? Do they need extending or is there a new area which we don’t have somewhere else that we need to think about? The survey should only take about 5-10 minutes to complete and it will benefit our communities so everyone can live together in harmony and enjoy our public spaces.

“Thank you in advance for taking the time to tell us what you think before the consultation ends on Tuesday 19 March.”

If you would like to share your thoughts online, go to: alcoholinpublic.commonplace.is

Or by post to:

Environmental Protection Team

South Hams District Council

Follaton House

Plymouth Road

Devon

TQ9 5NE

Dartmouth Lower Ferry remains a single service this month

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Dartmouth Lower Ferry remains a single service this month

8 February 2024

Due to extended maintenance works, the Dartmouth Lower Ferry will continue to operate a single service this February. Its usual double ferry service will now restart on Tuesday 27 February.

South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Community Services; Operations and Leisure, Cllr Victor Abbott, said “We had expected that our double ferry service would be back up and running from 12 February, however due to more works needed on the vessel hull and the linked safety checks, this has now been delayed. We also need to make sure we have the correct tides to bring the ferry back into service.

 “We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, however our ferries need to be in the best condition because the safety of our passengers is always our top priority.

 “The Lower Ferry Team has been doing a fantastic job getting people across the River Dart over the past month while both the lower and higher ferry services have been reduced. They will continue to make sure your journeys are as smooth as possible, including extra staff during peak times.”

Following its own maintenance period, The Higher Ferry will also be back in action from Monday 12 February, meaning there will be two car ferry services operating across the River Dart during the Lower Ferry’s single running period time.

For more information on the ferry, please visit:

www.southhams.gov.uk/dartmouth-lower-ferry

Welcome To Our February Newsletter!

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Devolution proposals for Devon, business support and meet the Climate Task Force.

Devon Climate Emergency Logo

Devon Climate Emergency | February 2024

Welcome To Our February Newsletter!

Positive Climate NewsThere are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the Devon Carbon Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy. Here are our picks for the month!

You can see more positive actions and stay updated throughout the month by visiting the Taking Action page on our website.

Proposed Devolution Deal for Devon and Torbay to aid transition to net-zero

Six white people, including one woman, stand behind a desk holding up blue folders.Devolution for Devon and Torbay has taken a big step forward with the publication of Government proposals for a ground-breaking deal that could re-draw the future relationship between local government in Devon and Torbay, and Whitehall.

The proposals detail how the Deal would transfer a range of powers and funding to a Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA), subject to public consultation.

A section of the Deal proposal entitled 'Net zero and climate adaptation' outlines a range of areas with the potential for the Deal to enable more effective action on climate change.

Subject to the outcome of consideration by the Cabinets of Torbay and Devon County Councils, public consultation will begin on 12 February.

Pictured left to right in the photo: Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly; Kevin Foster, MP for Torbay; Councillor John Hart, Leader of Devon County Council; Jacob Young, Levelling Up Minister; Councillor David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council; Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes.
Read More

Net-Zero Exchange Funds Enterprises To Collaborate With Researchers

Two white women in a laboratory look at a container with plants soaking in a liquid. There is a tray of containers ready to be filled.Enterprises in Devon can apply for funding to support collaboration with a researcher through the University of Plymouth’s Net-Zero Solutions Fund. Grants of up to £7,500 are available to enable solutions-focused research on a carbon challenge.

The deadline for applications is the 27th of March 2024.
Read More

Grants For Organisations In South Hams And West Devon To Decarbonise

Man standing in a field next to a agricultural robot.Organisations in West Devon and the South Hams can apply for funding through a number of grants of up to £10,000 to support Clean Economic Growth. The grants are distributing money secured through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.

Funding pots available include the Decarbonisation Grant, the Agri-tech Grant, Clean Diversification Grant and a Community Resilience Grant.

Organisations will need to provide 50% of the total project costs as match funding.

Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash
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More Support For Business And Community Decarbonisation In East Devon

two people at a laptop, one pointing at the screen and one typingEast Devon District Council’s Cabinet have approved a £207,000 package of decarbonisation support for local businesses and community groups.

Organisations will be able to benefit from free training, carbon surveys and carbon action plans to help them save money and increase profitability by reducing waste and carbon emissions. Firms which take part will be able to apply for grant funding later this year to help deliver their decarbonisation plans.

Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
Find Out More

Energy Local Totnes Launched And Growing!

Totnes Civic Hall - a grey stone building with small windows just under the eaves and solar PV on the roofDevon County Council provided support to the Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESOC), helping to set up renewable energy marketplace Energy Local Totnes as the South West’s first smart local energy system. The scheme has launched with 35 households signed up.

Energy Local Totnes has received further funding to expand to 200 households in the next two years, with anticipated savings of up to 30% off their energy bills and reduced carbon emissions of 30% per household.
Find Out More

University Of Plymouth Saves £60,000 Through Reuse

recycling symbol on phone next to coffee cup The University of Plymouth has saved £60,000 in 12 months by using the Warp-it reuse initiative.

Savings came from reusing office furniture and stationery, instead of purchasing new. Reuse has also helped the university avoid 10,000kg of waste and save 19,000kg of carbon.
Read More

Plymouth Launches Climate Connections

Join Plymouth's Climate Community Is your organisation committed to positive climate action? Then shout it from the Plymouth rooftops! Sign up to Climate Connections to share what you’ve achieved, what you’re working on and your latest projects, inspiration, events and more.

Climate Connections believe that together we can make a huge difference in the fight against climate change. Are you with us?

By joining Plymouth Climate Connections community, you can;

  • Share and learn insider tips and pitfalls
  • Find solutions to your net zero challenges
  • Shout about all the good things your organisation is doing
  • See what others in your sector are doing
  • Get inspiration from plans, policies and resources
  • Share the highs and lows of your net zero journey
Join today!

Devon Climate Emergency Updates

Meet the Devon Climate Task Force

The Devon Climate Task Force is using its specialist knowledge and experience to offer advice on and scrutiny of the implementation of both the Climate Adaptation Strategy and Devon Carbon Plan. They meet quarterly to make recommendations to the Devon Climate Emergency partnership.

The Task Force members have expertise in topics relevant to carbon reduction and climate adaptation and are drawn from business, environmental, community and academic organisations. A number of the Net-Zero Task Force members, who developed the Devon Carbon Plan, have transitioned to the Climate Task Force.

Meet the Task Force

Progress Update on the Adaptation Strategy Action Plan

A progress report on the short term actions in the Adaptation Strategy Action Plan has been published on the website.

Read More

Business Spotlight - Impact Coaching

A white woman in black trousers and a white shirt with heeled shoes in front of a screen which says effective teams.Local businesses are making great progress on becoming net-zero - Impact Coaching have joined over 120 other businesses, councils, schools and more who have already signed the Devon Climate Declaration to show the growing support for taking action.

Jessica Wiggins, Founder and Coach at Impact Coaching, told us:

"The vision for Impact Coaching is for business to be used as a force for good in the world. It is for this reason that we specialise in coaching & mentoring leaders of purpose focused organisations to support them to drive IMPACT, growth & change. By working with purpose focused leaders, we are able to create a ripple effect & have even greater positive impact as each one of our clients will, as a result of working with us, become more effective at growing their business, driving systemic change & creating meaningful impact.

Not only do we support our clients to do good business that positively impacts people & the planet, but we do the same for ourselves at Impact Coaching. Some of the ways we do this are by vetting our suppliers & ensuring that we use ethical & sustainable suppliers who can verify their supply chain, by delivering our coaching services online wherever practical, by investing in green office equipment & by reducing, reusing & recycling wherever possible.

As our business grows, we will remain fully committed to minimising our emissions & protecting the planet through the use of impact assessments to accurately measure our carbon footprint & to identify areas where we might be able to reduce it."

Would you like to feature the steps your organisation is making to address climate change? Endorse the declaration and we’ll be in touch!
Endorse the Devon Climate Declaration

Dates for the DiaryFind out about upcoming events across Devon below.
Prosper logo a navy square with the word prosper Net Zero and Sustainability Workshop for Businesses

Wed, 7th Feb 10:00 - 15:00 FREE

Exeter Science Park, 6 Babbage Way Clyst Honiton EX5 2FN

Fully funded event exploring ways that your business can save money & reach its net zero goals. With guest speakers & free networking lunch.
Find Out More
Lets Go ZeroSchools Working Together To Be Zero Carbon Webinar

Thu, 22nd Feb 16:00 - 17:00, online

This webinar will give an update from Let’s Go Zero followed by a presentation from EcoSchools about their amazing new Schools Carbon Foot-Printing Tool.

In the second half Let's Go Zero will share information about the free 1:2:1 support they offer to all educational settings throughout England.
Find Out More and Register
the net zero exchange logo, a globe with the land mass coloured with blue to red stripes representing the warming average temperature of earthStepping up to Net Zero: Assessing your product’s impact

Thu, 22nd Feb 16:30 – 18:30

In person at the Sustainability Hub, Plymouth and online

Whether you’re involved in making products, designing products or buying products to provide a service, assessing carbon could empower you to make greener choices. Join this free event for a review of the drivers for understanding the environmental impact of a product or service, explore tools for calculating carbon and glean best-practice advice from a range of specialists in different fields.
Find Out More
Totnes Bike Hub Winter Evening Workshop Classes

General Maintenance and Punctures - Winter Evening Workshop Class

Thu,15th Feb 18:00 - 20:30

FREE, Totnes Bike Hub

Would you like to learn how to repair your bike? Then check out this winter programme of learn-to-fix events! These are funded by Cycling UK and are aimed at beginners, and people returning to cycling.

Booking for the evening workshops is essential.

Email Totnesbikehub@gmail.com, phone or pop into the shop to book your place!
Find Out More
Bike Kitchen - Self Supported Use of Workshop Space and ToolsTotnes Bike Hub 'Bike Kitchen' - Self Supported Use of Workshop Space & Tools

Sat 24th Feb, 10:00 - 12:00, FREE, Totnes Bike Hub

Get your bike ready for spring and make use of the Hub's tools and space. Knowledge of bike maintenance required as this session is self supported.

No booking is required for the Bike Kitchen.
Find Out More
Ride On Exeter poster  Bring Your Own Bike

Wed, 12.30 - 19.45, Ride on Exeter

Suggested donation is £7.50 p/hour, not including required parts.

A place for people to work on their own bikes, using the workshop, affordable second hand parts and new consumables to keep your bike on rolling.

Ride On will not fix your bike for you, but can offer some assistance and guidance as you work if needed. To make a booking, please call the workshop on 07544 314749.
Find Out More
chardstock eco group logo with oak leaves and acornsNature's Table - Chardstock Eco Group

Sat 17th Feb, 10:00 - 13:00

Chardstock Community Hall, EX13 7NJ

A celebration of local nature with a range of activities on offer. Collect free trees from Devon Wildlife Trust and get advice on planting. Or bring your kids to join in games and making bird feeders, plus stalls, displays and other activities.
Find Out More
A Greener Way for our Bay for all of Torbay to be happy and healthy, we need to plan for a changing world. Trees, cyclist and someone walking. A Greener Way for Our Bay – Have your say - Survey Now Live

If you live in Torbay then Torbay Climate Partnership want to hear your views to help them plan for a changing world.

The new consultation aims to engage with local people on the Torbay Climate Partnership’s new plans for reducing the Bay’s carbon footprint and preparing for a changing climate.
Find Out More
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Young people shaping the future of their town

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Young people shaping the future of their town

 

6 February 2024
Young people across Ivybridge are speaking up about what they want and need for their town.
South Hams District Council, along with students at Ivybridge Community College have launched a survey for 16–24-year-olds which will help create a new vision for Ivybridge.
For the past three months, residents and businesses have been having their say on what they want and need for their town. The consultation so far has received over 500 responses, highlighting the desire for more health facilities, business support, better transport, and more activities for young people
At the same time, the Council have been working with sixth form students from Ivybridge Community College to ensure that the younger community can share their views and influence important decisions. The students, supported by school staff, have formed their own steering group, created a young persons’ survey, and launched a marketing campaign to encourage fellow students to take part.
The survey will ask young people what they feel about their town, how they spend their time, career aspirations and the opportunities they have locally.

Results from both surveys will be used to help the Council develop a Community Economic Plan for the town.

Shannon, Georgia, and Josh from the Young People’s Steering Group at Ivybridge Community College, said: “We wanted to take part to make sure new ideas that come from the project are relevant to young people in Ivybridge.

“We don’t want it to just be the older community that have a voice for Ivybridge.”

Young people can have their say at youngivybridge.commonplace.is
until 29 February.

Cllr John Birch, Executive Member for Economic Development, Commercial Strategy and Governance, at South Hams District Council, said: “It is so important that we connect with our younger community to make sure that Ivybridge develops in a way that meets everyone’s needs.

“If you are aged between 16-24 and live or study in Ivybridge, then take the time to have your say on what you want for your town.

“We would like to thank our young steering group at Ivybridge Community College, and in particular teacher Kim Daniel, for their hard work supporting this important project."

Residents over the age of 24 and businesses can continue to share their views at myivybridge.commonplace.is  until 29 February 2024.

Learn Devon – Digital Boost for Adult Learners

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Digital Skills and IT courses + Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day header

Never has it been more important to build your digital and IT skills.

Learn Devon offers a range of courses to suit a variety of abilities. Join one of our courses and see what new tips and tricks you can pick-up for accessing online services.

Having a basic level of digital skills can help you to:

💻 Access digital banking and other online services

🖐 Connect with friends and family

⌨ Develop useful skills to further access the digital world and employment

Digital quote

What courses are available?

Course: First Steps to Getting Online

This single-session course is perfect for those who are looking to take their first step into the digital world. We have a number of First Steps to Getting Online courses starting this year, below are a few coming up soon.

With more First Steps courses starting in April to June 2024.

Course: Beeline for Digital Skills

Our Beeline for Digital Skills courses are ideal for those who can use a computer but would like to build their confidence and gain more skills. These courses are usually five sessions long and will enable you to develop and practise your skills.

With more Beeline for Digital Skills courses starting in April to June 2024.

See all Digital Skills and IT courses

Did you know...

In the UK 10.2 million (20%) adults lack the Foundation Level of digital skills

- Essential Digital Skills (EDS) survey carried out by IPSOS in 2022
Digital quote 2

Course: Essential Digital Skills (Nationally recognised qualification)

The Essential Digital Skills qualification courses are widely recognised. Learn how to create and edit documents, use data, stay safe online and more. We recommend that learners complete the Essential Digital Skills Entry Leve 3 course before taking the Level 1 course, which is more advanced. These courses are usually 12 to 15 sessions long and will enable you to develop and practise your skills.

With more Essential Digital Skills courses starting in April 2024.

Course: Award in Digital Skills (Nationally recognised qualification)

The Award in Digital Skills courses are for those who are confident with Microsoft Office applications but wish to build their knowledge and skills. These courses focus on using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Our award courses are usually 16 to 24 sessions long.

See all Digital Skills and IT courses

Digital Skills banner

Whatever your level or ability, Learn Devon is here to help!

Please get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions or are unsure about what course might be right for you.

Telephone: 0345 155 1014
Email: learndevon@devon.gov.uk

Get in touch
Learn Devon Adult Learning and Skills        Devon County Council
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Council supporting care leavers into employment

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Council supporting care leavers into employment

29 January 2024

South Hams District Council is offering more support to care leavers with new employment and training opportunities on the horizon.

Recent figures from the Department for Education show that 38% of those who leave care aged 19-21 are not in education, employment, or training compared with 12% of all young people.

For many care leavers, the prospect of getting a job, or even applying for one, can be overwhelming without the support in place.

The Council’s new ‘Care Leavers Employment Policy’ will help remove the barriers care leavers face by offering work placements, a guaranteed interview scheme, the ring-fencing of entry-level apprenticeships, and mentoring to help care leavers adapt to the working environment and secure permanent jobs.

The Council will also work alongside Devon County Council (DCC) and partner organisations to open up further opportunities. This includes signing up to the Care Leaver Covenant which will help the Council provide additional support outside of its statutory duties.

The Council is committed to doing all it can to support care leavers in the local area. In 2023, it introduced a Council Tax discount for young people who have left the care system up to the age of 25, free local leisure passes to support health and wellbeing, and worked with partners to offer support with housing needs. With housing top of the Council’s agenda, ways to increase availability of the right home at the right time is being prioritised – this includes supported housing as well as more general accommodation and will again be working with DCC to find solutions for young people in need.

Plans are also underway to see how the Council can further support its employees who want to foster and adopt children.

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of the Council, said: “Everyone deserves the best chance when it comes to securing a job or learning a new skill. Our new employment policy and work with partners such as Devon County Council will make sure that our care leavers, often vulnerable and in need of support, are given those opportunities.

“Our work doesn’t stop here, there is still much to do to support our care leavers. We want to build even stronger relationships with them so that they can have a bright and prosperous future.

“We will continue to support the most vulnerable groups in our communities. They are the ones who need our help the most.”

At the Executive Committee on 25 January, Councillor Nicky Hopwood, with a responsibility for the cost of living, said: “It is great to see all the support we are giving care leavers, particularly for those who may be struggling with the rising cost of living.

“These employment and training opportunities are a superb idea. We want to shout from the roof tops and get the word out so as many care leavers as possible know about the opportunities available to them.

“There are barriers that many care leavers have to overcome, such as the lack of family support. We want to do everything we can to give them the help they need as they enter the world of work."

If you are an employer interested in supporting a care leaver, whether that be through employment, apprenticeships or work experience, please get in touch with the Council by emailing hr@swdevon.gov.uk.

District council supporting the community

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

 

District council supporting the community

 

Issued: 26 January 2024

South Hams District Council’s Executive has set out the Council’s priorities for the next four years in response to the challenges and opportunities faced by communities across the District.

Today, Thursday 25 January, the Executive considered The Council Plan 2024-2028 and its supporting Year 1 delivery plan. It recommended that Council should adopt both plans and approve the funding needed to deliver them.

The Council Plan includes four key policy areas to tackle the housing challenges, address climate change and biodiversity loss, support the economy and deliver good quality services to our communities.

The plan is funded by an investment of £4.59m. This is made up of £1m of money released from reserves and capital schemes that are no longer needed together with £3.59m from the realignment of core budgets and government grants such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

To complement the housing priorities in The Council Plan, The Executive also approved a specific action plan focused on Housing and Homelessness prevention. The focus for the next twelve months includes working with partners and communities to create good quality, genuinely affordable, energy efficient housing and making the best use of housing that already exists.

Another of the Council’s key priorities is to do all it can to respond to Climate change and Biodiversity loss . It will do this through supporting changes to agricultural practices and decarbonisation of the marine economy. Another key project is to work with the agriculture sector to develop a ‘keep it local’ scheme to promote local produce and reduce food miles.

Working with businesses and partner organisation will also be key to achieving the Council’s ambition to support a thriving and resilient economy. One of the key ways it intends to do this it by working with each of the districts Towns to support the delivery of town plans focused on local priorities.

The community services the Council Delivers is also a key priority. It has pledged in The Council Plan to deliver effective frontline services that address consider the environment and enhance the wellbeing of communities across South Hams.

These four priorities will be underpinned by providing good quality core council services. The Council will do this by working closer with our communities, improving customers access to services, making sure it is financially sustainable and putting the right governance in place.

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “The proposals approved by the Executive reflect a well-rounded and sensible approach to the challenges of housing, climate change, our economy and community support, confirming our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

“As a committee, we have a very practical viewpoint for sustainable growth and a community-focused future. Our ongoing commitment to our Council Plan, together with transparency, accountability, and strategic financial management will undoubtedly propel the District toward our goals.

“We’re showing we’re being proactive and we’re trying to provide our residents with what they have asked us for. That’s what we’re working towards every single day.”

To find out more information on each of the reports discussed during Executive, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/executive

The meeting can be viewed in full on South Hams District Council’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SouthHamsCouncil