Mendip Councillor Report – Mendip District Councillors for Wells February 2021 Wells, Central Ward: Lois Rogers Wells, St Cuthberts Ward:Laura Waters & Rob Ayres Wells, St Thomas Ward:Tom Ronan & Caroline McKinnell
In case we can be of assistance in any key areas, our current responsibilities are as follows:
Lois Rogers- Scrutiny Board Member, Licensing Board Member & Wells Recreation Ground Trust Central Ward Member, Planning Board Substitute Member.
Rob Ayres- Chair of Audit Committee & Wells Recreation Ground Trust St.Cuthbert’s Member
Laura Waters- Portfolio Holder Assistant for Community Health Services, Planning Board Member, Climate & Ecological Emergency Group (CEEG) Member, Mental Health Champion, Mendip Access & Parking Strategy Member.
Tom Ronan-Member of Cabinet, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Policy & Climate Change, Chair of Climate & Ecological Emergency Group (CEEG), Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) Board Member, Chair of Somerset Climate Emergency Task & Finish Group & Wells Recreation Ground Trust, St.Thomas Ward Member.
Mendip’s COVID response- Mendip's new priorities - Saving lives -Delivering statutory services -Economic recovery At Cabinet (11th Jan) Mendip's Leader, Cllr Ros Wyke, said the Council would be resetting its strategic direction with a focus on three key areas. • Saving lives, through supporting the extensive vaccine roll-out, and community testing; • Delivering statutory services, such homelessness prevention, environmental health, licensing, and planning; • Supporting the economy, and our local people. The 'new priorities' plan will be reviewed monthly.
Mendip had already been supporting health professionals with the vaccination roll-out. Council offices in Shepton Mallet were temporarily transformed into a medical hub during Christmas and New Year with staff volunteers on-hand. Mendip is now supporting the vaccination hub at Bath & West Showground and the NHS Booking Teams.
Non-COVID news:
Build back better: Saxonvale, Frome
Mendip District Council, as landowner, acknowledged the decision of the Planning Board to approve outline planning permission for land at Saxonvale, Frome, subject to agreement of conditions with the developer. This exemplary development will deliver a mixed-use community, with flexible commercial units, high-quality public realm, open space, and homes for all ages.
Statement: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9774/A-statement-from-Mendip-District- Council-Outline-Planning-Approval-for-Saxonvale-Frome
MDC Additional Restrictions Grants (Round 2) Mendip District Council has launched Additional Restrictions Grants (Round 2) to support local businesses affected by Covid-19 lockdowns. Open for applications: 27th January – 12th February at 9am. To date, we have issued grants across 13 different time periods since the first lockdown to local organisations in need of financial help due to the lockdown. Some 4,000 prompt payments have been made, totalling £34m. For more information and details of other national lockdown support visit: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/businessgrants
Planning: Phosphates The councils across Somerset are continuing to work on solutions to the Phosphates issue to unlock development. An update on planning applications affected and progress on a tool to assess site impacts, will be published shortly.
The Council will also be consulting on additions to policy text for the sites in Local Plan Part 2. https://www.mendip.gov.uk/phosphates
Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP)
After implementing SWEP on 29th-31st Dec, there were two further occasions in January. On 6th-11th and on 19th-26th Jan. Severe Weather Emergency Provision in Mendip has two aims; to ensure that no one dies on the streets due to severe weather, and to ensure that every effort is made to engage individuals with support. Visit: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/swep
Mendip partnership updates:
Glastonbury Town Investment Plan (TIP) submitted The plan was sent to Government on Friday 29th Jan. It was developed through direct engagement with key partners, local businesses, community groups, residents and Mendip District Council, as the lead authority. The Plan showcases confident, considered proposals for renewed infrastructure, green energy, business development and higher skill levels. It’s place-led and proud. Visit: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/glastotowndeal
Visitor Economy Support Programme (VESP)
A countywide scheme was launched to support tourism and visitor-centred businesses in Somerset in the wake of the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Somerset's District and County Council has put in place the Visitor Economy Support Programme (VESP) to help businesses strengthen and build competitiveness.
Press Release: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9744/Supporting-Somerset-s-visitor- economy
Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP): Early collections - 6am start
SWP kept 16 recycling sites open on standard winter hours for essential use during the latest national lockdown. COVID continues to put the pressure one. In the first three weeks of January it contributed to the loss of nearly 800 operational days - compared to 58 in December. Additional steps to protect crews, help them manage the workload and maintain services are being taken. From Monday, 1st February it’s 6am starts for collections, rather than 7am. Press Release: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9772/SWP-update-Early-collections- from-next-week
Mendip events, commemorations and campaigns:
Big Energy Saving Week (18th to 25th Jan) Mendip encouraged residents, particularly the most vulnerable, to pick up the phone to get free personal advice to keep their homes warm, reduce energy costs and save money. Press Release: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9745/Mendip-s-Big-Energy-Saving- Winter-launches-in-lockdown-
Big Community Switch Mendip has been encouraging residents to register their interest in switching energy providers with the Big Community Switch by 9th February 2021. This year, for the first time, the Big Community Switch auction has the option of 100 per cent renewable energy tariffs from wind, biomass and solar for electricity, at really competitive market prices. Press Release: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9732/Mendip-residents-urged-to-think- greener-with-the-Big-Community-Switch-
Mendip marked UK Holocaust Memorial Day (27th Jan)
The Council flew the Union flag at half-mast at its offices in Shepton Mallet as well as posting social media content on its corporate channels throughout the day. Deputy Chief Executive, Tracy Aarons, showed the Council's support by displaying a lit candle in her window, as this year's theme was 'Be the light in the darkness'. Press Release: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9767/Mendip-marks-UK-Holocaust-Memorial-Day-2021
Condolences: Cllr John Brunsdon MBE
Mendip was sad to hear of the passing of Cllr John Brunsdon MBE, former Glastonbury Town Councillor and Mendip District Councillor. Our heartfelt condolences were sent to Cllr John Brunsdon's family, friends, Town Councillors and the whole Glastonbury community where he served as a Councillor for many years. Statement: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/article/9773/Condolences-Cllr-John-Brunsdon- MBE-Former-Glastonbury-Town-Councillor-and-Mendip-District-Councillor
New Chief Executive at Sedgemoor District Council Allison Griffin stood down from the role at the end of January. Mr Bob Brown has been appointed as incoming Chief Executive at Sedgemoor.
Mendip Meetings
• The Leader, Cllr Ros Wyke, CEO Stuart Brown and a number of heads of service, attended a Parish Forum on 26th Jan, to discuss the Council’s priorities re-set. The session will be repeated on Thursday 4th February, 6pm-7.30pm. Please feel free to attend this virtual meeting and invite parish members to join us.
Contact: [email protected] • Mendip members and officers attended the countywide Health and Wellbeing Board on 21st Jan.
Council Leader’s Column
Cllr Ros Wyke writes a weekly column, published the Somerset Series newspaper titles, and Frome Standard, every Thursday.
All columns listed here: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/leaderscolumn
Councillors in the news
Our councillors have appeared on BBC Radio Somerset, Greatest Hits Radio, and Frome FM this month talking about the Big Energy Switch (Cllr Tom Ronan), Glastonbury being cancelled (Cllr Ros Wyke) and outline planning consent for Saxonvale (Cllr Barry O’Leary).
Cllr Helen Sprawson White has been carrying out vaccinations at the Bath & West
Useful Info:
Legionnaires risk – please continue to spread this important public health message Owners of all public buildings and volunteer-run premises should check and maintain their hot/cold water and air con systems before re-opening to customers, shoppers, staff and the public. Anywhere that has a water supply and is currently shut down is at heightened risk of Legionnaires' disease. Mendip have been contacting local businesses about the threat. Call us if you need help or advice: 0300 303 8588 or email: [email protected]
Please contact the Housing Options Team if you have accommodation to let and can help with this need. Call 0300 303 8588. Properties in need of repair and improvement may be eligible for council grants or loans so they can be safely lived in. Property owners should contact the Private Sector Housing Team in this instance, or visit:www.mendip.gov.uk/financialassistance
Where to get help: 1. You can contact the Housing Options Team 0300 303 8588. 2. Find advice for tenants and landlords relating to coronavirus here: www.mendip.gov.uk/housing 3. Have you got accommodation empty and ready to let? Call 0300 303 8588. 4. Properties in need of repair and improvement may be eligible for council grants or loans: www.mendip.gov.uk/financialassistance
5. Are you, or someone you know, at risk of homelessness? Local services and support are available. Call 0300 303 8588 or make a homeless application online www.mendip.gov.uk/housing 6. Perhaps you’re rough sleeping, or concerned that someone is rough sleeping in Mendip? You can make a referral to StreetLink either online or by contacting the rough sleeper referral line on 0300 500 0914. Visit www.streetlink.org.uk. 7. For general advice on landlords and tenants rights and responsibilities during the COVID-19 browse here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and- renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities
How to Contact Us: Lois Rogers:[email protected] or (07770) 350822 Rob Ayres:[email protected] Laura Waters:[email protected] or (07866) 154810 Caroline McKinnell:[email protected] Tom Ronan: [email protected] or (07934) 284440
Monthly Surgeries: first Saturday of every month at Coffee #1 with Wells Somerset County Councillor: Tessa Munt. (currently postponed due to pandemic and associated restrictions) Facebook Page: Wells Councillors, Mendip District Council
For key Mendip daily updates & information visit: Facebook: MDC Official Facebook Page. Twitter twitter.com/MendipCouncil LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/mendip-district-council