This week’s news from around the Council.

• COVID-19 update – Key Messages
  • We’re still in a national lockdown. It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. It’s really tough, but if we all follow the rules we can help reduce the spread and save lives.
  • We all need to continue to follow guidance on Hands. Face. Space. This will help to keep you and others safe – even if you’ve had the vaccine.
  • If you are making essential visits to places where there are other people, get rapid tested regularly.
  • If you’re worried about getting tested for Covid-19 and having to self-isolate, you may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the Test and Trace support payment scheme.
  • You cannot leave home for recreational or leisure purposes (such as for a picnic or a social meeting).
  • The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines.
  • Stay at home and if you do need to go out for essentials, remember, Hands. Face. Space. Test.
  • Did you know that you must still follow guidance around #HandsFaceSpace even if you’ve had your Covid-19 vaccine? Wear a face covering, keep your distance and wash your hands regularly.
  • Click here for more information on #doingourbit to stop the spread.

• The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Elections, the County Council Elections and Local By-Elections.
  On Thursday 6 May 2021 residents in South Staffordshire will have their say on who represents them at the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Elections, the County Council Elections and Local By-Elections. Voters will have a choice between in person and absent voting. Postal and proxy voting will be supported, and proxy voting rules changed so that those affected by Covid-19 in the days before the poll can still vote. The Government is setting out how existing public health regulations and guidance apply to essential voting activities and will be publishing additional guidance on the specific application of social distancing and other regulations to their activities, including nominations and campaigning.

South Staffordshire’s Elections team are already working on plans to help residents stay safe while casting their vote. A series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the upcoming elections have been published on the Council Website. The website will be updated with further information as it becomes available. Information can also be found on the website of the Electoral Commission.

• Good News Story – The Building Better Opportunities programme

The Building Better Opportunities programme, which is funded by The Big Lottery and European Social Fund, originally run from January 2017 to December 2019, but due to its success of supporting people to move closer to work, an extension was awarded until September 2022. More recently, the programme has reviewed the contracts that have performed well, despite Covid-19 restrictions and have selected the Stafford and South Staffordshire project as one to be extended to June 2023. If you would like more information on the BBO programme, please email [email protected]

• Youth Boxfit exercise class
  Children aged 10-16 years old can access a FREE 40-minute Boxfit class every Tuesday 4.30-5.10pm. Places are limited so advanced booking is essential. Book a Youth Boxfit exercise class here.

• New online exercise classes
  Live exercise classes are available to members and non-members. Members are entitled to free access and non-members can take part for £4 per class. By joining our online membership package, you can access unlimited classes for £12 per month.  Find out more about the online class membership here.
• On Demand classes now available
  Leisure centre members can now access online classes ‘on-demand’ which means workouts are recorded so that you can workout at a time that suits you. Find out more about the on-demand sessions here.

Regular information

• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings

There are no meetings for the week commencing 15 February 2021.

Members of the public can virtually attend these meetings via Microsoft Teams. In the news section at the bottom of the Council’s website, you will find the relevant news item that will include a link to enable you to join.

Everyone is encouraged to submit news items, please email: [email protected]