• Council nominated for two national awards

South Staffordshire Council’s senior leadership team and commercial ethos have been shortlisted for two awards in this year’s MJ Awards, which celebrate the achievements and hard work of local authorities. The Council has been nominated in the Senior Leadership Team and Best Commercial Council categories of the 2020 MJ Awards and the results will be announced at 2pm on Friday 2 October 2020 at a virtual awards ceremony. Click here to view the finalists.

• Taking stock of our vision, strategies and plans in light of COVID-19

As we enter into a new phase of delivery, post lockdown, the Corporate Leadership Team at South Staffordshire Council has taken stock of the Council’s vision, strategies and plans in light of COVID-19. This document highlights what the Council will be focusing on and how we will be utilising our resources over the coming months to ensure we continue to prosper as a Council and still retain the strong finances, strong communities, and a strong workforce elements of our Council Plan. Click here to view.

• COVID-19 update

This week’s news includes updates about a local outbreak incident in Stone, the extension of virus isolation period and changes to shielding advice. 

• Local Outbreak in Stone, Staffordshire – Pub customers are being urged to get tested for COVID-19 after 10 cases of coronavirus were confirmed this week. Health officials have said that anyone who was at the Crown and Anchor in Stone, Staffordshire, between 16 and 18 July 2020 should get tested. Click here for more information and click here for details of how to book an appointment.

• Local Outbreak Control Plan – Staffordshire County Council has plans in place to swiftly identify, contain and stop any local outbreaks across the county. The County Council will work with Public Health England, the NHS and District and Borough Councils to manage any outbreaks. Click here to view. In light of the cases associated with the licensed premises in Stone, a letter is being sent out to all of our licensed premises in South Staffordshire reminding them about compliance with COVID-19 guidance. The Council is visiting and advising premises across the district and if you have any concerns relating to non-compliance, please email [email protected]. 

• Virus isolation period extended from seven to 10 days – People who test positive for coronavirus or show symptoms in the UK must now self-isolate for at least 10 days rather than seven – click here for more information.

• Face coverings – Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is now mandatory – click here for more information.

• Shielding advice – click here for the latest advice to people about shielding.NHS test and trace – A new public health campaign has been launched this week to encourage more people to get a test as soon as they develop symptoms as well as respond if contacted by the service – click here to find out more about test and trace. The aim of the awareness campaign is to help build public understanding about the integral role that test and trace plays. Restaurants, pubs, salons and gyms are among the businesses who are being supported by test and trace to log their customers to prevent transmission and help contain the virus.

• Social distancing – With hot weather expected this weekend remember the ‘One metre plus’ social distancing rule. This means that where it is not possible for people to stay two metres apart, they should stay one metre apart and take additional measures to protect themselves such as wearing a face covering, increased use of hand sanitiser, sitting side by side rather than face to face, or meeting outdoors to reduce the risk of transmission. 

• Himley Country Club Hotel – click here to read an update. South Staffordshire Council, Staffordshire Police and the hotel are working together to address concerns voiced by residents of Himley. We are committed to keeping our communities safe and any incidents should be reported to the police immediately by phoning 101 or online (click here).

• Coronavirus support and advice for businesses
• South Staffordshire Council is relaunching the Discretionary Business Grants scheme, which will be open for applications from Monday 3 August 2020. Click here to find out more and see the revised eligibility criteria that apply.
• Our next virtual business support seminar will take place on Tuesday 11 August 2020 from 2pm to 3pm. Click here to register for this event about recruiting during a pandemic. Click here to view previous online sessions covering hospitality sector re-opening, managing finance, maximising social media to generate new business, and trading legally and safely during COVID-19.
• South Staffordshire is #openforbusiness and a short video highlighting the support available for local businesses and showcasing some of the local businesses that are #openforbusiness in the district is now live on the Council’s YouTube channel. Click here to view. 

• Leisure Centre welcome back members

This week, the Council’s four leisure centres in Cheslyn Hay, Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne reopened their doors to Members and they will reopen to the general public from Monday 3 August 2020. Tai Chi customers enjoyed their socially distanced session at Wombourne Leisure Centre (click here to see a pic) and there was great feedback from another customer pleased to be back (click here to view) with lots of comments about how clean the leisure centres are looking. Thank you to all staff and instructors for your ongoing support.

Facilities at the leisure centres will reopen in gradual phases rather than all at once and at the moment only gyms and exercise classes are open. Swimming pools are not reopening at this stage and other facilities including changing rooms, the sports halls, toning suites and 3G pitches will remain suspended and reopen at a later date. It’s hoped the outdoor 3G pitches will be available next with the possibility of some swimming clubs returning during August.

Click here to view a guidance note and click here for more information.

• Fraud – banks reveal the 10 coronavirus scams to be wary of

Fraudsters are using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to trick people out of their cash, according to British banks in an article published on the BBC news website. Scams include COVID-19 financial support scams, health scams and lockdown scams – click here to read more.

• Better health

A new national campaign is under way to encourage millions of adults to kick start their health and reduce their risk of serious illness, including COVID-19. Called ‘Better Health’, the campaign includes a range of tools and support to help you kickstart your health, start healthier eating habits, be more active and start losing weight. On the website you’ll find a free NHS weight loss plan, special offers from WW Weight Watchers, GetSlim and Slimming World, a couch to fitness programme, free online fitness videos, an easy meal app and much more.

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/

• Baggeridge Adventure – summer reboot camps at Challenge Academy

This summer, Baggeridge Adventure is offering a summer reboot camp with loads of activities for young people to get involved with. Reboot camps will work in small groups and the focus will be on health, adventure, teamwork, bushcraft, woodland challenges and fun. The age range is for 7 years+ (maximum of 15 children per session). Camps will run from Monday to Thursday from 10am to 3pm and booking in advance is essential. Click here for more information.

• Census 2021

Every 10 years there is a census of all people and households in the UK that provides a detailed snapshot of the whole population. The next Census Day will take place on Sunday 21 March 2021 and recruitment is taking place at the moment to help us ensure everyone is counted. Click here for more information.

• Annual Canvass

Every year, the Council is required to undertake an annual canvass of all households in the district between July and November to confirm that the details we have on the electoral register are correct. This month you will receive a canvass form from the Council through the post containing details of all the people in the household who are currently registered to vote.

The government has made some changes to the canvass this year and now you only have to respond if:

• You’re told to do so.
• You need to make any changes or additions to the information provided on the form.

You must read your letter carefully to check whether you need to respond or not. If you need to make any changes then it is a legal requirement to let us know and you could be fined £1,000 if you do not tell us about any changes. Please respond quickly when you receive your form as it saves you time and the council money as canvassers will have to visit any properties where a form has not been returned.

Click here for more information.

• Consultation – Statement of Licensing Policy

The Environmental Health and Licensing Service is consulting on its Statement of Licensing Policy – click here to view. Any comments should be sent to [email protected]. The closing date for consultation responses is Thursday 17 September 2020.

• Design a mascot for Birmingham 2022

The Birmingham Commonwealth Games are looking for children across the country to design their own mascot and be in with a chance of winning family tickets to the opening ceremony on Thursday 28 July 2022. The winning design will inspire the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games’ official mascot. Find out more and how to enter here www.birmingham2022.com/mascot/

• Next week’s Council Committee/Panel meetings

o    Licensing and Regulatory Committee – Thursday 6 August – 2.30pm – virtual meeting.

Details about how members of the public can view virtual meetings will be posted in the news section of the Council website before meetings.

www.sstaffs.gov.uk

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