www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Parish Newsletter - December 2007
One Council - update
The act which will enable Wiltshire to become a unitary authority received Royal Assent on 30th October. Statutory orders are currently being developed with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and have been designed to fit Wiltshire's needs, rather than a 'one set of statutory orders fits all' approach.
No final decision has yet been made on the timing of the elections for the new council but it was hoped that 2009 would be acceptable given the unanimity of Wiltshire authorities on this point and the greed importance of firstly completing a boundary review.
Parish councils have been consulted on the timing of parish council elections, which are likely to take place in 2013, with the exception of the Salisbury areas. The leader of the county council has attended a number of meetings with parish councils and of the parish councils which responded, only one parish council objected to the proposal. It has been recommendedthe new council will pay for election expenses. Further consultations will be undertaken with parish councils on what services could be devolved to them and the development of community area boards.
Equality and Diversity - how well is Wiltshire County Council doing?
As part of its commitment to equality and diversity in employment and the delivery of its services, the county council has published four equality schemes (disability, gender, race, comprehensive) each with a three-year action plan.
To find out more and comment:
- visit the county council website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/equalities
- contact the customer care unit on 01225 713000 for a copy of the consultation document
- visit your library to obtain a copy of the consultation document or access the council's website.
The consultation ends on 29th February, 2008 and the outcomes will be presented to the county council cabinet and published on the website.
Parish Partners Scheme
In today's fast paced world, we are putting more and more pressure on the landscape through traffic, tourism, housing and changes in farming practices.Everything we do has an impact on the landscape. The Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Down AONB is seeking to reinstate the parish partners scheme which will help to ensure as many residents as possible know about the AONB status and they understand its importance and how it benefits them. A parish partner can be anyone living within the AONB, or simply interested in the conservation and enhancement of our living heritage.
If you, or someone you know, would like to be involved, telephone 01725 517417 or email info@cranbornechase.org.uk for more information or a leaflet to distribute within your parish.
News in Brief
Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud!
At this time of year, the divisional highway offices experience a large number of reports from members of the public regarding mud on the highway, mainly caused by farming activities. We would be grateful for any assistance you may be able to give in highlighting this problem to the local farmers. More information can be found on the county council website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/transport/mud-on-the-highway.htm
New respite centre to open
Bradbury Manor, a new respite care centre for people with learning disabilities is set to open in December. The centre has been built on land adjacent to Southbroom Junior School in Devizes and provides ten beds, enabling people with learning disabilities to visit for short breaks. The development is part of the county council's learning disabilities best value review programme, which is modernising facilities and services throughout Wiltshire.
New network will give people greater say about care services
The Local Involvement Network (LINk) is being set up through Wiltshire County Council and should be in place by spring 2008. It will build on the work previously done by the Wiltshire Patient and Public Involvement Forum in Health which gave people the opportunity to comment on health services.A public meetingis being held to enable people to learn more about the LINk and to say what they want from it. This will be held at the Corn Exchange in Devizes on 24 January between 10 am and 3 pm. Places can be booked by calling 01225 713523.
Contact Details
By post
Communications Unit
County Hall
Bythsea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JN
By email
