Agenda item

The following announcements were received:

·       Covid-19

The Chairman gave a brief update on Covid-19, which stressed that though infection rates are falling across the county, it is still important to take great care and stay at home where possible. Additionally, the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub is available to help and support those who might need it. People can get in touch with the hub via email at wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.ukor by calling 0300 003 4576.

·       Local Plan Review Consultation

The Chairman invited Cllr Toby Sturgis to introduce the announcement, which outlined that the Local Plan Review was an informal consultation that was taking place before a local draft plan would be published. Cllr Sturgis explained that there are two figures of housing distribution involved, 40,000 and 45,000. The lower figure produced by the government methodology in 2019 to look at house prices and annual income; and the higher figure produced by consultants on past trends and evidence.

The Local Plan Review Consultation is an opportunity to invite residents to state their opinions on what they think of the numbers and where the allocations will potentially be made, such as a number of sites in urban areas and market towns.

·       Census 2021

The Chairman invited Jonny Corbett, Census Engagement Manager for County of Wiltshire, to introduce the announcement. Jonny Corbett provided a presentation to the Area Board, which explained that the census is a national survey which takes place every 10 years. Additionally, it was explained that the census takes place, in order to provide information to national government and local authorities in order to shape policy; allocate resources; plan services and monitor equality. The next census will take place on Sunday 21 March 2021.

The presentation reassured the Area Board that all information collected is locked away and remains anonymous for 100 years. Jonny Corbett also stressed the legal obligation of citizens to complete the census and informed that there is a £1,000 fine for non-completion of a census form. Additionally, reassurance was given that Covid-19 measures will be followed by those visiting residents’ doors, as well as there being an online method of completion.

·       Fostering in Wiltshire

The Chairman invited Cllr Chuck Berry to introduce the announcement. Cllr Berry noted that Wiltshire Council plan to recruit 100 foster carers in the next 3 years and that this could potentially be a way that people could give back to the community. Fosterers can potentially be paid around £16,000-£17,000 and can provide support for both long or short periods of time; the main requirement being that they are over 21 years of age and have a spare bedroom.

Cllr Berry also drew attention to an offer provided by the Fostering in Wiltshire programme, where it is possible to receive a £500 payment to keep or donate to charity for anyone who recommends someone as a foster carer.  More details are available on the fostering website: www.fosteringwiltshire.uk.

·       Welcome to our new CEM

The Chairman announced that Alexa Davies, Community Engagement Manager, will be the new Malmesbury CEM from April 2021.

·       Electoral Timetable