A gentle start to 2024 but I have been keeping busy, supporting residents with their personal issues, and undertaking some training to improve the support that I can give to residents and the council.
I headed down to London to complete a day’s training with the Local Government Association (LGA) as I am a Peer Mentor for them. I go into other councils with the LGA team as a critical friend to support them in making changes and improvements.
I also went to Warwick University, again with the LGA, to have a day's media training. Both training events were exceptionally good, and I enjoyed learning and improving my skills to become a better councillor.
Back in November, I was delighted to help plant a magnolia acuminata tree, otherwise known as a cucumber tree, to show the council’s commitment to supporting young people coming out of care.
The new tree has found its home outside of the county hall offices, representing Leicestershire County Council’s goals to help their care leavers grow and thrive. The tree - nicknamed a ‘positivitree’ - also acts as a promise to continue developing the support on offer for the future.
A care leaver, someone under the age of 25 who has previously been in the care system, is given a ‘local offer’ of support from the county once they are able to leave care. The council offers support to 442 care leavers aged 18-25 years, providing young people with a range of help, including a personal advisor, financial advice and support securing housing, employment or pursuing further education.
Flooding
Since New Year’s Eve Storm Henk has hit the UK. One of the worst hit areas in Leicestershire was Charnwood, where more than 100 homes were flooded in areas including Loughborough, Syston, Quorn, and Cossington. Several businesses were also impacted.
The County Council has been successful in securing funding for support measures available under the Government’s Flood Recovery Framework. This includes:
- Flooded households in affected areas can apply for up to £500 to give cash quickly to help with immediate costs
- Households and businesses significantly affected by recent flooding are eligible for 100% Council Tax and business rates relief for at least three months
- Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas are eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual
- Eligible flood-hit property owners can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.
Support will be available through the county council and further details will be announced on eligibility and how to apply on the website or please contact me.
Rogue Traders
Residents who have suffered damage caused by Storm Henk are being warned by Leicestershire Trading Standards to be on their guard against rogue traders.
Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards team is now urging people to be on the alert for doorstep traders and cold callers offering building repairs, garden work and clean-up services, which may be sub-standard or over-priced.
Leicestershire Trading Standards has issued a checklist to help people steer clear of rogue traders and doorstep scams:
- Do not agree to any work on the doorstep
- Go online to search for reviews and recommendations
- Is the trader listed as a Limited Company? – if so, it should be listed on Companies House. Does the company exist? If not, the trader is giving false information about their company details
- Obtain a minimum of three quotes from different tradespeople
- Obtain full details of each business that provides a quote, visit any website and/or social media page they hold, check their address on the Royal Mail website
- Ensure that the contract of works required, the quoted and agreed final price are all received in writing
- Never pay in cash - use a secure method such as bank transfer or credit card
- Do not feel pressured to pay prior to any work being conducted. A reputable builder will not request money up front for work that has not been carried out. If the trader is legitimate, they won’t mind waiting for you to come back to them once you have made an informed decision. Be wary of those that say they can start straight away, whatever reason they give you
- For contracts over the value of £42, traders must give you a notice that you have 14 days to change your mind and cancel the contract. An exception is if work needs to be carried out in an emergency or at your express request, but you must waive these rights in writing
- Has the trader offered to take you to the bank to withdraw money? If so, this is considered an ‘aggressive practice’, so consider this a warning sign.
Please speak to friends or family before parting with any money if you are unsure.
If you feel in immediate danger, call the police on 999, or for a non-urgent matter, call 101.
For more advice and guidance, call 0808 223 1133 or visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer . To report a rogue trader, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
Make Your Mark Campaign
The ‘Make Your Mark Campaign’ is an opportunity for 11-18 year olds across the UK to have their say and begin their democratic journey by voting on the policies they want to introduce or change.
The issues they vote as the most important will be debated by Members of Youth Parliament. They will campaign to influence the UK Parliament and their local representatives, ensuring that the views of young people are listened to by decision makers.
This is a great opportunity for our young people to influence decision makers who can make a real difference on the issues that matter to them. ‘Make Your Mark’ is one of the most important and influential ways young people can take part in a democratic process.
If you would like any further information about being a young person in politics, please contact me.
The vote is held every two years and details can be found on the County Council’s Communities website: https://www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/
Voting will take place between 29th January and 8th March 2024
Dads Walk and Talk
‘Homestart’ are offering Dads Walk & Talk sessions in Charnwood.
Join them for a monthly walk and talk and meet other Dads and their children (0-5 years).
Enjoy the outdoors and blow away a few cobwebs! All the details are below.
If you have any issues or concerns, I’m here to help.
