Dear resident
In this correspondence:
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Future changes to recycling and rubbish services
In July 2022 our new waste strategy was approved, which will see us making changes to recycling and rubbish services in the future.
We are now planning to introduce garden waste wheelie bins in 2024.
Wheelie bins for all other recycling and rubbish collections, and separate food waste collections, are planned from 2025. We will also be collecting more items for recycling, like plastic pots and tubs.
To make all planned changes to the service we are reliant on new recycling sorting facilities in Hampshire, which are currently expected from 2025.
We will continue to provide our assisted collection service for households who need support taking refuse to the edge of their property. And later this year, we will be surveying properties across the district to identify which will need alternatives to wheelie bins.
You can read about planned changes to recycling and rubbish services, including the research and resident engagement that was done, on our website: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/wastestrategy
We will write to all garden waste customers later this year, with full details of the new garden waste service with wheelie bins, which will begin in April 2024.
Our garden waste service for this coming year will start in April 2023 and continue with reusable sacks. We will soon be sending renewal reminder letters to all current garden waste customers.
We will be discussing the new service at our Environment and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting on Thursday 12 January at 2pm. You can watch the meeting live on our YouTube channel, or on playback: https://www.youtube.com/@newforestdistrictcouncil6250
Photo ID required at elections
The district and parish councillor elections are on 4 May 2023.
A change in the law means you will need to bring photo ID to be able to vote at your polling station.
It is likely that you will already have a suitable form of photo ID to use for this ‘voter ID’. Examples of some of the accepted forms of photo ID are a UK passport, driving licence, blue badge, or local travel ID, such as a bus pass.
If you do not have an acceptable form of photo ID, you will be able to apply for a free voter photo ID certificate on the gov.uk website from 16 January. Paper application forms will also soon be available from us.
The Electoral Commission, who are the body that oversee elections nationally, will be issuing lots of information and advertising about this in the coming weeks and months. To find out more, visit their website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id
We will also be advising our residents on this new requirement and providing more information, including a full list of accepted ID.
https://www.newforest.gov.uk/voterID
Cost of living information and advice
‘It All Adds Up’ energy saving campaign
The government has recently launched the ‘It All Adds Up’ energy saving campaign to help you save money. Some of the tips include:
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Read more advice at https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/energy-saving-advice/
Warm Spaces this winter
A range of Warm Spaces are available around the New Forest and are heated, free, and safe to use, providing a warm welcome to all. A list of Warm Spaces available in the area is available on our website: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/3173/Find-a-Warm-Space
Mental health support
The start of the year can be a difficult time, and it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your mental health this winter.
If you need mental health support, Hampshire County Council provide both general wellbeing advice and tailored, specialist help. A full list of the support available can be found on their website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/publichealth/mentalwellbeinghampshire
If you run a Hampshire based business or organisation and would like to improve the mental wellbeing of your community, you can sign up to join the Chat About scheme for free.
By joining, you’ll work to provide a safe and welcoming space for local people to meet and chat with others and help reduce loneliness within the area. All staff taking part are also required to complete mental health training modules to spot the signs of mental illness and learn how to signpost to the support that is available.
To find out more and join, visit the Hampshire County Council website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/publichealth/mentalwellbeinghampshire/chatabout
Consultation on proposed Public Space Protection Orders
There is a public consultation about two proposed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) for the New Forest area.
The proposed PSPOs concern the lighting of fires and use of BBQs principally on the Crown Lands managed by Forestry England, and the feeding and petting of ponies, horses, mules, and donkeys in the New Forest.
Read background information and complete the online consultation forms on our website, until 27 January: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/3205/Public-Spaces-Protection-Orders-consultation
Findings of the consultation will be reported at our Cabinet meeting in Spring 2023.
Recycle your real Christmas tree at our drop-off points
You can still take your real Christmas tree to one of our drop-off sites across the district until Sunday 15 January.
We will recycle your tree by chipping it to create mulch. The mulch will be used locally to help retain moisture around plant roots, and to prevent weeds from growing.
Please take decorations off trees first, leave in designated bays only, and place the tree as far back as possible in the bay.
Find the address for your nearest Christmas tree drop-off site on our website: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/christmasrecycling
Winter illness advice
Winter illnesses continue to circulate at high levels. Following simple steps can help protect children, minimise the spread of illness in education and childcare settings, and protect wider communities.
The UK Health and Security Agency are reminding people to keep unwell children with a fever at home until they feel better, and the fever has resolved. Adults should also try to stay home when unwell and if there is a need to go out, they are encouraged to wear a face covering.
Flu vaccinations are still available for all eligible groups and are the best protection against the virus. There has been good uptake in older age groups but vaccination among young children remains low.
Eligible children include:
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More information about getting children vaccinated against flu can be found at http://www.nhs.uk/
Have your say – Christchurch Bay
There are still a few days left to give your views on the proposed shortlist of flood and erosion risk management measures for the coast, from Hengistbury Head Long Groyne to Hurst Spit, including Christchurch Harbour.
Take part in the online survey until 15 January at https://haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/christchurchstrategyphase4
Find out more at https://newforest.gov.uk/article/3206/Have-your-say-on-options-to-defend-our-coastline-from-flooding-and-erosion
Please share this email with your family and friends. They can sign up to receive them in future at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/emails