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Published: Sunday, 04 December 2022 15:25
- Cost of living information and advice
- New Leader elected
- Christmas recycling and rubbish collections
- Services at our information offices
- Shop local
- Hurst Spit works
- Survey results
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Cost of living information and advice
Help is available if you need support with the cost of living.
Citizens Advice New Forest offer free and confidential advice surrounding housing, health, energy, water, food, and debts.
Find out more on the Citizens Advice New Forest website: https://newforestcab.org.uk/are-you-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living-get-help-in-the-new-forest-now/
- Warm welcome at Hampshire Libraries
Libraries across the district are offering a warm welcome for residents. You can learn more about the different ways you can use your local library on the Hampshire Library Service website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library
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- Warm spaces funding
We have funding available for organisations or groups that would like to set up a Warm Space in their building. Groups and charities can apply for a grant of between £200 and £1,000 to help to provide a safe, warm place for people this winter. Since launching the fund last month, 12 grants have been awarded to groups across the district. Apply for funding on our website: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/warmspacesgrant
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There is more information about the cost of living on our website: https://newforest.gov.uk/costofliving
New Leader elected
Councillor Jill Cleary was elected as Leader at the Council meeting of 14 November 2022.
Read what she says about the role at https://newforest.gov.uk/article/3187/Cllr-Jill-Cleary-elected-as-Leader-of-New-Forest-District-Council
Christmas recycling and rubbish collections
Most recycling and rubbish collections will go ahead over Christmas and New Year, but there will be some changes:
- Recycling and rubbish sacks
Collections due on Monday 26 December 2022 will be collected on Monday 2 January 2023. If your collection is affected, we will pick up extra recycling and rubbish on Monday 2 January 2023.
- Glass
Collections due on Monday 26 December 2022 will be collected on Saturday 31 December 2022.
- Garden waste
There will be no garden waste collections between Monday 26 December 2022 and Friday 6 January 2023. Garden waste collections will resume as usual from Monday 9 January 2023.
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All other collections will stay the same.
You can check your collection day at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/findyourcollection
If you have excess waste over Christmas and New Year, you can also take recycling and rubbish to community recycling banks: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/recyclingbanks
Or you can take excess recycling and rubbish to Hampshire County Council’s tips, also known as Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs): https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/982/Take-rubbish-to-the-tip
Please check opening hours for the tips over Christmas and New Year.
View more information about recycling in the district over Christmas and New Year: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/christmasrecycling
Services at our information offices
At our eight information offices across the district, you can get advice about the cost of living, applying for benefits, housing, and waste and recycling.
As well as being able to give information, we have items available to buy, like parking clocks, safety items including bike locks and flashing hi-visibility arm bands, Go New Forest discount cards, and waste and recycling sacks.
Please share this information with any family and friends who cannot access the internet. Find out where the information offices are and opening times at https://newforest.gov.uk/article/1163/Information-offices
Shop local
Ahead of Small Business Saturday, which is on Saturday 3 December, we’re encouraging our residents to shop locally over the Christmas period.
There are over 9,000 businesses in the New Forest, with many of those being small independent businesses. Shopping locally is a great way to show your support for local businesses and reduce your carbon footprint.
All New Forest District Council pay and display car parks will be free of charge on the following days:
- Small Business Saturday (3 December 2022)
- The last weekend before Christmas (17 and 18 December 2022)
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You can see a list of all the car parks we run at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1015/Council-car-parks
Hurst Spit works
Our coastal team has been out at Hurst Spit recycling shingle from North Point.
We do this to protect the spit and the surrounding area from the impact of climate change and to get ready for the winter storm season.
Our team have been supervising and monitoring the site operations, ensuring that the recycled material is placed at the most appropriate locations.
For more information, see Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy’s website: https://www.hurstspit2lymington.co.uk/
Survey results
Thank you to the 528 of you who completed our residents email survey recently. We want to continue to provide information you find useful and relevant so your feedback is very helpful to us.
You scored these emails:
- useful: 9.27 out of 10
- easy to understand: 9.46 out of 10
- containing relevant information: 9.25 out of 10
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317 of you made comments and some of you had suggestions on what else you would like to see in these emails. We are reviewing all these suggestions and, where we can, we will include the topics in future emails.
Some of your suggested topics you would like to see are not in our remit. Although we often share information from other organisations, we thought it may be helpful to list where to find information from other organisations:
Please share this email with your family and friends. They can sign up to receive them in future at https://www.newforest.gov.uk
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Published: Sunday, 04 December 2022 15:20
- Cost of living information and advice
- Parking clocks on sale
- Our services over Christmas and New Year
- Christchurch Bay consultation
- Preparing for winter
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Cost of living support and information
Are you eligible for Pension Credit?
Almost 30% of people living in the New Forest are of State Pension age and could be entitled to Pension Credit.
Pension Credit can provide access to a range of benefits, such as help with housing costs, Council Tax, heating bills and for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence.
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you could get at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator.
Low-cost broadband and mobile phone tariffs
If you receive government benefits, you may be eligible for low-cost broadband and mobile phone packages.
The packages, called social tariffs, are delivered in the same way as standard packages but at a lower cost.
A number of broadband providers now offer discounted social tariff products, with some offering deals from £15 per month. This could represent a saving of more than £180 per year.
Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/low-cost-broadband-and-mobile-phone-tariffs
‘Hitting the cold spots’ help from Hampshire County Council
If you’re struggling to keep your home warm, HCC run a phone advice line for residents.
They can offer assistance with:
- switching your energy provider or tariff
- benefits and debt advice
- ‘safe and well’ visits by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service
- eligibility checks for the Warm Home Discount and local energy efficiency schemes
- temporary heating measures
- help to access funding, where available, for boiler repairs and replacements
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For more information visit: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/adultsocialcare/coldspots
Parking clocks on sale
Our 2023 parking clocks (season tickets) are now on sale.
To get your 2023 parking clock before January, remember to place your order online at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/parkingclock before 16 December.
Clocks will be posted by second class mail, so please allow for delivery time when purchasing your clock.
Prices:
- January to December 2023 long stay: £140
- January to March / April to June / July to September / October to December long stay: £40 per quarter
- January to December short stay: £30
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For people without access to the internet, parking clocks can also be bought at our information offices https://newforest.gov.uk/article/1163/Information-offices
Our services over Christmas and New Year
We are closed on Saturday 24 December until Monday 2 January and reopen on Tuesday 3 January. During this time some of our services are not operating and our offices are closed.
Essential services will still be operating.
For specific service information, including recycling and rubbish collections, please see https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/3192/Council-services-over-Christmas-and-New-Year
Christchurch Bay consultation
We are asking for views on a proposed shortlist of flood and erosion risk management measures for the coast, from Hengistbury Head Long Groyne to Hurst Spit, including Christchurch Harbour.
This latest fourth phase of engagement includes a survey, two face-to-face drop-in sessions and an online event:
Find out more at: https://newforest.gov.uk/article/3206/Have-your-say-on-options-to-defend-our-coastline-from-flooding-and-erosion
Preparing for winter
Taking a few simple steps can improve your own personal or household resilience this winter.
- Locate your utilities
Take time in the light to learn where your fuse box, gas meter or mains water supply is in your house and how they operate. It’s much easier to know where they are before any potential power cut. These utilities might also need to be switched off if you experience flooding.
- Check your car
It’s important to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter. Check your fuel, oil, rubber, coolant, electrics and screen wash.
- Think about your neighbours
You may be able to help those around you with an important job to prepare for winter, or your neighbour may be able to help you.
- Have supplies
It is useful to make sure you have basic supplies in stock in case of a power outage. Check that you have a well-stocked first aid kit for home emergencies.
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You can visit the Met Office website to sign up for severe weather warning text alerts in your area and get further advice for preparing for all weather conditions. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice
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
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Published: Saturday, 12 November 2022 15:28
In this communication:
- Food larders
- Funding for warm spaces
- Public Space Protection Orders being considered
- Homelessness support
- Bonfire night
- Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund
- Avian influenza
- Book your autumn covid booster
- Save water
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Food larders
Food larders are available for residents to access across the New Forest.
Larders are run through a membership scheme and help people to make their money go further by reducing food shopping bills.
A bag will be prepared in advance with a variety of products to top up cupboards and fridges. The bag will hold an average of £10 to £15 worth of products (dependent on household size).
To find out more about larder locations, cost and application, please visit our website:
https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1638/Support-available-New-Forest-voluntary-organisations
There is lots of information about the cost of living on our website: https://newforest.gov.uk/costofliving
Funding for warm spaces
We have a grant scheme where local groups and organisations can apply for one-off funding to offer a warm welcoming space this winter.
Find out more and apply on our website: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/warmspacesgrant
Public Space Protection Orders being considered
We will be taking two proposed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to consultation.
A PSPO is a legal classification that gives enforcement powers.
The proposed orders look to ban 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 open areas of the New Forest.
There is already a byelaw that bans lighting fires, and the feeding of Commoners’ animals.
Read more at https://newforest.gov.uk/article/3177/Public-consultation-to-prevent-BBQs-and-wild-animal-petting-in-the-New-Forest-approved
Information about the consultation will be shared with you later in the year.
Homelessness support
We have recently seen an increase in the number of people and families coming to us for homelessness support.
If you or someone you know is facing homelessness, please get in touch with us as soon as possible https://newforest.gov.uk/homeless
We have trained officers visiting people who are at threat of homelessness to provide early help, support and mediation to keep their current accommodation arrangements where possible.
If you rent out a property to tenants, we are keen to hear from you and have a range of support and advice available regarding private housing https://newforest.gov.uk/article/999/Private-housing
Further information on housing and homelessness can be found at https://newforest.gov.uk/housing
Our housing department has a number of vacancies. Come and work for us to help make a difference. https://ce0395li.webitrent.com/ce0395li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC105GF.open?WVID=612290007I
To see all jobs available, select ‘search’ at the bottom of the page.
Bonfire night
Please think of others when taking part in bonfire and firework events. Firework flashes and loud noises can cause distress to people and animals.
If you’re celebrating bonfire night:
- go to an organised event to reduce the number of neighbourhood fireworks disturbance https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/whats-on/holidays-and-annual-events/bonfire-night (please check weather reports in advance of attending, and check if any events have been cancelled due to bad weather)
- use low noise fireworks and let your neighbours know well in advance so they can prepare
- never let fireworks off near livestock
- check bonfires for wildlife before lighting, as animals like hedgehogs may be hibernating
- dispose of firework debris and litter safely once it has cooled down
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Please follow the guidance on our website if you are planning a bonfire: https://newforest.gov.uk/article/1358/Bonfires-and-burning-materials
Visit Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service’s website for firework advice: https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/leisure-and-lifestyle/fireworks/
Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund
Applications are now open for Hampshire County Council’s Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund. The fund supports locally based projects which prevent household waste.
If you’re part of a community group, small business, charity, school, or other local organisation in Hampshire, you can apply for up to £5,000 to get your project started.
Projects previously funded by the scheme include community fridges, community composting schemes, and reusable nappy libraries.
Applications close at 5pm on 10 January 2023. Funding for successful applications will be awarded from March 2023.
Find out more and apply: https://www.hants.gov.uk/waste-prevention-community
Avian influenza
Cases of avian influenza (bird flu) are rising.
From Monday 7 November, a national avian influenza housing order is being put in place across England.
If you’re a bird keeper, this means it will be a legal requirement to house your birds indoors and follow strict biodiversity measures to help protect against bird flu.
Find out more about the actions you’ll need to take: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
If you suspect any type of bird flu in poultry or captive birds, please report it by calling the DEFRA Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
You can also report sightings of dead wild birds by calling 03459 33 55 77, if you find the following:
- 1 or more dead bird of prey or owl
- 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese, and ducks)
- 5 or more dead birds of any species
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Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.
Book your autumn covid booster
You can book your autumn booster online if you are:
- aged 50 or over
- at higher risk because of a health condition
- pregnant
- immunosuppressed
- a frontline health or social care worker
- a carer
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Check if you’re eligible for a booster and book your appointment at http://nhs.uk/covid-booster
Save water
Southern Water has lifted their ban on using hosepipes.
In an email to customers, they thank people for helping to save around 11 million litres of water and say that river levels have improved enough for them to be able to lift the temporary ban.
This means using a hosepipe for activities such as cleaning a car, washing a patio or watering plants is no longer restricted.
Saving water is still important
Although river levels have improved, drought hasn’t gone away. Rivers and water sources still aren’t where they should be at this time of year and if we experience another dry winter, the south will be at risk of drought again next year.
Please continue to use water wisely to help protect our environment.
You can find helpful tips and advice on ways to reduce your water at https://www.southernwater.co.uk/help-advice/how-to-save-water
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
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Published: Tuesday, 18 October 2022 19:26
Dear resident
In this communication:
- Cost of living information and advice
- Recycle Week
- Annual canvass
- Clocks change
- Do you burn wood to keep warm?
- Brilliance in Business awards
- Halloween safety
- Tell us what you think of these emails
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Cost of living information and advice
There is so much information being circulated about the current cost of living crisis, and at times it can be overwhelming. To make it easier, we have an easy-to-navigate cost of living page on our website. It’s regularly updated with the latest guidance.
View cost of living information on our website: https://newforest.gov.uk/costofliving
We also include some of the latest information in our emails to help keep you informed.
- Second cost of living payment
Households receiving Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits will receive the second part of the £650 Cost of Living Payment from 8 November. To qualify for this, you must have been entitled to a payment of Pension Credit on or before the qualifying date of 25 September 2022. It is not too late to claim Pension Credit. It is possible to backdate the claim for a maximum of three months, which means you can still qualify for the second Cost of Living Payment. https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
- Be aware of scams
The DWP are warning the public to watch out for scammers targeting people about cost of living payments. The government will never ask for your bank details over the phone. If you’re eligible, you’ll automatically receive the money straight into your account. If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report any scams to Action Fraud. https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
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Recycle Week
Recycle Week 2022, the nation’s annual celebration of recycling starts today, Monday 17 October.
When recycling in the New Forest district, use your clear sack to recycle these 6 items:
- aerosols
- plastic bottles
- tins
- cans
- paper
- card
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Use your glass collection box or communal bin to recycle glass bottles and jars.
Top tips to recycle right in the New Forest district:
- check items are clean and dry, and remove any residue such as food
- securely attach plastic lids to plastic bottles and metal lids to glass bottles and jars, this helps with sorting at the recycling facility
- recycle all types of plastic bottles, including shampoo, toiletries and cleaning bottles
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Find locations to recycle items which can’t be recycled from home, using Recycle Now’s recycling locator tool on our website at https://newforest.gov.uk/recyclinglocator
What can be recycled from home varies nationwide and depends on the recycling sorting facilities available locally. It can be confusing, and we are working to provide you with more recycling options in the future.
You can read about future changes to our service at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/wastestrategy
Annual canvass
Our annual canvassers are continuing to knock on doors of households in the New Forest district who haven’t completed their canvass form.
Please check the canvasser’s ID and confirm your details on the electoral register. If you miss the knock on the door, respond to the calling card or fill in your canvass form as soon as possible.
Find out more about the annual canvass, including help with completing it: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1619/Household-canvass-2022
Clock change
The clocks go back one hour at 2am on Sunday 30 October.
When the clocks go back, the UK will switch from British Summer Time (BST) to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
This means that the mornings will be lighter, but it will get darker more quickly in the evenings, which is sadly when we see an increase in animal deaths on the roads.
For the past few years we, and other organisations in the New Forest, have been asking people to add just 3 minutes to their daily journeys.
By adding 3 minutes to your journey, you can drive a little slower and still reach your destination on time. It will also give you more time to react and your reaction distance will decrease. At 40mph your stopping distance is typically 118 feet (about 9 car lengths), whereas at 30mph, your stopping distance decreases to 75 feet (about 6 car lengths).
Do you burn wood to keep warm?
As we head into colder months, it’s good to start thinking about how we can burn better, burn cleaner and burn differently.
The Environment Centre advises:
- use efficient appliances, such as DEFRA exempt, EU Ecodesign 2022 or ClearSkies mark, and service and clean them regularly
- use cleaner fuels, such as smokeless, authorised fuels or dry, well-seasoned ‘ready to burn’ wood with low moisture content
- switch heating source to no or low emission fuels, such as renewable, electric or gas alternatives
- reduce your need for heating through insulation and draught-proofing
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Read more advice about wood burning on the Environment Centre’s website: https://environmentcentre.com/wood-burning/
Brilliance in Business awards
The New Forest Business Partnership has announced their shortlist for this year’s Brilliance in Business awards, with winners due to be announced on 1 December.
We are sponsoring the best microbusiness category and the 2022 shortlisted businesses are The New Forest Tartan Company, Chocolate By Miss Witt, and Naked Jam.
Find out more about The New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards: https://www.nfbp.org.uk/awards/
Halloween safety
If you’re celebrating Halloween this year, there are plenty of ways to have fun while staying safe and being kind to your neighbours. If you’re trick or treating, remember to only knock on the doors of houses that are decorated and leave straight away if no one answers.
Not taking part in Halloween? Hampshire Police have created a sign you can download, print and place on your door: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/hampshire/advice/2530318---trick-or-treat-a4-flyer-web.pdf
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have some advice to help keep you safe this Halloween:
- check that costumes, face paint, wigs and masks have a registered trademark and comply with safety regulations
- use LED candles inside pumpkins which are safer and can be reused every year
- keep costumes away from any naked flames
- stop, drop and roll if your clothing does catch fire
- cool any burns with large amounts of water and get urgent medical assistance
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For more useful advice, visit the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service website: https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/leisure-and-lifestyle/halloween/
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Published: Saturday, 01 October 2022 14:41
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