News

NFDC Mid -December Update

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Published: Friday, 10 December 2021 16:59

In this corresponence

Coronavirus – move to Plan B

With the rise in coronavirus cases and the uncertainty around the Omicron variant, the government has announced that England will move to Plan B.

This means:

Read more about what you can and cannot do: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

To keep you and others safe, you should also:

This ‘Plan B’ was developed in the government’s ‘COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021’ for England with extra measures to use should the data suggest the NHS is likely to come under unsustainable pressure. Read more at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-autumn-and-winter-plan-2021/covid-19-response-autumn-and-winter-plan-2021

Thank you for keeping the New Forest safe.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline

The Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline is for anyone struggling to cope due to COVID-19 or because they are self-isolating.

0333 370 4000 (calls charged at local rate)

https://www.hants.gov.uk/covid-helpline

If coronavirus has had an impact on you or any aspect of your life, including anyone who is self-isolating, please call the helpline for advice and support. You can get advice and support on a range of topics, including:

Garden waste update

We are currently unable to re-start a fortnightly garden waste collection service.

For our current customers, four-weekly garden waste collections will continue from Monday 10 January. There will be the usual seasonal pause on garden waste collections from Monday 27 December to Friday 7 January.

We are still unable to accept new customers or sell additional bags until further notice.

Thank you to our customers for their ongoing support and patience.

Garden waste customers can find more information and their collection dates for January and February by visiting https://www.newforest.gov.uk/gardenwaste

Christmas recycling and rubbish

There will be some changes to recycling and rubbish collections services over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

All other collections remain unchanged.

Check your rubbish and recycling collection day, and find more information at https://newforest.gov.uk/christmasrecycling

Recycling: These can be put in your clear collection sack:

Please empty and/or rinse dirty items to ensure they can be recycled.

The following cannot be recycled, please add to your black collection sack:

Glass collections are for recyclable glass bottles and jars. Metal tops can be left on glass containers but need to be securely attached.

Do not add the following items to your black box:

Any glass items that cannot be added to your black box can be taken to your local tip. Please do not add glass items to your black collection sack as this makes collections unsafe for our staff.

Find out more about our rubbish and recycling collection service at https://newforest.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

Christmas safety advice from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service

Celebrate Christmas safely this year with these tips to reduce risk of fires:

Read more safety advice: https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/

Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund

Do you have a big idea to help prevent household waste in your community?

The Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund supports projects in Hampshire which encourage the prevention of household waste and help the environment.

Locally based community groups, businesses, education establishments and organisations can apply.

Applications close on 18 February 2022. Find out how to apply at https://www.hants.gov.uk/waste-prevention-community

UK posting dates for Christmas delivery

The last dates for Royal Mail Christmas delivery are:

Please see https://www.royalmail.com/christmas/last-posting-dates for the latest information.

Protect your vehicle from theft this winter

Advice from Hampshire Constabulary about keeping your vehicle safe from theft this winter is to stay with your vehicle as it defrosts.

Every winter vehicles are stolen while left defrosting, unattended with keys in the ignition or keyless start systems:

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NFDC early December update

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Published: Sunday, 05 December 2021 15:28

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New chief executive

Next week, on Monday 6 December, Kate Ryan will start as our new chief executive.

Kate has spent much of her career in public service and has also worked in the private sector and for national charities.

In Kate’s previous role as chief operations officer at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) she led the Place Operations directorate. This had a wide remit including planning, transport, environment, housing, communities, and destination and culture, and managed a budget of £165M.

Kate led BCP’s climate change response and is well equipped to contribute to NFDC’s recently declared climate and nature emergency. Kate’s career to date has also seen her take a key role in regeneration, growth, and economic prosperity; key aims for NFDC.

After working in Dorset for the last 15 years, Kate will spend her first few weeks learning about the district, the people and the organisation. Kate says “I enjoy working in a district as you can see the local impact, particularly our neighbourhood services that really make a difference to our communities”.

Kate will attend her first council meeting on the evening of 6 December. You can watch live or on playback, and view the meeting agenda at https://democracy.newforest.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=193&MId=7277

Change to coronavirus restrictions

As a response to a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, being identified, the government has introduced some coronavirus restrictions in England.

Find out more https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Coronavirus vaccinations

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases.

Protection against severe disease from the first 2 doses seems to decline, very slowly, over time. A booster vaccination will help to reduce the risk of needing admission to hospital due to COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 booster jabs will be offered to all eligible adults in England by the end of January, the Government has announced

You will be contacted when it is your turn to receive a vaccine. You can check and book online at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

Payment system unavailable 8 and 9 December

Our finance system is being upgraded on 8 and 9 December 2021.

This means we will be unable to take card payments on our website, on the telephone, or at our information offices for those two days.

The automatic payment telephone line, available 24/7, will still be available and you can use it to make payments for Council Tax, rent, business rates, and Penalty Charge Notices.

Automatic payment line: 0300 456 0626

If you are due to make a payment during this time, please consider doing so before 8 December.

For urgent card payments we will have temporary handheld payment devices at our information offices in Ringwood, New Milton, Appletree Court (Lyndhurst), and Lymington. Please note these payments may take longer than usual.
Cheque and cash payments can still be made at our information offices.

For arrangements for payments for specific services, please see our website https://www.newforest.gov.uk

No arrears action will be taken for non-payment during this downtime.

Parking clocks (season tickets) are now on sale. If you want to receive a 2022 parking clock in time to use from 1 January, please order online before 17 December, taking note of the 8 and 9 December downtime. https://newforest.gov.uk/parkingclock

Thank you for your support during this system upgrade, and our apologies for any inconvenience.

For ways to contact us, please see https://newforest.gov.uk/article/1162/Contact-us

Extra Care housing

Do you have a loved one who is struggling to manage in their own home?

We have Extra Care affordable housing schemes for people who value their independence but need additional personal care.

There are individual flats, with a care provider on site 24/7.

Find out more at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/extracarehousing

Keep well this winter

Tips and advice to keep you well this winter:

You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home:
Winter Fuel Payment https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Cold Weather Payment https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment

Come and work for us

We’ve got a variety of job vacancies, suitable for people with different skills and experience.

Our current vacancies include:

We’re also recruiting for two apprenticeships in accountancy and grounds maintenance.

To apply, visit our jobs website: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1885/Apply-for-a-job

You can search for a specific role using the filtering, or to view all of our current vacancies, ignore the options and just select ‘search’ at the bottom of the page.

You can find out what it’s like working for New Forest District Council. We’ve got job profiles from three members of staff to give you an idea about what working here is like: https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1577/Working-for-us

Keep your poultry and birds safe from avian influenza

New measures have been brought in to help protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza (bird flu).

If you have birds, you must keep them indoors and follow safety measures including disinfecting your clothes and shoes before and after contact with them.

Read the full announcement and what you need to do at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-latest-situation-avian-influenza-prevention-zone-declared-across-great-britain

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NFDC Update

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Published: Sunday, 05 December 2021 15:25

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2022 parking clocks go on sale soon

Parking clocks (season tickets) are on sale from Monday 29 November.

Order before 17 December to make sure you receive yours before 1 January, ready to use in 2022. https://newforest.gov.uk/parkingclock

Dates of purchase and our posting times:

Our information offices are closed between Christmas and New Year.
For opening days and times of information offices, please see
https://newforest.gov.uk/article/1163/Information-offices

Keep the New Forest safe

If you’re going to a busy place, perhaps Christmas shopping or an event, the government are now advising you take a lateral flow test for coronavirus before you go.

It is still possible to catch and spread COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Lateral flow tests, sometimes called rapid lateral flow tests, can be collected from many local pharmacies or ordered online.

Find where to get lateral flow test kits https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/

You can also order test kits online at https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

Other actions to take to stay safe and reduce the chances of the virus spreading:

Reducing housing evictions

We’re working with landlords and tenants to avoid evictions as part of our homelessness prevention work.

Every year, almost 2,000 people or families seek homelessness support from us, over a third because they have had to leave private rented accommodation.

Our new ‘Call Before You Serve’ programme is a specialist service which provides landlords and tenants in privately rented accommodation with advice and support.

To help prevent eviction notices being issued, if you are a tenant or a landlord, please get in touch with us for support as soon as any problems arise, whether that’s a missed rent payment, or a breakdown in communication.

We can offer support, a financial assessment to help tenants maximise their income, and a personalised housing plan. Get in touch by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phoning 023 8028 5222.

Find out more at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/callbeforeyouserve

Tell us about people homeless or rough sleeping this winter
Contact our homelessness team as soon as possible if you see, or know of someone, that you suspect is homeless or sleeping rough
https://newforest.gov.uk/article/993/Help-for-homeless
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
023 8028 5222

Plan ahead for flooding

The Environment Agency recommends 5 things you can do now to be better prepared for a flood, to protect yourself, your family and your home.

Read more at:
https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/plan-ahead-for-flooding

Ground nesting birds

Back in March, Forestry England asked local people to play their part in helping rare ground nesting birds coming to the New Forest to breed.

Unlike most birds, ground nesting birds take the unusual step of building nests, and raising their young brood, on the forest floor. The New Forest National Park is a Special Protection Area for Birds and one of the last places in the UK where rare ground nesting birds such as the lapwing, nightjar and curlew come to breed.

Although numbers of the birds overall remain critically low, the team have identified some positive signs of progress in the areas they studied, particularly with curlews.

If you would like to read more, Forestry England have written a blog about how the birds got on this year https://www.forestryengland.uk/ground-nesting-birds

Council services over Christmas and new year

Between Saturday 25 December and Monday 3 January some of our services are not operating and our offices are closed.

Essential services are still operating.

For specific service information, including how to contact us in an emergency, please see https://newforest.gov.uk/article/2857/Council-services-over-Christmas-and-new-year

Please share this communication with your family and friends, and if they would like to sign up to receive them in future, they can subscribe at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/emails

NFDC Mid-November Update

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Published: Thursday, 18 November 2021 16:01

In this communication:

Coronavirus latest

Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has again urged people to get vaccinated.

A new wave of covid in Europe:

“A new wave of covid has steadily swept through central Europe and it’s now affecting our nearest neighbours in Western Europe. Our friends on the continent have been forced to respond with various degrees of new restrictions from full lockdowns to lockdowns for the unvaccinated, to restrictions on business opening hours, and restrictions on social gatherings. We don’t yet know the extent to which this new wave will wash up on our shores, but history shows that we cannot afford to be complacent. Indeed, in recent days there have been rises in cases here in the UK so we must remain vigilant.”

The importance of vaccinations:

“If there is one lesson we can draw from the current situation in Europe, those countries with lower vaccination rates have tended to see bigger surges in infection and in turn been forced to respond with harsher measures. Those countries with higher vaccination rates have so far fared better.

If we want to control the epidemic here in the UK and if we want to avoid any restrictions on our daily lives, we must all get vaccinated as soon as we are eligible.

Over time, the protection from two jabs starts to wane, but that third jab boosts protection back up to over 90% against systematic infection.

If you haven’t even had one dose it’s not too late. In fact, it’s never been a better time to get that vital protection as we head into winter. So please, please, go and get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.”

Around 12.6 million people across the UK have had a booster.
Find out if you are eligible, and book a first, second or booster coronavirus vaccination at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

New Forest coronavirus data:

In the last 7 days (15 November data) there were 804 cases of coronavirus in the district, up by 188 on the previous week. Sadly there were 5 deaths.

Of the New Forest population, 89.4% of people aged 12+ have had their first coronavirus vaccination dose, and 83.1% their second.

You can get the latest data for your area at https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/

Stop COVID-19 hanging around

Ventilation has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the risks of catching COVID-19 this winter.

Watch a 1 minute film which shows the difference in airflow and airborne particle movement when indoors in relation to COVID-19 https://youtu.be/O2SDMk5B-D4

People with COVID-19 release virus particles into the air whenever they speak, breathe or cough and these can linger in unventilated settings.

These particles in the air linger in unventilated rooms, like smoke, meaning the risk of catching COVID-19 is significantly increased.

You can help reduce COVID-19 levels indoors by opening a window, even for just 10 minutes every hour.

With around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 showing no symptoms, it could be passed onto others without knowing. The act of refreshing air when you’re socialising with people not in your household is even more important to keep infections down:

Keep the New Forest safe

As well as ventilation, other small but important actions can help protect us against COVID-19:

Information about coronavirus on GOV.​UK: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

New NFDC Cabinet member

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden has been appointed as our Portfolio Holder for Partnering and Wellbeing.

The role, which sits on our Cabinet, has health and wellbeing, environmental health, CCTV, and community safety within the portfolio.

You can see the Members of Cabinet, their portfolios, and the councillor/s for your ward at https://newforest.gov.uk/article/1075/Councillors

The next meeting of Cabinet is on Wednesday 1 December at 10.00am https://democracy.newforest.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=7299

Free parking days

There will be 4 days of free parking in our town and village centre car parks in December.

This is to encourage our residents to continue to shop locally in the approach to Christmas.

The dates are:

You can see a list of town and village car parks on our website at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/article/1234/Town-and-village-parking

Grants to tackle climate and nature emergency

The New Forest National Park Authority is inviting green groups to apply for grants to help fund sustainable living projects in the National Park.

Grants of up to £2,000 are available from the Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF) for projects which:

Schools, youth groups, and other organised community groups and charities that are either based within the New Forest National Park or include people who live within the boundary can apply.

Learn more at https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/communities/grants/sustainable-communities-fund/

Rethink your drink

This week is alcohol awareness week, 15 to 21 November.

When stressed or anxious, we can find ourselves drinking more. But the long-term effects of drinking too much can be harmful to your physical and mental health.

Cutting down on how much alcohol you have, even just a little, can be an effective way to improve your health, focus on your relationships, boost your energy and lose weight.

Find tips on how to make a change and find out how many units are in different drinks at https://www.hants.gov.uk/rethinkyourdrink

Reader survey results

Thank you to the 617 of you who completed our reader survey recently.

You scored these emails as:

339 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 the suggested topics do not fall within the remit of NFDC. Here is where to find more information from other organisations:

Please share this communication with your family and friends, and if they would like to sign up to receive them in future, they can subscribe at https://www.newforest.gov.uk/emails

NFDC November Update

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Published: Saturday, 13 November 2021 18:59

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Waste and recycling update

We are preparing for how we can continue collecting different forms of waste and recycling should our current staffing issues get worse.

Today, our Cabinet discussed what steps we can take to ensure we can continue to collect your black and clear sack waste https://democracy.newforest.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=7298

This may mean temporary changes to how often we are able to collect some types of waste, but there are no changes yet.

Please continue to put out your black and clear sacks weekly, your glass collection box monthly and your garden waste if you are a customer, on your scheduled collection days.

If they are necessary, any changes will be added to our website and on social media.

Our contingency planning may mean:

Thank you for your continued support.

https://newforest.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

COP26 – Together for our planet

Climate change is affecting all aspects of our lives, and the world we live in.

The COP26 summit is taking place, with world leaders sharing their ambitions and pledges to tackle climate change.

Local councils have a vital role to play in tackling climate change and we declared a climate and nature emergency in October to build on the climate change actions already underway.
We are taking a more fundamental look at our activities, with the target of reducing carbon emissions and an ambitious action plan. https://newforest.gov.uk/article/2827/Declaration-of-a-climate-change-and-nature-emergency-in-New-Forest

Will you take the New Forest climate change and nature emergency pledge?

You can pledge to:

Join the pledge at https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/pledge

Learn more about COP26 and sign up for their newsletter at https://together-for-our-planet.ukcop26.org/

Winter vaccinations

Vaccines have helped us build a wall of defence and return to a more normal way of life.

Due to colder weather which favours transmission, experts have warned there could be a significant flu surge this winter coinciding with continuing or rising COVID-19 cases.

This winter it’s vital that eligible people come forward for their COVID-19 booster vaccine and flu jab to protect themselves, their loved ones and the NHS.

Booster coronavirus vaccinations:

A booster is an extra dose of vaccine to help people who have had both doses of the coronavirus vaccination keep their immunity.
More than six million people have already had their third dose.

You can get a booster jab if you are:

Book a booster vaccination: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/book-or-manage-a-booster-dose-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/
Or, find a walk-in site: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/

Flu vaccinations:

More people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill. Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses.

Find out if you can get a free flu vaccine through the NHS and where to book an appointment at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccination, you can choose to pay at get vaccinated at a local pharmacy. The vaccination usually costs between £10 and £15.

Coronavirus vaccinations for 12-15 year olds:

Nearly half a million children aged 12 to 15 have had the COVID-19 vaccine in schools across England, helping to keep them learning in the classroom.

12 to 15 year olds can now also get the COVID-19 vaccine at a local vaccination centre or pharmacy, as well as at school.

Read more: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine-for-children-aged-12-to-15/

Celebrate bonfire night and Diwali safely

Bonfire night can be a fun time to enjoy meeting with family and friends. With this annual event, and Diwali, later this week, we are sharing some advice on how to celebrate safely.

If you do have a bonfire, please follow this advice:

Youth skills and employment hub

Employment in young people has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic over the past year and a half.

There is a new support service to help young people across the district develop skills, find training opportunities, seek advice on employment, and enhance their career prospects.

‘The Central and West Hampshire Youth Employment Hub’ is a partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions, New Forest District Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, Test Valley Borough Council and Winchester City Council.

For more information on what support is available, see https://www.newforest.gov.uk/youthhub or
phone 07876 661525 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

There are local sessions for face-to-face support at

Prepare to stop for Forest animals

The clocks have gone back and, as the days become shorter, November and December are the deadliest months for New Forest livestock.

Most accidents take place between 5pm and 10pm on weekdays and involve local commuters.

How you can help:

Most of the drivers involved in animal accidents are relatively local people on regular trips.
High-risk routes have been identified as:

If you do have an accident involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig or sheep, you are required by law to report it to the police by ringing 999 as soon as possible.

Find out all the latest initiatives and animal accident data on the New Forest National Park Authority website: https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/conservation/supporting-commoning/animal-accidents/

Platinum Jubilee 2022

Next year, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service.

Get involved in celebrating Her Majesty’s historic reign https://platinumjubilee.gov.uk/

If you are thinking of organising a street party for the Queen’s platinum Jubilee, there is street party guidance available from the government with helpful tips, advice and support on preparing for a party: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/your-guide-to-organising-a-street-party/your-guide-to-organising-a-street-party

And you can see information about road closures for street parties at:
https://newforest.gov.uk/article/1044/Road-closure-orders

To mark the celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the late May Bank Holiday in 2022 has been moved to Thursday 2 June. There will also be an additional Bank Holiday on Friday 3 June 2022.

Help prevent localised flooding

If you have watercourses on, or bordering your land, it’s time to check your drainage ditches, pipes and culverts for any obstructions that could cause flooding.

When the leaves fall off the trees in autumn, and there’s increased rainfall, there is a higher risk of localised flooding due to blocked drains.

Find out more about your responsibilities and how to undertake maintenance of your property on the Hampshire County Council website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/environment/flooding/floodprevention

To report flooding, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/environment/flooding/reportingflooding

Fawley chimney demolition

On Sunday (31 October) the Fawley chimney, which was 198m high, was demolished with controlled explosives.
You can watch our slow motion video of the demolition at
https://fb.watch/92kJNL8WWr/

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