How is South Hams District Council helping to support local residents in the current tough economic climate? ...
Council Tax
- We propose to freeze our portion of council tax for 2009 at the level currently charged. We would expect other precepting authorities to follow our example.
Car Parking
- It is proposed that our car park pay and display charges for 2009 will not be increased.
- A concessionary residents’ parking permit, beginning in February 2009, will give residents free parking between 4 pm and 10 am in council-operated car parks.
Housing and Council Tax Benefit
- We are encouraging residents to contact the benefits department immediately if they believe they could be entitled to housing and / or council tax benefits.
Council Tax debt
- We are encouraging local taxpayers to contact our advice team as soon as possible if there is a problem with paying council tax. It is better to tackle the problem sooner rather than later before the situation gets out of control.
Affordable housing
- We are continuing to work with local partners to provide affordable housing.
- We have committed ?1 million to buy more affordable homes to combat homelessness.
- We are always looking for new ways to provide additional affordable homes including a new affordable rural housing initiative.
- We are making rented accommodation more affordable through a ‘discounted rent’ scheme.
Housing Advice
- We are encouraging people who feel at risk of becoming homeless to contact us urgently; it helps us to help them – and the sooner the better. The Council offers advice on preventing homelessness and assists in accessing private sector accommodation.
- We can offer advice on preventing homelessness and getting access to private sector accommodation.
- We are aiming to reduce the number of people living in temporary accommodation.
- We are working to reduce the number of households on the housing register.
Review of Local Government
- The Council is working hard to ensure residents and local businesses do not lose out in the proposed reorganisation of local government.
- We believe the ‘local’ should be kept in local government.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact Customer Services in our main reception or on 01803 861234.
