Latest news with #localCouncil
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Revised plans submitted for Solihull village regeneration
A revised planning application has been lodged for the second phase of a major village regeneration project.A large-scale rejuvenation of Kingshurst, in Solihull, was approved by planners in April 2022, with a projected completion date of completed phase one saw 25 new sustainable social rented homes built on the site of the former Mountfort pub, with residents moving in last two includes plans for a community, health and retail building which will include a GP surgery, a pharmacy, a dentist, a library with a community café and a Co-op convenience store. The applicant, Willmott Dixon, has now applied to amend the planning permission to reflect an updated layout and take into account the loss of trees during a application says the changes will have a "negligible effect" on the a statement included with the application, agents rg+p Limited asked for the changes to be approved "without delay", adding: "The proposal will continue to deliver a new local centre which will provide retail, commercial, business and services, healthcare, local community uses and a hot food take-away."The proposal as whole will continue to deliver 79 high quality residential dwellings in the form of 12 one-bed maisonettes, 5 two-bed houses, 45 three-bed houses, 16 four-bed houses and one vicarage, which will help the council meet the current housing shortfall within the borough.A consultation is underway on the latest application, with people invited to submit comments until 4 June. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Ex-donkey sanctuary sale could earn Leeds City Council £790k
A former animal sanctuary could fetch Leeds City Council more than three quarters of a million pounds after being put up for bosses decided the site, in Eccup, which was formerly run by the Donkey Sanctuary charity and which was closed in August, was surplus to requirements and a sale would raise cash for the authority which must save over £100m this auction site listing said the three-acre (1.2 hectare) property at Swan Lane could raise over £790,000 and the property, which includes an equestrian centre, outdoor arenas, barns and stables, could be redeveloped into council said an auction sale would be quicker than inviting buyers on the open market. 'Prestigious location' A total of 23 donkeys were re-homed after the charity, which leased the site from Leeds City Council since 1998, said rising costs were behind the jobs were lost when the Leeds sanctuary closed, along with sites in Manchester, Birmingham and Ivybridge in to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the listing for the former animal sanctuary, which is near Blackhill Lane and Lineham Farm, stated: "This exceptional site comprises an extensive range of buildings surrounded by some spectacular countryside."The property is set amid the greenbelt in one of the most prestigious locations of West Yorkshire, and is ideally placed to access the vibrant centres of Leeds, Harrogate and York."Pugh Auctions added: "Bramhope village centre, providing a range of local amenities including shops, schools, a public house, sporting and leisure facilities, is close by." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- The Sun
Inside the bizarre village dubbed ‘Little Tuscany' where all 6,000 residents live and work on the SAME street
A BREATHTAKING village housing 6,000 residents has a truly one-of-a-kind feature - the whole community lives on just one single street. The remarkable town of Sułoszowa is distinguished by its signature nine-kilometres long road that encompasses all homes and businesses on the picturesque stretch. 7 7 7 Clustered buildings in the town sit between scenic patches of green and gold fields in Poland, just 29 kilometres away of the capital, Kraków. Idyllic images show the gorgeous village, dubbed "Little Tuscany", with houses boasting pretty blue and red roofs to contrast against the lush green farm land. The town has seen a surge in tourism, after visitors from all over the world discovered its unique layout. The singular road where all 6,000 residents live, shop and work, is one of the longest in Poland. Bird's eye view pictures show the winding road traverse between the sublime patchworks. Sułoszowa local and council member Katarzyna Bieda said that her town's stunning design actually resembles a leaf. She told the Daily Express: "Sułoszowa is immersed in nature with lots of forests and fields. "These fields have made us famous all across the world thanks to drone pictures in which our fields surrounding the main street look a little bit like a leaf." She also explained why the town was built in this unusual manner. The council member said: "The one street thing comes from the past, when it was easier for people to live on one street, mostly because of road communication." Mesmerised social media users have since flocked to the picture-postcard town to see its vibrant aesthetics first hand. In 2022 the population of Sułoszowa was just under 6,000 with 5,672 calling the village home. The sleepy village was founded in the 16th century by an aristocratic army officer. It is isolated from other villages by long stretches of empty road. Although tourists are usually drawn to the village for its strange yet eye-catching structure, there is lots more to explore in Sułoszowa, according to Bieda. She said tourists mostly come in spring and summer. The local explained they come "because of tourist attractions such as the Pieskowa Skała castle or our famous rock called Maczuga Herkulesa [Bludgeon of Hercules]". The Bludgeon of Hercules is an incredible 98ft limestone column, and gets its name from its distinctive shape. It is located within Sułoszowa, and is nearby to Pieskowa Skała castle. Also popular with visitors according to Bieda, the structure is one of the only 14th-century fortifications still standing in the village. Tourists can also visit a range of local cliffs, ravines and some 400 caves in the area. 7 7 7
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Unethical for Wellington council to sign more Golden Mile contracts, Andrew Little says
Andrew Little is standing for Wellington mayor in the local body elections. Photo: Aotearoa Media Collective The Labour Party's candidate for Wellington mayor says it would be unethical for the current council to sign any more contracts for a major construction project. Initial work on the city's Golden Mile upgrade programme began earlier this month, which will ultimately see wider footpaths, a cycle lane and cars to be removed during the day between Lambton Quay and Courtenay Place. The project has been controversial , as some businesses do not support it. Andrew Little told Nine to Noon he'd be disappointed to see the council march ahead with the plan, given local body elections are to be held in October. "I'd expect the mayor and current council to read the room, frankly. This is a city, a central city, and central city business leaders are really under the pump at the moment. "The one thing they don't want is more disruption." He said he'd repeat his message to the council - asking them to pause on signing more work contracts for the Golden Mile. "Given that there is going to be a change of mayor after 11 October - and there'll be a new line-up in council - I don't think it's ethically correct for this council to be signing off significant new contracts that will bind the next council at a time when things are so sensitive for the Wellington economy." P Mock up of Courtney Place. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Speaking to Kathryn Ryan, Little said he decided to enter the mayoral race after the "crescendo of voices" asking him to consider it, became too hard to ignore. Citing his history as a former MP and Labour Party leader, he said he had the skills to address the cultural issues he perceived at the council and unify it. "Of course, I'm going to say, 'Yep I can talk to anybody and bring people together', but that's actually my track record. "I took a pretty divided caucus, Labour caucus in 2014, and brought that together." Little also believed there was an issue of transparency between council staff and elected members that needed to fixed. "The issue in Wellington City Council seems to me, is a cultural issue. There are some people who decide that - for whatever reason - they can control or limit or manage the information that goes to councillors. "That's my perception from the outside, and that has got to change." He said the mayor not only led the councillors, but had to work with the chief executive to ensure that councillors had all the information they needed when making decisions. His priority, if he were to become mayor, would be to accelerate high density housing developments by removing council red tape, he said. "The hurdles that council have put in place have made it harder, and we've got to find a way... to make it easier, to get those developments going." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
All the summer cost of living payments you can apply for to get up to £3,337 cash direct to bank accounts
Lana Clements, Assistant Consumer Editor Published: Invalid Date, MANY households are being financially squeezed to the brink by the rising cost of living. Keeping on top of everyday bills such as water, energy and council tax can sometimes feel like a losing battle. However, there is help available from a wide range of sources if you know where to look. These payments are available to those battling to make ends meet and can prove to be a crucial helping hand when you need it most. In some cases, it can means hundreds of pounds of financial support to plug black holes in your budget. Here's a roundup of the schemes you could apply for over the coming months... Household Support Fund - £425 Households struggling to pay essential bills such as energy, water or food could get a financial lifeline from their local council through the Household Support Fund (HSF). The scheme was first launched in 2021 and has been extended multiple times. The latest round of funding is running between now and March 2026. Each council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can distribute it to hard-up residents as they see fit. As a result, eligibility criteria varies based on where you live in the country. However, help is typically offered to those on selected benefits or with a recognised low income and vulnerable. The amounts you can receive varies too, you may get free cash payment or some councils offer supermarket vouchers. From TV to energy... tips to save you money on 7 bills that are going up in April For example, households in East Riding can now apply for a payment worth up to £425. Check in with your local council to find out exactly what you could be entitled to and how to apply. Some councils may not have opened the scheme yet for the year, in this case keep an eye on its website or social media channels for an update. Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date. Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible. School Uniform Grants – Up to £200 Kitting out the kids for school can hit your budget. However, uniform grants offered by local councils can help ease the pain. The amount you get depends on where you live. In Wales, families can get up to £200 per child, while in England it depend on the council you fall under. For example, Southwark Council offers a £45 voucher for 11-year-olds moving to secondary school. Healthy Start – Up to £442 a Year Families expecting a baby or that already have children under four can get help with buying nourishing food through the Healthy Start scheme. This provides prepaid cards to buy essentials like milk, fruit, and vegetables. And you could get up to £442 a year, depending on your circumstances. You'll need to be on selected benefits to apply, including Universal Credit. You can apply for the healthy start scheme online on the government website. You can also print out a paper form from the Heathy Start website here or you can request one from your GP or midwife. Alternatively, you can request one from the healthy start helpline on 0345 607 6823. Maternity grant - £500 Mums expecting their first child could claim a one-off £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant to help with the costs of a new baby. You'll need to be on selected benefits such as Universal Credit to claim. You don't have to pay the grant back and it doesn't affect other benefits. You can make a claim for the grant by filling in the Sure Start Maternity Grant (SF100) claim form. Energy grants - £1,250 If you have fallen behind on your energy bills it can be tough to get back on top of payments. However, most energy suppliers offer grants to help families battling to clear debt. British Gas, Next, EDF, Octopus, Ovo and Scottish Power are among the providers offering this help. And the British Gas Energy Trust is even available to non-British Gas customers. To be able to claim you need to have between £50 and £1,700 of energy debt. If your application is successful the money will be applied to your energy account. But you can only claim a grant from the trust every two years. EDF's customer support fund offers an average of £1,250 off customers' arrears. Whether you are eligible and the amount you can get will depend on your supplier and your financial situation. Contact your energy supplier to see what help you can get. Prepayment meter voucher - £20 If you need to top up your prepayment meter but can't afford to do so then you could get temporary credit from your supplier, You will have to pay back this credit but it can help when you are stuck for cash and need to top up. Most suppliers offer up to £20 if you run out of cash and can't top up straight away so that you don't go without essentials such as heating or lighting. Then when you top up, the borrowed credit will be deducted from your payment. Contact your local council, food bank or Citizens Advice for further help. Charity grants - £500 It's worth knowing that charities can offer financial help to people in need. These are often dependent upon circumstances with money available to the bereaved, disabled, unemployed, redundant, ill, carers, veterans, young or old people. For example, people living with MND are eligible for up to £500 worth of cost of living payments, via the MND Association. The British Legion has also set up a Cost of Living grant, which can be applied for here using the Lightning Reach portal. You can find out which grants may be available to you using Turn2Us's grant search on the charity website. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
