On Thursday 5th May 2016 voters in Cannock Chase will go to the polls for local government elections and the election of a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Staffordshire.

Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet is set to recommend a 1.95% increase in council tax.

Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet is set to recommend a 1.95% increase in council tax which equates to 6 pence per household per week, in order to protect future front line services in the District.

The current level of council tax has remained the same for residents since 2013-14.  However, with ongoing reductions in Government support, Council’s Cabinet is being recommended to increase council tax for 2016-17 by 1.95%.

Through its London-based European arm, Exeter Property Group has lodged a major planning application with Cannock Chase Council.

The planning application is to secure consent to build a substantial distribution warehouse on a 20 acre plot of land at Kingswood Business Park in Cannock.

The proposed building, which extends to a total of 372,000sq ft, also includes offices of 15,000sq ft and 329 car parking spaces on the site which is located immediately to the north of Blakeney Way adjacent to the Unilever building.

Cannock Chase Council’s no food waste campaign starts next week, informing residents that food waste is no longer accepted in the brown bin.

It was estimated that the garden and food waste previously collected in the District only contained a small percentage of food waste.  The Council was disposing of this through in-vessel composting or anaerobic digestion, which is an expensive process.

From 1st February 2016 residents will be required to dispose of food waste in their green bin or recycle it in the garden with a garden composter.

Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet is set recommend to spend £36,500 to replace damaged play equipment in the District

The equipment which was damaged in two separate arson attacks at the former Cannock Stadium site and Hayes Way play areas will be replaced with either like for like equipment or equipment in a similar design.

Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said “The extent of the damage caused by these two attacks is unprecedented in the District. 

Cannock Chase Council members at their Council Meeting last week agreed to a freeze in their allowances following a review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme.

The Members’ Allowances Scheme has been reviewed by the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP), for which any changes will come into effect from 1^st April 2016.

These changes would result in an estimated saving of over £3,000.  This is in addition to the annual savings of over £8,000 previously agreed by the Council as a result of changes to the Committee structure. 

Cannock Chase Council is supporting Staffordshire Police’s, ‘Not sure? Don’t open the door’ campaign’, giving residents advice on how to deal with doorstop callers.

The Cannock Chase District is a very safe place to live and statistics show that residents do feel safe in their local area and the majority of residents do not experience any kind of crime.

However, some people are targeted at home by rogue traders and thieves.  These people often target vulnerable people, such as the elderly.  So we are asking residents to follow these simple rules:

Are you a local person who cares about services to the community?

If so, you could be the person we are seeking…

We are looking to appoint one independent person and at least one ‘reserve’ independent person to serve on the Council’s Standards Committee to help develop and maintain high standards of conduct for local Councillors. 

Cold weather alert from the Met Office

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/cold-weather-alert/#?tab=coldWeatherAlert

There is a 99% probability of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow between 0900

on Thursday 14 Jan and 1200 on Tuesday 19 Jan in parts of England. This weather could

increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.

Why give blood?

Donated blood is a lifeline for many people needing long-term treatments, not just in emergencies. Your blood's main components: red cells, plasma and platelets are vital for many different uses.

Forthcoming sessions locally:

Church of the Latter Day Saints,

136 Penkridge Road, Cannock, WS11 1HN.

13:05 to 15:30 and 16:30 to 19:30 on the following dates:

Monday 25 January,

Monday 15 February

Monday 14 March

Monday 18 April