Category Archives: Uncategorised

Young people shaping the future of their town

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Young people shaping the future of their town

 

6 February 2024
Young people across Ivybridge are speaking up about what they want and need for their town.
South Hams District Council, along with students at Ivybridge Community College have launched a survey for 16–24-year-olds which will help create a new vision for Ivybridge.
For the past three months, residents and businesses have been having their say on what they want and need for their town. The consultation so far has received over 500 responses, highlighting the desire for more health facilities, business support, better transport, and more activities for young people
At the same time, the Council have been working with sixth form students from Ivybridge Community College to ensure that the younger community can share their views and influence important decisions. The students, supported by school staff, have formed their own steering group, created a young persons’ survey, and launched a marketing campaign to encourage fellow students to take part.
The survey will ask young people what they feel about their town, how they spend their time, career aspirations and the opportunities they have locally.

Results from both surveys will be used to help the Council develop a Community Economic Plan for the town.

Shannon, Georgia, and Josh from the Young People’s Steering Group at Ivybridge Community College, said: “We wanted to take part to make sure new ideas that come from the project are relevant to young people in Ivybridge.

“We don’t want it to just be the older community that have a voice for Ivybridge.”

Young people can have their say at youngivybridge.commonplace.is
until 29 February.

Cllr John Birch, Executive Member for Economic Development, Commercial Strategy and Governance, at South Hams District Council, said: “It is so important that we connect with our younger community to make sure that Ivybridge develops in a way that meets everyone’s needs.

“If you are aged between 16-24 and live or study in Ivybridge, then take the time to have your say on what you want for your town.

“We would like to thank our young steering group at Ivybridge Community College, and in particular teacher Kim Daniel, for their hard work supporting this important project."

Residents over the age of 24 and businesses can continue to share their views at myivybridge.commonplace.is  until 29 February 2024.

Learn Devon – Digital Boost for Adult Learners

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Digital Skills and IT courses + Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day header

Never has it been more important to build your digital and IT skills.

Learn Devon offers a range of courses to suit a variety of abilities. Join one of our courses and see what new tips and tricks you can pick-up for accessing online services.

Having a basic level of digital skills can help you to:

💻 Access digital banking and other online services

🖐 Connect with friends and family

⌨ Develop useful skills to further access the digital world and employment

Digital quote

What courses are available?

Course: First Steps to Getting Online

This single-session course is perfect for those who are looking to take their first step into the digital world. We have a number of First Steps to Getting Online courses starting this year, below are a few coming up soon.

With more First Steps courses starting in April to June 2024.

Course: Beeline for Digital Skills

Our Beeline for Digital Skills courses are ideal for those who can use a computer but would like to build their confidence and gain more skills. These courses are usually five sessions long and will enable you to develop and practise your skills.

With more Beeline for Digital Skills courses starting in April to June 2024.

See all Digital Skills and IT courses

Did you know...

In the UK 10.2 million (20%) adults lack the Foundation Level of digital skills

- Essential Digital Skills (EDS) survey carried out by IPSOS in 2022
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Course: Essential Digital Skills (Nationally recognised qualification)

The Essential Digital Skills qualification courses are widely recognised. Learn how to create and edit documents, use data, stay safe online and more. We recommend that learners complete the Essential Digital Skills Entry Leve 3 course before taking the Level 1 course, which is more advanced. These courses are usually 12 to 15 sessions long and will enable you to develop and practise your skills.

With more Essential Digital Skills courses starting in April 2024.

Course: Award in Digital Skills (Nationally recognised qualification)

The Award in Digital Skills courses are for those who are confident with Microsoft Office applications but wish to build their knowledge and skills. These courses focus on using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Our award courses are usually 16 to 24 sessions long.

See all Digital Skills and IT courses

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Whatever your level or ability, Learn Devon is here to help!

Please get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions or are unsure about what course might be right for you.

Telephone: 0345 155 1014
Email: learndevon@devon.gov.uk

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Council supporting care leavers into employment

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Council supporting care leavers into employment

29 January 2024

South Hams District Council is offering more support to care leavers with new employment and training opportunities on the horizon.

Recent figures from the Department for Education show that 38% of those who leave care aged 19-21 are not in education, employment, or training compared with 12% of all young people.

For many care leavers, the prospect of getting a job, or even applying for one, can be overwhelming without the support in place.

The Council’s new ‘Care Leavers Employment Policy’ will help remove the barriers care leavers face by offering work placements, a guaranteed interview scheme, the ring-fencing of entry-level apprenticeships, and mentoring to help care leavers adapt to the working environment and secure permanent jobs.

The Council will also work alongside Devon County Council (DCC) and partner organisations to open up further opportunities. This includes signing up to the Care Leaver Covenant which will help the Council provide additional support outside of its statutory duties.

The Council is committed to doing all it can to support care leavers in the local area. In 2023, it introduced a Council Tax discount for young people who have left the care system up to the age of 25, free local leisure passes to support health and wellbeing, and worked with partners to offer support with housing needs. With housing top of the Council’s agenda, ways to increase availability of the right home at the right time is being prioritised – this includes supported housing as well as more general accommodation and will again be working with DCC to find solutions for young people in need.

Plans are also underway to see how the Council can further support its employees who want to foster and adopt children.

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of the Council, said: “Everyone deserves the best chance when it comes to securing a job or learning a new skill. Our new employment policy and work with partners such as Devon County Council will make sure that our care leavers, often vulnerable and in need of support, are given those opportunities.

“Our work doesn’t stop here, there is still much to do to support our care leavers. We want to build even stronger relationships with them so that they can have a bright and prosperous future.

“We will continue to support the most vulnerable groups in our communities. They are the ones who need our help the most.”

At the Executive Committee on 25 January, Councillor Nicky Hopwood, with a responsibility for the cost of living, said: “It is great to see all the support we are giving care leavers, particularly for those who may be struggling with the rising cost of living.

“These employment and training opportunities are a superb idea. We want to shout from the roof tops and get the word out so as many care leavers as possible know about the opportunities available to them.

“There are barriers that many care leavers have to overcome, such as the lack of family support. We want to do everything we can to give them the help they need as they enter the world of work."

If you are an employer interested in supporting a care leaver, whether that be through employment, apprenticeships or work experience, please get in touch with the Council by emailing hr@swdevon.gov.uk.

District council supporting the community

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

 

District council supporting the community

 

Issued: 26 January 2024

South Hams District Council’s Executive has set out the Council’s priorities for the next four years in response to the challenges and opportunities faced by communities across the District.

Today, Thursday 25 January, the Executive considered The Council Plan 2024-2028 and its supporting Year 1 delivery plan. It recommended that Council should adopt both plans and approve the funding needed to deliver them.

The Council Plan includes four key policy areas to tackle the housing challenges, address climate change and biodiversity loss, support the economy and deliver good quality services to our communities.

The plan is funded by an investment of £4.59m. This is made up of £1m of money released from reserves and capital schemes that are no longer needed together with £3.59m from the realignment of core budgets and government grants such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

To complement the housing priorities in The Council Plan, The Executive also approved a specific action plan focused on Housing and Homelessness prevention. The focus for the next twelve months includes working with partners and communities to create good quality, genuinely affordable, energy efficient housing and making the best use of housing that already exists.

Another of the Council’s key priorities is to do all it can to respond to Climate change and Biodiversity loss . It will do this through supporting changes to agricultural practices and decarbonisation of the marine economy. Another key project is to work with the agriculture sector to develop a ‘keep it local’ scheme to promote local produce and reduce food miles.

Working with businesses and partner organisation will also be key to achieving the Council’s ambition to support a thriving and resilient economy. One of the key ways it intends to do this it by working with each of the districts Towns to support the delivery of town plans focused on local priorities.

The community services the Council Delivers is also a key priority. It has pledged in The Council Plan to deliver effective frontline services that address consider the environment and enhance the wellbeing of communities across South Hams.

These four priorities will be underpinned by providing good quality core council services. The Council will do this by working closer with our communities, improving customers access to services, making sure it is financially sustainable and putting the right governance in place.

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “The proposals approved by the Executive reflect a well-rounded and sensible approach to the challenges of housing, climate change, our economy and community support, confirming our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

“As a committee, we have a very practical viewpoint for sustainable growth and a community-focused future. Our ongoing commitment to our Council Plan, together with transparency, accountability, and strategic financial management will undoubtedly propel the District toward our goals.

“We’re showing we’re being proactive and we’re trying to provide our residents with what they have asked us for. That’s what we’re working towards every single day.”

To find out more information on each of the reports discussed during Executive, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/executive

The meeting can be viewed in full on South Hams District Council’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SouthHamsCouncil

Council agrees package of financial support

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Council agrees package of financial support

Issued: 25 January 2024

An aid package full of financial proposals aimed to help South Hams’ residents and businesses has been approved by South Hams District Council’s Executive.

Following the meeting today, Thursday, 25 January, proposals will now be progressed to the Full Council in February for consideration.

The Council continues to help vulnerable residents who need support, through their Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS). Following a public consultation held in November last year, which asked residents what their thoughts were on changes to the current scheme. The Executive listened carefully to public opinion and voted in response to make several changes to further support beginning from 1 April 2024. These are in addition to those already in place, which continue for the coming year.

The new measures included:

  • The removal of the Minimum Income Floor (MIF) for self-employed workers

This is valuable to self-employed workers in the District, because normally the Minimum Income Floor suggests that these workers are earning a certain level of profit, linked to the national minimum wage, even if they didn’t earn that amount. By removing this, self-employed workers will receive more financial support.

  • To ignore all the ‘Limited Capability for Work’ element of Universal Credit

By ignoring 100% of the limited capability for work element of Universal Credit, we will be able to support more residents who are only able to work a certain amount of hours due to health conditions and disabilities.

Retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses are also set to benefit from rate relief after the Executive agreed a policy to help traders through the cost-of-living crisis. The national funding was announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget. The new scheme for 2024/2025 will provide eligible, occupied retail hospitality and leisure properties with 75% relief up to £110,000 per business. It is expected that 395 businesses will benefit from the rate relief.

The empty homes premiums are there to encourage empty properties to be brought back into use. It is hoped this will help to ease the pressure on the housing crisis within the district and provide more homes for residents. Money raised from the income gained by South Hams District Council will be used to address local district challenges and aims, linked to corporate priorities.

The Executive voted to approve the following:

  • Premiums ranging from 100% - 300 % depending on the length of time empty homes have been unoccupied from 1 April 2024
  • To double Council Tax on Second Homes from 1 April 2025

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “We are working to address the economic problems our district is faced with due to the cost of living crisis and we are making headway. As always with difficult situations, there is more ground to cover but we’re positive about the changes we’re making.

“We’ve decided on a funding approach, which we feel is best suited to help the residents and businesses and deliver the Council’s key priorities for our communities. Our ambition is to channel as much energy, support and funding into projects that have the community at the heart where we work together to meet those aims, then we’ll be successful.”

To find out more information on each of the reports discussed during Executive, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/executive

The meeting can be viewed in full on South Hams District Council’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@SouthHamsCouncil

Temporary Changes to Dartmouth’s Ferry Services

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Temporary Changes to Dartmouth’s Ferry Services

22 January 2024

Those in Dartmouth looking to travel across the River Dart by car are being asked to plan ahead as there will only be a single car ferry service in operation from Monday 29 January.

Due to unexpected, but essential maintenance work, the Dartmouth Lower Ferry will need to continue to run a single ferry service until Monday 12 February 2024.

Unfortunately, during this time, the Dartmouth Higher Ferry also enters its own maintenance period and they will not be running their usual service.

This means there will be one car ferry crossing the River Dart during this period.

South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Community Services; Operations and Leisure, Cllr Victor Abbott, said: “We know this is going to be a busy time to travel across the Dart and we urge you to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time for your journey.

“Every year we do essential maintenance on both of our vessels, Tom Casey and Tom Avis as they are over 30 years old. It is very important that we continue to maintain them for the safety of our passengers. That is always, and will always be our top priority, as well as providing an efficient service to all who use the Lower Ferry.

“On our recent inspection, it was found that some essential work needed to happen. Although we are aware this will cause some disruption for our customers, we are relieved to have found the issue early before it became a major problem for the future.

“Be assured that we will do all we can to make journeys as smooth as possible, including extra staff working on our ferry and help to control traffic during peak times.

“This will be a very busy time for our friendly team, please be kind and respectful to them while using our service.”

For more information on the ferry, please visit:

www.southhams.gov.uk/dartmouth-lower-ferry

New community composting scheme in Marldon

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New community composting scheme in Marldon

12 January 2024

A new community composting scheme in Marldon has launched, thanks to funding from South Hams District Council.

The Council is supporting the Marldon Community Composting Group to the tune of £9,000, to help with set up costs, that will cover equipment costs and other set up expenses.

Where needed the Council can also provide a resource from its grounds maintenance team to assist with the ‘turning and shredding’ of the green waste.

The group has gone through the application process, providing all the necessary documentation to secure the money, with support from Sustainable South Hams (SusSH), one of the Council’s close partners in the realm of fighting climate change locally.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Executive Member for Community Composting, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Marldon Community Composting Group in their endeavour to launch this new scheme.

“Schemes like this are a win-win. They offer communities the chance to recycle green waste in a way that is easy to access and take locally produced compost home for their gardens. It also brings people together, promotes the sharing of vital skills and helps reduce our carbon footprint.”

Jane Nichols, CEO of Sustainable South Hams, said: “Projects like this tie in directly to the key aim of SusSH – to support and inspire sustainability projects in the South Hams and wider Devon.

“It is another sign of the close working relationship between the Council and SusSH, a relationship we hope will continue to flourish.”

The ties between the Council and Sustainable South Hams are strong, following the Council’s financial support for the group, and the formation of the Climate Change and Biodiversity Advisory Group, which is using specialist and expert knowledge to support the Council and wider community’s climate ambitions.

The Council is encouraging SusSH to support other composting projects in our communities, so that groups can share knowledge and potentially resources where needed.

District Council makes it easier for residents to understand its finances

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District Council makes it easier for residents to understand its finances

8 January 2024

South Hams District Council has created a short summary of its 2022/23 accounts, so you can see how the authority spent public funds.

This is a new idea which has been brought in this year by the Council’s Audit and Governance Committee.

You can view the summary online here, which offers a straightforward breakdown of how money was spent to deliver Council services.

The Council is in a good financial position. There was a small surplus of £57,000 (0.5%) generated against a net budget of £10.464m for the 2022/23 financial year.

The Council faced additional costs and a shortfall of income of £1.92m during 2022/23. Many of these costs were a result of the current economic climate with high inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.

There was also the exceptional one-off cost of £1.5m for bringing the Council’s waste and recycling service back in-house in October 2022. The £1.5m was funded from reserves. There has been a huge improvement in performance for the waste and recycling service since it was brought in-house. The Council has also now completed the roll out of its full collection service, including collections for food waste across the South Hams, meaning all residents are now recycling the same materials.

The extra costs and shortfall in planning income of £0.35m were offset by the Council generating additional investment income. This income of £1.02m took advantage of high interest rates and came from the careful planning and management of the Council’s cash funds. The Council also received more income from its car parks and the Dartmouth Lower Ferry, along with income from its business units.

Despite all these additional costs and pressures caused by the wider economic situation, the authority has finished the year in a strong financial position.

The Council’s full accounts show all of the precise details. The accounts are currently unaudited and the Council’s external auditors, Grant Thornton, are now in the process of completing the audit of the accounts.

Cllr Lee Bonham, chair of the Council’s Audit and Governance Committee, said: “As a Council we want to be transparent, so having complex information on our finances be summarised in this way makes how we spend your money easy to understand and clear.

“This is the first time that the Council has has provided this information in this way. We want to make it easier for people to understand the way we operate and how we are spending public funds.

“We’re working hard to overcome many of the problems facing the district, including the housing crisis, the cost-of-living crisis, and the climate change and biodiversity emergency.

“To have worked on such a broad series of challenges, to have brought the waste service back in-house and found ourselves in the strong financial position we’re in is a great credit to our Councillors and our staff.”

Cllr Alison Nix, the committee’s vice-chair, added: “So much was achieved in 2022/23. The Council has worked incredibly hard to serve the people of the South Hams, so to end the fiscal year in a good financial position means the future is looking positive for the district.

“It’s good that we can present our accounts in a more easily read format, and shows how the Council responds to the feedback we get from you, our residents.”

To read the summary on the Council's Accounts page, click here.

Welcome To Our January Newsletter!

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Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary

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Devon Climate Emergency | January 2024

Welcome To Our January Newsletter!

Positive Climate NewsThere are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing the Devon Carbon Plan. Here are our picks for the month!

You can see more positive actions and stay updated throughout the month by visiting the Taking Action page on our website.

Plymouth City Council Wins Prestigious Award At COP28

Plymouth district heating networkA green energy scheme developed by Plymouth City Council has received awards at the world’s largest climate conference.

The network will use waste heat from cooling in buildings like Plymouth Pavilions and Moxy Hotel for heating nearby buildings, reducing emissions. Where necessary this is topped up with other renewable sources of heat.
Read More

Fossil Fuels Down to 35% of UK Energy Supply in 2023

Electricity pylons and clouds of steam from power generationSeveral newspapers started the year with announcements of a continued shift in Britain's energy mix. City AM and the Times reported that in 2023 fossil fuels were the source for only 35% of Britain's energy, compared to 43% in 2022.

On top of British renewables, energy imports from France and Norway contributed to the decline in fossil fuels, due to their generation from nuclear and hydroelectric.

Credit: Image by Pixabay on Pexels
Read More

Missing Link Of Tarka Trail Receives Go-Ahead

Bike against a gate with grass and fields behind, with a view of a wooded valleyDevon County Councillors have approved proposals to construct the latest section of the Tarka Trail between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe.

By providing a safe, off-road route more people will be encouraged to walk and cycle to work, place of education or in their leisure time which can help save money, while also improving health and the local environment.
Read More

Orphaned Beavers Rehomed Near Plymouth

Eurasian Beaver swimming with its head above water in a riverTwo orphaned beavers are settling into their new home at Poole Farm, Plymouth, after being spared from culling in Scotland. Their introduction is part of Plymouth City Council’s Green Minds project which aims to connect people with urban wild spaces.

The beavers will be monitored to gain an understanding of their behaviour and the resulting landscape changes. It is hoped that their presence will help reduce downstream flooding and increase biodiversity.

Photo by Denitsa Kireva
Find Out More

Plans Approved For New Coastal Defence Scheme for Sidmouth

Visualisation of how rock groynes will look in Sidmouth - an aerial photo with protrusions of rock from the coast The Environment Agency has approved plans for a new coastal defence scheme for Sidmouth. The scheme will cost £20m and is backed by £16m of government funding, with £2.25m allocated by East Devon District Council (EDDC) and additional contributions from Devon County Council.

The plans include new offshore breakwaters, raising the level of East Beach and new rock groynes.

EDDC anticipate that the project would protect approximately 200 residential and commercial properties from sea flooding and coastal erosion
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Work Underway On Tiverton’s Net-Zero Housing

Modular houses wrapped in protective white covering being lifted into place by a crane.Tiverton’s new net-zero carbon housing development is coming into being at Shapland Place.

The innovative, modular houses, built in partnership with Zed Pods Ltd, have been delivered and lifted into position. Work took place in September of last year on the foundations and services to allow for delivery of the homes in December.

The site, which is owned by Mid Devon Council, used to be garages and car parking and will accommodate eight self-contained residential units of between one-bedroom and three-bedroom. The homes will have triple glazing and solar panel.
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Devon Climate Emergency Updates

Progress Report On Carbon Plan Actions Updated

Progress reports for all themes covered by the Devon Carbon Plan are now available on the website. Going forward progress reports will be published twice a year per theme.

On the recommendation of the Devon Climate Task Force, from now on all actions will be reported against, not just priority actions, as was initially the case.

Following the publication of the finalised Climate Adaptation Strategy, a progress report on the short term actions in the Adaptation Strategy Action Plan will also be published on the website early this year.

The progress report can be viewed online or downloaded from the website as an Excel file.

Read More

Business Spotlight - Riverford Organics

A Riverford Organics veg box held by a man, whose hands you can see, standing in a fieldLocal businesses are making great progress on becoming net-zero - Riverford have joined over 120 other businesses, councils, schools and more who have already signed the Devon Climate Declaration to show the growing support for taking action.

Zac Goodall, Head of Sustainability at Riverford, told us:

"Riverford is aiming to achieve net-zero operational carbon emissions by 2030. Our major decarbonisation activities target transport, electricity use, and refrigeration.

We're progressing by electrifying our diesel van fleet, targeting 50% electrification over the next year, with 100% by 2026. We have been installing solar panels on rooftops around the business, with 420 kW installed in 2023, and plans for an additional 280 kW in 2024. Combined with our existing solar array, this powers the equivalent of 350 UK homes yearly.

Addressing refrigeration's impact, we're replacing standard equipment with CO2-charged alternatives, reducing emissions by minimizing refrigerant gas leakage. On Riverford farms we have been establishing new hedgerows, planting woodlands and agroforestry, and trialling methods to reduce tillage of the soil, to enable greater carbon sequestration.

In 2022 we kicked off a carbon sequestration initiative with Ripple Effect, our charity partner, which involved a community tree planting initiative, planting 45,000 fruit trees across smallholder farms in Ethiopia, which will sequester 27,000 tCO2e over 15 years."

Image credit: Riverford Organics
Endorse the Devon Climate Declaration

Dates for the DiaryFind out about upcoming events across Devon below.
Energy Advice Drop In Sessions with a illustration of a hill and sun rays Energy Advice Drop-In Sessions 

January 10th & 17th, 2024, 9:30 - 12:00

Old School Community Centre Sustainability Hub Totnes Rd, South Brent.

Worried about the rising cost of energy? Get free impartial advice from South Dartmoor Community Energy.
Find Out More
Tree topsFREE Training for East Devon Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations

January 11th, 10:00 - 11:30

Are you uncertain about what legal structure is best for your organisation? At this upcoming workshop, Devon Communities Together’s Hannah Reynolds will take you through the different structures, such as Charity and Community Interest Company; choosing the right one could have a significant impact on the success of your organisation!
Find Out More and Register
the net zero exchange logo, a globe with the land mass coloured with blue to red stripes representing the warming average temperature of earth

Net-Zero Exchange: Kickstarting Your Collaboration 

31st January, 14:00 – 16:00, Sustainability Hub, University of Plymouth

The Net-Zero Solutions Fund enables businesses to team up with researchers to take on a carbon challenge or harness their industry’s low-carbon possibilities. It’s an opportunity for enterprises to take evidence-based, targeted climate action with the help of researchers applying their specialist knowledge and maximising the real-world impact of their work.

Meet potential project partners at this networking event, hear about previous similar collaborations and ask the team any questions you have before applying.
Find Out More
Totnes Bike Hub Winter Evening Workshop Classes

Adjusting Brakes Part 1 and 2 - Winter Evening Workshop Class, 11th and 25th January - FREE 

Would you like to learn how to repair your bike? Then check out this winter programme of learn-to-fix events! These are funded by Cycling UK and are aimed at beginners, and people returning to cycling.

Booking for the evening workshops is essential.

Email Totnesbikehub@gmail.com, phone or pop into the shop to book your place!
Find Out More
Bike Kitchen - Self Supported Use of Workshop Space and ToolsTotnes Bike Hub 'Bike Kitchen' - Self Supported Use of Workshop Space & Tools, 13th January, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm - FREE

Get your bike ready for 2024 and make use of the Hub's tools and space. Knowledge of bike maintenance required as this session is self supported.

No booking is required for the Bike Kitchen.
Find Out More
white sheep with one horn looking at cameraAgri-Innovation Programme Expressions of Interest reopening: 8th to 31st January, Business Information Point

This project is helping farm businesses maximise their potential and productivity through regenerative and innovative methods and practices. Running in West Devon Borough Council and South Hams District Council areas only, the project works with farmers who are open to and enthusiastic about embracing new ideas, methods, equipment, and processes. They are supported to identify their farm’s unique potential, viable opportunities and undertake actions to develop and deliver an Innovation Plan.

Places are limited in this project: any farmers interested in taking part must complete an Expressions of Interest form.

Photo by Trinity Kubassek, Pexels
Find Out More
Thermal imaging camera

Change Makers: Thermal Imaging Cameras

10th January, 2024, 10:30- 12:00

The Mansion, 36 Fore St, Totnes, TQ9 5RP

Are you considering how to engage your group and community with issues around home heat loss? Dan Parnell, who has been leading on Sustainable South Brent's thermal imaging camera training and loan scheme, will be supporting our discussion on the topic of using these fantastic tools for further understanding.

Space is limited for this free event, so please do book at the Eventbrite link.
Book now
University of Plymouth logoKnowledge Transfer Partnerships Business Information Sessions 

19th January, 12:00 - 13:00, Online

The University of Plymouth’s Innovation Funding Team together with Enterprise Solutions are hosting a series of free, business-information sessions. These online events will show how different businesses can benefit from a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project and explore other services for business that are available from the University.  Registration open to UK businesses only.
Find Out More And Register
A Greener Way for our Bay for all of Torbay to be happy and healthy, we need to plan for a changing world. Trees, cyclist and someone walking. A Greener Way for Our Bay – Have your say - Survey Now Live

If you live in Torbay then Torbay Council want to hear your views to help them plan for a changing world.

The new consultation aims to engage with local people on the Torbay Climate Partnership’s new plans for reducing the Bay’s carbon footprint and preparing for a changing climate.
Find Out More
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Trading Standards Consumer news

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Toy safety advice; e-bike and e-scooter safety; avoid loan sharks; and much more

Heart of the South West Trading Standards Consumer news
Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service wish you Season's Greetings

Clothing labels

Watch: how to ensure toys are safe this Christmas

To help you ensure that the toys and electrical items you buy this Christmas are safe, watch our two short videos in which a Trading Standards Officer shares top tips and advice on what to look for and what to avoid.

Own an e-bike or e-scooter?

E-bike and e-scooter warning

We're advising consumers and businesses to ensure that e-scooters and Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (e-bikes) are safe and compliant with the correct safety regulations before they are purchased, sold or hired out.

And businesses are reminded that it is their responsibility to inform customers that e-scooters are not currently legal for use on roads or other public highways unless a specific scheme is in place.

This warning follows a market surveillance operation on electronic vehicle safety by our Service and a recent safety message by the Office for Product Safety and Standards which highlights the steps people should take when owning or thinking of buying an e-bike or scooter.

Stop Loan Sharks Christmas campaign

Protect yourself from loan sharks

The lead up to Christmas can be an expensive time and knowing where to go to get the right help can be tricky. We want you to know the red flags of loan sharks, so you can protect yourself. Loan sharks:

  • can pose as your friend and draw you in with a loan, no questions asked.
  • often don’t provide any paperwork or receipts and will add huge amounts of interest on what you owe.
  • can become aggressive and threaten you and your family if payments are missed or late.
  • can take valuables or personal documents as security.

If you recognise any of these signs there are people to help. Stop Loan Sharks are here to provide help and support for anyone involved with a loan shark. Contact them on 0300 555 2222.

Avian influenza - latest situation

Visit our avian influenza webpage to learn about the latest situation in the Heart of the South West, disease control measures in place, and how to spot and report the disease in your birds.

‘Crime doesn’t pay’; Rogue builder told to pay back over £200,000

Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service prosecuted a rogue builder earlier this year, and now that builder could be paying out for ‘the rest of his life’.

Read full story: ‘Crime doesn’t pay’; Rogue builder told to pay back over £200,000.

Tradesman who pressured vulnerable customer fined

A tradesman who pressured a vulnerable pensioner into paying £2,000 to have loft insulation removed and then bombarded her with aggressive calls demanding she pay the £5,000 balance, has been prosecuted.

Read full story: Tradesman who pressured vulnerable customer fined.

Rogue trader ordered to repay elderly victim £27,500

A rogue trader has been ordered to pay almost £40,000 after convincing a pensioner to let him carry out roofing work that wasn’t needed.

Read full story: Rogue trader ordered to repay elderly victim £27,500.

Illegal tobacco seized

Illegal tobacco and vapes worth almost £100,000 have been seized from five premises across Plymouth.

Read full story: Illegal tobacco seized.

‘Toolkit’ will help protect students from scams

A recent survey (2022) found that a third of students had a personal experience of being scammed – and across the South West last year young people aged 18-22 lost a total of £73,361,101 to fraudsters.

The Student Scams Toolkit: Empowering Students with Awareness and Knowledge has been produced by Trading Standards South West in conjunction with our service and aims to give young people the tools to protect themselves from fraudsters.

Read full story: ‘Toolkit’ will help protect students from scams.

Trading Standards South West's '12 Days of Christmas Safety'

In the run-up to 25 December, Trading Standards South West are featuring the '12 Days of Christmas Safety' to help everyone have a safe and happy Christmas. Follow them on Facebook and X to get their tips.

Action Fraud's 12 Frauds of Christmas

During the festive period, Action Fraud are highlighting a different fraud type every day to help you keep your money safe and out of the pockets of criminals. Follow them on Facebook, X and Instagram to learn how to stay safe from fraud this Christmas.

Christmas and New Year opening times

Our offices will be closed over Christmas and New Year. Find out how to get consumer advice and about contacting us for business support during this period.

This newsletter is produced by the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service. Commissioned by Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay Councils.

Office hours
9am-4.30pm (Monday to Thursday).
9am-4pm (Friday).

For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
For immediate, straightforward guidance on a range of consumer problems, read our free online consumer guides.

For business advice, visit our website or contact us.