The Council

Are you a local person who recognises the valuable work that Councillors do?

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

We are looking to appoint independent persons to serve on the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel. The Panel will consider and make recommendations relating to the allowances to be paid to elected Councillors, together with recommendations about the responsibilities and duties for which allowances should be payable.

We are looking to appoint a number of independent, fair minded, people to serve on the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel to assist the Council in reviewing its Members’ Allowances Scheme. 

Applications are sought from lay persons, local residents or persons who work in the area.  No experience of local government is necessary; however you should be keen to become familiar with the functions of local government. We require people with an open mind; a strong commitment to the local area, and an interest in local matters.

It is likely that the Panel will meet on at least 3 to 4 occasions with meetings typically lasting a few hours. Meetings would usually be expected to take place during office hours, but could be arranged to suit the requirements of the Panel, if necessary. Once approved, the Panel’s recommendations would normally apply for a period of two years, though there may be an exceptional requirement for the Panel to be convened between times. Appointments to the Panel would be for an initial term of 3 years, for which an allowance of £220.00 per annum will be paid. 

To be eligible you must not be a Councillor or Officer of the Council or another local public authority.  In addition, you must not be related to, or be a friend of, any Councillor or Officer of Cannock Chase Council or of any of the Parish/Town Councillors within the Cannock Chase area.  You should also not be a member of a committee or sub-committee of an authority in respect of which the panel makes recommendations. Finally, you should not have any political affiliations.

If you think you meet the above criteria, please either email Democratic Services at membersservices@cannockchasedc.gov.uk or send a completed CV together with a covering letter explaining why you think you would be a suitable candidate to the address below marked for the attention of The Monitoring Officer, c/o Democratic Services by no later than  Friday 3 November 2017.

Cannock Chase Council is working closely with Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and local outreach workers to help young people stay safe and keep out of trouble this Halloween and Bonfire night.

Halloween can be harmless fun but some members of the community can become distressed by unexpected trick or treaters. Part of a wider ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ initiative, young people are being encouraged to ‘Think – Be Aware Who You Scare’ and to follow some simple do’s and don'ts this Halloween. These can be found on Cannock Chase Council’s website.

Staffordshire Police and the Fire Cadets will be distributing glow in the dark ‘No Trick or Treat’ cards to a number of streets across the Cannock Chase District. Residents can display these cards in their windows if they don’t wish to be disturbed by treat or treaters. These cards will also be available to collect from Council Offices, police stations, community fire stations, doctor’s surgeries and libraries from Monday 23 October.

The campaign aims to encourage young people to be respectful of other people in the community and not to get involved in anti-social behaviour.

Staffordshire Police will also be carrying out high visibility patrols during this period.

Local Prevent teams and firefighters will be delivering a presentation to pupils to highlight how dangerous fireworks can be when in the wrong hands.

A simple list of do’s and don’ts around firework safety are also available to download from Cannock Chase Council’s website.

Councillor Carl Bennett, Leader of Crime and Partnerships, said: “The ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ initiative demonstrates how partners are working together and are committed to making our neighbourhoods safe and enjoyable for everyone. This is a reminder to young people that Halloween can appear harmless fun, but it can sometimes scare and intimidate our elderly and vulnerable residents.

“With safety our main concern, we are urging parents to ensure their children are properly supervised during both Halloween and Bonfire night.”

Inspector Mark Ward, Deputy Commander for Cannock District Policing Team, said: “I am encouraging parents to sit with their children and look at the Council’s webpage about the ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ initiative. There are a number of do’s and don’ts on the website that if followed will help to ensure that Halloween is an enjoyable and safe time for everyone.”

Carmel Warren, Prevent Manager for the west of the county, said: “This partnership will help members of the community to strike the right balance so that those who want to enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night can do so in a safe manner while still respecting the needs of those who may feel uncomfortable or even scared at this time.

“Our Prevent teams have been visiting schools across the area to educate pupils about the potential risks that these celebrations can bring so that they don’t fall foul of them. We also want residents who may be older or vulnerable to be reassured that young people, in particular, understand the impact that anti-social behaviour can have on other residents.”

A special Firework’s Hotline has been set up to answer any questions that residents have about Bonfire Night and safety associated with fireworks. The number to call is 01785 277 855. Alternatively, visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/takecare  for more information.

Cannock Chase Council is reminding owners that an empty property loan is available for properties in the Cannock Chase District, this empty homes week (16-22 October).

The Council have developed an interest free loans scheme to assist owners whose properties have been empty for 2 years or more. Owners may be able to loan up to £10,000 to renovate their property to the Decent Homes Standard.

Residential properties that stand empty within Cannock Chase could be providing homes for the many people who need one.

On average it costs an owner approximately £8000 a year to keep a property empty. This cost includes rental loss, dilapidation, security, insurance (where obtainable) and council tax.

Councillor John Preece, Environment Portfolio Leader said “The longer a home is left empty the more likely it is to attract anti-social behaviour, to fall into disrepair and to become a source of anxiety to nearby residents. The Council is keen to assist owners with returning their properties to use and an officer can support owners in their efforts to do so.  For more information please telephone 01543 464309.”

The Council’s Housing Option’s Service can also provide specialist help and advice which is aimed at supporting landlords who manage their own properties, Housing Options Team can be contacted on 01543 462621 or email housingoptions@cannockchasedc.gov.uk  to request an information pack full of useful knowledge, hints and tips and find out how you can make the most of your asset.

The interest free loan scheme is only for previously occupied properties that have become vacant.  Notifications are received from Council Tax when the payments have ceased on a property. Unfinished new-build properties are not eligible for this scheme.

Cannock Chase Council has helped to secure over £13million of investment in the District during 2016/17, a record amount that shows significant progress in the local economy.

The figures have been highlighted in the Council’s Annual Report 2016/17, alongside key information about achievements and service delivery during the year. 

The total investment includes funding of £2m for new housing across the District, secured from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), and over £8m in combined funding from GBSLEP and the West Midlands Combined Authority to further develop Kingswood Lakeside in Cannock.  Improvements to Hednesford Park, the former Stadium site in Cannock, and the opening of the 5s Pavilion and Sports Centre have also secured significant funding.

Leader of the Council, Councillor George Adamson, said “The funding amounts set out in the Annual Report highlight the progress being made in the District.  Large sums are being invested in key employment, housing, parks and leisure sites across Cannock Chase and we are working hard to encourage even more investment and improvements in the future.”

The Annual Report also highlights some key statistics for Council services, including over 800,000 visits to leisure centres, nearly 100,000 calls being received by the Council’s customer services team, more than 3,000 building control inspections and over 2,000 improvements to Council houses.

Tony McGovern, Managing Director of Cannock Chase Council, said “The Annual Report sets out some of the significant projects and daily activities carried out as part of our focus on delivering better jobs and skills, more and better housing, cleaner and safer environments and better health outcomes. The record levels of investment into the District demonstrates the confidence of the private sector and public funding agencies in Cannock Chase as a fantastic location for business, new housing and leisure facilities. ”  

The Annual Report will be approved at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on 19 October and is available to download on our website at: http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/annualreport

Work by the Environment Agency is nearing completion on rebuilding the former collapsed footbridge.

This work is complementary to the Rugeley Flood Alleviation Scheme which is currently under construction at Hagley Park and due for completion in December 2017.

Cannock Chase Council has provided funding of circa £100,000 to enable the bridge to be re-built, and with the help of the Environment Agency and their contractors the bridge has been reinstated.

The footbridge owned by Cannock Chase Council initially collapsed in 2012, which forced part of the Chase Heritage Trail to be closed and temporarily diverted. It is anticipated that once the wider flood scheme is complete and the grass has re-established, the section of the trail affected will be re-opened.  

Councillor Gordon Alcott, Portfolio Leader for Economic Development and Planning said “It was essential that this work took place before the flood alleviation scheme was in place, as any access for repair work would have been difficult afterwards.

“We are delighted that the work on the bridge is nearly complete, the playing fields will re-open later in 2018 which will allow access to the heritage trail.  Works will now continue on the Flood Alleviation Scheme as the diverted flow of the water was preventing the embankment from being finished.”

“As a result of the flood works Cannock Chase Council have already received a planning application for industrial units which could create approximately 60 jobs in the area that would have been affected by flooding prior to this work being carried out.”

Will Groves Senior flood risk adviser from the Environment Agency said “We are pleased we have been able to assist the District Council in doing this work. It made practical and financial sense to fix the bridge while constructing the flood storage area, which once complete will help reduce the risk of flooding to over 270 homes and businesses in the area.”

Representatives from Cannock Chase Council and the Environment Agency attend the site.

Hednesford Park has been awarded gold in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom awards.

Britain in Bloom award is a nationwide community gardening competition which gives local community groups the opportunity to showcase their achievements in community participation, maintenance and development and the environment.

Nominees are judged on:

The Community – Must demonstrate/indicate community involvement and support. This includes the fundraising and events programme linking to the sites development plans.

The Maintenance and development - This includes the operational work of arboriculture, conservation, groundsmanship and horticulture on the site.

The Environment – This covers the policy/procedures on litter, graffiti, condition of buildings and the use of the site and its objectives.

The award is presented by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and this year Hednesford Park was presented with the gold award (the highest available).

The judges were impressed with how both the park and the memorial had developed since the funding from the Heritage Lottery Project and that residents had been consulted on the designs.

Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said “I am so pleased that Hednesford Park has been awarded gold for Britain in Bloom.  The park has been transformed over the last few years with thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund; and is a beautiful space for residents and visitors to enjoy and a hub for the community.  The ongoing work that goes into the park is not only from the Council but also through volunteering from community groups and local schools.  We have a park to be proud of as this award is testament to that.”

Chairman of Heart of England with Cara Rakmee, Community Gardener (Promotion)

Cannock Chase Council is teaming up with Recycle Now this Recycle Week to encourage the District to recycle bathroom items like empty deodorant cans and perfume bottles.

Whilst we do well in Cannock Chase to recycle what we can, certain items around the house somehow evade the recycling bin.  Recycling just a few more items can make a big difference and the bathroom is a good place to start.  In the UK, almost 90% of packaging is recycled in our kitchens, while just over half (52%) of items are recycled in the bathroom.

New research from Recycle Now found that nearly half (49%) of the UK population admit to not always recycling their aerosols including deodorant and hairspray from the bedroom or bathroom.  The research also found that over a third (38%) of the UK population say they don’t always recycle glass items in the bedroom such as aftershave and perfume bottles once they are empty.

Although recycling may feel like a chore, the benefits of recycling are endless as highlighted in the Recycle Week theme– ‘what goes around comes around’!  That’s why this Recycle Week, Cannock Chase Council is highlighting the benefits of recycling, for the environment and for the local community.

Recycle Now has calculated that if everyone in Cannock Chase recycled one more deodorant spray, it would save enough energy to power a typical primary school for 40 days.

When we say ‘what goes around comes around’, we really mean it!  Did you know that aerosols such as deodorants and hair sprays can be recycled again and again without any loss in quality?  So you may see them come back in items such as parts of your mobile phones, dishwashers or even another aerosol.

Or by recycling three empty deodorant cans, you could save enough energy to power a shower for eight minutes, or a home sound system for 32 hours!

Councillor John Preece, Portfolio Leader for Environment said “Many of us have our daily bathroom routines in place, whether we’re getting ready to go to work, out socially, or just settling down for a night in.  During Recycle Week, we are looking to shake up these old routines and let people know that they can help the environment they live in, in the process of making themselves look and smell good.  One tip is to put a recycling bag or bin in your bathroom or bedroom to make recycling an easy part of your routine.”

You may be wondering exactly how best to recycle bathroom items?  Well, we asked Recycle Now their top bathroom recycling tips and these are listed below:

• Where possible empty and rinse containers before they go in the recycling bin
• Put caps and lids back on your glass containers before recycling
• Remove plastic lids and caps from air-fresheners, deodorants and shaving foam aerosols where easy to do so and place separately in the recycling
• Don’t put mirrors and nail varnish bottles in, as they cannot be recycled yet.  Instead they should be disposed of in with your general waste

Don’t forget, if you aren’t sure about what you can recycle at home you can use our online search facility at http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/residents/recycling-waste/which-items-go-which-bin

Representatives from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) were treated to a whistle-stop tour of the regeneration priorities for the Cannock Chase District earlier this month.

Hosted by Cannock Chase Council, the purpose of the visit was to highlight the priority projects and visit areas which have already benefitted from GBSLEP investment.

The GBSLEP have invested over circa £14,000,000 into projects in Cannock Chase since circa 2012 , projects have included the Business Development Programme; Greenbridge; Business Innovation Programme; Local Growth Funding; Unlocking Housing Sites to name a few.

Delegates visits sites across the District including Rugeley Power Station, Kingswood Lakeside, railway stations in Rugeley, Hednesford and Cannock as well as the town centres and housing sites.

Councillor Gordon Alcott, Portfolio Leader for Economic Development and Planning said “The funding that we have received from the GBSLEP has not only brought business into the District but has also brought in employment opportunities. 

This visit was important to show GBSLEP representatives the areas in the District which have already received investment, as well as informing them of the Council’s future regeneration priorities.  We hope this visit has shown them the potential for the District and will help us to secure funding for investment into Cannock Chase in the future.”

GBSLEP Board Director Simon Marks said: “Cannock has taken a proactive approach to economic development, successfully securing millions of pounds of investment from GBSLEP over the last few years.  It was a pleasure to visit the district and see the very real impact these funds are having on the ground and the difference they are making to people’s lives.  With an eye to further developing our partnership in the future, it was great to visit Rugeley Power Station and the other development sites that the Council and GBSLEP will aim to deliver over the coming years.”

Back row: Debbie Harris, Simon Marks, Michael Tichford, James Morgan, Roger Mendonca, Glenn Watson

Front row:  Nirmal Samrai, Cllr Frank Allen, Sarah Hughes,Cllr Gordon Alcott