South Cambs District Councillor (SCDC) Bill Handley’s Report to Over Village News, July 2024
General Election 2024
As many are likely to be aware, at the General Election on 4th July 2024 the Liberal Democrat candidate Dr Ian Sollom became our new MP for the new constituency of St Neots and Mid-Cambridgeshire. More information can be found on the BBC’s website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg3j6eyyljdo
Adjustments to South Cambs Magazine summer 2024 edition
The calling of a snap general election by Rishi Sunak caught many people out. The delivery of the summer edition of the South Cambs magazine had to be delayed because it contains (as usual) quotes and images of a number of Councillors. If the council had published on the planned date, it would have fallen foul of the rules governing the pre-election period. The subsequent edition which is being delivered now has reverted to the normal format.
Visit South Cambs website
The Visit South Cambs website is for the local tourism, hospitality, leisure and independent retail sector. It reaches around 2,000 visitors worldwide each month and offers businesses and event organisers a free advertising listing. If you would like a free listing for your events, or know any businesses or organisers locally who would, please use this link https://visitsouthcambs.co.uk/ to fill in the submission form or email visit@scambs.gov.uk
Community Cooking Programmes
SCDC, in partnership with the Let’s Cook Project, are delivering free sessions, aiming to help South Cambridgeshire residents to improve their knowledge of, and confidence in, healthy eating and cooking options. Four cohorts are planned across the district, with two different programs for adults and families. All equipment and ingredients will be provided. For more info please contact Emma Jarvis emma.jarvis@letscookproject.org
Cost-of-living information
SCDC offers support and advice to help residents during the cost-of-living crisis. Topics covered include: benefits; money and debt; energy and water bills; parents and families; food and health costs; phone bills; making your home warmer; the Age UK handyperson service and support for anyone in distress. For more information, visit https://www.scambs.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support/
Community Hubs
Community Hubs continue to offer residents somewhere to socialise, take part in new activities and to receive information on cost-of-living support such as reducing bills, accessing financial support and how to stay healthy and well. A full list of Community Hubs can be found at:
https://www.cambsacre.org.uk/projects/cambridgeshire-community-hubs-network
Community Growing Grants
SCDC is awarding small grants of up to £500 to community groups to encourage the growing of vegetables. The application process is simple and details are on the website. The grants are intended to enable local groups to buy items such as raised beds, seeds, seed compost and essential gardening equipment. Anyone can apply for this grant, as long as they are able to demonstrate they have brought a group together to look after the project!
Visit https://tinyurl.com/4hu6py7p
Police Engagement
Cambridgeshire Police is currently undertaking a number of community engagement events. The next one is on Wednesday 28 August at 7pm. You can register now to for more details and to receive the meeting here: https://tinyurl.com/36ykca8z
Have you considered being a Special Constable?
Cambridgeshire Police have just launched a recruitment drive for Special constables – Specials have all the powers of a police officer and work alongside their regular colleagues. It only requires a minimum commitment of four hours a week and is a great opportunity to give something back to your community, while receiving professional training, skills and experience that can be used in everyday life and career progression.
Bill Handley July 2024.
Contact 01954 200287 (please leave a message) or email cllr.handley@scambs.gov.uk
