Archive for category: News

In a recent news release, South Hams District Council said:

“Lower income households could save between £220 and £400 a year on energy bills with the support of South Hams District Council.

The Council is helping households across the District improve the energy efficiency of their home and is encouraging residents to check whether they are eligible for an upgrade to their current heating systems and insulation.

The improvements will help lower income households whose homes are in most need of upgrading. They will also help address climate change issues, one of the Council’s top priorities.

Residents who can benefit will have a combined gross household income of less than £31k each year, and are also living in the most poorly performing properties as measured by their Energy Performance (EPC) (D-G properties): and are not heated from the gas grid.

Eligible residents will benefit from a solution for the whole home. This would start with improving the fabric of the home first – increasing insulation, such as exterior wall, cavity wall or loft, and then low-carbon heating such as heat pumps.  Homes will be surveyed, and improvements will be designed specifically for each property’s needs. ”

Further information may be found at: www.southhams.gov.uk/hug2

Karen Dent, the Sport and Community Development Officer for South Hams and Devon Outreach, has identified some funding opportunities which may be of interest.

The web links are below:

• https://www.canoefoundation.org.uk/
• https://www.sea-changers.org.uk/marine-conservation-social-fund
• https://www.peterharrisonfoundation.org/opportunities-through-sport
• https://www.bacommunityfund.co.uk/
• https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-england
• https://www.train4tomorrow.org.uk/
• https://www.sovereign.org.uk/thriving-communities/community-investment/sng-iwill-fund/wellbeing-champions-programme/wcp-grants
• https://youthendowmentfund.org.uk/grants/testing-for-impact/
• https://www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/funding/specialist-programme

Karen may be contact by email at: Karen.Dent@fusion-lifestyle.com

South Hams District Council recently announced that there are to be changes coming to the recycling and food waste collection service in South Hams.

In short, the upcoming changes mean that everyone will be on the same service, using kerbside boxes, a white reusable sack and a food waste caddy to present their recycling each week. The changes mean that some residents might have a different day for their recycling and black bin collection. Any collection day changes will be explained in a letter to be sent out to each household shortly.

Residents can also check their collection day online at waste.southhams.gov.uk from 18th November.

To explain more, there will be a series of roadshows over the next few weeks, where people can come and talk about the changes.

For more information, and to see the roadshow timetable, go to: Recycling Changes Bulletin

From Devon and Cornwall Police

Devon & Cornwall Police’s Cyber Protect Team are asking people to use strong passwords and 2-step verification for their email and social media accounts.

This is following notification from Action Fraud that they have received reports about hacked email and social media accounts, these reports included victims being extorted for money, or having their accounts used to perpetrate fraud against other members of the public.

In the last two months Action Fraud has received reports relating to hacked social media accounts being utilised to promote fake music concert tickets, and unfortunately members of the public are less likely to suspect it’s a scam if the tickets appear to be sold by someone who has lots of friends on their profile and posts dating back many years.

What can you do to avoid having your email or social media accounts hacked?

• Use a strong and different password for your email and social media accounts. Your email and social media passwords should not be the same and should be strong, ideally 12 characters or more. Combining three random words that each mean something to you is a great way to create a password that is easy to remember but hard to crack.
• Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV) for your email and social media accounts. 2-Step Verification (2SV) gives you twice the protection so even if cyber criminals have your password, they can’t access your email or social media account. 2SV works by asking for more information to prove your identity. For example, getting a code sent to your phone when you sign in using a new device or change settings such as your password. You won’t be asked for this every time you check your email or social media.

If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Suspicious emails should also be sent to NCSC’s Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) at report@phishing.gov.uk

From Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Dear All,

Every year we ask our communities and businesses about the level of precept (council tax contribution) for the fire and rescue service. This consultation is open now until midday on 30 November.

We would like to hear from as many people as possible across Devon and Somerset to better understand our residents’ views. Please can you complete the online survey and share this with your networks. Should you or anyone else be unable to complete this online please call 01392 872354 and leave a message with your name and number. Please see below the attached poster for display if there are any appropriate places, or please include in any timely newsletters you may have.

Whilst we are aware of the pressures many of us are facing now and in the coming months, your feedback will help to make more informed decisions for the next financial year.

Many thanks for your support to share this consultation.

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