The South Glos Post

Dear Editor,

On the same day in December that the Conservative-led government published its plans for the Big Society (the Localism Bill) and announced how much money it was (or wasn’t) giving local councils, another announcement was quietly slipped out.

This announcement related to the winding up of a scheme called the Independent Living Fund (ILF). The ILF was established in 1988, by the Thatcher government of all governments, and makes payments to disabled people to help them lead a more independent life in their community. The £359million fund currently supports around 21,000 people nationally who receive an average £300 a week to help them pay for carers so they can live at home and not in a care home.

One of the first acts of the new Conservative-led government in June was to close the scheme to new applicants. The latest announcement is that the scheme will be shut down entirely in 2015.

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Dear Editor,

Your readers may be aware that South Gloucestershire Council is in the process of closing its current 8 elderly persons’ homes. I was contacted recently by one gentleman who had placed a memorial plaque to his mother (who died in 2003) within the grounds of the Frome House in Yate. However, this gentleman had not been contacted by the Council as to whether he would wish to have the plaque returned to him as the home was closing. It was only through pure chance that he was told of the home’s closure and was able to arrange for the memorial plaque to be rescued.

Because of the possibility that other relatives may have installed memorial plaques following the death of a relative, I have suggested that the Council’s Community Care & Housing department should make attempts to trace the next-of-kin of any other former residents of the Council’s homes who are remembered on plaques. I have been assured that this will now be carried out.

However, if next-of-kin have changed addresses since their relatives died, the Council may not be able to trace you. I would recommend, therefore, that if your readers have placed a memorial plaque within the grounds of one of the Council’s homes, and they wish it to be returned to them, then they should contact the Council’s Community Care and Housing department (FREEPOST (SWB 1485), Bristol, BS16 7ZZ or telephone: 01454 868007).

Yours faithfully,

Cllr Andy Perkins

Councillor for Woodstock ward, Kingswood
South Gloucestershire Council

South Gloucestershire Council has launched a consultation on its policy regarding licensing people and premises to sell alcohol.

The Council is responsible for granting licences to pubs, clubs, events and people. Under the Licensing Act 2003, the Council has to review its Statement of Licensing Policy every three years.

The Council is inviting residents to comment on the draft policy. The deadline for comments is noon Friday 22nd October 2010.

South Gloucestershire Council has opened a public Consultation on its proposed Budget and Council Tax levels for 2010/11 to 2012/13.

The Council consults Council Tax payers each year before agreeing its budget and council tax. This is your opportunity to comment on the Council’s priorities, its council tax and proposals to improve services and increase efficiency.