To receive any announcements from the Leader.
Minutes:
The Leader made the following announcements:
“Our Residents’ survey is now open to share your views on our services that we deliver in the Borough. This all-inclusive Council are listening to you, and I encourage you to participate and take this opportunity to have your say. Your views really count, as well as wanting to know what you think about our services and future priorities, the results will help us make the right decisions in how we allocate our resources. So please spread the word and encourage friends and family to take part. The survey is featured on our website, in the Summer Bulletin magazine and available at the Council office, Leisure Centres, libraries and at our Community Centres. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of your Spelthorne - without your views we cannot action change.
Last month we launched our new digital engagement platform for the Spelthorne Design Code project. The project’s purpose is to enhance the future of our Borough by creating a vision for how our buildings, streets, parks, and public spaces should look and feel and to leave a legacy for our future generations, that we can all be proud of . We want you, the residents, to be at the heart of this process. Over the next few months, our team will be meeting with communities across Spelthorne to gather your thoughts and ideas. Your input is crucial in helping us create a Design Code that reflects our shared vision and contribute to the overall wellbeing of our community. For news and alerts please sign up to the Design Code hub on our website, follow our social media channels and look out for banners and posters which will be displayed in towns across the borough.
In June I was honoured to attend two ceremonies to celebrate our Armed Forces Community. Firstly, a dedicated ceremony for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, attended by over 100 people, including veterans, residents, and staff. Later in the month, with our Armed Forces Champions, Cllr Clarke and Cllr Doran we raised the Armed Forces flag outside the Council Offices to mark Armed Forces Day.
We have always had a strong tradition of recognising and supporting our Armed Forces community. In 2021, we were privileged to receive the prestigious Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. As we came together to observe Armed Forces Day, the Mayor reaffirmed our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring fairness for those who have served and their families. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have served, safeguarding our freedoms.
My thanks to the Mayor for his tribute to Caroline Spencer at the start of this meeting. I would also like to pay my respects to past Mayor Caroline Spencer, and I remember her well. Her passion for supporting the community was evident when during her time as Mayor, raising much needed funds for One-to-One, a friendship scheme for people with learning difficulties and Girl Guiding in Spelthorne. My thoughts remain with her family and friends.
Finally, I would like to convey our best wishes and send positive energy for a full recovery to last year’s Deputy Mayor, Elizabeth Baldock”.
The Deputy Leader made the following announcements:
“We have announced the winner of the Spelthorne Business Plan Competition. This event was held at BP in Sunbury-on-Thames on Thursday 27 June and showcased the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of our residents. Anja Abauraou's Companionship Services Ltd emerged as the winner, securing £4,000 and a year's worth of business support. We congratulate all participants for their hard work and look forward to seeing these new businesses thrive in our community.
Last week, Surrey County Council announced the publication of the Spelthorne parking review. The review evaluated over 120 requests for new or adjusted parking restrictions across the borough. Notable proposals include a paid parking scheme for Ashford Town Centre and a new resident permit scheme near Staines-upon-Thames railway station. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to visit surrey website to access the report and provide feedback through an online form. The deadline for submitting comments to Surrey County Council is Friday 2 August and we urge residents to make their voices heard, it will be for the residents to decide whether the proposals proceed or not.
The Household Support Fund remains open to residents to apply for theone-time payment of £50. The fund aims to support vulnerable households in our community and alleviate expenses related to food, energy, and water. This initiative is supported by funding from the UK government to assist households during periods of increased living costs. Please look at our website or contact our customer service team for more information”.