Thursday, 23 May 2013

Hampshire County Council has elected Councillor Roy Perry as the new County Council Leader today (23 May 2013).

The Full Council met to formally establish the new administration, where Cllr Perry officially took up his new role.

It follows the County Council elections held on 2 May, and the announcement by former Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber, to step down as County Council Leader following 14 years in the post.

The meeting was the first of the new Council which comprises 78 seats, made up of 45 Conservative Party Members, 17 Liberal Democrats, ten UKIP Members, four Labour Party Members, one Independent and one Member from the Community Campaign (Hart).

The County Council Leader leads the authority in delivering the range of essential local services that impact on all aspects of everyday life for 1.3million people living in the Hampshire County Council area, from education, roads and social care, to access to the countryside, museums and libraries.

Commenting on his new appointment, Councillor Perry said: "I recognise this is a great honour to be elected Leader of one of the premier councils in the land and I pay full tribute to the achievements of my predecessor Ken Thornber who performed the role diligently for 14 years. My overriding objective will be, in the face of the difficult economic circumstances all councils face, to maintain Hampshire as a successful and prosperous county, balancing economic success with care for the environment. I will seek to maintain our council tax as the lowest of any county in the south east region with services amongst the best."

Councillor Perry graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in Government and Politics, and was formerly a senior lecturer in Politics. He was elected to Test Valley Borough Council in 1979 and served as its Leader between 1985 and 1994.

For the following decade, Roy Perry was a Member of the European Parliament for the Wight and Hampshire South constituency and then the South East Region. In 2005, he returned to local government with election to Hampshire County Council. Prior to his appointment as County Council Leader, he held the position of Executive Lead Member for Children's Services and was formerly, Deputy Leader of the County Council (2008-2012).

He says one of his proudest achievements so far as a Hampshire councillor was helping establish the Hampshire Interfaith Network with the then Bishop of Southampton Rt Rev Paul Butler and becoming its first co-chairman with Peerjada Qureshi of the Winchester Muslim Cultural Association.

Roy Perry is a member of the LGA Children and Young Persons Board and Chairman of the consortium of South East Lead Members for Children's Services.

He is a Governor of King Edward VIth School in Southampton, and Church Warden in his local Parish Church of St Margaret's East Wellow.

Roy Perry is married with two daughters, one of whom, Caroline Nokes, is MP for Romsey and Southampton North and the other lives in the USA. He has three grandchildren who each in their own way keep his feet firmly on the ground.

Councillor Perry confirmed the Members of the new County Council Cabinet. These are:

Councillor Roy Perry Leader of Hampshire County Council

Councillor Keith Mans Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council

Cllr Mel Kendal

Cllr Stephen Reid

Cllr Anna McNair Scott

Cllr Liz Fairhurst

Cllr Peter Edgar

Cllr Andrew Joy

Cllr Keith Chapman

Cllr Seán Woodward

In addition, Cllr Andrew Gibson will serve as Assistant Executive Member to the Leader with a special responsibility for Business and Rural Economy.

The new Cabinet will meet for the first time on 24 June.

• Council Meetings, Agendas and Reports

Thursday, 23 May 2013

The County Council's chain of office has passed to Councillor Ken Thornber who has been elected Hampshire's new Chairman.

Councillor Thornber was elected to the position at the Annual Meeting of the County Council on Thursday 23 May.

As the Civic head of the County, the Chairman presides over County Council meetings and ensures they are conducted in line with Standing Orders and that they are a forum for debating issues. He also represents the County Council on royal visits and ceremonial occasions in Hampshire as well as other civic activities and duties.

Councillor Thornber has served on Hampshire County Council for 36 years and also served on the Police Authority of Hampshire for 22 years. He was Vice-Chairman of the Police Authority, Chairman of the Personnel Sub Committee and Deputy Leader of the County Council, until becoming Leader of the County Council in May 1999. Cllr Thornber announced earlier this month that he was stepping down as Council Leader.

Ken Thornber has long been a voice for local government on a national stage. He was also the Chairman of the County Councils Network for three years (2004-07) which acts as the voice of the 37 shire counties - together these authorities represent 48% of the population of England and provide services across 87% of its land area. He has also played an active role in the Local Government Association previously being Chairman of the LGA's Resources Panel and Conservative Group. He is a member of the LGA General Assembly, the LG Group Councillor Forum and the LG Group Workforce Programme Board.

Following his election to County Council Chairman, Councillor Thornber said: "I am very privileged to be elected Chairman of this great County Council. My role as Chairman is very different from my role as Leader of the Council for the last 14 years, but it will bring its own challenges and own rewards.

"For my theme while Chairman, I would like to help the Young Carers of Hampshire who care for parents and siblings, and do such a marvellous job. Our Activities Centres in Calshot and Runways End are great adventures for the young and I hope we can arrange some one or two day residential programmes so that our Young Carers can enjoy themselves and relax."

During some 14 years as Leader of the County Council, Councillor Thornber has championed new ways of working in local government, and in Hampshire he introduced the voluntary partnership the Hampshire Senate in 2008 to bring public services in the county together, in order to look at ways of sharing services and to aid the delivery of joint projects. The Senate was recognised as an example of how councils are making a success of joined-up working, receiving positive acclaim from Government and other local authorities across the country.

He was awarded the CBE in 1993 for services to politics and the public, and has been awarded Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts for Services to Local Government. His contribution to public life in Hampshire was also recognised in 2005 when he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Winchester University in the context of health and policing as well as his work with Hampshire County Council.

A Business graduate of Strathclyde University and Management Consultant by profession, prior to entering local government Cllr Thornber worked for the Philips organisation and Unilever, which saw him travel the world widely.

Cllr Thornber is married with four sons and lives in the New Forest.

Cllr Colin Davidovitz (County Councillor for Chandler's Ford, and former Executive Member for Communications and Efficiency) was appointed Vice Chairman of Hampshire County Council.

At the County Council's AGM on 23 May, outgoing Chairman, Councillor Andrew Joy was thanked for his past year's tenure during the Jubilee and Olympic year. His highlights during included the 'Making A Difference Awards' held to recognise exceptional efforts by Hampshire's young citizens in helping to make a positive difference in their local community.

Cllr Joy also represented the County Council at a number of key events during the 2012 Jubilee year, and in particular attending Royal visits from the Her Majesty the Queen at the New Forest Show, and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal's visit to Endeavour Primary School in Andover to plant the first tree in Hampshire's nearby Diamond Jubilee Woodlands, which were developed in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Duchess of Cambridge and Countess of Wessex were also welcomed to Hampshire at events attended by Andrew Joy during the year, in addition to the official opening of the Ringwood Gateway public services building by HRH The Duke of Kent in October, which brings together local services provided by Ringwood Town Council, New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council under one roof.

• Hampshire County Council

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

"A good foster carer is like a safety net. I knew that if I messed up someone would be there to catch me. Good carers don't judge you and you can tell them anything."

Powerful words from a young person who knows the very real and positive difference a foster carer can make to a vulnerable young person's life.

Nikki is 18 now and living independently in supported lodgings but to mark Fostercare Fortnight , 13- 27 May, she is helping Hampshire County Council to raise awareness of Fostering in a bid to recruit more carers.

Nikki, who is one of Hampshire's Care Ambassadors supporting other young people in care, spent around ten years in foster care. She still has contact with the family she lived with prior to living independently. "Penny was everything I could have wanted in a foster carer," said Nikki. "She made me feel at home in her family, she understood the difficult things I was dealing with. When I made mistakes she was there to help me but she never judged me. A good foster placement helps you feel safe and secure and for me it enabled me to be a child again."

Security and stability are very important for vulnerable children coming into foster care. Emma, 19, who is studying Philosophy at university with the aim of becoming a teacher has lived with foster carers for the past five years. She said the ability to give and take is key to the success of a placement. "Sometimes carers need to stick with it," she said. "When you come into care you may have a range of feelings, there may be upset, stress and some conflict. It's really important for carers to be willing to work through the hiccups. My carers are lovely people, supportive, consistent, and reflective. I can talk things through with them and they don't let problems escalate."

Like Nikki and Emma, children and young people are looked after by the local authority in foster placements when their own family, for whatever reason, is unable to care for them. It is often a time of turmoil and the one thing they need is someone who will be there for them, listen to them and support them with whatever challenges they are facing.

Nicky from Waterlooville is one of Hampshire's dedicated team of foster carers. She and her husband Steve have looked after around 25 children in the five years they have been fostering. They currently have four boys living with them and their own teenage son. "It certainly makes for a full house," said Nicky, "but I can't remember it being any different. It's the little things which make it so rewarding. I had one little boy and no-one had ever sat and read a book with him. He was so happy to do that and his enjoyment was great to see."

Nicky mainly fosters older boys now and it is not without its challenges: "It's not always easy," she said "but when you see a young person who may have come to you troubled or quiet and withdrawn, gain in confidence, smile and succeed at things they didn't think they could do, it is worth it."

It is not just the child who benefits. Nicky is in touch with one mum of two boys she cared for. "Mum really turned her life round so she could have her boys back. She and the boys are doing well. That's when fostering really works and it is a pleasure to see."

The County Council is always on the lookout for more people, like Nicky, who can rise to the challenge and make a real difference to a vulnerable young person's life by being a foster carer. Right now the County Council is especially keen to hear from people who can offer a stable and caring home environment to a teenager, sibling groups, or children with complex needs. Opportunities exist which range from long-term caring roles to respite and short break care. Carers are also needed to support parents and babies.

Anyone can be a foster carer as long as they have what it takes to care for children. To help foster carers Hampshire County Council has a range of training courses and comprehensive support recognised by Ofsted who judged the Fostering Service to be good with outstanding features. The Council also offers a competitive package of fees and allowances according to skills and experience.

John Coughlan, Hampshire County Council's Director of Children's Services said: "Foster carers like Nicky are vital to us - without them our job of ensuring good outcomes for vulnerable children would be much harder. It can be challenging at times as all parenting can be, but carers tell us it is a very rewarding role and as we can see from the testimony of Nikki and Emma being a foster carer is a chance to make a real difference to children's lives."

To find out more about how you can make a difference, call the Foster Care team on 0845 603 5620 or log on to the website.

• Foster with Hampshire County Council

Monday, 20 May 2013

A campaign designed to remind Hampshire residents and visitors to be 'tick aware' this summer includes new leaflets on how to prevent tick bites and reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Part of a national programme by Public Health England (PHE), the campaign aims to raise awareness of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses among health professionals and the public. Ticks are small, spider-like creatures most common in late spring, summer and autumn. a tick is the size of a poppy seed and once detected, it is important to remove the tick with tweezers as soon as possible to reduce the risk of getting bitten and becoming ill. Most ticks do not carry the infection but any area where ticks are present could be a potential risk for Lyme disease.

Dr Ruth Milton, Hampshire's Director of Public Health said: "We want people to go out and enjoy the countryside this summer but it's important to be aware of ticks which can bite and lead to unpleasant illnesses such as Lyme disease. The new leaflets help explain the risks and how to avoid and treat tick bites.

"As there is currently no effective vaccine against Lyme disease, the most important ways to protect yourself and your family are by being 'tick aware', avoiding tick infested areas, wearing the right clothing where ticks are more common and quickly removing any attached ticks.

"Not all tick bites result in disease, but some can transmit bacteria that cause diseases such as Lyme disease, which can lead to very serious conditions if left untreated. Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a circular rash, tiredness and muscle and joint pain.

"Lyme disease can be contracted in parks, gardens and rural areas across most of the country, and is common in areas such as the New Forest and South Downs. Therefore it is important to raise awareness of this disease amongst our residents and those who visit the area."

Since June 2012 1,928 samples from Hampshire have been tested for Lyme Disease by Public Health England's Rare and Imported Pathogens Department at Porton Down. Of these, 190 were found to be positive for Lyme Disease - approximately 10%. Most cases occurred between June and August, however not all samples necessarily belong to Hampshire residents as the data reflects samples sent from hospital laboratories within Hampshire rather than residents. The positive rate of around 10% is consistent across the UK.

Cases are often the result of outdoor activities including camping, walking, hiking and mountain-biking, where tick exposure is more likely.

• A factsheet providing important health advice and some basic precautions is available from PHE

Monday, 20 May 2013

With fuel costs rising and continued pressure on household budgets, Hampshire residents have two weeks left to sign up for a collective energy switching scheme that could save them money on their gas and electric bills.

The County Council has joined up with the 13 local authorities across Hampshire (including Portsmouth and Southampton) to set up Switch Hampshire, which allows gas and electricity consumers to combine their purchasing power and get a better deal on bills.

Registering for the scheme is free and simple to do - all you need is your current tariff and energy use in terms of power (KWh) or cost. This information should be included on your annual energy statements or you can find out from your energy provider. There is no obligation to switch and the secure scheme is backed by the County Council.

Each household could save between £60 to £200 a year on energy bills by joining the scheme. Running a collective switching scheme three times a year could result in potential savings of up to £25 million for Hampshire residents.

People can register until 3 June, either online or by calling 01962 846828 (lines open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm). After the closing date, Switch Hampshire will begin negotiations with energy providers to secure the best deals on the strength of this collective buying power.

There is no obligation to switch energy supplier - Switch Hampshire will notify everyone who has registered about the best energy tariffs available to them and manage the process if they do decide to switch.

With around 760,000 households in Hampshire, just two per cent signing up to switch energy supplier through Switch Hampshire would give a combined purchasing power of just over 15,000 customers. The more people who sign up, the more negotiating power Switch Hampshire will have.

Switch Hampshire is part of a larger scheme, the Big Community Switch, involving several London boroughs.

Access to cheaper energy can have significant benefits to those on low incomes, the elderly and families in fuel poverty, including making a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. It can also offer an opportunity for greater savings for those who rely on electricity for heating and cooking because they are not connected to a mains gas supply.

Nationally, collective energy switching is supported by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Local Government Association and consumer groups including Consumer Focus.

• Switch Hampshire - Register with Switch Hampshire to see if you could save money on your energy bills

Friday, 17 May 2013

Hampshire County Council's street lighting replacement programme will be arriving in Bishops Waltham in June 2013, improving local streetlights with the latest energy efficient equipment.

Much of the county's lighting stock is over 30 years old and needs replacing. As part of the improvement programme, 150,000 street lights, illuminated signs and bollards across Hampshire are being replaced or upgraded with the latest technology in energy saving lamps and dimming controls. Hampshire's new street lighting will also comply with Government targets for carbon reduction. The new lighting in Bishops Waltham will see the replacement of approximately 283 lanterns and a further 303 lanterns and posts.

This long term investment will help improve the county's energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions. As well as replacing older lighting columns which are coming to the end of their life, the new lamps will improve lighting levels on the ground, reduce light pollution at night and help make people feel safer in town centres and residential streets.

The preparation and planning for the Street Lighting programme aims to keep disruption to a minimum by coordinating work with other schemes and ensuring that work on key roads is planned to take place outside of rush hour periods.

• Street Lighting and the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract

Thursday, 16 May 2013

Hampshire County Council is encouraging parents to swap their car for a ticket to stride on the school run instead, with their children, during Walk to School Week (20- 24 May).

Over ninety thousand Hampshire-based school children have signed up to take part in Walk to School Week 2013, encouraging parents and children to take the opportunity to try walking to school and putting into practice good pedestrian road safety behaviour. All children taking part in Walk to School Week will receive a log book, certificate and stickers.

Walk to School Week is the initiative of national charity 'Living Streets'. According to the charity, by walking to school, parents say they find the journey to school less stressful, their petrol bill goes down, their children perform better at school and both they and their children feel healthier and fitter.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage as many school children and their families across the county to give walking a go during Walk to School Week. It is a more active way to start the day and can help improve concentration in the classroom. It can also be beneficial in helping children develop life long road safety skills and their sense of independence, as well as being fun.

Number of children participating by district.

East Hants 7,860
Basingstoke 13,170
Eastleigh 9,060
Fareham 8,435
Gosport 5,995
Hart 6,860
Havant 7,705
New Forest 9,980
Rushmoor 6,835
Test Valley 8,265
Winchester 6,455

Total 90,620

• Walk to School Week

Wednesday, 15 May 2013

In a move designed to encourage more people to use alternative ways of travel instead of their cars, four specially-trained travel planning advisors will be calling on residents in the Harestock, Teg Down and Weeke areas of Winchester until the end of August.

Aiming to offer travel information and advice to up to 3,200 households, the team of personal travel advisors will be asking people to consider their daily travel options for journeys and to try taking the bus, train, walking, cycling or car sharing instead of driving.

Research has shown that Hampshire residents are keen car users - above the national average. But with the rising cost of fuel and high volumes of traffic, many people are beginning to realise the savings and benefits to their health by taking the bus or cycling.

My Journey aims to make it easier for people to work out whether their local journey in the car can be made just as conveniently by bus, bike or by car-sharing instead. Following the success of the initiative in Basingstoke - where over a third of participating residents actively made a change to their travel routines - personalised travel advice is being offered directly to residents in the Harestock, Teg Down and Weeke areas of Winchester.

The travel planning advisors will provide tailored practical help and support to individual households, including offering incentives to tempt people out of their cars. Project partner Stagecoach South, for instance, is supplying one week bus passes for people who have not tried using public transport in the Winchester area, so they can test the benefits of using local bus services for themselves.

A new Winchester cycle map has been produced and the travel planning advisors will have copies available to give to those keen to try cycling. The travel planners will also have up to date bus and train timetables and information about car- sharing to leave with householders.

For more details about the Personal Travel Planning work being delivered in Winchester visit 'My Journey' Hampshire. The website also offers a one-stop shop for advice about the different options for travelling in Hampshire. Details of local events such as leisure cycle rides together with special offers and competitions can also be found on the web pages.

The 'My Journey' campaign is funded by the Department for Transport's Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The objectives of the Government's fund are to reduce congestion at peak times, and to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. These objectives will be met at a local level, through 'My Journey' initiatives to encourage less use of the private car and a more active lifestyle by encouraging walking, cycling, use of public transport or car sharing to travel around, particularly for local journeys.

• 'My Journey' Hampshire

Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Hampshire County Council's street lighting replacement programme will be arriving in Four Marks in June 2013, improving local streetlights with the latest energy efficient equipment.

Much of the county's lighting stock is over 30 years old and needs replacing. As part of the improvement programme, 150,000 street lights, illuminated signs and bollards across Hampshire are being replaced or upgraded with the latest technology in energy saving lamps and dimming controls. Hampshire's new street lighting will also comply with Government targets for carbon reduction.

The new lighting in Four Marks will see the replacement of approximately 29 lanterns and a further 105 lanterns and posts. The majority of the work will focus on improving lighting along the A31.

This long term investment will help improve the county's energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions. As well as replacing older lighting columns which are coming to the end of their life, the new lamps will improve lighting levels on the ground, reduce light pollution at night and help make people feel safer in town centres and residential streets.

The preparation and planning for the Street Lighting programme aims to keep disruption to a minimum by coordinating work with other schemes and ensuring that work on key roads is planned to take place outside of rush hour periods.

• Street Lighting and the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

To mark Dementia Awareness Week (19 - 25 May), Hampshire County Council is holding a number of events to promote greater understanding of the condition, which mainly affects older people.

Dementia Awareness Week is the Alzheimer's Society's annual flagship awareness-raising campaign and this year's theme is 'talking'.

The events are being co-ordinated by Andover Mind, who are commissioned by Hampshire County Council to deliver the new Hampshire-wide Dementia Friendly Communities project, as well as provide services for people with dementia and their carers.

Around one quarter of the population of Hampshire is likely to be over the age of 60 by 2026 with the largest growth being in the number of people aged 85 and over. One in six people over the age of 80 have dementia but currently only a third to a half of older people with dementia receive a diagnosis. People can, and do, live well with dementia and early diagnosis can improve a person's quality of life and help them to maintain independence for longer.

Monday 20 May 2013

• Alresford Library 10.00am -1.00pm: leaflets display/information session
• Information session at St Thomas' Care Home, Basingstoke

Tuesday 21 May

• Bishop Waltham Library poster/leaflets 2.30- 3.30 pm and Dementia Friends session
• The Wellbeing Centre, Vyne Rd Basingstoke - information session
• Fareham Library - find out more about dementia and dementia-friendly communities

Wednesday 22 May

• Fareham Shopping Centre - taking over a shop in the shopping centre with a display and several awareness raising information session
• Information session at Randell House, Blackwater

Thursday 23 May

• New Milton Mind Charity Shop, 118 Station Rd New Milton - raising awareness of dementia including a stand and posters

Friday 24 May

• Hart Shopping Centre in Fleet - find out more about dementia and how the community can help 9.30 -1.00pm in conjunction with Hart DC, Alzheimer's Society, Hart Voluntary Action and Minding the Garden

Saturday 25 May

• Hart Shopping Centre in Fleet - find out more about dementia and how the community can help 9.30 - 1.00pm in conjunction with Hart DC, Alzheimer's Society, Hart Voluntary Action and Minding the Garden

Monday 20 May - Friday 25 May

• Andover Library - display and information available at 'help point' in the library. Stand will be manned every morning during the week by Dementia Advice and DementiaFriendly Communities staff and volunteers.

Hampshire County Council, NHS Hampshire, Andover Mind and The Alzheimer's Society have teamed up to provide a Dementia Advice service across Hampshire to support the delivery of the Joint Hampshire Commissioning strategy for Older Peoples Mental Health.

The strategy identifies the need to develop further information and signposting services for older people with mental health needs and their carers. The Dementia Advice Service helps people access appropriate care, support and advice.

The new Dementia Friendly Communities project, commissioned by Hampshire County Council and delivered by Andover Mind aims to create an engaged community, enthusiastic about and supportive of people with dementia. The project will involve and empower people with dementia and their carers, giving them a role in developing communities which enable them to 'live well' with dementia.

Other ways the County Council supports work to help people with dementia and their carers is through grants to voluntary organisations.

• Dementia Awareness Week

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

In a move designed to encourage more people to make use of alternative travel choices, six specially-trained travel planning advisors will be calling on residents in the Brighton Hill and Hatch Warren areas of Basingstoke until the end of August.

Aiming to offer travel information and advice to up to 5,300 households, the team of personal travel advisors will be asking people to consider their daily travel options for journeys and to try taking the bus, train, walking, cycling or car sharing instead of driving.

Research has shown that Hampshire residents are keen car users - above the national average. But with the rising cost of fuel and high volumes of traffic, many people are beginning to realise the savings and benefits to their health by taking the bus or cycling.

My Journey aims to make it easier for people to work out whether their local journey in the car can be made just as conveniently by bus, bike or by car -sharing instead. Following the success of the initiative in Chineham and Popley - where over a third of participating residents actively made a change to their travel routines - personalised travel advice is being offered directly to residents in the Brighton Hill and Hatch Warren areas of Basingstoke.

The travel planning advisors will provide tailored practical help and support to individual households, including offering incentives to tempt people to try alternative ways of making local journeys. Project partner Stagecoach South, for instance, is supplying one week bus passes for people who have not tried using public transport in the Basingstoke area, so they can test the benefits of using the Jazz 1, Jazz 7 and Jazz 8 services for themselves.

Travel planning advisors will have copies of the Basingstoke Cycle Map available to give to those keen to try cycling. The travel planners will also have up to date bus and train timetables and information about car- sharing to leave with householders.

For more details about the Personal Travel Planning work being delivered in Basingstoke visit 'My Journey Hampshire'. The website also offers a one-stop shop for advice about the different options for travelling in Hampshire. Details of local events such as leisure cycle rides together with special offers and competitions can also be found on the web pages.

The 'My Journey' campaign is funded by the Department for Transport's Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The objectives of the Government's fund are to reduce congestion at peak times, and to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. These objectives will be met at a local level, through 'My Journey' initiatives to encourage less use of the private car and a more active lifestyle by encouraging walking, cycling, use of public transport or car sharing to travel around, particularly for local journeys.

• Workplace Travel Planning