Overnight works to improve busy Racecourse Roundabout
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The busy Racecourse Roundabout at Whippingham is due to be resurfaced by Island Roads shortly.
ENDSGiven the high volume of traffic using the road during the daytime, the work will be undertaken overnight between the hours of 7.30pm and 6am in order to keep inconvenience to a minimum. Work will also be undertaken in two phases so that access between East Cowes and Newport via the roundabout can be maintained while the work is underway. The diversion route between Ryde and Newport for the duration of the scheme will be via Station Road, Whiterails Road and Staplers Road to Coppins Bridge. The scheme had been originally due to take place towards the end of 2017 but, following the onset of wintery weather, work had to be rescheduled to avoid the risk of lengthy delays to motorists. The work is currently scheduled to be undertaken over three weekday nights starting on Wednesday, 4 July. Steve Ashman, Island Roads Service Director, said: “This is another particularly busy roundabout, but we hope the steps we are taking in respect of timing and phasing of the work will keep disruption to a minimum. “Nevertheless, we are keen to give advance notice of this project and would advise motorists to allow extra journey time if they are using this route during the week.” For further information, please contact info@islandroads.com or visit www.islandroads.com Island Roads, made up of VINCI Concessions, Meridiam Infrastructure and Ringway, is working in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council to deliver the highways maintenance service. Island Roads began from 1 April 2013. Ringway is a well-established and experienced highway maintenance service provider in the United Kingdom and has worked on the Island for many years. |
Friday, 29 June 2018
Island Roads Press Release - The Racecourse Roundabout at Whippingham
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
Information relating to the Universal Credit Service
Click on the above link
The Isle of Wight rollout dates for Universal Credit Full Service
The Isle of Wight rollout dates for Universal Credit Full Service are due to commence on the Island on 6 June 2018 for Newport Jobcentre and 24 October 2018 for Ryde Jobcentre. Universal Credit is a new benefit to support those working and on a low income or those out of work which includes Housing Costs to help with rent.
In order to prepare yourselves and any of your tenants who could be affected, links to the latest information, guidance and forms which can be used when dealing with the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) are available at www.gov.uk and then through this website searching Universal Credit and then landlords.
Any new claims for Housing Benefit will not be taken for those claiming from Newport Jobcentre after the 6 June unless the person is in one of the eligible groups for Housing Benefit below:
Housing Benefit can still be claimed if you are in an eligible group and meet any of the following conditions:
· If you are a resident in supported exempt accommodation you must inform Universal Credit of this and make a claim for Housing Benefit with the Isle of Wight Council, at once
· If you have reached State Pension Credit age
· You are receiving Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance with no Universal Credit top up
· You are receiving Contribution-related Employment and Support Allowance with no Universal Credit top up
· You have three or more children and have been advised to claim Tax Credit after 6 June 2018 for Newport Jobcentre and 24 October 2018 for Ryde Jobcentre
If your tenant is liable for Council Tax then they need to make a claim for Local Council Tax Support with the Isle of Wight Council, at once.
For existing claimants their Housing Benefit will continue until their claim is transferred to Universal Credit. Once a person claims Universal Credit, Housing Benefit ends and all queries should then be referred to the DWP.
Monday, 25 June 2018
IW Council Press Release - Blue Badge Website Warning
BLUE BADGE WEBSITE WARNING
Disabled residents on the Island are being warned to avoid websites charging high prices for filling out blue badge applications.
The Isle of Wight Council trading standards team has received complaints from local residents who have been misled when renewing or applying for a blue badge on line.
It is not necessary to apply for a blue badge through other websites that may be charging up to £49 for an application or renewal.
Anyone wishing to renew or apply for a blue badge should use the https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-
“I would remind people that they do not have to visit sites such as bluebadgeonline.org as badge renewals or applications can be made for free through the government’s blue badge Gov.uk page. You should never use any other website as you risk paying money and not receiving this service,” said Councillor Tig Outlaw, Cabinet member for community safety and public protection.
“Anyone applying will also need to provide documents confirming residency and identity before applications can be processed. Anyone concerned about potential blue badge scams can contact the council on 01983 823340.”
For further advice on the blue badge scheme and to apply, visit the government website at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-
For further information from Isle of Wight Council on the scheme, please visit:
https://www.iwight.com/
You can also ring the council on (01983) 823340.
The Isle of Wight Council trading standards team has received complaints from local residents who have been misled when renewing or applying for a blue badge on line.
It is not necessary to apply for a blue badge through other websites that may be charging up to £49 for an application or renewal.
Anyone wishing to renew or apply for a blue badge should use the https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-
“I would remind people that they do not have to visit sites such as bluebadgeonline.org as badge renewals or applications can be made for free through the government’s blue badge Gov.uk page. You should never use any other website as you risk paying money and not receiving this service,” said Councillor Tig Outlaw, Cabinet member for community safety and public protection.
“Anyone applying will also need to provide documents confirming residency and identity before applications can be processed. Anyone concerned about potential blue badge scams can contact the council on 01983 823340.”
For further advice on the blue badge scheme and to apply, visit the government website at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-
For further information from Isle of Wight Council on the scheme, please visit:
https://www.iwight.com/
You can also ring the council on (01983) 823340.
END
Monday, 18 June 2018
IW Council Press Release - Are you a "Friend against Scams"
ARE YOU A 'FRIEND AGAINST SCAMS'?
As part of National Scams Awareness Month (June), the council is asking residents to sign up to become a ‘friend against scams’.
The Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership (IWASP), of which the council is a lead partner, is supporting the National Trading Standards Scams Team with its campaign to attract one million ‘Friends Against Scams’ by 2020.
Raising awareness about scams and the harm they can do is a priority of the partnership so the council is asking Island residents to go to the following link and sign up: https://www.
The national campaign already has the support of four ‘scambassadors’ in Isle of Wight Member of Parliament Bob Seely, council leader Dave Stewart, council chief executive John Metcalfe and Cabinet member for public protection Tig Outlaw, all of whom have signed up to be a ‘Friend Against Scams’.
“This initiative is about sharing a consistent message across the Island about staying safe in your own home and preventing yourself and others from becoming a victim of scams. I would urge residents to sign up to the scheme and encourage friends and neighbours to do so too, to make sure rogue traders and scammers understand that as a community, the Isle of Wight is standing up against this crime,” said Bob Seely, Isle of Wight MP.
Cabinet member for public protection, Tig Outlaw, said: “We are doing a number of things on the Island to make sure people do not fall foul to scammers, from working with our media partners to flag up any new reported scams to training our partners - including the fire service, police, Age UK, Southern Housing, Action on Hearing Loss and the Citizens Advice team - to be scam aware so you can be confident that if you do have concerns, our partners are able to support you.”
To learn more about scams and how you can help to keep not just yourself but older or more vulnerable family, friends or neighbours safe, sign up to be a Friend Against Scams – it might stop somebody you know or care for losing thousands of pounds to criminals. Please visit: https://www.
Reporting a scam
• For advice on scams call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
• To report a scam call Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040.
For more information on current scams on the Island, please visit the council’s trading standards website at www.iwight.com/iwasp or visit www.iwasp.org.uk
The Isle of Wight Against Scams Partnership (IWASP), of which the council is a lead partner, is supporting the National Trading Standards Scams Team with its campaign to attract one million ‘Friends Against Scams’ by 2020.
Raising awareness about scams and the harm they can do is a priority of the partnership so the council is asking Island residents to go to the following link and sign up: https://www.
The national campaign already has the support of four ‘scambassadors’ in Isle of Wight Member of Parliament Bob Seely, council leader Dave Stewart, council chief executive John Metcalfe and Cabinet member for public protection Tig Outlaw, all of whom have signed up to be a ‘Friend Against Scams’.
“This initiative is about sharing a consistent message across the Island about staying safe in your own home and preventing yourself and others from becoming a victim of scams. I would urge residents to sign up to the scheme and encourage friends and neighbours to do so too, to make sure rogue traders and scammers understand that as a community, the Isle of Wight is standing up against this crime,” said Bob Seely, Isle of Wight MP.
Cabinet member for public protection, Tig Outlaw, said: “We are doing a number of things on the Island to make sure people do not fall foul to scammers, from working with our media partners to flag up any new reported scams to training our partners - including the fire service, police, Age UK, Southern Housing, Action on Hearing Loss and the Citizens Advice team - to be scam aware so you can be confident that if you do have concerns, our partners are able to support you.”
To learn more about scams and how you can help to keep not just yourself but older or more vulnerable family, friends or neighbours safe, sign up to be a Friend Against Scams – it might stop somebody you know or care for losing thousands of pounds to criminals. Please visit: https://www.
Reporting a scam
• For advice on scams call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
• To report a scam call Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040.
For more information on current scams on the Island, please visit the council’s trading standards website at www.iwight.com/iwasp or visit www.iwasp.org.uk
END
IW Council Press Release - Shared Lives launches on the Isle of Wight
SHARED LIVES LAUNCHES ON THE ISLAND
Shared Lives – a scheme supporting carers who use their homes to look after vulnerable adults – has arrived on the Island.
The initiative helps individuals with learning or physical disabilities, autism, a sensory impairment or mental health condition to live independently in their community.
The Isle of Wight Council is keen to recruit carers and provide information to those who may wish to be supported by the scheme, with a number of events planned from 15 to 25 June.
Dr Carol Tozer, director of Adult Social Care, said: “Shared Lives has operated successfully in areas around the country and we’re pleased to be launching it here.
“These information events are an opportunity for people to get involved.
“The council is committed to ensuring vulnerable adults are given every opportunity to live full and independent lives in ordinary homes.
"Our Shared Lives carers can also offer respite support.
“We would love to hear from anyone with room in their lives to help someone.
"We provide very comprehensive support to our carers and we carefully match them with someone who comes to their home.
“This is one of many initiatives we have supporting people with learning disabilities on the Island."
Anyone aged over 18 can be a Shared Lives carer, with full training and ongoing support provided.
The Isle of Wight Council is keen to recruit carers and provide information to those who may wish to be supported by the scheme, with a number of events planned from 15 to 25 June.
Dr Carol Tozer, director of Adult Social Care, said: “Shared Lives has operated successfully in areas around the country and we’re pleased to be launching it here.
“These information events are an opportunity for people to get involved.
“The council is committed to ensuring vulnerable adults are given every opportunity to live full and independent lives in ordinary homes.
"Our Shared Lives carers can also offer respite support.
“We would love to hear from anyone with room in their lives to help someone.
"We provide very comprehensive support to our carers and we carefully match them with someone who comes to their home.
“This is one of many initiatives we have supporting people with learning disabilities on the Island."
Anyone aged over 18 can be a Shared Lives carer, with full training and ongoing support provided.
For details about the events, visit https://www.iwight.com/
END
IWCouncil Press Release - Council service changes over the Isle of Wight Festival
COUNCIL SERVICE CHANGES OVER ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL
While the Isle of Wight Festival is taking place from Friday 22 June to Sunday 24 June, the following council services are affected:
Register Office
The Isle of Wight Council's Register Office Marriage Room will temporarily move to County Hall in Newport during the festival. From Friday 22 June until close of business on Saturday 23 June, all civil ceremonies will be held at County Hall, Hight Street, Newport. The civil ceremonies will be back at Seaclose Park from Monday 25 June.
All birth, death and marriage notice appointments will remain at Seaclose offices throughout the festival. Seaclose offices will be closed on 21 June from 12 noon and all day on 22 June. Telephone enquiries will continue to be handled via the existing number, (01983) 823233.
For further information, please call the Register Office on (01983) 823233.
Coroner’s Office
The Coroner’s Office will operate from Seaclose offices as usual, although there will be no provision for personal collection of paperwork from Thursday 21 June at 1pm until Monday 25 June. telephone enquiries will continue to be handled via the existing number, (01983) 823010.
Crematorium
The crematorium will be operate at its usual opening hours over the weekend of Saturday 23 June and Sunday 24 June, from 10am to 2pm.
Planning/ICT offices
The council’s Planning Services office will be closed to the public on Thursday 21 June, Friday 22 June, and Monday 25 June. In the days leading up to and after the festival there will be public access but parking will be extremely limited so customers are advised it may be better to avoid the Seaclose office, unless it is to attend a pre-arranged meeting. The office will be open as normal to the public from 8.30am on Tuesday 26 June.
Customers can check information and use the online services available on the council website at https://www.iwight.com/
Leisure centre/theatre
Customers are advised that 1Leisure Medina will be closed for the duration of the Isle of Wight Festival from 2pm Thursday 21 June and will re-open at 7am on Monday 25 June. Westridge at Ryde and The Heights, Sandown will be open as normal throughout this period. Swimming lessons at Medina are cancelled from Wednesday 20 June to Saturday 23 June. The lessons will resume on Monday 25 June.
For further information, please email medinaleisure@iow.gov.uk or telephone (01983) 823880.
Register Office
The Isle of Wight Council's Register Office Marriage Room will temporarily move to County Hall in Newport during the festival. From Friday 22 June until close of business on Saturday 23 June, all civil ceremonies will be held at County Hall, Hight Street, Newport. The civil ceremonies will be back at Seaclose Park from Monday 25 June.
All birth, death and marriage notice appointments will remain at Seaclose offices throughout the festival. Seaclose offices will be closed on 21 June from 12 noon and all day on 22 June. Telephone enquiries will continue to be handled via the existing number, (01983) 823233.
For further information, please call the Register Office on (01983) 823233.
Coroner’s Office
The Coroner’s Office will operate from Seaclose offices as usual, although there will be no provision for personal collection of paperwork from Thursday 21 June at 1pm until Monday 25 June. telephone enquiries will continue to be handled via the existing number, (01983) 823010.
Crematorium
The crematorium will be operate at its usual opening hours over the weekend of Saturday 23 June and Sunday 24 June, from 10am to 2pm.
Planning/ICT offices
The council’s Planning Services office will be closed to the public on Thursday 21 June, Friday 22 June, and Monday 25 June. In the days leading up to and after the festival there will be public access but parking will be extremely limited so customers are advised it may be better to avoid the Seaclose office, unless it is to attend a pre-arranged meeting. The office will be open as normal to the public from 8.30am on Tuesday 26 June.
Customers can check information and use the online services available on the council website at https://www.iwight.com/
Leisure centre/theatre
Customers are advised that 1Leisure Medina will be closed for the duration of the Isle of Wight Festival from 2pm Thursday 21 June and will re-open at 7am on Monday 25 June. Westridge at Ryde and The Heights, Sandown will be open as normal throughout this period. Swimming lessons at Medina are cancelled from Wednesday 20 June to Saturday 23 June. The lessons will resume on Monday 25 June.
For further information, please email medinaleisure@iow.gov.uk or telephone (01983) 823880.
END
Monday, 11 June 2018
IW Council Press Release - Consultation on Combined Fire Authority with Hampshire
CONSULTATION ON COMBINED FIRE AUTHORITY WITH HAMPSHIRE
Plans for a 12-week consultation into creating a new combined fire authority for the Island and Hampshire look set to move ahead.
The Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet is being asked to accept the detailed business case and give the green light for the consultation when it meets on 14 June.
The new body, if eventually approved, would bring together the governance of the Island’s fire authority – which is currently the council – and the Hampshire Fire Authority, which includes the Portsmouth and Southampton areas.
Following the consultation and Full Council consideration, the proposal for a combined authority will go before Cabinet to approve. The final decision will rest with the secretary of state.
Cabinet member for public protection, Councillor Tig Outlaw, said: “In March this year our Full Council accepted an outline business case for a combined fire authority but at that time we felt it was right and necessary to ensure the Isle of Wight community was presented with the detailed business case prior to consultation.
“This is the next stage in that process as we, and Hampshire, look at the case to combine the overall governance of our two authorities. No change to the current operations of our fire and rescue service is envisaged in this report.
“The Cabinet will now assess the comprehensive version and look to undertake a thorough 12 week consultation involving key stakeholders, including unions, town and parish councils and the Isle of Wight public.
“This is about achieving what is best for our Island community, ensuring the future resilience of the service and the safety of our residents.
“We already have a strategic partnership agreement with Hampshire. This has brought improved capacity, shared expertise and significant career development opportunities for firefighters and officers. That current agreement comes to an end in 2020 and the proposed combined authority is the next potential step.”
Since the partnership began in 2015 there has been combined working between the Island and Hampshire in strategic leadership, fire control and mobilising, health and safety, fleet and equipment maintenance, and other areas.
“This new comprehensive business case explores the risks and benefits of a new combined authority, with public safety paramount alongside a focus on efficiency, effectiveness and economic factors," said Councillor Outlaw.
“The report suggests a combined authority would improve levels of service, including in key preventative areas such as community and business safety initiatives. It would enhance capacity and help toward future improvements and development. This consultation will now give us the opportunity to listen to our community’s views on the proposal.”
If approved by the council’s Cabinet, the consultation would begin during the summer, with a similar process taking place in Hampshire. A report back on the findings would be due in the autumn.
Cabinet report: https://www.iwight.com/
Cabinet report: https://www.iwight.com/
Factfile:
• The detailed business case indicates the council could make savings of £270,000 in central support costs and transfer some financial liabilities to a new combined authority, including for annual property maintenance (£520,000), and short-term vehicle replacement (£1.8 million).
• A combined authority would provide increased capacity and resilience for the Island through shared resources in areas such as maritime response, extrication and trauma, hazardous materials, and terrorism incidents.
• A combined authority would also give the Island access to Hampshire’s wide range of community initiatives.
• The Island’s fire authority serves a population of 140,000 (Hampshire 1.83 million).
• The Island has 69,600 domestic properties (Hampshire 754,000), and 6,630 non-domestic properties (Hampshire 51,500).
• The Island’s fire and rescue service has ten fire stations (Hampshire 51), 13 fire appliances (Hampshire 78), 76 wholetime firefighters (Hampshire 679), 86 on-call firefighters (Hampshire 496), and 19 corporate staff (Hampshire 256). The existing combined fire control has 31 personnel.
• In 2017/18 the Island’s fire service attended 1,349 incidents (Hampshire 20,299), including 306 fires (Hampshire 3,891).
• It is envisaged the Isle of Wight Council would have one representative on a new combined fire authority, alongside representatives from Hampshire County Council, and Southampton and Portsmouth city councils.
• While the Isle of Wight Council is the Island’s fire authority and responsible for the local fire and rescue service, in Hampshire the fire and rescue service is separate from direct local authority control, although council representatives sit on the governing fire authority.
• The element Island council taxpayers currently contribute annually towards the fire and rescue service is estimated at £62. It is expected the switch to a combined fire authority would mean a replacement annual figure similar to the current Hampshire Fire Authority precept of £66.
END
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