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Sefton Council

Sefton’s simplified online renewals services for taxi driver & vehicle licencing remains in place

25 August 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Business and Economy, Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council

A queue of taxi cabs waiting for customersSefton’s taxi drivers are being reminded that despite the relaxation of some COVID-19 restrictions, vehicle licence renewals are still being processed through a simple e-mail service.

Ten-day turnaround

We aim for a turnaround of ten working days for the renewal of vehicle licences with a high proportion being processed more quickly. We ask that as much information regarding vehicle renewals is included within the subject line of the e-mail enabling us to prioritise our workload.   

Driver licences continue to be considered for auto renewal for a period of six months. A number of licence holders will be invited in for interview if a new DBS check is required, Immigration status check is required, a Medical check is required or there are pending criminal matters.

Target

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Councils Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services said: “Since the start of the COVID pandemic, to ensure the safety of drivers and its own staff, the Council has been carrying out online renewals rather than the drop-in system at Bootle One Stop Shop.

“Infection rates show that the coronavirus is still very much with us, so the online process remains in place for now.

“We have a 10-working-day-target for the process and the majority of applications are being done more quickly.

“And, owners can apply for renewal of their plate 28 days before their current one expires so there should be no reason why anyone should be without a plate.”

To renew, all drivers need to do is email a copy of their Mechanical Fitness Test, which they get from one of the Council’s authorised testing centres to taxiapplication@sefton.gov.uk. Their application needs to be accompanied by an image of their application form, their V5 Registration certificate and evidence of insurance.

The Council then collects the fee from the driver over the telephone and the renewal certificate is sent to them.

Safety

Cllr Lappin added: “As with many of our services, Sefton Council quickly adapted the way we managed taxi vehicle and driver licence renewals to ensure the safety of drivers and our own staff.

“This has mean that the popular drop-in service that took a few minutes, which drivers had got used to now takes a little longer but with a 28-day lead-in time for renewals, no-one need miss the deadline.

Since taking renewals online to prevent the chance of COVID-19 spreading, between drivers, with Council staff and with taxi users, Sefton has processed around 9500 renewals.

Cllr Lappin continued:

“Inevitably taxi drivers in Sefton have had to get used to a change from the drop-in, face-to-face process they have been accustomed to but the vast majority of them have adapted and have been using the system without any problems.

Find out more about the application process on the Sefton Council website.

Grants

During the pandemic, Sefton Council has distributed close to ÂŁ1,000,000 in grant funding through two sets grants to support taxi drivers who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Over 4,000 taxi drivers licensed in Sefton, and who live in the Liverpool City Region, were eligible for an initial ÂŁ100 support grant followed up by a further ÂŁ200 support grant.

Swab squad – latest!

23 August 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council
Swab Squad
Swab Squad

Our Swab Squads are out at Sefton’s rail stations and other venues over the coming week, providing free, rapid COVID tests, information and advice.

Operating from 08:30am – 04:30pm:

  • Monday 23rd August – Aintree station
  • Tuesday 24th  Augutst – Blundellsands station
  • Wednesday 25th August – Asda Aintree
  • Thursday 26th August – Blundellsands station
  • Friday 27th August – Asda Aintree
  • Saturday 28th August- Blundellsands station

Mobile testing units are also deployed at locations across the Borough.

 

We need to carry on protecting ourselves says Sefton’s Health Chief as changes to self-isolation rules come in

16 August 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council, Uncategorized
Margaret Jones, Director of Public Health in Sefton
Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health is reminding people across the Borough of changes to the COVID-19 self-isolation rules that have come into effect.

From today (Monday 16th August), anyone who has been fully vaccinated no longer needs to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive case. This means people who have had their second COVID vaccination dose at least 14 days ago and who are not showing any coronavirus symptoms.

Under 18s

Under 18s identified as a close contact of a positive case will not need to isolate either.

But, if they are identified as a close contact, they should still get a PCR test, unless they have had Covid-19 in the last 90 days, in which case they should get a rapid test instead.

Significant

Margaret Jones said: “This is a significant easing of the self-isolation rules, which means it’s important we all keep on making sure we protect ourselves, our families, our friends, our colleagues and the wider Sefton community.

“This means continuing to limit contact with people – particularly those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and where possible, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and where you cannot maintain social distancing.

“And we should continue taking free Lateral Flow Tests, which are available free from a wide range of local outlets including all Sefton pharmacies.

Both doses

Margaret continued: “The best way to protect ourselves is to make sure we get both doses of the vaccine, which is now also available to 16 and 17-year-olds, who will soon be invited for their vaccination appointments.

“Plus, it’s vital that anyone who starts to show COVID symptoms of a high temperature, a new persistent cough or a loss of taste or smell, should book a PCR test by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.

“People who test positive will still need to self-isolate no matter what their vaccination status or age.”

Employers

Mrs Jones also reminded employers across Sefton that they need to follow the general duties outlined in the The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

She said: “Many employers will already be carrying out risk assessments and putting suitable controls in place to maintain the safety and wellbeing of staff and the public and they need to continue doing this.  There is more information for business on our website at www.sefton.gov.uk/covid-and-business.

Links to further information about COVID testing, vaccination and self-isolating can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/covid19

Government guidance can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#keeping-yourself-and-others-safe

Sefton LGBT+ Consultation Launched

13 August 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council

Sefton LGBT+ Survey logo overlaid on a photo of the Another Place statues on Crosby BeachA borough-wide consultation into the experiences and needs of Sefton’s LGBT+ community has been launched.

The work aims to discover what it means to be LGBT+ in Sefton – if people feel safe, supported and seen – and what kind of events and services might enhance and improve their lives in the borough and beyond.

The consultation is being facilitated by LCR Pride Foundation, the Liverpool City Region’s LGBT+ organisation, and supported by Sefton Council. The foundation was established in 2019 with the founding mission to position all six boroughs as the most LGBT+ friendly region in the UK and improving the lives of LGBT+ living in and visiting the region.

Andi Herring, CEO of LCR Pride Foundation, said:

“The consultation has been launched in response to conversations that the Liverpool Echo has had with the local community and feedback we have received from LGBT+ people living in Sefton who want to bring the community together in a more local setting.

“As has been the case in other areas in the city region, the feedback was originally focused around ideas for a Pride festival in the borough. However, ongoing conversations have highlighted wider concerns in the community including lack of representation or space spaces for LGBT+ people, fear of discrimination and hate crime, and isolation.

“It is important that any event, service or initiative that is created to support and celebrate the LGBT+ community in Sefton is aligned with the needs, wants and concerns of that community. We want to encourage the community in Sefton to engage with the survey so they can have their say and shape the outcomes of the consultation.”

Once complete, the results of the consultation will be shared with the public and LCR Pride Foundation will work with the community, local organisations and Sefton Council to facilitate and develop action points raised.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said:

“We welcome the launch of the LCR Pride Foundation’s Sefton LGBT+ Survey, and we’re keen to receive and review all of the responses once the survey has concluded.

“As a Borough for everyone, we’re committed to supporting our diverse communities, giving those who live, work, study and visit Sefton the opportunity to help us better understand their needs.

“Working in partnership with the LCR Pride Foundation, and other partners across the Borough, we want to play our part in making the Liverpool City Region the most LGBT+ friendly region in the UK, and we welcome any ideas in how we can achieve that goal. A key part of this is ensuring that our LGBT+ community not only feel safe and valued, but that they are visible.

“Additionally, we want to make it absolutely clear that hate crimes, whether it be physical, verbal or online, will not be tolerated in Sefton, and we work with a number of partners including Merseyside Police to eradicate hate crimes from our communities. We’d like to remind people that they can report a hate crime 24/7 by contacting the police, visiting sefton.gov.uk, or anonymously via Stop Hate UK.”

If you identify as LGBT+ and live in Sefton, you can have your say. Simply go to www.lcrpride.co.uk/sefton and complete the survey by midnight on Thursday 30th September 2021.

A Chance to Meet ‘Lifechanging’ Foster Carers Sue & Derek

6 August 2021
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, One Vision Housing, Sefton Council, Uncategorized

Sefton Council’s Fostering Services is delighted that local foster carers Sue and Derek will be attending its next virtual information session between 6 and 7pm on Tuesday 17th August. Charlotte, now 17, who has lived with Sue and Derek for six years said the couple changed her life.

Charlotte said:
“Living with Sue and Derek changed my life. They treat me really well, look out for me, do what’s best for me and it’s like being in a proper family.

“They’ve taught me to believe in myself so much that I am now working with the ‘Learning Foundry’ on a business idea I have for a youth bus which will help children meet friends and get advice and help.

“I don’t know where I would be without Sue and Derek’s love and support”

Aimed at anyone who has even thought about fostering, the online sessions are a chance for them to find out more about this rewarding role. At the next event Sue, who has been fostering for 18 years, and Derek, who has just been approved and is now fostering with Sue, will be talking about their own experiences and answering questions.

Speaking about life as a foster carer, Sue said:
“Being a foster carer can be one of the best things you can do. I have seen children unsure about their future, turning their lives around.”

Sue has created such a bond with the children she has looked after, that she has gone onto foster some young people, long term.

Sefton Council needs more foster carers and is inviting anyone who thinks they can give a loving and stable home to children across the Borough to attend the introductory session.

Maria Spatuzzi, Sefton’s Fostering Support Team Manager said:

“Fostering a child is an opportunity to change their life and help them to achieve their full potential.

“We hope anyone that has given fostering any consideration will join us for the online session on Tuesday 17th August to hear what Sue and Derek have to say about what is an extremely beneficial and rewarding the role.”

To join the session people should click on the link to the Teams meeting at 6pm on Tuesday 17th August.

Click here to join the meeting

To make an enquiry or find out more please visit www.seftonfostering.co.uk or call free on 0800 923 2777.

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