Please follow & like us

RSS
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
YouTube
Instagram

Sefton Council

Sefton’s tenants & landlords urged to contact housing service now Government’s evictions ban has ended

1 June 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council, Uncategorized

After the Government’s ban on Evictions ended on Monday 31st May, Sefton Council is urging any local tenants or landlords expecting problems to get in touch.

The Government brought in the ban in response to the coronavirus pandemic. It was extended from its original September deadline but ended on the last day of May.

Advice

Leaflet outlining how Sefton Council's Housing service can help tenants
Tenants Leaflet

Sefton Council’s Homeless Prevention Service can provide advice to the Borough’s tenants and landlords.

They can help tenants find support to help them maintain their tenancy or with moving on to more affordable and suitable accommodation. And they can assist landlords that are facing issues such as rent arrears and late or inconsistent rent payments.

Landlords who have concerns about vulnerable tenants can also contact the team for support in resolving the situation.

The Homeless Prevention Service can be contacted at homeless.prevention@sefton.gov.uk  or by calling 07966 698 065 or 07870 379586.

Impact

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “The impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many people’s circumstances and incomes is likely to be making the costs of housing a problem for some people in Sefton.

“We want any tenants who think they might be facing problems after the Government ends its eviction ban at the end of May to contact us as soon as possible so that we can work with them to find practical solutions.

“And we want to hear from landlords expecting difficulties, so that we can help them reach practical solutions without the lost rent and other costs that can result from evictions and disputes.”

Leaflet outlining how Sefton Council's Housing service can help landlords
Leaflet for Landlords

Evictions or arrears

Sefton Council wants to hear from tenants who have received an eviction notice or have rent arrears, who are managing outstanding and current debts or who are trying to reduce their expenses or get the most from their income.

People having problems applying for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) and with concerns about their own or family members’ mental health, drug or alcohol issues affecting your tenancy should also contact the service.

Landlords who contact the team may be concerned about affordability issues due to a change in circumstances, anti-social behaviour, their tenant’s mental health, addiction or other vulnerabilities that are affecting the tenancy.

Conversation

Cllr Hardy added: “It is not always easy to talk about these issues, but Sefton Council’s Homeless Prevention Service can help start that conversation easier and then to find constructive ways to overcome the problems.

“I would urge any tenants or landlords who are worried to contact the Team now at homeless.prevention@sefton.gov.uk  or on 07966 698 065 or 07870 379586.”

People can also find out more information at www.sefton.gov.uk/housing or   www.gov.uk/if-youre-homeless-at-risk-of-homelessness

People in Sefton encouraged to have their second COVID-19 vaccine

28 May 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council, Uncategorized
Get your second vaccine poster
Get your second vaccine poster

The NHS in Sefton is reminding all residents to get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine booked in as soon as possible, to get maximum protection and help curb the spread of the virus across the borough.

Following updated national guidance, NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are also encouraging people aged over 50 to take up the offer of bringing forward their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine when they are contacted, to ensure they have the strongest possible protection from the virus at an earlier opportunity.

Brought forward

Sefton residents who are over 50, and those who are clinically vulnerable, are now able to have their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks after their first dose. Anyone who is due their second vaccine and is in one of the top nine priority groups, will be contacted by the NHS to let them know when and how to rebook.

If they had their vaccine at a GP led vaccination site, their GP will be in touch with them to book them in for their second dose earlier than planned.

For those who booked via the national booking service they will be contacted by the NHS to rearrange for an earlier date. Once contacted, they will then need to cancel their existing second dose appointment online or by calling 119. When they have cancelled their existing appointment, they will be able to book a new date at around 8 weeks after their first vaccine dose, or as soon as possible after that.

Increased defence

Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby (CCG), said: “While the first dose of the vaccine does give good protection from the virus, the second dose gives you an increased and longer-lasting defence, so we encourage those eligible to get their second dose as early as possible by bringing their appointments forward when contacted to do so.”

“The vaccines have been proven to be highly effective against COVID-19, including against the new variant first identified in India, so getting both your doses as soon as you are able will help us to keep our communities in Sefton protected.”

Never too late

Dr Craig Blakey, GP and urgent care lead for NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “More than 170,000 people in Sefton have received their first dose of protection so far, and over 111,000 have already been fully vaccinated.

“Vaccines are safe, effective and it’s never too late to get your jab so if you’re eligible – do not delay booking in for your appointment.

“Getting vaccinated is the most important step we can take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities against COVID-19.”

NHS staff are continuing to vaccinate Sefton residents according to national guidance on priority groups and anyone aged 30 and over can now book their jab through the national booking system.

There are several vaccination centres across Merseyside that anyone eligible can make appointments at, including nine pharmacies in Sefton based in Ainsdale, Bootle, Formby, Litherland, Seaforth, Southport and Waterloo.

First or second

When invited, people in Sefton will be able to book their first or second doses by calling 119 or visiting the national booking service website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.

Text invitations appear as an alert from ‘NHSvaccine’, including a web link to the NHS website to reserve an appointment.

People 39 and under without underlying health conditions, as well as pregnant women, will be offered the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in line with recently updated JCVI guidance.

Council-commissioned Winter Hub for Sefton snaps up national award

28 May 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council
Winter Hub Award on Display
Sefton Council’s Award on display at the Winter Hub.

Sefton’s new Winter Hub has won the Winter Services category of the National Highways Awards.

Located in Netherton, the Winter Hub is Sefton Council Highways team’s ‘gritting HQ. It has the capacity to store 3,500 tonnes of salt – 2 Âœ times that of the previous depot which is what’s needed to treat nearly 470kms of the Boroughs’ main road network.

Winter Service

Sefton Council commissioned the Winter Hub after its previous depot was deemed no longer adequate. The Council commissioned it through the Winter Service contractor and joint award winners, Graysons H&E Services and purchased the facility upon completion.

This winter, Sefton Council successfully operated its fleet of gritters from the new facility for the first time. In addition to the storage warehouse, the site also includes office accommodation, staff mess room, toilets, meeting and training rooms and office space.

Significant improvement

The Hub was entered in the Winter Service category of the National Highways Awards, which is for projects that show a significant improvement in winter services.

Making the award, the judges said that the Sefton Council and Graysons H&E Services scheme has provided the Borough with a new depot that meets the requirements of the latest guidance. They described it as ‘a good example to other authorities how the guidance can be achieved’.

Delighted

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Locality Services, welcomed the news, saying: “We were pleased to have this new, purpose-built facility open and operational to keep the Borough’s roads safe over the winter and were absolutely delighted when it picked up this prestigious national award.

“The ‘Winter Hub’ is a fantastic investment for the Council that will allow us to deliver winter services effectively and efficiently both now and long into the future. And, despite its name, will provide us with an improved and cost-effective base for our operations all year round.”

Sefton Cabinet approves NHS Freedom of Borough recommendations

27 May 2021
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News, Sefton Council
Cllr Ian Maher
Council Leader Cllr Ian Maher

Proposals to grant Aintree and Liverpool University NHS Trust and Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust the Honorary Freedom of the Borough have been approved at Sefton Council’s Cabinet meeting today.

A report to the meeting recommended the Council placing on record its high appreciation of, and the debt of gratitude to the Trusts in the light of their hard work and dedication during the ‘devastation of the Covid 19 Pandemic’.

Exceptional

Commenting on the Cabinet decision to approve the recommendation, Cllr Ian Maher Sefton Council Leader said: “Freedom of the Borough is not something we give easily in Sefton. I can only think of four or five previous occasions when we have awarded it.

“This is about recognising staff in our health service going above and beyond. During the early pandemic when they didn’t have the equipment to protect themselves, but they still went in to work and put themselves at risk.

“We give Freedom of the Borough to people and organisations for exceptional reasons and there can be no more exceptional reason than NHS staff at all levels, putting themselves in potential harm’s way to protect our residents and communities.”

Highest honour

The report to Cabinet said conferring of the Freedom of the Borough upon an individual or service is the highest honour the Council can bestow. It gives the receiving organisation ‘the right, privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the Borough on all ceremonial occasions with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed’.

Previous organisation to have been granted Freedom of the Borough include RAF Woodvale, in 2011, and No. 238 (Sefton) Squadron, 156 Regiment, Royal Corps of Transport, in 1982. Individuals who have had the honour bestowed upon them include Jamie Carragher, in 2004, and Donald “Ginger” McCain in 2006.

Scrolls

Scrolls of Honorary Freemen and organisations awarded Freedom of Entry to the Borough are displayed in the Mayor’s Parlour at Bootle and Southport Town Halls. Honorary Freemen can also attend and take part in civic receptions and functions to which all Members of the Council are invited.

The costs of the scroll and reception for Aintree and Liverpool University NHS Trust and Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust would be financed from the Mayoral Hospitality budget provision.

Ahead of today’s meeting, Cllr Maher said the Aintree and Liverpool University and Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trusts “illustrate perfectly why the National Health Service is seen by most as the jewel in Britain’s crown”.

Final approval for the Cabinet decision would be made by Sefton’s full Council meeting.

 

Foster carers and Council staff are all winners as they came together for a virtual raffle

26 May 2021
Charlene Smith
No comments
Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Sefton Council

Council staff and foster carers from across the Borough  came together during Foster Care Fortnight (Thursday 18th May) to celebrate with a virtual raffle.

Foster Care Fortnight is the biggest fostering campaign in the UK and is an opportunity for Sefton to encourage local people to think about taking up this rewarding role. It’s also a chance to say ‘thank you’ to Sefton fostering team and foster carers for the amazing work they do in helping to support and protect children and families.

With fostering team members revealing the winning tickets and prizes, the raffle was a way for the Fostering Service to show how much the Council values carers and to take the time to come together virtually, for a bit of fun.

Opening the event, Chief Executive of Sefton Council Dwayne Johnson said, “It’s an honour for me to open this event and say a massive ‘thank you’ to our dedicated carers doing an amazing job in supporting our children and to our staff who are doing amazing work in difficult times.

“I have met many of our carers personally and they are all very special people who each have their own stories about why they came into fostering and the difference they are making to children’s lives.

“I also want to thank members of Sefton Council and local businesses who have donated these great prizes. This really shows how much our communities value our carers and everything they do.”

Fostering Service Manager Lisa Cumming said;

“We hope that events like this show our carers how much we appreciate them and all they do to support our children. This last year has been hard for everyone and so we wanted to make this Foster Carer Fortnight celebration extra special.

“We have been overwhelmed by people’s kind words and generosity from across the council, friends and family of the fostering service and local businesses who have donated prizes.

“We want to send a clear message to anyone who is thinking about fostering to come forward and find out more. Our amazing fostering community are ready to welcome you with open arms.”

Foster Carer Ginny said:

“We had so much fun today catching up with people and having a good laugh. It was brilliant to see different carers and staff that we don’t see all the time especially because of lockdown restrictions. It’s also a great feeling to know you are part of one big family of like-minded people.”

Anyone wanting to find out more about fostering in Sefton can call free on 0800 923 2777, email fostering@sefton.gov.uk or visit www.seftonfostering.co.uk

Prizes were donated by; The Atkinson, Your Flower Company Southport, Golfing with Sefton Council, Il Capitano, Pride of Sefton Boat Trip (Sovini), Pranzo Café Crosby, Flowerworx, Dental Café, Ayuthaya Restaurant, By Shiovonne Make up Studios, Heaven Scents, Stencils by Design Bootle, Tesco, Dace Tea Rooms Crosby, Brewers Fair, Halo Hair Southport, Ocean Plaza Southport, Farmer Teds, Kkalash Divine Indian Restaurant, the Lawnmower Museum, Mustard and Co, Stable Lives, Beyoutiful Hair Salon, Sugar Brat Seaforth,  Buddylicious, Tesco Community Champions.

 

 

 

 

 

Search Box