townclerk

Cornwall Community Land Trust (CCLT) and Land’s End Peninsula Community Land Trust (LEPCLT) are working together to combat the serious housing emergency and are jointly working to provide more genuinely affordable, secure homes for local people.

We will commence with a call for land and sites in the area later in April, so this communication is to notify your Parish Council of these plans, and to seek your assistance/cooperation as we do. The ‘Call for Land’ invites local land owners to inform us about parcels of land or buildings they own or know about which they believe may be suitable for affordable housing.

CCLT will manage the call for land. It is a local charity with a successful track record of delivering secure affordable homes for local people (affordable in perpetuity) including support for Lands’ End PCLT which has itself delivered homes at Pendeen and produced the now self-standing Bosavern Community Farm.

Amongst the primary tools used to deliver these projects is Cornwall Council’s Policy 9 Rural Exception Sites policy which allows affordable homes to be built on land adjoining existing settlements which would not otherwise secure permission for open market housing. Our support to communities in establishing planning constraints, covenants and local lettings’ plans helps to ensure that priority is given to local people resident or with a strong connection to the local parish.

Cornwall Council has met with partners from the health and education sectors, as well as charitable organisations, as efforts to support the arrival of Ukrainian refugees continue.

Since the Russian invasion last month, an estimated three million people have fled the country. The UK Government announced the launch of the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme last week, where people can offer their houses to place refugees.

Cornwall, with over 2,000 offers, has seen the largest response in the country.

Weekly meetings have been set up now between our partners across Cornwall to ensure we are doing all we can to keep the process as smooth as possible.

Cllr Linda Taylor, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “More detail is now emerging on the Government’s schemes, and I am so proud that Cornwall is at the forefront of this outpouring of support for those affected by this horrendous war.

“We are concentrating on the immediate needs of how to keep people safe as they are matched with residents, and when they arrive in Cornwall.

“It is of course a very fluid situation, and we will continue to meet at least once a week to ensure we do all we can to help.”

You can find all of the latest news and information on Cornwall’s support, how you can help, and links to the latest Government guidance through our website at www.cornwall.gov.uk

After a lot of work over the past two years, the green at the entrance to Botallack now has a new bench, one of three benches purchased by the previous Mayor from her Mayor’s Allowance.

The ground took a long time to clear, and to reduce the winter heliotrope which had spread everywhere.

Then, with help from several local people, and with donations of turf from Celtic Turf and blocks from Leswidden for the bench base, the green has taken on a new look. Finally, two pear trees have been planted near the new bench, to remember little Jude who died last year. Locals and visitors alike will now be able to sit awhile in the sunshine in ‘An Gernik’, our little south-facing nook, and enjoy our new green space.

Cornwall and Town Councillor Brian Clemens is holding a surgery at the St Just Library on Monday the 11th April and Monday the 23rd of May, between 10 -12 midday. The new Tri-service-officer Andrew Martyn and PCSO Andrew Tonkin will be in attendance. It’s a drop-in session so need to book, its on a closed Library day so this is the only service provided on the day and there will be no library users present.

Cornwall like all other areas of the UK continues to be shocked and saddened by the harrowing stories of the war in Ukraine. Many of our residents have already provided practical support through the various national charities. Many of you, I know, will be receiving calls from residents asking how they can help the people of Ukraine and asking for further details of the schemes that are being set up by government to support those fleeing the conflict.

Following calls with government officials today, I wanted to give you an update on the schemes and reassure you that Cornwall Council will work proactively with government to see how we can best provide support for the people of the Ukraine and support the government’s initiative to offer hospitality to refugees, given the harrowing situation they are facing.

Whilst details are now emerging about the schemes that are being put in place, given the complexity of the situation and the fact that this is a fast moving situation, we will keep you updated in the coming weeks as we receive more details from government. We will also be providing regular updates on the Council’s dedicated webpage: Support for the people of Ukraine – Cornwall Council, and you may wish to share the attached list of charity contact details.

Homes for Ukraine can be found here: Homes for Ukraine – Homes for Ukraine – Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine (campaign.gov.uk)

This scheme will open on Friday 18 March for visa applications from Ukrainians and immediate family members who already have named people willing to sponsor them. They do not need a family tie to take part in this scheme, but they must be sponsored by an individual or organisation in the UK.

So far more that 130,000 people across the country have registered for more information in the few short days since opening, which is brilliant news. You can record your interest as an individual or as an organisation (for example charity, business, community group). You can read details and FAQs first before recording your offer of support, and, once registered, you will be regularly updated as the scheme opens and develops. Some frequently asked questions are:

Who can apply to host a Ukrainian refugee?

People in the UK will be able to apply to host a refugee or refugees through the government website (homes for Ukraine) – link above.

You have to be able to host them in your own home or in another property, for at least six months.

Charities, businesses and community groups will also be able to apply.

Those offering to host a refugee will be vetted by the government and Ukrainian applicants will also undergo security checks before they are matched with a host.

The government says there will be no cap or upper limit on the number of Ukrainians who can come under this scheme.

Do you have to know the refugee you want to host?

No, you will not be required to know them in advance.

You don’t have to name an individual or a family you want to host when you fill in the form. Once you submit it, you will be matched with Ukrainians who are seeking refugee in the UK.

It is not yet clear how and where the refugees wanting to come to the UK will be able to apply.

How will the scheme be funded?

Households in the UK will be offered £350 a month to open their homes to refugees.

The government has so far not specified whether this is the amount offered to hosts per refugee, but it is implied that this funding is per home offered.

Local authorities will also receive £10,500 in extra funding per refugee for support services, with more for children of school age.

What rights will the refugees have?

Ukrainians welcomed under the scheme will be eligible to work, access state benefits and public services for three years.

Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer and Morrisons are among UK retailers who have offered to employ Ukrainian refugees.

The government has also said it will look at options to provide support to Ukrainian nationals who want to come to the UK with their pets.

Safeguarding

All accommodation offered will be subject to the relevant safeguarding checks and will be carried out at a local level on a case by case basis.

The Ukraine Family Scheme Visa application process can be found here: Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Ukraine Family Scheme opened from 4 March, allowing applicants to join family members or extend their stay in the UK. It is free to apply and so far, approximately 5500 visas have been granted. Successful applicants will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds. To apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme people must:

• be applying to join or accompany their UK-based family member; and
• be Ukrainian or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national who is applying to the scheme; and
• have been residing in Ukraine on or immediately before 1 January 2022 (including those who have now left Ukraine
• There is a 24/7 free helpline +44 808 164 8810 (0808 164 8810 if you’re in the UK). If you cannot contact UK 0808 numbers, please use +44 (0)175 390 7510.

As Members and trusted leaders in your communities, you can help by sharing this information as widely as possible, and asking people who want to help to register their interest in Homes for Ukraine in the first instance, so that we can ensure that we are able to provide help to those in need as efficiently and effectively as possible. The Council will continue to liaise closely with Government to understand the number of residents interested in taking part in the scheme. We will not be keeping a separate data base of people offering accommodation and all offers should in the first instance be made through the government’s website.

Kind regards

Linda
Cllr Linda Taylor (she/her)
Leader of the Council
Cornwall Councillor for the St Ives East, Lelant and Carbis Bay Division
www.cornwall.gov.uk | ‘Onen hag oll’
County Hall, Truro, TR1 3AY

ST JUST TOWN COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
pursuant to Section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 that due to the resignation of
Howard Charman, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the above Town Council.
If by 1 April, 2022 (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday
and Bank Holidays, after the date of this notice) a request for an election to fill said vacancy is
made in writing (by hand or post) to the Returning Officer at the address below by TEN electors
for the said Town, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be
filled by co-option.
If an election is called, it will take place not later than 10 June, 2022.
Dated 14 March, 2022
Kate Kennally
Returning Officer
Electoral Services
3rd Floor, South Wing
County Hall
Treyew Road
Truro
TR1 3AY

The Commercial sited Defibrillator has had the Pads replaced. The battery due to be replaced in May 22 has also been replaced early.

The defibrillator was used in March 22 and the defibrillator record has been updated with South West Ambulance Service. The record for the defibrillator listed below now shows that it is now again available.

Commercial Hotel
Market Square
St Just
TR19 7HE

Situated on the outside wall of The Commercial Hotel, Market Square, St Just, TR19 7HE

The defibrillator was used, and the council have replaced the battery and pads and other consumable and was back working on 15 March 2022.

As the cost of living increases nationally, Cornwall Council has pulled together information about the wide range of help and support available to residents.

The ‘I’m worried about money’ webpage on the Council’s website includes information and links to support provided through the authority and its partner organisations.

This spans everything from debt advice and job-seeking to emergency food provision, council tax discounts and crisis grants for people who suddenly find themselves struggling.

This can all be accessed on the council’s website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/moneyworries

Cllr Dr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Public Health, said:

“Times are already tough, but they are going to get even tougher as our household bills rise significantly this year. I want people to know that they are not alone and there is a wealth of support available from many different groups and organisations.

“I would urge people to check out our ‘I’m worried about money’ webpage to find out what help they can receive and how to access it. Alternatively, they can call 0300 123 1118.”

Some of the key help and support includes:

• Heating and energy bills advice
• Debt management
• Benefits advice and support schemes
• Crisis and care awards for people whose situations have changed suddenly
• Hardship payments
• Council tax support
• Help with childcare costs
• Free school meals
• Emergency food
• Help with employment, redundancy and skills

Cllr Richard Pears, Portfolio Holder for Customers, said:

“We are committed to helping anyone who finds themselves in financial hardship and when we identify those in need, we always look at a range of different options to help them both now and in the future. This might include referrals to employment programmes, adult education courses, skills-based training, debt management and housing support, for example.

“If you’re struggling, please get in touch or use our webpage to find out what support is available to you.”

People are also reminded that there is a wealth of support available for anyone struggling with their mental health. Visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/mentalhealth for more information.

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health call the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 24/7 NHS mental health response line on 0800 038 5300. It’s free to access by anyone, any age, any time, day or night.

Contact details

Steve Creswell
Communications Specialist (Public Health)
Strategy and Engagement
Cornwall Council
Tel: 07496 718982
steve.creswell@cornwall.gov.uk
Room 4S, New County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro TR1 3AY
www.cornwall.gov.uk

The Town Council recognises that many of our residents are feeling anxious that they either are or could in the future be at risk of homelessness. We recognise there is a housing crisis with many local people being asked to leave their private rented homes through no fault evictions and then finding there is very little available that they can afford. Cornwall Housing, Shelter and Citizens Advice are all there to assist, links below.

All will advise tenants not to leave their rented home based on a notice from the landlord, unless they have somewhere suitable to go to. They should instead tell the landlord that as they have nowhere to move on to they have been advised to stay put until a court order is obtained, otherwise they will be regarded as having made themselves homeless and the Council will have no duty to assist.

Cornwall Housing Options Advice

Citizen’s Advice Housing Page

Shelter, bad housing and homelessness support

The parade will take place on Friday 4th March leaving at 9.30am from St Just Primary School. The parade will comprise all the pupils from St Just and Pendeen Primary Schools, and the pre-school groups from Brambles and The Ark; plus some banner bearers and dignitaries such as the Mayor Sue James. The parade will process up Cape Cornwall Street to the Square, returning to the Plen an Gwary where everyone will sing Trelawny, and then we will depart. So it won’t take more than 30 minutes or so.