In February 2023 EHDC Leader Cllr Richard Millard launched 12 new welfare schemes aimed at helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
We have set aside £350,000 to pay for the projects that will provide vital support for local residents in the difficult financial climate.
Cllr Millard said: “The wellbeing of our residents is this council’s top priority. Thanks to the prudent way we run our finances we can dedicate more than £350,000 to 12 new welfare projects.
"They will help thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds across East Hampshire.
“And we would not be able to do any of them if it wasn’t for the strong financial footing we have developed as a council.”
Our twelve new welfare schemes are:
1. Cost-of-living outreach
An outreach worker has been appointed to attend luncheon clubs, community centres, GP surgeries and other organisations to talk to residents about the help on offer during the rising cost-of-living.
2. Cost of living initiatives
We will support foodbanks, emergency heating projects, a scheme to provide white goods and promote our support for guests from Ukraine
3. Investing in planning enforcement
Following last year's investment in the service the number of enforcement notices we served spiked over the last 12 months.
We are building on this great work with further investment into our Planning Enforcement team in 2023/24.
4. Community transport
In partnership with Community First we will provide an East Hampshire Health and Wellbeing bus to residents, particularly those in rural areas, to get them to medical appointments or welfare services.
5. Recycling rates
We will drive down contamination in recycling and improving our recycling rates through an education programme in schools.
6. Children's swimming lessons
The cost of lessons means some children don’t get the chance to learn to swim properly.
With our partners Everyone Active, we will offer up to 500 children free access to a 12-week course of swimming lessons at our fantastic swimming pools.
7. Men’s sheds
We will provide a building for Men’s Shed, a charity where local men and women can meet, make and mend things, reducing isolation and loneliness.
8. Wheels to work
We will buy two additional electric mopeds that will give young people living in isolated rural areas the wheels they need to get to work or training.
9. ‘Let’s get East Hants green' campaign
Later this year we plan to launch a campaign to inspire young people to connect with nature and protect and enhance their local environment.
This will include a habitat creation kits for schoolchildren to grow food and improve biodiversity.
10. Stock condition survey
All local authorities have an obligation to make sure housing conditions in East Hampshire are up to scratch.
We will run a stock condition survey to make sure local homes are in good condition.
11. Speedwatch cameras
Speeding on our roads can be a serious danger to residents.
We bought twenty speed cameras for towns and villages in East Hampshire where traffic speeds are a real problem.
12. Riding the Green Loop - free bike hire scheme
We will launch a free bike hire scheme on the Green Loop in Whitehill & Bordon, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the award-winning 7km green loop through the town.
Ten bikes, including a mix of electric and conventional bikes, will be available.