The executive agency that oversees the UK Government’s various broadband and mobile programmes, has confirmed that they are tripling the value of the vouchers they issue to homes.

From 4^th May 2023 onwards, electors wishing to vote at polling stations will have to show an acceptable form of photo ID. Full details of the new requirement are available on the SDC website here:-

https://www.stratford.gov.uk/council-democracy/voter-id-at-polling-stations.cfm

This gives details on what types of photo ID are acceptable and what electors should do if they don’t have one.

From next Monday 16^th January, anyone without suitable Voter ID can apply online for a new Voter Authority Certificate via the Gov.uk website. Paper applications can also be accepted by the Elections dept here if accompanied by a suitable passport style photo. Alternatively, electors can come into the Council Offices and we will assist them in completing the form on-line, take their photo and upload it to the portal. The Certificate will then be posted direct to them.People have to be on the electors list to be able to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Electors have until 25^th April to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate in time for 4^th May elections. Any applications after that will enable them to vote at future elections.

We are commencing a local publicity campaign next week when the on-line portal becomes live – so watch out for our press release and social media posts. The Electoral Commission has also launched a national campaign on the TV and radio. Where we have email addresses of electors, I will send them details of the new voter ID requirement.

Please note: Postal voters do not have to produce photo ID as they do not attend the polling station and there are other security measures already in place for these.

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Please find the results of the recent Housing Needs Survey

If you love reading but find it hard to get out this service might be able to help

https://heartofenglandforest.org/news/2-millionth-tree-planted-heart-england-forest

The Heart of England Forest planted its 2 millionth tree on Friday 4th March. Their Chair, Jon Snow, planted this significant tree together with children from one of their regular long-standing partner schools - Mappleborough Green C of E Primary School.

The tree was planted at Gorcott Hill - a site where they are currently delivering Green Recovery Challenge Fund Future Forest Guardians project. The project will deliver substantial habitat restoration and enhancement and they are working to establish it as a flagship location for engaging young people in nature.

At this time of year we start to think about the mud drying up and getting out to walk in the beautiful English Countryside again, but where to find new and interesting walks?

Walking in Warwickshire https://www.walkinginengland.co.uk/warwickshire has hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, details of all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place.

John Harris (the custodian of the website) said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Warwickshire (part of the Walking in England website) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’.

With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.

So home or away, check out the websites and get walking!

John Harris

www.walkinginengland.co.uk

john@walkinginengland.co.uk

Dear Resident,

Are you able to spare a small amount of time helping to keep the Parish tidy by carrying out occasional litter picks? Litter picks will be carried out under current and future Government guidelines. We are lucky enough to have a volunteer litter picking coordinator within the Parish who is looking for volunteers to help – the more the merrier and less litter! If you are interested, please contact resident Annette Leyland : arleyland55@gmail.com and spread the word…