clerk@cswparish.org.uk
NDC INFORMATION NOTICES
November 2023
Postal votes - Changes to postal and proxy vote applications
Residents in North Devon are being advised of changes to the way they can apply for postal and proxy votes.
Voters can now apply for postal votes by completing an online application form.
Previously, postal votes could only be applied for by completing a paper application form. Paper forms are still available from the Electoral Commission website, and can also be requested from North Devon Council's electoral services team.
Postal votes will last for a maximum of three years with voters required to re-apply for their postal vote at the end of this period.
Those who already have a postal vote in place do not need to take any action now. They will be contacted by the council when their postal vote is due for renewal.
There are also changes to proxy voting. Under new rules, voters will be limited to acting as a proxy for two people, regardless of their relationship. Anyone voting on behalf of UK voters who live overseas may be eligible to act as a proxy for up to four people. Voters are now able to apply online for some types of proxy vote.
Returning officer at North Devon Council, Ken Miles, says: "Postal and proxy votes are vital alternatives for those who are not able to attend polling stations, and the introduction of online application forms makes it easier for people to ensure they can exercise their right to vote in elections. Anyone applying online will need a National Insurance number, but alternative proof of identity may also be accepted.
"For those who are not able to apply online, or do not have access to the internet, paper copies are still available and can be requested from the council's elections team."
To request a paper postal vote application form from North Devon Council, email elections@northdevon.gov.uk or phone 01271 388277.
***
Have your say on proposals for new North Devon Council hub
North Devon Council currently provides face to face customer services at Lynton House on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9am – 1pm. We provide help and assistance to customers across all our services for those where online or phone contact is either not possible or appropriate.
We are considering moving and expanding this service. We are looking at relocating to a vacant unit within Green Lanes Shopping Centre. Green Lanes Shopping Centre is centrally located in Barnstaple, it has plenty of carparks nearby, and has public transport links. As you may be aware, NDC own the shopping centre and there is an opportunity to utilise an unoccupied store.
We are proposing to extend our customer services face-to-face opening hours to Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Alongside this we will create working spaces to enable officers from across various services to be available to assist customers face to face, with private facilities where needed.
To ensure the service we provide fits the needs of our residents we would like your input. What do you think of this proposal?
Please help us by taking part in this short survey.
This consultation starts on 30 October 2023 and closes on 11 December 2023. Results will be published once the consultation period ends.
To obtain a physical copy, residents are encouraged to visit Lynton House in Barnstaple
click here for more information
********
Introduction to Community Sponsorship, Autumn 2023
Dear Community / Faith Leader(s)
Community Sponsorship groups across Devon have been supporting refugee welcome since 2017. With the motivation and dedication of volunteers, they have welcomed over 90 refugees in both town & rural locations. Devon County Council continues to support the community-led welcome of refugees across Devon. Community Sponsorship allows communities in Devon to welcome a refugee family through safe routes.
A brief guide to Community Sponsorship
The Community Sponsorship scheme was launched by the Home Office in 2016, in response to the Syrian civil war. A new, community-led movement was born and very quickly Community Sponsorship groups sprung up in every region and nation of the UK. In the first five years of the programme more than 150 groups across the UK welcomed almost 700 refugees.
A new chapter of Community Sponsorship began in early 2021 with the launch of the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS). The scheme focuses on resettling those who are registered with UNHCR in host countries in the Middle East, North Africa and elsewhere. The UKRS was designed to welcome the most vulnerable families who have been waiting the longest for resettlement. Unlike previous resettlement schemes, the UKRS has a broader, global scope. Community Sponsorship is a movement that is set to continue growing and thriving. Since January 2022, Community Sponsorship groups have been able to welcome those who were forced to flee Afghanistan, through the Afghan Citizen Resettlement Scheme. The group supports the family through their first year in the UK to live independent lives, develop their English language skills, access schools, benefits, healthcare and employment and participate fully in the community.
These groups receive training and support from Reset through every stage of their journey and are also supported by their Lead Sponsor, who takes legal responsibility for the project.
You might want to watch or share this video with those in your community - https://youtu.be/85DRSAcKFn4
Our webpage has more information - https://www.devon.gov.uk/refugees-in-devon/community-sponsorship/
Want to know more? Come to our event!
We would like to invite you and any members of your community who are interested to an Introduction to Community Sponsorship session. This event will be held online via Teams on 12th December from 12.30-1.30pm.
Through this event, Devon County Council is seeking to raise awareness of community sponsorship in Devon, celebrate the community-led welcome of refugees and discuss the future of Community Sponsorship and how we can grow this movement. This event will explore what community sponsorship is and how it works. We will hear from community sponsorship experts Reset who will be available to answer your questions. We will also hear from local experts The Pickwell Foundation who will talk about their experiences of resettling families in North Devon and supporting other community sponsorship groups on their journeys.
We have attached a flyer to promote this event which we hope you may be able to share with your networks or display on community noticeboards in your area.
Could your community or congregation be next?
If you would like to register to attend this event, please email us at refugeeresettlement@devon.org.uk
Regards,
Devon County Council Resettlement Team (Migration and Resettlement Team)
Communities Team, Devon County Council
Address - Room G66, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 4QD
Email – refugeeresettlement@devon.gov.uk
Disclaimer - www.devon.gov.uk/email
* * *
Previous Notices
North Devon Council has banned the release of sky lanterns over concerns about the danger they pose to the environment and local community. Councillor Wilkinson brought forward the motion at a full council meeting in September to ban the use of lanterns at events on council-owned or managed land. The motion highlighted how the products have had a significant environmental impact, resulting in fires, litter pollution and illness or death of livestock.
