WILTSHIRE COUNCIL NEWS IN BRIEF

COUNCIL’S PROGRAMME TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE

Yesterday (June 22nd) the Wiltshire Council cabinet was asked to back a report which sets out a comprehensive programme ensuring its climate change responsibilities are met.

If the report is agreed, the Climate Change Board will oversee the delivery of the responsibilities including reducing the council’s and Wiltshire’s carbon footprints and preparing for unavoidable climate change.

In addition, an interest-free loan worth more than £350,000 will be made available to Wiltshire Council in 2010 to help fund measures which promote carbon reduction.

Cabinet is also being asked to agree that both the environmental impact be taken into consideration and the climate change team is consulted on all council decisions.

The report highlights the Military Civilian Integration Programme. Council experts will work with the military for two years to increase recycling, promote renewable energy and help reduce carbon footprint of the Army in the South West. This approach began on June 1st, and will provide a framework to be used by military sites across the country.

WILTSHIRE CLEANER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

During Wiltshire Council's first year, an independent inspection team carried out more than 3,600 street cleansing inspections, the results showed that the county is cleaner than the average. The inspection results show litter levels in Wiltshire are half those of the national average.

The Wiltshire Council cleansing team tailors its services to meet the needs of specific areas – the areas which have the most amount of litter dropped are visited more regularly to ensure the cleanliness standards are kept as high as possible. The council also works in partnership with parish and town councils and community groups to ensure whole areas are cleaned efficiently.

SUBSIDISED ACTIVITIES FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Schools in Wiltshire are calling for economically disadvantaged children and young people to take part in free activities outside of school hours.

The government–funded Free Time Subsidy Scheme aims to make sure children from more economically disadvantaged backgrounds can also take part in out-of-school learning activities like sports, drama and arts clubs. Participation in these activities can improve self esteem, motivation, aspirations and can improve attendance and ultimately attainment.

More than 900 children and young people have already taken part in the scheme in the county following a pilot in Trowbridge and Marlborough from September 2008.

Schools involved have reported that they have happier pupils, with improved attitudes, motivation and wellbeing, especially those who are most in need of support.

To take part in the scheme, parents can talk to their child's school administration officer to find out which activities are available and if they are eligible.