Tag Archives: Calderdale

Community, Council News, Energy News, Homes & Gardens

Supporting Residents In Improving Home Energy Efficiency

Residents in Calderdale who may be eligible for fully funded insulation works will soon receive a letter advising of the scheme and how to benefit.

Calderdale Council has secured government funding to help residents improve the warmth and efficiency of their homes with free insulation.

The scheme which runs until March 2023 is offering fully funded cavity wall insulation and/or loft insulation to eligible homeowners. Private renting tenants are also able to apply, however landlords must contribute one third of the total costs.

With the cost of energy bills continuing to increase, the Council is working with local energy experts YES Energy Solutions to help residents save money whilst keeping warm. Homes will be surveyed as part of the scheme to assess which of the energy efficiency improvements are suitable.

Letters are being sent to homes which have been identified as potentially being able to benefit from the scheme, which offer advice about eligibility and how the Council and YES can arrange installations.

To qualify, residents must have a household income of £31,000 or less, or receive means tested benefits. Properties must also be suitable for the insulation available in the scheme and have a low energy efficiency rating.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Resilience, with responsibility for housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said: “Quality insulation can make a huge difference in keeping homes warmer for longer. We want to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from the grants available to fund insulation improvements and in partnership with YES Energy Solutions, we’re writing to residents ahead of the scheme closing in March.”

“We understand that the cost of living crisis has put Calderdale households under a huge amount of pressure, particularly when it has come to energy bills.”

“The Council is doing all it can to support residents to improve the energy efficiency of their property. This includes schemes like this one, to help reduce energy bills whilst keeping homes warmer, as well as proactive work to improve energy efficiency standards in rented properties.”

The Council and its partners offer a number of schemes to help support home improvements and make homes warmer and cheaper to heat. Visit their website here for more information.

Council News, News

Gough & Kelly Add Calderdale Contract To Growing Councils Portfolio

Yorkshire security firm Gough & Kelly has been awarded a £500k contract to deliver security services to Calderdale Council.

The three-year contract covers intruder alarm maintenance, intruder and fire alarm monitoring, manned guarding, keyholding and alarm response services across all 93 council properties throughout Calderdale. Gough & Kelly previously held the contract in 2015 and have regained it this year following a competitive tender. Six full-time staff members will be responsible for delivering the contract, which brings the total number of councils on the company’s books to seven.

Gough & Kelly has been operating across the north of England for three decades. The firm currently employs 350 people at its office in Leeds and holds contracts with City of York Council, Sheffield City Council, Leeds City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire and Redcar and Cleveland councils, as well as looking after some of the area’s highest profile sporting events and venues, schools, colleges, and universities. The team was also called to Edinburgh and London in the autumn to provide security services surrounding the Queen’s funeral.

Operations director Ian Crawford says: “We have a strong track record of work with local authorities, and I’m very pleased to welcome Calderdale Council on board. They will be very well looked after by our team, and we look forward to working in partnership with them.”

Cllr Silvia Dacre, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, adds: “Helping to keep Calderdale as safe as possible is really important to us, and a key part of our priority to have thriving towns and places. Working with Gough & Kelly will help to protect our buildings and assets and add to the wider safety of Calderdale.”

Council Headlines, News

£175,000 Boost For Cost Of Living Support

People struggling with the cost of living crisis will be able to get more support, thanks to a £175,000 cash boost for Calderdale community groups providing a helping hand.

In November 2022, Calderdale Council, the Mayor of West Yorkshire and the Community Foundation for Calderdale joined forces to launch the Calderdale Cost of Living Fund. They invited local voluntary, community and faith organisations to apply for a share of the funding.

Grants totalling more than £175,000 are now being awarded to 34 organisations across the borough, to help them provide practical help to people affected by the rising cost of living. Their work will focus on one or more of the following areas:

  • Emergency support: The most vulnerable people needing urgent financial support to pay bills or buy warm clothes, bedding and other essentials will receive a one-off payment of up to £200.
  • Prevention: 21 of the 34 successful organisations will provide warm spaces at the heart of the community to help save money on heating at home and prevent people reaching crisis. A new directory shows where people can go to keep warm in Calderdale.
  • Resilience: Local advice and support services will be stepped up to help people with money management, benefits advice and jobs and skills support.

Cllr Jenny Lynn, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, said: “Life is tough for many local people as the cost of living continues to soar. It’s amazing to see the kindness of our communities as Council teams, partner organisations, voluntary groups and individuals pull together to help those most in need.”

“This brilliant support will now be boosted by the new Calderdale Cost of Living Fund. We were really impressed by the ideas put forward by the applicants, and the successful community groups will soon make a start on offering much-needed additional help to our most vulnerable residents.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We are taking urgent, direct action to help people and businesses across West Yorkshire with the cost of living crisis.”

“It is a scandal that people are being pushed into poverty and the use of food banks is being driven up in a country that has the sixth biggest economy in the world.”

“As local leaders we are stepping in to support our local communities and businesses at a time of national crisis, helping to keep people warm and fed this winter.”

Steve Duncan, CEO of the Community Foundation for Calderdale, added: “It’s great that we have been able to partner with Calderdale Council and the Mayor of West Yorkshire to get grants out quickly to organisations who help our community and will keep people safe and warm. Calderdale is known for its resilience and kindness, and we will work together to look after each other, especially the most vulnerable in our local area.”

The following organisations will benefit from the funding:

  • Arch-Way Project
  • Basement Recovery Project
  • Advancement of Community Empowerment CIC
  • Citizens Advice Calderdale
  • Happydays Ministries UK
  • Light Up Black and African Heritage Calderdale
  • Focus4Hope
  • Unique Ways
  • Making Space
  • Women’s Activity Centre
  • Spotlight Faith Group Organisation
  • St Augustine’s Centre
  • Himmat Limited
  • Noah’s Ark Centre
  • The Halifax Academy
  • Calder Community Cares
  • Mixenden and Illingworth Parochial Church Council
  • Disability Support Calderdale
  • The Space @ Field Lane Group
  • Clifton Methodist Church
  • The Parochial Church Council of Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge
  • Community Transport Calderdale
  • The Cornholme and Portsmouth Old Library Ltd
  • Hebden Bridge Community Association
  • Colt Enterprise (Calderdale) Ltd
  • Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees
  • Project Challenge
  • Calderdale SmartMove
  • Our Place Calderdale
  • Elland Christian Centre
  • The Brunswick Centre
  • Grass Roots Family CIC
  • Artworks
  • Wadsworth Community Association

The Council’s money and wellbeing web page continues to offer a range of information and advice to help people through the cost of living crisis.

Recruitment is underway for two new fixed-term roles which recognise the serious impact that price increases are having on local people. The Council’s Cost of Living Project Manager post will oversee the work across Calderdale and will be advertised soon on the Council’s jobs and volunteering web page.

The Council is also supporting a Cost of Living Coordinator role in the VSI Alliance, which will work with residents to learn what needs to be done in the community to have the biggest impact. To find out more and apply, please visit the website here. The closing date for both roles is Tuesday 10 January 2023.

Community, Council News, News, Science & Nature News

Calderdale Set For Tree & Hedgerow Planting

A programme of tree and hedgerow planting across 30 hectares will soon be taking place in Calderdale, with the Council awarded funding from the new Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund.

Calderdale has been awarded over £55,000 from the fund, which is being delivered by the Forestry Commission in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The money will allow the Council to kickstart tree planting activity and boost access to nature, with a dedicated member of staff working to support schemes in locations across the borough.

Over two years, 200 street trees will be planted, with work taking place to develop further planting opportunities and identify additional funding. The programme will also involve working closely with local community groups, schools, volunteers and Friends groups to deliver planting opportunities for adults and children.

The programme forms part of the Council’s commitment to plant more trees around the borough on Council land, with additional work taking place with landowners to encourage planting on privately owned sites. It is also part of the Calderdale Climate Action Plan, which highlights the importance of tree planting and ensuring that the right trees are planted in the right places to support the borough’s existing biodiversity.

The Council is also a partner of the White Rose Forest – one of 10 community forests across England with the aim of increasing the involvement and connection of local communities with the planning, planting and management of trees and woodland in North and West Yorkshire.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Resilience, Cllr Scott Patient, said: “This funding will support our extensive climate action work and also contribute to the ongoing creation of green jobs in the borough, allowing us to recruit talented individuals with the professional expertise needed to drive tree planting and woodland creation activity at a local level.”

“We also want to increase knowledge and local skills, and the programme will involve regular work with local groups, volunteers and young people to engage and educate about the importance of tree planting and other environmental work.”

The new Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund, delivered by the Forestry Commission in partnership with Defra, has offered a share of £9.8 million in funding to 57 local authorities across England to bring on board new staff and access the professional expertise needed to drive tree planting and woodland creation activity at a local level.

More than 100 new green jobs will be created across the country, with an emphasis on upskilling professionals from outside the forestry sector. This will help to expand the industry’s workforce, address skills shortages and help to grow the economy.

Richard Stanford, Chief Executive, Forestry Commission, said: “Local authorities have set out a range of inspiring and ambitious plans which equate to more than 10 million trees being planted on public land across England by 2025. The Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund will provide the support and resource needed to turn these aspirations into results, marking a significant step forward in our collective efforts to treble planting rates in England.”

“Growing both our treescapes and the forestry sector workforce through this fund demonstrates how protecting and restoring our natural world with trees can unlock environmental, economic and social benefits for everyone.”

Hannah Bartram, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport, said: “The Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund is set to make a real difference, supporting local authorities to accelerate their tree and woodland planting plans and helping to tackle the climate change and biodiversity crises.”

“The fund has been well received and demand has been high – it will support local authorities across the country, equipping them with the new staff, skills and expertise needed to drive tree planting and woodland creation commitments.”

Community, Council News, Infrastructure, News

Serving Up Improvements For Calderdale’s Tennis Courts

Council-owned tennis courts across Calderdale could soon benefit from improvements, with funding available from the national Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

At the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 12 December, members will discuss plans to utilise funding of over £165,000 from the LTA to make significant improvements to tennis courts across the borough.

Calderdale has been identified as an area where the LTA believes participation in tennis can be increased. The borough has been allocated funds as part of a national programme which aims to bring existing tennis courts back up to a good playable standard for the benefit of local communities.

There are currently 20 Council-owned tennis courts across eight sites in Calderdale. Courts at six of these sites have been identified as those which would particularly benefit from improvements, these are:

  • Centre Vale Park, Todmorden
  • Crow Wood Park, near Sowerby Bridge
  • Holmfield Recreation Ground
  • Millfold Recreation Ground/Soyland Tennis Club
  • Mixenden Park
  • Shelf Hall Park

    Improvements would include resurfacing, the replacement of nets and posts and repainting. Each site would also have new fencing with gate access technology installed. This would allow participants to receive a generated pin code when a booking is made, making it easier to manage bookings and guarantee access.

The LTA has found that the introduction of a gate access system has been shown to increase participation and enhance the experience for users. For example, when the system was introduced in Manchester, site use more than doubled.

The operation of Calderdale courts in this way would provide an opportunity to simplify the booking process. It would also secure their long-term future, making the sport affordable and accessible with a percentage of free court time, low-cost pay-and-play, and affordable community coaching programmes.

If Cabinet approve the proposed improvements and accept the LTA funding, further consultation would take place with park groups and local tennis clubs. Any work would take place throughout 2023, with the national programme ending in March 2024.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Jenny Lynn, said: “It’s great news that we have the opportunity to receive funding from the Lawn Tennis Association to improve courts across the borough.”

“Tennis is a great way to keep fit and by improving the facilities available, we’d also be supporting our Active Calderdale mission to help people move more often.”

“We’ve already seen an increase in participation levels at Brighouse following improvements at the site last year. With the help of this dedicated funding, we hope to replicate this across the borough and bring facilities back into use, to give more people, more opportunities to take part in this sport.”

The future of Calderdale parks’ tennis provision will be discussed at the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday 12 December 2022 at Halifax Town Hall, starting at 6pm. The meeting will also be streamed online here.

Community, Council News, News, Out & About

Remembrance In Calderdale

On Sunday 13 November, people across the country will commemorate Remembrance Sunday, and events are taking place across Calderdale to mark this important occasion.

To coincide with the launch of the national Royal British Legion’s 2022 Poppy Appeal, Calderdale Council has announced plans for this year’s Remembrance, with the Council hosting a full Remembrance Sunday event in Halifax.

The main focus of commemorations in Halifax will be the Remembrance Sunday parade from Halifax Town Hall to the Cenotaph near Halifax Minster. Dignitaries and veterans will assemble from 10am and the parade will march via Princess Street, Southgate, Horton Street, Square Road and King Street, before assembling at the Cenotaph at around 10.40am.

The Cenotaph service will start at 10.45am, with a two-minute silence at 11am. A further service of remembrance will then take place inside the Minster.

Events are also taking place in towns and villages in Calderdale, with services at war memorials or local Churches across the borough.

The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Angie Gallagher, said: “Remembrance events are an opportunity to come together and show our gratitude to those who’ve served their country and remember those who’ve lost their lives or been left with emotional or physical scars from serving in conflicts around the world.”

“The Council works with its partners to ensure that services across the borough are a fitting tribute and I’m honoured to be taking part in the Halifax parade and laying a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the people of Calderdale.”

“The Council is also showing its support for this year’s Poppy Appeal and Halifax Town Hall will fly the Royal British Legion flag throughout the campaign period.”

Each year, around 300,000 Royal British Legion volunteers take to the streets with poppies and collecting boxes, raising millions of pounds for the Poppy Appeal. The money collected at this time, and from numerous other fundraising activities throughout the year, goes to providing help and support to serving and ex-Service men and women and their dependents.

Calderdale Council also shows its support for Armed Forces personnel past and present, and their families, throughout the year as part of its Armed Forces Community Covenant.

The Covenant provides advice, support and the opportunity for discounts on goods and services. Find out more here

Community, Council News, Health & Welfare, News

Partnership Event Promotes Cost Of Living Support

Organisations across Calderdale have come together to help understand the best ways they can support residents throughout the cost-of-living crisis.

Calderdale Council, as part of the borough’s Anti-Poverty Partnership, hosted the Fuel Your Knowledge event at the Shay Stadium on Thursday 22 September. The event welcomed over 200 people from across health, voluntary, banking and education sectors to hear more about how working together can support those affected by the rising cost of living.

The Council has a longstanding commitment to work in partnership with statutory and voluntary sector partners to support the borough’s most vulnerable residents.

Increasing costs will affect everyone in the borough, but for those already living in or close to poverty the issues are likely to be more complex, requiring partnership working more than ever.

The event included the launch of the Fuel Your Knowledge campaign, which signposts residents to the support available in Calderdale for extra help during the cost-of-living crisis, from advice on benefits and building skills, to help with housing, energy efficiency, food and money management. More information is available at the Council’s Money and Wellbeing Information Centre here

Attendees at the event were welcomed by Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Jenny Lynn, who spoke about the scale of challenges currently faced by residents and the importance of collaboration.

Further presentations from Council officers and the voluntary sector covered topics including affordable warmth, food support, budgeting skills and digital inclusion. The event also included a marketplace with activity zones on food, fuel and money/digital access, where people could find out more about key projects, schemes and services.

‘Worried about Money?’ leaflets offering advice and signposting to extra support were also distributed to those attending for organisations to share with residents: Calderdale – Worried about Money?

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Jenny Lynn, said: “We know that it’s a tough time for everyone and people are understandably worried about their finances and their wellbeing. Along with our partners, we want to offer as much support as possible to help residents through the cost-of-living crisis; ensuring that everyone is able to claim the help to which they’re entitled and offering advice to help money go further.”

“The Fuel Your Knowledge event was an opportunity for organisations to come together and share insight and information about the stark reality of the challenges faced and how, by working together, we can best support local people.”

“The event provided a key opportunity for collaboration between sectors and there was a fantastic turnout, helping local organisations build their knowledge and understanding to make a real difference to the lives of local people.”

Council Headlines, Council News, Infrastructure, Transport, West Yorkshire

Still Time To Have Your Say On Local Plan

There are just a few weeks left to share feedback as part of the final public consultation for Calderdale’s Local Plan.

Residents and businesses can have their say about changes to the plan, known as the ‘main modifications’, recommended by the Planning Inspector. The consultation began on 12 August and the deadline to submit feedback is now approaching, with comments being accepted until 5pm on Friday 7 October 2022.

In March 2022, the Council received a letter from the independent Planning Inspector Ms Katie Child, outlining her interim findings on the draft Local Plan.

The Inspector was appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to consider a range of issues relating to the draft Local Plan, including housing, employment, transport, town centres and retailing and climate change.

The main modifications were recommended by the Planning Inspector to make sure that Calderdale’s Local Plan is sound and legally compliant.
The Local Plan identifies development areas for economic growth and sites for new homes in Calderdale over the next 15 years. Once approved it will be reviewed in years five and 10.

Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, said: “The deadline is approaching to have your say on the changes, or ‘main modifications’ to the Local Plan, following correspondence with the Planning Inspector. The Inspector’s final conclusions will take account of the feedback submitted in response to this consultation and will help ensure that the final adopted Local Plan is right for Calderdale.”

“Having an adopted Local Plan will allow us to manage future development effectively as well as safeguard the environment and the borough’s distinctive character. It also ensures we can develop the facilities and infrastructure required to support this growth and secure the investment that we need to do this.”

To take part in the consultation, all comments on the main modifications must be made in writing to the Council by 5pm on Friday 7 October 2022. These can be submitted via the online Consultation Portal here

Alternatively, Representation Forms are available on request from libraries and Customer First offices.

The Calderdale Local Plan and relevant supporting documents are available for Inspection online here and at all Calderdale libraries during their normal opening hours.

The Planning Inspector will need to consider responses received during the public consultation and should then be in a position to issue her final report. The Council can then proceed to adopt the Calderdale Local Plan.
The draft Local Plan supports the ‘Vision2024 for Calderdale’ themes of distinctiveness, resilience and enterprise.

The year 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday. Where do we want to be by 2024? Get involved with the debate on Twitter with #VisionCdale2024 and find out more here

Health & Welfare, News, Out & About, West Yorkshire

Young People Have Enjoyed A Summer Of Fun!

Young people across Calderdale have been enjoying fun and inclusive play sessions throughout the school holidays, as part of the Council’s Play Development Service activity programme.

The Play Development Service is part of Calderdale Council’s Children and Young People’s Service and offers regular inclusive play sessions in communities across the borough.

The sessions are open to all young people between 5 and 14 years of age (or up to 16 for those with individual needs or disabilities) and the team includes specially trained staff to enable those with additional needs to access mainstream activities.

In addition to their regular sessions, throughout the summer holiday break the service has delivered 28, four-hour sessions, for young people in the borough.

Over 1260 young people attended and enjoyed a varied programme of activities which were not only fun, but also supported health, wellbeing, development, and social skills. These included:

• Circus skills – Young people enjoyed the opportunity to learn new and exciting tricks, many of which they’d never experienced before. The sessions included an array of activities which tested abilities and developed skills such as balance, coordination and speed, alongside the stimulation of concentration levels.

• Rugby sessions – At these sessions, professional rugby players supported young people to take part in rugby team games and learn new skills. The games created healthy competition and encouraged teamwork. The active sessions supported hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and overall health and was a fun way to encourage exercise.

• Blender bikes sessions – These stationary bikes feature a smoothie maker which spins when the bikes are pedalled. The sessions also featured an adapted bike that can be powered by moving the arms, to allow those in wheelchairs to use the equipment. Alongside the excitement of making their own smoothies, young people enjoyed the health benefits from taking part in cycling and then sampling their own fruit smoothies.

• Football programme – The service partnered with Halifax Central Initiative and supported around 500 children to take part in a five-week football programme. The sessions included people from different ages, genders, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds in an environment that was inclusive and fun for all. Young people made friends and developed a knowledge and understanding of other people in a local area filled with diversity.

Many sessions also featured as part of the Council’s Healthy Holidays programme, funded through the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) and in partnership with the Community Foundation for Calderdale. The play service worked with young people and staff from Project Challenge, a specialist education/training provider working with 16–19-year-olds, to provide hot meals for children who usually receive free school meal. The staff and young people at Project Challenge helped to prepare and deliver almost 1500 meals over the six-week summer period, catering for vegetarian, vegan and Halal diets, as well as different allergies and specific requirements.

Play Services and Project Challenge share a base at the Orangebox young people’s centre located in the heart of Halifax which offers a range of fun, educational and support services to young people from across the borough.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Adam Wilkinson, said: “The long summer holidays can be a difficult time for families. The Council’s Play Development Service has done a great job ensuring that young people of different ages and abilities have been able to access a varied programme of activities to engage, educate and entertain throughout the school break.”

“The sessions have been a huge success, with some really positive feedback received. Coordinating activities like these is not an easy task, but every member of the team, as well as the partners and volunteers who’ve supported the programme, has given their all to ensure that everyone taking part felt included and that activities ran smoothly.”

“Although the holidays may be over, the hard work doesn’t end, and the service continues to provide inclusive after-school sessions at locations across the borough. Specialist teams also continue to offer support to families who are struggling, offering advice on a wide variety of subjects and signposting to further help when necessary.”

To find out more, visit the Calderdale Council website here. Sessions run throughout the year, in term time and holidays, for more information contact Imran or Sarah on 01422 380995.