Latest News & Updates

Welcome Here Stratford upon Avon is running drop-in socials for refugees and hosts twice a week at the Quaker Meeting House in Stratford-upon-Avon. They’ve already had people from outside Stratford at the socials – from Henley, Shipston and Bidford. But, there will be a lot more refugees and hosts outside Stratford than in the town, and it won’t always be easy for them to get to Stratford for these sessions.

Please see the link below for the slides from WCC on the latest update of Ukraine migrants to the area.  There are approximately 250 Ukrainians that have arrived and in total 915 that are due in Warwickshire.  The attached data shows that many Ukrainians will be settling in more rural communities.

The Solihull Civic Honours Awards recognise local unsung heroes who go above and beyond to make Solihull a better place.

Councils could nominate:

• someone who has made a difference in Solihull and deserves recognition
• a person who has volunteered for years at a local club or group
• an unsung hero who works tirelessly in the community

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has responded to a Lords inquiry into land use in England, urging the government for a sustainable approach to land use.

NALC said that a long-term and joined-up approach would address the linked issues of food security and climate and biodiversity emergency.

Two major updates on NALC's Make A Change campaign.

Firstly, NALC has published videos from two exemplary local councillors; Cllr Michaella Biscomb, Kippax Parish Council and Cllr Farzana Kharawala, Leighton-Linslade Parish Council. They detail their experience on their councils, how they were elected and why others should get involved!

The Warwickshire County Council Town & Parish Council Reference Group, held on Thursday 7th April 2022, was led by a presentation by Shail Chohan, Service Manager -  County Highways.

View the presentation from the meeting: Town & Parish Reference Group April 22 - Highways

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council have set up a webpage with information on how help can be given to the Ukraine crisis. For more information visit How you can help Ukraine (solihull.gov.uk) or download their factsheet Solihull Homes for Ukraine factsheet. 

If your Parish or Town Council would like to offer help please complete the online form.

Members are no doubt aware of the headlines about the current energy crisis; sadly prices are rocketing and we don’t know what the future holds. The rise in energy costs mixed with the difficulties energy suppliers have faced in the past few weeks alone may well be causing concern.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has released a statement to the government's response to the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) report on local government ethical standards.

Cllr Keith Stevens, NALC chair, said: I am bitterly disappointed by the government's light touch, totally inadequate response to the CSPL report on local government ethical standards.